User blog comment:Cyrice1/Stormcloaks or Imperials/@comment-5228729-20120707124935

'''I really NEVER side with the Imperials.

Like all actual conflicts, neither side is without it's faults, it is not at all a black and white affair. However, when I take all major faults into consideration I continually chose the Stormcloaks over the Imperials. My reason being is that in my mind, this is a battle of principles, and the Imperials are much too flawed in my opinion... Let me explain my reasons.

1. The Empire is constantly groveling at the Thalmor feet. Ever since the White-Gold Concordat the Empire as been cutting corners to appeal to the Aldmeri Dominion. Even going as far as to banning the worship of Talos. I say that you can worship whoever in Oblivion you want, and the Empire and the bloody elves have no say in that. I just think that constantly pandering to the Thalmor is weak of the Empire, and if a second Great War is to ensue, it would be because of the Aldmeri Dominion sensing fear and weakness in the Empire.

2. Imperial Conquest and Greed. Let's face it! The Empire's influence as the rulers of Tamriel is far too intrusive in the lives of it's provinces. Take Elswyer for example, it had a rich, full, set of customs and beliefs before the the Imperials invaded. Now the whole place is under their complete influence, as well as their economics. Pure and blatant Capitalist greed. You cannot simply conquer a culture as different as Skyrim and expect to run it like Cyrodiil. Skyrim's barbaric culture is completely contrary to the Cyrodiil's Roman-like Monarchy, and yet they still try to drive their ideals out of their lands so they can make it work like Cyrodiil and milk every Septim out of it. Even if Tiber Septim conquered Tameril under a prophecy, his successors are running it like a damned business.

3. Deja Vu. Anyone that took Social Studies in middle school can tell you the events that transpired between Rome and the Early British Isles... The same thing that happens between any imperialistic force and a guerilla resistance. They failed. They conquered, were unable to hold their short stay, and failed to keep the savage states of the Celts, Picots, and Saxons under control. This situation is so similar to the one in Skyrim and other instances that I would dare say that it is a very common occurrence in warfare. It is obvious to me that, even if they can smack down this rebellion, another will rise, maybe even somewhere else. No one can stand any type of oppression for long, and no empire lasts forever. It's manifest destiny.

4. Agendas. Whenever I did decide to side with the Imperials, I was met with snooty harsh men who were under the delusion that they were in control of the situation. But the Stormcloaks, on the other hand, share a close brotherhood, always willing to die for their comrades. Why? Because they actually are fighting for a cause, while the Empire is simply trying to subdue a problem they won't address. Like I said before, in my case it's about principles, and if you can't fight for a cause then why fight at all?

5. Emblems. Come on! Bears are bad@$$, and I happen to dislike Dragons for a reason I'm sure I don't need to explain.

While the Stormcloaks can be quite racist, they still fight for a more just cause, and bigoted attitudes are something I'm willing to look past to fight against a corrupt Empire, that rules over the lives of millions, without their consent. SKYRIM BELONGS TO THE NORDS. TAMRIEL BELONGS TO NO ONE! '''