Jauffre
A loyal sword in the dark, guarding the last hope of an empire.
Jauffre stands as one of the most steadfast and pragmatic figures in the history of the Third Era, serving for decades as the Grandmaster of the Blades and a trusted advisor to the Imperial throne. A veteran warrior whose loyalty transcends personal ambition, he is best known for his critical role in safeguarding the last surviving heir of the Septim bloodline during the tumultuous years leading up to the Oblivion Crisis. His life is defined by an unwavering commitment to duty, often placing him at the center of history's most dangerous conspiracies.
- Role
- Grandmaster of the Blades
- Affiliation
- The Blades, Imperial Legion
- First Appears
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- Status
- Deceased (Post-Oblivion Crisis)
- Notable Ally
- Martin Septim
- Former Master
- Emperor Uriel Septim VII
Lore & Background
As Daedric hordes tore through the gates of Tamriel, Jauffre shed his quiet guardian role to become a field commander in the crumbling empire. He did not merely guide the Hero of Kvatch; he forged a desperate alliance to rebuild the shattered Blades from scattered survivors and secured the Amulet of Kings against impossible odds. His wisdom became the linchpin of the final hour: when all hope seemed lost, it was Jauffre who compelled Martin Septim to accept his destiny, sacrificing their personal bond so that Martin could ascend as the last Dragonborn and seal the Oblivion gates forever.
In Their Own Story
Rain hammered the ancient stones of Weynon Priory, drowning out the distant clamor of war and masking the approach of unseen enemies. By the dying hearth, Jauffre stood like a statue carved from iron, his hand resting on a blade scarred by decades of service. He watched young Martin shiver—not from the chill, but from the crushing weight of a crown he never sought. 'The world is burning, boy,' Jauffre rasped, his voice worn rough by age and the smoke of battle. 'But as long as you draw breath, the flame of the Septims will not die. We do what we must, so that others may live to see the dawn.'
Reader's Guide
Jauffre serves as the pragmatic anchor of the Blades during the Oblivion Crisis, seamlessly blending military strategy with the mystical burden of protecting the Dragonborn lineage. His journey transforms him from a shadowy guardian into an open leader who rallies the player to restore their decimated order. A master tactician rather than a mage, he wields two-handed weapons with lethal efficiency but relies on his strategic mind to navigate the Empire's political and magical precipice. His arc is defined by heartbreaking necessity: orchestrating Martin Septim's escape, retrieving the Amulet of Kings under siege, and ultimately making the agonizing choice to send Martin to the Temple of the One, prioritizing the salvation of Tamriel over his own attachment.
Did You Know?
- Jauffre was a childhood friend and mentor to Emperor Uriel Septim VII, having served alongside him since their youth in the Imperial Legion.
- He is one of the few characters who survives the game's conclusion alive, though he eventually retires from active duty after Martin's sacrifice.
- Unlike many nobles, Jauffre has no interest in titles or wealth; his only goal is the preservation of the Septim bloodline and the safety of Tamriel.
- He personally trained several generations of Blades before the order was decimated by the Mythic Dawn.