Skyrim:Idolaf Battle-Born

Idolaf Battle-Born; (RefID: 0001A689)
Home City	Whiterun
Location	House of Clan Battle-Born
Other Information
Stamina	60
Primary Skills	One-handed, Two-handed
Class Details	CombatWarrior1H
Voice Type	MaleBrute
Faction(s)	CrimeFactionWhiterun; TownWhiterunFaction; Whiterun House Battle-Born Faction

Idolaf Battle-Born

Idolaf Battle-Born is a Nord warrior and a member of clan Battle-Born living in Whiterun. He is fixated on the feud between his family and the Gray-Manes, as evidenced by his insistence that you choose a side as soon as you enter Whiterun. He clearly believes that anybody not supporting his family opposes them.

Idolaf is clad in a set of Imperial light equipment. This includes an Imperial light armor, a pair of Imperial light bracers, and a pair of Imperial light boots. He is equipped with an iron sword, and carries a key to the clan's house, as well as a selection of common loot and gold.

Related QuestsEdit

Missing In Action: Rescue a missing Stormcloak supporter from the Thalmor.

DialogueEdit

On first speaking to him, he will simply ask you:

"Gray-Mane or Battle-Born?"

Battle-Born.

"Then I say well met, friend. I could tell you were a sharp one the moment I laid eyes on you."

Gray-Mane.

"Then you're either a Stormcloak sympathizer or a fool. Either way, you're no friend of mine."

I'm not picking sides.

"Sooner or later, we all have to choose a side."

What?

"Got stones in your ears? I asked what side you're on, Gray-Mane or Battle-Born!"

I don't know what you're asking.

"New in town, huh? Whiterun's got two clans, both old and both respected. Difference is, the Gray-Manes turned their backs on the Empire and we Battle-Borns stayed loyal. So I'll ask again, Gray-Mane or Battle-Born?"

His normal greetings:

"Damn those Gray-Manes to Oblivion. They want to back the Stormcloaks, they'll get what's comin' to 'em."

"Avulstein Gray-Mane and I were best friends as children. If I see that traitor again, I'll throw him in jail myself!"

"The cold, frightening truth is that the Empire represents progress. Anyone who fears progress is a coward. "

"The Stormcloaks are content to live in the past forever. No wonder the Provincials think we're all baseless savages."

When ending conversation:

"Long live the Empire."

"The Stormcloaks are living on borrowed time, believe me."

ConversationsEdit

"I just can't fill an order that size on my own."

When you first visit Whiterun, you'll come across Idolaf in the middle of requesting Adrianne Avenicci to fulfill a shipment for the Imperial Legion. Downright refusing to ask a Gray-Mane for help, he insists that Adrianne accept his request:

Idolaf:	"We'll pay whatever it takes. But we must have more swords for the Imperial soldiers."
Adrianne:	"I just can't fill an order that size on my own. Why don't you swallow that stubborn pride of yours and ask Eorlund Gray-Mane for help?"
Idolaf:	"Ha! I'd sooner bend my knee to Ulfric Stormcloak. Besides, Gray-Mane would never make steel for the Legion."
Adrianne:	"Have it your way. I'll take the job, but don't expect a miracle."

Quest-Related DialogueEdit

Missing in ActionEdit

"What of Thorald? Is he nothing? So don't talk to me about suffering!"

At the start of the quest you can witness Idolaf and his father Olfrid in a feud with Fralia Gray-Mane in the marketplace:

Olfrid: "Foolish old woman! You know nothing! Nothing of our struggles, our suffering!"

Fralia: "Nothing? And what of my son? Hmm? What of Thorald? Is he nothing? So don't talk to me about suffering!"

Idolaf: "Your son chose his side, and he chose poorly. And now he's gone. Such is the way of war. The sooner you accept his loss, the better."

Fralia: "I will never accept his death! My son still lives. I feel it in my heart. So tell me, Battle-Borns, where is he? Where are you holding my Thorald?"

Olfrid: "Do you believe this old hag? 'Holding him'? Why I've got him in my cellar. He's my prisoner. Face it, cow! Your stupid son is dead! He died a Stormcloak traitor. And you... you best keep your mouth shut before you suffer the same."

Idolaf: "Come on, father. There's nothing more to be said here."

Later in the quest you can speak to him:

I need to know what happened to Thorald.

"Haven't you heard it by now? He made the mistake of supporting the Stormcloaks, and it cost him. Bitter news for his family, but a fate they should've expected."

He can be persuaded:

I think you know what really happened to Thorald Gray-Mane. (Persuade)

"He fought on the wrong side, and he paid for it. That's all I have to say." (Failure)

"Between the two of us, his family is better off thinking he's dead. Thorald and I have a history, all right? We used to be friends. So I looked into it when he disappeared. I found out the Thalmor have him. And they don't let anyone go. So I've kept my mouth shut. Like I said, his family is better off believing he's gone, because he's never coming back" (Success)

If you succeeded:

How do you know this?

"I used some contacts in the Legion, asked some questions. Was told I should mind my own business."

If Thorald is alive, where is he?

"Last I heard, he'd been carted off to Northwatch Keep. Ever heard of it? If you go in there, you don't come out. Ever. Here, see for yourself. This is the last word I received. I'm telling you, he's gone for good."

NotesEdit

Idolaf's disposition towards you will change depending on the reply to his initial question. Should you reply that you support the Battle-Borns, Idolaf will remain friendly even if the Stormcloaks gain control of the city.

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