I started the legion questline recently and I just fought in the battle of Whiterun. I play with an extreme lighting mod so it was extremely dark and raining I called Odhaviing to fight for me and together we helped the legion defend the city. The only light came from Odhaviing's fire breath and my fire spell and I was slashing around the battlefield with a bound sword. I was fighting alongside legate Rikke and noticed she was surrounded and on the ground so I went to go save her and drive back the stormcloaks. I ended up dying in a hail of arrows because my character is squishy (I am a mage) it was [censored] epic.
I fought the battle while listening to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYKUeZQbMF0 Anyone else have cool stories?

I had to up the difficulty to Master on Whiterun because I know these scripted battles otherwise are just too easy, that and Sonja is just way overpowered unless facing Falmer (poison, poison, poison, poison).

From Sonja's Battle Journal: I arrived at the Stormcloak camp outside Whiterun and listened to Galmar Stone-fist's pre-battle speech to the troops before we marched on Whiterun. Whiterun's defenses held until I found a way onto the wall. Then with support of the brave Stormcloak men and women keeping the attention of the guards at the gate, I opened the gate and jumped down and led the attack through the town. We moved swiftly through the city with purpose smashing their pitiful defenses. I used my Disarm shout on the enemy which caused the enemy to be quickly routed by our troops. We stormed the castle and the last lines of defense descended upon us. We smashed through them. Balgruuf and his court faced us and went down just as quick, and Balgruuf surrendered. Vignar Gray-mane walked up the steps and assumed his rightful position of Jarl of Whiterun. As Balgruuf left in disgrace he looked over at me and said, "You! You! A Stormcloak traitor! I should have known. This isn't over. Mark my words. This isn't over!"

I returned to Windhelm to speak with the true King Ulfric, who named me Ice Veins, and gave me an Imperial sword, and a very rare one indeed, that was used by the commander of the Legion forces during the battle. My next assignment is Falkreath.

that is a cool story it was well written too.

The Battle for Whiterun was so epic. It was raining and there were bombs being dropped on us Stormcloaks. Galmar gave an encouraging speech, then we charged. I ended several lives that day.

I call this book: The Great Patriotic War. Because of the nature of the war, I'm throwing a propaganda aspect into the accounts. Instead of calling these the Battle for.... they are the Liberation of.... We look at these from an occupied nation's viewpoint. Who knows? Maybe some of these will make it into a book in TES VI. That would be a kick.

From Sonja's Battle Journal:

The Liberation of Falkreath -- I reported to Galmar Stone-Fist at the Falkreath camp, where he instructed me to meet with my friend Ralof and take Fort Neugrad where the Empire was holding some of our men prisoner. One of the men in our group whispered "Psst. I know you. Hail Sithis!" Ralof heard. I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders, and told him that it gave me some invaluable infiltration skills. I asked Ralof to send one of the men back to Galmar to get some blankets and leather straps to tie around our boots to muffle our noise. Instead of attacking, we would wait until nightfall and take out the enemy one at a time. We entered the prison and I slit the throat of the jailer. The prisoners were screaming to be let out, but I told Ralof "Not yet." and told the prisoner we would be back with the blood of their enemies on our blades. And so we continued killing many of the Legionnaires as they slept, then we went up onto the wall and there were only a few left. I went around the battlements and took out the sentries, the rest went into the main courtyard and took out the rest. I gave Ralof the key to release the prisoners. We lost no men. It was a great victory, not as "honorable" as some would have wanted, but at least some get to see their families again that otherwise would not. I returned to Windhelm and gave Ulfric my report. He called me Bone Crusher.

The Liberation of Markarth -- A week had passed and Ulfric gave me instructions to report to Galmar at our Reach encampment. It was a treacherous journey through the heart of Forsworn territory. I had a run in with a Thalmor patrol and a band of Forsworn barbarians. When I arrived in camp, I knew this was going to be about Markarth. Markarth I knew was going to be the most difficult city to take. It is the most defensible. It would be a long siege. The walls of the city are strong and thick. It is an old Dwemer ruin. But it has to have a weakness and that weakness lies in the hearts of men.

Galmar told me he had some intelligence about the jarl's steward and the jarl himself in that both were devout Talos worshippers until the Thalmor moved into the city. It is suspected that both secretly worship Talos. The job he gave me is to find any information I could use to blackmail the jarl into supporting Ulfric's cause. This hinged on Raerek. It would have to be done during the day. I walked into the castle, and in the areas I'm allowed in watched the guards. When the guards went around the corner I sneaked to Raerek's quarters and opened the door with the castle key I'd stolen earlier. I found his Talos amulet in his dresser. I sneaked out, closed the doors, and walked up to Raerek and confronted him. He asked me to follow him closely back to his quarters. I suspected an ambush, so I was on my guard, but none happened. He was nearly soiling himself. I asked him to advise the jarl to support Ulfric, and he said he could not. "You do not know what this Ulfric of yours is capable of..." he went on. So, I mentioned the possibility of this Talos thing going public, and asked him what would happen. Well turns out that this was more worrisome to him than Ulfric since being tortured to death is something the Thalmor tend to like to do and his entire family would likely be tortured as well. He informed me of a silver and weapons shipment, that was heading to Solitude to be shipped to the Empire. I extorted 2000 septims from him for "personal expenses" -- it was a long ride -- and gave him his precious amulet back, then left the castle.

I reported back to Galmar with the news. I then met Ralof again along the road. Apparently they'd been tracking this wagon, but it had an "accident" and the guards were waiting for help. We would liberate the shipment before the help arrived. It was easy. There were only five of them. No match for battle seasoned warriors.

I reported back to Galmar again with the good news. Everything had gone according to plans. Things had almost been going too well. So he sent me to lead the liberation of Ft. Sundgard. I left Shadowmere at the camp and made my way by foot over some rough terrain. Better not to be seen. I was attacked by a dragon along the way. It was a tiring fight, and I had to make camp. I did not build a fire because I did not want to attract either Imperial or Forsworn. At night I went into wolf form and made up much ground. By morning I met with the troops for an early dawn attack.

Attacking a fort under the best conditions is risky, but under what I'm about to describe is insane. We had just engaged the enemy when I felt this thunderous movement of air that nearly knocked the men and me off our feet, followed by a blood curdling roar and flames that enveloped the back half of the fort. Fortunately that's where most of the Imperial forces were. They seemed to be more concerned with this huge dragon, one that rivaled Paarthurnax in size and strength, and I guess in age as well. Our troops were way too concerned with the enemy than listening to my command to retreat. Sometimes our Nord honor does get in the way. I just wanted a strategic withdrawal until I dealt with the dragon, or rather the dragon dealt with most of the Imperial troops, and then I dealt with the dragon, but our troops seemed intent on going to Sovengarde this day. The Imperial forces were falling fast, as were ours. I used Dragonrend on this golden red beast, and it made one last pass before making landfall but it was too far away, and it recovered and took flight again. It took flight and blasted the remaining troops. The few Imperial troops left ran for their lives. I used Dragonrend again and it dropped down and we fought. It was a brutal fight and it nearly took my life as well, but it was defeated.

I made a sweep of the fort looking for survivors and found two Stormcloaks and declared them heroes of Skyrim. We then took time to bury the dead, both Stormcloak and Imperial. I do not blame the rank and file men and women fighting in the legion. To them this is a job. It is the Legates and officers who give the orders. I cannot call this a victory even though the Empire was driven from the fort. The Reach was now ours.

I made my report to Ulfric. Ulfric consoled me that while many men and women died heroes to Skyrim and had it not been for me none would have survived. Yes, Ulfric. I know this is war. Men and women die. It doesn't mean I have to like it. Now the troops have taken to calling me Snow Hammer. Yet I feel hollow. I wish more of our men and women survived that day.

Kaidreill Lei Sai help ed the imperial legion take Windhelm by force, with General Tullius leading the charge screaming his battlecry and annilating anyone in his way. He is awesome.
They carved through the city, massacring every single stormcloak there was. She used Dawnbreaker, fireball and thunderbolt to fight without hitting her alllies. Got to the palace were the arrogant b**tard Ulric Stormcloak was, and when he refused to surrender, she executed him with Tullius' sword, sharpened especially for the occasion. Tullius gave her his sword after.
Took Ulrics outfit.
Went outside and watched Tullius declared victory.
Windhelm is much better for everyone in imperial control and with Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter in charge.

Assasination stories.

Her most epic assasination was hiding behind Vittoria Vittcenti while she and her husband gave a speech on a balconey at their wedding. Turned into a werewolf without anyone seeing and carved her up, then jumped off the balcony and ran away.
She regretted that she could'nt take her wedding outfit though.

Assasinating the emporer, he was a surprisingly calm considering I was going to kill him. Promised to kill the person behind it.
Took his robes. Now she has the best outfit in skyrim.

She is good at assasinating people as a werewolf and running away.

Very good Sonja Stormcloak, I really enjoyed that. I am looking forward to the next installment ^^

Sit, sit, and if you listen with patience, Khajit will tell you the story you wish. Khajit was not always this old (chuckling)... nor this wealthy. Khajit was young. Strong of arm, fleet of foot, and keen of smell. In such days Khajit was named "Kharjo", his paws tread the frozen ground of Skyrim as a humble guard in the Ahkari caravan, who's master plied the roads from Solitude to Riften. Stranger sees Khajit's rich carpets and fine clothes and does not believe? But it is so! For in those days Khajit was honored to become the companion and personal body guard of the Dovakin. (Chuckling) Stranger thinks this is even taller tale? How does stranger then think that humble Khajit became so wealthy? But stranger did not come to hear about Khajit. Stranger has been so patient, so Kharjo will begin...

All children know Dovakin was Bosmer, but I tell you he had the soul of a khajit. His steps were light and sure and reflexes sharp as the icy wind of Skyrim. Arrows obeyed his command and his dagger faster than (snapping fingers) the blink of strangers eye!

Master (as I came to know him) was listening to old woman Fralia lament her son as we bartered with Whiterun's merchants. The woman suspected a rival clan of stealing one of her litter... ah... children as you men call them. Silent as luna moths we krept into the rival clan's lair and master found something that gave him pause. It was a document placing Fralia's son Thorald in the clutches of the Thalmor. Oh yes stranger, even you have heard the stories of the great hatred between the Dovakin and the Thalmor. Khajit could tell you stories....

Quick, and dark as a brooding storm, master and I traveled the leagues to the Northwatch Keep. Soundlessly we crept around, hugging the fortress walls until we found the lightly guarded rear entrance. Master's movements were quick and sure, and the guard was dead before his body hit the ground. The Razor of Mehrune had slit his throat all the way to the spine. But the Elves are keen eyed, and saw the blood in the snow. Khajit gripped his mace tightly, but master had disappeared .... a trick he used regularly but would never tell Khajit how to perform. The two new guards were quickly dispatched with similar ruthless efficiency. As Khajit searched their bodies, master krept along the wall and dispatched the three remaining guards. Not a sound was heard but the nightengales singing as the sun went down. Master smiled at this when he returned, but did not tell Khajit why.

Inside the Northwatch Keep the stones are hard and damp. Very slippery and makes footsteps loud, even for khajit. Dark too. Not so dark for khajit, but Master would whisper in the Dragon tongue and Khajit tells you... he could see through walls! Many times we he would utter those words and we would wait seconds... minutes... and then quick as arrows, round a corner and take a Thalmor from behind. Master flowed down corridors like liquid shadow... his black dragonscale armor making no sound, and the razor of Mehrune too bloodied to shine in the torchlight. Every Thalmor died that night. So many bodies, but not even one whiff of fear. The Thalmor should be thankfull their ends were so quick and unexpected.

Master bade me gather up the valuable elven and glass armor. Khajit feared even the sturdy back of the Nord work horse would break under such a haul. It amused master that the craft of the Thalmor would soon be in the hands of its Nord enemies. Not that master would give it away. Oh no nononono, stranger. Khajit would be remiss if he did not tell you that Master was as ruthless in trade as he was war.

Thun.... that was GREAT! LOVE IT!!!

Stranger honors us with her flattery.

Ri'Jandi hopes Thun understands that sometimes one is not truly cognizant of who she is at some times. One hopes Thungrim forgives this one.

"By the time of the battle of Whiterun, the men of the 192nd legion had grown tried of this so called 'Rebellion'. Day after day they only got more organised, better armed and more numerous. When we recived word of an attack on Whiterun, General Tullius immeadiatley dispatched the 192nd legion to aid in its defense. We were weary. But the thought of ending the Rebellion gave us strength not seen in a long time. Our orders were clear: No retreats, No mercy."

"When we were orderd to take fort Kastav, we felt fear for the first time in many years. It wasn't the fort filled with many rebels, It wasn't the threat of the freezeing cold or starvation, It wasn't the high walls and cliffs, It wasn't the Spiders, wolves or dragons, It was the curse of that place. Unnatural storms, quakes, floods and fog. Still, we had our orders. We lost more men on the wolves then we did at the siege. However when the Dragonborn Legate showed, in armour made from the bones of the world-eater himself, it turned from a sucide mission into a battle. A winable battle."

"What I remember about the sacking of Windhelm was, well, how quiet it was. We all knew what we were about to do. Did we have any doubts, any private trecherous thoughts? Perhaps, but no one said a word. Not on the long march from Solitude, Not when we broke down the gates, Not when we slew any and all in our path. Nothing, not one word."

From the Journal of Lord Rethan, Commander of the 192nd Legion.

Journal of Sonja -- The Great Patriotic War Volume III

The Liberation of Hjaalmarch - I arrived at our camp outside of Morthal. It was late in the evening, and I was tired from a long ride. Shadowmere needed a new shoe so I had the smith make one for her. I spoke with Galmar and we discussed our next action. He said we needed to take the Imperial stronghold at Fort Snowhawk. I'd been to Fort Snowhawk a couple of months ago and was familiar with the layout.

He mentioned that his spies had heard that a courier was delivering a message from the fort requesting reinforcements. My first task was to intercept the courier and bring them back so we could forge them to divert those reinforcements elsewhere. Then take the place of the courier and deliver the orders to the Legate in Morthal. This was too easy. I'd done far more difficult things for the Dark Brotherhood. I followed the courier, and assassinated him. I took his uniform and documents. After we forged the documents I put the uniform on and delivered them to the Legate. The Legate sent orders to the fort and had troops sent to support a non-existent attack.

I threw away the courier uniform and put my armor back on before returning to camp. I arrived late at night again and met with Galmar. I told him that I'd set out on foot early in the morning after breakfast, and asked if he would have someone groom my horse. He smiled and agreed. We drank mead, and I fell asleep.

Morning came and I set out to meet our soldiers at the rendezvous point. I missed seeing the familiar face of Ralof, but such is war. We attacked swiftly and brutally well before the lazy Imperials were ready. You'd think they would have caught on by now, but they have gotten fat and lazy. We have purpose. I took six men with me and we set a shield wall and smashed the front defenses then I led the charge into the fort and up onto the battlements to take care of the archers. Once they were down, the Imperials were helpless. We cut them down as they emerged from the fort before they could draw their weapons. It was a slaughter.

I could not believe that the end of this bloody war was in sight. Hjaalmarch and Morthal were ours, but Solitude remained. This was not going to be easy. I rode Shadowmere on the side of the road off the hard stone for the journey back to Windhelm. Ulfric was waiting for news of the battle. He gave me a family name Stormblade, and gave me my next orders. I spent the night at home, and took the next day off. It was snowing and I made it clear and sunny.

Liberation of Haafingar - I arrived at our camp at night on Loredas 30th Second Seed 4E 202, and of course, a young dragon attacked the camp. We dispatched it quickly with no casualties. The morale of the troops is very high. I followed our usual reporting procedures, and prepared for a tough fight, although I knew at this point Imperial morale must be at a low point.

The troops seemed ready. I did a stim potion, and began my ride to the first objective which was Ft. Hraggstad. This would secure our flank for the final assault. I left Shadowmere at Meridia's Shrine. I knew she would be safe there considering the bargain I'd made with Meridia.

It is said the Imperial soldiers sparkle like mirrors and clank like pans, but when we move you don't hear us. We were able to sneak past the defenses, actually picking up and moving the barriers, and move quietly into the fort and by the time we were discovered it was too late. I led a squad onto the battlements and took down the archers. Then we concentrated on the Imperials who were just waking. The fort was ours and the flank was secured. I was to meet Ulfric and his soldiers and lead them into the final battle. This would have been a good day to die.

Liberation of Solitude - I ran back to Shadowmere and rode directly to my next destination. When I arrived at the city gates, Ulfric had already driven the Imperials back into the city. They had closed the gates. Ulfric was preparing to address brave and patriotic men and women before our assault. Our siege machines had already caused fires within the city.

Ulfric delivered a rousing speech to our soldiers, and we bashed our way through the gates. After clearing out the initial wave of Imperials, we moved swiftly straight to Castle Dour. Resistance inside the city was surprisingly light. Ulfric must have inflicted very heavy casualties. Either that or there was very little will to fight among the city guards. I think it was a combination of the two. The city guard I think were indoors with their families.

We entered the Castle, and there they were Legate Rikke and General Tullius. I thought Tullius was going to [censored] himself. Rikke did all the talking. "Ulfric, you've won. You destroyed Skyrim. The General has given up. But I have not. I am placing you under arrest for treason." She said. Then fighting broke out. She went after Ulfric who killed her. Tullius attacked our King from the back so I put Tullius down.

Tullius looked like a broken man. He tried "reasoning". "Don't you realize this is exactly what the Thalmor want? A divided Empire and Skyrim so they can come after Skyrim unhindered by the Empire."

"Then why are they even here? You allow them to dictate to us how we live our lives and what gods we can and cannot worship?" Ulfric demanded.

"Don't you see? We had no choice but to allow it under terms of the White Gold Concordant. We signed that to buy time. What are you going to do now?" Tullius whined.

Ulfric was not impressed. "We are going to rebuild Skyrim, then take this fight to the Aldmeri Dominion itself."

"What if I surrendered?" He said.

Ulfric looked at him, "The Empire of my father's father would never surrender."

"That empire is dead. It died long ago." Galmar said.

Then it came to dealing with the fate of Tullius. The choice lay in my hands. Ulfric left that to me since Tullius did not wave off my execution in Helgen, and he felt he owed me the opportunity. Tullius looked so broken I decided to put him out of his misery. Ulfric tossed me his blade. Tullius was dead. It was pitiful. He was a symbol of what the Empire had become.

Then Ulfric addressed the crowd outside. Jarl Elisif swore fealty and retained her title as Jarl of Solitude. The city guard received amnesty and the task of rebuilding Skyrim as an independent nation had begun. Ulfric would not accept the crown until the moot convened and voted unanimously. I walked to my house in Solitude, and went to sleep. The war was over. There were pockets of Imperial resistance, but soon they would give up and go home. Now there were bigger things to worry about. I dreamed of Alduin.

Well the most epic battle in civil war was when I made my playtrought on wrong side (with imperials). I was doing the quest "Rescue from Fort Kastav". When I came out of the fort's jails a dragon came from nowhere and landed in the middle of the battle on the forts yard. Soldiers continued to fight each others and some tried it against the dragon and the dragon ate soldiers on both sides (=did several finishers where the dragon picks soldier in his mouth). Then it went back in the air and during the whole battle it was acting like furious dragon does (flying, breathing fire, landing on yard, picking people from walls etc.) and you can believe there wasn't many survivors in that battle.

That first fight against the dragon was great, the others, not so much.

The ending of the Civil War felt very anti-climatic to me, but maybe that was the point. No glory in war. More of a "yeah, it's over. I'm tired." I was expecting this major battle in Solitude and then WTF? Where is everyone? Tullius goes down in one hit? That battle with the ancient dragon was fierce.

It's like there has never really been an epic battle at the end that's really an epic battle to remember. They get very repetitive and long, and that's about it.

Feeling too lazy to actually tell a story, but:

Defense of Whiterun, just like most of the other stories here. Summoned my dragon pal, then went werewolf. Dragon buddy sat in front of the gate the entire time, didn't let anything through, while I roamed wolf-like and killed everything in sight. I'm not sure why the Stormcloaks didn't run in fear of seeing two monsters defending the city

This is an ode to the reality of this war:

And so the Stormblade charged in quick
And delivered a thrust that hit the brick
And the legate drew their sword to fight
For both believed that they were right
And the Thalmor watched it with a grin
As their blades clashed, making an awful din
Tired and bloodied they renewed their attacks
Neither was injured gravely by misguided hacks
And so the battle continued to rage
Both sides stuck in a metaphorical cage
Neither side gives any ground
Prophecy must resolve this round

@RainbowDaedroth:

That's not only well-written, it's very apt. You are likely the prophet....

It has been a pleasure to write such a thing of that measure.

How can you call Odhaviing before the battle at whiterun?