*You awaken in an imperial cart in Helgen, bound and about to be executed. As the executioner's axe is raised, a dragon attacks the city, creating chaos and giving you a chance to escape. You must choose to flee with either Hadvar, an Imperial, or Ralof, a Stormcloak. Once out of Helgen, your companion will instruct you to seek help in Riverwood, where their family can assist you. Skyrim is currently embroiled in a civil war between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks.*