Jorleif is the Nord steward of Ulfric Stormcloak in Windhelm. He freely admits he is no strategist; he and Ulfric go back years, and Ulfric seems to value having a friend with an untrained opinion in the room. Jorleif grew up in the city and loves its history, cold and all.
Where to find them
In the Palace of the Kings, where he serves at Ulfric’s court.
Quests
Blood on the Ice – the guards will only let you investigate the murders once Jorleif gives permission, which he gladly does since his men are stretched thin. You can return to him for hints along the way: he tells you Tova Shatter-Shield has the key to Hjerim, grumbles about Viola Giordano‘s posters, and suggests showing the strange amulet to Calixto Corrium. If you accuse Wuunferth the Unliving, Jorleif personally marches a guard over to arrest him. Unmask the real killer and Jorleif closes the case – releasing Wuunferth if needed – and promises the guards will treat you more kindly.
Bounties – he hands out repeatable bounty quests for the area, and he’s the one who pays out even when an innkeeper gave you the job.
Services
Jorleif sells the house Hjerim, listed at 12,000 gold, and the furnishing upgrades for it, and gives you the Windhelm Home Decorating Guide when you buy. The source ties the purchase to finishing Blood on the Ice and to the Civil War progress around Fort Neugrad, so expect some conditions.
Personality & relationships
Polite, loyal and a bit modest, Jorleif is a Stormcloak man through and through. You can overhear him advising Ulfric on where to send troops, reporting unrest in the Gray Quarter, and passing on messages to the western camps. He thinks Calixto is a bit odd but never suspects him. If the Imperial Legion wins, he admits serving Ulfric was an honour but he won’t miss the man’s temper.
Good to know
- He is essential, so he survives the city’s many dramas.
- The strategy guide claims Captain Lonely-Gale should replace him as steward under Imperial rule, but Jorleif usually stays put.
- Talk to him before finishing Blood on the Ice and the house purchase option won’t be there yet.
Also in Windhelm
Race, level, class and factions read from the Skyrim game files; story details checked against community wiki articles and written in our own words.
