GALMAR: ICE WRAITH , DOVAKHIIN: LoL maaan :D

[LithiumPower]

That's a really good way to look at it!

[terlaN592]

Bethesda isn't very good at making the "R" of "RPG". You can join (and usually become leader) of the most diverse things in a total roleplaying sacrilege, you are even pressed to do so (you can't learn a lot of Shouts without playing specific questlines, which annoys me to no end), and the game utterly ignores your prestige in other factions.

 

I agree with RighthandofSithis, it's simply what every cute little Nord does when coming of age. Though if I decide to go Stormcloak with my Dragonborn, I'll play it really quick and pretend it never happened...

 

Also, another thing to keep in mind: Galmar and Ulfric both comment that they wanted to see if your heart was really into it. Perhaps it wasn't just about killing an Ice Wraith as much as it was taking the hike all the way to that iceberg in the middle of nowhere, long trek north and swimming in freezing water included, maybe even feeling offended by having to do so (since you could be very powerful already). That way you showed that you were really committed to the cause, and ready to obey a superior officer's command regardless of your status in the rest of the world. You are Dragonborn but they're still not sure you are a Stormcloak.

 

That said, I still think it should be leveled. :dry:

 

Agreed!!!!! :D im nor angry to Galmar any more!!! This is my 5th or 6th character i dont really remember , and first time when i decided to kill this ice-wraith and not to do as Lithium sayed :D this time prefered beginning directly with Stormcloak questline

[sisterof]

Beginning with the Stormcloaks makes the quest way less... well, almost offensive. You are some unknown possible-criminal and low level enough for the Ice Wraith to be challenging. Just like a little Nord kid.

The explanation I offered was largely based on ignoring that I think Bethesda was being lazy, though.

If it's not laziness of them, then it could mean that regardless of your fame and power, you have to show your complete loyalty. The Empire is okay if you don't love them, they just want you to squash the Stormcloaks. But Ulfric wants to bring Skyrim to glory, and that requires more commitment. He wants to be sure you aren't in just for shits and giggles and just because you can. He doesn't know if you are a good person or committed to Skyrim. All he knows is you've defeated a great evil - maybe for non-heroic reasons.

So you basically put a leash on a demi-god and give the other end to Ulfric. If the Dragonborn is too proud to go kill something tiny in an isolated place, then he may be too proud to abide by Ulfric's claim to the throne, the rebuilding of Skyrim, or to obey Galmar in the battlefield. That's the only way I see it making sense, but it's still strange because the quest is offensive/humiliating for a powerful Dragonborn. Just rude. It's like he's trolling you.

So, I still think it was Bethesda laziness. It makes a lot of sense for you to do an errant to show submission (and not necessarily to prove strength) regardless of your power - the Stormcloaks may have some lax ranking, but they're still an army. But it didn't have to be an Ice Wraith for a level 40 character! I do think it should still be something more about showing effort (like traveling far or reaching some iceberg) and commitment, than power per se. They cannot possibly doubt your ability once you're acknowledged as Dovahkiin/Harbinger/thane/some other respectful title (no, Listener does not count ;) ).

And gods, forgive my lack of eloquence. I'm braindead.

Edited March 11, 2013 by sisterof

[LithiumPower]

Well, Erikur is a thane too so I wouldn't blame Ulfric, rather Galmar from putting too much stock in that. Some Jarls would thane you just for fetching mead (I'm looking at you Siddgeir).

 

And yes, Galmar makes that clear when he asks you why you want to join. He explains it's not a matter of race or whether you're local or foreign to Skyrim but rather that you are ready to strive and bleed for the cause. He doesn't want a mercenary or sellsword only it for gold or glory but someone who understands Skyrim's struggle. So I think your explanation made a lot of sense in that context.

[gaminggriffin]

The stormcloaks are not worthy of having dragonborn in there ranks, I say join the imperials. there a lot cooler, and also, HAIL BETHESDA!.

[LithiumPower]

This isn't the thread to argue stormcloaks vs imperials, you're welcome to join us there if you want a debate.

[terlaN592]

 

So, I still think it was Bethesda laziness.

 

:thumbsup: thats what i was talking about. Exatly ---> Laziness! :D when first time i finished this questline , i thought soon there'll be an update or dlc adding the ending of this war , an epilogue quest for both Imperial & Stormcloak side , with its High king or High Queen at last! :D then after year i realized that Bethesda is too lazy for a project like this , or for example "Additional Dark Brotherhood Quests" or "Werewolf Tales" or "Thieves Guild Addon" or smth. alike, cause this side quest were awesome and best side quests ever in my opinion , and i'd gladly spent some more septims ) for a such dlc or update if there were any of course =) they are busy with updates like "1.9 ---> new perks" naaah :D new perks for pc players who can use consoles for new perks anytiiiime!! :D

[LordSarcasm]

Depending on which route you take to get to the island/iceberg or what have you, you may encounter an ice wraith on the way there. My first time doing this quest I had to fight three ice wraiths in one ruin at once. After that fight, I was like "You mean I still have to go all the way there to that island to kill ONE ice wraith. There was a pack of them back there!"