Unveiling the Dark Side: 9 Shocking Reasons to Avoid Joining the Stormcloaks in Skyrim

The Civil War in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is widely regarded as one of the most controversial events in the history of the Elder Scrolls universe. The debate over which side is morally correct has persisted long after the game's release. Similar to its counterpart, the Fallout franchise, the decision ultimately falls into the hands of the player character and is determined by their actions within the game.

Specifically focusing on the Stormcloak faction, there are numerous reasons why a player might choose not to align with them. These reasons may stem from the player's personal or character biases, extensive knowledge of the game's lore, and various other factors. To delve further, here is a compilation of reasons against joining the Stormcloak faction in Skyrim.

7 The Aldmeri Dominion

The Stormcloaks severely underestimate the power of the Aldmeri Dominion and its Thalmor rulers. During the Great War, the Aldmeri proved to be a considerable opponent to the Empire, despite the Empire being much more unified back then compared to the current state in Skyrim. If the Empire, in its unified form, couldn't conquer the Elves, there is no way the Stormcloaks can accomplish it on their own. Even General Tullius acknowledges this and labels the Stormcloaks as foolish for battling the Empire instead of joining forces against the Aldmeri Dominion.

6 Skyrim Can't Sustain Its Population

If players pay keen attention to the various holds of Skyrim during their exploration, it becomes quite apparent that there is a scarcity of locally grown food in the province. Due to its predominantly mountainous and snowy terrain, large-scale agriculture is impractical in most parts of Skyrim. As a result, Skyrim heavily relies on importing a significant portion of its food from other regions of the Empire, particularly Cyrodiil.

In the event of the Stormcloaks' victory, it is highly likely that many regions in Skyrim would face the risk of famine without the existing trade network. Curiously, Ulfric himself seems completely unaware of this critical fact.

5 Nord Racism

Unfortunately, a significant portion of the Stormcloak rhetoric exhibits fascist tendencies, with many of Ulfric's supporters promoting the idea that Skyrim should be exclusive to Nord individuals. Windhelm serves as a troubling example of where this mindset leads, as there is openly hostile racial tension between the Nords, Argonians, and Dark Elves. The latter two groups are either confined to impoverished areas within the city (known as the Grey Quarter) or outright prohibited from residing there.

Ulfric and his Stormcloaks demonstrate a lack of concern for the minority populations of Skyrim and would willingly expel them if given the opportunity. If a player is role-playing as a character who does not share these racist beliefs (or as a non-Nordic character in general), the appeal of joining the Stormcloaks diminishes quite rapidly.

4 Ulfric Can't Be Trusted

Ulfric Stormcloak's ambitions are well-known. Prior to being a rebel, he had devoted himself to studying the voice and was on the path to becoming a greybeard. However, he quickly abandoned his studies and utilized his power in a way that went against his sworn principles - he shouted the high king of Skyrim into pieces.

The legality of this challenge is disputed, but it does not reflect favorably on Ulfric either way. He was fully aware that he would emerge victorious due to his manipulation of the Thu'um. Consequently, his actions align more with those of a usurper than a freedom fighter.

3 The Reachmen

The Stormcloak's primary contention is that they possess the entitlement to govern their native homeland autonomously, devoid of external interference. However, their position becomes incredibly contradictory as the Forsworn of the Reach in Skyrim are making the exact same argument. The indigenous people of the Reach, known as the Reachmen, who are of mixed Breton and Nordic descent, assert their ancestral rights, yet Ulfric, without exception, denies them the privilege of self-governance. It is even rumored that he forcefully suppressed a rebellion in Markarth, which likely originated from the mistreatment of the Reachmen by the Nords themselves, further highlighting the striking hypocrisy of the Stormcloaks.

2 The Issue of Talos Worship

Despite the Nords holding firm beliefs in the divine nature of Talos, there exists a considerable number of individuals across Tamriel who view his veneration as irrational or even disrespectful. Consequently, this raises the query regarding why a character of non-Nordic origin would find it compelling to stand alongside the Stormcloaks, considering such a substantial discrepancy in religious customs.

1 Thalmor Puppetry

During the main questline, while exploring the Thalmor Embassy, players come across a dossier that contains information about key individuals in Skyrim, including Ulfric Stormcloak. The dossier describes him as uncooperative but acknowledges his significant value to the Dominion's interests. This is likely because his civil war not only keeps the Empire occupied, but also further divides it. Ultimately, it weakens Skyrim and makes it more susceptible to invasion and eventual capture.

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The revelation sheds a negative light on the civil war, highlighting Ulfric's lack of foresight and the Thalmor's dependence on his foolishness. Resolving the conflict promptly and favorably (ideally in favor of the Empire) would greatly undermine the Thalmor's long-term objectives.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition can be played on PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as Xbox One and Series X|S.