Joining the Ranks: Your Guide to Starting the Imperial Legion Questline in Skyrim

So, you’re ready to don the armor of the Imperial Legion and bring order to the war-torn lands of Skyrim? The path to becoming a loyal soldier of the Empire begins in Solitude, the capital city located in the northwestern corner of the province. Head to Castle Dour, the imposing fortress within the city walls, and seek out Legate Rikke. Speak to her and you’ll be given the initial quest, “Joining the Legion”, which tasks you with proving your worth by clearing out a fort overrun with bandits. Completing this task will officially induct you into the Imperial Legion and set you on the path of the Imperial Civil War questline.

The Path to Becoming a Legionnaire

Finding Legate Rikke and starting the “Joining the Legion” quest are the first crucial steps. However, there are a few important factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth enlistment process:

• Bypass the Opening Sequence: You must bypass the opening sequence. You can avoid this by selecting “Show Alternative Start Menu” upon launching the game.
• Complete Early Main Quests (Sometimes Necessary): In some instances, the game may require you to progress through the main questline until you’ve spoken to the Greybeards at High Hrothgar. This is related to how certain Imperial quests are structured and the game’s progression. If Legate Rikke doesn’t offer you the initial quest, try advancing the main questline first.
• No Prior Allegiances: Make sure you haven’t already committed to the Stormcloak Rebellion. Joining the Stormcloaks will lock you out of the Imperial Legion questline and vice versa.
• Choosing Sides: Consider the implications of your choice. The Imperial Legion represents the established order and the continuation of the Empire’s influence in Skyrim. The Stormcloaks, on the other hand, fight for the independence of Skyrim and the freedom to worship Talos. This choice can also allow you to explore educational games that reflect the nature of choosing sides and the consequences of the events. For more information on the use of games for learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Completing “Joining the Legion”

Once you receive the “Joining the Legion” quest from Legate Rikke, you’ll be directed to a specific fort overrun by bandits. The location of the fort may vary depending on your game. Your mission is straightforward:

1. Travel to the Fort: Follow the quest marker to the designated fort.
2. Eliminate the Bandits: Fight your way through the fort, defeating all the bandits within. Be prepared for some tough resistance, especially at lower levels.
3. Report Back to Legate Rikke: Once the fort is cleared, return to Castle Dour in Solitude and speak to Legate Rikke. She will congratulate you on your success and officially induct you into the Imperial Legion.

Beginning the Civil War Questline

After completing “Joining the Legion”, you’ll become a full-fledged member of the Imperial Legion and begin the Imperial Civil War questline. This series of quests will involve:

• Military Campaigns: Participating in battles to capture or defend strategic locations throughout Skyrim.
• Reconnaissance Missions: Gathering intelligence and disrupting Stormcloak operations.
• Political Intrigue: Navigating the complex political landscape of Skyrim and dealing with various factions and personalities.

The Civil War questline is a significant part of Skyrim and can dramatically alter the game world. Your choices and actions will have a lasting impact on the future of Skyrim and the Empire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about joining the Imperial Legion and the Civil War questline in Skyrim:

1. Where exactly is Legate Rikke located in Solitude?

Legate Rikke can be found within Castle Dour, which is the main fortress in Solitude. Enter the castle, and she is usually located near General Tullius or in the main strategizing area of the castle. If you can’t find her, try looking in her quarters.

2. What if Legate Rikke isn’t giving me the “Joining the Legion” quest?

If you’re having trouble initiating the quest, try the following:

• Advance the main questline until you’ve spoken to the Greybeards.
• Ensure you haven’t already started the Stormcloak questline.
• Make sure you haven’t committed any major crimes against the Imperial Legion or Solitude.
• Try waiting a few in-game days and then returning to Castle Dour.
• Double-check the area where she might be located.

3. Can I join the Stormcloaks and then switch to the Imperials later?

No, you cannot. Once you join a side in the Civil War, you are locked into that faction for the remainder of the game. Choose wisely!

4. Is it better to join the Imperials or the Stormcloaks?

There is no objectively “better” side. The choice depends entirely on your personal preferences and the role-playing aspect of your character. The Imperials represent the established order, while the Stormcloaks fight for independence. Both sides have valid arguments and compelling characters.

5. Can I start the Civil War without joining either side initially?

No, you must choose a side to actively participate in the Civil War questline. However, you can delay your decision and explore other aspects of Skyrim before committing to either the Imperials or the Stormcloaks.

6. Should I finish the Civil War before the main quest?

This is a matter of personal preference. Completing the Civil War before the main quest can impact the political landscape of Skyrim and potentially influence certain events in the main quest. However, if you reach the “Season Unending” quest in the main questline, it’s generally recommended to finish the main quest before continuing the Civil War to avoid potential conflicts and glitches.

7. Can I achieve a peaceful resolution to the Skyrim Civil War?

Unfortunately, there is no truly peaceful resolution to the Civil War in the base game. The only way to end the conflict is through military victory by either the Imperials or the Stormcloaks.

8. What happens if the Imperials win the Civil War?

If the Imperials win the Civil War, the Empire maintains control over Skyrim, and the province remains part of the Empire. Ulfric Stormcloak is defeated, and the Stormcloak Rebellion is crushed.

9. What are the benefits of joining the Imperial Legion?

Joining the Imperial Legion offers several benefits:

• Access to unique quests and rewards.
• The opportunity to shape the political landscape of Skyrim.
• Association with a powerful and well-established faction.
• The satisfaction of restoring order and upholding the Empire’s values.

10. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a villain?

Whether Ulfric Stormcloak is a villain is a matter of perspective. He is a complex character with both admirable and questionable traits. He fights for the freedom of Skyrim but is also accused of using questionable tactics and harboring prejudice. This makes him a fascinating character.

11. Can I marry an Imperial soldier in Skyrim?

Yes, you can marry an Imperial soldier in Skyrim, provided they are a marriageable character. Certain Imperial characters, like Marcurio, are available for marriage regardless of your faction.

12. Can I become a Jarl by siding with the Imperials?

No, you cannot become a Jarl through the Imperial questline. You can influence the appointment of Jarls in conquered territories, but you cannot claim the title for yourself in the base game.

13. Are there any consequences for my choices during the Civil War?

Yes, your choices during the Civil War have significant consequences. They affect the control of holds, the disposition of characters, and the overall outcome of the conflict. Be mindful of your decisions!

14. Does joining the Imperials affect my ability to complete other quests in Skyrim?

Joining the Imperials can impact your relationships with certain characters and factions, particularly those associated with the Stormcloaks. However, it does not prevent you from completing most other quests in Skyrim.

15. Where can I learn more about the lore and history of the Imperial Legion?

You can learn more about the Imperial Legion by:

• Reading books and documents found throughout Skyrim.
• Speaking to Imperial characters and soldiers.
• Exploring Imperial camps and forts.
• Consulting online resources and wikis dedicated to The Elder Scrolls lore.

Embark on your journey, brave warrior, and bring glory to the Imperial Legion!