Before the Storm

Hadvar will suggest traveling to Riverwood and meeting his uncle Alvor. If you're going to continue the storyline, this will be your next destination. However, if you really want you can simply leave this for later and explore the rest of Skyrim. Going to Riverwood is a good idea either way as you can learn more about the Legion and gain your first companion. Head down the hill and follow the path to eventually get to the small town.

The encounters on the way to Riverwood are random. You might see nothing or may have to fight your way there. For the most part you'll only face basic wolves. For a melee character they shouldn't be much a problem. Still, if you want you can run back to Hadvar and have him deal with whatever enemies you come across. Still, it's much better to deal with enemies yourself as it will grant quick skill ups in both your offensive and defensive abilities.

In Riverwood, Alvor's house will be the first on the left. Talk to the smith as he sits down for dinner or works his forge. Ask for supplies you can take and you can further inform him about what happened in Helgan. Pick this dialogue option to learn about Whiterun and Jarl Balgruuf. Whiel the storyline tells you to go here. It's worth it to further explore Riverwood to gain a follower and take care of a later task.

You can choose to recruit either Sven or Faendal. Either option is fine as they are both mainly archers with a daggers to back them up. We went with Faendal, but Sven works just as well; additionally Faendal can improve your archery skills if you pay him. They are both pining for the affections of Camilla Valerius and will each ask you to deliver a fake nasty letter to Camilla. Take the letter to Camilla who will either be walking around town or inside her brother's shop. Give the letter and lie about who penned the vulgar note. Return back to the real author and they will join you as a follower. Don't worry about outfitting them just yet, as you probably don't have enough equipment to use yourself. Besides, you'll be gaining plenty of armor very soon.

Journal Entries

Imperial:

“

Hadvar suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His uncle is the blacksmith there and should be able to help me.

— Player

Stormcloak:

“

Ralof suggested that I head to the nearby town of Riverwood. His sister owns a lumberwood there and should be able to help me.

— Player

Objectives

Imperial:

• Talk to Alvor in Riverwood.
• Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun

Stormcloak:

• Talk to Gerdur in Riverwood.
• Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun