Orcs in Skyrim: Choosing Sides in the Civil War – Imperials or Stormcloaks?
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The question of where Orcs stand in Skyrim’s tumultuous civil war is a complex one, often debated within the Elder Scrolls community. While there isn’t a singular, monolithic answer applicable to every Orc, the evidence and lore heavily suggest that Orcs are more likely to side with the Imperial Legion than the Stormcloaks. Let’s delve into the reasons why this is the case and unpack the nuances surrounding this often-misunderstood dynamic.
Why the Imperial Legion is the More Logical Choice for Orcs
A History of Mutual Benefit and Respect
The primary reason for Orcish inclination toward the Empire stems from a long-standing relationship of mutual benefit. The Imperial Legion is the structured military force of the Empire, and Orcs, by nature, are renowned warriors. The Legion offers Orcs a place where their martial prowess is not only valued but actively cultivated. Orcish skill in combat is respected, and they can find positions of leadership and influence within the Legion’s ranks, something that is not always easily accessible in other societal structures.
Furthermore, the Empire was instrumental in the integration of Orcs into broader society. Before their formal inclusion, Orcish communities were largely isolated. The Empire’s military structure provided an avenue for Orcs to be accepted, even praised, for their ferocity and strength. This historical integration has fostered a sense of loyalty and belonging for many Orcs toward the Imperial banner.
The Legion’s Stance on Race and Inclusion
The Empire, while not without its flaws, generally operates on principles that are more inclusive than the Stormcloaks. While individual Imperials may harbour prejudices, the official stance of the Legion is one of practicality, welcoming any race with martial ability. This is a stark contrast to the Stormcloaks, who have demonstrated an intolerance towards non-Nords, especially elves. While the article states that Stormcloaks technically accept any race, the underlying racial prejudice is undeniable, especially in places like Windhelm, where dark elves face considerable discrimination.
The Orcish Stronghold Perspective
Orcish society is founded around their strongholds and traditions of honor, skill and combat. The Empire’s structure aligns well with this, and Orcs benefit from the structure, organization and sense of belonging the legion offers. In fact, Stormcloak guards in Windhelm will readily express their unease with the idea of Orcish strongholds, demonstrating that they view the traditions of Orcs as other and not welcome, while they appreciate the individual Orc warrior. The strongholds provide a home for Orcs and are not a benefit they get from the Empire, but these traditions and ways of life are likely to be more respected under the more inclusive and multicultural Imperial banner.
The Case Against the Stormcloaks
Nord Nationalism and the Rejection of Outsiders
The Stormcloaks’ central cause is Nord nationalism and independence for Skyrim. This cause, while resonating with many Nords, is unlikely to appeal to Orcs who have little to gain and much to lose from this perspective. The Stormcloaks are fighting against the Empire due to the Empire’s oppression, not because they support racial diversity. Their focus is on the liberation of Nords and Skyrim, a cause that many Orcs would not see themselves as part of.
The Stormcloaks’ Hostility towards Elves and Other Races
The Stormcloaks have a track record of discrimination and hostility towards races other than Nords, as evidenced by their treatment of Dark Elves in Windhelm. While they may allow any race to fight for them in their ranks, they are still fighting for the independence of the Nords and their land, which would likely result in less opportunities and discrimination towards the Orsimer. Orcs, often seen as “outsiders” themselves in many parts of Tamriel, would be keenly aware of this intolerance and are less likely to support a faction that displays such open bias.
A Lack of Shared Values or Goals
Fundamentally, the goals and values of the Stormcloaks do not align with Orcish priorities. Orcs value strength, honor, and martial prowess, attributes respected within the Imperial Legion. While the Stormcloaks value strength, their core motivations are tied to Nord cultural and religious identity, which do not resonate with the Orcish experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while individual Orcs might side with the Stormcloaks for various personal reasons, the general disposition of the Orcish race leans more towards the Imperial Legion. This is rooted in a long history of mutual respect, benefit, and integration within the Imperial system. The Legion values Orcish strength and provides a place of belonging and leadership within their ranks, while the Stormcloaks’ focus on Nord nationalism, the inherent bigotry in their ranks and the inherent limitations of their core motivations does not offer the same benefits for the Orsimer. The evidence suggests that, for the majority of Orcs, siding with the Imperial Legion is the more logical and beneficial choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Orcs be Chief in their Strongholds?
Yes, a female Orc can be the chief of an Orcish stronghold, as seen with the Shatul clan in Wrothgar. While uncommon, it is not forbidden and demonstrates that Orc society can adapt.
2. Are Orcs a Playable Race in Skyrim?
Yes, Orcs, or Orsimer, are one of the ten playable races in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, allowing players to experience the world from an Orc’s perspective.
3. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a Bad Guy?
Ulfric is a complex character, a leader fighting for Skyrim’s independence. He is not simply a “bad guy”, but rather an antagonist or deuteragonist depending on the player’s chosen side in the conflict.
4. Are the Stormcloaks the Bad Guys?
The Stormcloaks are not inherently “bad”, but they employ morally questionable tactics, and their cause is fueled by Nord nationalism, causing division and intolerance in Skyrim. Their cause is morally grey, as are the Empire’s.
5. Is Ulfric Helping the Thalmor?
Unintentionally, Ulfric’s actions are beneficial to the Thalmor. His rebellion weakens the Empire, which is the primary goal of the Aldmeri Dominion. However, Ulfric does not support or even like the Thalmor.
6. Do the Thalmor want the Stormcloaks to Win?
No, the Thalmor do not want a Stormcloak victory. Their dossier on Ulfric makes this clear. A weakened Empire is their main goal, the victory of the Stormcloaks would ultimately hurt them.
7. Why do the Stormcloaks Hate the Empire?
The Stormcloaks hate the Empire because they view it as increasingly oppressive and compliant to the Thalmor, particularly due to the banning of Talos worship.
8. Can Elves Join the Stormcloaks?
Despite some prejudice, the Stormcloaks will technically accept anyone into their ranks who pass their initial test. However, this does not erase the underlying racial bias prevalent within their faction.
9. Do the Stormcloaks Hate Dark Elves?
Yes, the Stormcloaks are known to be prejudiced against Dark Elves, especially in Windhelm, where they are treated poorly and live in an impoverished district of the city. This is a demonstration of a core problem with the Stormcloaks.
10. Why Does Ulfric Hate Dark Elves?
Ulfric’s hatred for elves stems from the Thalmor’s involvement in the Great War, in which he fought on the side of the Empire. This, coupled with the perceived oppression of Nords, creates his general animosity towards elves.
11. Can you Marry a Dark Elf in Skyrim?
Yes, love transcends race and gender in Skyrim. Players can marry anyone regardless of their race or sex.
12. What Gods do Dark Elves Worship in Skyrim?
Dark Elves in Skyrim worship the Daedra, including the “House of Troubles”: Mehrunes Dagon, Sheogorath, Molag Bal, and Malacath.
13. What Happens if the Stormcloaks Win?
If the Stormcloaks win, Ulfric will install loyal Jarls in Skyrim’s holds, while Imperial aligned Jarls will retreat to the Blue Palace in Solitude, creating a more unstable political landscape.
14. Can You Betray the Stormcloaks?
Yes, players can betray the Stormcloaks by handing over the Jagged Crown to the Empire.
15. What is the Best Way to Start the Game and Join the Stormcloaks?
Following Ralof in the beginning of the game is the best way to start and enable the possibility of joining the Stormcloaks, as this can unlock a few glitches and provide you with the option to immediately join their ranks.