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Should I Side with the Imperials in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Deciding whether to side with the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the game’s most significant choices. There’s no objectively “right” answer, as both sides present compelling arguments and offer unique gameplay experiences. However, if you value stability, unity, and a pragmatic approach to religious freedom, siding with the Imperials might be the better choice for you. The Empire, while weakened, represents a larger, more established power structure capable of defending against external threats like the Thalmor. Choosing the Imperials means fighting to maintain the Empire’s presence in Skyrim and preserving a sense of order, even if it comes at the cost of some local autonomy.

Why Choose the Imperial Legion?

The Imperial Legion, led by General Tullius, offers several benefits to the Dragonborn who pledge their allegiance. While they may not be perfect, their arguments and actions carry considerable weight:

Preservation of the Empire: The Empire represents a bulwark against the Aldmeri Dominion, a powerful and hostile force waiting to exploit any weakness. A fractured Skyrim weakens the entire continent of Tamriel.
Pragmatism over Dogma: While the Empire outlawed the worship of Talos as part of a treaty with the Thalmor, they are often lax in enforcing this ban, as evidenced by the Talos worshipper in Whiterun. This suggests a more pragmatic approach than zealous adherence to religious restrictions.
Stability and Order: The Empire provides a structure of law and order that helps maintain peace in Skyrim, preventing chaos and infighting between the various holds.
Potential for Change from Within: By joining the Imperials, you have the opportunity to influence the future of Skyrim and perhaps even the Empire itself, pushing for reforms and a more inclusive society.
Questline and Rewards: The Imperial questline is a well-developed and engaging narrative, culminating in the defeat of Ulfric Stormcloak and the installation of a Jarl more sympathetic to Imperial interests.

Consequences of Siding with the Imperials

Choosing the Imperial Legion has some significant in-game consequences:

Ulfric Stormcloak’s Death: The Imperial questline ends with the death of Ulfric Stormcloak, ending the rebellion and solidifying Imperial control over Skyrim.
New Jarls: You’ll witness changes in the Jarls of various holds as Imperial-friendly leaders are installed, such as Brunwulf Free-Winter in Windhelm.
Altered Dialogue and Factions: The world around you will react to your decision, with different characters offering different dialogue based on your allegiance. Imperial camps and forts will become safe havens, while Stormcloak camps will be hostile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Siding with the Imperials

1. Are the Imperials the “Good Guys” in Skyrim?

The concept of “good guys” is subjective in Skyrim. The Imperials are not flawless, but they represent a structured government and a potential shield against external threats. They can be seen as the more pragmatic and stable option, aiming to preserve order and unity.

2. Does Joining the Imperials Affect Anything Besides the Civil War Questline?

Yes, joining the Imperials primarily affects the Civil War questline. Still, it also influences dialogue, faction relations (making Stormcloak camps hostile), and the overall political landscape of Skyrim. Major cities remain generally unaffected beyond changes in Jarls.

3. What Happens if I Side with the Imperials?

Siding with the Imperials leads to the defeat of Ulfric Stormcloak, the installation of Imperial-friendly Jarls in several holds, and the consolidation of Imperial control over Skyrim.

4. Will I Lose My House in Whiterun if I Join the Imperials?

No, you will not lose your house in Whiterun or any other property regardless of which side you choose. Your property remains secure throughout the Civil War.

5. Can I Betray the Imperials After Joining?

You cannot fully betray the Imperials once you have taken the oath. However, there is one chance early on in the questline to hand the jagged crown to the opposing faction. After this point, there are no options to betray the faction.

6. Is General Tullius a Good Person?

General Tullius is a complex character. He is a skilled military leader and administrator but is often perceived as insensitive to Nordic culture. He represents Imperial authority and the pragmatic, sometimes harsh, realities of maintaining order.

7. Does Joining the Imperials Prevent Me From Becoming Thane of Certain Holds?

Potentially. If the Imperials take control of a hold, the previous Jarl will be replaced, and becoming Thane depends on gaining the new Jarl’s favor. However, becoming Thane is usually still possible with a bit of effort.

8. Does Siding with the Imperials Affect My Companions?

Your choice in the Civil War does not directly affect your companions. They will continue to follow you and offer their support regardless of your allegiance. The game does not allow companions to leave because of faction choice.

9. Can I Still Worship Talos if I Join the Imperials?

While the Empire officially bans Talos worship, they are often lax in enforcing this rule in Skyrim. You can still worship Talos, find shrines, and even receive blessings from Talos without facing consequences from the Empire.

10. Will Whiterun Be Destroyed if I Side with the Imperials?

If you side with the Imperials, Whiterun will not be destroyed. It only gets damaged if you are on the Stormcloak questline and you participate in the battle to take over the city.

11. Do I Get Special Armor or Weapons for Joining the Imperials?

Yes, you will receive Imperial armor when you join the Legion and progress through the questline. You may also find other Imperial-themed equipment throughout your service.

12. Does Choosing the Imperials Affect My Ability to Complete Other Questlines?

Choosing the Imperials generally does not affect your ability to complete other questlines in Skyrim. You can still join guilds like the Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, or College of Winterhold, regardless of your Civil War allegiance.

13. Is Ulfric Stormcloak Helping the Thalmor?

While Ulfric Stormcloak despises the Thalmor, some argue that his actions, such as weakening the Empire, indirectly aid their goals. A divided Skyrim is more vulnerable to Thalmor influence.

14. What Happens to Windhelm if I Side with the Imperials?

If you side with the Imperials, Ulfric is killed, and Windhelm will get a new Jarl, such as Brunwulf Free-Winter.

15. Where Can I Learn More About the Lore and Politics of Skyrim?

To dive deeper into the complex lore of The Elder Scrolls, consider exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society, which fosters learning through games and provides educational content. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Should I side with Imperials?