Hey everyone, today we're diving into the heart of Skyrim's civil war and exploring the philosophy behind siding with the Stormcloaks.
The Imperial Legacy
For veterans of Oblivion, the Empire might seem like the natural choice. After all, they've been the dominant force in Tamriel for centuries. Coming from that perspective, it's easy to see them as the ultimate power, the guardians of peace.
But here's the thing: empires crumble.
Choosing the Empire in Skyrim can feel like blind obedience to a fading authority. The Empire is fractured, weakened by war and internal conflicts. They're forcing the Nords to abandon Talos, a fundamental part of their religion and identity.
1 direct reply
by u/12D3KooWSEB2R3vkiRaEh8htBkJvdpoPvdFqVjEpQDm5XqsZkVjE | 14mo ago
The Stormcloaks see the Empire's ban on Talos worship as an attack on their very culture. Siding with the Empire means turning your back on your people's faith and traditions. Are Nords who collaborate with the Empire truly honoring their god-king?
The Empire will tell you that a weakened Empire benefits the Thalmor, the true enemies of Skyrim and Tamriel. There's truth to that. The Thalmor documents you find hint at their desire to manipulate the Stormcloaks, using Ulfric as a pawn. But here's the key: The Thalmor don't want a Stormcloak victory either. They just want chaos.
The decision to side with the Stormcloaks is a complex one. It's about challenging authority, preserving cultural identity, and fighting for self-determination. Weigh the arguments, consider the risks, and decide for yourself: will you be a pawn in the Thalmor's game, or will you stand up for what you believe in?