Skyrim:Laila Law-Giver

Laila Law-Giver (RefID: 00019DEA) (lore page)
Home City	Riften
Location	Mistveil Keep
Race	Nord	Gender	Female
Level	10	Class	Citizen
RefID	00019DEA	BaseID	00013366
Other Information
Health	125	Magicka	80
Stamina	80
Primary Skills	Smithing, Alchemy, Enchanting, Light Armor, One-handed, Speech, Two-handed
Morality	No Crime	Aggression	Unaggressive
Essential	Yes
Voice Type	FemaleCommander
Faction(s)	CrimeFactionRift; Mistveil Keep Faction; NPCs the Player cannot marry; Ruling Government; Sons of Skyrim Government; Thieves Guild No Pickpocketing Faction; TownRiftenFaction

Laila Law-Giver on her throne

Laila Law-Giver is the Jarl of Riften, though the amount of influence she actually has over the citizens of the Rift is debatable.

She wears a set of noble clothes and fur-lined boots, along with a silver and sapphire circlet. In combat she wields a leveled enchanted sword. She also carries a selection of upper-class items and gold.

When you first enter Riften, it becomes obvious that the Thieves Guild maintains a high level of influence over the happenings of the city, yet Laila seems convinced that she has things under her control. Through her ambient dialogue, it is made apparent that she doesn't find the Thieves Guild a problem. The court officials also assuage her concerns, telling her that nothing is wrong, particularly her steward, Anuriel, who is actually a Thieves Guild infiltrator put in place by Maven Black-Briar to manipulate Laila into defending Maven's interests and keep her from interfering with the Guild.

She has two sons, Harrald and Saerlund. She believes Saerlund has gone crazy due to his dislike of Ulfric Stormcloak, and has tasked her court wizard Wylandriah with determining the cause of her son's sickness. This may be a front however, as if you become a Thane of the Rift, she will confide to you that while she supports the Stormcloaks, she has little faith in Ulfric himself. Her housecarl, Unmid Snow-Shod, however, is a staunch supporter of Ulfric and his rebellion.

If you are aligned with the Imperial Legion during the civil war and have captured the Rift, either by conquest or by negotiation during Season Unending, she will be removed as Jarl and be replaced by Maven Black-Briar. After this, she can be found in the Palace of the Kings in Windhelm, lamenting her situation while placing the blame for the loss of her hold on herself.

Related Quests

• I Done Got Thaned!: Help out the Jarl and citizens of the Rift, and be named Thane for your service. (radiant)
• The Raid: Help the Jarl of Riften to uncover and stop the illegal skooma trade in town.
• Supply and Demand: Clear Cragslane Cavern for the Jarl of Riften.
• A Jarl's Justice^DG: Kill a vampire masquerading as a Visiting Advisor. (radiant)

Dialogue

Her greetings:

"Welcome to Riften, traveler. I hope the road fared well for you."

"What can I do for you?"

"Speak, I wish to hear everything my subjects have to say."

Her greetings if exiled:

"I feel so helpless out here. The people of Riften depended on me, and I failed them."

"Unmid and Anuriel shouldn't blame themselves for Riften's fall, I am the one who's ultimately responsible."

"If Riften can be retaken, I will redouble my efforts to ensure the safety of my subjects and the defense of the Rift."

When spoken to:

What's your stance on the war?

"While I feel Ulfric's cause is just, my concern is for the people of The Rift. How can they continue to lead their already meager lives with dark clouds looming overhead? My heart goes out to them. If only our coffers were deeper, I could protect them as they were my own family."

What of Ulfric himself?

"With the Stormcloaks at his back, Ulfric's poised to rid Skyrim of the Empire's forces and invalidate our involvement with the White-Gold Concordat. Many have died taking up arms for this cause. I fear that the land will be stained with blood for years to come." (Pre-Stormcloak victory)

"With the Stormcloaks at his back, Ulfric's poised to rid Skyrim of the Empire's forces and invalidate our involvement with the White-Gold Concordat. Between you and I, I think his motivations are a bit more self-serving. He uses this holy war as leverage in order to pursue the throne. If he were to be crowned High King, I'm not so certain it would be the golden age his followers expect." (Post-Stormcloak victory)

What is the White-Gold Concordat?

"Surely you're aware of the Great War between the Imperials and the Elves who called themselves the Aldmeri Dominion? When the smoke cleared, the White-Gold Concordat was signed... it was supposedly a treaty aimed at establishing peace within the Empire. One of the terms of the treaty was the outlawing of worship to Talos. To the Stormcloaks, this was viewed as the moment when the Empire became unworthy of the allegiance of any true Nord."

Tell me about the Thieves Guild.

"We're all eager to see them brought to justice. Maven Black-Briar has assured me that they're being dealt with appropriately. As one of our city's most influential citizens, she's has taken it upon herself to oversee their incarceration. Sadly, they're proving elusive but I have confidence that Maven won't give up until this city has been rid of them all."

Quest-Related Dialogue

The Raid

I've discovered a skooma dealer in Riften.

"Yes, I'm afraid we're aware of Sarthis's presence in the warehouse. Unfortunately, we're certain he has informants within the city guard. Every time we've made a move to arrest him, he's escaped. However, if you'd take care of this discreetly, you might be able to surprise him without warning."

Sure, I'll do it.

"Excellent. Here, this is the key to the warehouse. See if you can drop in on this dealer of poison and convince him to close down his operation permanently."

Sorry, sounds dangerous.

"Hm. Well, if you change your mind, come see me again."

After killing Sarthis:

Sarthis Idren has been taken care of.

"It's nice to receive good news for a change. Did you recover anything else from the warehouse worth mentioning?" (This continues with Supply and Demand)

Supply and Demand

I've discovered the source of the skooma.

"Then there's no time to lose. It won't take long for Sarthis's associates to learn of his death. The source of the poison must be destroyed once and for all, otherwise another dealer will simply take his place. Do this task for me and you'll be well on your way to a title in Riften."

I'll make sure it's done.

"Good. Report back to me when your task is complete."

Perhaps some other time.

"I can't say I'm happy with your decision. If you change your mind, let me know."

Upon clearing Cragslane Cavern:

The Cragslane operation has been stopped.

"Well done! Your continued efforts have been of great benefit to the people of Riften. Allow me to present you with this compensation for your selfless efforts."

I Done Got Thaned!

Is there anything I can help Riften with?

"Ah, there you are. I was wondering when you'd visit us again. I've been informed by my steward that you've made quite an impression in the Rift; several of our citizens have expressed their admiration."

Regarding what, my lady?

"Much like Mjoll, you've become champion of our hold; helping people with their difficulties and providing assistance for their needs. As the Jarl of Riften, I feel it's my duty to honor your selfless behavior by honoring you with the title Thane of Riften."

I would be honored to accept.

"Before I can present you with the title, there's but a single requirement you must fulfill. A Thane of Riften is expected to maintain permanent residence within the city walls. My steward has such a home available to you for purchase. I think you'll find the accommodations to be most pleasing. When the house is yours, return to me and I will present you the title." (If you don't own Honeyside)

"You've already taken all the necessary steps in becoming eligible for the title. Therefore all that remains is to bestow it upon you." (If you own Honeyside already)

I've purchased Honeyside.

"Then allow me to officially welcome you to Riften. You'll make a fine addition to our city. All that remains now is to bestow the title upon you."

Either option leads to:

Thank you.

"I should be the one thanking you. You've solved more problems in the short time you've been here then anyone in my court has their entire careers. You've been a beacon of hope in these dark times for my people and I will never forget it. Therefore, by my authority as Jarl, I pronounce you Thane of Riften and award you all of the benefits befitting your station. Congratulations."

Conversations

Laila can regularly be seen discussing court matters with her steward Anuriel:

Laila: "Anuriel, a word please." Anuriel: "Yes, my lady?" Laila: "It's been brought to my attention that the poison known as skooma may be present in our city. What do you know of this?" Anuriel: "I believe it to be a falsehood perpetrated by the Empire in order to weaken the citizen's confidence in your ability to rule." Laila: "Excellent, then they'll be no need to devote any resources to stopping it. Thank you, Anuriel. That will be all."

Anuriel: "My lady, Maven Black-Briar has sent word that she requires your seal in order to expand her shipments into Morrowind." Laila: "But of course! Tell her she'll have it. Maven is one of the few people I can trust and I'd be delighted to give her my blessing." Anuriel: "Yes, my lady. I will pass the good news on to her."

She may also converse with Harrald, either to confirm rumors about the Ratway or to talk about Saerlund's beliefs:

Laila: "Harrald, I have need of you." Harrald: "Yes mother? What is it?" Laila: "This situation with the sewers beneath the city. I hear people have entered this place and have gone missing. Do you know of this?" Harrald: "Yes, I've heard such things. Anuriel assures me they're just fabrications and there's nothing down there save a few stray skeever." Laila: "Well, make sure we keep the patrols out night and day, just to be certain."

Harrald: "Mother, how long must we put up with Saerlund spouting his nonsense about the Empire?" Laila: "What would you have me do, send him to the gallows for treason? He's your brother, Harrald." Harrald: "My only concern is your safety, mother. One can only imagine the sordid types he may be conspiring with to bring about your downfall." Laila: "I will hear no more of this, Harrald. Do you understand me? No more!"

She can be seen inquiring her court wizard, Wylandriah, about Saerlund:

Wylandriah: "Do you realize how delicate the experiment is you've interrupted by sending for me? I may need to throw out the components and start again."

Laila: "How dare you take that kind of tone. You're in service to me, remember?"

Wylandriah: "I'm sorry my lady. The stresses of all this research... it's becoming more than I can bear."

Laila: "You're forgiven. Now, I want to know if you've made any progress with my son. Is he cursed? Has he been possessed?"

Wylandriah: "Sorry, my lady. I've been looking but I'm convinced Saerlund says truly believes what he is saying."

Laila: "Very well. Keep at it. You may go."

Laila may request escort from her housecarl, Unmid Snow-Shod to travel around Riften, though he will object:

Laila: "Unmid, I wish to travel about the city. Prepare an escort please."

Unmid: "Begging your pardon my lady, but I strongly recommend against it."

Laila: "Anuriel seems to think that seeing me on the streets might bolster the city's morale."

Unmid: "My lady, there could be agents of the Empire looking for an opportunity like that to have you killed. Are you willing to take that risk?"

Laila: "No. Of course you're right, Unmid. I'll stay here for now."

Maven Black-Briar may also approach Laila for business:

Laila: "Maven! Always a pleasure to receive you. What can I help you with today?"

Maven: "Thank you, Laila. I wanted to discuss the protection of my shipments." OR "I'm certain you're aware of the loss I sustained a fortnight ago."

Laila: "Yes, indeed. An entire caravan shipment of your mead taken by Imperial soldiers. What of it?"

Maven: "Well, I'm also certain you're aware that our own city guard failed to provide the protection required to ensure safe passage of the shipment."

Laila: "Indeed. We lost three soldiers in that attack. A sad day for Riften."

Maven: "I have payments to make you realize. If I can't make them, I can't make Black-Briar Mead." OR "Quite. To be brief, I need compensation for the lost shipment. Since Riften was responsible for it, Riften should pay for it."

Laila: "We... don't have enough to..."

Maven: "Laila, Riften is my home, but if my meadery can't be safe here, I'll just move it elsewhere."

Laila: "No, that won't be necessary. You'll have compensation for your loss."

Maven: "Thank you, Laila."

Cut Conversations

In an earlier iteration of the Imperial Legion questline, you were originally going to take part in a siege of Riften, much like the Stormcloak variation of the Battle for Whiterun. Upon reaching the throne room you would have been greeted to this exchange:

Unmid: "Where's Anuriel?"

Laila: "She's watching over the others. Look alive now."

Unmid: (shouting out to trespassers)"Stop right there! Where I can see you."

Laila: "Riften denies the Emperor. You are here illegally. Stand down and you will be arrested and tried in the morning. Resist and you will die."

Unmid: "As you wish. Protect the Jarl!"

The battle would have concluded with this exchange between Laila, Maven, and Legate Rikke, although Rikke's dialogue is incorrectly attributed to Galmar Stone-Fist:

Maven: "I think I'll like living here."

Laila: "So enters Maven Black-Briar, the glint of Imperial coin in her eyes. So tell me, what's the price for a woman's integrity these days?"

Maven: "You never were able to see the forest for the trees, were you?"

Laila: "We Nords were proud warriors once. And we still could be. Evidenced by the men and women who fought and died bravely today. You could see that if you had any faith left in that black heart of yours. But no, you're content to snatch scraps falling off the Emperor's table. Fine. Take my home. Take my city. May it burn down around you."

Maven: "A bit melodramatic, even for you Laila. Pack your things and go."

Laila: "One day when you can see past your own interests, you will come to see that we were right. And this... This is all wrong."

Rikke: "If you ladies are finished bickering, there's much to be done. Jarl Black-Briar put your government together. Do it now, or there will be rioting in the streets. We must move quickly to prevent further violence."

Maven: "Jarl Black-Briar. I must admit, I do like the sound of that. And don't worry about any rioting, Legate. I have it under control. We will soon begin publicly executing captured men. That should send a clear message to the people."

Laila: "Yes, but not likely the one you intend."

Maven: "Oh? I don't expect anyone to miss my meaning. Come, Legate. There's much to do."

On the other hand, if you were a Stormcloak taking the city back from the Empire (either due to losing the city in a battle or as a result of Season Unending), this exchange between Maven, Laila, and Galmar would play (note this is the same dialogue that would play if you were taking the city of Markarth back for the Empire under the same circumstances):

Laila: "Ahhh... It's good to be home."

Maven: "Welcome back. I've left a few surprises for you to discover."

Laila: "How kind of you. And I've brought an army to give you a going away parade."

Galmar: "If you two are finished with the touching homecoming, there's a city in chaos out there."

Laila: "Indeed. Come, there is much to be done."

Notes

• When replaced by Maven Black-Briar, Laila's sons Saerlund and Harrald will not leave with her in exile to Windhelm.
• Laila Law-Giver also appears in Legends, in the background of the card Loyal Housecarl.