Should I Join the Legion or Stormcloaks in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The choice between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the game’s most defining decisions. There’s no single “right” answer; the best choice depends entirely on your character’s background, your personal values, and the kind of experience you want to have in the game. Consider your character’s origin, moral compass, and gameplay preferences to make an informed decision. Both factions offer unique narratives, rewards, and consequences, shaping your journey through the vast and immersive world of Skyrim.
Understanding the Core Conflict
Before committing to a side, it’s crucial to understand the heart of the conflict. The Imperial Legion represents the established order, a struggling empire attempting to maintain control over its provinces, including Skyrim. They adhere to the White-Gold Concordat, a treaty with the Aldmeri Dominion (Thalmor), which, among other things, outlaws the worship of Talos, a human who ascended to godhood.
The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, are a rebellion fighting for Skyrim’s independence from the Empire. They believe the Empire has become weak and corrupt, sacrificing Skyrim’s traditions and religious freedom to appease the Thalmor. This is particularly poignant for Nords, who deeply revere Talos as their patron god. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize stability and unity or freedom and tradition.
Factors to Consider
Choosing between the Legion and the Stormcloaks requires careful consideration of several factors:
1. Character Roleplaying
- Race and Background: Are you playing a Nord deeply rooted in Skyrim’s traditions? The Stormcloaks may resonate more with your character. An Imperial or someone from another province might align better with the Legion’s goal of maintaining the Empire.
- Moral Alignment: Do you believe in upholding the law, even if it’s flawed? The Legion represents that stance. Or do you champion freedom of worship and self-determination, even if it means rebellion? That’s the Stormcloak path.
- Personal Beliefs: Are you sympathetic to the plight of the downtrodden and oppressed? The Stormcloaks champion the Nords’ cause, even if their methods can be extreme. Do you see the bigger picture and the need for a united front against the Thalmor? The Legion’s pragmatic approach might appeal to you.
2. Gameplay Preferences
- Fighting Style: Both sides offer similar gameplay mechanics, but the Imperial Legion’s equipment often feels more refined and of higher quality, appealing to players who value aesthetics and stats. The Stormcloak’s armor is more rugged and rustic.
- Quest Line Experience: Both quest lines are engaging, but they offer different perspectives on the same conflict. The Legion quests often involve strategic military maneuvers and maintaining order. The Stormcloak quests focus on guerilla warfare, rallying support, and liberating Skyrim.
- Impact on the World: Joining either side has a significant impact on the political landscape of Skyrim. Cities change hands, Jarls are replaced, and the balance of power shifts. Consider which outcome aligns with your vision for Skyrim.
3. The “Good Guys” Dilemma
There’s no easy answer to the “who are the good guys?” question.
- The Imperials are the established authority, striving to maintain peace and order. They represent a unified Empire facing external threats. However, they are bound by the White-Gold Concordat, which outlaws Talos worship, a deep insult to many Nords. They also represent the compromises necessary to maintain stability in a tumultuous world.
- The Stormcloaks fight for freedom of religion and the right to self-determination. They represent the spirit of rebellion against tyranny. However, they are often accused of being xenophobic and nationalistic, prioritizing Nords above all other races. Their rebellion also weakens the Empire, potentially playing into the Thalmor’s hands.
The game deliberately avoids presenting a clear-cut good versus evil scenario, forcing you to grapple with complex moral questions. Ultimately, the “good guy” is the side that aligns with your character’s values and beliefs.
Consequences of Your Choice
Choosing a side has several significant consequences:
- Changed City Control: Siding with either faction will result in battles for control of major cities. Winning these battles will change the Jarl of that city, impacting the local atmosphere and available quests. Vignar Grey-Mane becomes the new Jarl of Whiterun, Laila Law-Giver reclaiming her position as the Jarl of Riften, and Skald the Elder retaking his role as Jarl of Dawnstar if the Stormcloaks win.
- Altered Dialogue and Interactions: NPCs will react differently to you based on your chosen faction. Soldiers from the opposing side will be hostile, and certain quests will become unavailable.
- Impact on the Ending: While the main quest line remains largely unaffected, the outcome of the civil war shapes the political future of Skyrim and has implications for the wider Elder Scrolls universe. A Stormcloak victory leads to Ulfric becoming High King of Skyrim and declaring the country’s independence.
A Note on the Thalmor
The Thalmor are a key element in the conflict, though they remain largely in the background. They secretly support the Stormcloaks, believing that a divided Empire is easier to control. The Imperials, while bound by the White-Gold Concordat, are aware of the Thalmor threat and see maintaining a unified Empire as the best way to resist them in the long run. Choosing a side doesn’t directly impact your relationship with the Thalmor, but it does affect their long-term goals.
Betrayal: A Path Less Traveled
It is possible to betray the Stormcloaks or the Imperials during the “The Jagged Crown” quest. Instead of returning the Jagged Crown to Ulfric or General Tullius, you can take it to the opposing leader, switching sides in the civil war. This is the only point in the game where you can change your allegiance.
Final Verdict: The Choice is Yours
Ultimately, the decision of whether to join the Legion or the Stormcloaks is a personal one. Consider your character’s background, your moral compass, and your gameplay preferences. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer. The beauty of Skyrim lies in its ability to let you shape your own destiny and experience the world through your character’s eyes. Embrace the complexity of the conflict and choose the path that feels most authentic to you. Remember to explore resources like Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to further deepen your understanding of the game’s mechanics and narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify your decision:
1. Which is better to join, Legion or Stormcloaks?
The “better” faction depends on your character’s background, moral alignment, and desired gameplay experience. The Legion offers a more structured environment and arguably better equipment, while the Stormcloaks champion freedom and tradition.
2. Are Imperials or Stormcloaks the good guys?
Neither side is inherently “good” or “evil.” The Imperials represent a pragmatic approach to maintaining order and resisting the Thalmor, while the Stormcloaks fight for freedom of religion and self-determination.
3. Does joining the Stormcloaks affect anything?
Yes, joining the Stormcloaks makes Imperial camps and forts hostile. It also affects the political landscape of Skyrim, potentially leading to a Stormcloak victory and the establishment of an independent Skyrim.
4. Or if I join the Legion will all the Stormcloaks hate me and try and kill me on sight?
Not necessarily. While Stormcloak soldiers in camps and forts will be hostile, the citizens of cities like Windhelm (a Stormcloak stronghold) will generally not attack you on sight.
5. What happens if you don’t join the Stormcloaks or Imperials?
You can ignore the civil war entirely and focus on other quests and storylines. You will still be involved in negotiating a temporary truce during the main questline.
6. What happens if you choose Stormcloaks?
Choosing the Stormcloaks results in battles for control of cities and forts, ultimately leading to the potential liberation of Skyrim from Imperial rule. Several Jarls will be replaced as a result.
7. Will I lose Lydia if I join the Stormcloaks?
No, joining either side of the civil war will not affect your relationship with Lydia. She will remain your loyal companion, regardless of your chosen faction.
8. Do you lose your house in Whiterun if you join the Stormcloaks?
No, you will not lose your house in Whiterun, regardless of which side you choose in the civil war. Your property remains yours.
9. Can you still go to Solitude if you join the Stormcloaks?
Yes, you can still visit Solitude, the Imperial capital of Skyrim, even if you join the Stormcloaks. However, Imperial soldiers in the city may be hostile towards you.
10. Who is more evil, Stormcloaks or Imperials?
Neither faction is inherently evil. Both have valid arguments and motivations. The Stormcloaks are often accused of being xenophobic, while the Imperials are criticized for compromising their values.
11. Is Ulfric Stormcloak evil?
Ulfric’s motivations and actions are complex and open to interpretation. Some view him as a hero fighting for freedom, while others see him as a power-hungry demagogue whose actions weaken the Empire.
12. Can I betray Stormcloaks?
Yes, during “The Jagged Crown” quest, you can choose to betray the Stormcloaks and deliver the crown to General Tullius, switching your allegiance to the Imperial Legion.
13. Can you switch sides in Skyrim?
Yes, but only during “The Jagged Crown” quest. This is the only opportunity to change your allegiance in the civil war questline.
14. Can I join both Stormcloaks and Legion?
No, you can only join one faction. Once you take the oath and become a member of either the Legion or the Stormcloaks, you are locked into that path.
15. Who becomes Jarl of Solitude if Stormcloaks win?
If the Stormcloaks win the civil war, Jarl Elisif the Fair will be captured by Ulfric and coerced into renouncing her support for the Imperial Legion in favor of the Stormcloaks.