Elder Scrolls Lore » Discussions


Legendary Figures: Ulfric Stormcloak

  • Member
    March 3, 2015

    Funny enough, the GOT Conversion mod makes Ulfric into Ned.

  • March 3, 2015

    If Balgruuf and Whiterun had joined the rebellion, then the war would have been very different.

    A key thing to think about is that the long-term advantage is with the Empire. Even in its weakened state following the Great War, the Empire probably has many more soldiers and resources that the Stormcloaks could hope to bring to bear. The longer the war goes on, the more the Empire will want - and need - it to finish, so that they can go back to whatever they've been doing in the last 30 years. (presumably rebuilding for Great War II) Sending in General Tullius was only the first step; if the war had continued to stalemate, you likely would have seen a flood of troops as the Legion finally became desperate enough to pull soldiers from elsewhere to help out. At that point, it's a war of attrition- one the Stormcloaks can't really compete in. (this is why the Stormcloaks always decide to attack, no matter whose side you're on; they can no longer afford to keep waiting)

    So, Ulfric's best chance is to quickly overwhelm the Legion in Skyrim, secure the nine holds (and ensure the jarls all support his claim), get elected High King and then hunker down and prepare for the Empire's response. If he can complete the transition and be securely in power before the Imperials know what's happened, they will have little choice but to accept his rule.

    What does this have to do with Balgruuf? Well, I think it's his insistence on staying neutral that has led the situation to become such a quagmire. Whiterun is the most important hold in Skyrim from a strategic standpoint; its large area and central location make it perfect for staging attacks on any of the other holds, and the rich lands ensure enough food to feed an army. Whiterun is a powerful ally, and whichever side holds it holds the momentum. You can see this in-game: the war is stalemated until your chosen side takes Whiterun, at which point they can start taking other holds.

    Following the death of Torygg, the holds split evenly- with four siding with the Stormcloaks and four remaining with the Empire, and one staying out of it. Imagine, instead, that Balgruuf had declared for the Stormcloaks immediately. Now, it's five to four in favor of the rebels- they have the advantage and the majority of Skyrim under their control. It's implied that both sides needed time to build up their strength, but the material and manpower Whiterun would bring to the rebels is likely very large- not to mention the P.R. value from having so much, so quickly.

    With Whiterun on the side of the Stormcloaks, you're looking at a much shorter and more decisive war. Without needing to build for a large and costly assault on the fortified city, Ulfric can focus on expanding their reach quickly. The rebels secure their control of Skyrim's crossroads, then move to take the remaining four holds one at a time. The Empire doesn't have time to call in reinforcements before its already too late.

  • Member
    March 3, 2015
    Hey...Primitives can't make references like that!
  • March 3, 2015

    Do one on General T.

  • March 3, 2015

    It's times like this I wish you could Like somthing more than once.

    #Ulfricisalegend

  • March 3, 2015

    No! Do one on Ralof. Then Galmar. Then, um, Nameless Stormcloak No.1. The Lore group needs more Stormcloak content.

  • March 3, 2015
    Not really that much lore on Ralof or Galmar. Plus the former isn't a major player.
  • March 3, 2015
    Not much more on Tullius, to be honest. Ulfric gets talked about because he's the only one we have enough information about that people can form opinions on.
  • Member
    March 3, 2015

    Yeah, if the series is to continue, it should really focus on legendary figures; the folks who carry some real weight. Would be nice if there were enough lore on Arngeir to make on on him. I'd nominate Delphine for one, as well as maybe Madanach and someone each from the Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood and College.

  • March 3, 2015

    Ulfric does basically count as both Elisef and Tullius, because he's that good.