• Skyrim Peace Council Best Choices
• Skyrim Peace Council

.note: if you still have the quest to 'Find evidence of Ogmund's Talos worship' when going into the peace council, it will auto-fail at the end, no matter which choices you make - presumably because Markarth has now changed hands no matter what. There may be other quests that are altered based on choices, but I did not see any in my own log change.

• Skyrim Walkthrough Part 15: The Fallen

Season Unending is a quest available in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Despite warnings about a dragon, the Jarl of Whiterun says that he cannot help with the effort to defeat it unless the Civil War is stopped. Only the Greybeards are in a position to hold a peace council. Quest won't advance at the peace council meeting with the greybeards (Main Quest III: the Fallen) The quest requires that I sit on a chair in the council room in order to negotiate a truce in order to trap a dragon. Share your thoughts, experiences and the tales behind the art. I think that's the quest? The one with the peace council; Eventual Smut; Summary. What if there was an alternate ending to Skyrim's civil war? (I do not own the characters, this is purely for fun!!) Language: English Words: 8,157 Chapters: 1/? Kudos: 4 Hits: 9.

• By chronodev (Ron)
• Published 11/21/2011
• Unrated

In Alduin's Bane, you read the Elder Scroll near the Time-Wound, and learned the Dragonrend Shout in a vision of the Nord heroes fighting Alduin in the distant past. When you returned from the vision, Alduin attacked you, and you used Dragonrend to bring him down and defeat him.
Open your quest journal:
The Fallen
After I defeated Alduin on the top of the Throat of the World, he fled from me. I need to locate his lair so I can finish him off, once and for all.
Objectives:
Talk to Paarthurnax OR talk to Arngeir OR Talk to Esbern.
Quest will unwind a bit differently depending on you you talk to. This walkthrough includes instructions for talking to ALL three NPCs, but remember you just need to speak to ONE of them.
Paarthurnax
The fastest way to complete this objective is to talk to Paarthurnax, since after just finishing 'Alduin's Bane', he is standing right near you. Approach Paarthurnax and speak to him. He will tell you that you truly have the voice of a Dovah, and that Alduin's allies will think twice before attacking you after this victory. Tell him it isn't really a victory, since Alduin escaped. Tell him you need to find out where Alduin went. He will tell you that one of his allies, Motmahus, could tell us. But it will not be easy to force a dragon to betray Alduin, But the palace in Whiterun, Dragonsreach, could help you. It was originally built to house a captive Dovah. A fine place to trap one of Alduin's allies. Tell him that the Jarl of whiterun might not think so. He will tell you that his is sure that you can convince the Jarl of the need.
Arngeir
If you choose to talk to Arngeir, fast travel to High Hrothgar. Locate Arngeir either inside the temple or meditating in the courtyard. Talk to him. He will say he heard the Dragonrend shout from there and asks you if you defeated Alduin. Tell him that yes, but he escaped, you need to find out where he went. He will tell you that the old tales say that Alduin is able to travel to Sovngarde to devour the souls of the dead. But it doesn't say how he does it. Tell him one of his dragon allies could tell us. But how do you force a dragon to talk to you? There is one possibility, but the Jarl will never agree. Ask him what he is talking about. He will tell you that Dragonsreach, the Jarl of Whiterun's palace, was built to house a captive dragon. Tell him that you thought there were no dragons until Alduin came back. He will tell you that Dragonsreach was built a thousand years ago, in the days of Olaf One-Eyed were dragons could still be found at the peaks of mountains, before the blades wipe them out. If you can lure a dragon into Dragonsreach, with the Jarl's cooperation, you might be able to trap the dragon and force him to tell you how Alduin travels to Sovngarde
Esbern
Fast travel to the Sky Haven Temple. Enter the temple, then take the door behind Alduin's wall and exit to Skyrim. Locate Esbern under one of the stone structures. He will ask you if you found the Elder Scroll and what happened when you took it to the Throat of the World. Tell him you defeated Alduin, but he escaped. You need to find him. Esbern will tell you that Alduin must have returned to Sovngarde to feed on the souls of the dead. And if you don't find him soon, he will return stronger then ever. Tell him that you know, and that's why you need to find him. Esbern will say Alduin must have some means of traveling to Sovngarde and back but he has no idea what it is.
Tell him that his dragon allies must know where this portal is. He will ask you if you know Jarl's palace in Whiterun. Ask him if he means Dragonsreach. It was originally built to hold a captive dragon. So if you could lure a dragon into Dragonsreach, you could trap him there. But it might be difficult to persuade the Jarl to use his palace as a dragon trap.
But there is another problem, a serious one. Esbern has discovered who the leader of the Greybeards really is. Tell him it turns out he's a dragon. But he helped you. But Esbern will tell you that Paarthurnax was Alduin's Chief Lieutenant in ancient times, responsible for many atrocities. The Blades have benn hunting him for centuries, but he was protected by the Greybeards, and then the Emperors. Justice demands Paarthurnax must be killed, and until then, Esbern cannot offer you his help any longer because of his oath to the Blades. Delphine also wants you to go kill Paarthurnax. Any attempts to convince them that he has changed his ways now and does not deserve to die fail in vain.
This unlocks the quest 'Paarthurnax' which is an OPTIONAL quest. Doing this quest depends on whether you want to side with the Greybeards or with the Blades. If you want to side with the Greybeards then keep Paarthurnax alive. The Blades will no longer offer you assistance or additional quests. If you want to side with the Blades, then do the quest and kill Paarthurnax. The Greybeards will be upset and will no longer offer you help or give you any quests. Choose your side.
If you want to kill Paarthurnax, consult with our Paarthurnax Quest Walkthrough
In the main quest, The Fallen, the quest log updates:
'One of Alduin's dragon allies may be able to tell me where he's gone. I've learned that Dragonsreach, the Jarl's palace in Whiterun, was once used to imprison a dragon. I need to persuade the Jarl of Whiterun to help me trap a dragon in Dragonsreach.
Objectives:
Talk to the Jarl of Whiterun
Fast travel to Dragonsreach. Approach the Jarl. The turn of events is affected by events of the civil war. If you have already started the civil war, sided with the Imperials and wiped out the Stormcloaks, the Jarl will agree to your plan. If you joined the Stormcloaks and defeated the Imperials, the new Jarl that was appointed will also allow you to try and carry out your plan.
If the civil was has not been started (meaning you have not completed any of the Stormcloak or Imperial quests), or is yet indecisive, the Jarl (Balgruuf the Greater or anyone else that has been appointed in his place). will be reluctant to help. Tell him you need his help. You need to trap a dragon in his palace. He says he might have misheard you. Try a PERSUADE, tell him you wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. He will say that he cannot do it. Ask him about Dragonsreach, if it was really built to hold a dragon. He will tell you that yes according to legend, but he has never put it to the test. Jarl Olaf One-Eye it was, who later became the high king. He shouted it into submission in single combat atop Mount Anthor and brought it back to Whiterun. The dragon's name was Numinex, and that is his skull decorating the main hall above the Jarl's throne.
Tell him again you need his help in trapping a dragon in his palace. He will that what you are asking for is impossible and insane, to lead a dragon to the heart of the city with the threat of war on his doorstep. Tell him it is the only way to stop the dragon attacks. He will say there must be another way, the risk is too great. Tell him the threat is worse then he knows, Alduin has returned. Tell him you are Dragonborn and it is your destiny to stop Alduin. Explain to him that trapping a dragon in his palace is the only way to find Alduin before it's too late.
The Jarl will tell you he wants to help you, but he needs your help first. Ulfric and General Tulius are both waiting for him to make the wrong move, and if a dragon is attacking Whiterun, then for sure they won't sit idle and attack the weakened city. Ask him what if he wouldn't have to worry about an enemy attack. He says that in that case he would be glad to help you. But it will be hard to get both sides to agree to a truce. But if the Greybeards would be willing to host a peace council, maybe Tullius and Ulfric will listen.
Tell the Jarl to leave that to you. You will talk to Arngeir about hosting a peace council.
'If I can arrange a truce in the civil war, the Jarl of Whiterun has agreed to help me trap a dragon in Dragonsreach, then I can interrogate the dragon and learn the location of Alduin's lair so I can finish him off, once and for all.'
Your objective now is to get Greybeard's help in negotitating a truce. This starts the quest, 'Season Unending'

Spread The Word

Article Series

Related Articles

Comments

Elenwen is an Altmersorceress and First Emissary of the Thalmor in Skyrim. She resides in the Thalmor Embassy, in Haafingar hold. She often hosts lavish parties at the embassy, inviting Skyrim's most influential and powerful people. You infiltrate one of these parties during Diplomatic Immunity, using an ill-gotten invitation.

During Season Unending, she is part of the Imperial delegation—along with General Tullius, Legate Rikke and the Jarl of SolitudeElisif the Fair—that attends the Peace Council at High Hrothgar. At the start of the council she will say that she has every right to be at this negotiation because she needs to ensure that nothing is agreed to that violates the terms of the White-Gold Concordat. Ulfric Stormcloak vehemently objects to having a Thalmor representative at the table, and will demand that she leave, though it will be up to you to decide whether she stays or not. Letting her stay makes the Imperials happier with the overall truce, but causes Galmar Stone-Fist to nearly storm out. On the other hand, her departure makes the Stormcloaks happier, but angers Legate Rikke. Other than this incident, she has no real role in the negotiations.

Elenwen wears Thalmor robes, Thalmor gloves, and Thalmor boots. She wields a leveled dagger, which can be up to glass in quality. She knows a number of spells, namely Stoneflesh, Conjure Storm Atronach, Chain Lightning, Fireball, Ice Storm, Fast Healing, and Steadfast Ward.

In casual conversation, she will mention several subjects, such as her duties as First Emissary 'My duty is simple - oversee the Thalmor Justiciars, and make sure they perform their duties admirably.' She will speak of the White-Gold Concordat, too; 'The Empire, in its wisdom, has come to recognize Talos worship as a barbaric remnant of a bygone age.' She will also mention her perspective on Tiber Septim and his godhood; 'Talos was a heroic man, but not a god. It pains the Altmer that we must remind our younger cousins of the difference.' She will also indicate Imperial sympathies in the war, but will deny affiliation in any other dialogue 'We only want what is best for Tamriel. Surely, the rebels will accept peace when they realize this.' Since she was at Helgen, she could also mention recognizing you at any time 'I could swear I've seen you somewhere before...'

Related Quests[edit]

Main Quest[edit]

• Unbound: Escape Imperial custody and a dragon attack.
• Diplomatic Immunity: Infiltrate a party at the Thalmor Embassy.
• Season Unending: Enforce a ceasefire to secure Dragonsreach.

Quest-Related Events[edit]

Diplomatic Immunity[edit]

Skyrim Peace Council Best Choices

When entering the Thalmor embassy, Elenwen will approach, suspicious of this unknown guest, and will greet you by saying: 'Welcome. I don't believe we've met. I am Elenwen, the Thalmor Ambassador to Skyrim. And you are...?'

You will now have three dialogue options:

My name is <Alias=Player>. Pleased to meet you: 'Ah yes. I remember your name from the guest list. Please, tell me more about yourself. What brings you to this... to Skyrim?'

Quite a party. It's my first time, you know. Where can I get a drink?: 'Don't worry, my parties are always well-stocked with the finest food and drink available in this country. But first, you were introducing yourself. Please, tell me more about yourself. What brings you to this... to Skyrim?'

You're Elenwen? I've heard so much about you!: 'Have you? All good, I trust. But you have me at a disadvantage. I'm afraid I know nothing about you... Please, tell me more about yourself. What brings you to this... to Skyrim?'

At this point Malborn will interrupt the conversation.

Malborn: 'Madame Ambassador, I'm so sorry to interrupt...'
Elenwen: 'What is it, Malborn?'
Malborn: 'It's just that we've run out of the Alto wine. Do I have your permission to uncork the Arenthia red...'
Elenwen: 'Of course. I've told you before not to bother me with such trifles.'
Malborn: 'Yes, Madame Ambassador.'

After this, if you speak to Elenwen again, she may greet you with one of the following lines:

• 'I trust that this is just the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship.'
• 'I'm so glad you could attend today.'
• 'I hope you're enjoying yourself.'
• 'Please, help yourself to more wine.'
• 'The hospitality of the Thalmor Embassy is at your service.'

You can also ask her any of the following topics from below:

What's your position on the civil war?: 'As long as the Empire continues to uphold its treaty obligations, my government does not concern itself with the internal politics of Skyrim.'

I can see you spared no expense: 'Of course not. One does not gather the most important men and women of Skyrim and then serve them cheap ale and stale bread. This is only a taste of the benefits that accrue to those that align themselves with Thalmor interests.'

I've never quite understood exactly what the Justiciars do: 'The Thalmor Justiciars are so often misunderstood. Our primary goal is to preserve the peace between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion. The worship of the false god Talos contributed to the unfortunate friction that led to the Great War. Following the Great War, the White-Gold Concordat set out the terms for peaceful coexistence between the two powers. The Empire and the Dominion agreed that the worship of Talos was a relic of the past, and must be eliminated in the interests of peace. But I'm sure you didn't come here for a lecture on high politics.'

Do you host these parties often?: 'Quite often, yes. The only thing I enjoy more than luxury is sharing that luxury with those who can appreciate it. But I also enjoy learning the latest gossip and hear [sic]the most intriguing rumors.'

What does your position as Thalmor Ambassador involve?: 'One of my main duties is to foster a better understanding between the Aldmeri Dominion and the people of Skyrim. I also oversee the activities of the Thalmor Justiciars throughout Skyrim, although this has been unfortunately disrupted by the war.'

Season Unending[edit]

If you speak to her before taking your seat at the Greybeard's council table, in addition to her standard dialogue, she will also recognize you as the infiltrator from the Embassy, and will say, rather ominously 'And so we meet again. But this time I know who and what you really are.'

Shortly after Ulfric Stormcloak gets angry due to Elenwen's presence at the peace council, she will stand up for her right to be there by saying: 'I have every right to be at this negotiation. I need to ensure that nothing is agreed to here that violates the terms of the White-Gold Concordat.' Either General Tullius or Ulfric (depending on your chosen side in the Civil War) will then ask you if she should leave or stay. If you decide she must leave, Elenwen will get up from her seat and say: 'Very well, Ulfric. Enjoy your petty victory. The Thalmor will treat with whatever government rules Skyrim. We would not think of interfering in your civil war.' After this final line of dialogue for this choice, she will leave High Hrothgar. The rest of the dialogue in this paragraph is only heard if you choose to let her stay. Ulfric states that she must not participate in the negotiation, but only listen. After Elenwen hears this, she will say to Ulfric: 'Ulfric, why so hostile? After all, it's not the Thalmor that's burning your farms and killing your sons.' causing Legate Rikke to question whose side she is on. Shortly after this, Esbern will give a speech, which Elenwen will comment on, saying: 'A very pretty speech, but what does it have to do with...' Elenwen will then be cut off halfway through the sentence, either by Ulfric saying 'Shut up.' or Tullius saying 'That's enough out of you.', depending on which of them is getting the short end of the stick in the negotiations.

Notes[edit]

• She is voiced by Jean Gilpin.
• Elenwen is introduced in the opening sequence of the game during the wagon ride into Helgen. She can be seen just inside the entrance to Helgen with her bodyguards talking with General Tullius, much to Ralof's dismay, 'Look at him. General Tullius the Military Governor. And it looks like the Thalmor are with him. Damn elves. I bet they had something to do with this.'
• Elenwen can be killed following completion of the main quest. However, by this time she should be back in the foyer of the Thalmor Embassy, where the party took place, and from which all the doors are unpickably locked, so she shouldn't come out and you can't get in.
• Rarely, she can be seen outside of Helgen right after you exit the cave with Ralof or Hadvar during Unbound. She will act like she has already met you in the Thalmor Embassy.
• Although not directly involved in the quest, Elenwen also plays a part in Elisif's Tribute, as the one who sent Agent Lorcalin.
• If you get back into the Thalmor Embassy following completion of the main quest, she will make comments about how she's seen you somewhere before.
• During the quest Unbound, General Tullius appears to have a conversation with Elenwen when he enters Helgen, but they do not actually speak. Unused voice lines exist in the English version of Skyrim, but only for Elenwen. Tullius' dialogue can be found in the German version of Skyrim. Found below is an approximation of how the scene would've played out in-game. The subtitles don't actually exist in the game files, so they were made from scratch and, as such, might not appear punctuated 100% like the developers had envisioned.

Elenwen:'General Tullius, stop! By the authority of the Thalmor, I'm taking custody of these prisoners.'

General Tullius:'Ambassador Elenwen. I guessed that you wouldn't want to miss an execution.'

General Tullius:'Do you know my guest, Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm, once a candidate to Skyrim's throne, traitor of the Empire?'

General Tullius:'If you want Ulfric alive, you'll have to take him by force!'

Elenwen:'You're making a terrible mistake...'

General Tullius:'I will put an end to this rebellion here and now, rightfully in my position as Legion General.'

Elenwen:'Your Emperor will hear of this. By the terms of the White-Gold Concordat, I operate with full Imperial authority!'

General Tullius:'All right, let's go.'

Skyrim Peace Council