Of course not. Honestly, pretty much 90% of the emperors seemed like jerks. The only notable one that I actually admired was Martin.
I'm just saying that Ulfric does not seem like the great hero of the people most of his supporters think he is.

I don't like to say it.... but I side with the Stormcloaks because I like the way they look. I know it's a stupid reason.

But since I prefer the Nords over anyone else in TES, I also feel inclined to join the faction of which is fighting for their homeland, and for religious freedom.

It's not a matter of good or evil choice. Both factions have their own flaws. However if you think that Nords can fight against the Thalmor on their own you're fooling youselves. Either way nations need to unite to have even a chance to fight back.

I don't believe Nords could fight the Aldmeri Dominion.

But do you guys think the Empire and the Nords could defeat the Thalmor?

Thinking they can win alone is not their motivation for fighting.
They would rather fight and lose then sit on their hands and do nothing while the Thalmor roam freely around their land doing as they please.

They would quite happily swell the ranks of the imperial legion in a fight against the Thalmor as they have done in the past but that is not an option for them.

I think so. An united land is a strong one. If only the petty civil war could end in an agreement so the forces could focus on a more important enemy.

Odoacer and Alaric's thirst for power (Ulfric-like) was the ultimate cause of the collapse of the Western Roman Empire (Cyrodil-like) around 480 AD. The collapse precipitated 1,000 years of ignorance and cultural regression. The Dark Ages. Art and literature completely disappears for around 500 years (in the West...the East, Constantinople, kept going strong for another 600 years) and after that, only a scattering of work began to appear, until the Renaissance.

Ulfric talks about honor. So did Alaric and Odoacer. Like politicians who talk about god and justice. They want power. Ulfric want's power. The Empire wants power. But the Empire is infrastructure, and infrastructure IS civilization. As a metaphor for Rome, a Stormcloak victory would just plunge Skyrim, and all of Tamriel, into a "Dark Age".

Which, itself, could be a really cool story to follow up on What happens in the "Dark Ages" of Tamriel? What comes next? Could be neat

So take your pick! It'll probably be a good story whichever happens I roleplay it both ways. As loyal imperial....power-hungry rebel...uncertain imperial...uncertain rebel...righteous imperial...righteous rebel...It's all fun.

Yes!

I side with the Stormcloaks. Actually, I'd do nothing if it weren't for the Thalmor. Personally, I think this discussion is kinda useless, since whichever side you choose you're gonna defeat the other faction and eventually, the Thalmor. Also, off-topic, I doubt that it'll be possible for the Elder Scrolls VI to recieve no impact at all from your Skyrim save. But onto philosophy now, I think the Stormcloaks are better suited to defeat the Thalmor: they're better warriors and tacticians, and rely on the force and power of its people rather than on useless ranks and defensive armor (the Imperials rely much more on armor than on offensive power), and they're much more determined and fearless. Also, this isn't the Septim Empire; that Empire is long gone. And Skyrim didn't abandon the Empire; in fact, pretty much every province left the Empire after the Oblivion Crisis, while Skyrim still gave the Empire a chance, lots of chances! The Empire is just corrupt and manny of its members and Nords that are faithfull to the Empire want to have permanent peace with the Dominion, as seen at the Thalmor party. And yes, I read the Thalmor Dossier on Ulfric, and I still support him. He is just racist because of the war and foreign influence: his father was killed because of it! And also, Men and Mer have and will always be enemies, and although I'd like too, I can't change that. But it was Ulfric's speech that gave me away. SpeechES, actually: the one in the beggining, and the one in the end. Tullius's speech at the Battle for Windhelm is just more Imperial lies. If the war hadn't started until the year Skyrim takes place, and the Empire didn't attack the Thalmor, why would Tullius say they will, after they defeat the Stormcloaks?

Another thing: until the Great War ended, I thought the Emperor was a hero. After that, that guy deserves to die. If after they recover the Imperial City, the Thalmor are also very weakened, why, tell me, why would the terms of the peace treaty be 99% the same as the inicial Thalmor threat. And also, just to guarantee that so called "peace", these damn Imperials abandoned Hammerfell without even trying to reach a consensus with them, they arrested the Stormcloaks, who did the Empire's work of recapturing Markarth, and citizens are being murdered and captured for no reason at all, while the Empire does nothing. Have you actually done "Missing in Action"? And look at the Jarls! Falkreath's Jarl ascended to power because he was in the Empire's pockets, Igrod of Morthal defends peace with the Thalmor, Igmund of Markarth lets the Thalmor wander around the Understone Keep freely, and Elisif has no experience at all and is an Empire "puppet".

But in the end, my main reason is this: if Skyrim's Nords want to leave the Empire, they should be free to do so, the Imperials can't force them to stay and do every thing they tell them to. The Nords should be able to rule their people and their land as they want to. And the only reason why Ulfric didn't wait for the Empire to get back on its feet, and didn't try to negotiate with Torygg was because he was tired of waiting. He was tired of waiting for the Empire to get back on its feet. He was tired of waiting for the Empire to stand up for themselves. He was tired of waiting for the Empire to give them the freedom of acting as they want to. And even if he was racist, which he's not, the Imperials are also kind of offensive towards the Nords. And even if he was power angry, which he's not, the Empire abondons its allies just to maintain their high ranks on politics. All they care about is the high-class citizens and officers. They don't care at all about the rest. They saw the Dominion conquering Valenwood and Elsweyr, but did nothing. Why? Because they don't care about them. And they never will. At least Ulfric cares about ALL the Nords, or at least the TRUE Nords, who follow the old ways and traditions, and are not in the Imperial pockets. And he doesn't care that much about the others because he has no obligation to do so. As far as an Emperor goes, he MUST take care of all his supporters, not just the rich and coward ones. At least Ulfric cares about all the people of Skyrim. And that's why he deserves to be High King...

P.S. - Seriously, head to Windhelm and hear Ulfric, you'll know what I'm talking about. Your mind will be blown by his awesome speech. On the other hand, as you enter Castle Dour, the Imperials are trying to sabotage the war, and Tullius shows complete stupidness and disregard for the Nords. Also, soon, you'll find out that one of the Nords that are bullying a Dark Elf at the entrance of Windhelm is actually a beggar and injured war hero. He just wants the best for his land. Someone can't just get there and think they can rule someone else's territory. Think about that in real life! Also, all the great Nord and Imperial heroes (Ysgramor, Ysmir, and even Talos Himself) fought against the elves. Last but not least, I'm a Khajiit.

I choose the Imperials personally. Ulfric's outfit is too hot to pass up.

By definition all empires are built on corruption. I see the Stormcloacks being libertarians patriots and the empire being big intrusive government.

Anyone who chooses Imperials are dumb, or simply out of their mind...


I don't need to explain why. If you've played the game.. namely in HELGEN, then you'll see what I mean.

@Cooler3100

You are calling me dumb? Nice choice of words.

Should I remind that in each game the player is a prisoner but noone ever explains what crimes did we commit?

@joaomuas

Everything you wrote is your personal opinion based on? What?

Nords better tacticians? They aren't. If Ulfric could swallow his Nord PRIDE for a moment, he would see that in order to achive greater victory, some sacrefices have to be made.

You know why everyone abandoned the Empire?
- Elsweyr, they praise the Thalmor because they claimed to be behind bringning the Messer and Secunda back (two moons)
- Valenwood, after the Oblivion Crisis when Empire was weakened, joined forces of Summerset Isles and Elsweyr conquered them
- Morrowind, after the Oblivion Crisis they were 1st invaded by Nords and Orcs, then the Ministry of Truth crashed on Vivec City and caused Red Mountain to errupt, and finally invaded by Argonians
- Black Marsh was never really conquered by the Empire


Take in mind that Empire suffered the biggest damage during the Oblivion Crisis.

True Nords? Who is Ulfric to decide who is a true Nord or not?

Funny that You claim the Stormcloaks have better Jarls. Just one example - Falkreath. You think that crazy old guy Dengeir who thinks everyone is an Imperial spy is a good candidate for a Jarl? That's just insane like the guy himself.
On the other hand You have Brunwulf, a wise man. I gonna quote his words.

"There's no glory in war. It's just something they tell soldiers so they'll risk their lives."

When you listen to Tullius final words, you realise that the Empire is secretly planning to fight back.

When they are ready and on THEIR terms.

Could you elaborate on that a bit as I dont quite understand how using an option in a game to pick a side is dumb.

Let's see. They put you on the block for no reason. You weren't on the list. They were commiting murder. General Tullius was ok with it.



Did I really have to break it down for you?

Show me where General Tullius gives the thumbs up on this decision. As far as I see, the decision is made by the Redguard captain. Nobody runs over to tell Tullius anything so as far as he knows, you're on the list.

Being a "Redguard" and a "Dark" Elf, I would take the corruption over the racism. Ulfric is a racist and if in power would most likely lead to ethnic cleansing of Skyrim...

You got captured crossing some boarder or other and it seems that you got caught up in some empire vs stormcloak action. You where in the wrong place at the wrong time got arrested your a nobody so its off with your head scum. You then get set free by the fortunate for you appearance of a dragon after which you get a pardon. Its just a way of starting the game showing you a dragon and giving some idea about the stormcloaks war against the empire.

Tell me you're joking.

He was preoccupied, but the buck still stops with him.

This

Oh gods. Where do I even start.

Not all Nords share the same feelings regarding other races. Perhaps xenophobic Nords are more attracted to the idea of all true sons and daughters of Skyrim being obligated to join the Stormcloaks.

And if I recall correctly, it was Igmund who called upon Ulfric to retake Markarth in exchange for Talos worship. The Empire was far too busy brokering a treaty with the Aldmeri dominion after the battle of Red Ring to pay attention to what is going on in the reach.

I'd say Stormcloak. But that's only because I have personal issues with the Imperials...
As for the downsides. You can be a Stormcloak without acting on the racism part (just be your own man, with your personal opinions and such), and be an overall good man. But you cannot be an Imperial without wishing all the other races inferior to you. So to me, Imperials are the worst no matter how I look at it, even considering the racism part.

Go Stormcloaks!

If that isn't fallacious I don't know what is.

The Empire.
Titus Mede II signed the White-Gold Concordat to save Tamriel from total destruction. Had he continued fighting, like the Stormcloaks wanted, then all Tamriel would be under Thalmor rule.
Also, the Stormcloaks are being more of a help than a hindrance to the Thalmor. Read the Thalmor Dossier: Ulfric Stormcloak if you don't believe me.
The Empire has always held Tamriel together, and I don't see why ths situation should be any different.