I have been working on a new optional expansion to BHKS that adds Mjoll the Lioness as a fully realized Jarl of Riften, built to feel grounded, lore-respecting, and meaningfully different from other Jarl choices.
This is not simply adding Mjoll to the current jarl list. The goal is to make Riften feel different when Mjoll is in charge, without rewriting Skyrim or breaking existing systems. Role-players wanted.
Here is what this mod introduces.
A New Path for Riften
If Mjoll is appointed Jarl, she brings her own voice, priorities, and problems with her.
She has:
Unique appointment dialogue
Custom dialogue for all Jarl functions, including petitions and hold reports
Unique dialogue if she is later removed from power
Mjoll does not rule comfortably. She rules because she believes someone has to stand where corruption has been allowed to grow.
Aerin Takes on a Real Role
When Mjoll becomes Jarl, Aerin steps forward as her civic support.
He is no longer just standing behind her. He becomes:
The one who handles logistics
The one who explains decisions
The one who helps keep Riften functioning while Mjoll focuses on principles
Both Mjoll and Aerin receive new greetings, goodbyes, and idle dialogue that reflect their roles while she is Jarl.
The Riften Civil Watch
Mjoll does not create secret police or expand guard power.
Instead, she can authorize a Civil Watch: trusted citizens visibly present in the city as witnesses and deterrents.
When enacted:
Selected Riften citizens take on a public watch role
The city sees a modest approval boost
The treasury covers the cost of outfitting and organization
Unique Civil Watch clothing asset worn while "on duty"
The Civil Watch can be disbanded at anytime by talking to Mjoll.
Consequences for the Black-Briars
If Maven Black-Briar is arrested and sentenced, this mod allows the Crown to act.
In that case:
Black-Briar Lodge can be seized and granted to the player
The mercenaries are peacefully replaced and reassigned with Royal Skyrim Guards
The Lodge becomes a legitimate player home
This is framed as forfeiture under Nordic and Imperial custom, not a violent takeover.
Frost Becomes a Prize
If Maven’s schemes are ended through lawful sentencing, Promises to Keep is resolved cleanly.
Rather than being disabled or forgotten, Frost becomes the player’s horse, claimed as part of the Black-Briar forfeiture
Why This Mod Exists
This expansion is about character-driven leadership.
Riften suffers from a lack of anyone suitable to be Jarl without being a Black-Briar or ties to them. This leaves our new King/Queen of Skyrim in a bind when trying to build a Skyrim free of corruption. This leaves one suitable choice - Mjoll. She's not the perfect candidate but sometimes those are the best ones.
If you like Skyrim when it leans into moral tension instead of clean victories, this one is for you.
Patreon-Exclusive
As a reward for the support while BHKS V2 was created and the patience shown while we've cleaned up bugs and added great new content to the public mod, I've decided to make Mjoll - Jarl of Riften a Patreon supporter exclusive.Thank you, supporters. You're the reason BHKS still grows.
BHKS - Mjoll, Jarl of Riften is coming soon. We're just getting started so give us a few weeks before the first release!- Clover