Does it Matter Who Kills General Tullius in Skyrim?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
In the grand tapestry of Skyrim, where dragons soar and political intrigue simmers, the fate of General Tullius hangs heavy. Whether you or Ulfric Stormcloak deliver the final blow to the Imperial General seems like a pivotal choice. However, in terms of gameplay mechanics and overall story consequences, it fundamentally doesn’t matter. The end result – the completion of the “Liberation of Skyrim” questline and the progression of the Stormcloak storyline – remains the same. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore the nuances surrounding this seemingly crucial decision.
The Illusion of Choice
Skyrim, despite its vast open world and branching questlines, often presents players with the illusion of choice. The decision of who strikes the killing blow on Tullius falls into this category. Regardless of your choice, you receive the same rewards, trigger the same cutscenes, and witness the same outcome: Ulfric’s victory and the subsequent liberation (or fracturing, depending on your perspective) of Skyrim. The difference is merely a superficial role-playing element.
- If you choose to kill Tullius: Ulfric hands you a leveled sword, granting you the honor of ending the General’s life.
- If you decline: Ulfric delivers the final blow himself, and you receive the leveled sword as a reward afterward.
The key here is the leveled sword. This signifies the real, tangible reward, and it’s given to you either way. The act of killing Tullius becomes a symbolic gesture rather than a decision with lasting repercussions.
Deeper Examination
The lack of consequence stems from the fact that the overarching narrative is largely fixed. Bethesda, the developers of Skyrim, structured the Civil War questline to reach a specific conclusion, regardless of minor player choices along the way. This is common in open-world games; developers create compelling narratives while allowing for player agency within defined boundaries.
The purpose of this decision likely comes from a few places:
- Streamlining the narrative: If every decision had significant ramifications, the story could branch into countless directions, making development and QA nearly impossible.
- Maintaining player agency: Allowing players to feel involved and impactful, even if the larger outcome remains consistent, provides a sense of ownership over their character’s journey.
- Focusing on the broader themes: The Civil War in Skyrim explores themes of freedom, oppression, cultural identity, and the complexities of war. The developers likely wanted to ensure these themes remained central, rather than being overshadowed by minute-to-minute decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will Ulfric treat me differently depending on who kills Tullius?
No. Ulfric’s dialogue and subsequent interactions with your character are identical regardless of whether you or he kills Tullius. He will treat you as a valued comrade and key figure in the Stormcloak rebellion.
2. Does killing Tullius myself affect my relationship with other NPCs?
The impact on other NPCs is minimal. Imperial soldiers might display slightly different dialogue, but there are no significant shifts in allegiance or quest availability based on this specific decision.
3. What about Roleplaying?
Choosing to kill or not to kill Tullius is a great role-playing opportunity! It allows the player to define their Dragonborn’s character, but the consequences of that choice do not extend to other gameplay mechanics.
4. Is the leveled sword different if I kill Tullius versus if Ulfric does?
No, the leveled sword received as a reward is statistically the same regardless of who strikes the final blow. Its enchantment and damage will depend on your character’s level at the time of receiving it.
5. Does the choice affect my ability to become Thane in any holds?
No. Becoming Thane of a hold is determined by completing quests for the Jarl and citizens of that hold, and this decision has no bearing on that process.
6. If I spare Tullius at the end can I kill him later?
No. General Tullius is removed from the game following the completion of the “Liberation of Skyrim” questline. Once the war concludes, he is no longer accessible.
7. Does killing Tullius affect the Emperor’s assassination in the Dark Brotherhood questline?
The assassination of Emperor Titus Mede II in the Dark Brotherhood questline is a separate event and is not influenced by your actions in the Civil War, including who kills Tullius.
8. Is it more “Nordic” to kill Tullius myself?
The Stormcloak rebellion is fueled by Nordic pride, some players may feel it fits better into the character’s narrative to be the one to take the life of Tullius. It is worth noting that some of the most important Nords in history may not have wanted to kill Tullius themselves.
9. Does killing Tullius affect the ending cutscene?
The ending cutscene is the same regardless of who kills Tullius. The focus is on the broader outcome of the Civil War, not the specific act of Tullius’s death.
10. Can I loot anything special from Tullius’s body?
You can loot General Tullius’s armor and sword. But even if you don’t kill him, you can still get them as a reward if you have a high pickpocket skill.
11. Does choosing to kill or spare Tullius affect my ability to complete other questlines?
No, this choice does not affect your ability to complete other questlines in Skyrim. The Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, Mage’s College, and other factions are unaffected by the Civil War storyline.
12. Does siding with the Imperials change the decision-making process regarding Tullius’s fate?
If you side with the Imperial Legion, you will participate in a quest to defeat Ulfric. In that scenario, you will be the one to decide whether Ulfric lives or dies. The role is just reversed.
13. Does my race affect the outcome if I kill Tullius?
No, your character’s race does not influence the outcome of the “Liberation of Skyrim” quest or the reactions of other NPCs following Tullius’s death.
14. What if I really want to change the outcome of the Civil War?
Mods are available on PC and some consoles that alter the Civil War questline and introduce more branching paths and consequences for your choices. These mods can provide a more dynamic and reactive experience.
15. Does the Games Learning Society have any research on choice and consequence in games?
Yes! The Games Learning Society, which you can find at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, is a great resource for educational research in this field. Their website, GamesLearningSociety.org, features many studies about these types of experiences and how they impact player learning.
Conclusion
While the decision of who kills General Tullius might feel significant in the heat of the moment, it ultimately serves as a role-playing opportunity rather than a pivotal choice with game-altering consequences. Skyrim’s brilliance lies in its immersive world and the stories players create within it. The illusion of choice, even when the outcome is predetermined, contributes to this immersion and allows players to feel like they are shaping their own unique destiny in the land of dragons and Nords. So, whether you wield the final blow or let Ulfric take the honor, remember that the true power lies in the narrative you craft and the legend you become in the world of Skyrim.