The question of whether you should join the Imperials or the Stormcloaks in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” is as difficult to answer as which House you should pick in “Harry Potter.” Like the Houses in the famous wizardry and witchcraft franchise, each of these two groups in “Skyrim” has its own set of characteristics. Plus, your choice will also depend on various factors.
So, to help you make the right choice, we will explore these two groups in “Skyrim,” beginning with the Imperials.
Who Are The Imperials?
Also referred to as the Imperial Cyrods, Cyrodiils, Cyro-Nordics, and Cyrodilics, the well-educated and well-spoken Imperials are the natives of Cyrodiil, the civilized and cosmopolitan province in the game.
These Imperials are known for their discipline, their respect for the rule of law, and the distinctive training of their citizen armies. Though the Imperials are physically less imposing than the rest of the races, they have proven to be perspicacious traders and diplomats. These traits, together with their remarkable skill and training as light infantry, have enabled these Imperials to subdue all the other races and nations, as well as establish the monument to prosperity and peace, which comprise the Glorious Empire.
Advantages Of Joining The Imperials
1. It’s For The Best Interest Of Skyrim
A lot of the culture of Skyrim was lost with the signing of the agreement. If they had not signed it, it is more likely they would lose the war. Skyrim was in no state to battle the well-trained, well-funded, and well-equipped High Elves.
2. Value For The People
The Imperials only wish to keep Tamriel at peace, and this stand stays for so long.
3. More Money
Joining the Imperials hands you some excellent weapons and armor while on quests, which you can see to earn more money.
4. You’re Mostly Welcome Everywhere
As an Imperial, you will find much less hostility. You may also find that Imperial soldiers and guards bother you less when entering a city.
Downsides Of Joining The Imperials
However, there are also downsides when you join the Imperials. These are:
- Bureaucracy could be uncaring
- This group lacks personality in more ways than one
On The Other Hand, Who Are The Stormcloaks?
If the Imperials are more of the dignified and goody-good group, the Stormcloaks are a rebel faction led by Ulfric Stormcloak. To add to the game’s thrills, you can join the Stormcloaks and be one of them.
One of their ultimate goals is to defeat the Imperial Legion controlling most of Skyrim and end the Empire’s rule over the land, leading to a Skyrim that is an independent country.
The majority of Skyrim’s eastern half is currently under Stormcloak control, with the ever-important Whiterun Hold in central Skyrim remaining neutral nominally. However, that doesn’t mean they are not friends with Imperial traffic as Skyrim’s events unfold.
Advantages Of Joining The Stormcloaks
1. Moral Righteousness
On the other hand, the Stormcloaks are for those who want to take a stand. After having their right to religion and authentic culture washed away from them, siding with those looking for re-establishment could definitely help your chances of getting to the Nordic afterlife, the Sovngarde.
2. Freedom!
If you see what happens after the Civil War (no, not the Civil War in “Avengers”), siding with the Stormcloaks could very well bring forth freedom from the Empire for those in Tamriel. This also means being no longer bound by Thalmor’s rules.
3. No Threats Of Getting Beheaded
At the start of the game, you are playing characters waiting to be beheaded by the Imperials. It’s probably not good to side with those who attempted to kill you for nothing, right?
Downsides Of Joining The Stormcloaks
Meanwhile, here are the downloads when you choose to join the Stormcloaks:
- They are intolerant toward non-Nords
- Inability to battle with more significant threats
- Lack of order
Should You Join The Imperials Or The Stormcloaks?: Concluding Statements
At the end of the day, the choice of whether you would go with the Imperials or Stormcloaks is actually a very personal one. Basically speaking, it will depend on the direction you want your character to take.
Some find a home among the Stormcloaks, provided they agree with their point of view on the Empire. Meanwhile, some find the Imperials warm and welcoming as long as they yield some power to the Empire. See the difference?
But here are some tips. Choose to join the Imperials if you wish to play a character initially from a place apart from Skyrim since it does not make sense to fight under a banner that ultimately will not accept you, just like in the real world.
Meanwhile, choose to join the Stormcloaks if you believe the Empire has no right to control what Skyrim’s people can and cannot do, especially if you are a Nord.
What If You Decide Not To Join Either Of The Two?
Ah, good question. Don’t worry if you choose not to join the Imperials or the Stormcloaks. “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” encourages gamers to make their own way however they wish to. So, it is perfectly alright, and it will still be possible for you to beat the game even if you don’t choose between the Imperials or the Stormcloaks. You want to stay neutral like Switzerland, eh?
If you choose not to join either, the war stays in limbo. But, the game’s NPCs will act like there are ongoing bouts. Prior to the Dragonborn’s capture and escape at Helgen, this Civil War had been going on for many years. Since the quest missions have the requirement of the Dragonborn’s involvement, it won’t take place otherwise.
Though the repercussions are there. Those are just some of the implications when you choose not to join the Imperials or Stormcloaks, alongside losing out on each group’s unique armor and other quest rewards. It’s totally up to you.
