Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-27007772-20140611204941/@comment-24.8.22.128-20150130102107

There are two major practical reasons I back the Empire.

Firstly, leadership-wise, Tullius and Rikke seem to have a better grasp of tact and diplomacy, rather than Ulfric and Galmar (Especially Galmar, whose answer to everything seems to be murder). As a whole, I see the Empire being much more willing to bide its time, wait for the Aldmeri Dominion to slip up, and then sweep in. Whether due to an Assassin's knife or inherant machinations, there will be an opening. Ulfric is too blinded by his own grief, guilt, and hatred to bide his time.

Secondly, the world views. Ulfric seems to believe that Skyrim can stand on its own entirely. Which, in the case of a fight against the Aldmeri, seems unwise at best. The Empire is willing and frequently does use diplomacy and alliances to win, just as much as they use the Legion. Ulfric would, upon winning the war, most likely round up any Imperial supporters, kill them, and then launch his remaining troops headlong into the Aldmeri. Which will end badly. The Empire, on the other hand, would likely seek alliances with the remaining provinces, then use that to cut a swathe into the Aldmeri from all sides. Likely they would rally forces from Hammerfell, High Rock, Morrowind, Black Marsh, and Eleswyr, and even within the Summerset Isles.

To those who rail against the Empire's planned execution of them, understand that, at that moment, they're basically fighting a terror organization whose members could be anyone and anywhere. They're likely on edge, and as such are taking no risks. It's an unfortunate situation, but it is also a war.

Also, people don't seem to recall that ULFRIC is directly responsible for the Thalmor taking a more aggressive stance against Skyrim. From various sources, it seems that before the Stormcloaks, the Thalmor were perfectly content to sit in their embassies and throw parties, making very little of hunting Talos worshippers. Either that, or their hunters suck, given that there are still shrines everywhere, including IN cities. But then Ulfric got the brilliant plan to start a rebellion, giving them the PERFECT opportunity to crack down.