Legate Rikke (Skyrim)

"You're wrong, Ulfric. We need the Empire. Without it, Skyrim will assuredly fall to the Dominion."

- Rikke

Legate Rikke is the Chief Lieutenant of the Imperial Legion under General Tullius. Rikke is a Nord, and believes strongly that Skyrim should be part of The Empire.

Religious views
"I am a loyal citizen of the Empire. My parents were Legionnaires, and I've followed in their footsteps. But more importantly, I am a daughter of Skyrim and wish to see her made whole again."

- Rikke

Rikke is guarded about her religious views. When asked, she brushes off the question. If the Dragonborn sides with the Imperial Legion during the Civil War, she says, "Talos guide you," revealing her religious beliefs despite being part of the Legion. She also whispers "Talos be with you" to Ulfric Stormcloak after he is killed, only for General Tullius to react with alarm. Additionally, if the Dragonborn sides with the Stormcloaks, Rikke exclaims "For Talos!" during the battle with her. And in the final scene where you will kill both Tullius and Rikke, she will say "Talos preserve us".

Imperials
If the Dragonborn sides with the Imperial Legion, then Rikke acts as commanding officer in the field, assigning them to recapture several of the major holds. She, along with General Tullius, is present at the Imperial attack on Windhelm, and assists the Dragonborn in the final battle with Ulfric Stormcloak and Galmar Stone-Fist. She is also present with Imperial Soldiers during the search for the Jagged Crown.

Stormcloaks
If the Dragonborn sides with the Stormcloaks, Rikke is killed defending Tullius during the Civil War. Later, she can be encountered in Sovngarde. Her coffin can also be found in the Solitude Catacombs with General Tullius.

Trivia

 * Legate Rikke is voiced by Claudia Christian, who also voices Aela the Huntress.
 * During the quest Dragonslayer, Legate Rikke may assist the Dragonborn with fighting Alduin if she happens to wander close to the site of the battle (this can happen only if you joined the stormcloaks).
 * While all Imperial soldiers come equipped with an Imperial Sword, Legate Rikke uses a Steel Sword and Steel Shield of her own, of Nord design.
 * Hadvar thinks that Rikke is sympathetic for the Stormcloaks. Evidence for this being true would be that she says "Talos guide you" after the death of Ulfric Stormcloak.
 * Rikke's hair will change to a ponytail during the battle for Whiterun.