This isn't my character, but I have the same light, full http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/gambit51/media/TESV2012-08-0319-51-06-07.jpg.html, and don't think I'm a Stormcloak.

http://imgur.com/xSmC6oJ

I think having a beard fits the location more than it does any particular group. I know if I lived there I'd let my beard grow out as http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/18jb28azz12s8jpg/ku-xlarge.jpg as possible.

I suppose that is enough to connect the whole Skyrim for the Nords, stormcloaks ideal, but really, its just bloody cold there so why not grow one?

Thanks for this.

Nope, not a Stormcloak. Maybe grow a nice stache? That might help. A beard would seal the deal for sure.

Just kidding of course.

I do agree that bearded Nord's instantly look like Stormcloaks though.

I don't really think so, most of the time when I see a bearded nord I just think a typical nord, not a stormcloak or anything.

I've made one Nord character in Skyrim, and he had a beard. But, I never thought he looked like a Stormcloak. I just wanted him to look like Zakk Wylde.

He did, and it was awesome. He even joined the Bard's college and kept a lute next to his bed in Falkreath. Just in case he got too wound up on skooma and had to rock out.

Epic beard for an epic cause.

Please don't turn this into a CW debate.

I just don't like how in my mind, most Nords with beards I create look like they would follow Ulfric.

I absolutely, positively, 1,000% know exactly what you mean. I cant even stress how much i know these feels.

Zakk Wylde totally look like a Nord. I even thought in Concrete Jungle one of his lyrics were "the song of the Nords that cone to life," but it was actually something else. "The souls of the damned that come to die,"

I think you associate beards with the stormcloaks mostly because they represent the hardcoe nords who are very traditional, and the nords who support the empire tend to look more... civilized, for lack of a better word.

My original character was clean shaven with short hair, so he looked right at home in the imperial army. My latest character has long hair, a beard, and facial paint. The only reason he doesnt remind me of a stormcloak is because hes and evil character, so he just looks evil instead of faction based, I guess.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Solaf

I'd feel the same way if there weren't a Nord Legionnaire that has a full blond beard. Ah...this is the only pic of the guy I could find, next to Angelina Jolie for some reason:

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3puxlNQ2u1r24a40o1_500.png

Oh, and the guy above, too.

I think this is it. Groomed Nords just look more civilized.

And to the Solaf link, I guess he's one of the few exceptions, but he still talks to you rather badly if you aren't a Nord.

Hmm... I don't have the same problem as you, but if I put too much war-paint+ a beard then it starts to go towards what you're saying.

Who cares? I don't see why it's a problem.

I'm right there with ya! It's just the feel of it i guess. I made one Nord, one and he had a big ol beard... guess what? He was my only Stormcloak character. The Stormcloaks just seem like big savage barbarians and when was the last time you saw a barbarian with neat facial hair? As where those who affiliate with the Empire seem to care more about appearance and in most cases have neat, trimmed hair.... well except for those few Imperial soldier with the huger handlebar mustache.. To be a pure Nord is to be a Stormcloak i guess and a Nord cares little for petty things like vanity.

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/318/507/080.jpg

Ive actually seen imperial soldiers with big, blonde beards. I was like "...Stormcloak spies?"