Ralof Ralof , or Ralof of Riverwood , is a Nord member of the Stormcloak Rebellion hailing from Riverwood . During the opening sequence in , he is a prisoner being escorted to his execution along with Ulfric Stormcloak , Lokir , and the Dragonborn . Background . He has a sister named Gerdur who runs the mill with her husband Hod in the village of Riverwood . Together , they own and operate the mill , which is focal to Riverwood ' s prosperity . Because of this , they are considered the town ' s leaders . During the cart ride into Helgen during the opening cut - scene , Ralof mentions " being sweet on a girl " from there in the past , before the Civil War . He also reminisces about Vilod ' s mead with juniper berry mixed in , which can be found should the Dragonborn return to Helgen at a later date . It is likely that Hadvar and Ralof knew each other as children . They are from the same small village and their interactions during Unbound seem to imply they are at least familiar with each other . Interactions . After the Dragonborn becomes settled in Riverwood , with Hod and Gerdur ' s house as a temporary place of stay , Ralof can be spoken to , further discussing subjects , such as the dragon that attacked , directions to Whiterun , and the Stormcloaks along with Ulfric Stormcloak . By further discussing the Stormcloaks , the Dragonborn has the option of being convinced to join the Stormcloaks , or considering the subject longer . Unbound . A group of prisoners are being taken to Helgen . Upon arriving , guards begin calling the names of suspected Stormcloaks with the intent of executing them . However , Alduin attacks Helgen , and Ralof is able to escape . After reaching shelter , Ralof frees the Dragonborn from their bindings and asks for help against the Imperial soldiers . Later , the Dragonborn has the opportunity to rejoin Ralof and escape from Helgen . Joining the Stormcloaks . Joining the Stormcloaks can be obtained by following Ralof during Unbound . Upon entering with Ralof , the quest is automatically received after leaving the keep . The quest also can be activated either by going to Windhelm and talking to Ulfric Stormcloak or by talking to traveling farmers or Stormcloak soldiers . If the Dragonborn chooses to side with the Stormcloaks during the civil war , Ralof is promoted to the rank of Captain and assists the Dragonborn in various missions for the Stormcloaks . Throughout these missions , Ralof uses a two - handed Steel Warhammer . The Jagged Crown . The quest is given to the Dragonborn as their first task after joining their chosen faction . Returning to Windhelm or Solitude , the assigning officer directs them to Korvanjund to retrieve the legendary Jagged Crown . Rescue from Fort Neugrad . Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak sends the Dragonborn to the Falkreath Stormcloak Camp to receive orders from Galmar Stone - Fist . Galmar says that he has learned that some of his men have been imprisoned in the nearby Fort Neugrad and has already sent out scouts to survey the area . Conversations . Quest - related dialogue . Unbound . Quotes during the initial chaos : Ralof : Dialogue . The Jagged Crown . Ralof will be found at Korvanjund alongside Galmar Stone - Fist and a handful of fellow Stormcloak soldiers planning on retrieving the Jagged Crown from the ancient Nordic tomb . When approached , Ralof will seek out the Dragonborn and the following exchange will occur : When in Korvanjund Crypt , the chamber with Borgas in it , Ralof will find the Jagged Crown and say , " " Hey , I found a crown over here on this corpse . Is this the one we ' re looking for ? " " , to which Galmar will reply , " " Ralof ! get away from there , fool ! " " The crypt will erupt with draugr emerging from their ancient slumber , and a fight will ensue almost immediately . Rescue from Fort Neugrad . Ralof will be the one whom Galmar sent the Dragonborn to meet outside of Fort Neugrad . Upon being encountered there , Ralof will engage in a conversation : If spoken to after that , he will say , " " Break our men out and head to the courtyard . We ' ll meet you there . " " While clearing the fort he will say , " " There ' s got to be more of them around here . " " When the Fort is completely cleared , he will thank the Dragonborn with , " " Great work ! Get back and report our success . I ' ll stay here and clean up the mess . Glad you were here . Couldn ' t have done it without you ! " " Compelling Tribute . Southeast of Broken Tower Redoubt , Ralof will be found hiding in the brush with two other soldiers . When spoken to , the following dialogue will occur : If either the options , " " I have a better plan . . . " " or " " Let ' s wait a little longer . " " are chosen , Ralof will exit dialogue . However , if spoken to again , the following options will become available ? When the Dragonborn chooses the option , " " Ready , " " Ralof will whisper to his soldiers , " " There ' s a sentry patrolling the hill . We ' ll go in quiet and drop him with a combined arrow barrage . Keep low , fire on my word . " " His signal is , " " Fire ! " " After that , he will say to the Dragonbotn , " " All right . You infiltrate their camp , we ' ll cover you from the ridge . Good luck ! " " After killing the soldiers , when the Dragonborn reports to Ralof of their success , he will say to the Dragonborn , " " We make quite a team , eh ? I ' ll stay here and guard the shipment . You get back to camp with news . Have them send some men - with a new wagon . This one isn ' t going anywhere . " "