What happens if I kill Imperial guards transporting a Stormcloak prisoner

the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim

On the way to Whiterun from Riverwood, I rescued a Stormcloak prisoner from some Imperial guards. The Stormcloak guy didn't even say much of a thanks (although I did choose the option to free him). Will freeing prisoners like this affect my standing in the game at all or is it pointless behaviour?

Best Answer

To add immersion to the game, Bethesda added a bunch of "world encounters" that do nothing other than to provide some flavor as you travel around.

Among a ton of other things, Imperials escorting a Stormcloak around the map is one of these random world encounters. You can ignore them or help the Stormcloak: it doesn't matter.

There's another chance to help a prisoner outside of finding a chance encounter on the world map:

When you first enter Solitude, there's a prisoner being set up for an execution. You're technically not expected to save him: it's just a flavor event to give some background to what Solitude is (an Imperial stronghold). But it is technically possible. You don't get anything other than a "thanks, bro!" for doing it.

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