Why I Think The Empire Is Right

[CryptsOfTheDead]

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS!

I know this is in the spoiler section, but I wanted to warn any how. So, do not read if you haven't played the game or dislike spoilers. I know this has been debated through the nose, but I wanted to add my two cents. I'm also sure I will catch some heat from the Stormcloak supporters out there, and that's ok. Alright, here it goes...

 

Honestly, I have always been a loyal supporter of the Empire in all the TES games, and I favor playing Imperials. The whole roman thing I guess. I must say however, that when I first started playing Skyrim, I had a very hard time deciding who to support, the Empire (Imperial Legion) or the Rebels (Stormcloaks). I must have started a half a dozen games before I finally decided that the Empire is the best choice to go with. I even went as far as to write and post on Emma's Forums "Why I Think The Stormcloaks Are Right," and I regret ever posting that, and for many reasons. First of all, it was done prematurely, before I actually got to see both sides of the coin. The biggest reason was the Empire trying to have me executed. This really made me mad, bitter, and I wanted revenge. However, after observing both sides of that coin and reading many books in the game, I couldn't believe what was hearing and seeing, especially what I read in the book about the Great War. What also really got me was during the main quest. You are sent to the Thalmor Embassy, and you find some dirt on Ulfric Stormcloak, the wanna-be High King of Skyrim, revealing that the Thalmor see him as an asset. But is he a spy? Some say yes, some say no. In any case, I nearly fell off my chair when I discovered that. I will now explain in more detail why I think the Empire is the way to go.

 

Reason 1

 

So, ok... The Empire tries to chop your head off in the beginning, however, you "DO" survive and Hadvar tells you it was all a mistake, and that you were not suppose to be on that carriage with the Stormcloak traitors. Hmm, perhaps it was Ulfric's plan to have you executed? Maybe he knew something and saw you as a threat.

 

Reason 2

 

The Stormcloaks are nothing more than rebel trash. They are also extremely racist. The first time you enter Windhelm, you see some Stormcloaks threatening a Dark Elf, and for what? Because the Dunmer do not support the rebellion and she's an elf. The Stormcloaks believe that Skyrim should be a Nord Nation PERIOD! No other race is allowed. Bad bad bad. Sure, there are some Empire supporters that do something similar to an old lady in Whiterun, but they don't seem to be as racist as the Stormcloaks.

 

Reason 3

 

The rebels would like you to believe that they hate the Thalmor, but then why was that note found in the Thalmor Embassy about Ulfric? Well, it's quite simple. The Thalmor want the Stormcloaks to rebel against the Empire because they know the legion is weak at this point and the upstart elves can use this to their advantage and take over ALL of Tamriel.

 

Reason 4

 

The peace treaty between the Empire and the Thalmor is nothing more than a ruse on the Empire's part. They are biding their time until they get strong enough to once again attack the Thalmor and put them in their place once and for all. During the main quest, Legate Rikki and General Tullius make comments about this. In addition, if you follow Hadvar to Riverwood, his uncle will tell you that very few abide by the banning of Talos worship. Again, the whole treaty is a ruse and the Thalmor are too stupid to see it. Or maybe they do, and that's why they support the Stormcloak Rebellion, to weaken the Empire even more.

 

Reason 5

 

Some may try to make you believe that Ulfric challenged the High King to a duel and the King lost, but that's not true. Ulfric used "The Way Of The Voice" to murder the High King of Skyrim. Notice at the beginning of the game that Ulfric is gagged so he can't SHOUT.

 

EDIT: As SomethingCrazy pointed out, my reason 5 seems a little unfair. There is no proof that the High King was murdered.

 

Reason 6

 

Apparently, you are a foreigner in the game, not a native of Skyrim. It is actually believed that your character is from Cyrodiil. Hadvar says: "You haven't heard of the civil war in Skyrim? I guess down in Cyrodiil people have other things to worry about." Perhaps your character is an Imperial. What better reason to join the legion and save Skyrim from the Stormcloaks. Or, you could have been born in Bruma and be a Nord. At any rate, your character DID come from Cyrodiil, but the race of the Dragonborn is NOT revealed in TES lore, meaning you can be any race you wish.

 

Reason 7

 

Lastly, even if the rebels DID defeat the legion, it will never last. The Empire will strike back eventually (Star Wars lol), just like they plan to do with the Thalmor. The Empire has always been a part of the TES games, and I believe it always will be. It will NEVER die.

 

LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!

Edited February 6, 2014 by CryptsOfTheDead

[charge112]

the reason I joined the stormcloaks(yesterday) is that I hate the Thalmor, I really hate them. But you have a good point there with the note, I didn't realize it. Anyway if I can kill Thalmor I am happy ;P

[Ausbeindur]

The Stormcloaks are racist, unquestionably. Ulfric actively encourages his people to discriminate against the Dunmer, and treats the Argonians like farm animals (confining them to what's basically a cage).

After Ulfric's death, if you visit Castle Dour, Tullius confesses to you that the Thalmor won't remain in power much longer. The Empire is planning an uprising and the Stormcloaks are ruining everything.

There are undoubtedly some not-so-good members of the Empire, like the Captain at the beginning, and Idolaf Battle-Born, but they are the exception. Compare that to the number of scumbag Stormcloaks. Ulfric is a blind egotist; Galmar hates anyone who isn't a Nord, and Rolff...is just an a**hole. Ralof is pretty much the only decent Stormcloak in the game.

Edited February 5, 2014 by Ausbeindur

[CryptsOfTheDead]

the reason I joined the stormcloaks(yesterday) is that I hate the Thalmor, I really hate them. But you have a good point there with the note, I didn't realize it. Anyway if I can kill Thalmor I am happy ;P

Well, the Empire hates the Thalmor as well. Right now, I'm playing an Imperial female character and she kills the Thalmor whenever she can. She waits for them to accuse her of heresy, then it is so on! lol. :smile:

The Thalmor currently have a death warrant out for her too. Hmm... I wonder why? lol Well, I did help Saadia with her ruse against the Redguards. The Thalmor didn't like that. Hehe.

Edited February 5, 2014 by CryptsOfTheDead

[charge112]

 

Well, the Empire hates the Thalmor as well. Right now, I'm playing an Imperial female character and she kills the Thalmor whenever she can. She waits for them to accuse her of heresy, then it is so on! lol. :smile:

The Thalmor currently have a death warrant out for her too. Hmm... I wonder why? lol Well, I did help Saadia with her ruse against the Redguards. The Thalmor didn't like that. Hehe.

 

Well then I'll probably be happy on either side

Edited February 5, 2014 by charge112

[NemesisTheWarlock]

In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.

[Kraeten]

Racism in the dark ages was extremely common. It usually presented itself in the form of slavery or worse. In Skyrim, the most heinous example of racism you'll see is apathy. Meanwhile in Elder Scrolls Oblivion, the count and countess of Leyawiin entertained themselves by torturing argonians. Forgive me if I don't think much of Imperial tolerance.

 

As for the Empire rising up, it's been twenty years since the Great War ended. They've had plenty of time to recover and yet all we get from them are the sound of crickets. They're content to let the peace last as long as possible, leaving the Thalmor justicars to terrorize the common people at will.

 

The Stormcloaks on the otherhand have had all the "peace" they can stomach, and are more than willing to lead the charge against the Dominion. Galmar himself kills the Thalmor Justiciar Ondolemar when the Stormcloaks siege Markarth. Whatever happened to Ulfric when he was captured by the Thalmor, there's no doubting his very real desire to drive the Dominion out of Skyrim. Can we be so certain of the Empire's motives? Nope.

Edited February 5, 2014 by Kraeten

[SomethingCrazy]

Although you make some good points, reason 5 seems a little...wrong? I dunno the word I'm looking for but as far as I know there's no proof that Ulfric "murdered" him. Sure there was a duel and it may not of been to the death, which would technically count as a murder, but he was getting his point across that he and his followers were not afraid to take serious action into their own hands. As for the part in the beginning where his mouth is tied, why wouldn't they do that? It would be like arresting someone with a gun but not taking away their gun.

 

But aside from that you make some good points.

[CryptsOfTheDead]

Racism in the dark ages was extremely common. It usually presented itself in the form of slavery or worse. In Skyrim, the most heinous example of racism you'll see is apathy. Meanwhile in Elder Scrolls Oblivion, the count and countess of Leyawiin entertained themselves by torturing argonians. Forgive me if I don't think much of Imperial tolerance.

 

As for the Empire rising up, it's been twenty years since the Great War ended. They've had plenty of time to recover and yet all we get from them are the sound of crickets. They're content to let the peace last as long as possible, leaving the Thalmor justicars to terrorize the common people at will.

 

The Stormcloaks on the otherhand have had all the "peace" they can stomach, and are more than willing to lead the charge against the Dominion. Galmar himself kills the Thalmor Justiciar Ondolemar when the Stormcloaks siege Markarth. Whatever happened to Ulfric when he was captured by the Thalmor, there's no doubting his very real desire to drive the Dominion out of Skyrim. Can we be so certain of the Empire's motives? Nope.

You certainly make some valid points indeed, and I agree totally that the Empire has had more than enough time to regroup. Not sure what to think on that. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Bethesda decides to do with them. It will probably be something unexpected.

 

On your comment with Oblivion and the Count and Countess of Leyawiin, I remember that. I was like, wtf? That was very disturbing. Poor Argonians. And the Khajiit in Skyrim, I feel very bad for. They don't deserve to be treated that way. They are such a loveable people, to me any way. I help them in any way I can.

[CryptsOfTheDead]

Although you make some good points, reason 5 seems a little...wrong? I dunno the word I'm looking for but as far as I know there's no proof that Ulfric "murdered" him. Sure there was a duel and it may not of been to the death, which would technically count as a murder, but he was getting his point across that he and his followers were not afraid to take serious action into their own hands. As for the part in the beginning where his mouth is tied, why wouldn't they do that? It would be like arresting someone with a gun but not taking away their gun.

 

But aside from that you make some good points.

I agree with you. As you said, there is no proof of a murder. I will need to refine that a bit, thanks.