I'm wondering what Ulfric Stormcloak thinks of the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood? Does he want them gone, does he simply tolerate them, or does he think they serve a certain purpose within the province, like keeping the Empire and the Dominion occupied?

Why would they keep the Empire or the Dominion occupied? i think during the CW they are the least of his concerns, especially in their dire state. if he was High King, im pretty sure its not hard to imagine what his stance against them is.

Crime. And if I remember right (long time ago since I played the DB) the DB had a mission where you had to assassinate the emperor? Things like that tend to take up manpower and resources of the authorities, you know?

Heh I don't think he cares about them, and vice versa. thought the DB would be of some benefit to him concerning the mainquest so they'd be a proxy to his benefit no? thieves guild? ehh. Lawlia lawgiver is a Stormy dip they'd continue operating unassailed.

I think as long as they don't interfere with his cause then he could care less about them.

I think Ulfric shares the same stance the Empire seems to have had on them: No need to pay them much attention unless they become too much of a problem. Their presence haven't destroyed society yet.

Interesting question.

The Empire has been trying to destroy the Dark Brotherhood and has succeeding in pushing them to Skyrim where we either fulfill that desire or join the Dark Brotherhood and we all know how that ends.

But strangely enough I think the Empire is tolerant to the Thieves Guild. Why? Because empire supporting people of importance seem to have ties to the Thieves Guild. Maven Black-Briar for example and the Battle-Born family.

And if anything I'd say Ulfric has support of the Companions due to the strong ties it has with the Grey-Manes who support Ulfric.

What if he discovers most of them are werewolves?