I was wondering who everyone sided with in this quest. I've played both endings and I personally believe that Kematu is telling the truth, but the title of the quest makes me reluctant to help capture Saadia.

This will probably get moved to the spoilers section.

That said, I always side with Kematu since Saadia is obviously lying. Not saying the Alik'r mercs are entirely noble, however.

I tend to side with Saadia, but I'm a svcker for a pretty face... especially one with scars. Besides, I don't like Kematu's smugly superior attitude. That makees it a pleasure to lop off his head, eh? Heh, aren't so bad now, are you, huh? Just layin' there all dead and headless and stuff. Here now, let me see if I can reattach that for ya... Chasin' down women-folk, you oughta be ashamed of yourself. What kinda job is that for a man anyway? Shoulda had your old Lady do it, Id'a sided with her, maybe...

I played both parts but I tend to believe that Saadia lies. At least, I find Kematu a lot more convincing than her and I don't think this is because I'm a woman. Anyway, there is no wrong side in this quest, like in the Civil War.

Many of my characters simply don't do the quest because they find the Alik'r suspicious. But if I do the quest, I side with Kematu.

I side with Saadia but have never tried the alternate story line. It's a little disappointing that there's no long-term follow up to this quest (like more bounty hunters showing up or Saadia somehow giving herself away). I had greater expectations for the end given how elaborately (and obtrusively) the story line starts.

My female character sided with Saadia, but my male character is going with Kematu. I think they're both full of it.

when i'm playing a character that wants to do what's "right" i always side with kematu.

she's a bad liar.

The first time, I sided with Saadia. After getting a slap in the face on that quest, I have sided with Kematu every time since. svcker for a pretty face, indeed!

It depends on the character. Some of my characters side with Saadia, some of them side with Kematu.

Sounds like a fun time

I tend to avoid the quest. It makes no sense as you can't really tell who is lying or not. Given what some people say, Saadia may likely be lying, but that leaves Kematu. Why would she run to whiterun if she is an asset/supporter of the Thalmor? that makes no sense.

But we KNOW Saadia is lying.

Source?

Knowing means nothing. If you think Kematu is lying or you just do not trust the Alik'r, then you side with Saadia. There is nothing to go on but their stories, which have no basis in fact at this point.

Game lore?

2 biggest examples:

1. She says she spoke out against the Aldmeri Dominion in Hammerfell. Well, if that were true, likely most or all of the people would have cheered her on because the Dominion was at War with Hammerfell, and they are generally despised. No Redguard would support the Thalmor, let alone work for them, as she claims. The in game book The Great War refers to Alik'r warriors harassing the Aldermi Dominion forces as they retreated. This would make the dominion hiring them most strange. Hell, since she was a Noble of House Taneth (I think), she would be hailed a hero fighting for the cause, at least.

2. When you tell her there are Alik'r in Whiterun looking for her, she acts suprised at this news. Then, she turns around and tells you they recently caught an Alik'r warrior who is being kept in the Dragonsreach dungeons. So, she already knew there was at least one of them in Whiterun before you confront her the first time.

Again, how does this = guilty of anything. Lying to a stranger is nothing at all. As you said, no redguard would support the Thalmor, so it does not make sense for Saadia to betray her people. And even if she did, why did she run towards a province/region that was inherently anti-thalmor, instead of towards them if she was working for them? There is also no reason for them to think that, after all this time, the person they are seeking would still be alive in the long term.

That is not knowledge. That is inference, supposition, circumstantial evidence. Knowledge requires facts.

Saadia could be lying, but the Alik'r could also not be Alik'r. Them living with bandits is rather suspicious. Also refusing to say why they are looking for Saadia, until you attack them.

My guess is that whatever is going on, both are lying and it's impossible to tell who is the villain. Perhaps both of them are.

I tend to side with Kematu when I do the quest simply because when I tried to side with Saadia, I was killed

Y'know you can kill Kematu when you bring Saadia to him at the stables right?

we definitely don't know who's telling the truth, but, i do know that she lied to me.

and, since, her fate is in my hands that lie will condemn her for all eternity.