Ive done this side quest multiple times now, and the one time I sided with the Nords I regretted it terribly. I mean other than for reasons of morality I just don't see what they offer, and on the other hand you end up with literally the best pet followers in game and the only ones that I believe can carry items for you and wear them. Still I always get a twinge of guilt wiping out the Nord Camp. Wondering what most other people do in this situation.

Hate the Reiklings, never help them. Hate followers, only use them when forced.

I've done each side once... and have avoided doing it since.

I help the Nords, it's their Hall, though I'm not much for the woman leading them. And while I like followers, the Reiklings would drive me crazy!

Well as for benefits

1. you can have a riekling and a human follower at once

2. Ive tested the warriors that can carry great swords(other ones bows seems random) they do more damage than Vilkas(100 Two handed skill) on average.

3. They only use their assigned weapon, the great sword ones don't sit back and fire with a bow which is incredibly annoying on human followers.

4. Who cares if they die because they just respawn at Thirsk.

5. Rieklings randomly appear to help you in fights.

Seems like some pretty solid benefits for a pet

Benefits for Siding with the Nords

1. An extra smith (who cares about 100 over skyrim)

2. A master heavy armour trainer (again who cares there is another one in the Companions, also situational depending on how you act, he may not even offer training)

3, A bar full of drunk nords, which send you on useless radient quests to bring them mead and collect spears.

I have yet to have a character that likes the rieklings. This may stem from them attacking me on sight before I ever get to Thirsk. I kind of have this problem about helping those who attack me first (Imperials!)

I can see where you come from lol, but Ulfric is a racist pig. So he's not much better . Plus its just that one female captain that tries to kill you. I suppose you can just help neither faction.

LOL, yeah, I have to agree with that too!

That's the only reason you should need. Personally, I side with the Rieklings. My morality may be different to yours.

"You must do what you think is right, of course." - Obi-wan Kenobi.

Opposite here. Shame.

This. Especially #3. Although I hate Imperials more, these guys aren't worthy of my support. And they sure as heck don't behave in a way that properly appreciates a second chance.

Normally something I'd agree with but then ignorant people can do that. Once they knew better.....

I prefer my Meadhall clean and livable, so I tend to side with the Nords. And I don't particularly care about followers.

With Tulius and his Thalmor Toadies right there

Tough to talk when defending yourself, eh? Ignorance? I highly doubt it

If you were going to make a stand against the rieklings for wild ones trying to kill you, it would be the equivalent of disciminating against all humans when they try to kill you (which definately happens). As the rieklings are a race, not a faction no? I guess it depends how you want to look at things.

Man I need to redo the Dragonborn DLC, I did not know they brought back Thirsk.

BINGO!

The reiklings once showed up and aided me in the battle against alduin on the throat of the world. For that, they are awesome in my books. I didn't know you could take one as a follower though, I just see them randomly show up in battles that I'm at every now and then.

In fairness, Tullius wasn't present when the Captain sentenced you to death just because. He might well have overruled the execution of an innocent person, had you been able to appeal. Look at Hadvar's reaction; he follows orders, but he's clearly not happy about it.

I've never done this particular quest, although it's in the to-do journals of several characters. Most of my characters are not "joiners" at all, and tend not to take sides in local disputes. This includes the CW.

Sentinel... same here, I thought that was pretty cool also.

Funny thing about Skyrim... you can find good reason's to like, dislike, love or hate almost every faction. I know I do, per character.. this gives me a role playing reason to side with a faction I may or may not personally care for.

First impressions go a long, long way. If I get attacked by a bear, the next bear I meet is not going to be a "friendly" encounter. Sorry. If you (general you) want my help, better earn it, not ass-u-me that I am Mr. Nice Guy, though I really am

And it's awesome that you spin it that way! It's your character and game to do with as you please. But don't try to "rationalize" to me why I should play your way by bringing in real world situations into a fantasy setting video game. Remember, it is just a game

Tulius is there, to the left of the chopping block. (I hope my memory is not failing me here ) He is the one who tells everyone to ignore the mysterious roaring sound and get on with the character's beheading

I have done the Civil War quest twice. Once for each side. Now I ignore all the politics and sell freely to all military camps

Yup.

Almost. Tullius only enters that part of the courtyard after that, once you and the rest of the prisoners begin walking towards the chopping block - along with the Priestess, and others. So he might not have heard any of it. Surely Hadvar should have spoken up, but he doesn't.

This. Tullius is not close enough to hear what happens between you, Hadvar, and the Captain.

I'm not excusing him for what happens, but there remains doubt that the person in charge knows that an "innocent" person is being executed. Fortunately, we are allowed to get quick revenge if we follow Ralof into the keep. In my mind, this quick chance to kill the offending captain gives us a way of considering the score even, should we decide to choose either side in the Civil War.