Stormcloaks

The Stormcloaks are a Faction featured in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Led by Ulfric Stormcloak, they believe Skyrim should be its own independent sovereignty, and oppose the Imperials trying to manipulate the land by means of the Thalmor.

Role
Their origins of this rebel group date back to the White-Gold Concordat, which banned the worship of Talos. As a means to make sure these laws are regulated, the Thalmor track down any Talos worshippers and imprisoned them. The Nords, who often revered the what they believe as the Ninth Divine, found this law to be outrageous, and as a result start rebelling against the Empire.

The death of High King Torygg at the hands of Ulfric Stormcloak in 4E 201 was the main spark of the Civil War.

To become a Stormcloak, the Dovahkiin must travel to The Serpent Stone and slay an Ice Wraith located there by instructions of Galmar Stone-Fist. After successfully slaying the Wraith, the Dragonborn is formally inducted into the Stormcloaks.

Once the Dragonborn has joined the Stormcloaks, they will then begin planning on the rebellion, they attempt to convince Balgruuf the Greater of Whiterun to join the Stormcloaks. This ultimately fails, and Ulfric considers this act of war against him, and as a result, they invade Writerun, and overthrow the Jarl. Afterwards, the Stormcloaks begin retaking or convincing each other hold one by one until only Haafingar, where the capital city of Solitude and the province overall, remains. Their, they ultimately defeat and kill General Tellius and swear Elisif the Fair under oath of Ulfric, and thus effective ending the Civil war. Soon afterward, the moot will meet, and make Ulfric the new High King of Skyrim.

Alternatively, the Dragonborn can side with the Imperials and bring an end to the rebellion.