User blog comment:Spritydove/Deeper Thought into the Civil War/@comment-5135631-20120620192930

The Stormcloaks aren't racist; they're xenophobic at worst. Very, very few Nords actively insult other races irrationaly, and you get these types of people in ever society. As for unity=strength, this is not always true. The Redguards fought the Aldmeri out of their lands, many of the defenders having fought in The Great War. If the Redguards can do it, why can't the Nords? The Nords generally have a successful history in war, especially in climate similar to Skyrim's.

Their first advantage in an actual invasion, canon-wise, is the climate and geography of Skyrim. Skyrim is perhaps the most mountanious and cold region of Tamriel, a polar opposite to what the Aldmeri are used to. To even get to Skyrim (assuming the Stormcloaks win the war and dismantle the Thalmor base in the country), they would have to cross the Jeralls, which is only easily crossed around The Pale Pass near Falkreath. They could linger in this hold a little while, but would have to limit their campaign to the West of Skyrim, allowing the Eastern holds to raise their armies and attack via Whiterun.

Any other attempt would fail. They could sail from High Rock which would be in the Empire, but the Nords are good at sea, and would meet them on home ground, around the marshes of Hjaalmarch or the narrow ford seperating Hjaalmarch from the mouth of the Karth river. If they manage to evade or defeat a Nordic fleet here, the Nordic government could just retreat to Solstheim with their full levies behind them, then raise another army and fleet on Solstheim. However, militarily, it would take the Nords at least three years to fully recover from The Civil War.

If all this happens, it is still directly contrary to the Concordat, and Hammerfell, High Rock, and Cyrodil would definetly declare war on the Empire. With the forces of four nations fighting in an area the Aldmeri Dominion have no experience in, it would spell disaster for the High Elves.

Ulfric is a charismatic leader and has a good claim to the throne, I agree, but he is also a canny battle commander who expelled the Forsworn in a matter of days, weeks at the most, on their home turf, something no one else can claim. He also has much experience fighting the Aldmeri and a good idea of their mindset. We also know that before anything else, upon winning the throne Ulfric will immediately prepare to raise his armies to defend Skyrim should the elves attack.

Rather of topic here, but why can't you visit Solstheim in the game? It is made reference to by some characters, quests, storylines and journals, so I hope Dawnguard includes it in some way.