Please refrain from posting spoilers, that's why I'm posting this thread in non-spoiler section.

I do not need others to make a decision for me. As I am unfamiliar with lore, I would like to know more about both factions pre-game history before making a decision for RP purpose.

I commend Bethesda for introducing choices in their game for the first time really, but it bothers me that there are so little information available, effectively making the choice a simple question of which of two characters General Talius and Ulfric Stormcloak you favour because there are no other considerations to take into account.

Could you provide inputs WITHOUT resorting to any meta-game information or post-tutorial(after Helgan incident) events?

My understanding of the situation are....

1. I know Stormcloaks are discriminatory towards non-nords.

2. The empire considers Thalmor an enemy. It means if the rebellion is dealt with, the empire can concentrate on opposing Thalmor, and in the end, if they achieve the victory, Talos warship will likely be allowed once again, which makes one of two causes of Stormcloak(independence, Talos warship) moot.

3. I don't think the Stormcloak is strong enough to fight Thalmor on its own even if it wins the war. On the other hand, the empire will be able to match Thalmor in terms of strength if they win the war.

4. Ulfric is a stronger leader than Elisif(?), but driven by more personal greed for power than thoughts for the people of Skyrim

5. My character is a nord, he wants an independent kingdom in Skyrim, but he has political insights and understands the above facts. He is generally a good guy who wants the situation to imrpove for the people of Skyrim, but also power-driven and when considering which sides to join, his potential position and influence within each faction matters a lot.

It means he prefers a puppet ruler if he can pull the string, but it applies to the neither of these cases because Ulfric is too strong a character to be swayed and Elisif will be under Talius' influence.

While he views that siding with the empire has a greater chance against Thalmor, he is worried that the empire will effectively nullify the independence of Skyrim and extort its people for war preparations once they won the civil war. They are only nice to Skyrim(and other races) because they need to win the war. On the other hand, He doesn't think Ulfric's policy or attitude will change much once he wins the war.

What inputs could you provide, and with the aforementioned info, which side do you think my character should take?

hey are pretty much the same thing, both have flaws and good sides.

I believe Bethesda more or less did that on purpose to show that the war is pointless and they should be focusing on the real threat.

Stormcloaks aren't racist.
Ulfric is the king Skyrim needs.
Independant Skyrim is needed so Nords can be Nords again and instead of being too imperial like.
Tullius is a coward.
Tullius doesnt understand Nords so Why did he get sent to Skyrim instead of someone who does?

http://www.videogameologists.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/18a215945b22307cb7ae1deb7fd6f5f6.jpg

"For the people of Skyrim".

By that do you mean you care for Nords only, or for the other races as well.

In that case, I feel the rest of the people in Skyrim as well as many Nords prosper more under Imperial control than under Stormcloak rule.

Whiterun and Windhelm after the CW are some decent examples IMO that would reflect that.


Edit: I would also like to add that should Skyrim remain a part of the Empire, and attack the Dominion, Talos worship will be allowed once again, not after they beat the Dominion.

Join the Dragon cult and usher forth a cultural renaissance to the modern day backwards savages whom call themselves "Nords."

To have a truly independent Skyrim, is to have an ancient Atmoran restore the Old ways. To bring back proper religious practices. To venerate Alduin who is Akatosh as Chief of divines. And to erase the heresy of Talos.

Vote for Hevnoraak at the next moot. Free Health Insurance!

Down with wicked Valdar!

http://i.imgur.com/UZiYKmC.jpg

Stormcloaks for sure. I was hesitant to side with the stormcloaks mostly for two reasons:

#1 Ulfric and the majority of his soldiers are extremely hostile toward other races. Mostly elves for obvious reasons. #2 They are outnumbered.

But you also have to remember a few things, like that The Empire has already lost to the Thalmor once, and the stormcloaks have the way of the voice on their side. And even if Ulfric seems greed driven, he is a strong leader. No ones perfect. And who says we can't change the nords minds about other races once they've controlled Skyrim? Look at what happened to America. Colonists broke from the English empire and eventually dealt with the racism going on in the country. I think based on your character's personality he would help his people.

This is going to start another CW debate so I'm out. After a year of these I've had my fill.

Ok looking at your role play he seems rather balanced so I can't confidently offer you a side to join. In my personal opinion I think you should talk to the npcs in the game and get their views and then make a decision.

Yep. The way your characters RP is, its hard to make a decison on which side you'd join.

Besides talking to the people, also observe the Jarls of both sides. The Jarls for me, as well as the people in all of the cities/towns made my choice.

Yup. Visit the jarls look at their conversations and banter with other npcs, talk to them and understand them. Talk to some of the npcs in the game they offer their insight into the war. Weight what they say and decide.

Out of nostalgia I'll say go with the Legion. The Empire has been part of the series since around the time Kurt Cobain could still Smell Teen Spirit and when Biggie Smalls Was The Illest.

I never allow Nostalgia to make MY decisions.

I don't believe I asked for your input... about decisions I make... in a video game...

I meant MY decisions, not yours.

This.

Not just one city either, but all of them. Also investigate into the rumours about both sides. Actually talk to Ulfric and Tullius. Are they what people say they are? Be sure to get a handle on their second in commands too. Heck even offer to join and then find out exactly what they stand for(Saying you want to join doesn't automatically induct you into that side, they'll ask why you want to join, which often gives some insightful answers on what that side REALLY is about.)