Hadvar Hadvar is a Nord soldier serving in the Imperial Legion . He was one of the soldiers on duty when the Dragonborn arrived in Helgen . Background . It is likely that Hadvar and Ralof knew each other as children . Both of them are from Riverwood , and their interactions during Unbound seem to imply they are at least familiar with each other . Hadvar ' s uncle , Alvor , gives the Dragonborn some free materials if the Dragonborn chooses to go with Hadvar when escaping Helgen . Personality . Hadvar thoroughly supports the Empire in regards to the civil war . He thus holds a strong resentment for the Stormcloaks , whom he sees as traitors , and often engages in combat with them . Hadvar is shown to be a generally kindhearted person , and shows sympathy for the Dragonborn during the execution . Hadvar is one of the many Nords in Skyrim who have voluntarily joined the Imperial Legion , which even further proclaims his loyalty and fealty towards the Empire . It is shown that Hadvar fights for what he believes is good for Skyrim , and firmly believes that it is part of the Empire . In addition , he has a very calm voice , and speaks in a respectful manner . Interactions . Unbound . A group of prisoners made up of the Dragonborn , a thief named Lokir , and Ulfric Stormcloak as well as some other rebels , including Ralof , are being taken to Helgen . Upon arrival , he and the captain begin calling the names of the captives , lining them up to be beheaded . In the confusion ensuing from Alduin ' s attack on Helgen , Hadvar spots the Dragonborn trying to find cover . He tells the Dragonborn to follow him to survive , but there is also an option to regroup with Ralof , a fellow prisoner , to escape . If Hadvar is chosen , follow him through the keep to freedom and afterwards he will give directions to his uncle , Alvor . However , if the Dragonborn follows Ralof into the keep , then Hadvar will not be seen unless the Dragonborn joins the Legion . Once the quest is completed , Hadvar suggests travelling to Solitude to join the Imperial Legion and serve under General Tullius . After talking to his uncle Alvor , Hadvar will be living in his uncle ' s house . Compelling Tribute . In the Imperial Civil War quest - line the Dragonborn will meet Hadvar , who was recently promoted , and two Imperial Soldiers who are scouting a Stormcloak caravan carrying a shipment of coin and weapons . Quotes . Unique interpersonal dialogue . If Hadvar and Ralof are near each other , they will engage in some dialogue . However , this dialogue is glitched , as it is random dialogue that occurs between two Stormcloak soldiers , followed by dialogue between two Imperial Soldiers . If the Dragonborn followed Hadvar during the mission Unbound and did not start the Imperial Legion quests , he will say the same dialogues as other Imperials , such as : Civil War . If Hadvar survives Helgen and the Dragonborn later joins the Imperial Legion , then Hadvar can be encountered multiple times in the civil war questline . He first appears in the quest " The Jagged Crown " , where he , along with Legate Rikke and other Legion soldiers , meet the Dragonborn outside Korvanjund where they then initiate an attack ; eventually , they get past the Stormcloaks inside and retrieve the The Jagged Crown . He then appears again at the Battle for Whiterun , where he is among those who fight out the rebels and save Whiterun . After the battle , Hadvar is promoted to the rank of Captain . In the quest " Compelling Tribute , " the Dragonborn must meet Hadvar , along with two other imperials , and they then must attack a small wagon of gold and weapons which is heavily guarded by Stormcloaks , after defeating the men Hadvar and the other two legionaries stay with the wagon while the Dragonborn reports back to Legate Rikke . Later , in Rescue from Fort Kastav , Hadvar sends the Dragonborn into Fort Kastav through a drain leading into the prison , where they will need to rescue the imperial prisoners before coming out into the courtyard and attacking the Stormcloaks within . Afterwards , Hadvar sets up camp while the Dragonborn reports back to General Tullius . Although Hadvar is not present at the Battle for Windhelm , he can be found back in Riverwood with the rest of his family . If the Dragonborn decides to betray the empire during The Jagged Crown , then Hadvar will not appear again during the quest line and can be found back at Riverwood with his family living the rest of his life peacefully .