After my Dead is Dead playthough went horribly wrong, I now find myself thinking about a new character. I still like the idea of being an Altmer but I want this character to be politically involved in the fight for Skyrim. I like the idea of my Altmer coming from the Summerset Isle, someone who doesn't agree with the Second Aldmeri Dominion government. I like the idea of a freedom fighter, like part of a secret movement, a bit like the French Resistance in WWII. Maybe even affiliated with the Psijic Order but without being a part of it.

The biggest story my character could get involved in is the Civil War, but who would be the best side to join. I mean Skyrim basically holds the future of all of Tamriel. The idea of a united Empire will defiantly pose more of a threat to the Thalmor, as a free Skyrim would never ally it's self again with the Empire. My character doesn't believe in a free Skyrim or a Empire controlled one either. He fights for Summerset Isle and the worship of the ancient sprits, which if I understand right the Thalmor and Second Aldmeri Dominion government no longer believe in.

So now my question becomes what side benefits the Summerset Isle?

As far as I can see joining the Storm Cloak Rebellion will only install another leader who believes his race is superior than the others. I'm not compering Ulfric Stormcloak's ideas and philosophies to the same as that of the Thalmor, but his interests don't stretch further than Skyrim's boarders. But on the other hand his insurrection could be the start of the fall of the Empire, which in turn could make the remaining states of the Empire leave and lead to a collection of independent states.

It also depends on Ulfic Stormcloak's position. Is he a leader? Or a revolutionary? Because he is a xenophobe I think his fear of other people's way of life will make him unable to act of the bigger political stage. So I think with Ulfric as Skyrim's leader he will lead the country into isolation and it could almost be compared to a North Korean like state. But if Ulfric is a revolutionary, then a politician could lead the country. A politician could see the bigger picture, unlike Ulfric and be able to work with other leaders. Maybe even working with the Argonians. Which could lead to a stronger force against the Thalmor. But that said I don't see them attacking the Thalmor and invading them. Meaning that this may not save the Summerset Isle.

The only way I see the Summerset Isle being free of the Second Aldmeri Dominion government is by having a stronger Empire, So the they can call on Skyrim's strong Nord armies. But then having the Summerset Isle under the Empire, may be just as bad as having it under the Second Aldmeri Dominion government's control.

I've seen these discussions and been involved with them but I've not seen one that benefits the Altmeri people. These are just my rambling thoughts, but I'm not sure who to fight for.

I've always believed that rebellions need to start from within. If your fighter looks to free Sommerset Ilses from the Aldmeri Dominion, wouldn't he be there trying to organize resistance?

Maybe he is looking for outside help in Skyrim. In that case, I would think a united Empire would be his best bet. If Skyrim wins, the Empire may fall apart and make it easier for the Aldmeri Dominion to advance their agenda of world dominance. I think Delphine alludes to this when she talks about who would benefit the most from Alduin's attack at Helgen. With Ulfric back in the picture (instead of being beheaded), it weakens the Empire making them ripe for the picking.

Personally, I don't see Ulfric being a racist. I see him more as a proud "nationalist." Skyrim has lost some its traditions and identity. He wants them back. Who better than Nords to accomplish this? That's just my own rationale, though

I think helping the Empire would help your Altmer better, but then if the Dominion falls, who knows what will happen. Will Sommerset be folded back into the arms of the Empire?

Go Stormcloak, they hate the Elves controlling Skyrim (the Thalmor at least) and you could kill a lot of Thalmor. It would ultimately benefit the Dominion though if Skyrim broke free, because a divided Empire vs. a unified Dominion is not going to be pretty for the humans. But if you join the Imperials, you are technically sided with the Thalmor... If I were you, I wouldn't have this character join either side, do what my imperial character did: get a follower (or multiple) and raise your mini army and fight a war in the shadows against the Imperials AND the Thalmor. If you do this, you aren't really helping the Stormcloak cause, but your own cause, since you are your own faction. You could also fight the Stormcloaks too if you really wanted to. I created a Wood Elf Thalmor recently who is going to do this (except he will not attack Thalmors) and ultimately wipe out humanity from Skyrim. The world will be desolate except for little Riverwood, hidden between mountains.