That leads to one of the earliest conundrums players get to face when starting a new game in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, join the Stormcloaks or join the Empire. That said, Skyrim has long been a part of the Empire, affording them protection, stalwart allies, fruitful trade, and the rule of law.
RELATED: Skyrim: Best Restoration Skills, RankedĪfter all, Skyrim belongs to the Nords! Not the dragons, not the Imperials, and most certainly not the uppity High Elves. They have Jarls competing for power, the Altmer plotting behind the scenes, and most importantly, the Stormcloaks threaten to secede Skyrim from what they view as a crumbling empire. And, naturally, political turmoil has enveloped Skyrim.
Bandits pillage the countryside, and dragons are awakening and terrorizing every hold from Windhelm to Solitude. Skyrim's not in good shape when the Dragonborn arrives on the scene.