Whitney Writes…

Birth Sign: The Tower

Where was she born? Windhelm, Skyrim

Where does she currently live? Windhelm, Skyrim.

Does she hold a special place in society? She is the wife of Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, of Windhelm, and attempted High King usurper.

Does she suffer from any illnesses? She suffers from severe depression, borderline bi-polar symptoms, following the death of her two little girls.

Does she have any side effects of past illness?  Nilsine can go days, sometimes even weeks, at a time without rising from bed due to her depression.  Her depression runs so deep, that she is in physical pain much of the time.  The only things that seem to ease her symptoms are the presence of her husband and son.

Does she have any scars or old injuries that plague her?  No.

Who are her close friends? Her twin sister, Friga, was her childhood best friend. Eva Jager and Hethia Stone-Fist are her constant companions in her adult life.

What does she do for a living? She is the Lady of Windhelm.

What kind of education did she receive, and from whom? She received a high-class education to reflect the wealthy, high-standing class of her family, the Shatter-Shields.

Family

Who are her family? Nilsine comes from the Windhelm-based Clan Shatter-Shield, and married into the Windhelm-based clan Stormcloak.

What is the social standing of her family? She is a high-born lady, even before her marriage to Windhelm’s Jarl.

Does she have any famous ancestors? High King Jorunn Fair-Crown, the founder of the reigning Fair-Crown bloodline, is her great-great-grandfather. And her great-great-great-great-grandfather, Attrebus Mede, is the Emperor of Tamriel following the Oblivion Crisis.

Does she have any famous close family members? Her husband is Jarl, self-proclaimed High King for a brief moment, Ulfric Stormcloak; she is also mother to the Dragonborn, Alistair Stormcloak.

Parents: Her father is Torbjorn Shatter-Shield, and her mother is Tova Cruel-Sea.

What is her relationship like with her parents? Growing up, Nilsine was incredibly close with her parents. When her sister is murdered, Nilsine is quite curious how her mother crumbled in on herself so. It was a deeply cutting loss, to be sure, but Nilsine was of the mindset ‘I yet live, Mother, why do you not see me?’ So she grew closer with her father. However, when Nilsine’s own daughters die in 4E 186, she suddenly understands her mother’s state-of-mind.

Siblings: She had a twin sister, Friga, who was murdered when they were thirty years of age.

What is her relationship like with her siblings? She was extremely close with her twin sister; they were identical, so they did just about everything the same. Their relationship became slightly strained after Nilsine married. There were no marriage offers coming in for Friga, let alone one from a Jarl.

Nieces/Nephews: Nilsine has one niece by marriage, Hermir Strong-Heart, the illegitimate daughter of Silda, Ulfric’s sister, and Nilsine’s uncle, the already-married Torsten Cruel-Sea.

Favorite Niece/Nephew: Nilsine is not overly fond of her niece/cousin, Hermir, as she is the result of an imperfect marriage.

Aunts/Uncles: She has one uncle, Torsten Cruel-Sea, her mother’s younger brother, and his wife, Hillevi Cruel-Sea.

Favorite Aunt/Uncle: Due to the strange age gaps, Nilsine’s uncle is only nine years older than her, his wife actually three years younger, Nilsine always felt Torsten was more her cousin than her uncle. Once he cheated on his wife, she grew to despise him.

Cousins: Asgorn, Fenrick, Metia, Grimvar, Sillina, and Eyja Cruel-Sea, all children of Torsten and Hillevi. And Hermir Strong-Heart, daughter of Torsten and Silda; and yes, Hermir is Nilsine’s cousin as well as niece.

Favorite Cousin: All of Nilsine’s “cousins” are actually younger than her own children, and they feel more like nieces and nephews to her. But she would sight Metia as her favorite, always feeling as though the girl were Nilsine’s own daughters reborn.

Spouse/Partner: She was married to Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, on 2nd Sun’s Dawn, 4E 178.

In-Laws: Her father-in-law was Jarl Hoag Stormcloak; her mother-in-law was Lady Alana Stormcloak. Her sister-in-law, whom many are unaware of, is the beggar woman, Silda the Unseen, of Windhelm.

What is her relationship like with her spouse/partner? Nilsine and Ulfric have a very loving relationship. He loves her quiet, calm, and grounded personality and it off-sets his loud, chaotic, and fiery personality quite well. He is one of the few things that can still pull Nilsine out of the darkness she resides in since the death of their daughters. And if he cannot, he will just sit with her in silence.

What is her spouse/partner’s personality like? Ulfric is very headstrong, and yet he is extremely devoted to his family. His priorities are, in order: Country & Duty first, Honor second, Family third, followed by everything else.

Children: Nilsine and Ulfric had three children: a son, Alistair Stormcloak, born 29th Evening Star, beneath the sign of the Thief, in 4E 180; a daughter, Isolde Stormcloak, born 1st Sun’s Dawn, beneath the sign of the Lover, in 4E 182; and a second daughter, Freya Stormcloak, born 13th of Heart Fire, beneath the sign of the Lady, in 4E 183.

What is her relationship with her children like? Nilsine was devoted to all three of her children. But her girls died at a very young age, only three and four years of age, and Nilsine never recovered. Her only remaining child, her son, Alistair, becomes the light of her eye. She pours everything she has left to give into him when she is feeling well. And when she is not, he will snuggle with her in bed, read to her, or play the lute for her.

What are her children’s personalities like? Alistair, the eldest, is the devoted little care taker to his mother and little sisters. He inherited his father’s stubbornness and fiery arrogance, yet he can be quickly extinguished by a few choice words from his mother. When he grows into an adult, he has two women in his life: his wife, and his lover. He treats his wife with cool indifference. He treats his lover with the utmost passion, whether it be love or hate. He can be gentle, sweet, loving, and caring; yet he can also be violent, arrogant, cruel, and controlling. Isolde, the middle child, is the true embodiment of her Birth Sign, the Lover. Isolde loves everything and everyone. She regards the world around her with wonder and appreciation. Freya, the youngest of the Stormcloak children, is also the true embodiment of her Birth Sign, the Lady. Freya is a little lady from the moment she is born. She hates to be dirty. She loves to be dressed in the finest fabrics. She is the diplomatic one of the Stormcloak children.

Does she have a favorite child, why? Nilsine had a special and different bond with each of her three children. But Alistair has always been her favorite. Even before the death of Isolde and Freya.

Did the Oblivion Crisis have any impact on her family? It had some impact, as it caused her ancestors, the Mede’s, to ascend the Ruby Throne when the Septim’s were wiped out.

Did the Great War have any impact on her family? Yes, her husband was a veteran of it and the White-Gold Concordat that was forced to be signed is one of the driving factors in the civil war in which Ulfric plunges Skyrim into. He also plunged the Stormcloak family name into the deep bowels of hatred amongst the Reachmen after a significant amount of executions.

How do current events, such as the murder of the reigning High King, the return of dragons, and so on, affect her and her family? It throws her entire life into turmoil and question, as all of it is the doing of her husband. Nilsine becomes sick with worry that her husband and son shall be killed. That Elisif will come for her. It is all of this that seems to fully pull Nilsine from her sickbed to become a calculating, manipulator at court once again.

Personality

Five words to describe her: Pious, Charitable, Loving, Forgetful, Unstable

What does she hate most: Illness. And also the women that tempt her husband into being unfaithful to her. Not that her husband can be unfaithful.

What does she fear most: Losing her husband and son.

What does she love most: Her husband and son.

What is the one thing she wants most of all? And what is she willing to do, or sacrifice, to obtain it? Her husband and son not to destroy everything. She is willing to go behind their backs and manipulate.

What is something that will instantly irritate her or send her into a rage? Her husband’s infidelity. Any man’s infidelity, actually.

What is something that can quickly cure that rage? Her husband groveling. Which he willingly will do, as he cannot stand having his wife angry with him.

Any notable quirks, ticks, or habits? Not especially.

What is the most difficult thing she has ever had to do ? Bury her two daughters.

What is the best moment of her life thus far? Learning that her son finally plans to marry.

What is the worst moment of her life thus far? Losing both of her daughters, within a day of one another.

Is she an honest woman? Yes.

Is she an honorable woman? As long as you are on the side of her interests, yes.

Is she a brave woman? No.

Religion

What pantheon does she worship? She is a pious follower of the Eight.

Who are her patron deities? She prays most often to Shor, God of the Underworld in the Nordic pantheon.

What role, if any, have they played in her life or upbringing? They bring her great comfort following the death of her daughters.

What are her views on other Aedra or Daedra? She does not tolerate worship outside of the Eight. And Ulfric’s insistence on reinstating Talos drives her mad.

Do they view any places as sacred? Temples and shrines are the highest of piety.

How do they view other pantheons’ deities and sacred places? Nilsine largely looks down upon them, knowing they are wrong.

Social

How does she feel about the government? Being married to part of it, she finds it is doing quite well.

How does she feel about people in charge? Such as the Emperor, the High Queen, Jarls, the Thalmor? Again, being married to part of it, she thinks quite highly of it. Though she is not shy about her opinion that the High Queen is too young to be taken seriously.

Does she respect rules and laws and the order of things? Yes, to a fault at times.

How does she feel about those of another race? She is rather racist, like her husband, and looks down upon the races of Khajiit and Argonian. It is actually she who encourages him from banishing the Argonians from Windhelm.

Is she independent or more group oriented? Nilsine has never been independent in any sense of the manner. She largely relies on others to guide her.

Does she take orders well? Why or why not. No. But, then again, she has never really been in a position to be receiving them.

Can she put aside her own ideals and desires for the better interest of others? Not her own desires and ideals, no. But she is glad to set aside the desires and ideals of others for the better interest of the greater good.

How does she feel about others in general? Does she view them as out to get her, or honestly trying to help, or does she feel they are out to get her? She has always been wary of strangers.

Is she a helpful person, or is she selfish, only caring about herself and her own gain? A tricky one to answer for the Lady of Windhelm. Nilsine is incredibly helpful to those one would consider as in her inner circle.

Do they view animals as better companions than people?  Or are they merely servants/food/things? Animals are not true companions.

If she is a hunter, does she honor the animal she slays? She does not think of it.

What does she think of each of the other race?  Could she ever cooperate with them? She is largely revolted by Argonians and Khajiits. The others, she could perhaps reason with, though preferably not Dunmer, either.

What person or group does she pledge her allegiance to? Her husband and the Stormcloak name. Though, she believes his conflict with the Empire shall get them all killed.

Talents/Education

Did she receive any special schooling anywhere? She received the schooling of a highborn lady.

Did or does she have any mentors or favorite teachers? Nilsine felt she had learned quite a substantial amount from Ulfric’s own mother.

Does she have any magical talents? If yes: when did she first show signs, how did she discover it, and what did others think of it? No, Nilsine possesses no magical abilities.

What school of magic, if any, does she hold the strongest inclination towards? None, as she cannot do magic.

Does she hold a desire for knowledge? She does love to learn about political endeavors, so as she might become a better advisor and decision maker with her husband.

How does she feel about books? Does she have a favorite? She loves books. She sites the great histories as her favorites, but she keeps a set of Barenziah’s biographies.

What subject, skill, or topic does her expertise lie in? Her greatest skill is reading people.

Is she a good rider? Who taught her? She is an excellent rider, having learned as a girl from her grandfather.

Violence/Fighting/Combat

Is combat an art, a necessity, or a skill? She finds violence despicable, but understands it is necessary at times.

Is killing ever acceptable? In times of war, it is a must.

Has she ever had to kill before? If so, did she know who it was? How/why did it happen? No.

Is she easily angered? If so, is she easily calmed? If she feels slighted by her husband, she is quick to fly into a fury. And she makes him earn her forgiveness.

Is she vindictive? In some things, yes.

Can she control her passions or is she self-indulgent? She is relatively capable of controlling her passions.

What weapons is she familiar with? Who taught her how to use them? None.

Does she honor those she has killed, if she has killed? N/A

Will she use force to take what she wants? There are few things in which she would.

If she wants something someone else has, what will she do to get it and how will she do it? She is well-versed in some manipulations.

Is torture acceptable? No. But in times of war…

Is mind-control and possession acceptable? No.

Is pillaging acceptable? No.

Is stealing acceptable? No.

Is poisoning acceptable? No.

If an opponent were to yield, would she accept it? If yes, even one from a dishonorable opponent? N/A

Would she kill an innocent? If not, would she do so if a higher power were to command her to do so? Never.

Story Based

What other Point-Of-View Characters does she interact with, both directly and indirectly? Directly: Adelais True-Heart, Elisif Fair-Crown, Hermir Strong-Heart, Metia Cruel-Sea. Indirectly: Danica Pure-Spring, Muiri Silver-Blood, Ysolda Stone-Water.

Are they related to any other Point-Of-View Characters? She is aunt/cousin to Hermir Strong-Heart.

What chapters are from their point-of-view? Chapter Three

What other chapters do they appear in? ?