Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-27007772-20140611204941/@comment-26356342-20150629165548

Scout Trooper 164 wrote: I chose the imperials first, which I regret because they're very strict with stuff, and they aren't friendly as you think. The second time, I was with the Stormcloaks, which I'm glad I was. The Stormcloaks I think want Skyrim free from having to deal with riduclious treaties, and very cruel punishment, and allow Talos to make peace. And besides, the imperials were the ones who almost killed you at the beginning, why would you work for a faction that almost cut off your head? And the imperials surrendered to the Thalmor, who are just reckless elves. A couple things here, being strict shouldn't count as something that is bad. An army that isnt strict, isnt much of an army. If you meant "strict" just about the Talos ban, then you should also know it wasnt being enforced until they absolutely HAD to (Ulfric's fault). While we can all agree "freedom" is a noble pursuit, as recently pointed out, Ulfric could have fought specifically the Thalmor if thats all he wanted. If you still have your saves from those 2 playthrus, honestly go to each hold capitol city, and speak to each Jarl. listen to how they now speak of skyrim. All the Stormcloak Jarls speak of is just anti-empire, pro-nord, racist towards elves, or just this short sighted bitterness. almost all of the Imperial appointed Jarls talk about rebuilding, making Skyrim great, amending past mistakes, and preparing to fight the Thalmor. You should seriously read more about the Great War, and the events that lead to the Civil War. Even ignoring all that tho, as a Stormcloak supporter, I ask you (since the other one has numerous claims he has yet to refute, and just ignores facts presented) HOW do the Stormcloaks defeat the Thalmor in open war? So far, the last person had suggested the Empire fight and then die, which somehow makes the Thalmor spread out and do nothing for 2 years while Skyrim prepares, leading to them making a deal with Hammerfell and joining forces with the Empire, who would have been already dead according to his own plans. (not very well thought out) SO! How do the Stormcloaks by themselves, untrained farmers and all, defend Skyrim from the Dominion Forces, which include Valenwood, and Elsweyr? An Independent Skyrim has no allies, 2 major borders with Thalmor already stationed there, just fought a civil War with its entire force, and has been stated "Could not defend against an invasion from the Empire"

Even if you don't like how the Empire has handled things, or what they've more-recently become, they are the only hope to stopping the Thalmor, so if you REALLY hate the Thalmor, go with the Empire. At the very least come up with some pro-stormcloak arguments rather then Anti-Empire propaganda.