Poll: Empire or Stormcloak?

[Da Orky Man]

Stormcloak. Being from America I hate how people charge in and take over. I'm really ashamed of it, and I know how it would feel to me and that feel sucks. Plus I hate authority and big groups of people trying to be the biggest authority so I fit in nicely.

Remember that Skyrim has been part of the Empire for centuries.

I myself went for Empire. The Stormcloaks seem to be way too fanatical, and while the Empire isn't perfect, it needs to stay together. United we stand, divided we fall.

 

[VoidWanderer]

I'm probably gonna go Stormcloaks if I ever get around to doing the Civil War storyline.

While I do not agree with their xenophobia, given that there are still elves that enjoy leaving in a land that does not like them gives me hope.

With the Imperials denying the worship of one deity was such an epic douchebag move, I feel justified in introducing their squishy bits with my Ebony Greatsword.

Besides, their name sounds cooler too.

 

[teebeeohh]

I was Stormcloak until I actually talked to the NPCs in Windhelm. The Stromcloaks are racist bastards. Making the Dunmer live in slums, ignoring crimes against anyone but Nords, etc. So, I'm Imperial Legion now after actually listening to NPCs.

Though you have to understand. The elves kick the ass out of the Empire and made them sign a treaty which they basically rule over them. The nords don't like that since they are being told how to live and who to believe in.

i think you have your elves confused, the Dunmer are basically done because when their gods died the big rock that was hanging over their capitol crashed and caused the red mountain to erupt, destroying Vvardefall and a tidal wave that destroyed the rest of morrowind. So of all the races in the TES universe no-one is as screwed as the Dunmer because their only choice is moving away from their ancestral home lands.
They had absolutely nothing to with the great war, except that i am certain there were some of them fighting in the Legion.

 

[The Funslinger]

Stormcloak, if only because the Empire tried to murder me in the intro.
Though Ulfric's voice really gets on my nerves...

Really? I think he's got a good voice actor. Anyway, I (my character) took an interest in Ulfric, and since the empire tried to execute me, that's sort of sour. Plus, being leader of the companions, I'm friends with the grey manes. However, I do disagree with the extremity of Ulfric's stance, and the first stormcloak mission after initiation was something I felt guilty about doing, though I did it to the best of my ability.

Damn, this is a great RPG...

 

[The Funslinger]

I was Stormcloak until I actually talked to the NPCs in Windhelm. The Stromcloaks are racist bastards. Making the Dunmer live in slums, ignoring crimes against anyone but Nords, etc. So, I'm Imperial Legion now after actually listening to NPCs.

Though you have to understand. The elves kick the ass out of the Empire and made them sign a treaty which they basically rule over them. The nords don't like that since they are being told how to live and who to believe in.

i think you have your elves confused, the Dunmer are basically done because when their gods died the big rock that was hanging over their capitol crashed and caused the red mountain to erupt, destroying Vvardefall and a tidal wave that destroyed the rest of morrowind. So of all the races in the TES universe no-one is as screwed as the Dunmer because their only choice is moving away from their ancestral home lands.
They had absolutely nothing to with the great war, except that i am certain there were some of them fighting in the Legion.

Well, I heard that the reason the Dunmer are staying in the grey quarter is because they're to prideful to actually ask for help. Seems like a two sided coin to me.

Edit: As I carefully learn more without spoiling the story, I'm actually starting to regret joining the stormcloaks, as I disagree with them in some ways.

 

[The Funslinger]

I might actually flip back to Empire, gah, stupid game with a decent moral decision.

Yeah, but how? Unless you haven't formally picked a side yet...

 

[Outcast107]

I was Stormcloak until I actually talked to the NPCs in Windhelm. The Stromcloaks are racist bastards. Making the Dunmer live in slums, ignoring crimes against anyone but Nords, etc. So, I'm Imperial Legion now after actually listening to NPCs.

Though you have to understand. The elves kick the ass out of the Empire and made them sign a treaty which they basically rule over them. The nords don't like that since they are being told how to live and who to believe in.

i think you have your elves confused, the Dunmer are basically done because when their gods died the big rock that was hanging over their capitol crashed and caused the red mountain to erupt, destroying Vvardefall and a tidal wave that destroyed the rest of morrowind. So of all the races in the TES universe no-one is as screwed as the Dunmer because their only choice is moving away from their ancestral home lands.
They had absolutely nothing to with the great war, except that i am certain there were some of them fighting in the Legion.

Oh I know the Dunmer are not the Dominion but like I said they are still consider "elves" (Due to the name Dark Elves). Just saying that they are still outsiders and the Nords (Not all Stormcloaks but some) just don't like them and don't trust them. Since as well as they are not picking a side (Which they shouldn't have to in my opinion) but what can you expect from a warrior-like nation.

Plus, I think the best way to help get rid of the Nords racist remarks is to actually show that outsiders can help them (If you play as a non-nord). Heck that one guy who insults you in the city of windhelm you can beat the shit out of and he does sort of respect you.

Though just to say I don't mind the Empire, it just I don't like how things are turning out with them and the Dominion. The soldiers and the people might not like them but politics are totally different.

Spoiler

And also the Emperor is dead in my play through thanks to the Dark Brotherhood. So who knows will be taking over.

 

[AnarchistFish]

The way this thread has continued and ended in such a debate really goes to show how well formed Bethesda made this situation.

 

[Ruwrak]

SPOILER-FUCKING-ALERT.

I know. I'm one of those silly bitches that hasn't finished Oblivion yet (and am finishing it before playing Skyrim). But seriously. Please be careful?

I think that after 5 years of release date it's safe to say that? Or are we supposed to be silenced forever about things?
It's like saying that noone can say that Sephiroth is defeated

(besides, why have you not yet completed Oblivion? It's a cakewalk. A rather short cakewalk at that.)

 

[Headdrivehardscrew]

Then I took out a fort of Imperials (Liberate the Reach), who hadn't actually done anything wrong, yet. And were as far away from the front lines as it was possible to be whilst still technically living in Skyrim.

I noticed there was something going on when I first realized I could click away on the blue and red flags on those maps all these folks have laid out on their tables. My being a part of the Viking uprising was part random, part because I really dislike the Roman Empire looks and approach of the Imperials. After a bit that felt like being thrown into MW3 in a medieval fantasy setting, I found out that my Viking brothers are quite a bit selfish, ignorant and just as full of it like the next best man.

Good thing I am a chaotic neutral rogue, so I have little issues not completing a quest if I feel it's not the right thing to do for me. Clutters up my automated to-do list, though.

[sub]Note: Fireballs are more fun than bows & arrows. Enter the rogue Archmage![/sub]

 

[Tourmeta]

Did Stormcloaks first on my 2nd char, didn't like it at all so I'm all for the empire on my main. They seem like they know more what they are doing, Ulfric seems to be a bit too ignorant.

 

[WolfThomas]

I might actually flip back to Empire, gah, stupid game with a decent moral decision.

Yeah, but how? Unless you haven't formally picked a side yet...

Sorry haven't picked a side, I haven't had a chance to play all week, so I keep thinking about what I'd do in Skyrim, I keep changing sides in my mind. Currently Empire at the moment.

 

[Carlos D]

snip

I did and I'm glad that I join the StormCloaks. He knew the Thalmor was using this to make them weak. Yet didn't do anything to stop it. Thats to me, is just submitting to the Thalmor. I'm sorry but if The Empire is going to play like that when they know full well that they are being use and not do a damn thing about it then fuck them.

Also Ulric was in the right to challenge the old king to a duel and he won. Then he was called a traitor and murderer. So yeah, Empire does not seem the right choice for me.

snip

Well look at it this way, why was there a treaty in the first place? Because if Hammerfall could hold them off then it proves the Empire could have won as well if they kept at it.

Peronaly I just fucking hate elves and refuse to be on any of their side. To me it just seem like they won in the end. So fuck the empire for giving up. Its better to die fighting then sing a treaty that basically fucks you over.

Also about the Talos thing. How would the elves feel if the empire wasn't enforcing the rule and found out that everyone was still worshiping Talos secretly? I doubt they would not be to please with that.

Also the reason I think that Hammerfall COULD handle on its own is because they are fighting in their own turf with their own set of rules. Look at Skyrim, its reminds me of something liek a Russian area. Always snows, terrible place to invade and not a lot of food to be grown. The Dominion would have a hell of a time trying to conquer that. So a independent Skyrim has just as much chance at defending Skyrim from the elves just like Hammerfall. Plus, The Stormcloaks are planning on attacking the Dominion when its ready.

Also yes, The Empire hates the Dominion and Thalmor. I just don't see how they are going to be able to "Gain" their strength back up when they gave up so much already. As well as I have also talk to some people of the Empire side of Skyrim. They seem just as fine getting rid of Talos and how Empire is running things (Which is poorly).

One more thing, A indepentent Skyrim means more Trouble for the Dominion. They would have to deal with three different types of regions. Cyrodiil, Hammerfall, and Skyrim itself to attack. Isn't that a better course of action then what the Empire is doing by just leaving Skyrim weak as it is? cause to me the Empire isn't doing that great of a job in helping Skyrim out.

All I know is I better get a "kill all Thalmor" DLC. Because regardless of who you are with, everyone hates the damn Aldmeri Dominion.

hehe, I like your thinking. The reason Why I joined The Stormcloacks is mainly because of the Empire becoming like dogs for the Thalmor.... even the Talmor embasador came to my small reunion for a peace Treaty... good thing I drove her out lawls. Besides that, I recall that in Oblivion you help remake the knights of the 9 as you for the General... somthing that those... bastards Empire decree on banishing its religion and demolish all shrines that are connected to Talos... all the hard work you went as a pilgrimage just to see it in ruins... and besides that... Ulfric was rather suprised and happy at the same time when he saw me near his throne. When I spoke to him *im Argonian* he told me * Hail my friend, it is good to see you back from Helgen!And so on until he asked me to join his cause. He may be *bad* but he has charisma! And besides that lol er... back when I 1st started my game I saw a bunch of Thalmor dragging a Talos woreshiper... they interogated me and they asked if I pray for Talos. I answered yes and they suddenly atk me * sons of Bs *

 

[VeneratedWulfen93]

Stormcloaks or Empire...to me its just a usual day at the office; humans killing humans.

As an Argonian I just stay away from both, thieves guild all the way.

 

[MiracleOfSound]

This is the hardest damn choice in a game ever.

Both sides have so many negatives to take into account... it's a tough one indeed

 

[Deathmageddon]

Empire!! Sure, they tried to execute me, but it was the Machiavellian thing to do! A successful ruler must not tolerate insurrection! Death to the elf-hating rebels!

 

[jackal912]

For everyone who's saying that the empire are total Thalmor tools, and the Stormcloaks are not? Go kill some stormcloak commanders in their camps on an Empire character. You find missives that show that the Stormcloaks are being heavily supplied by the Thalmor. Yeah. - They made a deal with the devil. Plus, there's a dossier showing that Ulfric was deliberately set up to start a rebellion in the first place in the Thalmor embassy. Both sides are Thalmor tools, so you can't join Stormcloaks for that reason - but at least the Empire it least upfront about having it forced through their teeth, while Stormcloaks are made a deal with their worst enemy to cause a rebellion that their worst enemy wanted and acted as if they're the only truly just ones.

 

[Elf Defiler Korgan]

Ah the cosmopolitan imperialists, or the racist ethnic-nationalists?

As an orc, sided with the stormcloaks and won skyrim for them.
As a Nord swordswoman, really tempted to side with the imperials, done some quests related to them, but find their self-confidence, superiority and exceptionalism so damn annoying. Find it hard to join the imperial tyranny of Roman fanboys. Also can't really respect the empire since the Thalmor have so much influence over them. Why follow a vassal of another power? The stormcloaks at least are attempting self mastery, although are a bit obsessed with death and sacrifice, the damn terrorists.

There are two other factions though guys:
3) independent, never get involved in this dispute, a friend chose this. Maybe your enemy is really the liches and damn the rest.
4) criminal. Go absolute bandit, turn on both sides, kill as many of them as you can, any couriers, any patrols. My Nord swordswoman is going closest towards this. I've maraudered both sides in the wild. You are all fair game lads.