Skyrim:Eorlund Gray-Mane

Eorlund Gray-Mane; (RefID: 0001A683); (lore page)
Home City	Whiterun
House	House Gray-Mane
Store	Skyforge
Services
Training
Merchant
Gold	1000 (+1000 Master Trader)
Sells	Blacksmith; see Standard Merchandise
Buys	Blacksmith (Animal Hides, Armor, Arrows, Ore/Ingots, Tools, Weapons)
Other Information
Stamina	68
Primary Skills	Smithing, Speech, One-handed, Pickpocket
Class Details	TrainerSmithingMaster
Voice Type	MaleNordCommander
Faction(s)	CWPotentialAllyFaction (Stormcloak Supporter); CompanionsFactionMinusBrillAndVignar; JobBlacksmithFaction; JobMerchantFaction; ServicesWhiterunEorlund; Smithing Trainer; The Companions (Cohort); TownWhiterunFaction; Whiterun House Gray-Mane Faction

Eorlund Gray-Mane

Eorlund Gray-Mane is a Nord blacksmith in Whiterun in charge of forging weapons and armor for the Companions at the Skyforge, located behind Jorrvaskr. He is married to Fralia Gray-Mane, with whom he has three children: Avulstein, Olfina, and Thorald. He is also the brother of Vignar Gray-Mane. Though Eorlund works closely with the Companions, he does not consider himself one of them, as his main concern is continuing his family's tradition of working the Skyforge. Nevertheless, he is very knowledgeable about their traditions and customs, and provides advice and master Smithing training to new members and veterans alike. During the initiation quest Take Up Arms, Eorlund will ask you for a favor, he will reward you after Proving Honor, and his expertise will prove invaluable during Glory of the Dead.

Like the majority of Whiterun citizens, Eorlund has an opinion on the ongoing civil war, and like his family, he supports the Stormcloaks, though not as much as the other members of clan Gray-Mane.

Eorlund works the Skyforge every day from 8am to 9pm, either forging or using the grindstone. He spends the rest of his time inside House Gray-Mane with his family, either wandering around, eating, relaxing or sleeping in his room on the second floor.

Eorlund wears a set of hide armor with a matching pair of boots. He is equipped with a Skyforge steel sword, and carries a key to House Gray-Mane, as well as a selection of upper-class loot and gold.

Related QuestsEdit

Take Up Arms: Prove you are worthy to join the Companions.
Proving Honor: Claim a Fragment of Wuuthrad from Dustman's Cairn.
Glory of the Dead: Cure Kodlak's spirit and become Harbinger of the Companions.

DialogueEdit

His greetings:

"Got of [sic] lot of steel to shape."

"Hmm?"

"I ain't much for talkin'."

"Whiterun belongs to the true sons of Skyrim now, just as it should." (If Stormcloaks control Whiterun)

"We Gray-Manes got just as much to be proud of as them Battle-Borns, but you won't see us with our noses in the air."

"My poor Fralia thinks Thorald's still alive, but I know better."

Topics:

Quite a forge you've got here.

"The Skyforge? Aye, my clan-fathers have worked it since the first Gray-Manes came to Whiterun. Skyforge Steel is all the Companions will use, for good reason."

Tell me about yourself.

"You blind, boy/girl? I'm a blacksmith. Any half-wit could see that."

Who are the Companions?

"By Ysmir, are you thick, or just too new to know better? The Companions are the oldest, most honored band of warriors in Skyrim. Whiterun was built around their hall, Jorrvaskr. Don't reckon they can use you. But stranger things have happened."

Are you a Companion?

"Why? Who says I have to be? Skyforge Steel is my art and honor. The Companions need the best, so they come to me."

If the Stormcloaks manage to conquer Whiterun:

Are you glad the Stormcloaks are in charge?

"I'm sure my brother Vignar is, since they made him Jarl after throwing Balgruuf out. Comes the end of the day, Imperials and Stormcloaks ain't much different. Both sides want to tell you how you should live your life. Guess I'd rather hear it from a real Nord than some Emperor down south."

His goodbyes:

"Hm hmm."

"We done?"

ConversationsEdit

"Hrm."

When Eorlund bumps into his wife Fralia in the evening, they will engage in conversation, although Eorlund will use fewer words than ever before:

Fralia: "Eorlund, dearest, are you hungry? Would you like me to fix you something?"
Eorlund: "Hrm."
Fralia: "A venison pie, maybe? With a nice cup of mulled mead?"
Eorlund: "Hrm."

Fralia: "When will you be makin' some more jewelry, love? Some silver lockets and amulets would fetch a nice price at the stand."
Eorlund: "Hrm."
Fralia: "Wonderful, dear. Thank you."
Eorlund: "Hrm."

Quest-Related EventsEdit

Take Up ArmsEdit

"My name is Eorlund Gray-Mane. I work the Skyforge."

During the quest Take Up Arms, you will find yourself as an errand runner for the Companions. When you locate Eorlund, he will ask:

"What brings you here?"

Vilkas sent me with his sword.

"I'm guessing you're the newcomer then?"

Does Vilkas always send newcomers on errands?

"Oh, don't worry too much about it. They were all whelps once. They just might not like to talk about it. And don't always just do what you're told. Nobody rules anybody in the Companions."

I'm just doing what I'm asked.

"That attitude would get you far, if you were some stuffy merchant or a Jarl's footstool. Around here, you'll want to learn to live your own life. Remember, nobody rules anybody in the Companions."

Either will lead to:

Someone has to be in charge, though.

"Well, I'm not sure how they've managed it, but they have. No leaders since Ysgramor. Kodlak is the Harbinger, and he's a sort of advisor for the whole group, but every man is his own. Every woman, her own."

Are you a Companion?

"Not actually a Companion myself, but none of them know how to work a forge properly, and I'm honored to serve them. My name is Eorlund Gray-Mane. I work the Skyforge. Best steel in all of Skyrim. All of Tamriel."

Lastly, he will grab the opportunity and use your low rank to his benefit:

"I have a favor to ask."

What is it?

"I've been working on a shield for Aela. My wife is in mourning and I need to get back to her soon. I'd be much obliged if you could take this to Aela for me."

Didn't you just tell me not to be a servant?

"This isn't a command. Just decency. Help out an old blacksmith. I've got to get back to my work."

I'm happy to lend a hand.

"That's a good man."

He will then return to his duties. Once the quest is completed, Eorlund will offer master training in Smithing with the words:

"It's an honorable craft. I'll show you what I can."

You can ask him again about the Companions, although he will be a bit insulted:

"By Ysmir's beard, I ain't one for humor. You know who the Companions are. So quit your asking."

Proving HonorEdit

During the quest Proving Honor, when you are officially initiated into the Companions, Kodlak Whitemane will encourage you to visit Eorlund for a better weapon. When you visit Eorlund with the request of a new weapon:

I was told you would have a weapon for me.

"Yes, lad, you've been raised into the Companions, I hear. I can fashion whatever kind of weapon you want. Finest forge in Skyrim, right here before you."

You can then choose between five weapon types:

Weapon Type	Comment
Sword	"A blade! It will be as sharp as Fralia's tongue!"
Dagger	"Ah, the sneaky type, eh? I think we can fix you right up."
Battleaxe	"Just like Ysgramor himself."
Greatsword	"Sure you can handle that? Ha! Of course you can."
Waraxe	"Now that's a smart weapon. Light, strong, useful. Crack some skulls for me."

Glory of the DeadEdit

"We take our leave."

When you have started Glory of the Dead and return to Whiterun, you will find several citizens gathered around the Skyforge to pay their respect to deceased Harbinger Kodlak Whitemane. Naturally, Eorlund is present as well, standing next to Kodlak's body which is placed on top of the forge itself. When you arrive, you will witness the ritual, with Eorlund asking the first question:

Eorlund: "Who will start?"

Aela: "I'll do it. Before the ancient flame..."

Everyone: "We grieve."

Eorlund: "At this loss..."

Everyone: "We weep."

Vilkas: "For the fallen..."

Everyone: "We shout."

Farkas: "And for ourselves..."

Everyone: "We take our leave."

After the ritual, Eorlund will watch as Aela ignites the fire under Kodlak, and people will then start to go their separate ways. Aela will gather what is left of The Circle, while Eorlund will seek you out and ask:

"Do you have the fragments of Wuuthrad, still? I'll need to prepare them for mounting again."

I return them with honor. (Give fragments)

"Don't get too flowery on me, lad/lass."

Here, take them. (Give fragments)

"Careful with those. Don't want even more fragments, do we?"

He will then make a special request:

"Of course, I have a small favor to ask of you. There's another piece, that Kodlak always kept close to himself. Would you go to his chambers and bring it back for me? I'm not sure I'm the best one to go through his things."

"Thank you. I'll be here."

"I appreciate it."

He will then return to his daily routines while you go through Kodlak's end table for the fragment. When you return to Eorlund, he will say:

"You're back."

"Thank you. Your Shield-Siblings have withdrawn to the Underforge. I think they're waiting for you."

He will then get to work, regardless of the hour, and keep his plans secret for the time being.

"Just because something is, doesn't mean it must be."

In the Underforge, the members of the Circle will be gathered around the fountain, all of them frustrated and discouraged. They all know that Kodlak died without being granted his only wish, namely to be freed of his lycanthropy so he could spend his afterlife in Sovngarde. While they know of a way to cleanse his soul, it requires them to enter the Ysgramor's Tomb and perform a ceremony:

Vilkas: "The old man had one wish before he died. And he didn't get it. It's as simple as that."
Aela: "Being moon-born is not so much of a curse as you might think, Vilkas."
Vilkas: "That's fine for you. But he wanted to be clean. He wanted to meet Ysgramor and know the glories of Sovngarde. But all that was taken from him."
Aela: "And you avenged him."
Farkas: "Kodlak did not care for vengeance."
Vilkas: "No, Farkas, he didn't. And that's not what this is about. We should be honoring Kodlak, no matter our own thoughts on the blood."
Aela: "You're right. It's what he wanted, and he deserved to have it."
Vilkas: "Kodlak used to speak of a way to cleanse his soul, even in death. You know the legends of the Tomb of Ysgramor."
Aela: "There the souls of the Harbingers will heed the call of northern steel. We can't even enter the tomb without Wuuthrad, and it's in pieces, like it has been for a thousand years."

At this point, Eorlund Gray-Mane will enter and say:

Eorlund: "And dragons were just stories. And the elves once ruled Skyrim. Just because something is, doesn't mean it must be. The blade is a weapon. A tool. Tools are meant to be broken. And repaired."
Vilkas: "Is that? Did you repair the blade?"
Eorlund: "This is the first time I've had all the pieces, thanks to our Shield-Brother/Shield-Sister here. "The flames of a hero can reforge the shattered." The flames of Kodlak shall fuel the rebirth of Wuuthrad. And now it will take you to meet him once more."

He will then address you personally:

"As the one who bore the fragments, I think you should be the one to carry Wuuthrad into battle."

He will then hand you the weapon and speak to the other members:

"The rest of you, prepare to journey to the Tomb of Ysgramor. For Kodlak."

He will then turn around and leave the Underforge.

When you have completed Glory of the Dead and Kodlak enjoys his afterlife in Sovngarde, a trip up to the Skyforge and Eorlund will make him tell about a strange change he has observed with the forge:

"You know, since Kodlak's funeral the Skyforge feels more... awake. It's always been said that the souls of the heroes of old are what give Skyforge steel its strength. But I think the forge knows the greatness of Kodlak's soul. I can't really explain, but it feels like it's... young. I'll wager it could now forge metal the likes of which hasn't been seen since eras long forgotten. I'm eager to try."

After completing the full Companions questline, standard "Ancient Nord" weapons from draugr can be converted into "Nord Hero" weapons by speaking to Eorlund at the Skyforge.

Standard MerchandiseEdit

This is the merchandise found in Eorlund's merchant chest. These items are only available if purchased from the merchant. However, you can access his merchant chest with a glitch (see bugs). They are restocked every two days.

Count	Item	Details
1	Complete leveled set of heavy armor (unmatched, unenchanted; Ebony is best possible)
1	Complete leveled set of light armor (unmatched, unenchanted; Glass is best possible)
1	Complete leveled set of weapons (one of each type incl. bow except dagger; unenchanted; Ebony is best possible)
50	Iron Arrows
10	Iron Ingots
10	Leather
10	Leather Strips
~19	Leather or Leather Strips	Max 25 (25@75%)
~2	Leveled Armor (unenchanted)	Max 3 (3@75%)
~4	Leveled Arrows (batches of 15)	Max 5 (5@75%)
~5	Leveled Ingots	Max 7 (7@75%)
~4	Leveled Ores/Charcoal	Max 5 (5@75%)
~2	Leveled Weapons (unenchanted)	Max 3 (3@75%)
1	Pickaxe
1	Skyforge Steel Battleaxe
1	Skyforge Steel Dagger
1	Skyforge Steel Greatsword
1	Skyforge Steel Sword
1	Skyforge Steel War Axe
~0	Special items (armor or weapons; 33% chance of being enchanted)	Max 3 (3@10%)
1	Wolf Armor
1	Wolf Boots
1	Wolf Gauntlets
1	Wolf Helmet

RumorsEdit

Eorlund's smithing skills are known all over Skyrim, although you will hear Whiterun citizens talk about them the most. At the local weaponry shop, Warmaiden's, Adrianne Avenicci will tell you: "I don't claim to be the best blacksmith in Whiterun. Eorlund Gray-Mane's got that honor. Man's steel is legendary. All I ask is a fair chance." When giving you her favor quest, she will mention Eorlund once again: "Aye, that I do. I've got to, if I hope to be as good as Eorlund Gray-Mane some day. In fact, I just finished my best piece of work." Naturally, Fralia Gray-Mane thinks highly of her husband and will tell you: "My husband Eorlund tends the Skyforge up at Jorrvaskr, the Companions mead hall. There's no finer smith in the nine holds. You should ask him about his work. It's the only subject that'll get him talking. Well, that and maybe those stuck-up, dung-sniffing Battle-Borns." When trying to sell her wares at the market, she will shout: "Shiny trinkets for your good lady! All crafted by the great Eorlund Gray-Mane himself!" She can also be seen telling Ysolda why she doesn't need to trade with the caravans: "Plenty of people here that need Eorlund's craftsmanship, my dear. We've never had any reason to deal with those caravans of theirs." She will also tell Lillith Maiden-Loom that Eorlund will craft a new locket in polished silver: "Ahhh, I see. I think I know just what you need. I don't have anything like that here now, but my Eorlund - he can make you one right quick. When I get home, I'll have him start on it right away." In Jorrvaskr, Njada Stonearm will tell Skjor how to hold his shield: "If Eorlund made it, it's more likely you're gripping it wrong. Find me tomorrow and we can go over it."

When you first enter Whiterun you can overhear Adrianne Avenicci trying to convince Idolaf Battle-Born about asking Eorlund for help: "Why don't you swallow that stubborn pride of yours and ask Eorlund Gray-Mane for help?", to which Idolaf will hatefully reply: "Ha! I'd sooner bend my knee to Ulfric Stormcloak." Due to the feud between the two clans, another Battle-Born, namely Olfrid will say: "Eorlund Gray-Mane's a stubborn fool. Our friendship ended when he turned his back on the Emperor." However, most people outside Whiterun recognize Eorlund's skills, even young Dorthe from Riverwood, who will ask her father: "You really think I can be a blacksmith someday, papa? As good as Eorlund Gray-Mane?" In Windhelm, local blacksmith Oengul War-Anvil will prove more bitter, saying: "Everyone says Eorlund Gray-Mane is the best smith in Skyrim. I plan to change a few minds about that." and add: "I respect Eorlund, but he has the good fortune to work the Skyforge. Something about the fires... their steel just holds tighter." The most prominent rumor about Eorlund occurs during the Diplomatic Immunity quest, when most of Skyrim's upper class is gathered for a party inside the Thalmor Embassy. At that occasion, the party guests will discuss Eorlund. One guest will comment: "I'm not sure that it's news, but lately it seems like every blacksmith in Skyrim is out to prove that he's the equal of Eorlund Gray-Mane." The other guest will then reply: "It's not really a fair comparison, if you ask me. After all, Eorlund works the Skyforge. How is any smith going to compete with that?"

BugsEdit

Two lines of dialogue were recorded for Eorlund for use during the quest Missing In Action. Unfortunately, they were mistakenly attached to stage 1000 of In My Time Of Need, so they can never be heard in-game:
"We Gray-Manes got just as much to be proud of as them Battle-Borns, but you won't see us with our noses in the air."
"My poor Fralia thinks Thorald's still alive, but I know better."
- The Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch, version 3.0.3, fixes this bug.
Eorlund's merchant chest is accessible via a glitch.
- The Unofficial Skyrim Patch, version 1.3.2, fixes this bug.
If in combat with him, the quest Glory of the Dead may not start properly.
- The Official Skyrim Patch, version 1.9.26.0.8, fixes this bug.

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