Rolf...the idiotic racist of Windhelm. At first I loved him from a story perspective. He made me feel the hatred in Windhelm, and the oppression of my Dunmer friends. But when I had enough of his ranting and tried to fry him to death with a lightning spell and trap his soul in a black soul gem I could keep in my house as a trophy...I learned he was essential.

I heard he's needed for a stormcloak quest, but if I join the imperial legion, which forfeits those quests, will he still be essential? I mean, I'm never going to need him, will I?