yes http://i55.tinypic.com/2q3pxsk.jpg parts of the official map are hidden so it cant be confirmed if other symbols exist on the map, i suspect 3 symbles could also be guild as one on east riften look like fighter guild but ram head and 3 snakes are unique

edit : look carefully a 4th and 5th symbol confirmed in regular pre-order photo http://nextgengamingblog.com/files/2011/06/3d_skyrim_wmap-v7_pegi-sm-940x454.jpg

just need to see top section of map as there may possibly be a 6th o.O

What about "I don't know yet?" :/

What if the Blades (I think Esbern is the only Blade in the game), don't choose any side in the Civil War?

The symbol with the clashing swords in Riften doesn't match with the guild. The guild faction based in Riften is the Thieves' Guild.

The shield with crossed swords might represent the areas controlled by the Stormcloaks, and there would be a different icon for the area controlled by the Mede Empire.

Then it will depend on how the factions are presented in the game. If one faction is obviously the 'good guys' I will side with them. If it's presented in such a way that either faction appears equally valid and with equal moral standing, I'll stay out of it. After all, I was caught crossing the border. I'm clearly not a local so it's not my fight.

Would you prefer that one side is clearly depicted as the "good guys"?

Also, the resolution of the Civil War might be part of the main quest.

Awww.. I wanted them to be like the Assassins vs the Templars in Assassin's Creed. So the Storm Cloaks will be soldiers?

They seem to be pretty powerful, at least in the Holds that they control.

"Citizen, I'm warning you!" doesn't sound like a Rebel agitator lurking in the shadows to me.

I agree! And we need to coat our weapons with more mer blood!

If you have to choose sides, then yes, I want clearly depicted good guys and bad guys. If both sides are sympathetic, then I want the resolution to involve bringing them together, not helping one defeat the other.

I'm not in the least bit interested in playing a game where the enemies I'm killing don't have it coming. I don't have to complete the main quest to enjoy the game.

It might be the case that there is some outcome of the Civil War that involves a non-violent resolution to the conflict. I'm not sure what that would entail - splitting Skyrim up into Rebel controlled areas and Empire controlled areas? What are your thoughts?

It is a "war," however, so we might also see the only outcomes being limited to Rebels win freedom and independence for the province or Empire crushes the Rebels into submission and maintains stability and control over the province.

Nords do not know the meaning of "peaceful resolution" unless it means "our enemies have been completely wiped off the face of Nirn."

Maybe back in the first era.

Didn't they rule over the Chimer and Dwemer in Morrowind, or did they displace them?

Well, it could be that the civil war was ultimately engineered by the covert efforts of a villainous third faction who's been acting to instigate and stoke the conflict, and that a peaceful resolution and reunification would involve exposing and dealing with them. No idea. I'm not exactly a lore wonk, particularly when it comes to anything that supposedly transpired after Oblivion. For example, earlier in the thread a 'Mede Empire' was mentioned, apparently from some novels based on the TES universe. I don't know anything about those novels, including whether they are considered canon, and how that empire differs from the largely benevolent Septim Empire of Oblivion.

The only thing I know is that as a player, I like playing good guys who fight bad guys as opposed to fighting other good guys who's differences are only political.

I imagine that any sort of reunification outcome would mean that the Mede Empire wins and the Rebels lose the Civil War, since their entire purpose is independence.

I'd probably support the Empire, unless I was confronted with a good reason not to. If they allow it, it'd be even better to play the sides against one another for my own benefit. But I doubt it'll get that deep. Long Live the Empire!

+1

I see what your saying btu I disagree.

Because you probably don't join the rebels by stumbling upon a patrol who is escorting a prisoner. If you wanted to join you would go teh base and enlist, just like hwo you can't talk to any old member of the fighters guild to join, you have to talk to one of the leaders.

This post reminded me of Outcast vs Brotherhood, Lol

Are you referring to the random encounters in FO3 where you come across a few Outcast soldiers patrolling?

seriously do the storm cloaks wear hooded cloaks?! cause they need to.

Rebels ftw.

Here's hoping there's good and bad guys on both sides of the conflict, who believe in their cause or use it to their benefit.

The nords were kicked out of Morrowind, which is why the nords keep launching raids against the dunmer

Yes.

They conquered Morrowind, but did not wipe out the Chimer and Dwemer.

They don't wipe out everything. The Falmer, IIRC, are the only ones they committed genocide against.

Any description on what these Stormcloak soldiers look like?