Before the Storm

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== Quick Walkthrough ==
# Speak with Alvor or Gerdur in Riverwood for some gifts. (Optional)
# Head for Whiterun.
# Speak with Jarl Balgruuf the Greater.
== Walkthrough ==
Hadvar will suggest travelling to Riverwood and meeting his uncle Alvor, while Ralof will suggest meeting his sister Gerdur. If you are going to continue the storyline, this will be your next destination. However, if you really want you can simply leave this for later and explore the rest of Skyrim. Going to Riverwood is a good idea either way as you can learn more about the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks and gain your first potential follower. Head down the hill and follow the path to eventually get to the small town.
The encounters on the way to Riverwood are random. You might see nothing or may have to fight your way there. For the most part you will only face basic wolves. For a melee character they should not be much a problem. Still, if you want you can run back to Hadvar and have him deal with whatever enemies you come across. It is better to deal with enemies yourself as it will grant quick skill ups in both your offensive and defensive abilities.
=== Talk to Alvor or Gerdur in Riverwood ===
In Riverwood, Alvor's house will be the first on the left, whereas Gerdur can most likely be found at the lumbermill, just behind Alvor's house. Talk to the relative in question. Ask for supplies you can take and you can further inform him or her about what happened in Helgen. Choose this dialogue option to learn about Whiterun and Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. While the storyline tells you to go here. It is worth it to further explore Riverwood to gain a follower and take care of a later task.
You can choose to recruit either Sven or Faendal. Either option is fine as they are both mainly archers with daggers to back them up. Faendal can also improve your archery skills if you pay him. They are both pining for the affections of Camilla Valerius and will each ask you to deliver a fake nasty letter to Camilla. Take the letter to Camilla who will either be walking around town or inside her brother's shop. Give the letter and lie about who penned the vulgar note. Return back to the real author and they will join you as a follower. Do not worry about outfitting them just yet, as you probably do not have enough equipment to use yourself. Besides, you will be gaining plenty of armour very soon.
=== Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun ===
Make your way to the city of Whiterun and speak to the Jarl.
== Journal Entries ==
Stage	Quest End	Journal Entry
10 	 	Hadvar suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help me.
*Objective: Talk to Hadvar in Riverwood.
10 	 	Ralof suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister owns a lumbermill there and should be able to help me.
*Objective: Talk to Ralof in Riverwood.
20 	 	Hadvar suggested that we head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help us.
20 	 	Ralof suggested that we head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister owns a lumbermill there and should be able to help us.
30 	 	Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood.
*Objective: Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
30 	 	Ralof's sister Gerdur asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood.
*Objective: Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
100 	 	I've arrived in Whiterun. I should tell the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.
110 	 	When I arrived in Whiterun, I told the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen.
160 	Yes 	Hadvar's uncle Alvor asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. I delivered the news to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun, and he rewarded me for my help.
160 	Yes 	Ralof's sister Gerdur asked me to take word to the Jarl of Whiterun of the dragon attack on Helgen, and to ask the Jarl to send soldiers to protect Riverwood. I delivered the news to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun, and he rewarded me for my help.
160 	Yes 	When I arrived in Whiterun, I told the Jarl about the dragon attack on Helgen, and he rewarded me for my efforts.
==Notes==
*Alvor and Gerdur give the player a few small rewards, but meeting with either is entirely optional.
*Depending on who you accompanied out of Helgen, you'll receive access to some low value items in Riverwood.
**If you joined Hadvar, you have access to items at Alvor's shop and house including some ingots.
**If you joined Ralof, you have access to items inside Hod and Gerdur's house.
==Gallery==
de:Vor dem Sturm