When it comes to the open-world action role-playing game Skyrim, choosing which faction to side with can be a difficult decision. The game’s primary conflict is between two opposing factions, the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks, each with their own set of beliefs and goals.
The player is forced to choose one side or the other, and the decision is far from trivial. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of Skyrim, exploring the key differences between the Legion and Stormcloaks, the history of the conflict, and ultimately help you make an informed decision on which side to choose.
History of the Conflict
The civil war that forms the central conflict in Skyrim began when the High King of Skyrim, Torygg, was assassinated by Ulfric Stormcloak. This event caused a rift in the province, with many Nords believing that Ulfric’s actions were justified, while others saw him as a traitor to the Empire. The situation worsened when the Empire attempted to execute Ulfric, leading to an all-out rebellion by the Stormcloaks.
On the other side of the conflict, the Imperial Legion is made up of soldiers who are loyal to the Emperor of Tamriel. The Legion sees the Stormcloaks as traitors to the Empire and is determined to crush the rebellion and restore peace to Skyrim.
Imperial Legion
The Imperial Legion is the official military force of the Empire. The Legion’s primary goal is to maintain law and order throughout the Empire. The Legion is led by General Tullius, who is tasked with suppressing the rebellion in Skyrim.
The Legion’s main questline involves the player helping the Legion take control of Skyrim by defeating the Stormcloaks. The player is tasked with capturing the rebel strongholds, killing the leaders of the rebellion, and eventually bringing Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the rebellion, to justice.
One of the benefits of joining the Legion is that the player can travel freely throughout the Empire without being attacked by the Legion’s enemies. Additionally, the player can purchase and use Imperial gear, which is considered to be some of the best gear in the game.
Stormcloaks
The Stormcloaks are a rebellion movement led by Ulfric Stormcloak. The Stormcloaks believe that Skyrim should be independent from the Empire, and that the Nords should be allowed to worship their own gods and follow their own laws.
The Stormcloaks’ main questline involves the player helping the rebellion take control of Skyrim by defeating the Imperial Legion. The player is tasked with capturing Imperial strongholds, killing Imperial officers, and eventually taking over the city of Solitude, which is the seat of Imperial power in Skyrim.
One of the benefits of joining the Stormcloaks is that the player can help Skyrim gain independence from the Empire. Additionally, the player can purchase and use Stormcloak gear, which is also considered to be some of the best gear in the game.
Pros and Cons of Joining the Imperial Legion
Joining the Imperial Legion has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the benefits is that the player can travel freely throughout the Empire without being attacked by the Legion’s enemies. Additionally, the player can purchase and use Imperial gear, which is considered to be some of the best gear in the game.
However, joining the Legion means that the player must help the Legion suppress the rebellion in Skyrim. This means that the player must capture and kill Stormcloak leaders and soldiers, including Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the rebellion. This could be seen as a negative aspect for those who want to support the rebellion.
Pros and Cons of Joining the Stormcloaks
Joining the Stormcloaks also has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the benefits is that the player can help Skyrim gain independence from the Empire. Additionally, the player can purchase and use Stormcloak gear, which is also considered to be some of the best gear in the game.
However, joining the Stormcloaks means that the player must help the rebellion defeat the Imperial Legion. This means that the player must capture and kill Imperial officers and soldiers, including General Tullius, the leader of the Legion in Skyrim. This could be seen as a negative aspect for those who want to support the Empire.
Differences Between the Legion and Stormcloaks
The conflict between the Legion and Stormcloaks is driven by differences in their beliefs and values. The Stormcloaks are fiercely independent and believe that Skyrim should be governed by Nords, for Nords. They see the Empire as a foreign power that is trying to take control of their homeland. Ulfric and his followers are proud Nords who feel that their culture is being eroded by the Empire’s presence in Skyrim.
On the other hand, the Imperial Legion represents the interests of the Empire, which is made up of various races and cultures. The Empire values unity and stability above all else, and sees Skyrim as a vital part of the greater whole. The Legion is made up of soldiers from all over Tamriel who are loyal to the Emperor and are committed to maintaining order and protecting the people of Skyrim.
In terms of gameplay, there are some notable differences between the two factions. The Stormcloaks focus on using brute force and guerrilla tactics to achieve their objectives, while the Legion relies on its superior training and resources to defeat the rebellion.
Factors to Consider
When deciding which faction to side with in Skyrim, there are several factors to consider. The first is your character’s backstory and personal beliefs. If your character is a proud Nord who believes in the importance of tradition and independence, then the Stormcloaks may be the natural choice. On the other hand, if your character is an outsider who values unity and stability, then the Imperial Legion may be the better option.
Another factor to consider is the political climate in Skyrim. Choosing the Stormcloaks could lead to a more chaotic and unstable Skyrim, while the Imperial Legion offers the promise of order and stability.
Finally, it is worth considering the consequences of your actions. Choosing to side with one faction or the other will have a significant impact on the world of Skyrim and the people who live there. It is important to think carefully about the consequences of your actions before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a faction in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an important decision that will affect the game’s storyline and quests. The Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It’s up to the player to decide which side they want to support based on their own beliefs and values.
Ultimately, the decision to join a faction in Skyrim is a personal one. It’s important to consider all of the information and make an informed decision based on your own preferences. Whatever faction you choose, Skyrim is a vast and beautiful world that’s waiting to be explored.
