Click here for more Skyrim GuidesWith the on-going conflict of the Imperial Army and the Stormcloak in Skyrim, you will have an opportunity in the game to pick sides and do a series of quests for the faction that you choose. The big question is, does it really matter which one you choose?
As we all know, there’s an on going civil war in Skyrim between the Imperial Army and the rebels, Stormcloak. Similar to the other faction, you can pretty much join as early as you start the game. As always, there’s an initiation quest that needs to be done in order to be part of that faction.
Just where are the strongholds of both faction and how do I get in? What are the benefits of joining one of the two factions?
Things to Remember:
– At the beginning of the game in Helgen, as you escape the city, you’ll pick which side you would like to take. At this point, it doesn’t matter which one you pick.
– You can initiate both of the faction quest at the same time if you’re unsure where your allegiance lies
– The series of quest for these faction involve you liberating the a city from the faction that you’re fighting against.
– The only difference it does make in the story is that if you choose the Imperial, the Stormcloak rebels will be banished and one of the members of the Imperial Army will be the Jarl of Windhelm. For Stormcloak, it will be the same case. IT DOES AFFECT THE STORY and how people see you.
The Imperial Army Faction
The Imperial Army stronghold is located in Soltitude, the city on the northwestern side of Skyrim. To reach the stronghold from Soltitude, look for a fortress to your left from where you enter the city. You should see a bunch of Imperial Soldiers and lots of Imperial Banners.
To trigger the initiation quest, speak to Leggate Rike. Your quest is to clear all of the bandits in Fort Hraggstad. ‘Joining the Legion’ quest will be initiated.
Do the quest and you’ll be part of the Imperial Army. As a reward and perseverance of joining the army, you’ll receive an Imperial Gear from Beirand.
Dirk
November 13, 2011 at 9:18 AMWhy would I want to end the conflict? I’m only 30 hours into the game and have managed 15-20 quests. This game is big!
nick
November 18, 2011 at 12:18 AMhey does any one no where the guy is in markarth that the stormcloak guy sends us to find. the quest is call liberate the reach
Daniel
November 20, 2011 at 4:51 PMThis literally gives me zero info. Article has nothing to do with the title.
Gro-Kash
November 22, 2011 at 1:20 AMOk so I have encountered a problem. When I started my game I felt like going the Imperial Army route. I took the quest “Joining the Legion” but never ended up doing bc there were so many other things I felt like doing. Like the main quest, I got through the main quest to the point where I had to get General Tullios and Ulfrich Stormcloak to make peace talks in High Hrothgaar. I went and convinced Ulfrich with no problems, then went back to General Tullios and his rude ass Legate and they wouldnt even go into dialogue mode with me unless I completed the “Joining the Imperial Legion” quest. So I had to pick whether I wanted to finish main quest or join the milk drinkers in the Imperial Army. I ended up doing their little quest and joining them. Is there any way I can abandon them for the Stormcloaks? Or am I in this Imperial Camp for good?
stormsolder
November 23, 2011 at 12:09 AMsorry man your in it for good but look at the bright side your around men in dresses now man maybe you could restart but that’s it
Highborn
November 24, 2011 at 2:53 PMGro-Kash. No you are not. You can still change your opinion.
In the quest “The Jagged Crown” you can take the Crown itself to the Stormcloak leader and by that you join them. But remember, that is the absolute last point of choosing the side. After that you can not change your mind.
Stormcloak for the win!
stormsolder
November 25, 2011 at 1:45 AMreally crap that sucks if i had found that out i would not be stuck with ulfric elf hater now this is not good for an altemer
Evilbeav
December 1, 2011 at 7:26 PMWhere is the part where you give us the breakdown and consequences? Like someone else said the article has nothing to do with the title, or is so incomplete that it should never have been posted.
mista bossman
December 4, 2011 at 4:52 AMfor the stormcloak people, would you really rather have a raciest high king making and enforcing the laws, thats like having a kkk person running the U.S, shit wont be good. if the stormcloak leader wasnt raciest or if there was an option to kill him, i would probably go witht the stormcloaks, but theres not so ima stick with the imperials like a boss
Mark
December 6, 2011 at 4:23 AMI keep seeing ppl call the stormcloaks racist, i dunno where the hell they’re getting this.
Yo mista bossman
December 7, 2011 at 1:43 PMumm…you do relize that this is just a game right?
4thewin
December 10, 2011 at 10:51 PM@mista bossman-
pay more attention to the story. Ulfric & the Stormcloaks aren’t racist. They are against the aldmeri dominion (elves) because they are trying to “control” the empire or gain a foothold etc., for example saying who people can and cannot worship and basically sticking their nose in the Empires business.
The empire is allowing this to avoid war/conflict.
No racism involved anywhere.
silk
December 11, 2011 at 2:58 PM@4thewin –
Actually there is evidence of racism. When you talk to a man inside Windhelm by the name of, well I forgot his name, but the dialoge basically shows that Ulfric will offer aid to Nords being attacked by bandits and whatnot. But when any other races, (Aragonian dark elves, orcs, kahjit ect) are in trouble he does nothing. No investigation or anything. The man then gives you a misc quest to go kill bandits that Ulfric is ignoring. Which is why I think I am going to go with Imperials. Even guards in Windhelm sometimes use almost threatening tones when I walk by, and I think it may be because I am a High Elf.
Pardon my horrible spelling.
AriesMajor
December 12, 2011 at 4:07 AMYeah as a high elf I like the way the stormcloaks want to “liberate” skyrim so to speak, but with ulfrik in position there, and the blatant racism of nords against elves. I’m having second thoughts.
The adventurer
December 13, 2011 at 7:37 AMI used to debate about joining the stormcloaks or the Imperials like you, then I took an arrow in the knee. ^^
BeatsStreet
December 17, 2011 at 2:17 PM@The Adventurer
HA! That guy is everywhere!
Kane
December 18, 2011 at 12:39 PMI love how people get so involved in the “Racism” part!
Anyway just to clarify for the people who actually like to make choices based on their real life ideologies, here’s a little note:
During the “Thalmor Embassy Quest” if you actually read the documents you can find in there, you realize that Ulfric and the entire Stormcloaks are actually puppets of the Thalmor and are (directly or indirectly – it is not made clear) supported by the Thalmor.
This is due to the fact that although the general public (of the game, and even us as players) come to believe the Imperials are Thalmor dogs, they are actually starting to reject the Thalmor and becoming a threat. Therefore the Stormcloaks, and specifically Ulfric have now become an “asset” to the Thalmor, and are being used to overthrow the stronger Imperials (for a reason not made clear; not yet anyway) Also this is all from journals and some dialogs you find in the embassy…
However it seems that the followers of Ulfric are not aware of this, and whether or not this is done directly through Ulfric is also unclear. (so there is the possibility that the Thalmor support Ulfric indirectly so he does not realize that he’s being played by them)
Regardless, the Thalmor ARE secretly helping the Stormcloaks, while making most people believe the Imperials are their dogs to increase hate and opposition towards the Imperials.
In other words the civil war is just a means to an end for the Thalmor, by ensuring or at least attempting to bring the Stormcloaks into power, they (and i’m speculating based on info within the game lore) plan on breaking the Legion in order to reduce resistance for what ever it is they plan!
Ironically this seems to have a huge resemblance to real world politics! :p
PureDrumFury
December 24, 2011 at 10:50 AMI joined the Stormcloaks, liberated Whiterun, then went and did some off the grid stuff for about, oh, 20 hours or so. One of those things was start the Companions thread, though I did not continue through to becoming a Werewolf. When I went to do the next Stormcloak mission, where you meet the rebels at their camp, they all attacked me upon arrival. I have no clue why. Can anyone shed some light on this please?
Jules
December 28, 2011 at 8:46 AM@4thewin
ummm… Stormcloaks are very definately “all true nords only” and will only accept other races to their cause because you’re the dragonborn, not because they even like you. I’ve walked in on less than pleasant conversations in the keep and have been treated “poorly” by guards and citizens of Windhelm when I’ve been High Elf and when I’ve been Breton. I’m sure the same lines exist when you’re Kajiit or Argonian… the only reason those races ever get into the keep is because you’re playing them.
Rather than paying attention to the racist or non-racist content, look at what Skyrim gains if we now have Nords and only Nords protecting all of our barriors, now even against Imperial soldiers because the Aldmeri require us as a holding in order to secure the countries around us.
Who thinks we should off Ulfric and start our OWN rebellion… to liberate the Empire from the Aldmeri?
cathyq
December 28, 2011 at 2:20 PMwhy join the imperial army? they tried to kill me in the start
Maiq the liar ftw
December 29, 2011 at 4:03 PMHere is how I see it,
Stormcloaks and the Imperials have both got problems, the whole point is both of their leaders are pictured as the typical “corrupt” politician/leader.
(I use corrupt loosely as a word as I simply mean both leaders want something different to making the people of Skyrim happy)
Anyway, while both of the leaders may have problems, the people who follow them should give you the deciding choice.
If you want to save people like the jarl of whiterun or the Imperial soldier who saved you at the beginning of the game (depending on who you decided to follow), then follow the imperials.
Or if you want to save the Gray-Manes in whiterun and other stormcloak followers, then go with Stormcloaks in their rebellion.
Just to note, I haven’t done any of the civil war quests, and still need to properly explore the other holds other than whiterun.
Anxarmael
December 29, 2011 at 7:47 PMWow… every single discussion on this topic is the same….
You guys/girls seriously need to read some lore deeply and start to use your brain. I mean wtf! Sure the imperials wanted to execute you in the begining but why to blame the entire faction just because of a retarded captain and the imperial lists? 1ST OF ALL, the emperor had NO CHOICE, if he wouldn’t accept the requirements of Thalmor the entire empire, perhaps even tamriel would be reduced to crap. Now those who started the quest “UNBOUND” with Hadvar should know what that It’s not full of *****. Also, another thing which bothers me… people who just join a faction because of how their armor looks xDDDDD Well guess that’s just “pro-gaming” huh?
Anyway – Seriously now… READ THIS AND THINK ABOUT IT!
How it all got to this!
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:The_Great_War
Thalmor Info
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Thalmor
Result:
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:White-Gold_Concordat
UESP has been here since 1995. Trust it, it’s members and it’s info. Do not only rely on default “wikia” pages.
Respect.
Anxarmael
December 29, 2011 at 7:52 PMForgot to add…
If you think about it… basically if you let Skyrim to be torn apart from the Empire, you will most probably make it fall to the Thalmor. Not to mention that Stormcloaks are actually Thalmor’s puppets the entire time, people in Skyrim just fail to judge and notice it. If you’ve read all documents which you can find on the main quest line, you’d know!
Fink
December 30, 2011 at 7:37 AMOK I finally got the answer I was looking for near the end here ^^. I was wondering what would happen to Whiterun if I went to Ulfric. I happen to like Balgruuf ( Although his daughter is a cheeky little snot who needs a good hiding in my opinion) not to mention the fact that I’m his thane. As to the matter of the whole choosing a side because of how the armour looks… why the hell do you think I became an assassin. :D
Fink
December 30, 2011 at 7:56 AMWarning may contain a spoiler as far as dialog is concerned.
Another note my choice to join the imperials is not based on the politics of the day but rather on the sacrifices Martin made in Oblivion as well as the emperors words when I assassinated him. I also don’t believe that Ulfric is aware of the machinations of the Thalmor as when you confront him at the end he says “I belong to her” when the general says “Skyrim does not belong to you” indicating that he believes he is acting in the best interests of his country.
Magnus the Breton
December 30, 2011 at 6:06 PMI still haven’t made a decision, but I am leaning towards the Imperials slightly. The Stormcloaks are kind of racist, but it’s something that I could overlook based on the roughly medieval setting (racism is more the rule than the exception, and dark elves look scary).
But, the one thing that rubs me the wrong way with Ulfric and the Stormcloaks is their “if you’re not with us, you’re against us” mentality. Never did like people with black/white worldview.
By the way, Ulfric kicked the Bretons out of The Reach, well, out of Markarth anyway. So, I (a Breton) guess I would like to join the Forsworn (but sadly I can’t and anyway they aren’t at the same level as the two available factions – bandit rabble instead of an army).
Sigfried
December 31, 2011 at 7:09 PMI’ve been debating this with a group of friends and with myself for the past week and I’m glad to see the views of other players. I too, have found the notes and things about the Thalmor but at the time I didn’t give it much consideration. Knowing that makes me want to join the Imperials more than before, however I have a problem with joining any faction: I feel tied down. When I’m a free-lance Nord running around in dwarven armour gathering all the shouts and killing dragons everywhere, I feel pretty powerful. But, when i join a faction (doesn’t matter what game..i felt like this in New Vegas) I feel that all my in-game time should go towards my chosen team. I’m starting to wonder if being independent is really such a bad choice..
aleinofelsweyr
January 1, 2012 at 2:19 PMi really dont know wich to pick
i beat the civil war with ulfric
but i cant get past that the imperials batardized talos
and the try to chop off your head in helgen
Ahkinyael the High-Mage
January 1, 2012 at 6:05 PMI’ve also found myself torn regarding which side that I want to join. But since I’ve noted several concerns regarding racism on the side of the stormcloaks, it is important to note that both sides have their preferences. If anyone reads the lore (http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:General_Tullius), General Tullius cares little for and is dismissive of the Nordic culture. So in a sense, he is no more different than Ulfric.
deityodin
January 2, 2012 at 10:58 PMI looked at this whole thing as a morality issue. I mean sure the stormcloaks are a bit racist but their cause is good, they think that the empire has crippled under the thalmor and the empire is crippling the nords. they only wish to regain the strength they once had. Btw, i think they should make a skyrim DLC where you fight the thalmor and push them out of skyrim ^-^
Up Late With Archmage Shalidor
January 4, 2012 at 7:23 AMHave you ever noticed how Dark Elves always leave the toilet seat up?
Pablos
January 5, 2012 at 12:29 AMI killed the emperor, then i joined the imperials…
umad?
Ares
January 5, 2012 at 5:35 AMReasons I joined the Stormcloaks:
– The Empire tried to kill me despite not knowing whether I was a Stormcloak or not.
– Ralof or whatever his name was (the one beside Ulfric in the cart at the start of the game)
– The Emperor sucks. Neither did I see Tullius in action, so didn’t know whether he was worth following, while Ulfric can shout, and he owned the high king.
And there’s also the fact that imperials tried to rob me of my money quite often.
Ulfric is my one and only lord. f yeah.
Skyrim-job
January 6, 2012 at 1:19 AMI chose without a doubt stormcloak for many reasons….
1) My boy ulfric and I like to shout together
2) Imperials harshen my buzz everywhere I go
3) The thalmor control both sides – f elves
4) Stormcloak just sounds and looks more badas
5) There racism makes me laugh
6) I’d rather be rebel then in the army – guerilla combat son
7) Finally… i look better in blue…simple
NO BRAINER FOOLS!
Naunette-the-Nord
January 6, 2012 at 11:54 AMHadvar’s Uncle (if you followed Hadvar and talked to him) Hadvar’s uncle says that the worship of Talos was still allowed by teh Imperials even after the peace treaty with the Thalmor was already signed. However once the Stormcloaks started screaming about Talos and ttacking Imperial cities they had to start acting on the tearty because the Thalmor were hearin publicly about.
Also there is the fact that if the Imperials are shut down then th Thalmor win. The Empire will be weakened and the Empire is the only thing standing in the way od the Thalmor complete rule. Without the Empire the Thalmor could easily shut down the Stormcloaks (the rebellious racists) and take over all of Tamriel.
Deathpryer the High Elf
January 9, 2012 at 3:12 AMIn my personal opinion, I prefer the Legion. It’s just more organized, more Military (And I am a Military man). But, if I had a choice for it, I’d go for the Thalmor. If they can defeat the Empire, that’s god enough for me.
crow
January 11, 2012 at 7:41 AMJust make 2 characters, one fully devoted to the Stormcloak rebellion, and one allied with the Imperials. Best of both worlds, and you get to join in on all those fun and epic city/fortress take overs, depending on what you feel like that day.
Dovah_slayer94
January 11, 2012 at 10:11 AMI joined the imperial leigion and the dark brotherhood as well as the companions , so I have to kill the emporor of tamriel as well as fighting for him!WTF?!
Why are people so stupid?
January 12, 2012 at 10:02 AMAll of you people that keep going on about the Stormcloaks being racist are simple-minded fools. The Elves defeated the Empire and are now, more or less, occupying Skyrim and taking away the Nord’s freedom of religion. They pull the strings of the Empire to accomplish their own agenda. Of course the Stormcloaks aren’t going to like them. You people probably think it was racist of the people of Vichy France to hate Germans and want them out during WW2. Get a clue!
Crixus
January 13, 2012 at 3:33 AMThe Stormcloaks have a legitimate gripe. The Imperials bow down to Thalmor scum. Allowing them to arrest Talos worshipers.
Not to mention the fact that Ulfric killed Torygg in fair one-on-one combat. Which by Nordic custom is perfectly acceptable to challenge a King. It’s not Ulfric’s fault that Torygg was such a milk drinker unschooled in the Way of the Voice.
Crixus
January 13, 2012 at 3:37 AMBTW, It made it all the more sweeter to be a Stormcloak when I was cutting the Emperors throat from ear-to-ear.
Linguisa
January 13, 2012 at 11:43 PMHave only done a handful of quests. I guess I am now a vampire from what i can gather. I can’t talk to anyone, they all want me dead! Is there a way to get out of the vampire-ness and get back to playing?
blobby
January 16, 2012 at 9:47 AMI would like to say that neither the Imperials nor the Stormcloaks are good guys. They both took the land from the Foresworn who are the innocent ones. But History is made by the victor. Therefore, I would base it off of who you want to save and who is more liking to you. And no the whole Empire did not want you dead. Just that one woman. But you do what you want. The Imperials are more clear as to waht they want and not as rascist so I chose them.
Night
January 17, 2012 at 4:25 PMAlright first of all I want to state I play Skyrim roleplay style in a sense. But anyways.. when I first started playing I was like alright the Imperials are trying to kill me for no reason, ima join stormcloaks now. But after making my journey to Windhelm I saw how much crap I got for being a Breton and I also didn’t like Ulfric who had no to me seemed like he didn’t know what he was doing. He’s just like ya Skyrim for the Nords.. Lets kill all the Imperials and then idk whats gonna happen. So I said ok Ill join the Imperials. (also random but for all the people talking about racism, who cares! Not because its a game but because Skyrim was originally Nord only. It wasn’t America were people were all like hey lets have everyone here.)
Anyways… Well I decided to join the Imperials later and do Dark Brotherhood quests. Well needless to say SPOILER!: you kill the emperor.. So I was like alright… Well realisticly joining the Imperials now wouldn’t make since. (also because I did what the emperor’s last wish was and killed the guy who hired me. So it deffinetly wouldn’t make since to join the Imperials if you thought about it realisticly you know?) So I joined the Stormcloaks and I regret it now because I thought I was doing some good helping Ulfric whos saying hes the High King. Then at the end he tells me oh ya.. Well I’m kinda not the High King yet.. We need a moot to judge me and Announce me High King (Insert Troll Face On Ulfric here >.>) Yep My Skyrim life.
Night
January 17, 2012 at 4:42 PMAlright another post about the whole racists crap because its everywhere here- Anyways.
1. You can’t really compare racism in the real world to Skyrim because in our world most of the countries are mixed, but in Tamriel each race has their own province which isn’t really racist if people get mad if other races are taking over. Example: lets say your in the black marsh (Argonian territory) and they have some nords come over.. They’ll be like alright visitors thats cool. Then OVER 9000!!! Nords come over and now theres more Nords then Argonians.. Ya makes since why it would make the lizard people po’d.
2. Skyrim nords were totally cool to the other races and were proud to be part of the Imperial Legion before the Thalmor was telling them what to do. HINT FOR DUMB PEOPLE: Thats why there hating on the other races! D: woah! logic just happened. And I’m pretty sure they’ll accept other races in the future just not at the moment.
3. Stop comparing video game racism to real world racism xDDD I mean were not talking skin color here, but different species. Lets see here we got Lizard Men, Humans, Elves, Cat People, Orcs.. Ya come on people stop being so stupid.
Lucian
January 17, 2012 at 11:31 PMThalmor Dossier: Ulfric Stormcloak Status: Asset (uncooperative), Dormant, Emissary Level Approval
Description: Jarl of Windhelm, leader of Stormcloak rebellion, Imperial Legion veteran
Background: Ulfric first came to our attention during the First War Against the Empire, when he was taken as a prisoner of war during the campaign for the White-Gold Tower. Under interrogation, we learned of his potential value (son of the Jarl of Windhelm) and he was assigned as an asset to the interrogator, who is now First Emissary Elenwen. He was made to believe information obtained during his interrogation was crucial in the capture of the Imperial City (the city had in fact fallen before he had broken), and then allowed to escape. After the war, contact was established and he has proven his worth as an asset.The so-called Markarth Incident was particularly valuable from the point of view of our strategic goals in Skyrim, although it resulted in Ulfric becoming generally uncooperative to direct contact.
Operational Notes: Direct contact remains a possibility (under extreme circumstances), but in general the asset should be considered dormant. As long as the civil war proceeds in its current indecisive fashion, we should remain hands-off. The incident at Helgen is an example where an exception had to be made – obviously Ulfric’s death would have dramatically increased the chance of an Imperial victory and thus harmed our overall position in Skyrim. (NOTE: The coincidental intervention of the dragon at Helgen is still under scrutiny. The obvious conclusion is that whoever is behind the dragons also has an interest in the continuation of the war, but we should not assume therefore that their goals align with our own.) A Stormcloak victory is also to be avoided, however, so even indirect aid to the Stormcloaks must be carefully managed.
Information from http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Thalmor_Dossier:_Ulfric_Stormcloak
I think the Thalmor want the Imperials and the Stormcloaks to kill each other that way they can just take Skyrim no problem. I’m gonna side with the Stormcloaks because after the Civil War ends, me and my boy Ulfric are gonna smash those Thalmor to pieces with our now strong Stormcloak Army. All hail Ulfric the true High King! All hail the Dovahkiin… Lucian the Lycan King.
Benjamin
January 18, 2012 at 2:25 AMGuys remember Fallout: New Vegas? Two big problems with that game. The first was the Cazadores. The second and equally frustrating was all the factions you had. Made me miss Fallout 3 because the two sides didn’t have mixed agendas. Three hours into Skyrim I recognized the factions element and thought to myself, Oh Crap. The best option seems to be more clear thanks to those documents. Empire all the way. Maybe if we get lucky there will be some DLC the size of Shivering Isles where we get to depose the Thalmor. Fingers Crossed.
Rocks
January 18, 2012 at 2:58 PMWell I was thinking of joining the Stormcloaks, until I entered Ulfric’s home, he sounded like a complete douche and I’d heard a lot of bad shit about him from Nords and other races, his views are all mixed up which is what confused me about wanting to join the Stormcloaks.
When I cleared the ‘Forsworn Conspiracy’ quest in Markarth though, I finally decided if I’m to take any side it’ll be the Imperials, Ulfric’s main aim seems to be to protect his homeland – but I’m under the impression the Nords aren’t even native to Skyrim, I’ve found that apparently the Forsworn are – so on a moral standpoint: FUCK YOU ULFRIC! :)
Cicero
January 20, 2012 at 4:57 AMIn a more big picture view of Skyrim, since its been a imperial province for years it has become rather multicultural and the whole “Skyrim for the nords” mantra doesn’t sit well with me, so I think I should support the empire. Well that and the stormcloaks kinda come off as dickheads that are almost openly hostile to my character since their an imperial. My only problem is I kinda assainated the emperor before reaching this conclusion as part of the DB questline..So now I really don’t know what to do. Is it bad to ignore the conflict?
Meh
January 20, 2012 at 7:27 AMForsworn are evil, it is as simple as that.
Night
January 20, 2012 at 3:08 PMto Cicero: well if your like me and killed the guy that hired you to kill the emperor then it wouldn’t make since to join the imperials if your semi realistic about it… But if you let that guy live and just took the money then ya join the imperials cus that guy was probably gonna be emperor anyways or be connected to the new emperor.. Unless he was thalmor o.o But then again idk why the thalmor would contact the dark brotherhood since their so full of pride and arrogance.
Scotty
January 23, 2012 at 10:22 AMI have completed the dragonslayer and all other quests with the exception of the war i was leaving it to the end. I have been told that as there is now peace I cannot do or earn the “hero of skyrim” achievement or participate in the war. Can you please confirm. I am level 61 with a few hundred hrs of gameplay restart is not an option.
Scott
mat
January 25, 2012 at 4:22 PMacually ulfric cheated he used a shout to imobilize the high king so it means he made it so the king could not move then he killed him when the king was basicly tied up talk about being a wimp have to cheat to win huh and thalmar control ulfric directly or indirectly so ya imperial all the way
fran
February 2, 2012 at 3:46 AMSo according to this wiki, if you join the Imperials, you can’t purchase the Hjerim house. Or is there another quest that you can complete for the Jorleif to sell the house later on? Kind of a big deal since the house has the most storage space and is a large free standing manor
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Jorleif
LegitStormcloak
February 7, 2012 at 2:57 AMStormcloaks for the win. Elves and Imperial milk-drinkers be foreverdamned!
Sloth
February 12, 2012 at 3:24 PMFor those wondering where the whole Stormcloaks are racist thing is coming up… ever visited Windhelm and seen the insanely racist idea of an Argonian Assemblage (which, mind you, does exist) as well as the way local Nords treat elves? And that fact that if you are an Argonian, you’re referred to as nothing more than a ‘lizard’ by the Windhelm guards?
What sucks though is that the Thalmor themselves are just as racist, going off about how elves are superior. So you have racism on both sides.
I’m sticking with the Imperials though. Being an Argonian I think it’s better that way. Who gives a crap if a bunch of Nords can’t worship Talos? Not affecting me nor the fact that I can still use shouts.
kurecore
February 15, 2012 at 10:23 PMIf you read some of the books in game and if you have been at Thalmor embasy already,you can recognise that Thalmor is behind the “Ulfrick’s rebelion” even if Ulfrik think’s that’s idea comming from his head :) He is like playing god,telling that he want freedom for Skyrim etc .. all of that its bullshit..thinking he want just the crown.. For me is Legion the choise,cuz only if whole empire will be together we can beat up Thalmor (In next DLC or so :D )
And the thing about Talos,well didn’t see him in Sovngard so maybe he is god maybe not,anyway i’ll bet he will unite empire rather then Half-Brain Ulfrick leading Skyrim separated from empire :)
@Fran: Jorleif will be no more asistant i think new jarl have new one .. but not sure i didn’t do the wars yet :)
danerman
February 21, 2012 at 11:57 AMKind of depends. If your character is a Nord and an extreme elitist about it then side with the Stormcloaks. Otherwise side with the imperials. My first character sided with the stormcloaks.
Zelibat
March 7, 2012 at 3:09 PMI would love to join the Thalmore!
Why?
Blasting their way to the top with arcane flames, forcing the Emperor to do their bidding and puppet mastering rebellions to fight their wars for them while they rebuild. And racism? Wasn’t such a big deal in Morrowind. Also, pretty much every race in the ES-universe is kinda favouring their own kin. Wouldn’t you? It’s not like Tamriel is a nice and cozy continent atm, so it could be good to have some people to back you up in everything.
But I guess that for now I’ll just go with whatever fits the char I’m playing for the moment :)
michael carter
March 7, 2012 at 3:49 PMi think the storm cloak rebbellion is the way to go they belive in the old wise ways the imperials want it the way they want with their lists and everything.
afs
March 14, 2012 at 2:34 PMThe Stormcloacks are racist. The grey quarter where dark elves have to live in windhelm is a dump and Ulfric won’t do anything about it. Secondly, the argonians aren’t allowed in the city because of Ulfric. Also he is power mad, he only wants to be high king. He only cares about Nords, I don’t see how the stormcloacks are any worse than the thalmor/ aldmeri
misterfawx
March 26, 2012 at 7:55 AMI’m not sure if anyone above who has claimed Ulfric as a Thalmore puppet actually read the dossier and absorbed everything from it. It clearly states that he is an “asset” which is defined as “a useful and desirable thing”. That does not mean that they are manipulating him, as it also states multiple times that Ulfric is uncooperative and that an audience with him would only happen as a very last ditch effort. Also, the dossier clearly states that it would not be beneficial for the war to end in the favor of EITHER FACTION, and that “whoever is behind the dragons also has an interest in the continuation of the war, but we should not assume therefore that their goals align with our own,” which means that the Thalmor’s highest goal at the present is to keep the war going with neither side winning. The consolidation of power in the hands of one ruler would make Skyrim stronger, regardless of whether or not it was an Imperial or Stormcloak victory. The simple fact is, the Thalmor are still up to no good, even after having all their troops in Cyrodiil ruined and their conquest FAILED. That’s right, ladies and gents. The Thalmor DID NOT conquer the Imperials. A quote from the in-game text, A Concise Account of the Great War Between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion.
“In the end, the main Aldmeri army in Cyrodiil was completely destroyed. The Emperor’s decision to withdraw from the Imperial City in 4E 174 was bloodily vindicated.
Lord Naarifin was kept alive for thirty-three days, hanging from the White-Gold tower. It is not recorded where his body was buried, if it was buried at all. Once source claims he was carried off by a winged daedra on the thirty-fourth day.
***
The White-Gold Concordat and the End of the War
Although victorious, the Imperial armies were in no shape to continue the war. The entire remaining Imperial force was gathered in Cyrodiil, exhausted and decimated by the Battle of the Red Ring. Not a single legion had more than half its soldiers fit for duty. Two legions had been effectively annihilated, not counting the loss of the Eighth during the retreat from the Imperial City the previous year. Titus II knew that there would be no better time to negotiate peace, and late in 4E 175 the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion signed the White-Gold Concordat, ending the Great War.
The terms were harsh, but Titus II believed that it was necessary to secure peace and give the Empire a chance to regain its strength. The two most controversial terms of the Concordat were the banning of the worship of Talos and the cession of a large section of southern Hammerfell (most of what was already occupied by Aldmeri forces). Critics have pointed out that the Concordat is almost identical to the ultimatum the Emperor rejected five years earlier. However, there is a great difference between agreeing to such terms under the mere threat of war, and agreeing to them at the end of a long and destructive war. No part of the Empire would have accepted these terms in 4E 171, dictated by the Thalmor at swords-point. Titus II would have faced civil war. By 4E 175, most of the Empire welcomed peace at almost any price.”
This clearly indicates that the White-Gold Concordat was only signed because the Empire did not have the strength to continue the war, and that they had to resign themselves to the ridiculous treaty in the end. The Thalmor were stopped from gaining control, but they managed to get the terms of the agreement they originally proposed. The Empire IS NOT under Thalmor control.
Max
March 29, 2012 at 2:29 PM@Crixus
Ulfric Stormcloak did not killed the high king in an ”fair one on one combat”
He just stood in front of him and shouted him apart and then he cowardly fled Solitude.
There is nothing great about an ordinairy murderer.
Rahvin Stormcloak
March 31, 2012 at 4:49 AMWhy judge armies on the way they act? Judge them on their power, Imperials have more defense then they have offense, and more offense for the Stormcloaks and less defense,
O O
/|\F {/|\
/\ /\
Rahvin Stormcloak
March 31, 2012 at 4:50 AMO . . . O
/|\F . ..{/|\
/\ . . …./\
WhiteyWhite
March 31, 2012 at 9:55 PMRacism ftw! I hate blacks, so I guess I’m a stormcloak.
Dalin Glaurung
April 9, 2012 at 8:11 PMAs regards racism, “The Thalmor is the combined elven government of the second Aldmeri Dominion. The Thalmor seek to advance Aldmeri power and influence, and support Aldmeri interests which include stamping out the worship of Talos (which is already illegal under the terms of the White-Gold Concordat)… and supporting the superiority of elves over humans.”
From: http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Thalmor
mehrunes betch
April 23, 2012 at 6:40 PMi found a way to be both strmcloack and imperial so suck it noobs
Brian
April 24, 2012 at 6:09 PMI need someone’s opinion. At first i was locked on joining the stormcloaks then i began to think, The empire is bigger and they have a better government and all plus i came up with the theory of becoming the high king of skyrim from joining the empire. Jarl elisif decides not to become high queen because she is forever greatful over you killing her husband’s killer so she awards you the title of high king along with the other imperial jarls who all like you (thane of each hold). Thoughts?
Eric
April 24, 2012 at 10:12 PMAt first i liked Stormcloak more because it sounds more freedom and feels like its fighting for Nords itself which like justice
However when i have ended this conflict in skyrim and defeated Alduin I saw General Tuluis Sovangrade… guess what! He said the Imperial was actually preparing to start the war against those elves but because of the stormcloak… unfortunate this war in skyrim has become a problem for the Imperial and there is no way they will have 2 wars going on together.. Therefore, they must stop the Stormcloack first…
Now, I’m so going to side with the Imperial and i also just delete the character with stormcloack because of this reason :)
36
April 25, 2012 at 2:18 AMI’m goIng to go imperial but I don’t think I should have to. By the time I finish this game I should be the most powerful kajhit in skyrim. I should be the high king. Elsief should marry me and the moot should be unamimous. I’ve slain a dozen dragons, ended a civil war, and along the way solved the problems of uncountable beings of skyrim. I deal with daedric princes and have accumulated more knowledge and power than anyone else on this land. I should rule this world. Not Ulfric. Nor should the Thalmor have any say over what my people can do. They would be driven from our land by my people united. All races equal
bob
April 26, 2012 at 6:57 PMok so i joined the stormcloaks took over whiterun did the main questline and when iwent to the ambassity found out ALL the crap those douche thalmor are secretly doing and im like uhh ulfric tullies THE FREAKIN EMPIRE lets suprise them and get those racist elves the hell out of here :P
o6doom
June 13, 2012 at 2:26 PMTopic covered: racism, check; Thalmor, check; general politics for all of Tamriel, check; actual benifits/consequences, not so much. Whoever you choose to follow in Helgen will allow you to ransack their house in Riverwood, but the imperial guy has some smithing materials to help kickstart your smithing and make some decent noob armor right away. Later on, the house in Windhelm is available earlier in the Stormcloak line than in the Imperial line. The Dark Brotherhood quest to kill the old lady in Fort Greymore is a lot easier in the Stormcloak line after liberating it (you can just waltz in, close the door, kill her, and waltz back out with everyone greating you warmly). In the end, Jarl Elsif keeps her position either way, only Tulius dies in the Stormcloak line. On the imperial side it’s Ulfric that bites it (same sword is given to kil either). So the main choice is deciding on the Jarls that you want to deal with. Political side note for thieves, Maven becomes the Imperial Jarl for the Rift.
nobody
June 15, 2012 at 9:33 AMI don’t see why everyone is fighting over a game, try this: Shut the heck up and join the Dark Brotherhood and kill both sides and ignore the main quest.
Bob the Drycleaner
October 1, 2012 at 10:32 AMI went with Hadvar, just so I could steal his Uncle’s stuff! ^.^
queenjust
October 7, 2012 at 1:03 PMActually Stormcloaks took over the land from the natives and claimed it like their own. They had Forsworn int eh area well before the Nords. They’re the racist white man (southerner) who took over the natives land and then want to keep all the dark elves as slaves. I just want to know if you get anything better or different int he way of armors and items. I’ve joined the Imperials on one character, but I want to know what quest line is better?
Titanium Tiger88
December 23, 2012 at 11:27 AMOK here’s the real rub. I want to rule Skyrim since I’m the best character for the job. I’m “The” Dragonborn, slayed dozens of dragons, cleaned up many caves of bandits, monsters and beaten the many assassins sent to kill me.
I have personally contributed hundreds of thousands of gold to the economy and regional trade and have homes in both Imperial and Stormcloak cities. I am the high Mage, Head of the Companions and an impressive Bard.
As one tough warrior with the bow, heavy armor and two handed weapons who does not hide behind a shield and has personally assisted people all over the realm and is blood kin to the Orcs (the next best thing to a Klingon) and yes I’m a Nord.
I will join with the Imperials to kick out the Thalmore and reinstitute the freedom of religion across the Empire. Please vote with your swards, staffs and talents for Voulf as head of Skyrim and bring prosperity and independence back to the Empire. I you don’t like that I drink milk, Tough! You’ll get over it or I’ll beat on you until you can appreciate a good glass of cold milk and a Nightshade cookie.
This message paid by; Voulf for High King. Why go with anyone else.
I’m Voulf and I approve this message. Skyrim developers please take note.
Dragonborn
October 18, 2013 at 12:44 PMYou kids take things too seriously, it seems you’ve forgotten the meaning of fun. Imperial or Stormcloak, it doesn’t matter as long as you get the goodies or treats. :D
Holldan Martonis
January 20, 2014 at 11:39 PMI honestly did two things, First I went for imperials. Then I went for rebellion. No, not the stormcloaks. Multiple Followers and Non-essentiall mod. First I killed the Thalmor, Then I ended the Stormcloaks and Imperials. My final kill was the Forsworn. I honestly think this war as the American revolution (random comment) I.E the Stormcloaks are the U.S and the Imperials are Britian. Think about it guys. The only thing that doesn’t fit are the Thalmor unless, they could be France who used this rebellion as a chance to strike against Britain. I just never went for the Stormcloaks while playing because they had bad morales.
MarcusSillySausage
August 14, 2014 at 7:49 PMI’m still playing through the civil war storyline myself.
Honestly I never really cared about either side or their war. As the Dragonborn and a proud walker of the way of the warrior my focus was always on making myself strong and my blade sharper by any means necessary. Yeah, the Imperials did try to take my head even though I wasn’t on the list. Many people would say that’s reason enough to join the rebellion and slaughter the empire, and perhaps it is.
But I have no desire for revenge. I don’t care that they tried to kill me. Everyone has tried to kill me at some point or another because I’ve done the same. I’m far from Skyrim’s favorite person. I’ve pillaged, I’ve plundered, I’ve murdered. . .everything I’ve done I’ve done to make myself stronger and my sword sharper so that I could one day slay Alduin. And it paid off. Alduin went down like a bitch.
As I have worked to forge myself the best armor and sharpest blade so too have I did for her. I fight with my legendary ruby blade Sahqon Toor (Crimson Inferno), while Lydia bears it’s sapphire sister, Viintaas Liz (Shining Ice). The two blades are inseparable. One cannot be on the battlefield without the other. As my companion, my Grah-Zeymahzin–my comrade, and my partner in crime since the day she became my first housecarl, there was no one whom I wanted to marry than her. And so, after returning from my battle with Alduin, that’s what I did.
I would have been content to spend the rest of my days forging legendary weapons and armor for those who prove themselves worthy enough to have them. . .but everywhere I’d go it was always empire this, storm cloaks that. . .I finally decided I needed to pick a side and wipe one of them out. to shut everyone of them off. I dont care that Ulfric Stormcloak killed the high king (I would have ran the High King through myself if he would have stood in my way), but he rubbed me the wrong way at the Peace conference. Wouldn’t shut up and sit down. So I joined the Empire. I don’t care about Stormcloaks I just want Ulfric dead.
I’ll run him through when the storyline is over, but just to send him the message that I don’t need an army to take him down, I walked into Ulfric’s palace in broad daylight, slaughtered all of his guards, threw him down to the floor, tied him up, stripped him down, took everything in his pockets, and raped him in front of the whole court. (Sexlab Defeat mod. Hehehehe. Shut up.)
Deathtotheelves
December 29, 2014 at 3:47 AMThere should be a side called the *random name* that just kills the high elves of the dominion thag is all i want because there a bunch of a holes
Stormcloak Soldier
August 23, 2018 at 9:39 AMI think joining the Stormcloaks is better. Why? Well cause in the dark brotherhood quest later you have to kill the king, which doesn’t make you a very good imperial soldier… Also in the main quest you fight the thalmor, the imperials allies… Then later in the game, then the imperial soldiers, even though you are a legate call you what? CITIZEN! They show no respect at all. Unlike the Stormcloaks, which would be better for you to join cause you are going to kill the imperial emperor anyways and fight the imperials allies. It just makes way more sense to join them. Unless you chose race that isn’t nordic. like IMPERIAL.