Delphine (Skyrim)

## Delphine

*Not to be confused with Delphine Jend or Sailor Delphine.*
*For other uses, see Delphine.*
**Delphine** is a Breton who lives in Riverwood with Orgnar. Together, they run the Sleeping Giant Inn. Her main role is to help discover the mystery behind the dragons and their re-emergence. However, she is secretly one of the last surviving members of the Blades and will become the order's acting Grandmaster once the main questline is advanced far enough.

## Background

Before talking with her during the main quest, Delphine has little social interaction beyond that of a regular innkeeper, as well as expressing suspicion of the Dragonborn through dialogue.

## Biography

*"I was one of the few who escaped. For a long time, all I cared about was staying alive, and taking revenge on the Thalmor when I could."*
―Delphine[src]
File:Delphine.ogg

According to her *Thalmor Dossier*, Delphine is in her mid 50's and a high-priority target for the Thalmor. During The Great War, she evaded attempts at her life several times, ultimately escaping the Thalmor and being stationed in Cyrodiil. She returned to Skyrim, remaining alert to the surveillance of the Thalmor.

## Interactions

### Bleak Falls Barrow

 File:Delphine Riverwood.png
After the Dragonborn retrieves the Dragonstone and returns to Dragonsreach with the Dragonstone for Farengar, the Court-Wizard will be discussing the ancient Nords with Delphine and how they defeated the dragons. There she will be wearing her leather armor with a Thieves Guild Hood. If the Dragonborn tries to speak to Delphine, she will just tell them to "mind their own business."

### The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller

Delphine is the acting Grandmaster of the Blades faction, one of the last remaining members operating in Skyrim. While searching for the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller for Arngeir, the Dragonborn finds a Mysterious Note in its place at Ustengrav, saying to go to the Sleeping Giant in Riverwood and rent the attic room. At the inn, Delphine approaches and relinquishes the Horn, demanding to speak in private. She reveals then that she is a member of the Blades, seeking the next Dragonborn.

### A Blade in the Dark

 File:Alduin Delphine.png
To provide sufficient proof of being truly Dragonborn, she asks for help in slaying a dragon at Kynesgrove. There, they find Alduin, the same dragon that attacked Helgen, resurrecting Sahloknir, another dragon. Completing this, she believes that the Thalmor may be involved with the re-emergence of dragons in Skyrim.

### Diplomatic Immunity

Suspecting the Thalmor are behind the return of the dragons, Delphine sends the Dragonborn to the Thalmor Embassy, in hopes of finding some sort of explanation of the dragons' return. However the only thing found out was that the Thalmor were looking for Esbern, the only other remaining member of the Blades. From what they learned from torturing a member of the Thieves Guild, Etienne Rarnis, was that Esbern was somewhere in The Ratway sewers beneath Riften.

### Alduin's Wall

After finding Esbern, Delphine learns of the location of a hidden sanctuary known as Sky Haven Temple. The Dragonborn, Esbern, and Delphine set out to find this sanctuary and claim it.

### A Cornered Rat

After returning from the Thalmor Embassy, with knowledge of Esbern's location, Delphine sends the Dragonborn to Riften's sewers to look for Esbern.

### Rebuilding the Blades

After gaining entrance to Sky Haven Temple, the Dragonborn can ask Delphine why there are only two Blades members. She then re-explains that the Thalmor hunted them down during the Great War. From there the Dragonborn can bring up to three followers to Sky Haven Temple, to recruit them into the Blades. After that, Esbern will send the four out to slay dragons.

### Season Unending

Upon reaching High Hrothgar for the peace treaty, Delphine and Esbern will arrive and begin arguing with Arngeir. Eventually, he agrees to let them participate in the meeting.

### Paarthurnax

Delphine reveals that she is aware of Paarthurnax's existence and demands his death as part of the quest. Unless the dragon is slain, the Blades will no longer assist the Dragonborn, and items at Sky Haven Temple will be considered stolen.

## Dialogue

*"You're that visitor, been pokin' around."*

**I'd like to rent the attic room. (10 gold)** *"Attic room, eh? Well... we don't have an attic room, but you can have the one on the left. Make yourself at home."*

After entering the "attic" room:

*"So you're the Dragonborn I've been hearing so much about. I think you're looking for this (The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller). We need to talk. Follow me."*

*"Close the door."*

After closing the door:

*"Now we can talk."*

When entering the hidden basement:

*"The Greybeards seem to think you're the Dragonborn. I hope they're right."*

**They Greybeards are right. I am Dragonborn.** *"I hope so. But you'll forgive me if I don't assume that something's true just because the Greybeards say so. I just handed you the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller. Does that make me Dragonborn, too?"*
**What do you want with me?** *"I didn't go to all this trouble on a whim. I needed to make sure it wasn't a Thalmor trap. I'm not your enemy. I already gave you the horn. I'm actually trying to help you. I just need you to hear me out."*
**You'd better have a good reason for dragging me here.** *"It was the only way I could make sure it wasn't a Thalmor trap. I'm not your enemy. I already gave you the horn. I'm actually trying to help you. I just need you to hear me out."*
**I just came here for the horn.** *"And now you have it. No harm done. I knew the Greybeards would send you for the horn if they thought you were Dragonborn. Taking it was the only way I could be sure this wasn't a Thalmor trap."*
**Sorry, I'm supposed to be meeting someone here.** *"I hope you're just playing dumb. I'm the one who left the note in Ustengrav."*
**You're the one who took the horn?** *"Surprised? I guess I'm getting pretty good at my harmless innkeeper act."*
**What's with all the cloak and dagger?** *"You can't be too careful. Thalmor spies are everywhere."*
**I was expecting someone... taller.** *"Good. The whole point of being in hiding is to appear to be someone you're not."*
**Here I am. What do you want?** *"I didn't go to all this trouble on a whim. I needed to make sure it wasn't a Thalmor trap. I'm not your enemy. I already gave you the horn. I'm actually trying to help you. I just need you to hear me out."*
**I don't have time for this.** *"I shouldn't let you walk out of here, knowing what you know. But I guess even my paranoia has its limits. You know where to find me when you change your mind. Because you will. You have to."*
**Go on. I'm listening.** *"Like I said in my note, I've heard that you might be Dragonborn."*
**You'd better start explaining. Fast.** *"I'll explain what I want when I want, got it? You'd already be dead if I didn't like the look of you when you walked in here. But I had to know if the rumors about you were true..."*
*"I'm part of a group that's been looking for you... well, someone like you, for a very long time. If you really are Dragonborn, that is. Before I tell you any more, I need to make sure I can trust you."*
**I don't need to prove anything to you. I'm done here.** *"I shouldn't let you walk out of here, knowing what you know. But I guess even my paranoia has its limits. You know where to find me when you change your mind. Because you will. You have to."*
**How do I know I can trust you?** *"If you don't trust me, you were a fool to walk in here in the first place."*
**Why did you take the horn from Ustengrav?** *"I knew the Greybeards would send you there if they thought you were Dragonborn. They're nothing if not predictable. When you showed up here, I knew you were the one the Greybeards sent, and not some Thalmor plant."*
**You said the Thalmor are after you?** *"Yes. We're very old enemies. And if my suspicions are correct, they might have something to do with the dragons returning. But that isn't important right now. What is important is that you might be Dragonborn."*
**Why are you looking for a Dragonborn?** *"We remember what most don't - that the Dragonborn is the ultimate dragonslayer. You're the only one that can kill a dragon permanently by devouring its soul. Can you do it? Can you devour a dragon's soul?"*
**Yes, that's how I first learned I was Dragonborn.** *"Good. And you'll have a chance to prove it to me soon enough."*
**I absorb some kind of power from dragons. That's all I can say.** *"This is no time to play the reluctant hero. You either are or aren't Dragonborn. But I'll see for myself soon enough."*
**That's none of your business.** *"You're wrong. It is my business. You may be the only one that can stop these dragons. But you'll understand that soon enough."*
**So what's the part you're not telling me?** *"Dragons aren't just coming back, they're coming back to life. They weren't gone somewhere for all these years. They were dead, killed off centuries ago by my predecessors. Now something's happening to bring them back to life. And I need you to help me stop it."*
**Do you know how crazy this sounds?** *"Ha. A few years ago, I said almost the same thing to a colleague of mine. Well, it turned out he was right and I was wrong."*
**What makes you think dragons are coming back to life?** *"I know they are. I've visited their ancient burial mounds and found them empty. And I've figured out where the next one will come back to life. We're going to go there, and you're going to kill that dragon. If we succeed, I'll tell you anything you want to know."*
**How did you figure all this out?** *"You should know. You got the map for me. The dragonstone you got for Farengar, remember? The dragonstone was a map of ancient dragon burial sites. I've looked at which ones are now empty. The pattern is pretty clear. It seems to be spreading from the southeast, down in the Jeralls near Riften. The one at Kynesgrove is next if the pattern holds."*
**So where are we headed?** *"Kynesgrove. There's an ancient dragon burial near there. If we can get there before it happens, maybe we'll learn how to stop it."*
**I know that mound - high on the hill east of Kynesgrove.** *"Good. Good. Now we won't have to spend time searching for it. We should get moving. There's no time to waste."*
**Let's go kill a dragon.** *"I need to get into my traveling gear. Give me a minute and I'll be ready. That's better. Let's get on the road to Kynesgrove."*
**Hold on. I'm not ready yet.** *"I can't wait around for you to make up your mind. I'll meet you at Kynesgrove. Don't waste time getting there."*

If spoken to again on the way to Kynesgrove:

*"If my analysis is correct, the dragon buried near Kynesgrove will be the next to come back to life."*

**Where are we headed?** *"Kynesgrove. There's an ancient dragon burial near there. If we can get there before it happens, maybe we'll learn how to stop it. (Or "That mound you remembered sounds like what we're looking for. East of Kynesgrove, right?" if the Dragonborn travelled to Kynesgrove prior.)"*
**What's so important about me being Dragonborn?**
**How do you know where the dragon will come back?** *"The dragonstone was a map of ancient dragon burial sites. I've looked at which ones are now empty. The pattern is pretty clear. It seems to be spreading from the southeast, down in the Jeralls near Riften. The one at Kynesgrove is next if the pattern holds."*
**Who are the Thalmor?** *"The faction that rules the Aldmeri Dominion. The ones who almost destroyed the Empire during the Great War, thirty years back. There's no worse enemy to humankind in Tamriel. The Empire barely survived the last war. The Thalmor don't intend to lose the next one."*
**So why are they hunting you?** *"We hurt them in the past, and they have long memories."*
*"Come on. We've got to get to Kynesgrove."*

During the journey:

*"Kynesgrove is this way. We can travel together or split up and meet there, your choice."*
*"Better to stick together. I don't want you to get killed before we even get there."*
*"I doubt the Thalmor are aware of you yet. So we should be safe from them, at least."*
*"I hope you're Dragonborn, I really do. But we'll find out soon enough."*
*"Keep a sharp lookout. We can't afford any delays."*
*"We'd better keep moving."*
*"Remember, we're not looking for trouble. We need to get to Kynesgrove as fast as we can."*
*"We may both end up dead, but at least it gets me out of Riverwood. I don't really think I'm cut out for the quiet life."*

After arriving at Kynesgrove:

**What should we do?** *"We need to find the burial mound. Let's ask in the inn."*
*"Come on. We need to find out what's happening up there!"*
*"Gods above! Look at that!"*
*"Steady. Let's see what it does."*
*"Stay under cover. This is what we came for. We need to see what happens."*
*"Kill the damn dragon! Unless you have a better idea?!"*
*"That was well done. Come on. I've been wanting a closer look at one of these buggers."*

After killing Sahloknir:

*"I'll be damned, you did it! That was well done. Come on. I've been wanting a closer look at one of these buggers. Wait. Something's happening... gods above! So you really are... I... it's true, isn't it? You really are Dragonborn."*
*"I owe you some answers, don't I? Go ahead. Whatever you want to know. Nothing held back."*

**Who are you and what do you want with me?** *"I'm one of the last members of the Blades. A very long time ago, the Blades were dragonslayers, and we served the Dragonborn, the greatest dragonslayer. For the last two hundred years, since the last Dragonborn emperor, the Blades have been searching for a purpose. Now that dragons are coming back, our purpose is clear again. We need to stop them."*
**The Blades? Who are they?** *"Exactly. Nobody even remembers our name these days. We used to be known across Tamriel as the protectors of the Septim Emperors. Those days are long gone, though. For the last two hundred years, we've been searching for the next Dragonborn to guide and guard, as we are sworn to do. But we never found one. Until now."*
**What do you know about the dragons coming back?** *"Not a damn thing. I was just as surprised as you to find that big black dragon here."*
**I've seen that dragon before, the one that got away.** *"Really? Where?"*
**It was the one that attacked Helgen, when Ulfric escaped from the Imperials** *"Interesting. Same dragon... Damn it, we're blundering around in the dark here! We need to figure out who's behind it all!"*
**What's our next move?** *"The first thing we need to do is figure out who's behind the dragons. The Thalmor are our best lead. If they aren't involved, they'll know who is."*
**Remind me... who are the Thalmor?** *"The faction that rules the Aldmeri Dominion. The ones who almost destroyed the Empire during the Great War, thirty years back. There's no worse enemy to humankind in Tamriel. The Empire barely survived the last war. The Thalmor don't intend to lose the next one."*
**What makes you think the Thalmor are bringing dragons back?** *"Nothing solid. Yet. But my gut tells me it can't be anybody else. The Empire had captured Ulfric. The war was basically over. Then a dragon attacks, Ulfric escapes, and the war is back on. And now the dragons are attacking everywhere, indiscriminately. Skyrim is weakened, the Empire is weakened. Who else gains from that but the Thalmor?"*
**Why are the Thalmor after you?** *"Before the Great War, the Blades helped the Empire against the Thalmor. Our Grand Master saw them as the greatest threat to Tamriel. At the time, that was true. Maybe it still is. So we fought them in the shadows, all across Tamriel. We thought we were more than a match for them. We were wrong."*
**So, we need to find out what the Thalmor know about the dragons. Any ideas?** *"If we could get into the Thalmor Embassy... it's the center of their operations in Skyrim... Problem is, that place is locked up tighter than a miser's purse. They could teach me a few things about paranoia..."*
**So how do we get into the Thalmor Embassy?** *"I'm not sure yet. I have a few ideas, but I'll need some time to pull things together... Meet me back in Riverwood. If I'm not back when you get there, wait for me. I shouldn't be long. Keep an eye on the sky. This is only going to get worse."*

If approached again:

*"What do you need, Dragonborn?"*

**What's so important about me being Dragonborn?** *"The Blades have always guarded and guided the Dragonborn. But we'd forgotten why. Now our purpose is clear. I'm all that's left of the Blades, and you're the Dragonborn. Together we're going to stop these dragons, if we have to put every last one of them back in the ground."*
**What happened to the Blades? Why are you on the run?** *"The Thalmor happened. They've been hunting down every Blade they can find for the past thirty years. Thanks to the White-Gold Concordat, they've been able to operate throughout the Empire with impunity."*
**"White-Gold Concordat"? What's that?** *"The Great War... only thirty years past and already ancient history to most people. Seems to me like it just ended... it's never really ended for me. But to answer your question, the White-Gold Concordat was the fancy name they put on the peace treaty between the Empire and the Thalmor. It ended the war and saved the Empire to fight another day. It also trampled on the sacred name of Talos, and gave the Thalmor free* *reign* *[sic]* [Do not change this to **rein**. This misspelled word is how it appears in-game.] *to stamp out Talos worship throughout the Empire."*
**Why does the Empire allow the Thalmor free** **reign** *[sic]* [Do not change this to **rein**. This misspelled word is how it appears in-game.]**?** *"Part of the cost of peace. Emperor Titus Mede saved his Empire at a very high price. A price that included the Blades. The Nords didn't like the peace treaty much either. Thirty years later, the Empire ends up with the Stormcloak Rebellion on its hands. No doubt exactly as the Thalmor intended."*
**So why are they hunting you?** *"When I was young, our leaders became obsessed with the Thalmor threat. They believed that if and when we found a Dragonborn, we would need to protect him against the Thalmor. Turns out, we fatally underestimated the Thalmor. They smashed us with ease during the Great War. I was one of the few who escaped. For a long time, all I cared about was staying alive, and taking revenge on the Thalmor when I could. But then the dragons returned. And I remembered the Blades used to be dragonslayers. And that we were sworn to protect the Dragonborn, the greatest dragonslayer of all."*
**Who are the Thalmor?** *"Hmm. There's no simple answer to that. You want the long version or the short version?"*
**Give me the long version.** *"They're the rulers of the Aldmeri Dominion - what used to be the Imperial provinces of Summerset Isle and Valenwood. The Thalmor take the arrogance of high elves to the extreme - they believe they are the rightful rulers of all of Tamriel. For a century or more, the Thalmor had been picking away at the Empire. Valenwood was the first, then the province of Elsweyr. But even the Blades didn't see the Great War coming. We underestimated the Thalmor, and they destroyed us."*
**Just the short version.** *"They're the high elves that rule the Aldmeri Dominion. Sworn enemies of the Empire and everything it stands for. Thirty years ago, they invaded the Empire and came close to destroying it. They smashed the Blades in the process. Since then, they've been working to weaken the Empire in any way they can."*
*"I'll see you back in Riverwood."*

*"I don't think you were followed. Come on. I have a plan."*
*"I've figured out how we're going to get you into the Thalmor Embassy."*

**You're not coming?** *"That would be a bad idea. I'd be too likely to attract the wrong kind of attention. But they don't know you at all, yet."*
**That didn't take long.** *"I've been doing this a long time, remember? While the Thalmor's been looking for me, I've been watching them."*
**Why not just fight our way in?** *"So that's your plan, huh? Even if you could survive, by the time you got inside, whatever documents they had would be long gone. We're there for information, remember? Trust me, I've been doing this for a long time. My way is better."*
**So what's your plan? How do I infiltrate the Thalmor Embassy?** *"The Thalmor ambassador, Elenwen, regularly throws parties where the rich and connected cozy up to the Thalmor. I can get you into one of those parties. Once you're inside the Embassy, you get away and find Elenwen's secret files. I have a contact inside the Embassy. He's not up for this kind of high-risk mission, but he can help you. His name's Malborn. Wood elf, plenty of reason to hate the Thalmor. You can trust him. I'll get word for him to meet you in Solitude, at the Winking Skeever -- you know it? While you're doing that, I'll work on getting you an invitation to Elenwen's little party. Meet me at the Solitude stables after you've arranged things with Malborn. Any questions?"*
**Who's this contact of yours? You're sure I can trust him?** *"Don't worry about Malborn. He's not a dangerous character like you, but he hates the Thalmor at least as much as I do. He's a wood elf - the Thalmor wiped out his family back in Valenwood during one of their purges that we never hear about. Luckily they don't know who he really is, or he wouldn't be serving drinks at the Ambassador's parties."*
**How am I going to get into this party?** *"Let me handle that. You'll have a real invitation, don't worry. As long as you can act the part of a Thalmor toady, you'll get past the guards."*
**Once I'm inside the Embassy, then what?** *"That's when the fun starts. You'll have to slip away from the party without raising the alarm. Then you'll need to find Elenwen's office and search her files. Malborn should be able to point you in the right direction."*
**I'll see you in Solitude after I meet Malborn.** *"Sounds good. Be careful."*

After meeting Malborn:

*"Have you given Malborn the gear you want to smuggle into the embassy?"*

**Yes, Malborn's all set.** *"Good. I have your invitation to the party. But the only way you're going to get past the guards is if they really believe you're an invited guest. Which means you need to look the part, and not be armed to the teeth. Here, put this on. When you're ready, I'll keep the rest of your gear safe until you get back. You'll only have what Malborn smuggled in for you, plus whatever you can pick up inside."*

Before putting the clothes on:

*"You can't go to a party at the Thalmor Embassy dressed like that."*

After putting the clothes on:

*"Hmm. I guess that will have to do. You should pass for a real guest, at least until you open your mouth. Ready to board the carriage to the embassy?"*

**Hold on a minute.** *"This is no time for cold feet. I've put everything in your hands here, not least Malborn's life. Now do whatever it is you need to do, and let's get going before we miss our chance!"*
**I'm ready. Keep the rest of my things safe for me.** *"Don't worry, it will all be waiting for you when you get back. Just make sure you get back out of there alive with the information we need. Good luck."*

Upon returning to Riverwood:

*"You made it out alive, at least. Your gear's safe in my room, as promised. Did you learn anything useful?"*

**The Thalmor know nothing about the dragons.** *"Really? That seems hard to believe. You're sure about that?"*
**Why'd you send me if you weren't going to believe me?** *"You're right, you're right. I just... I was sure it must have been them. If not the Thalmor, who? Or... what?"*
**Yes, I'm sure. They're looking for someone named Esbern. (Or "I don't know, but the Thalmor are looking for someone named Esbern" if the previous option was chosen.)** *"Esbern? He's alive? I thought the Thalmor must have got him years ago. That crazy old man... Figures the Thalmor would be on his trail, though, if they were trying to find out what's going on with the dragons."*
**What would the Thalmor want with Esbern?** *"You mean, aside from wanting to kill every Blade they can lay their hands on? Esbern was one of the Blades archivists, back before the Thalmor smashed us during the Great War. He knew everything about the ancient dragonlore of the Blades. Obsessed with it, really. Nobody paid much attention back then. I guess he wasn't as crazy as we all thought."*
**So the Thalmor think the Blades know about the dragons...** *"Ironic, right? The old enemies assume that every calamity must be a plot by the other side... Even so, we've got to find Esbern before they do. He'll know how to stop the dragons if anybody does. Do they know where he is?"*
**They seem to think he's hiding out in Riften.** *"Riften, eh? Probably down in the Ratway, then. It's where I'd go. You'd better get to Riften. Talk to Brynjolf. He's... well-connected. A good starting point at least. Oh, and when you find Esbern... if you think I'm paranoid... you may have some trouble getting him to trust you. Just ask him where he was on the 30th of Frostfall. He'll know what it means."*

*"I know the area of the Reach that Esbern's talking about. Near what's now known as Karthspire, in the Karth River canyon. We can meet you there, or all travel together, your call."*

**What's the best way to get there?** *"From Riverwood? The road south through Falkreath is the most direct route. Or you could catch the carriage from Whiterun to Markarth and then approach from the west. Either way, the Reach is wild country these days. The Forsworn are everywhere. Best be careful."*
**I'll meet you at Karthspire.** *"Your call. Might be safer to travel separately - attract less attention that way. Don't worry, I'll get Esbern there in one piece. We'll wait for you near Karthspire. Good luck."*
**Let's travel there together. Are you ready to go?** *"Always. Let's go see if we can find this Sky Haven Temple."*

After completing the pillars in the Karthspire:

*"Whatever you did, it worked. Let's see what else those old Blades left in our way."*

At the blood seal, after Esbern gave his lesson:

*"Esbern's probably right. Try using your blood on the carved seal on the floor."*

After unsealing the seal:

*"That's done it! Look, it's coming to life! You did it. There's the entrance. After you, Dragonborn. You should have the honor of being the first to set foot in Sky Haven Temple."*

Inside the Temple:

*"Have you ever heard of such a thing? A Shout that can knock a dragon out of the sky?"*

**No, I've never heard of anything like that.** *"I was afraid you were going to say that. I guess there's nothing for it. We'll have to ask the Greybeards for help. I hoped to avoid involving them in this, but we have no other choice."*
**What do you have against the Greybeards?** *"If they had their way, you'd do nothing but sit up on their mountain with them and talk to the sky, or whatever it is they do. The Greybeards are so afraid of power that they won't use it. Think about it. Have they tried to stop the civil war, or done anything about Alduin? No. And they're afraid of you, of your power. Trust me, there's no need to be afraid. Think of Tiber Septim. Do you think he'd have founded the Empire if he'd listened to the Greybeards?"*
**The Greybeards may have a point. Power is dangerous.** *"Only if you don't know how to use it. All the great heroes have had to learn to use their power. Those that shrank from their destiny... well, you've never heard of them, have you? And there are the villains - those that misused their power. There's always a choice, and there's always a risk. But if you live in fear of what might go wrong, you'll end up doing nothing. Like the Greybeards up on their mountain."*
**I'd better go and see what Arngeir knows about the Shout.** *"Right. Good thing they've already let you into their little cult. Not likely they'd help Esbern or me if we came calling. We'll look around Sky Haven Temple and see what else the old Blades might have left for us. It's a better hideout than I could have hoped for. Talos guard you."*
**Don't worry. I'm not afraid of my own power.** *"Good. The Greybeards can teach you a lot, but don't let them turn you away from your destiny. You're Dragonborn, and you're the only one who can stop Alduin. Don't forget it."*
**I'll ask Arngeir if he knows what Shout they used.** *"Right. Good thing they've already let you into their little cult. Not likely they'd help Esbern or me if we came calling. We'll look around Sky Haven Temple and see what else the old Blades might have left for us. It's a better hideout than I could have hoped for. Talos guard you."*
**The Greybeards might know.** *"You're probably right, I was hoping to avoid having to involve them in this, but it seem we have no choice."*
**What do you have against the Greybeards?** *"If they had their way, you'd do nothing but sit up on their mountain with them and talk to the sky, or whatever it is they do. The Greybeards are so afraid of power that they won't use it. Think about it. Have they tried to stop the civil war, or done anything about Alduin? No. And they're afraid of you, of your power. Trust me, there's no need to be afraid. Think of Tiber Septim. Do you think he'd have founded the Empire if he'd listened to the Greybeards?"*
**The Greybeards may have a point. Power is dangerous.** *"Only if you don't know how to use it. All the great heroes have had to learn to use their power. Those that shrank from their destiny... well, you've never heard of them, have you? And there are the villains - those that misused their power. There's always a choice, and there's always a risk. But if you live in fear of what might go wrong, you'll end up doing nothing. Like the Greybeards up on their mountain."*
**I'd better go and see what Arngeir knows about the Shout.** *"Right. Good thing they've already let you into their little cult. Not likely they'd help Esbern or me if we came calling. We'll look around Sky Haven Temple and see what else the old Blades might have left for us. It's a better hideout than I could have hoped for. Talos guard you."*
**Don't worry. I'm not afraid of my own power.** *"Good. The Greybeards can teach you a lot, but don't let them turn you away from your destiny. You're Dragonborn, and you're the only one who can stop Alduin. Don't forget it."*
**I'll ask Arngeir if he knows what Shout they used.** *"Right. Good thing they've already let you into their little cult. Not likely they'd help Esbern or me if we came calling. We'll look around Sky Haven Temple and see what else the old Blades might have left for us. It's a better hideout than I could have hoped for. Talos guard you."*

*"Do you need something?"*

**So this is all the Blades? Two people?** *"The Thalmor hunted us down, remember? It wasn't exactly great for recruitment. But we have a headquarters of a sort now. We'll rebuild the Blades. Someday."*
**Maybe I can help you find new recruits.** *"If you find anyone you think would make a good recruit, I can certainly take a look at them. Remember, though, being a Blade is a lifelong commitment. Their loyalty has to be with us once they're in."*
**Good luck with that.** *"Thanks."*

*"Were the Greybeards any help? Did they know this anything about the Shout used against Alduin?"*

**No, but I know how to find out. I need an Elder Scroll.** *"An Elder Scroll? That's not going to be easy to come by. Esbern's your man for that kind of thing. He may be able to at least point you in the right direction."*
**Any idea where to find the Elder Scroll?** *"Ask Esbern. If he doesn't know himself, he'll know where to find it out."*

*"There's one more thing. We know about Paarthurnax."*

**You know... what?** *"Paarthurnax. The dragon, that the Greybeards have been protecting for all these years."*
**Turns out he's a dragon. But he helped me.** *"That's fine. We needed his help. Now we don't, and it's long past time for him to pay for his crimes. And he's not just any dragon. He was the right hand of Alduin. He committed atrocities so infamous they are still remembered, thousands of years later."*
*"He needs to die. He deserves to die. And it falls to you to kill him. Until he's dead... well, I'm sorry, but we would dishonor our oaths as Blades if we continued to help you."*

**Why does he need to die?** *"Here's the big picture. He helped Alduin enslave our ancestors. He may have betrayed Alduin in the end, but that makes him worse, not better. We can't afford to give Paarthurnax the opportunity to betray us in turn, and return to his old master."*
**About Paarthurnax.** *"Make your choice, Dragonborn. You're either with us or against us."*
**If "Dragonslayer" is completed:**

**Esbern:** *"You've done it... Just as the prophecy said... I knew you could do it... I believed in you, and yet... I still didn't think I'd live to see this day. Thank you. Thank you, Dragonborn. You've done a great service for us all."*
**Delphine:** *"There's still the matter of Paarthurnax. I'm not ungrateful for what you've done. Esbern speaks for both of us. But our oath as Blades binds us. Paarthurnax must die. There's no excuse now that Alduin is dead."*
**Esbern:** *"I'm afraid she's right. I'm deeply sorry this has to come between us. But just as Paarthurnax's later deeds does not expiate his crimes, your deeds do not allow us to ignore our duty. I hope you will return to us soon with the news that justice has finally been done. With both Alduin and Paarthurnax dead, a dark chapter in history will finally be closed."*

If the quest is not complete:
*"Do the right thing. Paarthurnax deserves to die."*
*"We have nothing to talk about until Paarthurnax is dead."*
*"My oath binds me, Dragonborn. Until Paarthurnax is dead, you aren't welcome here."* (If in Sky Haven Temple)
If the quest is completed:
*"Do the right thing. Paarthurnax deserves to die."*

**It's done. Paarthurnax is dead.** *"I knew we could count on you! Glad to have you back on our side."*

*"What happened? Did you find a way to learn the Dragonrend Shout?"*

**I used Dragonrend on Alduin, but he escaped.** *"Esbern should be able to help. He's spent his whole life poring over every old book he could find about dragons and that prophecy. He's been digging around the records the Blades left here, too. But we can talk about that later."*

## Multiple followers

*Main article: Multiple Followers*
Delphine is one of the quest characters that can be exploited to be a follower throughout Skyrim along with another follower of choice. If Delphine is exploited as a follower during the quest "Alduin's Wall," and the Dragonborn becomes a werewolf, she will attack the Dragonborn on sight.

## Conversations

Sleeping Giant Inn

**Delphine:** *"Orgnar. [long pause] Orgnar! Are you listening?"*
**Orgnar:** *"Hard not to."*
**Delphine:** *"The ale's going bad we need to get a new batch. [pause] Did you hear me?"*
**Orgnar:** *"Yep. Ale's going bad."*
**Delphine:** *"I guess you don't have potatoes in your ears after all. Just make sure we get a new batch in soon."*

Bleak Falls Barrow

**Farengar:** *"You see? The terminology is clearly First Era or even earlier. I'm convinced this is a copy of a much older text. Perhaps dating to just after the Dragon War. If so, I could use this to cross-reference the names with other later texts."*
**Delphine:** *"Good. I'm glad you're making progress. My employers are anxious to have some tangible answers."*
**Farengar:** *"Oh, have no fear. The Jarl himself has finally taken an interest, so I'm now able to devote most of my time to this research."*
**Delphine:** *"Time is running, Farengar, don't forget. This isn't some theoretical question. Dragons have come back."*
**Farengar:** *"Yes, yes. Don't worry. Although the chance to see a living dragon up close would be tremendously valuable... Now, let me show you something else I found... very intriguing... I think your employers may be interested as well..."*
**Delphine** "You have a visitor."
**Farengar:** *"Hmm? Ah, yes, the Jarl's protege! Back from Bleak Falls Barrow? You didn't die, it seems. Ah! The Dragonstone of Bleak Falls Barrow! Seems you are a cut above the usual brutes the Jarl sends my way. My... associate here will be pleased to see your handiwork. She discovered its location, by means she has so far declined to share with me."*
**Farengar:** *"So your information was correct after all. And we have our friend here to thank for recovering it for us."*
**Delphine:** *"You (Referring to the Dragonborn.) went into Bleak Falls Barrow and got that? Nice work. Just send me a copy when you've deciphered it."*

A Blade in the Dark

**Delphine:** *"Orgnar. I'm travelling. You've got the inn 'til I get back."*
**Orgnar:** *"Right, happy trails."*

A Cornered Rat
Seeing Esbern:

**Esbern:** *"Delphine! I... it's good to see you. It's been... a long time."*
**Delphine:** *"It's good to see you, too, Esbern. It's been too long, old friend. Too long. Well, then. You made it, safe and sound. Good. Come on, I have a place we can talk."*
**Delphine:** *"Orgnar, hold down the bar for a minute, will you?"*
**Orgnar:** *"Yeah, sure."*

In the secret room:

**Delphine:** *"Now then. I assume you know about..."*
**Esbern:** *"Oh yes! Dragonborn! Indeed, yes. This changes everything, of course. There's no time to lose. We must locate... let me show you. I know I had it here, somewhere..."*
**Delphine:** *"Esbern, what..."*
**Esbern:** *"Give me... just a moment... Ah! Here it is. Come, let me show you. You see, right here. Sky Haven Temple, constructed around one of the main Akaviri military camps in the Reach, during their conquest of Skyrim."*
**Delphine:** *"Do you (To the Dragonborn) know what he's talking about?"*
**Esbern:** "Shh! This is where they built Alduin's Wall, to set down in stone all their accumulated dragonlore. A hedge against the forgetfulness of centuries. A wise and foresighted policy, in the event. Despite the far-reaching fame of Alduin's Wall at the time - one of the wonders of the ancient world - its location was lost."
**Delphine:** *"Esbern. What are you getting at?"*
**Esbern:** *"You mean... you don't mean to say you haven't heard of Alduin's Wall? Either of you?"*
**Delphine:** *"Let's pretend we haven't. What's Alduin's Wall and what does it have to do with stopping the dragons?"*
**Esbern:** *"Alduin's Wall was where the ancient Blades recorded all they knew of Alduin and his return. Part history, part prophecy. Its location has been lost for centuries, but I've found it again. Not lost, you see, just forgotten. The Blades archives held so many secrets... I was only able to save a few scraps..."*
**Delphine:** *"So you think that Alduin's Wall will tell us how to defeat Alduin?"*
**Esbern:** *"Well, yes, but... there's no guarantee, of course."*
**Delphine:** *"Sky Haven Temple it is, then. I knew you'd have something for us, Esbern."*

Handing over the Inn:

**Delphine:** *"Orgnar, this is it. The inn is yours. I'm probably never coming back here."*
**Orgnar:** *"Well, now. That's something to think about."*
**Delphine:** *"Take care of yourself, Orgnar. Goodbye."*
**Orgnar:** *"Yeah... sure. You, too, Delphine. You be safe."*

Alduin's Wall
Entering Karthspire:

**Delphine:** *"This looks promising."*
**Esbern:** *"Yes. Definitely early Akaviri stonework here."*
**Delphine:** *"We've got to get this bridge down. These pillars must have something to do with it."*
**Esbern:** *"Yes. These are Akaviri symbols. Let's see... you have the symbol for "King"... and "Warrior"... And of course the symbol for "Dragonborn." That's the one that appears to have a sort of arrow shape pointing downward at the bottom."*

Pressure plates:

**Esbern:** *"Wait."*
**Delphine:** *"Why are you stopping?"*
**Esbern:** *"We should be careful here. See these symbols on the floor?"*
**Delphine:** (To the Dragonborn)"Hmm, Esbern's right. Looks like pressure plates."
**Esbern:** *"Be careful."*

After securing the area:

**Delphine:** *"Looks safe now. Let's move."*
**Esbern:** *"Yes, yes! I think we must be close to the entrance."*

Bas reliefs:

**Esbern:** *"Fascinating! Original Akaviri bas reliefs... almost entirely intact! Amazing... you can see how the Akaviri craftsmen were beginning to embrace the more flowing Nordic style..."*
**Delphine:** *"We're here for Alduin's Wall, right, Esbern?"*
**Esbern:** *"Yes, of course. We'll have more time to look around later, I suppose. Let's see what's up ahead."*

Finding Alduin's Wall:

**Esbern:** *"Shor's bones! Here it is! Alduin's Wall... so well preserved... I've never seen a finer example of early second era Akaviri sculptural relief..."*
**Delphine:** *"Esbern. We need information, not a lecture on art history."*
**Esbern:** *"Yes, yes. Let's see what we have... Look, here is Alduin! This panel goes back to the beginning of time, when Alduin and the Dragon Cult ruled over Skyrim. Here the humans rebel against their dragon overlords -- the legendary Dragon War. Alduin's defeat is the centerpiece of the Wall. You see, here he is falling from the Sky. The Nord Tongues -- masters of the Voice -- are arrayed against him."*
**Delphine:** *"So, does it show how they defeated him? Isn't that why we're here?"*
**Esbern:** *"Patience, my dear. The Akaviri were not a straightforward people. Everything is couched in allegory and mythic symbolism. Yes, yes. This here, coming from the mouths of the Nord heroes -- this is the Akaviri symbol for "Shout.""*
**Delphine:** *"You mean they used a shout to defeat Alduin? You're sure?"*
**Esbern:** *"Hmm? Oh, yes. Presumably something rather specific to dragons, or even Alduin himself. Remember, this is where they recorded all they knew of Alduin and his return."*
**Delphine:** *"So we're looking for a Shout, then. Damn it."*
**Esbern:** *"Look, here. In the third panel. The prophecy which brought the Akaviri to Tamriel in the first place, in search of the Dragonborn. Here are the Akaviri - the Blades - you see their distinctive longswords. Now they kneel, their ancient mission fulfilled, as the Last Dragonborn contends with Alduin at the end of time. Are you paying attention, Delphine? You might learn something of our own history. I know the prophecy by heart. Once all Blades knew it.
'When misrule takes its place at the eight corners of the world'*
'When the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped'

'When the thrice-blessed fail and the Red Tower trembles'

'When the Dragonborn Ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls'

'When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding'

'The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn.'

**Delphine:** *"Well, I'm going to look around some more. See what the Blades left for us."*
**Esbern:** *"Yes... yes, that's an excellent idea. Who knows what lost treasures we might discover?"*

Rebuilding the Blades

**Delphine:** *"You there. The Dragonborn wishes to give you the chance to join the lost guardians of Tamriel. The dragon slayers. The Blades. Do you wish to become a Blade?"*
**Follower:** *"I do."*
**Delphine:** *"Are you willing to trade away all claims and titles of your former life? To live here and devote yourself to protecting Tamriel from danger?"*
**Follower:** *"I do."*
**Delphine:** *"Then by my right as acting grandmaster, I name you a Blade, with all the privileges, rights, and burdens that brings. Godspeed."*

## Trivia

* Delphine is voiced by Joan Allen, notable for earning a "*Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play.*" Also, she is a three time Academy Award-nominee for her roles in "*The Contender,*" "*Nixon,*" and "*The Crucible.*" She is also known for her role in "*The Bourne*" series of films. This role as Delphine marks her video-game voiceover debut.
* After returning to Farengar Secret-Fire with the Dragonstone, Delphine can be seen with a hood on next to Farengar, who states she is his associate. This allows for a special speech option stating, "You were at Dragonsreach."
	+ On a side note, during the quest "Bleak Falls Barrow," if done before the "The Golden Claw," Delphine won't be at the Sleeping Giant Inn, and thus can't rent a room there. When asking Orgnar where Delphine is, he'll just say she is "out."
* During the quest in which Delphine and Esbern must be escorted to Sky Haven Temple, he and she become followers. At this point, they are immortal and will follow the Dragonborn around until Sky Haven Temple is discovered. This allows for Delphine, Esbern, an ordinary follower, and a dog to be followers simultaneously, along with any conjured beings summoned by Esbern, followers, or the Dragonborn.
* When Delphine is trying to reason with the Dragonborn on the Greybeards' view on power, she claims that Tiber Septim wouldn't have founded the Third Empire had he listened to the Greybeards. This is inaccurate, as it was actually the Greybeards who revealed that destiny to Tiber Septim.
* It is implied that Delphine was involved with the Thieves Guild at some point, due to her having a copy of *Fall From Glory* on her dresser, the Thieves Guild Hood she wore in Dragonsreach and needing to hesitate while describing Brynjolf in "A Cornered Rat" before she simply says that he is "well connected."
* She is a very law-abiding citizen and will attack the Dragonborn on sight with any sort of bounty.
* If the Dragonborn talks to Delphine after "Bleak Falls Barrow," she will just tell the Dragonborn to "mind their own business," and in "A Blade in The Dark," the Dragonborn can tell Delphine to mind her own business.
* If the Dragonborn speaks to Orgnar after finding out about Delphine, he will say that he did not know, but is her own business.
* Delphine also says that the Blades swore loyalty to the Dragonborn because 'He is the greatest dragon-slayer', which is wrong, since the Blades swore loyalty to the Dragonborn because of his Dragon Soul, as stated in *The Rise and Fall of the Blades*.
	+ Delphine also claims that her oath as a Blade binds her from serving the Last Dragonborn until Paarthurnax is killed. However, Jauffre, the Grandmaster of the Blades during the Third Era, states, *"The Blades are sworn to the service of the Emperor, as the mortal representative of the Dragon Blood of the divine Talos."* If Parthurnaax is not killed, Delphine and Esbern refuse to serve the Last Dragonborn, who is the representative of the Dragon Blood, which would be in violation of their oath according to Jauffre.

## Bugs

1. *Please **reload an old save** to confirm if the bug is still happening.*
2. *If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template  360  /  XB1  ,  PS3  /  PS4  ,  PC  /  MAC  ,  NX  /  PS5  ,  XS  , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.*
3. *Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.*

* PC   360   PS3   Along with Alvor, Sigrid, Gerdur and Faendal, Delphine can attack the Dragonborn for no apparent reason. Getting out of the area and fast travelling to another hold, getting a bounty, then paying it off and returning can generally fix this issue.
* Delphine's Blades Sword does not sheathe properly, as the blade can still be seen and the sheathe does not show up as it would if worn by someone else.*confirmation needed*
* Delphine may continuously say, *"You can't go to the party dressed like that,"* even when the Party Clothes are equipped.*confirmation needed*
* Delphine may end up with the Miraak's Staff if left in a chest with the storyline not complete.*confirmation needed*
* If Paarthurnax has not been killed, Delphine may turn hostile upon entering Sky Haven Temple.*confirmation needed*
* PC   When doing the quest "Alduin's Wall," Delphine may start attacking the Dragonborn for an unknown reason upon reaching the entrance to Sky Haven Temple.
	+ PC(Fix)   A possible fix to this is to select her with the console commands and type `disable` followed by `enable`.
* PC   When doing the quest "Alduin's Wall," Delphine may start attacking Marcurio for an unknown reason upon reaching the entrance to Sky Haven Temple if he is the Dragonborn's follower.
* PC   MAC   She may get lost on the way to Sky Haven Temple during "Alduin's Wall."
* PC   360   PS3   NX   In Sky Haven Temple, Delphine's torch may equip incorrectly, causing it to float nearby. It may also not appear at all.
	+ Reloading a previous save has no effect.

## Appearances

* *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*
* *The Elder Scrolls Legends: Heroes of Skyrim*

## References

1. ↑ *Thalmor Dossier: Delphine*
2. ↑ Full cast of *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim* at Internet Movie Database.