how to join the empire in skyrim

How to Join the Empire in Skyrim: A Guide to Swearing Allegiance to the Legion

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Crossroads of Skyrim

Initial Encounters: Finding the Imperial Legion

The Path to Enlistment: Joining the Imperial Legion

Proving Your Worth: The Initial Quest

Rising Through the Ranks: The Imperial Legion Questline

Moral and Strategic Considerations: Why Choose the Empire?

Conclusion: For the Peace and Unity of Tamriel

The civil war in Skyrim presents every adventurer with a defining choice. Two factions vie for control of the province: the rebellious Stormcloaks, who seek an independent Skyrim free from Imperial rule, and the Imperial Legion, striving to maintain the unity of the Empire and enforce the White-Gold Concordat. For those who value stability, order, and the larger picture of Tamrielic politics, joining the Empire is the clear path. This guide details the practical steps to enlist and explores the deeper implications of swearing allegiance to the Legion.

Finding the Imperial Legion is straightforward, as their presence is established in key holds. The most direct route begins in the city of Solitude, the capital of Skyrim and the seat of Imperial power. Upon entering Solitude, one cannot miss the imposing Castle Dour, the military headquarters. Inside, Legate Rikke and General Tullius coordinate the war effort. Alternatively, in any major city, Imperial soldiers can be found, often near the gates or patrolling the streets. Speaking with them can yield directions. Another common, though dramatic, first encounter occurs during the game's opening sequence in Helgen. If you follow Hadvar, the Imperial soldier, during the escape, he will later suggest you report to Solitude, setting you on the Imperial path from the very beginning.

To formally join the Imperial Legion, you must travel to Castle Dour in Solitude and speak with General Tullius. He will direct you to Legate Rikke, who handles recruitment. She will not accept just anyone; you must first demonstrate your capability and commitment. Legate Rikke will issue a simple test: travel to a nearby bandit camp, such as Hraggstad's Outpost or Fort Hraggstad, and retrieve the Legion's lost Battle Plans or eliminate the bandit leader. This task serves as your audition, proving you are more than a common citizen and possess the skills necessary for military service. There are no level requirements, making enlistment possible at any stage of your journey.

Upon successfully completing the initial task and returning to Legate Rikke, you will be formally enlisted as a recruit. You will receive the uniform of an Imperial Legion Recruit, including armor, boots, and a helmet, symbolizing your new allegiance. Your first official assignment begins the core questline, "Joining the Legion." Legate Rikke or General Tullius will send you to the city of Whiterun to deliver a message to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, urging him to officially declare for the Empire. This mission is critical, as securing Whiterun's support is a major strategic objective. The Jarl's decision will shape the early course of the war and lead directly to the first major battle.

The Imperial Legion questline consists of a series of strategic campaigns to reclaim Skyrim's holds from Stormcloak control. As a soldier, you will participate in large-scale battles, such as the siege of Whiterun if the Jarl sides with the Stormcloaks, or the assault on Forts like Greenwall or Sungard. Each completed mission increases your standing. You will be promoted from Recruit to Quaestor, then to Prefect, and finally to Legate, the highest rank attainable. With each promotion comes better equipment, including superior Imperial armor and weapons. The questline culminates in the epic battle for Windhelm, the Stormcloak capital, where you will face Ulfric Stormcloak himself alongside General Tullius. Victory here secures Skyrim for the Empire and concludes the civil war storyline from the Imperial perspective.

Choosing the Empire is more than a gameplay decision; it is a strategic and moral stance. The Empire, though weakened, represents the only unified force capable of opposing the existential threat of the Aldmeri Dominion. The White-Gold Concordat, while unpopular—particularly its ban on Talos worship—is viewed by Imperial leadership as a necessary temporary peace to rebuild strength. General Tullius himself acknowledges its distastefulness but argues for patience and long-term strategy over impulsive rebellion. Furthermore, the Stormcloak rebellion is often tinged with Nord xenophobia, whereas the Legion offers a more inclusive vision for Skyrim. By joining the Empire, you fight not just for Skyrim, but for the future stability of all Tamriel, prioritizing unity and strategic endurance over localized pride and immediate grievance.

Enlisting in the Imperial Legion integrates you into the central political conflict of Skyrim. The process is clear, the questline is engaging, and the rewards are tangible. From your first audience in Castle Dour to the final march on Windhelm, you become an instrument of Imperial will, working to quell a rebellion that threatens to fracture the Empire beyond repair. It is a path for those who see beyond the borders of Skyrim, who value pragmatic order over chaotic independence, and who believe that a united Tamriel is worth fighting for. Report to General Tullius in Solitude, and take your first step towards shaping the province's destiny.

World leaders call for renewed commitment to UN Charter
Trump announces trade deal with Vietnam
US govt softens tone on movie tariff plan amid concerns
New York, New Jersey declare state of emergency as heavy rain lashes U.S. East Coast
U.S. Supreme Court won't review bans on assault-style weapons, high-capacity magazines