There’s Only 1 Correct Choice When Joining a Faction in Skyrim’s Civil War

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In the game ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’, peril and strife loom from every corner of the Nordic realm, with the most pressing issue being the Dragon Emergency. Yet, there’s another struggle within Skyrim that, though less deadly, holds equal significance in shaping the nation’s destiny. This internal conflict unfolds across the entire province boundary and has claimed and continues to claim countless lives for various reasons. The name given to this ongoing battle? The Skyrim Civil War, or more famously known as ‘The Stormcloak Rebellion’.

In the fictional world of Skyrim, the Stormcloak Rebellion stands as one of the most significant conflicts in recent Tamriel history, following closely behind the Dragon Crisis. This struggle involves two main factions, each with their unique ideals, and can be considered a civil war of immense consequences. The outcome will not only determine Skyrim’s destiny but potentially shape the future of all Tamriel.

The Stormcloaks, named after themselves, are one faction, while the Imperial Legion forms the other. Both sides engage in intense battles over Skyrim, Tamriel, and their personal interests. The Dragonborn has the opportunity to influence the outcome of this brutal war should they wish. However, the question remains: which side is right—the Stormcloaks or the Imperial Legion?

The Stormcloaks are Those Who Fight For the Freedom of Skyrim and the Nords

Fighting For Independence

The Stormcloaks represent one faction within the uprising. Often perceived by the Empire and its supporters as rebels, they consider themselves liberators. These liberators strive for the autonomy of Skyrim and its citizens, which is a viewpoint that resonates deeply with a significant portion of Skyrim’s population.

  • The Stormcloaks were founded and named after Ulfrik Stormcloak, leader of the rebellion
  • The Stormcloaks are known as rebels and freedom fighters, ones that are in direct opposition to the Thalmor and the Empire
  • The goal of the Stormcloaks is to make Skyrim and its people free and independent of outside control

The group known as the Stormcloaks was established under the leadership of Ulfrik, who also gave them their name. Following the end of the Great War, Ulfrik and his supporters grew increasingly concerned about Skyrim’s direction, or more precisely, they felt that the Empire was veering off course. This sentiment became stronger with time, particularly after the signing of the White Gold Concordat and the Markarth Incident.

Following this point, Ulfrik along with his followers intensified their rebellion, and it was Ulfrik who took the life of the High King of Skyrim. These events portrayed the Stormcloaks as both betrayers and champions to the people of Skyrim, with Ulfrik being both the greatest traitor and the most passionate patriot among them.

The primary ambition of the Stormcloaks is to secure autonomy and self-rule for Skyrim and its inhabitants. This aspiration involves breaking away from both the Thalmor and anyone connected with them, notably the Empire. They strive to safeguard Skyrim’s interests while preserving its fundamental principles and convictions. A key aspect of this is the reverence of Talos, a revered deity among the Nine that was prohibited by the Thalmor following the Great War. Essentially, the Stormcloaks aim to expel all foreign control and establish Skyrim as an autonomous nation, free to live, battle, and worship according to their own will.

The Imperial Legion Are Those Who Fight For the Unification of Skyrim and All of Tamriel

Fighting for Order

On the opposite side – often referred to as the right side by their supporters – stands the Imperial Legion. This legion serves as the permanent military force of the Empire, which governs Tamriel centrally. Their influence extends beyond just Skyrim, reaching into other territories of Tamriel, at least according to historical accounts. The Imperial Legion has been a constant fixture within the Empire since the Second Era and the reign of Reman Cyrodiil.

  • The Imperial Legion is the standing army of the Empire, Tamriel’s ruling authoritative power
  • The Legion has been a part of the Empire for centuries
  • During the Fourth Era, the Empire and Legion are much weaker than they were in past eras
  • The Legion wishes to bring order and unification across all Tamriel, including Skyrim

Via its Legion, the Empire extended its dominion across numerous Tamriel provinces. This control expanded to encompass the entirety of Tamriel during the days regarded as the Empire’s golden age, a time that many admired, especially under Tiber Septim’s reign. However, this grandeur started to wane following the Oblivion Crisis. By the Fourth Era, the Empire had become barely recognizable compared to its past glory, including its Legion.

At the conclusion of the Great War, the Empire and Imperial Legion were left in a state of severe debilitation, compelling them to agree to the White Gold Concordat as a means to secure peace with the Thalmor. Regrettably, this agreement exacted a heavy toll, including the loss of Empire territories, dissolution of specific factions, and most significantly, the outlawing of Talos worship. This ban on Talos reverence sparked widespread resentment across Tamriel, with the Nords expressing the deepest animosity. This bitterness escalated into open revolt, a struggle that the Legion is frantically attempting to quell.

The aim of the Imperial Legion is to restore unity and establish order across Tamriel once more, just as it was during the Third Era. To achieve this, they need to reclaim Skyrim, which requires overpowering the Stormcloaks and Ulfrik. Once that’s done, the Empire plans to regain control of Tamriel and continue leading it as before.

Who is Right, and Who is Wrong in the Stormcloak Rebellion?

Stormcloaks vs The Imperial Legion

With the conflict clearly defined and each side positioned, the query remains unanswered: which party holds moral and practical justification to carry out this struggle? In the Stormcloak Uprising, who truly deserves victory, and who deserves defeat? These questions are placed in the hands of the Dragonborn, and thus the players, to resolve. However, it’s important to note that many individuals argue that the Imperial Legion is on the right track. And for those who believe this, they would undoubtedly be correct.

Let’s be clear, it’s the Imperial Legion, not the Stormcloaks, who stand on the correct side of historical progress during the Stormcloak Rebellion. This is primarily due to the fact that the Empire has been the dominant power in Tamriel for an incredibly long time. For centuries, the Empire and its Legion have managed to keep Tamriel stable and safe from various threats. The Empire is what has allowed Tamriel not just to survive, but to thrive as a united whole. The reign of Tiber Septim during the Third Era is a shining example of this.

  • The Imperial Legion is the right side to join in the Stormcloak Rebellion
  • For a multitude of reasons, the Legion and Empire are the best choice for Skyrim and Tamriel’s survival
  • The Stormcloak Rebellion itself is a mistake and waste of lives and resources, and only weakens the Empire further

In second place, the Stormcloaks, while holding justified grievances against the Empire, erred in stirring up open revolt. This move has led to losses and depletion of resources within Skyrim, resources that are vital for its survival. The longer this conflict persists, the higher these costs will climb. Regrettably, their rebellion seems to be undermining Skyrim’s strength rather than strengthening it.

To summarize, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the Empire and its Legion are essentially the last hope for Skyrim and all of Tamriel in their struggle against the Thalmor. Though the Empire may be weakened, it remains the most powerful ruling entity in Tamriel apart from the Thalmor. Consequently, they offer the best chance for Tamriel to overcome them. However, with each passing day that the Stormcloak Rebellion persists, that slim chance of victory diminishes.

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2025-06-07 21:22