Can You Keep Balgruuf as a Stormcloak?
The Civil War questline in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a crucial part of the game, and one of the most important characters involved in it is Jarl Balgruuf the Greater of Whiterun. As the Jarl of Whiterun, Balgruuf plays a significant role in the Stormcloak rebellion against the Empire. But, what happens if you decide to join the Stormcloaks? Can you keep Balgruuf as a Stormcloak, or will he abandon you?
The Initial Choice
To understand the situation, let’s go back to the beginning of the Civil War questline. When you first meet Balgruuf, he’s not necessarily a fan of the Stormcloaks or their leader, Ulfric Stormcloak. In fact, he’s quite skeptical of their intentions and doesn’t want to get involved in the conflict. However, if you decide to join the Stormcloaks and attack Whiterun, Balgruuf will naturally side with the Imperials and become an enemy of the Stormcloaks.
Consequences of Joining the Stormcloaks
If you join the Stormcloaks and attack Whiterun, Balgruuf will remain the Jarl of Whiterun, but he’ll become a formidable enemy of the Stormcloaks. He’ll work with the Imperials to crush the rebellion and will even participate in the battles against the Stormcloaks. This means that you’ll have to face him on the battlefield, and defeating him will be a significant challenge.
What Happens if You Succeed?
If you manage to defeat Balgruuf, you’ll be able to take over Whiterun and become the new Jarl. However, this will come at a significant cost. Whiterun will be ravaged by the war, and the city will be left in ruins. The people of Whiterun will also suffer, and many will flee the city in search of safer havens.
Why Balgruuf Abandons the Stormcloaks
So, why does Balgruuf abandon the Stormcloaks and join the Imperials? According to the lore, Balgruuf sees no better choice. As the Jarl of Whiterun, he’s concerned about the safety of his people and the city. He believes that the Stormcloaks’ goal of separating from the Empire is a threat to the stability of the region, and he’s willing to work with the Imperials to protect his people.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key takeaways to summarize the situation:
- Joining the Stormcloaks and attacking Whiterun will make Balgruuf an enemy of the Stormcloaks.
- Defeating Balgruuf will allow you to take over Whiterun, but it will come at a significant cost to the city and its people.
- Balgruuf abandons the Stormcloaks because he sees no better choice, and he’s concerned about the safety of his people and the city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s technically possible to keep Balgruuf as a Stormcloak, it’s not a feasible or desirable option. Joining the Stormcloaks and attacking Whiterun will lead to a prolonged and bloody conflict, and it will ultimately benefit no one. Instead, it’s better to work with Balgruuf and the Imperials to maintain peace and stability in the region.