Skyrim:Igmund

Igmund (RefID: 00019903) (lore page)
Home City	Markarth
Location	Understone Keep
Race	Nord	Gender	Male
Level	PC×1 (range=6-25)	Class	Barbarian
RefID	00019903	BaseID	0001339F
Other Information
Health	50+(PC-1)×11.7
Magicka	50
Stamina	50+(PC-1)×3.3
Primary Skills	Light Armor, Two-handed, Archery, Block
Morality	No Crime	Aggression	Aggressive
Essential	Yes
Voice Type	MaleNordCommander
Faction(s)	CrimeFactionReach; Favor151QuestGiverFaction; Favor157QuestGiverFaction; Favor250QuestGiverFaction; Imperial Government; MQ201PartyGuestUnhappy; NPCs the Player cannot marry; Ruling Government; TownMarkarthFaction; faction for party guests

Igmund

The court of Igmund

Igmund is a Nord barbarian who rules the city of Markarth as jarl with assistance from his steward and uncle, Raerek. He is supportive of the Imperial Legion in the current civil war. If the Stormcloaks take control of the hold, he will be replaced as Jarl by Thongvor Silver-Blood.

When discussing the city's history under his father's leadership, Igmund reveals that when Cyrodiil was invaded by the Aldmeri Dominion during the Great War, the Empire began ignoring all other provinces and were forced to deal exclusively with the war. Because of this, the Imperial Legionnaires in Markarth were recalled, leaving the city vulnerable to the impending Forsworn rebellion. With no Legion to assist the besieged city, it fell temporarily and created a brief "independent kingdom." After the Great War, the Empire sought to reclaim the Reach. With no other options, Jarl Hrolfdir entrusted a militia led by Ulfric Stormcloak to reclaim the Reach, offering them religious freedom in exchange for their aid in overthrowing the independent Forsworn empire. However, the Thalmor discovered this, and demanded the arrest of Ulfric and the other members of the militia, since they were in violation of the White-Gold Concordat.

The Thalmor placed political pressure on Igmund's father, effectively forcing him to turn over Ulfric, in order to preserve the newfound peace the Empire had with the Dominion. Igmund followed in his father's footsteps when he became the new Jarl of Markarth, after the Forsworn murdered his father, and he firmly believes that the arrest of Ulfric and the Nord militia was in the best interests of Skyrim and her people, in order to prevent another war with the Thalmor.

Igmund wears embellished robes, a pair of fur-lined boots, and a copper and sapphire circlet. He is equipped with a steel sword and a steel shield, and carries a selection of upper-class loot and gold.

Related Quests

• Diplomatic Immunity: Infiltrate a party at the Thalmor Embassy.

Radiant Quests

• Dungeon Delving: Do a favor for Igmund, the Jarl of Markarth, by retrieving a shield.
• Kill the Forsworn Leader: Do a favor for Jarl Igmund by killing a Forsworn leader.
• Thane of the Reach: Gain the title of Thane of the Reach.

Dialogue

His greetings:

"You speak to Igmund. Son of Hrolfdir. Jarl of Markarth."

"Treat my people fairly, and I will do the same to you."

"Forsworn have troubled the Reach for too long. I intend to deal with them."

"Markarth is not without its problems, but the Empire is here to maintain order."

Speaking to him:

Dragons have returned to Skyrim.

"Yes, I know. We have some advantages if they come here. The city is built into the mountainside, so it's hard to reach into even from the skies. And everything is made of stone. Even the beds. We'll have no trouble from dragon's fire here."

There was an attack in the marketplace.

"My guards told me. Poor Margret. And witnesses report that the attacker was shouting some nonsense about being a Forsworn. I want to make things clear. Markarth has its troubles, but there are no Forsworn in this city. They're only a threat in the hills and along the roads, where they live. Everywhere else, we are in control."

Has the war been hard on Markarth?

"It all started here. This rebellion. When the Empire lost the Reach during the Great War, we became desperate. We promised a group of Nord militia free worship in exchange for their help retaking the Hold. Then the Elves found out about it. We were forced to arrest all of them. Ulfric Stormcloak, their leader, used the whole thing as proof that the Empire had abandoned Skyrim. The rebels called it "The Markarth Incident." It was the founding day for the Stormcloaks, and where this war really started."

Why did you arrest the Nord militia?

"The White-Gold Concordat. Our treaty with the Elves after the Great War forbids free worship of Talos. But that's what we promised Ulfric and his men. It seems foolish looking back, but at the time we were hoping the Elves wouldn't find out. So when they did find out, it was either we arrest Ulfric and the militia, or enter into yet another war with the Aldmeri Dominion. The choice was clear. And now, Ulfric threatens the thinly veiled peace we sacrificed so much for."

The Empire lost the Reach before? How?

"When the Aldmeri Dominion invaded the Imperial City, the Legion all but turned a blind eye to the other provinces. Many of the disgruntled natives of the Reach used the opportunity to depose the Empire, and founded what they called an independent kingdom. It was little more than a chaotic uprising, but the Reach was removed from Imperial authority for two years before we reclaimed it. But the leaders of the uprising refused our offers of peace. They fled into the hills and became the Forsworn."

Quest-Related Events

Kill the Forsworn Leader

You're the Jarl? I'm looking for work.

"Are you a sellsword? I don't like your kind. No honor. No loyalty. Unreliable. But I can't turn away a potential ally in these times. Let's see if you're better than a common mercenary. My scouts have tracked down one of the Forsworn leaders, hiding out in their blood-soaked camps. Deal with them."

It will be done.

"We will see."

I can't do that right now.

"Then leave."

Once you return:

The leader of (Dungeon) is dead.

"I'm impressed. Forsworn usually make short work of mercenaries, but you took care of them. Here is your reward."

Dungeon Delving

Do you have any more work for me?

"I do. A personal matter. My father died trying to negotiate with the Forsworn, back when that was possible. They took his shield to those Hagraven beasts they consort with. I need you to bring it home where it belongs. I warn you, it's dangerous work. No man of mine has ever faced a Hagraven and lived. I'll understand if you decline."

Don't worry about me. I'll do it.

"Divines watch over you."

I'll pass on this one, then.

"I don't blame you."

Once you return:

I've brought you Hrolfdir's Shield.

"You've honored my father's memory in more ways than I have words to say. I hereby grant you permission to purchase property in my city. Talk to my steward if you're interested. And take this. A gift from the Jarl's personal stores."

Thane of the Reach

My Jarl, is there anything else you need?

"There is room in my court for a new Thane. It's an honorary title, mainly, but there are a few perks someone like you could make use of. However, I could only grant the title to someone who is known throughout my Hold, and who owns at least one piece of property in my city. You help my people and purchase a house from my steward, and I'll make you my Thane."

It will be my honor.

"As you were, then."

I'll have to do that some other time.

"As you wish."

Returning to him:

I've helped your people as you asked.

"Then by my right as Jarl, I name you Thane of the Reach. Congratulations. I grant you a personal Housecarl to watch over your home and this weapon from my armory to serve as your badge of office. I'll also notify my guards of your new title. Wouldn't want them to think you're part of the common rabble, now."

No One Escapes Cidhna Mine

If you sided with Madanach, Igmund will say the following the next time you speak to him after the massacre has passed:

"Madanach has been found to be the true murderer of Markarth. On behalf of the city, I apologize for your wrongful imprisonment."

Diplomatic Immunity

His greetings:

"Take advantage of the fine food and drink. Such things have been scarce since the war began."

"A Jarl has many duties. Attending parties isn't the most important one, but neither is it unpleasant."

"I came here hoping to learn that more Imperial reinforcements were on their way to Skyrim, but so far I've been disappointed."

"I admit, I've never felt entirely at ease in the Thalmor embassy."

Speaking to him:

How are you enjoying the party?

"Well enough, I suppose. Elenwen puts a great deal of effort into these parties, and it shows. I just wonder what her real motivations are. That woman is inscrutable."

Can the Thalmor be trusted?

"For now, perhaps. But I've heard disturbing rumors that they're marshalling their strength. I suspect the treaty that ended the war was just a tactic to buy time so the Thalmor can rebuild their armies. I hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure the Empire can afford another war."

I need your help with something.

"Say on, friend. What do you need?"

I need you to cause a scene. Get everyone's attention for a few minutes.

"Hmm. I don't want to get involved in anything beneath my dignity as Jarl."

Never mind.

"Thank you. I knew you'd understand."

Don't worry, I just want to play a joke on someone. (Persuade)

"I'm doing as you asked. This is for some good purpose, yes?"

If he agrees to help he will cause a distraction:

Igmund: "It's all for a good cause, old chap."

Igmund: "Ulfric Stormcloak? The rightful High King? That's bordering on treason, man! Stand up. Stand up, I say!"

Razelan: "I don't understand... did you say Ulfric Stormcloak? Fine fellow, although a bit too fond of... I mean, no, of course, I condemn him in the most...

Igmund: "You take it back then? You retract your statement? Well?"

Elenwen: "Razalan. And you promised to behave yourself this time. Remove him. He's disturbing the other guests.

Razelan: "I protest! This is an insult to the dignity of my person! This time I'm completely innocent! / This is preposterous. Disrespect... insulting! I am tired of being hounded from all sides! / Madame Ambassador, you know that I would never have behaved... that is to say... well I swear I'm innocent this time!"

Igmund: "Tell your men to stand down. I don't need any help dealing with this kind of fool. He isn't worth the trouble. I apologize for the disruption to such a festive occasion."

Razelan: "Absolutely not! I protest... uh, that is, yes, of course. I still don't understand what just... oh never mind. / That is absolutely untrue! Uh, that is, yes, of course. What... I don't understand why everyone... never mind."

Conversations

He can be overheard discussing the topic of Forsworn:

Igmund: "Raerek, how is The Reach faring against this Forsworn menace?"

Raerek: "Things are bad, Igmund. Our forces are barely able to keep the Forsworn in check. Merchants are reporting the loss of more of their shipments."

Igmund: "This is why I say we take the fight to them. Gather the Legion and drive those blasted beasts out of the Reach for good."

Faleen: "And what do Legion soldiers know about the hills the Reach? And the caves that make up those hills? The Forsworn can hide and ambush every assault."

Raerek: "The safety of the city and our settlements must be our only concern, Igmund. The rest of the Reach is on its own."

Igmund: "Cowards, the both of you. My father would not sit idly back and wait while evil men take over his lands. We're done discussing this for now."

He can be overheard discussing the topic of Markarth trade:

Raerek: "My Jarl, we need to discuss Markarth's collapsing trade with the other Holds."

Igmund: "Of course there's a collapse in trade. The Stormcloaks stalk every road and the Forsworn attack every caravan."

Faleen: "Not to mention the rebels completely control Windhelm and all of Eastmarch hold."

Igmund: "Why do you pester me with battles we can't win? I need my steward to plan for victory, not nag me with every ill account."

Raerek: "Forgive me for worrying about the future of Markarth. The lifeblood of the city is gold, Igmund, and it doesn't stop beating because there's a war on."

Igmund: "Very well. I'll send the request for additional Legionaries to protect trade to the other Imperial holds. Hopefully, Solitude can spare more men."

He can be overheard discussing the topic of Silver-Blood family with Raerek and Faleen:

Raerek: "Igmund, we need to talk about the Silver-Blood family."

Igmund: "What about them? They seem loyal enough."

Raerek: "Loyal? Thongvor supports Ulfric and his Stormcloaks! We should imprison the entire family as a precaution."

Faleen: "I second that, Igmund. Who knows what that family will do for power? They could be working with the Forsworn for all we know."

Igmund: "Enough! We can't imprison the very people who own the jail we would be throwing them into. The Silver-Bloods are to be left alone, am I clear?"

Raerek: "Yes, my Jarl."

Faleen: "Yes, my Jarl."

Cut Conversations

In a cut part of the Stormcloak questline, there was going to be a siege of Markarth that was much like the Battle for Whiterun. Upon reaching the throne room, you would be greeted to this exchange:

Faleen:	"That's close enough."
Igmund:	"He/She wants the city this badly, he/she can fight me for it."
Faleen:	"No, Igmund. It's too dangerous."
Igmund:	"I will not surrender Markarth without raising my own sword in her defense."
Faleen:	"Kill them all. Protect the Jarl at all costs!"

The battle would conclude with this exchange between Igmund, Thongvor, and Galmar:

Thongvor:	"Ready to listen to the Silver-Blood family now, Igmund?"
Igmund:	"Thongvor. I should have executed your whole treacherous clan when I had the chance."
Thongvor:	"Don't worry. We'll take good care of your city when you're gone. When Ulfric Stormcloak becomes High King, Skyrim will finally be the way my ancestors intended. It's a new day in Markarth."
Galmar:	"Are you two quite done? You, go pack your things. And you, go sit on that damn chair and start acting like a Jarl."
Thongvor:	"Come Galmar, we have much to do."
Igmund:	"The Empire will return. Count on it."

On the other hand, if you were taking the city back for the Empire (either due to losing the city in a battle or as a result of Season Unending), this exchange between Thongvor, Igmund, and Rikke would play (note that this is the same dialogue that would play if you were taking the city of Riften back for the Stormcloaks under the same circumstances):

Igmund:	"Ahhh... It's good to be home."
Thongvor:	"Welcome back. I've left a few surprises for you to discover."
Igmund:	"How kind of you. And I've brought an army to give you a going away parade."
Rikke:	"If you two are finished with the touching homecoming, there's a city in chaos out there."
Igmund:	"Indeed. Come, there is much to be done."

Notes

• The green on Igmund's clothing parallels that which is used on the Markarth banner and the guard armor/shields.

Bugs

• Upon the initial meeting with Jarl Igmund, he may not have the dialogue option to start doing quests available (You're the Jarl? I'm looking for work.). Exiting Understone Keep and fast travelling somewhere else (e.g. Karthwasten) and back may resolve this. ^?