I'm a newbie to the Elder Scrolls and I just started playing Skyrim. I haven't chosen a side yet, the imperials or the stormcloaks. I haven't chosen yet because I have no idea who they are, lol. From what I think I know, the stormcloaks want Skyrim to be independent, and they worship Talos. The Imperials want Skyrim to be a part of the empire, and they outlawed Talos worship. But what exactly is the empire? And I thought Talos was an Imperial, so why would they outlaw him? I'm probably completely wrong, but can someone explain?

Hope you like reading, The best answer you're going to get is reading


http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Imperial_Legion

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Tiber_Septim



Also play Oblivion and read some books there

You can also read all the forum threads on it, and enter a world of circular arguments and biased speculation.

We're all guilty of this, don't lie.

Ultimately, I wouldn't worry too much about it. When (if) TES 6 rolls around, Bethesda is going to either avoid the issue altogether, or come up with something that makes your decision moot. You can avoid the Civil War if you want. Doesn't hurt the MQ, or any of the other quests. So, really, just join whoever you think has the worst armor, so you can slaughter the enemy en masse and pick up their sweet digs.

What are you talking about..?

It's pretty straightforward. The Imperials are, well... Imperials. They're trying to make Skyrim part of the Empire, as you know. They outlawed Talos probably due to the fact that -- Thalmor (or possibly some other reason, but we all know the Thalmor are behind this).

The Stormcloaks are big, smelly, racist Nords. Don't side with them!

lol... Well, welcome to the wonderful world of TES.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Dawn_Era
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Merethic_Era
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:First_Era
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Second_Era
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Third_Era
http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Fourth_Era

This might be a bit more than what you wanted, but why not get a full scope of things, yeah?

Then you find out that's not the full scope of things, and your brain cries.

Oh, also, you're new! Have a http://www.mwmythicmods.com/fishy.htm @ anm11

Yeah, Side with the Bosmer

lol... Well, it's the closest one can get in one 'sit down' w/o having a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5Wc27KnEZY moment