Skyrim Civil War: Stormcloaks or Imperials? A Dragonborn’s Dilemma
So, you stroll through Skyrim’s icy terrain. You hear Dragonborn shouts bounce off the mountains. Suddenly, you face a civil war. Fun times, right? You’re faced with a big question: Stormcloaks or Imperials? Nords shout for freedom. Imperials whisper about order. Both sides have swords aimed at each other, and possibly you.
Which Side to Pick in Skyrim’s Messy Civil War?
No clear “better” side exists in the Skyrim Civil War. Bethesda wants to avoid fanboy wars. The choice depends on your personal taste. It’s about what kind of Dragonborn you wish to be. What flavor of political chaos do you like?
Stormcloaks: Freedom Fighters or Xenophobic Yellers?
What do the Stormcloaks want? Grab a mead and settle. They scream, Skyrim for the Nords! They want independence from the Empire. Religious freedom! (Only for Talos, not those Elven gods). Nords should rule Skyrim, or so they believe. They’re proud of being Nord and show it.
Choosing Stormcloaks brings consequences. If you side with Ulfric and his crew, expect Jarl changes. It’s a medieval game of musical chairs, but with axes. Specifically:
- Whiterun gets a new Jarl: Balgruuf departs; Vignar Grey-Mane steps in. He’s enthusiastic.
- Riften’s leadership shifts: Laila Law-Giver returns as Jarl. She was in exile for a time.
- Dawnstar sees a shake-up: Skald the Elder reclaims control. Brace for *very* elder takes on events.
Imperials: Orderly Empire or Thalmor Puppets?
The Imperials want a unified Skyrim, part of a crumbling Empire. Think Romans, but colder and fewer togas. They aim for order and law, keeping things Imperial. They believe in the Empire despite the Thalmor pushing them around.
However, siding with the Empire has downsides. That Thalmor we just mentioned? Yep, an Imperial win means Thalmor stays, poking around “legally.” Picture an overbearing HOA of Tamriel, just with more magic and worse attitudes.
What’s Your Vibe? Ideals and Personal Preferences
When picking sides, it’s all about your vibe. Are you into the independent chaos of the Stormcloaks? Or do you prefer Imperial order? Which “vibe” speaks to your Dragonborn?
No correct answer exists. It’s like choosing between pizza and, uh, slightly different pizza. Both fill you up, but one might suit your taste more. Think about the lore, the implications of each side’s actions, and what suits your Dragonborn.
Stormcloak Strengths and Quirks
Dive deep into the Stormcloak life:
- Beliefs: Freedom! Independence! Nords rule! (Did we mention Nords?). They see Skyrim deserving self-rule free from Imperial troubles.
- Downsides: True, they can be a bit xenophobic. Not welcoming to non-Nords. Some call it “racist,” but let’s say “Nord-centric.”
- Bonus Perk: Need a Windhelm pad quickly? Stormcloaks help. , fight for freedom, and score cozy Nord digs.
Imperial Advantages and Thalmor Baggage
Now, for Imperials:
- Beliefs: Unity! Order! The Glorious Empire! They want a strong Skyrim under Imperial rule to maintain order in chaos.
- Downsides: The huge issue: Thalmor. Many view Imperials as puppets of Thalmor. Also, they suppress Talos worship – not a good look.
- Fashion Gear: If you like style, Imperials offer armor variety. Looking good while fighting is key.
War is Inevitable (Unless You Ignore It)
Listen up, Dragonborn: you can’t escape this war. The main story pushes you towards action. Skyrim remains torn until you choose a side and clash.
Can you just… ignore it? Mostly yes. If avoiding the Civil War suits you, focus on dragons, dungeons, or becoming Arch-Mage of Winterhold. The main story won’t force you to end the war directly. However, to actually end the war questline, you must choose.
Peace Talks? Temporary Timeout
Feeling diplomatic? Organize peace talks. Use Graybeards’ booming authority to bring leaders together. It’s like putting squabbling siblings in timeout.
But don’t expect true peace. It’s a temporary truce to address a bigger dragon-shaped issue. Once the story ends, it’s back to war. No permanent peace moment here.
Ulfric Stormcloak: Hero or Villain?
Ulfric Stormcloak: rebellion poster child. Is he a heroic freedom fighter? Or a power-hungry jerk? Answers are messy, like most things in Skyrim.
Arguments against Ulfric as “evil”:
- Power-hungry: Some view him wanting High King title at all costs.
- Xenophobic: His talk can be very Nord-focused, winning no diversity awards.
- Puppet of Thalmor?: Lore whispers suggest Thalmor may be influencing him.
- Sneaky Tactics: His methods aren’t always noble.
Arguments for Ulfric as a “hero”:
- Fighting for freedom: He genuinely believes Skyrim thrives without the Empire.
- Cultural protector: He thinks the Empire erodes Nord traditions; defending culture matters.
- Strong leader: Charismatic; he inspires followers, for better or worse.
- The Empire’s flaws: The Empire has corruption issues; Ulfric could represent deeper problems.
Your Dragonborn’s view of Ulfric shapes your choice. Is he flawed but necessary? Or a dangerous demagogue? Your call.
The Jagged Crown: Switch Sides
If mid-war you have second thoughts, found the Jagged Crown, and now feel Imperial instead of Stormcloak? Good news! You can switch sides.
Just stroll up to General Tullius or Ulfric with the Jagged Crown. Offer it as a gift (or an awkward peace offering). They’ll accept your past faction-flirtations and welcome you aboard. War changes quick.
Post-War Skyrim: Next Steps?
You win the war. Confetti? Parades? Not quite. Skyrim stays Skyrim, just with fresh power dynamics. But consider those long-term consequences.
If Stormcloaks win – Bad News?: A Stormcloak victory may be bad in the long run. A fractured Empire could be easier prey for the Thalmor. Think about future Aldmeri Dominion takeover looming.
Jarls Get Swapped: Winning shifts the Jarl lineup in various cities. Whiterun, Riften, and Dawnstar change depending on victory.
Factions and Civil War: Who Cares?
Your choice in the Civil War doesn’t lock you out of other factions. Want to be both Stormcloak and Arch-Mage? Go ahead. Imperial and Thieves Guild head? Why not?
The Companions: These warrior companions are relaxed. them regardless of your Civil War stance. They value honor and fighting over politics.
Mostly.
Other Guilds: College of Winterhold, Dark Brotherhood, Thieves Guild, and Dawnguard are open. You can serve the Imperials and be a master assassin. Multitasking is key for your adventure.
The One Big “No”: You cannot both the Imperials and the Stormcloaks in one playthrough. Pick a side and commit. Try the other side later in another adventure.
Whiterun’s Fate: To Defend or… Not?
Whiterun. Will it burn if you the Stormcloaks? Nope. It will survive. Expect some rearrangements during the Battle for Whiterun.
Imperials Defend Whiterun: Hand the Jagged Crown to Tullius. You team Imperial and defend Whiterun from Stormcloaks. Prepare for a siege! (It’s Skyrim, so manage expectations).
Balgruuf Stays (If You’re Imperial): If Imperial, Jarl Balgruuf remains in control. He is a loyal Imperial, indeed.
Canon? What Canon?
Worried about the “official” timeline? Relax. No victory is canon. Bethesda keeps the Civil War outcome ambiguous. Main story and DLC are fixed points. Choose your victor guilt-free!
Starting Out: Hadvar or Ralof? Your First Faction Hint
In the Helgen escape scene, you are nudged towards a side. Hadvar leads to Imperials. Ralof leads to Stormcloaks. Follow either for a head start in that faction. It’s a subtle recruitment tutorial.
First-Timer Friendly? Nords and Imperials to the Rescue!
New to Skyrim? Feeling lost? The Nord race is great for beginners. Good fighters, they fit right in, and… they’re Nords in Skyrim. Makes sense, right?
Imperials are also beginner-friendly. They are versatile and aligned with standard fantasy. If unsure, try an Imperial first before experimenting with stealth-mage builds.
There you have it. Stormcloaks vs. Imperials: a divisive choice in Skyrim. Choose wisely, Dragonborn, or pick based on cooler armor. No judgment here.
