What Happens When the Stormcloaks Win the War in Skyrim?

A Stormcloak victory in the Skyrim Civil War fundamentally reshapes the political landscape of the province. Ulfric Stormcloak, having defeated the Imperial Legion, asserts control and aims to establish an independent Skyrim, free from Imperial influence. Jarls who sided with the Stormcloaks retain their positions, while those loyal to the Empire are replaced, often with figures sympathetic to the Stormcloak cause. Ultimately, the victory is a pyrrhic one as the Aldmeri Dominion will eventually be able to claim the province without contest from a unified front.

The Immediate Aftermath: Reshaping Skyrim’s Holds

Installation of New Jarls

Upon securing victory, Ulfric doesn’t simply execute or exile all those who opposed him. Instead, he strategically replaces Imperial-aligned Jarls with those deemed more trustworthy and aligned with the Stormcloak ideology. This transition isn’t always smooth, and the displaced Jarls, along with their supporters, often harbor resentment, potentially leading to pockets of resistance or unrest in the future. For example, Elisif the Fair, Jarl of Solitude, is coerced into renouncing her support for the Imperial Legion.

The Fate of Imperial Loyalists

While the Stormcloaks control Skyrim, former Imperial Jarls and key figures loyal to the Empire find themselves exiled, often seeking refuge in the Blue Palace in Solitude. These individuals remain essential characters, representing a persistent Imperial presence and a potential source of future conflict, if the Empire decides to reclaim the province.

Skyrim’s Independence… For Now

The immediate result is Skyrim’s declaration of independence from the Empire. The White-Gold Concordat, seen as a betrayal by many Nords, is no longer binding within Skyrim’s borders. This allows Nords to freely worship Talos, a core tenet of the Stormcloak rebellion. However, this newfound freedom comes at a price. Skyrim faces isolation and potential economic hardship without the trade routes and stability provided by the Empire.

Long-Term Consequences: A Bleak Future

Vulnerability to the Aldmeri Dominion

The most significant long-term consequence is Skyrim’s increased vulnerability to the Aldmeri Dominion. The weakened and divided state of Skyrim, independent but fractured, presents an attractive target for the Dominion. Without the resources and manpower of the Empire, Skyrim struggles to defend itself against a potential invasion. The article mentioned earlier even states, “If the Stormcloaks win, Skyrim becomes completely destabilized and the Dominion will face little unified danger when trying to conquer the frozen north.”

Internal Strife and Power Struggles

The absence of Imperial control can lead to internal strife and power struggles among the various Holds. Jarls may vie for dominance, and the absence of a strong central authority creates opportunities for bandits, opportunists, and other disruptive forces to thrive. The unity Ulfric sought to achieve may prove elusive, as individual Holds prioritize their interests over the collective good.

Economic Decline

Severing ties with the Empire disrupts trade routes and economic stability. Skyrim’s economy, reliant on trade with other provinces, suffers as resources become scarce and prices inflate. This economic decline exacerbates existing tensions and contributes to overall instability within the region.

The Potential for a Second Great War

While not explicitly depicted in Skyrim, a Stormcloak victory significantly increases the likelihood of a second Great War between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion. A weakened Empire, having lost Skyrim, would be in a more precarious position to resist Dominion aggression. The Dominion may see Skyrim’s independence as a sign of Imperial weakness, emboldening them to launch a full-scale invasion.

Alternate Interpretations and Considerations

It’s crucial to acknowledge that the consequences of a Stormcloak victory are not explicitly defined in the game. Much of the long-term implications are speculative, based on the established lore and political context of The Elder Scrolls universe.

• Nordic Resilience: Some argue that the Nords’ inherent resilience and warrior culture would allow them to overcome the challenges of independence and forge a strong, independent Skyrim.
• Ulfric’s Vision: The success or failure of a Stormcloak victory heavily depends on Ulfric’s leadership abilities. If he can effectively unite the Holds and address the economic and political challenges, Skyrim may stand a better chance of survival.
• Player Agency: The Dragonborn’s actions can significantly impact the post-war landscape. Whether the Dragonborn supports the Stormcloaks, the Empire, or remains neutral, their influence can shape the future of Skyrim.

In conclusion, while a Stormcloak victory offers Skyrim independence and the freedom to worship Talos, it also brings significant risks. The province faces increased vulnerability to the Aldmeri Dominion, internal strife, and economic decline. The ultimate outcome depends on a complex interplay of political factors, leadership, and the enduring spirit of the Nords. If you find such analyses engaging, consider exploring the fascinating intersection of game design and learning at the Games Learning Society by visiting GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Stormcloak Victory

1. Who becomes High King/Queen after the Stormcloak victory?

The process of selecting a new High King/Queen is complex. In theory, the Jarls convene to select a new leader. However, the power vacuum and potential rivalries between Jarls could lead to prolonged negotiations or even conflict. Ulfric Stormcloak, as the leader of the rebellion, is a strong contender, but his controversial actions and strong opinions may divide the Jarls.

2. Does the Dragonborn become High King/Queen?

Although you complete pivotal tasks and essentially are a major leader figure, the game does not allow the Dragonborn to become High King/Queen. The game narrative focuses on the Dragonborn’s role as a hero, not as a political leader. Your influence can still be significant, though.

3. What happens to the Imperial Legion soldiers who surrender?

The fate of surrendered Imperial Legion soldiers is ambiguous. Some may be allowed to return to their homelands, while others might be imprisoned or forced to swear allegiance to the Stormcloaks. It really depends on Ulfric’s plans at the time, and how merciful he will want to be.

4. Does Skyrim remain isolationist after winning the war?

Not necessarily. While the initial aftermath may involve a period of isolation as Skyrim establishes its independence, the long-term viability of the nation depends on forging trade relationships and alliances with other factions. They will need a unified front to keep themselves safe from outside actors.

5. Can other races besides Nords hold positions of power in a Stormcloak-controlled Skyrim?

Ulfric’s ideology is primarily focused on Nordic supremacy and the preservation of Nordic traditions. While other races might be tolerated, they are unlikely to hold significant positions of power. Those that do may have their loyalty questioned.

6. How does the worship of Talos change after the Stormcloak victory?

With the White-Gold Concordat nullified, the worship of Talos becomes openly practiced throughout Skyrim. Temples and shrines dedicated to Talos are restored, and the cultural significance of Talos is celebrated once again. This would be a great victory to those who sided with the Stormcloaks.

7. What happens to the Thalmor after the Stormcloak victory?

The Thalmor, representatives of the Aldmeri Dominion, are likely expelled from Skyrim or forced to operate covertly. The Stormcloaks, vehemently opposed to the Dominion’s influence, would actively suppress any Thalmor activity within Skyrim’s borders.

8. Does a Stormcloak victory prevent the return of dragons?

No. The dragon crisis is separate from the Civil War. Even with the Stormcloaks in charge, the Dragonborn must still fulfill their destiny and defeat Alduin to save Skyrim from destruction. Both sides must unify in that case.

9. What are the economic impacts of a Stormcloak victory on other provinces?

A Stormcloak victory can disrupt trade and economic relationships between Skyrim and other provinces, particularly those loyal to the Empire. This can lead to economic hardship for both Skyrim and its former trading partners.

10. Does a Stormcloak victory lead to the persecution of other religions?

While the Stormcloaks prioritize the worship of Talos and the Nordic pantheon, the extent to which other religions are persecuted is unclear. Ulfric’s leadership and the prevailing attitudes within Skyrim would determine the level of religious tolerance.

11. What happens to settlements with mixed populations (Nords and other races) after the Stormcloak victory?

Settlements with mixed populations may experience increased tension and discrimination against non-Nord residents. The Stormcloak’s emphasis on Nordic identity could lead to social unrest and marginalization of other races.

12. How does the Dragonborn’s choice impact the long-term consequences of a Stormcloak victory?

The Dragonborn’s actions and choices throughout the game can significantly impact the post-war landscape. Their influence with the Jarls, their decisions during the war, and their overall reputation can shape the future of Skyrim.

13. What happens to the Companions after the Stormcloak victory?

The Companions, a neutral mercenary guild based in Whiterun, would likely continue to operate independently. However, their relationship with the Stormcloak government would depend on their willingness to align with the new regime and their ability to maintain their neutrality.

14. Does a Stormcloak victory guarantee a better future for Skyrim?

Not necessarily. While the Stormcloaks offer independence and the freedom to worship Talos, their victory is fraught with risks and challenges. The future of Skyrim depends on effective leadership, internal unity, and the ability to withstand external threats.

15. Are there any advantages to a Stormcloak victory compared to an Imperial victory?

The main advantage would be a renewed sense of cultural identity and freedom for Nords to practice their traditions without Imperial interference. However, this comes at the cost of increased vulnerability and potential instability.