Tactics in the Imperial Legion are in charge of Legate Rikke, a middle-aged northerner.

The Imperial Legion is an expeditionary army fighting rebels for the good of Tamriel, which is now under the rule of the Thalmor elves. The credo of the legion is law and order, and General Tullius, not without reason, believes that a separated Skyrim will not benefit either the Empire or itself.

The missions for the legion largely repeat the tasks of the Stormcloaks - only in a “mirror” form. However, there are differences in the plot. We'll briefly describe the "duplicate" jobs and tell you more about the discrepancies.

Joining the Imperial Legion

The leader of the Hragstad bandits is so enthusiastically admiring the map that he has forgotten about everything in the world.

You can receive the task to join the ranks of the legionnaires at the very beginning, if you select the legionnaire Hadvar when escaping from Helgen. At the exit from the cave, he will invite the hero to go to General Tullius and enroll in the army. If you did not receive this quest or chose the rebel Ralof when fleeing, just go up to any legionnaire you meet (they often roam the roads accompanying prisoners) and take it.

General Tullius lives in the Dark Castle in Solitude. When you enter the legion headquarters, the general will argue with Legate Rikke. Since communication with Tullius under Helgen was, frankly speaking, short, he will immediately send us to the legate, and she will offer test. We need to clear the Hragstad fortress from bandits so that the legion can establish an outpost there.

This task is much more difficult than the Stormcloak entrance test. There was only one monster, albeit a strong one, but here there was a whole fort with a dozen bandits. Some roam outside, some in the courtyard, some on the castle walls, one on the tower, and the rest in the main and prison rooms of the fortress. There are no special puzzles here. All enemies are indicated by arrows on the compass, so you won’t be in danger of missing the “last sectoid”.

Return to the Gloomy Castle, listen to the conversation about the Jagged Crown - Legate Rikke persuades the general to send troops (including the “auxiliary”, that is, us) to capture the crown. After the conversation, Rikke will rejoice at our successes and send us to Tullius to take the oath. Taking a solemn oath will mean failing the quest to join the Stormcloaks, if you have one.

Serrated crown

“And here is your Panama hat!” - Legate Rikke hits the next Storm Brother with his shield. A real Valkyrie!

This quest mirrors what the Stormcloaks give you if you choose the rebel path. In the ancient cairn of Korvanjund, the Jagged Crown was found - an important symbol of the supreme power of Skyrim, and now the first to enter the dungeon were no longer legionnaires, but rebels. General Tullius does not understand why the crown is needed, but Legate Rikke convinced him that it was impossible to give such a valuable thing to Ulfric.

Before going to Korvanjund, take the legionnaire's kit from the blacksmith Beirand - light armor, heavy or medium (it’s also light, but with a heavy shield).

The place we need on the map is north of Whiterun and east of the Lorey farm. A group of legionnaires stands in a small forest near the cairn and listens to Rikke’s instructions. After the conversation, the whole gang will move to the burial ground, where the Storm Brothers will meet us.

You don't have to fight at all - Legate Rikke is indestructible, and the accompanying fighters are reborn. But there is nothing wrong with helping your own people. Several soldiers are on duty outside, the rest are hiding inside and are not waiting for us yet. When Rikke announces an ambush, go up one level and bring down burning lamps on the rebels standing with their feet in the oil.

At the secret door, pick up the ebony claw and use the wolf-butterfly-dragon combination. In the hall with the coffins, go up to the upper level and, by turning the lever, help Rikka and the legionnaires get rid of the draugr. After this, all that remains is to remove the crown from the draugr, who is sitting on the throne in a relaxed position. To do this, you need to kill him and a couple of his assistants from the sarcophagi on the sides.

Take the crown, the word of Power - and return to Tullius. You can also give the crown to Ulfric - then you will go over to his side. This is the last opportunity to change faction.

Message for Whiterun

There is a military council in Dragonsreach, and meanwhile the Stormcloaks are already approaching the walls of the city.

This task is also “mirror”, but this time it is not Ulfric who asks us to take the ax to the Earl of Whiterun, but on the contrary - the Earl of Whiterun asks us to take his ax to Ulfric (and gets just as irritated if we ask: “Why the ax?”). True, first, on the instructions of Tullius, you need to come with a message from the legion to the Dragon's Reach and listen to how the jarl consults with his entourage.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The quest will not be completed until the plot task “Dragon in the Sky” is completed - the jarl will simply refuse to accept the message.

Then we run with the ax to Ulfric, and after that the differences begin: we do not take Whiterun, but defend it. The council of war in the room above the throne room is held in the company of the imperial legate. He accepts the task “Message for Whiterun” from us and gives the following - “Battle of Whiterun”.

Battle of Whiterun

Hadvar can easily see the speck in his neighbor's eye, but in his own he doesn't even notice the arrow.

Flames are pouring down from the sky onto Whiterun - the city is being bombarded by catapults. Legate Rikke is waiting outside the gate. When she sees us, she will make a speech to a handful of warriors who are about to fight another handful of warriors.

The battle of Whiterun follows the usual template, which was already described in the walkthrough for the Stormcloaks: there are weak fighters on both sides, they are reborn, and dead enemies are noted on the percentage counter. When it reaches zero, we win. The only difference is that here we have a couple of side objectives: protecting the barricades at the gate and protecting the drawbridge if the barricades fall.

Keeping even a bridge or a gate intact is a difficult task, since there are many enemies and they can demolish the flimsy “goats” in a couple of blows or shots. You can break through to the stables where the Stormcloaks are reborn and try to distract them. Or you can take advantage of a bug.

One way or another, you do not have to complete side quests, or even participate in the battle. When it's over, check in with the jarl (he will come out of the gate to make a speech) and return to Tullius, who will give us the title of quaestor.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: the remaining quests are collected under the name "Unification of Skyrim".

Disinformation

“Is the Storm Brotherhood fleeing?” - “Everyone is running!”

Our new mission is to regain control of the White Beach. In the White Bank camp, the hero will be met by Rikke and given another “mirror” task. Like the Stormcloaks, you need to track down and kill the courier. To do this, check out the Night Gate tavern or the Windhelm establishment Hearth and Candle. The bartender will tell you where to look for the courier - for money, for threats or persuasion. After this, an arrow will appear on the map indicating our goal. Kill the courier, take the documents and deliver to Rikka.

The second part of the task is to take the documents to Dawnstar, a commander named Frokmar Torn Banner. After a normal conversation (“why not in the form?” - “so that the enemy doesn’t guess!”), the task will be completed. Return to Legate Rikka.

Battle of Dunstad Fort

The most peaceful place in Dunstad is the Awkward Sabertooth Tavern. Above the fireplace is the saber tooth itself.

To finally recapture the region from the Stormcloaks, you need to storm Fort Dunstad. This is not a quest, but a battle - the enemies here are weak, constantly reborn, and the percentage counter shows how much more hacking and stabbing is left before victory.

After the battle, Tullius will promote the hero to prefect and send him to the Rift.

War booty

The target is a sentry. A volley of two arrows should take him down.

Rikke will give out another “mirror” task - with blackmail. Our goal is Anuriel, the ruler of the Jarl of Riften. She is doing business with the Thieves Guild, and the incriminating note will be found in the chest of drawers in her office. Wave a note in front of Anuriel's face, and she will lead you into the office and tell you about the cart with valuable cargo. The carriage travels from Riften to Windhelm - it travels slowly and is poorly guarded. The information is very useful.

Return to Rikka and she will send you to meet the scouts located north of Riften, at watchtower Shora. The scouts are led by Hadvar. As in a similar task of the Storm Brothers, the cart broke down, and we have two options: attack the guards ourselves or with the help of scouts (they will help with fire). The scouts can be persuaded to wait until nightfall, but there is no point in doing so.

The sentry wanders along a high rock - if you accept the help of Hadvar's group, they will “take down” him with their bows.

The cart is guarded by several Stormcloak fighters. If you don’t want to fight, you can run in circles from them until the immortal Hadvar finishes off the last one. Don't forget to empty the chest on the cart. Talk to Hadvar and return to the legate.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: if you completed the story quest “Endless Time” and Riften went to the Empire, you will not be given this quest at all.

Battle of Fort Greenwall

Fort Greenwall has strong walls and a small courtyard.

The Battle of Fort Greenwall is another typical battle. The fort is located north of Riften. When ours win and the enemy counter is reset, return to Tullius. He will say that the legion is already on Ulfric’s doorstep, and the decisive battle is coming soon. And we are going to Winterhold, to a secret camp.

Fort Kastav - saving comrades

They shined torches everywhere, searched everywhere, but no weapons were found.

The legate will give a new situation: captured legionnaires are languishing in Fort Kastav. Sabotage group Hadvara has taken refuge in the hills below the fort, and she will be happy to send us forward to save the legionnaires.

Unlike the “mirror” task for the Stormcloaks, here you won’t have to look for a secret entrance for long. The hatch is right under the wall. There are several sentries inside the fortress. You can steal the key from them, but this will not bring much benefit, so it is better to free the prisoners by removing the keys from their bodies. The prisoners will return the armor, but weapons are tight, so they will have to help in battle - they won’t fight much with their fists.

Find Hadvar in or near the fortress, give him a report and return to Tullius, who will promote the hero to legate and give him heavy Daedric armor.

Battle of Amol Fort

Quite unexpectedly, Fort Amol, along with legionnaires, was attacked by an ancient dragon. They finished him off only in the morning.

Our next stop is a camp in Eastmarch, from where the hero will be sent to battle for Fort Amol. This is a classic “percentage” battle - the last one in the plot. After him, Legate Rikke will immediately send him to Windhelm, where the final act of the drama about the struggle between the “reds” and the “blues” is about to take place.

Battle of Windhelm

"We meet again, my old enemy!"

Fire charges from Ulfric's catapults are flying from the city, but General Tullius and his soldiers are already standing in the “dead zone” at the very gates. After a short speech, the group will enter the city.

The main task is not to destroy the enemies, but to go through the entire city and get to the royal palace as quickly as possible, where the Earl of Windhelm is holed up. The main passage to the palace is blocked with barricades (this time - real ones, which cannot be penetrated by either a sword or an arrow), so we will have to immediately turn left, go down to the cemetery, go through the narrow streets under figurines of ravens, turn right under the high walls and thus find yourself at the entrance to the palace. Enemies will respawn on our way, so if you are not confident in your abilities, stick to the main group of legionnaires.

There is no need to do anything inside anymore. If you want, help Tullius and Rikka deal with Ulfric and his faithful dog Galmar. The final choice is to deliver the final blow to the defeated jarl or give the honor to the general.

In any case, the war has been won, and all we have left is to destroy individual groups of Stormcloaks hiding in the hills if we wish!

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Late evening. Imperial camp in Eastmarch. Commander's tent. A bottle of Cyrodiil wine is placed on a table covered with a map of Skyrim, right on a bold dot, next to which “Windhelm” is written in calligraphy by the cartographer’s hand. And you, an old soldier of the Empire named Cicero (1) Tullius. Tomorrow morning you will lead the soldiers to take the rebellious Windhelm, and now you are hiding from everyone to think about the war alone. About all the wars in which you happened to take part. Including the one that continues to thunder throughout the vastness of Skyrim - strange, fratricidal... wrong. About the one in which tomorrow morning you hope to put an end to it by lifting the head of the instigator of the rebellion on a spear. Although I'm not sure that this will help anymore. “Damned Nords...” you whisper angrily, remembering the day’s conversation. "General!" - as if in reality, the reproachful exclamation of faithful Rikka is heard in response. General... A bitter smile stretches his mouth almost against his will. You still remember yourself, a naive brat, proudly sticking out your skinny chicken chest with an image of a dragon in the middle of a leather breastplate - a symbol of the Empire. Empire. And you are her son, an imperial by blood and in soul, owner of the proud name Tulliev... a long-decayed family, so impoverished that your father could not get protection for you, and you had to begin serving in the Legion as an ordinary legionnaire... in the very year when Emperor Titus Mede II ascended the throne. Three short years before the war with the Aldmeri Dominion began. The war, which later became known as the Great. The Great War... The faded smile creeps back onto the chapped lips. There is no greatness in war. Especially in a losing game. You know this better than many, because you are one of those who had a chance to see the war up close, look at its grin... and survive. To survive, paying with faith in what once seemed unshakable - in the power and invincibility of the Empire. And, what is much more painful - the lives of those whom he could not save. Then, a quarter of a century ago, you lost everyone: your family, burned in the flames of war far from you, friends, burned by the spells of Thalmor wizards or killed by the arrows and swords of ordinary Altmer soldiers before your eyes. The Aldmeri, as they call themselves. You survived, but you were left alone. Rikke appeared later. You and Rikke are two fragments of the former Empire, who by the will of the gods managed to survive. There are others, but they are few. And every year it becomes less and less. That war, the damned “great” war, which took away from you everyone you treasured, as if in mockery, brought you dizzying success. In three years, the barely fledgling youth Cicero Tullius climbed up... although what kind of “climbed” - he soared up, receiving promotion after promotion. Well deserved, however - you won victories where others suffered defeat. Or at least survived. Insignificant at first, your achievements attracted the attention of management. You entered the battle of the Red Ring - in those days, from the blood of people and mer, truly painted in many shades of scarlet - while holding the rank of legate. You became a general after its completion, accepting the appointment from the hands of Titus Meade directly on the battlefield. You didn’t know then that at that very moment you had lost yourself. And the Empire. However, you are not alone - at the moment when the signature of Emperor Titus Mede II appeared on the parchment with the text of the White Gold Concordat, the Empire itself lost the Empire. However, it was no secret to anyone that hostilities stopped only because both warring parties could not continue them. The war itself did not end with the signing of the Concordat. Everyone understood this: the emperor, who immediately aged several decades after the conclusion of the peace treaty, his Thalmor “advisers,” whose majestic gait hid the constant expectation of an attack, the courtiers... ordinary legionnaires and ordinary residents of the Empire. The war is not over. She hid for the time being. Until the moment when the places of their fallen fathers in the ranks are taken by matured sons... They have already grown up - the children of those who fought and died in the same ranks with you, Cicero Tullius... then not even a legate. You were not ready for this new face of war. A talented strategist, you turned out to be a layman in the art of diplomacy, when the battlefields gave way to ballrooms, the leather and steel of the Legion’s armor became the embroidery and velvet of the nobles’ outfits, and the hoarse cries of the legates at the “main command meeting” became the soft and insinuating voices of court flatterers pouring poison into their ears exquisite speeches. And the enemies... having previously met the Thalmor with the edge of your sword, now you were forced to bow to them and smile politely. It didn’t work out too well, because every time you wanted most of all to hit the yellow-skinned, arrogant face with a backhand - so that the pain would distort the sharp features, erasing the hated arrogance, and the blood would stain the silks and velvet of the elaborate robe. Just like during interrogations during the war. By the way... you never saw the very magic that, according to the Altmer themselves, flows in their veins. Only blood. Scarlet, gushing out like fountains from torn arteries. And dark purple, sometimes to the point of blackness, lazily flowing from the veins. The same as in people... Fingers slide along the smooth leg of a silver goblet of wine, the hand brings it to the mouth, without interrupting the flow of thoughts. Over the years since then, you have thought about it many times, trying to imagine what could have happened if... And time after time you came to the conclusion that “if” simply could not happen. You are a soldier. Like a good soldier, you dreamed of becoming a general... and you became one. But who could have known that it would be easier to be a simple legionnaire? And easier. A cowardly, cowardly thought. But now, listening to the steps of patrolling legionnaires against the background of the noise of the falling asleep camp, you can allow yourself to think so. Though not for long. Twenty-five years of fragile peace... And twenty-five years of incessant battles throughout the tormented Empire. Gangs of marauders terrorize the area around Leyawiin, which has been sacked by Dominion forces. Long-suffering Kvatch, who suffered the same fate. Afterwards there were the Skingrad “locals”. Wayrest, ravaged by the Gold Coast corsairs rampaging through Iliac Bay. Embroiled in the chaos of the skooma war, Bravil. Redistribution of power between the criminal syndicates of Cheydinhal... Endless skirmishes along the borders with Valenwood and Elsweyr. You've been everywhere, putting things in order and restoring peace. And at some point I was ready to believe that you would succeed... But the news came out of the blue - there was a rebellion in Skyrim. Thorug, the High King, is killed. Killed by the new Jarl of Windhelm, Ulfric, nicknamed the Bear of Markarth after his massacre in the capital of the Skyrim Reach... and leader of the rebellion. Popular rumor has already given him a new name - Petrel. Unthinkable. Stupid. Instead of uniting in the face of an external enemy, he decided to tear apart an already weakened country. For what? Why?! Almost against your will, your gaze slides to the side, to where a dozen sheets of parchment, enclosed in a brown leather cover, modestly perch on the corner of the table, and you shake your head, taking another leisurely sip of wine. Helgen. You will remember his death for a long time. Your first triumph in putting down the rebellion... and your first defeat. The capture of Ulfric and his flight... And death, descending from heaven in the guise of a huge dragon. It was on that day that she came - a pain in her chest, as if her heart had been pierced with a thin needle. And they left it there. Elenwen. Neither before nor after that incident was she interested in the fate of prisoners of war. Why was she there then? The first Thalmor emissary rushed to Helgen, almost driving her horse to death, demanding that the captives be handed over to her. Was it about Ulfric? The documents on the table suggest yes. Despite the fact that they were taken out and brought to you by someone who could also be an object of close interest on the part of the Thalmor. Dovahkiin. A stupid, clumsy word that doesn’t suit the owner of this dubious nickname. Dragonborn is what it means in the language of the Empire. You first saw him in Helgen - a young-looking red-haired Altmer. How did he end up in a cart with Ulfric's thugs?.. You don't remember. But another memory appears before my eyes: this same Altmer, who has just taken the oath, throws his head back to the smoke-stained ceiling, uttering a strange phrase: “Hey, Wulf! Now I am the oldest legionnaire of the Empire...” (2) - and laughs quietly, as if he had heard answer. Who is this Wolf? The elf just laughed when you asked him, and only said that you wouldn’t believe him anyway. And you feel that this Wulf, whoever he is, is somehow important to you... and not only to you. And another thing is that the Altmer will not walk for long under your leadership... The subject of your thoughts suddenly appears nearby and, having waited for a permissive nod, pours himself some wine and sits down on an empty chair. You appreciated this amazing ability to penetrate anywhere even when you saw the Altmer at Elenwen’s reception, exchanging pleasantries with the Markarth emissary and the hostess of the reception herself. You remember how, while walking around the hall, he passed by you as if by chance, quietly dropping the advice not to be surprised by anything and not to do anything. Since then, he has used the acquired right to hazing only twice. Today. And the morning after that reception, when he burst into your chambers, dressed in the outfit of a Thalmor justiciar, waking you up with the words “General, you must see this!” and literally pushing that same brown folder with documents into your hands. The file of Ulfric Stormcloak, rebel jarl and... agent of the Aldmeri Dominion. Who would have thought? Proud, freedom-loving “son of Skyrim”... Now you understand what’s going on. One of the points of the Concordat was the prohibition of the worship of Talos. The founder of the Empire during his lifetime and its patron after deification. This is what the rebellious jarl played on, splitting Skyrim into two warring camps. However, who could have imagined that someone else’s will was behind his actions? Will of the Thalmor. A strange detail tickles my memory: Ulfric, who, according to intelligence officers, preached intransigence among his followers in the fight against the imperials, did not offer resistance during the capture. He obediently allowed himself to be tied up and even gagged - you've already heard about his ability to throw the enemy around with a scream... no, Scream, with a capital S. An ability that for some reason he did not use that time. Elves live long. And they also take a long time to grow up. Twenty-five years is a short time for them. Unlike people. Those who fought in the war with the Aldmeri Dominion are still alive. But their sons have already grown up and matured... and some have grandchildren. The Altmer need much more time to give birth and raise new soldiers. And the uprising of the Stormcloak gave them this time, at the same time weakening the Empire. Skyrim, its faithful supporter, the homeland of the best warriors - after the Redguards of Hammerfell - is suffocating in a fratricidal war... What a pity it is that the documents received are not made public. Stubborn, narrow-minded Stormcloaks... They want the ban on worshiping Talos to be lifted, they dream of the independence of Skyrim from the “weak” Empire, which allowed the hated Thalmors into their land. And they don’t understand that it was their beloved leader who opened the way to Skyrim for the Thalmor and no one else. They don't want to understand. Damned rebels... - Why Maven? - an unexpected question knocks you out of your thoughts. And you involuntarily wince, fighting the urge to spit in disgust. Maven Black-Briar. If it were up to you, you would have strung up this reptile on the first limb. Together with her entire family, you received reports of the tyranny happening in Riften with her assistance in quantities exceeding all reasonable limits long before the possession was recaptured from the Stormcloaks. But you can't. You were “strongly recommended” to hand over the position of Jarl to her. And there was no one else. As before, in Falkreath, they had to put a stupid, selfish brat on the throne. Simply because there were no other candidates. And you are almost sure that your interlocutor understands this no worse than you. Therefore, you leave the question unanswered, once again asking your own - the one that has been worrying you for several months: - But still, who is Wulf? “The oldest soldier of the Empire,” the legate hides a thin smile behind his goblet. “I’ve already heard that,” you feel irritation rising. - I want to know who he is. - Why do you need this, general? You are silent, not knowing how to explain this need. And the Altmer grins tiredly and bitterly: “You really want to hear a fairy tale about how a long time ago, just before the Oblivion Crisis, one young and naive mer went to kill his former best friend... why? Because fate decreed it so... and the emperor, who sent him far to the east... And so, in the last settlement, this young stupid mer met an old wise man in the armor of the Imperial Legion. Who gave him advice, comfort and finally gave him a gift - a coin for good luck. The old man said his name was Wulf. A few years later, the mayor gave this coin to his friend - the distant great-great-grandson of an old man named Martin, who also faced a mortal battle, but... apparently his luck had run out. Martin won, but the price of victory was his life... Martin... Martin?! The conjecture that has arisen makes your throat tighten, but you overcome yourself and still ask: “What was the full name of this... Martin?” The legate’s gaze presses you to the chair for a moment, but he still answers: “In the chronicles he was later called Martin I Septim.” The last Emperor... ...Septimov dynasty. With all your being you realize that the Altmer does not lie. It was. Everything was. And a coin for good luck, and friendship with the last Septim... You no longer ask about who Wulf is, overtaken by a belated understanding of why the legate has been so stubbornly silent all this time. Martin's distant great-great-grandfather and “the oldest soldier of the Empire” is the one who created it. Tiber Septim. The first emperor. And - Talos. Ninth God. One whose worship is prohibited by the terms of the White-Gold Concordat. The one whose name was raised to the banner by Ulfric Stormcloak, raising a rebellion against the Empire... You don’t have time to think anything other than this when you hear the voice of the legate: - ... the descendants of the usurper-Colovian who inherited the legacy of their ancestors, but the old man would not like the fact that his brainchild is tearing up parts, hiding behind his own name, an ambitious brat, dancing to the music of the enemies of the Empire. Even if the Empire itself is not at all what it used to be. - And the fact that worshiping him is prohibited? - you can’t resist. “The Colovian usurper” you forgive him. Those who have received the blessing of Tiber Septim may allow some harsh judgment. Far from prying ears, of course. Because, with all due respect to him, Titus Meade II is not Tiber. Far from Tiber. To your surprise, the legate shrugs. - It seems to me that he doesn’t care about it. He himself would have beaten the same Whiterun loudmouth for sycophancy. Or carved. Faith must be in the heart. There is no need to shout about it at all corners. For some time you silently sip tart red wine from the sunny Skingrad vineyards, each thinking about his own. The two oldest soldiers of the Empire, not counting Facendil, who also saw the “night of green fire” in Sentinel, which happened a century and a half ago. Also an Altmer, and also a legate. But Dovahkiin, judging by his story, is much older than Facendil. Although he looks barely aged. - Do you believe it yourself? - you finally ask. The possible answer is scary... but at the same time fills the heart with some strange hope. Unclear to yourself. The legate is silent for a long time, but his face, the narrow thoroughbred face of a purebred high elf, is becoming sadder every minute. “I don’t know,” he finally says. - I'm not sure - not about him, about myself. And it doesn’t matter. It’s much more important whether you believe,” and, placing an empty cup on the table with a quiet knock, he adds. - It's late, general... Tomorrow is Windhelm. Right. Windhelm tomorrow. With this thought, you pour the rest of the wine into your mouth and go to bed. Although I’m sure I won’t be able to fall asleep...

“...Lock the door,” you say shortly as the iron-clad doors slam shut behind you. - We don't need surprises. There is no hurry - Windhelm, in fact, has been taken, resistance has been broken, rare small skirmishes do not count. Only Ulfric himself remained. But caution still won't hurt. “Already,” Rikke responds from behind. Just in time - from the other side a jug with “Dwemer fire” crashes into the door with a roar. And you involuntarily recoil, through the teeth of the fire and the invention of an unknown alchemist and the crooked idiots serving the ballistas: “Dwemer fire” is an extremely unpleasant thing, and it is better to avoid close acquaintance with it. - General! - Rikke immediately says reproachfully. Even in such a situation, she is true to herself. Hadvar, another capable and, importantly, loyal soldier to the Empire, laughs quietly, repeating in a whisper his favorite phrases. You involuntarily smile - you sometimes see yourself in the young legate. The same hot boy as he was thirty years ago... And sometimes - a son. Which you never had. Ulfric is not alone. Galmar Stonefist, his commander and bodyguard, looking like a bear standing on his hind legs in Stormcloak officer armor, stands in front of the throne, clutching a huge Nord ax in his hands and waiting only for a signal to attack the enemies of his jarl. However, he hesitates, looking with some strange expectation at the Altmer walking measuredly behind you - behind and slightly to the left. And you have an idea of ​​what exactly he is waiting for. Completely in vain, in your opinion. However, the urge to look over your shoulder is almost unbearable. “Ulfric Stormcloak, Earl of Windhelm,” you say again, as then, in Helgen, “I present to you... The Nord sitting on the throne lazily listens to the accusations presented. The betrayal of the Empire, the ruined lives of many people - he doesn’t care about it... after all, the end justifies the means, doesn’t it? Justifies, yes - you thought the same more than once, sacrificing the lives of the soldiers entrusted to you. But not every goal. “...and finally, in aiding the Thalmor,” obeying some inspiration, you finish the list of accusations. Ulfric's face instantly hardens, and he moves forward like a mountain lion about to spring. In your native Cyrodiil, you have had the opportunity to hunt them more than once. And to be the object of their hunt - too. - Lie! - Galmar barks. “My master...” “No,” Rikke shakes his head. - I saw these documents myself. They say... “Move aside, Galmar,” Ulfric says quietly but authoritatively, rising on the throne, causing the Nord to fall silent mid-sentence and take a step back. - It's time to end this. Fu-us... - he exhales loudly. You can almost see with your own eyes how a tight wave of condensing air rushes towards you - to crush, deafen and throw away... like dry autumn leaves. In the chest, under the cast armor plate, the first spark of pain is born - the same one from Helgen... - ...RO-DA-A!!! - they bark deafeningly from behind you. And the second wave meets the first halfway, swirling the air a step away from the frozen Rikke. This whirlwind picks up Galmar, who rushes forward, and throws him forcefully onto the steps of the throne dais. The Petrel himself is literally driven into the stone back of the throne. - Wow, I want that too! - Hadvar exhales in admiration. - Before... Dovahkiin? - Ulfric coughs in shock. - Elf? You don’t... don’t... Galmar, lying on the steps, groans, tries to get up and... falls with a cry, looking in horror at his legs that have suddenly become unruly - he won’t get up again. And Ulfric pulls an ax from his belt loop and rushes at you with a hoarse scream. No, Altmer. However, he doesn’t even have to take out his sword - Hadvar and Rikke throw the rebellious jarl back. Looking at the rebel leader crumpled in a pool of his own blood, you suddenly realize how... tired you are. Tired of war. From politics. Tired of maneuvering between the demands of the Empire, the meaningful hints of the Thalmor and the claims of local jarls. The armor that you previously thought you had long become familiar with suddenly turns out to be prohibitively heavy. And you have to make considerable efforts not to hunch under this weight when you turn to Ulfric again: “Do you want to say anything before I send you to... The language just begs to be “to Oblivion,” where the traitor and murderer , without a doubt, is the place, but something is stopping you. Therefore, you, slightly - you don’t have enough strength for more - turning to Rikka, clarify: - Where do you go after death? “To Sovngarde,” she answers tensely. Hadvar's eyes sparkle angrily and mutters angrily about Alduin's mouth - from his Altmer friend the young legate knows about the true role of the rebellious jarl. “Well,” you sigh, “let Sovngarde be…” “Let…” Ulfric turns his head slightly, catching the Altmer’s gaze, “let… Dovahkiin do it.” The song will turn out... more beautiful,” he explains with a strange smile. - What do you say, legate? You or me? To be honest, I don’t care who sends him to his forefathers - you really don’t care. I just want to end this farce as soon as possible... - No. I've had enough blood. You are not even surprised to hear this answer. Probably because you feel something similar. “Well,” one blow and Ulfric’s head rolls on the floor slabs, leaving bloody marks. And you close your eyes, waiting out the attack of pain in your chest and thinking that you need to hold out a little longer. “…Talos is keeping you safe,” Rikke’s voice sounds nearby. - What did you say, legate? - you jump up. “Nothing,” Rikke looks away. - I just said goodbye. “Yes,” you nod at this obvious lie. - Certainly. The next night, as you sit writing a report for the emperor, a dragon circles the skies above Windhelm. Involuntarily listening to his roar, you clearly hear the drawn-out “Dowaki-in”. And, putting aside the unfinished report, you begin to draw up a request to leave you here in Skyrim. For what? You don't have an answer to this question. You still hate the local frosts and don’t understand the local Nords at all with their strange customs... But, understanding it or not, you have learned to respect them and feel - with all your old beaten skin you feel - that your place is here...

Notes:

1 – there is a version that the prototype of the general was to some extent a real man– Marcus Tullius Cicero, ancient Roman politician and philosopher.
2 - TES-III: Morrowind: Tiber Septim briefly appears in the Phantom Gate under the guise of an elderly legionnaire named Wulf, who gives the protagonist the "Old Man's Lucky Coin". During the conversation, he announces himself that he is “the oldest soldier of the Empire, older than the oldest Emperor.”

There is a low-intensity war going on in Skyrim. The Legion of the Empire wants to increase its influence and force the Nords to respect the laws of the empire, which is often Skyrim, while the Stormcloaks fight for the independence of their lands.

Important: there is no clear good or bad side. Each has both good things and its own “skeletons in the closet”.

How to join the imperial army?

Go to Solitude and find the "Gloomy Castle" building there (which doesn't look like a castle at all), and talk to Legate Rikke there, she will give you the introductory task.

Joining the Legion

Gives: Legate Rikke
The essence of the task: to clear the Ford from bandits.

The task is simple: come to the Ford marked on the map and kill all the bandits there. After which we return to Rikka and say the oath. All that remains is to go to the blacksmith and get imperial armor. Welcome to the Imperial Legion.

Serrated crown

Gives: Legate Rikke
The essence of the task: You need to find the legendary Jagged Crown

Rikke asked us to help her find the Jagged Crown. Our path lies in the ancient burial place of the Nords called Korvanyud:

Having arrived at the right place, we learn that the Storm Brothers are already inside and we will have to fight our way through. Having reached the passage, killing all the Stormcloaks along the way, we will be asked to find a workaround, because... Rikke is sure that there is a trap ahead of us. The bypass is located directly above us, you can get to it using the stairs.

Note: By taking the bypass route, you can drop a jug on enemies, which will ignite the oil under the Stormcloaks' feet, hastening their death. This can be done with an arrow or a spell.

Having killed all the enemies, we go to the next burial level. And almost at the very beginning of the level we will encounter a door, to open which we need a claw; it lies next to the door. Answer to the puzzle:

Next we come to a room with bars. And we are again asked to find a way to open it. You need to climb the stairs and cross to the other side on the platforms. There will be a handle that you need to pull. Once the grate opens, four Draugr will emerge from the coffins.

Note: After climbing the stairs, find the dagger that is lying on the tile, pick up the dagger and a secret passage will open. When going to the chest, be careful; interacting with it will activate a trap.

Note: At the end of the corridor there is a wall with a word of power.

Message for Whiterun

Gives: General Thulius
The essence of the task: You need to take a letter from Thulium to the Earl of Whiterun, and then give the ax to Ulfric.

After we have brought the Jagged Crown, we will be sent to take a message to the Jarl of Whiterun.

Note: If you have not completed the main quest yet, you will first have to go to the dungeon and/or kill the dragon.

The Jarl of Whiterun asks us to take the ax to Ulfric (which means war). Having brought the ax, we learn that Ulfric is going to storm Whiterun, we need to warn the jarl. When we arrive, we find out that the battle has already begun.

Battle of Whiterun

Quentius Scipius sends us to the front line under the command of Legate Rikke. When we approach Rikka, she will give an inspiring speech and send us off to fight. The goal is simply to kill the Stormcloaks. Their number is measured as a percentage, with each rebel corpse this number drops, you need to bring it to zero. Also, an additional task will be to hold positions: first we must defend the barricades, preventing the enemy from breaking through them. If the protective fences are destroyed, the squad will retreat a little, and the goal will be to hold the drawbridge. It is not necessary to do this; the main task is to kill opponents.

Note: If you have a companion, he will remain in the city and will not go into battle with you.

Having killed all opponents, we can go to the city gates and listen to the earl’s speech, or we can immediately go to Tulius. Returning to Tullius, we will receive a good blade and a new title Questor.

Unification of Skyrim

Gives: General Tullius
The essence of the task: Clear the forts and carry out Rikka's orders.

This task combines several others, the common goal of which is the complete reconquest of Skyrim. This quest is connected to the main story quest "Time Without End", during which it is necessary to conduct peace negotiations between the Stormcloaks and the Imperial Legion. Depending on the decision you make, the factions will exchange cities and, accordingly, take control of a new possession. If you have already completed this task, then you need to capture the Reach, and if not, the Rift.

Regain control of White Beach

Gives: General Tullius

Note: If Dawnstar was handed over to the Imperials during the quest "Time Without End", this quest will be skipped.

Thulius will send us to a camp on the White Coast with the Imperials. We are again under the command of Legate Rikke. She wants us to feed misinformation to the Stormcloaks, but to do this we must first find the original. Rebels who have documents most often stay in two taverns, one located in Windhelm, and the other outside the cities. The second option is the best. We go to the tavern and convince the owner to help us.

Note: Most easy way persuade the innkeeper to say that the rebels are in danger.

Having learned from the tavern owner the route of the messenger, we can easily track him. All that remains is to pick up the package. Having collected the package, we return to the legate. The order states that Fort Dunstad needs help. The legate will falsify the document, thereby depriving the fort of support and misinforming the Dawnstar commander. Our goal is to take the fake documents to the rebel commander in Dawnstar. Frokmar the Torn Banner will easily believe that we had to change clothes so that the “enemies” would not notice us and will accept the forged orders, thanking us for the delivery. And we should go back to Rikka. She will praise us and give us gold.

Legate Rikke will send us to help a detachment of legionnaires capture Fort Dunstad, which thanks to us was left without the support of the rebel forces. When approaching, the squad will rush forward, beginning an assault on the enemy fort.

Note: It is not necessary to go straight to the marked marker. You can simply approach the fort, then the battle will begin and the legionnaires will appear.

When the battle is over, we must return to Solitude to General Tullius, who will report that capturing the White Coast will give a huge advantage to the Imperial Legion. As a reward for completing the task, the general will give you the title of Prefect and reward you with a random weapon or armor (depending on the character level).

Note: There is a small bug - General Tullius will say that he is promoting us in rank and giving us a blade as a reward. But he himself can give away not a blade at all, but a shield, for example.

Take back control of the Rift

Gives: General Tullius
The essence of the task: Follow Rikka's orders.

Note: If Riften was handed over to the Imperials during the quest "Time Without End", this quest will be skipped.

The next possession that must be returned to the rule of the Empire Rift. The general again sends us under the command of Rikke. Upon arrival, we will be instructed to go to Riften and try to find out how much the ruler of Jarl Anuriel is susceptible to blackmail. Rikka knows that the manager is quite closely connected with the Thieves Guild, and the legion can take advantage of this by threatening the manager with the declassification of not very honest affairs. This is what we will do. We need to take the letter from Anuriel's chest of drawers and then show it to her. This will make her think and she will want to talk to us alone. Anuriel will tell us that a strategically important caravan of rebels with gold and weapons has set off towards Windhelm, and it can turn the tide of the war.

Note: If you have a high Speech skill, you can beg her for gold.

We return to the legate and tell her what we learned. Rikke will send you to find a small group of legionnaires, led by our old friend Hadvar, who have been sent to scout the exact region where the rebel caravan is supposed to pass. Having joined the legionnaires, we must rob the caravan. Having removed the Storm Brothers, we can return to Rikka and get some more gold.

Note: Don't forget to empty the chest that is in the cart.

Upon returning to the imperial camp, the legate will entrust you with the following task: together with a detachment of legionnaires, capture Fort Greenwall, which, due to the capture of the caravan, was left without support and weapons. Having reached the waiting legionnaires, we will move to attack the unsuspecting Stormcloak soldiers. The already familiar principle of capturing a fort awaits us - clearing out enemies.

Regain control of Winterhold

Gives: General Tullius
The essence of the task: Follow Rikka's orders.

Arriving at Rikka, we learn that a detachment of imperials is being captured by the rebels in Fort Kastav. Our goal is to sneak into the fort, free the prisoners and capture the fort. But first you need to talk to Hadvar, he will tell you about the location of a secret hatch that leads directly to the fort.

Note: If you are spotted, you will have to fight immediately and the sneak infiltration will fail.

Having made our way into the fort, we must free our brothers in arms; this can be done simply by picking up the key on the table or from the Stormcloaks, or opening the locks ourselves. Now that the prisoners have been freed, we can begin to capture the fort.

We will need to kill all the rebels, and when we exit into the courtyard, Hadvar will also join us. After we kill all the enemies, Hadvar will express his gratitude to us.

Note: The prisoners are not required to survive. Sometimes Hadvar and his squad come to the rescue slowly or do not appear at all, this is a bug.

Now we can return to Tullius and receive a new rank Legate, and a reward in the form of weapons or armor.

Take back control of Eastmarch

Gives: General Tullius
The essence of the task: Follow Rikka's orders.

We are again under the command of Legate Rikke, although this is a little strange - after all, we are of the same rank as her, but not the essence. Our task is to clear Fort Amol. Standard battle, nothing complicated.

Then we return to the legate, she sends us to Tullius, the final battle awaits us. We go straight to the gates of the city of Windhelm.

Battle of Windhelm

Gives: Legate Rikke
The essence of the task: Capture Windhel and overthrow Ulfric.

When we arrive, we will hear a speech from Tullius and learn that he himself is leading the assault. Together with a detachment of legionnaires we enter the city through the main gate. We'll be right in the middle of the battle, but this time we'll leave the bulk of the fighting to the soldiers. Our task is to, together with General Tullius and Legate Rikke, make our way to the Royal Palace and find Ulfric Stormcloak there. The main path is blocked, you will have to take a detour. We need to turn left from the fortress gate and go out to the trading area, turning right from the forge and passing between the houses, we will go out to the city cemetery. Next, we must climb the steps to the right, passing the Hall of the Dead, and breaking the next barricade, go to the estate area. Turn right again, and, having passed through the alley, climb the stairs to the left, there will only be one barricade left, then the fortress. Entering the fortress we will see Petrel and Galmar.

Tullius will order Ulfric to surrender, but the rebel leader will refuse this offer and attack. We need to kill Galmar and wound Ulfric. Before his death, the rebel leader will announce his last wish: he will ask to be executed by Dovahkiin. We will be given the choice of killing Ulfric Stormcloak, or giving this opportunity to General Tullius. In any case, the rebel leader will be killed, and the general will thank us for our service and leave his sword. All that remains is to listen to Tullius’s speech.

Where did I put it? Let's listen to NPCs' favorite phrases from Morrowind. And now about the pain, because I’m not Harold, I can’t endure everything like him(

For a long time put it off, because doing something for the discussion of the Joyreactor society, you yourself know, is a very controversial. I’ll touch on the topic of Skyrim. I don’t understand why there is so much excitement about this game? The plot doesn't seem to be particularly strong, the game mechanics don't add anything new, and the characters aren't verbose, unfortunately. But as Dawg said in his “Review of Zhizhu”:

I write this down on my knees and with my eyes downcast in trembling horror.

But damn (or even a thousand scamps!), you will hold back the cons a little, because work on the game took quite a long time, there were a lot of patches and additions, modifications, a fairly large supply of “collective” gray matter and a huge amount of experience in game development. Well, it’s true, because the game Skyrim has an incredible soundtrack. Everyone can agree that Jeremy Soule's OST creates incredible magic. Atmospheres. The play style is quite easy to learn, which is also a plus.

Everything is visual and clear, but GG, despite all the denials and doubts, is slightly inferior in charisma to the Defender of Cyrodiil and the Nerevarine.

But that’s later, and now a screenshot from Morrowind, very This I like the game.

But the game was released in 2002, was it really more diligent then? I believe that this is where the whole point lies. The difference is noticeable in the example of “protective devices” and it becomes clear that shields have been replaced with hatches: dragon, daedric, etc.

Well, yes, it's time for awesome stories) Yes, this is nitpicking. It turned out to be a great game, it’s not for nothing that Skyrim is in the top ten most “played” games in the world (I won’t rank it at my own discretion, I don’t have this right, and everyone has their own top 10). In the game you have the opportunity to forge yourself weapons and armor, this is great, but they don’t break, this is even better) You can buy a house in every city, this also gives some pleasure, because accumulating all sorts of rubbish, neatly laying it out on shelves - what can to be better?! There are cities in Morrowind that are larger in size than in Skyrim, and the square footage of the world in TPP_3 is larger, to say nothing of the city Vivek. But everything in Morrowind is done very well diligently.

In Skyrim there are also almost weightless soul stones, which is also pleasing) Now even the souls of mer and people can be filled with Black stones) Wonderful. Almost all of the animals are from Bloodmoon, although who knows?... It’s a little surprising that literally all weapons and all armor, as well as clothing, have equal capacities for enchantment) Although Artifacts from Princes have almost no permanent magical effect, but armor, on the contrary, has everyone has constants, literally everything, but you already know. And now who will answer me: for whom was such an “oblong”, too inhuman helmet made?

I have options. There are some dates and a couple of strange coincidences. Not long ago I again watched a video about Deathwing and his not very successful adventures. An unusual thought came to me, maybe someone has already voiced it, sorry, but I’m a lazy ass. I didn't check. So, the external feature of his horns seemed strange to me. They are not symmetrical, but in human form there was also an analogy. The Cataclysm expansion was released in 2010, and Skyrim - in 11-11-11, see for yourself:

Although, this does not mean plagiarism or anything like that. That's just how I see it. After all, there is this and it really is Strongly:

And stylish) It’s unlikely that anyone will argue with me specifically about the style in Morrowind, where a lot is “verified under a microscope.” Am I really one I think so?! Why they Tried very hardearlier, and then got lazy or rushed... Elaboration - keyword. Remember this: he did almost nothing in Skyrim, transmitted messages, then with the Scroll he “looked into the past,” learned the cry, but fought shoulder to shoulder with the creators of the cry against Alduin. And as a result, he was unable to absorb his soul, i.e. This most likely was the goal of the firstborn of Akatosh - to postpone the decisive battle until a moment known only to him. The battle took place on one of the “moons” (on the bones of Lorkhan), as some believe. After all, where else could Sovngarde be?!

But there was a story about another dragonborn, many people know him, but his story is more interesting, guild tasks, Great Houses, flora, fauna and Levitation) Yes, I’m talking about the Nerevarine! Although here we are talking about a different manifestation of dragonbornness than that of the Messrs. Skyrim.

From the seventh sign of the eleventh generation,
Neither Hound, nor Guar, nor Seed, nor Harrow,
But Born of the Dragon and marked by a distant star,
Incarnate alien under Red Mountain,
The hand blessed by the stars takes the thrice-cursed sword,
To reap the harvest of an unmourned home.

From seventh sign of eleventh generation,
Neither Hound nor Guar, nor Seed nor Harrow,
But Dragon-born and far-star-marked,
Outlander Incarnate beneath Red Mountain,
Blessed Guest counters seven curses,
Star-blessed hand wields thrice-cursed blade,
To reap the harvest of the unmourned house.

A couple more pictures:

Yes, this is just humor, but the level is very high) A lot of things upset me when playing Skyrim, it is for this reason that I devote more time to Morrowind, although a couple of hours a week is not a lot. There is no Mysticism, and specifically - levitation. There is no Return spell. There is no way to cast something through a ring or anything like that, which is a pity. But there is fast movement and Perks))) Incredible! But the pumping mechanics include such an item as the Legendary skill. Reset everything to 15 and download again) Super.

Although there are no characteristics. At all. Enchanting and Alchemy are good in some ways and worse in others. But the Dovahkiin can’t even collect grass, more than one “flower” doesn’t come out at a time, but after taking the required perk - Two) The Nerevarine never dreamed of such success. In Skyrim, people are notified of news incredibly quickly; before you have time to utter a word to someone, a guard will stop you on the street and tell you everything. Very quickly) I agreed with Tullius and Ulfric about a meeting on Vysoky, and everyone is already in the know.

Then I came to visit the Falmers, and they had dragon armor in their chests) It’s not even funny, Evgeny Vaganych. Yes, maybe it was a bug, but it is a flaw. Missed this one important point in the program code. Quote from Morrowind: How sad. Such big mouth. And no teeth at all.

It amazes me that such a long-term construction turned out to be far from ideal; everyone hoped that the people who created such a masterpiece, Morrowind, would be able to create a “modern analogue” that would again “break” the mold. But unfortunately it happened Dragon breakdown And The fifth part came out no better than the third.

Do you remember that in Morrowind there is an opportunity to “rescue” the Heart of the World from captivity? Gg even independently deactivates two Nirn Towers: Red Mountain and Akulakhan. Also there you can complete the game’s plot in a few minutes; it seems there aren’t many examples with this option. Yes, there are a lot of Dwemer ruins in Skyrim, a lot of things that you want to look at, but inside the Dwemer settlements there are stone beds and stone chairs. Everything is made of a special red metal, it all looks a little suspicious. Even caricatured. The hero's magic is restored on its own, the constellation sign can be changed. The dragons are not at all strong or invincible, a couple of guards are gone (In Morrowind there was an atmosphere of a “divine” presence, i.e. I’m talking about the incredibly cool city of Vivec, about the Altars, about Ayem, what is the warrior-poet Vivec himself worth?!!! ?!!

In Skyrim, you can’t even call saving the game its own name. You can't close the door with a spell. Eat BUNDLE immortals characters. But all potions weigh 0.5. Some weird math.

And in Morrowind there is Mournhold, the city of light, the city of magic) Well, Acrobatics, propillon marks, Amulet of Shadows, spells to summon Armor, Boethiah's task about the statue, Sanguine's imp, mud crab, etc. This could go on forever.

Thank you for your attention.