Board Thread:Skyrim/@comment-120.28.157.86-20140406014559/@comment-103.245.88.253-20170213170509

The game only implies ulfric's release benefits the aldmeri dominion ( start of civil war ). However it also stated a stormcloak victory is to be avoided ( skyrim would fight the dominion for their homeland and beliefs ).

If tullius wins, he will "double" the dragonborn's wages and wait for his next order. He cannot fight the aldmeri dominion unless the empire wants to do so. ( empire is quite happy paying gold to the aldmeri dominion ).

Hammerfell gained independance and remained intact by fighting the aldmeri dominion. Otherwise it would be sliced like a pizza and given piece by piece to aldmeri dominion.