Man I really hate this quests. I have a character that has no interest in the Civil War at all, yet I'm force to put together a Peace Meeting. Then when I'm there I ... my character that has no interest in the war at all ... is force to start making the decisions.

I decided that what I want to do is screw the Stormcloaks as much as possible. Just because. I've read the wiki and ... dang that is really confusing.

I figured the first thing I would do is kick Elenwen out, since that gives a point to the Stormcloaks which means less land for them (the idiots). So after I start off with that, what is the best way to proceed so that the Stormcloaks get as little land as possible?

Note that if I have to get rid of some Jarls that back the Imperials ... well I never liked that Jarl in Falkreath (and I've already bought my house there ... but no Housecarl). Also not crazy about the Jarl of Markarth. I really like the Jarl (and her daughter) of Morthal, so I don't want that going to the Stormcloaks.

Thanks.

Easy. Refuse to have the Stormcloaks pay reparations and tell Elenwen to leave.

This will net you Riften and a minor hold (either Winterhold or Dawnstar). The Stormcloaks still get Markarth, though.

Even though the Stormcloaks technically lose a lot of land (hell, Ulfric can potentially wind up surrounded on all sides by losing the Rift and Winterhold!), the game still considers you to have favored them.

Oh, I forgot about the paying compensation part.

So pre-phase kick Elenwen out.

Score = -1

Phase one, Give Markrath, take Riften.

Score = -2 and +2

Phase Two, no compensation so score still -1, then give Pale or Winterhold to Imperials for +1, giving a final score = 0 so all is good.

I like it. Thanks.