I booted my PC recently to play some games I don't have access to on my Mac. One of the games I opened was Skyrim. I was walking around and found a random Stormcloak camp. To this point I haven't taken sides yet but I want to either support the Stormcloaks or Imperials. Thing is, I was talking to the Stormcloaks and I wasn't too impressed with them. They were talking a big game about Skyrim being for the Nords only and seriously hinted at slaughtering the Elves. I am not down with that and I am seriously considering backing the Imperials.
Thoughts? I sort of don't want to back "The Empire" but the Stormcloaks seem pretty evil. The Imperials are not much better I guess but at least they are not talking race slaughter.
Thoughts? I sort of don't want to back "The Empire" but the Stormcloaks seem pretty evil. The Imperials are not much better I guess but at least they are not talking race slaughter.
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The Stormcloaks are racist, and Ulfric is a power-hungry child who basically murdered the last king of Skyrim. They don't like the Thalmor and will go to war because of it.
However, the Empire is essentially controlled by the Thalmor, and the Empire doesn't like the Thalmor any more than the Stormcloaks do. They're just biding their time.
A few minor spoilers come next so bail if you don't want to see them.
What's the best thing for the Thalmor? A civil war that fractures the empire, especially if it's really bloody and the deaths are high. If the empire can keep the peace and unify Tamriel, they've got a much higher chance at winning in a future war with the Thalmor. You can find letters in the Thalmor Embassy describing why Ulfric is so good for them, because he's hurting the strength of the empire, allowing them to eventually fully take over.
EVEN BIGGER SPOILER BELOW. SERIOUSLY.
If you kill Ulfric, when you meet him in Sovngarde he's very regretful about what he's done, and sees that he was in error the whole time.
NO MORE SPOILERS AFTER THIS POINT:
In terms of short-term liberty, the Stormcloaks are the best choice. As long as you're human. But is it worth the racism and the murdering?
In terms of long-term stability, the Empire is the best choice.
Huh, thanks for that, spoilers and all.
I want to build a world free of genocide that has some thought to future survival. I dig the rebels from a perspective, but I can't abide by race slaughter.
I saved my game right out side Whiterun, its time to pick my side. Thing is, I am not an Elf, I just don't want them arbitrarily wiped out because some Nords are all upitty about Skyrim. Yes, yes, Skyrim for the Nords... and everyone else. Let's not be crazy here, plenty of Mudcrab infested land for everyone now.
Playing through both sides, I see the Imperials as more occupiers that were only interested in keeping peace, no matter the cost vs the Stormclocks who were fighting for freedom on the surface, but really for power and freedom was a good excuse.