- For other uses, see Legate Rikke.
- "You're wrong. Ulfric. We need the Empire. Without it Skyrim will assuredly fall to the Dominion."
- ―Rikke[src]
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[src]
Rikke is guarded about her religious views. When asked, she brushes off the question. However, there are several hints that she worships Talos. 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 of Battle for Solitude, where the Dragonborn, along with Galmar Stone-Fist and Ulfric Stormcloak, kills both Tullius and Rikke, she will say before fighting "Talos preserve us."
Interactions
When asked about what she thinks of the Thalmor, she will also brush off the question, hinting that she does not respect or like them.
Civil War
Imperials
If the Dragonborn sides with the Imperial Legion, Rikke acts as their commanding officer in the field, and assigns the Dragonborn 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 and will lead the charge during the quest "Battle for Whiterun" for the Imperials. She also attends the meeting at High Hrothgar when a truce becomes necessary so that the Dragonborn can capture Odahviing.
Stormcloaks
If the Dragonborn sides with the Stormcloaks, Rikke is killed while defending Tullius during the Civil War. Later, she can be encountered in Sovngarde, where she laments that the Legion wished to protect Skyrim, but only succeeded in killing men and women from both sides who are now being devoured by Alduin. She also laments that this has made her unable to find the way to Shor's Hall. Her coffin can also be found in the Solitude Catacombs, along with General Tullius'.
Dialogue
Show: Default dialogue |
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In Castle Dour:
Why do you fight for the Empire? "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."
What will it take to end the war? "I hope Ulfric will come to his senses. But I fear he's in too far to stop now. Likely only Ulfric's death, or the overthrow of the Jarls supporting him will end this. Either way, much blood will be spilt." |
Show: Joining the Legion |
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In Castle Dour:
"You survived Helgen? General Tullius told me what happened. Not many made it out alive... I've got a good feeling about you. And I don't often get good feelings about anything. A warrior knows to trust her gut... I'm not going to go through the normal process with you. I've got a little test lined up. Pass that, and we'll talk about you joining the Legion."
If spoken to again before taking the fort: "What's the matter, soldier? I gave you an order. I want that fort, and I want it now. Move it!" After taking the fort: "Welcome back, soldier. I'm glad you made it in one piece. I'll send men to garrison the fort right away. You did well. I'm impressed. But before we go any further, it's time for you to officially join the Legion. Speak with General Tullius. He'll administer the oath." |
Show: The Jagged Crown |
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In Castle Dour:
"Welcome to the Legion, auxiliary. Listen up. Ulfric's right-hand man, Galmar Stonefist, has located what he believes is the final resting place of the Jagged Crown. We're going to make sure he doesn't get his hands on it. The rest of my men are already assembling outside Korvanjund. I'll meet you there as soon as I finish up here."
At Korvanjund: "Looks like the damned rebels got here first. No matter, we have the element of surprise. Prepare to move out. You ready, auxiliary?"
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Show: Reunification of Skyrim (A False Front( |
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At the Pale Imperial Camp:
Reporting for duty. "I need you to deliver some false orders to the Stormcloak commander in Dawnstar. But first we need to get our hands on some rebel orders to make the forgeries. The Nightgate and Candlehearth inns are frequent stops for Stormcloak runners. See if you can't "convince" one of those innkeepers to help you. One way or another, get me those documents. But don't do anything rash if you go to Windhelm. Well, soldier? Can you do this?"
After obtaining the documents: "Very good... Let's see what you have here. Interesting... They know more of our plans than I expected... It would seem Fort Dunstad is in need of reinforcements... We'll make sure they won't be getting those... One moment while I "correct" some of these documents... That should do it. Make sure those forged documents get to the Stormcloak commander in Dawnstar. It'll throw him off our trail, allowing us to maneuver more freely." Upon completion: "Good job! I knew I gave the mission to the right person." |
Show: Reunification of Skyrim (The Battle for Fort Dunstad) |
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At the Pale Imperial Camp:
Reporting for duty. "Your objective is Fort Dunstad. Meet the soldiers preparing for the attack. Then join them in wiping out the rebels. Once you prevail we will garrison the fort. Well, soldier? Are you up to the task?"
Upon completion: "Good job! I knew I gave the mission to the right person." |
Show: Reunification of Skyrim (Compelling Tribute) |
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At the Rift Imperial Camp:
Reporting for duty. "You're going to Riften. My spies report the Jarl's Steward, Anuriel, has arrangements with the Thieves Guild that would be rather embarrassing if made public. I need you to find evidence of her corrupt activities, and use it to gain a measure of her "cooperation." This will require stealth and discretion. The Jarl's guards won't take kindly to anyone rummaging through her Steward's private quarters."
After getting Anuriel to talk about the shipment: Anuriel says there's a shipment of coin travelling to Windhelm... "Excellent work. I knew you'd bring back something useful. It just so happens, I've got some scouts along the road. Meet up with them, and together see if you can't overpower the caravan." After claiming the caravan: "Good work! I'll send some men with a wagon to collect the prize. We can use the weapons here, and I'll pass on the coin to Solitude." |
Show: Reunification of Skyrim (The Battle for Fort Greenwall) |
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At the Rift Imperial Camp:
Reporting for duty. "Your objective is Fort Greenwall. Meet the soldiers preparing for the attack. Then join them in wiping out the rebels. Once you prevail we will garrison the fort. Well, soldier? Are you up to the task?"
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Show: Reunification of Skyrim (Rescue from Fort Kastav) |
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At the Winterhold Imperial Camp:
Reporting for duty. "Your objective is Fort Kastav. The rebels are keeping some of our men prisoner there. I aim to turn that into an advantage. I've sent men to scout out the area. You are to meet them, find a way to slip in, free our men, and take over the fort. They won't be expecting an attack from the inside. This won't be easy, but that's why I'm sending you. Think you can handle it?"
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Show: Reunification of Skyrim (The Battle for Fort Amol) |
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In Eastmarch Imperial Camp:
Reporting for duty. "Your objective is the enemy held fort. Meet the soldiers preparing for the attack. Then join them in wiping out the rebels. Once you prevail we will garrison the fort. Well, soldier? Are you up to the task?"
When the Fort is taken: "Good job! I knew I gave the mission to the right person." |
Show: Reunification of Skyrim (Battle for Windhelm) |
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In Eastmarch Imperial Camp:
"We're taking the city. Meet the soldiers gathering for the attack. Move it!" |
Show: Post-Civil War dialogue |
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In Castle Dour:
"Ulfric would expunge from Skyrim citizens whose only crime was to be born of a non-Nordic woman. That is unacceptable to free men everywhere."
"Until next time." |
Conversations
Show: The Jagged Crown |
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In Castle Dour:
General Tullius: "Tell me again, why I'm wasting men chasing after a fairy tale." At Korvanjund: Legate Rikke: "What's the situation?" After the soldiers are gathered for the attack: Legate Rikke: "Listen up, legionnaires. Those Stormcloaks are here for the same reason we are. Ulfric the Pretender wants that crown, but we're not going to let him have it. I realize some of you may know men on the other side. But remember this. They are the enemy now and will not hesitate to end your lives either. General Tullius is counting on us to bring back the Jagged Crown, and that's exactly what we're going to do. Let's show these rebels what real soldiers look like." After killing the guards: Legate Rikke: "Well done. They never knew what hit them. But don't underestimate the Stormcloaks. Many are Legion veterans. They may be traitors, but they know how to fight. We had the advantage of surprise this time, but don't expect it to last. Let's move out." After entering the ruins: Legate Rikke: "Everybody ready? We charge on my signal. Time to show what you're really made of. For the Empire!" In the second room: Legate Rikke: "I don't like the look of this. Perfect spot for an ambush. Ten to one they're just waiting for us on the other side." After seeing a dead Draugr: Imperial Soldier 1: "What in the nine holds is that?" In the hall of stories: Legate Rikke: "And this must be the Hall of Stories." In the next room: Legate Rikke: "Alright legionnaires! Spread out and see what we've got. Auxiliary, do what you do best. See if you can find some way to get that gate open." After draugr appearing: Legate Rikke: "Steady, legionnaires! We've been through worse. Just keep your guard up!" In the throne room: Legate Rikke: "The crown should be around here somewhere. Spread out, and keep your eyes open." |
Show: The Battle for Whiterun |
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In Castle Dour:
Legate Rikke: "I'm telling you, Ulfric's planning an attack on Whiterun." At Whiterun: "This is it men! This is an important day for the Empire and for the Legion. And for all of Skyrim. This is the day we send a message to Ulfric Stormcloak and the rebel Jarls who support him. But make no mistake. What we do here today, we do for Skyrim and her people. By cutting out the disease of this rebellion, we will make this country whole again! Ready now! Everyone, with me! For the Empire! For the Legion! |
Show: Battle for Solitude |
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In Castle Dour:
After defeating all the soldiers stationed in the city streets, Ulfric will enter Castle Dour to confront General Tullius and Legate Rikke. Once inside, Rikke and Tullius will be found in the war room. Tullius, having given up at this point, will offer little resistance. However, Rikke will refuse to allow Ulfric to kill her general, saying that she would rather die for the cause she believes in than surrender. Ulfric: "Secure the door." (At this point Rikke fights the Stormcloaks.) |
Show: Battle for Windhelm |
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In the Palace of the Kings:
Tullius: "Secure the door." After Galmar is killed and Ulfric is on his knees: Tullius: "Well Ulfric, you can't escape from me this time. Any last requests before I send you to... to wherever you people go when you die." After deciding who gets to kill Ulfric: Rikke: "Talos be with you..." After leaving the palace: Rikke: "Attention! General Tullius has an announcement!" After the speech: Tullius: "I hate giving speeches." |
Show: Unused dialogue |
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In Riften:[1]
Maven: "I think I'll like living here." |
Quotes
Quote | Audio |
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"I don't fight for the glory of the Empire, nor do I glory in the death of my kinsmen. I fight to bring peace and order to my homeland." | |
"Stormcloaks... even the name of their rebellion stinks of Ulfric's vanity. He wants to be king. That's all this is about. One man's ambition." | |
"When we destroy the rebellion, perhaps the Thalmor will call off their damned inquisitions. It's just making things worse." | |
"Many of my countrymen joined the rebels. They can't see the big picture. Skyrim needs the Empire as much as it needs us." | |
"The General and I have our disagreements, but he's the best hope for both the Empire and Skyrim." | |
"Sometimes I wonder if the gods have abandoned us... as we have abandoned them." | |
"Damnit! Why can't Ulfric see he's tearing Skyrim to pieces?" | |
"The sooner we end this rebellion, the sooner I'll be able to sleep at night." | |
"Ulfric... what have you done my old friend?" | |
"What I do, I do for Skyrim and her people." | |
"Sometimes I miss being out there in the middle of the action." | |
"The general expects so much with so little." | |
"The bitter war of the world beyond was all for naught." | |
"We are all trapped in Alduin's web - for our allegiance he cares not, but devours us equally - doom unescapable." | |
"Shor as well - he welcomes all heroes to his kingly hall, if we could but reach it." |
Gallery
Trivia
- Rikke's relationship to Tullius is comparable to that of a Housecarl.
- Legate Rikke is voiced by Claudia Christian, who also voices Aela the Huntress, as well as another Imperial Legate, Brina Merilis of Dawnstar.
- 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. Note that this can happen only if Dragonborn has joined the Stormcloaks, and finished with the Civil War questline.
- While all Imperial soldiers come equipped with an Imperial Sword and Imperial Shield, Legate Rikke uses a Steel Sword and Steel Shield of her own.
- Rikke's hair will change to a ponytail during the Battle for Whiterun.
- After the Battle for Windhelm, she will sometimes state "Ulfric... what have you done my old friend," indicating that at one point she and Ulfric were friends. They could have served together during the Great War, when Ulfric was a part of the Legion. This is strengthened during the Battle of Solitude when it is stated that she and Ulfric fought in the great war together.
- After the imperials capture Windhelm, Rikke can be asked about if there will be peace. She will state "There are those who still call themselves Stormcloaks, who continue to fight us, and bring misery to the people... but they are few in number. The ordinary citizen will be happy to get back to life as normal, to have their families return home. And they should enjoy it while they can... I suspect all of Tamriel will again be called to arms in the not too distant future.", what also shows she suspects a second war against the Aldmeri Dominion is near.