Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Before The Storm Guide
Summary
Follow Hadvar/Ralof to Riverwood. Visit with Alvor/Gerdur and then go and report the happens at Helgen to the Jarl of Whiterun.
Walkthrough
Reach Riverwood
Having escaped Helgen, it’s time to move on. The first stop (officially) is Riverwood. But there is 1 important stop along the way.
As you start heading down the slope, you will want to follow the trail and head to the right. Following this trail will lead you to the Guardian Stones. The Guardian Stones offer an improvement in the rate the Dragonborn learns Skills based on 1 of 3 sets: Mages, Warrior, or Thief. Choose 1 to start, but keep this place in mind. You will want to come here and change the Blessing Stone once you have a better idea of what you are doing with the Character.
After that, continue along the path to the right (East). This will lead you out to Alvor’s Smithy. You will find Hadvar/Ralof here. He’ll be talking with Alvor. Alvor will invite you and your Guide inside his house.
Talk to Alvor
Follow Alvor inside his house next to the Smithy. Listen to what they have to say. Ultimately, you will be asked by Alvor to head out from Riverwood to Whiterun. He wants the Dragonborn to report the Dragon attack to the Jarl.
Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
Making your way to Whiterun
With this conversation done, ask Alvor for Supplies. You can get a few useful items from him. Collect what you need, either the food, Potions, Lockpicks, etc. Leave the house and from there, leave Riverwood. Head to the North and go over the ridge.
Being invited to join the Companions
As you get closer to Whiterun, you will come across a Windmill. On the path, you will need to deal with a few wild animals (likely wolves). This windmill, Pelagia Farm, will have you help fight a Giant with the Companions: Farkas, Ria, and Aela the Huntress. Aela the Huntress will invite you to join the Companions.
After that quick stop, make your way to the North to get to Whiterun. Follow the path up to reach the gate leading into Whiterun. Here, you will want to talk with either Whiterun Guard. Talking with the Guard, you will have a few options: “Riverwood calls for the Jarl’s aid” (will usually get you in) or you can go with Persuasion, Intimidation, or Bribery.
Once inside Whiterun, make your way up the hill. You will make your way to Dragonsreach easily enough. Getting inside here, head up the steps to approach the Jarl. You will be stopped by Irileth, a Dunmer Housecarl. After hearing you have a report about the Dragon, she will let you by to talk with the Jarl: Balgruuf the Greater. He will thank you for the report. After that, he has a favor to ask.
Approaching the Jarl to deliver your message.
