Complete Guide to the "Message to Whiterun" Quest in Skyrim (Imperial)

Introduction

In the expansive world of Skyrim, players encounter numerous quests that contribute to the overarching story of the civil war between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks. One such quest is "Message to Whiterun," where the player acts as an Imperial courier tasked with delivering a crucial message to Whiterun's Jarl. This guide offers a detailed step-by-step walkthrough to help you successfully complete this important quest.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Start the Civil War Questline

   • Begin by joining the Imperial Legion if you haven’t already. You can do this by speaking to Legate Rikke in the Imperial Camp south of the city of Whiterun.
   • After a few initial quests, you will receive a quest to send a message to Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun.

2. Receive the Quest

   • After joining the Imperial Legion, speak to General Tullius who will instruct you to deliver a message regarding the attack on Whiterun.
     • He will emphasize the urgency of this task, as it can impact the war's direction.
     • Make sure to ask any questions regarding your mission to gather additional information.

3. Travel to Whiterun

   • Head south-east toward Whiterun from the Imperial Camp.
     • On your way, be aware of potential enemies, as the roads in Skyrim can be perilous.
     • Utilize your map to navigate efficiently and discover landmarks to help you position yourself more accurately.

4. Enter Whiterun

   • Upon arriving at the gates, you will be greeted by the guards.
     • They might have some dialogue about the current situation in the town, but it is not necessary to engage in conversation unless you wish to.
     • Be prepared to deal with any bandits or wildlife in the vicinity before entering the city.

5. Locate Jarl Balgruuf

   • Once inside Whiterun, head to Dragonsreach, which is the Jarl’s hall.
     • Dragonsreach is located at the top of the large steps in the middle of the city.
     • If you do not know where the Jarl’s location is, consult your map or ask NPCs for directions.

6. Deliver the Message

   • Upon entering Dragonsreach, you will meet Jarl Balgruuf and his advisors.
     • Approach the Jarl and select the option to deliver your message.
     • Make sure to follow the dialogue closely; his responses can lead to additional quests or dialogue options beyond what is necessary for the mission.

7. Complete the Quest

   • After delivering the message, Jarl Balgruuf will react according to the current developments in the Civil War.
     • He may ask for further action, potentially leading to additional questlines and responsibilities depending on your choices earlier in the game.
     • You can now leave Dragonsreach knowing you have completed the quest entitled "Message to Whiterun."

8. Return to the Imperial Legion

   • Once your business in Whiterun is done, return to the Imperial Camp to report back to General Tullius.
     • You can either fast travel if you've discovered the location or navigate through the roads carefully.
     • Upon reporting back, you will progress further into the Civil War storyline.

Conclusion

Completing the "Message to Whiterun" quest is a significant step in the Imperial questline in Skyrim. By following these steps, you can ensure that the message is delivered efficiently and contribute to the broader conflict within the game. With each decision you make impacting future quests, delving deeper into the Civil War storyline will offer new challenges and alliances as you forge your path through the realm of Skyrim.