Summary
After playingThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remasteredfor the first time, someSkyrimfans gained a new perspective on the latter’s Civil War story arc and opted to sympathize with the Imperials over the Stormcloaks. OtherElder Scrollsfans pointed out howOblivionandSkyrimtake place 200 years apart, and discussed the feats and downfall of the Empire across both games.
TheSkyrimCivil War is one of the main side quests that the Dragonborn can influence through their actions. After surviving Alduin’s attack on the village of Helgen, the Dragonborn is accompanied by either Ralof of the Stormcloaks or Hadvar of the Imperial Legion to Riverwood. Whichever companion joins them in Riverwood offers a quest to join their side in the conflict, which started afterUlfric Stormcloak’s involvement in The Markarth Incidentand his subsequent victory over High King Torygg in a duel. This duel rallied some ofSkyrim’s Nords to join the Stormcloaks, while others saw Ulfric’s actions as treason against the fractured Empire.
Although the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks ofSkyrimare different, the release ofOblivion Remasteredgave someElder Scrollsplayers a different perspective on the Empire. On the r/Oblivion subreddit, a Reddit user named Similar_Grass_4699 discussed how playingOblivion Remasteredchanged their view of the Imperials. Given thatSkyrimwas their entry into theElder Scrollsfranchise, Similar_Grass_4699 prefaced their case by disclosing how they initially believed the Civil War story was a “rebels versus evil empire” trope.
Skyrim Fans Change Their Minds About The Imperials After Playing Oblivion Remastered
Eventually, the OP reconsidered their stance after discovering the Thalmor’s stake in the war and howsiding with the Imperial Legion could benefit Tamriel in the long run. Although the Empire under the Mede line differed from the Septim line that ruled during the first fourElder Scrollsgames, Similar_Grass_4699 stated the Empire’s loyalty and motivations inOblivion Remasteredstood out to them during their playthrough.
Similar_Grass_4699 stated that the Daedric invasion of Kvatch was a main motivator for their growing Imperial support, as they noted three Imperial soldiers joined the battle after seeing smoke from the roadside. While someOblivion Remasteredplayers debated which levels they were going into Kvatch, others pointed out how even siding with the Stormcloaks inSkyrimand finishing the war was bad for the Thalmor, who took advantage of the chaos.
Despite how much time has passed betweenOblivionandSkyrim, the Empire’s legacy remains a constant presence in theElder Scrollsfranchise. WithThe Elder Scrolls 6still in development, only time will tell how the outcome ofSkyrim’s stories will be considered in the upcoming chapter.
