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Are the Stormcloaks or the Imperials the Bad Guys in Skyrim?

The million-dollar question: Are the Stormcloaks or the Imperials the bad guys in Skyrim? The short answer is… neither, and both. This is one of the most compelling aspects of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: its morally gray narrative. There isn’t a clear-cut “good” or “evil” faction. Instead, we have two sides with understandable, albeit flawed, motivations, leaving the player to grapple with complex choices. The decision of who to side with, and who to consider the “lesser evil,” rests entirely on your character’s values and your interpretation of the events unfolding in Skyrim.

The Imperials represent the established order. They are the governing power, bound by a treaty – the White-Gold Concordat – with the Aldmeri Dominion (the Thalmor). This treaty, however, includes the outlawing of Talos worship, a key element of Nord culture and identity. The Imperials believe maintaining the Empire, even with its compromises, is the best chance for long-term peace and stability in Tamriel, fearing that a fractured empire will be easy prey for the Thalmor. Their pragmatism might appear cold, but their intentions are rooted in preventing further bloodshed on a larger scale.

The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, are the rebels. They fight for the independence of Skyrim and the right to freely worship Talos. From their perspective, the Empire has betrayed them by submitting to the Thalmor‘s demands. They see the ban on Talos worship as a direct attack on their heritage and a violation of their fundamental rights. Their passion and dedication to Skyrim‘s traditions are admirable, but their methods can be seen as divisive and their rhetoric as leaning towards Nord supremacism.

Ultimately, the “bad guy” is subjective. The Imperials‘ adherence to a treaty that suppresses religious freedom is morally questionable, but their motives are driven by a desire for stability. The Stormcloaks fight for freedom and tradition, but their actions contribute to division within the Empire, potentially weakening it against a greater threat. The decision lies with you, the Dragonborn, to weigh the consequences and choose the side that aligns with your character’s values.

Understanding the Grey Areas

The beauty of the Skyrim Civil War lies in its lack of a definitive “right” answer. Both sides have compelling arguments and significant flaws. It’s crucial to understand the nuances of each faction’s motivations and actions before making a decision. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores this very idea; how games can present complex issues and force players to confront difficult choices.

The Imperial Perspective

The Imperials prioritize the preservation of the Empire. They believe that a united Tamriel is the only way to withstand future threats from the Aldmeri Dominion. The White-Gold Concordat, while unpopular, is seen as a necessary evil to buy time and rebuild their strength. They view the Stormcloak rebellion as a dangerous distraction that weakens the Empire and plays directly into the Thalmor‘s hands.

The Stormcloak Perspective

The Stormcloaks believe that the Empire has become weak and corrupt, sacrificing its principles for self-preservation. They see the ban on Talos worship as an intolerable infringement on their religious freedom and a betrayal of the very values the Empire once stood for. They believe that Skyrim has the right to self-determination and should not be subjected to the whims of a failing Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of the Skyrim Civil War:

Is Ulfric Stormcloak a racist? While Ulfric‘s rhetoric can be interpreted as nationalistic and occasionally insensitive towards non-Nords, especially the Dunmer living in Windhelm, whether he is truly racist is debatable. His policies often prioritize Nord interests, leading to accusations of prejudice.
Does the Thalmor support the Stormcloaks? Indirectly, yes. The Thalmor see the Stormcloak rebellion as a means to weaken the Empire. They have an interest in prolonging the conflict and preventing either side from gaining a decisive advantage. They have information they use and pass on to the Imperial Legion.
Which side is better for the Nords? This is a matter of perspective. The Stormcloaks champion Nord independence and the restoration of their traditional values. However, some Nords believe that remaining within the Empire offers greater long-term stability and protection.
Which side is better for non-Nords? The Empire generally offers a more inclusive environment for non-Nords. While prejudice exists within the Empire, it is not as overtly promoted as some claim it is with the Stormcloaks.
What happens if the Stormcloaks win the war? If the Stormcloaks win, Skyrim becomes an independent nation, free from Imperial rule. However, this could leave Skyrim vulnerable to attack from the Aldmeri Dominion or internal conflicts.
What happens if the Imperials win the war? If the Imperials win, Skyrim remains a province of the Empire. The ban on Talos worship remains in effect, and Skyrim continues to be subject to Imperial law.
Does the Civil War affect the main questline? The Civil War questline is largely separate from the main questline involving Alduin. However, certain events in the Civil War can impact the political landscape of Skyrim.
Can you switch sides during the Civil War? Yes, during the quest to retrieve the Jagged Crown, the Dragonborn can betray the Stormcloaks or the Imperials.
Which side has better armor? The Imperial Legion generally has better-quality armor and equipment than the Stormcloaks, reflecting their status as a professional army.
Does choosing a side affect your relationship with other factions? Choosing a side in the Civil War can impact your reputation with certain characters and factions, especially those closely aligned with either the Empire or the Stormcloaks.
Is there a way to end the Civil War peacefully? No, there is no “peaceful” resolution to the Skyrim Civil War in the base game. The conflict must be resolved through military victory by one side or the other.
Does joining the Stormcloaks mean you hate elves? No. The Stormcloaks primarily oppose the Thalmor and their influence over the Empire, and the Imperials that do their bidding. While some Stormcloaks may harbor prejudice against elves, it is not a requirement of joining the faction.
Which side has better leaders? This is subjective. Some players may admire Ulfric Stormcloak‘s courage and dedication, while others may respect General Tullius‘s strategic mind and commitment to order.
Is the Civil War a good thing for Skyrim? Whether the Civil War is “good” for Skyrim is debatable. It leads to death and destruction, but it also forces the Nords to confront their identity and the future of their homeland.
Can you ignore the Civil War altogether? Yes, you can completely ignore the Civil War questline if you choose. The game will not force you to take a side, and you can focus on other quests and activities in Skyrim.

Choosing Your Allegiance

Ultimately, the choice between the Stormcloaks and the Imperials is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice depends on your character’s values, beliefs, and motivations. Consider the consequences of your actions and the impact they will have on the future of Skyrim and the wider world of Tamriel. The complexities of this conflict offer a rich and rewarding experience, allowing players to deeply engage with the political and moral dilemmas presented by the game.

Are the Stormcloaks or the Imperials the bad guys?