Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Guide Quests Civil War Quests
Overview: Stormcloak Rebellion
Stormcloak Sanctuary: Palace of the Kings, in Windhelm
Windhelm sits on the northern bank of the White River and is an imposing sight. The Palace of the Kings (also known historically as the Palace of Ysgramor) is an ancient stone fortress and the city’s main keep. These days, the palace serves as the headquarters of the Stormcloaks, under the leadership of Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, who sits upon the ancient Throne of Ysgramor. And so the Palace of the Kings is, as such, the center of the pro-Nord war effort in the Civil War.
Important CHARACTERS: Stormcloak Rebellion
Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak
Ulfric fought in the Imperial Legions during the Great War against the Aldmeri Dominion. Disillusioned over the Markarth incident, he founded the Stormcloaks as an underground group centered around now-proscribed worship of Talos. After killing the High King of Skyrim in the throne room of Solitude after declaring him a lackey of the Empire, he was arrested in surprisingly swift time, possibly aided by Thalmor agents. Only recently has he escaped the chopping block at Helgen. He is fiery and impetuous and a born leader, but he lacks the cool head of a strategist.
Galmar Stone-Fist
Galmar may be old, but he is still hale. A very experienced Nord warrior, he is also Ulfric’s right-hand man and Housecarl. He served Ulfric’s father and is more concerned with winning the war than the politics behind it. He is Ulfric’s most trusted ally and acts as his field commander. He is a firm believer in the old ways of Talos, and distrusts High Elves. A grizzled bear of a man, he is imposing and gruff, but fair.
Ralof
A loyal, brave, and enthusiastic Stormcloak soldier who befriends you during the escape from Helgen. He is related to Gerdur the lumber mill owner, in Riverwood.
Available Quests
There are a total of 12 different Critical Path Quests available during the Civil War if you side with the Stormcloaks. One of these is an Overview Quest—the Liberation of Skyrim. All but the first quest have one or more prerequisites, as shown in the following table: