Skyrim RPG

Two hundred years have passed since the events of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and it is now 4E 201. The High King of Skyrim has been killed, and the threat of Civil War looms over the land of Skyrim; One side wishes to secede from the weakened Third Empire, while the other wishes to remain a part of it. To make matters worse, this schism is the final event in a prophecy foretold by the Elder Scrolls that will lead to the return of the dragons under Alduin, the Nordic god of destruction.

The player starts the game on a cart heading for the chopping block after being caught with the Stormcloaks in an ambush by the Imperial Legion. As the player lays their head on the chopping block, the dragon Alduin attacks. In the midst of the chaos, Hadvar, several Stormcloaks, along with their leader and fellow prisoner, Ulfric Stormcloak, assist in the player's escape. The player may choose between the assistance of Ralof, the Stormcloak who arrived with Ulfric, or Hadvar, the Imperial soldier tasked with reading off the names of the prisoners being sent to their execution. After assisting and gaining the favor of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, The player later learns that they are Dovahkiin, or Dragonborn, a person charged with the duty of defeating Alduin and the dragons. Eventually, the player meets Delphine, and Esbern, two of the last remaining Blades, and becomes the pupil of the esteemed Greybeards of High Hrothgar. The fifth installment of The Elder Scrolls takes place in Skyrim, where peace and stability is threatened by the ongoing civil war between a Nordic separatist faction called the Stormcloaks and the Empire's Imperial Legion, as well as the return of the dragons under the game's main antagonist, the great dragon Alduin.

Skyrim is the northernmost region of Tamriel and its geography consists of mountains, snowy tundras, pine forests, rural countrysides, and arctic plains. Its architecture and atmosphere are very similar to the town of Bruma in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Although it is roughly the same size as Oblivion's Cyrodiil (approximately 41 square kilometers in area or 15.8 square miles), it is the least populated of all regions in Tamriel. Although there are only five cities within the province, they are complemented with smaller townships dotted through the land with huge swathes of wilderness separating them all.

There are over 150 dungeons scattered across Skyrim. Fast-traveling is a returning feature, allowing the player to instantly travel to any marked location that has been previously visited.

New creatures to the series include Giants, Frost Trolls, mammoths, Frostbite Spiders, Ice Wraiths, Hagravens, and Dragons. There are also children present in the game for the first time since Daggerfall, where they made several appearances.

Eighteen different skills are employed to interact with the world. Some skills are used specifically for combat, such as the weapon-based skill One-Handed and the magic-based skill, Destruction. Other, more passive, skills, allow for the crafting of items such as through Smithing or enchanting. Leveling up happens when any of these eighteen skills are used to a certain point. Skills level up as well, and the player's overall level is contingent upon the levels achieved with each skill.

The traditional Role-Playing Game concept of a class system has been abolished in Skyrim; it has been supplanted with a very free-form system that allows the use of perks. Perks unlock special abilities on each of the eighteen skill trees. One perk is awarded for each character level increase. Perks are skill-specific abilities, organized in a system of branching groups called "skill trees." One of many perks can be chosen from each time a level is gained. Player leveling extends somewhat further than in previous Elder Scrolls games, reaching a maximum level of 81 when all skills have been increased to 100; this limit is due in part to a significant sharpening of the experience curve for leveling after 50.[3]

Weapons and armor may be crafted by players at forges, and all gear may be improved upon using other crafting facilities provided that the player possesses the requisite skill levels and perks; this allows for a wide range of equipment variation and lets those characters with the highest skills outfit themselves with appropriately powerful equipment. The player can also enchant their weapons for extra damage and gain special abilities from them Melee combat has been overhauled from Oblivion, with weapon attacks taking a less fluid - and much more realistic - pace. Weapon types such as the previous Blade and Blunt have been condensed into One-Handed and Two-Handed weapon skills, with the war axes, maces, and swords each benefiting differently from perks inside these skill trees; for example, axes can add extra bleeding damage, swords strike quickly and can gain a higher chance of a critical hit, and maces gain armor penetration while striking at a slower rate. Special "finishing moves" have also been added, which show a slow-motion killing blow such as impalement or decapitation being delivered by the player character. Lockpicking has been changed since Oblivion. It is no longer in a pin and tumbler style, instead it is similar to Fallout 3/New Vegas, another game from Bethesda. On console versions of the game, both analog sticks are used to manipulate the tools and open the lock. The pick is controlled with the left stick and a tension wrench with the right. PC versions of the game employ the mouse and the WSAD keys instead. The pick can be rotated around the top of the lock within 180 degrees.

A spot within the rotation allows the lock to open, the spot being larger with easier locks and becoming much smaller with harder difficulty locks.

Spell mechanics have changed significantly in Skyrim as compared to Oblivion. Fire, frost, and shock spells now have additional effects; fire deals "burn damage per second" when the target catches on fire, shock does an additional 50% of damage to the victim's Magicka, and frost spells deal 100% of their damage to the victim's Stamina. Custom spells can no longer be created, and because the class system has been eradicated, no bonuses spells are given for selecting a particular School of Magicka during character creation. Instead, all spells are learned through the reading of Spell Tomes, the way the Oblivion DLC functioned.

Quests have been implemented to gain Master-level spells in each school. Each spell has a special casting animation and is often more potent than their lesser counterparts. The school of Mysticism has been removed entirely from the magic system, with its spells being redistributed to other magic schools. For example, Soul Trap has been distributed to Conjuration, while detection spells now belong to Alteration. From the school of Alteration, the open lock, burden, and feather have been removed entirely.

Player marriage has been implemented; through a brief courtship process, the player may marry select characters of either gender, offering a housemate as well as a range of spouse-exclusive benefits. Players can recruit followers in the game, they can be found in taverns or some stores or by gaining a title in a certain hold. When the player becomes the Thane of a certain hold they automatically get a companion to assist them. The leveling mechanic in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is similar to previous titles, with the player leveling up after enough skills have, themselves, been leveled up through use. Game director Todd Howard stated that the game's "mathematical" level cap is 70;[4] however, the Prima Official Game Guide states the level cap is "around 80."[5] One of the largest differences from previous Elder Scrolls games is that you no longer specify a group of major and minor skills; instead, all skills are treated the same, and all skills contribute towards leveling up.[6] As a result of this change, there is no longer any class selection component to character creation.

one of the ten races of Tamriel—Imperials, Nords, Redguards, Bretons, Dunmer, Altmer, Bosmer, Orsimer, Khajiit, and Argonians. Falmer – The Snow Elves were a race that inhabited Skyrim long before the Nords. The Elves were massacred by the Nords and fled underground. Here they found refuge with the Dwemer, ostensibly on the condition that they eat poisonous fungi causing blindness. The effects of the fungi and their life underground have morphed them into the Falmer seen often in caverns, Dwemer ruins and Falmer hives. Dwarves (Dwemer) – A long-lost race that once lived throughout Vvardenfell, Skyrim and Hammerfell. They preferred the use of technology over magic, as is evident in the Dwemer ruins, Animunculi, and technological artifacts encountered throughout Skyrim, as the machines they created are still working to this day doing their duty to protect what is left of the Dwemer (translated as "Deep Elves").

Aela the Huntress is a Nord werewolf, thief and member of The Companions. She is one of five members of The Circle. Residing in Jorrvaskr with the other Companions, Aela offers lycanthropy deep into the faction's questline. Additionally, she is an expert level Archery trainer, as well as a candidate for marriage and a follower. It is rumored among the Companions that she and Skjor have a very intimate relationship with one another; Njada Stonearm's conversations with Aela reveals this. However, Aela hastily and vehemently denies the relationship, to the point of even threatening Njada if she pays attention to them.[1]

Other ambient dialogue between her and Skjor reveals that the two go out at night to hunt in beast form.[2] This is discouraged among the Companions and is the source of their secrecy as well as the rumors about them. She is furious upon finding Skjor's body when the Dragonborn attacks the Silver Hand in Gallows Rock and seeks to avenge his death. It is never confirmed that she and Skjor were romantically involved. When asked, Aela explains her reasoning behind joining The Companions:

"My mother was a Companion. And her mother. And all the women in my family, back to Hrotti Blackblade. I stayed with my father in the woods until I was old enough for my Trial. We hunted everything there was to hunt... Good training. Ma didn't live long enough to see me join, but I fight to honor her and all my Shield-Sisters through time."

Jarl Balgruuf wears noble clothes, fur-lined boots, and a gold and ruby circlet for a crown. The Jarl's weapon is a unique war axe (which can only be acquired through Pickpocket) that carries his name—Balgruuf's War Axe. If the Dragonborn fights Balgruuf in "Battle for Whiterun," he will equip Steel Plate Armor, minus the helmet. While eventually becoming loyal to the Empire, he puts Whiterun's interests first, many times denying the Imperial Legion permission to garrison soldiers in his city so as not to portray martial law―if he is asked what side he is on in the war, he will say that he is "on the side of Whiterun," showing a great sense of loyalty towards Whiterun. In his neutral stance, he remarks that he may well be obligated to support one or both sides; the Empire as a province, the Stormcloaks out of loyalty to Skyrim. Indeed, he will only express open hatred of the Stormcloak Rebellion after the Dragonborn chooses a side in the Civil War, slandering them if they seize Whiterun with the Stormcloak army under Ulfric and his second-in-command Galmar Stone-Fist; according to Gerdur, Balgruuf and Ulfric had been at odds for years and fears Balgruuf will side with the Empire out of spite.[1] Balgruuf's distaste for the Stormcloaks may stem from the fact that he had refused to declare allegiance for either side, but Ulfric attacked Whiterun anyway by deeming anyone who did not support him as an enemy, as it was said by Ulfric during the Markarth Incident, "You are either with us, or against Skyrim." He is generally more interested in dragons than the Civil War in which he is involved. Since Whiterun's provisions were terribly diminished during the Skyrim Civil War and Ulfric's uprising had doubled the costs of goods, Balgruuf ultimately sided with the Empire in order to preserve the more lucrative trade agreements with the Empire.

Farkas is a lycanthropic Nord in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim who is a member of The Circle, one of the most formidable and experienced warriors in the Companions. Like the rest of the Companions, he lives in Jorrvaskr in the Wind District of Whiterun. He is a Master-level trainer in Heavy Armor and serves as the Dragonborn's shield-brother in several of the Companions' quests. He is also one of the Companions who can assign radiant quests to the Dragonborn.

Upon completion of the Companions' main plotline, Farkas can be recruited as a follower and becomes a potential marriage candidate. He can be recruited into the Blades if the Dragonborn talks to Delphine while having him as a follower. Farkas and his twin brother Vilkas were raised at Jorrvaskr by Jergen, who rescued them from a circle of necromancers.[1] It is unknown if he was their biological father. Jergen left to fight in the Great War but never returned.[2]

Both brothers eventually became official members of the Companions and rose to the ranks of the Circle. They were said to be the youngest members to ever join, though this may be a play on words by Vignar Gray-Mane, referring to the twins' young age during their residence at Jorrvaskr rather than the age at which their membership became official. Farkas calls Jergen his father, and considers the Companions his family. He is especially close to his brother and follows along with his views in most situations.

Kodlak states in his journal that Farkas is "too kindhearted" to be Harbinger. Farkas is also the first of the Companions, apart from Kodlak, to be genuinely friendly and welcoming toward the Dragonborn when they join the order.

Vilkas jokes about Farkas being the more dim-witted of the two. Other Companions will also insult Farkas' intelligence by calling him "icebrain"[3] or "oaf."[4] Farkas takes the teasing from people he likes, but states that he will punch anyone else who thinks he is not smart.

Vilkas is a Nord werewolf resident of Whiterun. He is the Master at Arms of the Companions[1] and a member of the Circle, the most formidable and experienced of their warriors. Like the rest of the Companions, he lives in Jorrvaskr in the Wind District of Whiterun. He is a Master-level trainer in two-handed weaponry. Vilkas and his twin brother, Farkas, were both raised in Jorrvaskr by Jergen, who rescued them from a cult of necromancers.[1] It is unknown if he was their biological father. According to Vilkas, Jergen left to fight in the Great War but never returned.

Eventually, Vilkas and Farkas both officially joined the Companions and rose to the ranks of the Circle. They were said to be the youngest members to ever join. At first, Vilkas seems to think the Dragonborn is not worthy of being a Companion. He does eventually warm up to the idea after the completion of "Glory of the Dead."

Vilkas is well-spoken, and considered to be an intelligent man by the other Companions, the counterpart to his brother's physical prowess. He, along with his brother and Kodlak, resists the call of the beast-blood, choosing instead to refrain from transformations. However, he struggles with the side-effects more harshly than the others.[3]

He resents Jergen leaving them, and looks down on his brother's rosy description of their childhood. He at first claims that it is the promise of coin that feeds his blade, but later admits his respect for what the Companions represent and upholding the legacy of Ysgramor. He has great respect for Kodlak and trusts his judgement, even when it disagrees with his own.

Vilkas is also thought of as a hot-tempered man

Torvar: Torvar is a Nord warrior, and a member of the Companions who resides within Jorrvaskr in Whiterun. He is one of the Companions' newer members.

Upon completion of the Companions' main plotline, Torvar can be recruited as a follower and becomes a potential marriage candidate. He can be recruited into the Blades if the Dragonborn talks to Delphine while having him as a follower.comments are concerned with drink. He doesn't take well to the intensive training, and argues with Farkas about not being allowed to go out and fight. In a conversation between him and Athis, he states a preference for hammers and axes.

At first glance, he acts friendly towards the Dragonborn. But as one progresses within the Companions' ranks, he becomes more sour, and possibly even jealous.

Athis: Companions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He resides in The Companions' mead hall, Jorrvaskr, in Whiterun. He is an Expert-level trainer in One-handed combat, and is also the only Dunmer among the current ranks of the Companions. Athis originally came from Morrowind, mentioning that he had to "crawl out" of the province. At some point, he joined the Companions, though he originally didn't think that they'd accept him, likely due to the fact that he is an elf. Athis tends to keep quiet most of the time, and dislikes answering questions more than once. He is civil and loyal, but never at the forefront of any battles.[1] He shows an apprehension of being near the Skyrim-Morrowind border

being the capital of the Rift. Riften is a built along the shores of Lake Honrich, made from wooden platforms and serving as a main hub of trading throughout the Rift and the Southern Velothi Mountains. The lower canals are used as ports for skiffs moving throughout the lake. Riften is situated in the heart of the Rift, the southeastern forest of Skyrim. It is on the eastern shore of Lake Honrich, in the minor region of the Smokefrost Peaks located on the base of the Velothi Mountains. The Riften outskirts are primarily farmland, utilized mainly by the Nords of the Snow-Shod Clan and other ancestral families of the Rift. The city limits in the north are mostly used for this purpose, as it is covered in a natural barrier that divides the North Rift. Local militias of the Rift have also used this area as an encampment. Merryfair Farm is one of the more well-known farms to use this district. The north road that leads into Fort Greenwall has been used by Riften as another line of defense after Greenwall. The southwest road is not as heavily used in Skyrim, with only other settlement in that direction is the townships of Nimalten and Ivarstead. To the road to the east goes into Morrowind to the settlements of Silgrad Tower and Fort Virak. Riften city itself is somewhat small, for the layout is limiting. It is centered around a stone foundation where the market square is located. A canal runs around the square, where fishing skiffs use to dock their ships and sell their produce. Larger vessels utilize the Riften Docks on the outside of Riften walls. On the docks are the Black-Briar Meadery and the Riften Fishery. Much of the city's produce comes from this area, where they would be distributed to surrounding areas. The greater city surrounds the canal in Riften, and the main street runs through it. Between the north and south gates are the Riften chapters of the Fighters Guild and Mages Guild, as well as, the Mistveil Keep, the current seat of power for Riften.

one of the major cities in Skyrim. Governed by Jarl Skald the Elder, Dawnstar is the capital of The Pale, and is known for its rich mines and harbor.[1] It also serves as a garrison town along the northern coast of Skyrim. Dawnstar is one of the colder settlements in Skyrim; along with Winterhold and Windhelm, as it resides in perpetual snow and ice. Fort Dunstad is located to the southeast, near the Hall of the Vigilant and the border with Winterhold.

Alongside Winterhold, Dawnstar has very high dragon spawn rates, putting many of the residents at risk of being killed by the dragons if not killed quickly by the player and Hold Guards that patrol the town. It was after the destruction of a fortress in Dawnstar during 2E 283 that Potentate Versidue Shaie declared martial law, leading to one of the most brutal and bloody periods in the history of Tamriel.[2][3] This also led to the creation of the Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, and Thieves Guild during the Guilds Act.[4][5]

The village was rebuilt at least before the end of the Third Era.[6] However, it is noted in the Pocket Guide to the Empire, Third Edition: Skyrim that Macalla was the Queen of Dawnstar, and had married King Thian of Solitude.

Around 4E 201, Dawnstar's citizens were suffering from a series of nightmares by the Skull of Corruption, Daedric artifact of the Daedric Prince Vaermina. The Last Dragonborn and a former priest of Vaermina, a dunmer named Erandur, went to Nightcaller Temple and ended the city's suffering.

it is the capital of the Whiterun Hold region of Skyrim. Whiterun is well-known throughout the Empire for being the trading capital of Skyrim, due to its convenient location, surrounding the Hold capitals of Skyrim. The Jarl's seat of power is the Crystal Throne, found in Dragonsreach, a castle at the peak of the city. Whiterun is located in the central tundra of Skyrim, along the White River that flows from Falkreath Hold to Eastmarch. The area around Whiterun is very open, stretching far to the Sundered Hills of the Reach. The area is very versatile, filled with all sorts of game, ranging from Deers to Mammoths. Farms and other settlements riddle the area such as the township of Rorikstead and the fortress of Greymoor, although they are more prevalent around the Whiterun outskirts. The roads of Whiterun connect to most of the hold capitals, Dawnstar is mostly a straight path north of Whiterun, and south-southwest leads directly to Falkreath. The hill known as Skyforge was the foundation of Whiterun's construction, the city grew around the landmark. Throughout the area, there are several Whiterun defense towers, safeguarding the roads around Whiterun. The Western Watchtower is in between Whiterun and Greymoor. The northern road has the Whitewatch Tower in between Whiterun and Heljarchen Creek. Whiterun is a well-fortified city with watchtowers all along the border. The western gate is the only entrance to Whiterun, which is heavily fortified, with a drawbridge connecting the city. The city is divided into three districts. The Plains District is the lower level of Whiterun; it is where the common-folk reside and trade amongst each other. The Bannered Mare is the most popular inn in the city, it is located on the eastern end of the Plains District, adjacent to the market square in the center of the Plains District. The Wind District is the second level of Whiterun, and it is the home of the nobility in Whiterun, as well as, other notable groups.

one of the nine major cities in Skyrim and the capital of Falkreath Hold. The name comes from the Snow Elf language, who made a great many elven ruins in the area.[3] Falkreath is known for its death and melancholy themes as it is the home of Skyrim's vast graveyards, holding the remains of many fallen warriors from as far as the Merethic Era to the Fourth Era. Falkreath is considered a part of the Colovian Estates. Falkreath is situated on the southernmost roads in Skyrim and is not far from the borders leading into the city of Elinhir in the Craglorn wastes, and the city of Bruma in the Jerall Mountains. Falkreath itself is a relatively small town compared to the likes of Windhelm or Solitude. In its prime, Falkreath was a well-guard stronghold that was able to withstand the Reachmen from the west and even the Orsimer of the besieged First Orsinium. Falkreath generally has a straight path that goes through the city from the east and west. The middle of town is vast and houses a single water well in the middle. East of the Southern Gate leads up a hill to the Jarl's Longhouse, which overlooks the rest of the city. West of the Southern Gate leads into the Hall of the Dead, which goes deep into the ground, there is a chamber dedicated to Falkreath's founder, Bjarfrud Skjoralmor

being the capital of the hold of Hjaalmarch. Morthal is a remote, fishing town found on the riverbanks of the Hjaal River. It was supposedly named after the Cyro-Nordic Demigod, Morihaus, who consorted with Saint Alessia of the First Empire.Despite being the capital of a regional hold, Morthal is situated off the main road that runs throughout Hjaalmarch, being found between the fort-town of Snowhawk, and the mining village of Stonehills. Morthal is a gateway to the Drajkmyr Marsh, which takes a large portion of Hjaalmarch. Much of the marsh is nothing but uninhabitable land, consisting of sunken ruins and caves. To the south of town lies the ancient city, currently known as the Labyrinthian, which looks over the majority of north-central Skyrim. As mentioned before, the region surrounding Morthal is uninhabitable, except for settlements found on the road between Dragon Bridge and Dawnstar. But ruins are found around Drajkmyr, such as the tombs of Folgunthur and Ustengrav. Morthal itself is a medium-sized town, built at the end of a small mountain pass that connects it to the road. The dirt road that runs through town leads into a stone bridge that leads to the lumber mill and the Drajkmyr Marsh. Morthal is situated on an off-path river from the River Hjaal, which starts from the Whiterun Hold and ends around the Karth River, where it meets the Sea of Ghosts. Along the primary path is the seat of power, the Highmoon Hall, a typical Nordic Longhouse for the Jarl. Roads that go off the main street are wooden boardwalks where fishermen lay their boats, or just fish right there. Most homes are built on small plots of land that are connected to the sidewalk. Most of this is found in the east of town, while a minor part is found on the west side, where the residential inn, the Moorside Inn is found.

Windhelm, or the City of Kings is one of the nine major cities in the province of Skyrim. It is the capital of both the Giant's Run and the Eastmarch region of Skyrim. Windhelm is one of the oldest Tamrielic cities and is a shining example of how great the original Empire of Humans was in its prime.Windhelm is one of the larger cities of Skyrim and is located in a rather strategic location. Windhelm is situated on the Yorgrim Estuary, which leads to the Sea of Ghosts. It is because of this, Windhelm serves a trading post and a gateway between the Sea transport and the mainland of Skyrim. Windhelm is built on the steep hills north of the Yorgrim River in Eastmarch, in a pocket area of the Winterhold Mountains, which shows just how amazing the Atmorans were in their architecture. To connect Windhelm, to the southern river edge, there is a large stone bridge that towers over the Yorgrim River. It is also the first line of defense in Windhelm. The Nords of Windhelm had utilized the frozen land around them for various purposes, ranging from a Nordic Tomb for the Windhelm Family with Morvunskar and the various farms along the road towards the Dunmeth Pass and Blacklight. Windhelm is one of the oldest cities in Tamriel, and it is surprising to see it withstand the test of time, looking the same as it did several thousands of years ago. The Atmorans had also created caves and catacombs underneath Windhelm that is said to house the tomb of Ysgramor himself. Windhelm city itself is vast and easily coordinated. The central district of Windhelm is known as the Stone Quarter, which consists of southwestern Windhelm and the main street. The Stone Quarter houses the town square in front of Candlehearth Hall as well as the Hall of the Dead and the Temple of Talos. Various shops are held in this area among other businesses. The town square is in between each separate part of the city and leads to the outside and the Great Bridge of Windhelm.

the capital of the Winterhold region. Throughout history, Winterhold was the capital of Skyrim and was the center of progress in the entire province. Winterhold lost its status after the Great Collapse, when a large majority of the city had plunged into the Sea of Ghosts. The scope of Greater Winterhold is left largely unknown. There are no accurate representations of Winterhold before the Great Collapse, the only time it has appeared before the event was in The Elder Scrolls: Arena. The ruins of Winterhold during the Fourth Era is smaller than the other cities in Skyrim, being smaller than the poverty-driven Morthal. The road that runs through the town leads to the College of Winterhold, located on a mountain sticking out of the Sea of Ghosts. The College and the town are connected by a bridge that is ransacked from the Great Collapse. The city of Winterhold is the most isolated city in the Holds of Skyrim, it is located in the snowy mountains of the north, around Mount Anthor. Most of the city has plunged into the Sea of Ghosts, leaving ruined homes in its wake. The Jarl's Longhouse was most likely not the seat of power in times before the Collapse, but being the largest building left, it became the Jarl's Longhouse.

the capital of both the Haafingar region and the entirety of West Skyrim. Solitude has been known as a flourishing metropolis within the blessed arms of the Empires of Cyrodiil, having ties with the Septim Empire especially. Comparatively, Solitude is one of the biggest cities in the province of Skyrim and is built on a very peculiar landscape. Solitude was built on a rather large arch on top of the Karth River Estuary, where the river meets the Sea of Ghosts and the Drajkmyr Marsh located in Hjaalmarch. The area where Solitude is not flat, rather on the edge of the Kilkreath Highlands in the Druadach Mountains. Lower Solitude consists of the port and the main headquarters of the East Empire Company, the Third Empire's major trading company. The central warehouse is vast and can house several trading ships. The road to the northernmost point of Haafingar goes directly over the warehouse water entrance and underneath the grand arch of Solitude. The local stables of Solitude is located in between the ports and the road leading into the central city. Solitude's outer gate is heavily fortified with the Sky Tower being the first line of defense for the city.

Upper Solitude is divided into three separate districts, each with unique distinctions and serving different purposes. The Merchant's District[source?], or the Well District,[1] in West Solitude is home to several local businesses as well as the main gate of Solitude. The Winking Skeever is one of the more successful inns located in Solitude, due to its convenient location being near the main gate and the town square. Southeast of the inn is the town square, where various smaller businesses gather to sell their daily catch of fish or their signature wines. The Radiant Raiment specializes in selling the most exquisite clothing for nobles of the Third Empire and the Kingdom of Solitude. The area called Castle Dour is where the military forces of Solitude reside as well as the Temple of the Divines.

By Nord tradition, a Dragonborn represents what a Nord should strive to be. The Nords believe Dragonborn represent the end of all of Skyrim's foes.[5] Nord tales likewise tell of Dragonborn of old who were great and powerful Dragonslayers,[1] a belief which the Blades of the Fourth Era also believe to be the reason why the old Akaviri Dragonguard came to serve the Dragonborn.[6]

It is unknown as to how a Dragonborn is chosen. The various dynasties of Dragonborn Emperors led to a common belief that the Dragon blood is hereditary, though since it is a blessing of Akatosh himself it cannot be known how or why it is bestowed. It is unknown if the Dragonborn Emperors were Dragonborn, and thus able to wear the Amulet of Kings and light the Dragonfires, or if these acts were the sign of Akatosh's blessings for these individuals Dragonborn. After slaying a Dragon, and learning the meaning of a Word of Power, the Greybeards are able to sense this and summon the Dragonborn. Should a Dragonborn choose to answer the summons of the Greybeards, they are first tested to see if they truly possess the Thu'um.[7] A Dragonborn has the inborn ability to both learn and master a new Word of Power far quicker than a normal mortal can, as regular mortals usually need years of training to learn a word of power. Due to the inborn ability of Dragonborn to use the Thu'um, the Greybeards seek to guide them in the proper usage of their power.[4]

In order to truly show a Dragonborn's abilities, the Greybeards send them off to retrieve the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller, the founder of the Greybeards.[8] Upon retrieving the Horn and returning it, the Greybeards formally name the Dragonborn "Ysmir", the "Dragon of the North", to declare the Dragonborn has accepted their guidance.