User blog comment:Cousland of Highever/My standpoints on the Imperial vs Stormcloak debate/@comment-5014128-20130919220730

I really don't want to take sides in this debate, but here's my summary of it all for those who don't know what's up. (Plus my opinion). The Empire was forced to sign a writ banning the worship of Talos due to the onslaughter of forces from The Third Aldmeri Dominion. This was known as the White-Gold Concordat. The Stormcloaks, then just a scattered few Nord protesters, were rallied by Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm. In a fit of rage, he declared war on the Empire (indirectly), and his cause gained many supporters, leading to the Civil War that takes place during the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. (I might have some of my facts wrong.)  -My Opinion- Honestly, I don't understand Ulfric's logic. Why not start diplomatic relations with the Empire, convince a few strategically chosen noblemen and/or diplomats from Cyrodiil about his beliefs? As for the Empire and their supporters...I mean, come on. Ulfric challenged High King Torygg to a fair duel, and he accepted. People argue that using the Thu'um was, in essence, "cheating". In the words of General Tullius at Helgen... "Ulfric Stormcloak. Some here in Helgen call you a hero. But a hero doesn't use a power like the Thu'um to murder his king and usurp his throne." ...While there are a number of things wrong with this statement, here's something I'd like to point out. If the Dragonborn attacks a guard or Stormcloak officer (Or even Galmar or Ulfric themselves), and resists arrest, Ulfric will use the shout Fus Ro Dah (And possibly others.) against you in combat. In addition to this, he will use it on enemies who are spawned or naturally wander into the Palace of Kings. (I can't recall if he uses it during the Siege of Windhelm, I don't think he did.) It's not exactly proof that he can't control his Thu'um, but it does confirm that he will relentlessly use it in combat, no matter what. This is not a lore-friendly statement, but in-game, it is true.