okay,
now I'm going to play Devil's Advocate here, and support the Stormcloaks. Having a strong, centralized group, backed by a theocracy and a High King that earned that right through blood, makes for a more streamlined government. For the most part, Skyrim as a whole, can have an easier time protecting its own borders by just focusing on its own borders. It can have its own laws, be they racist, ethnocentric, or completely free-willing. It'd be completely sovereign and allowed to do as it, its people, and its High King wishes.
The fact is, through history, if one wants peace, one best prepare for war. Either through violence, or the
threat of violence, peace is often obtained in history. By the time Skyrim is unified under a Stormcloak banner (which for my Stormcloak Paladin, happens all in under a two month time-frame in-game - VERY QUICK) where there is no longer choosing sides, but instead licking wounds, and appreciating a sovereign entity.
When looking back, what is generally better at maintaining peace? A strict, structured theocracy or dictatorship, or a free-living democracy? Both have strong points, and to be honest, I've shed more than enough of my own blood in real life defending one, against the other. But, look at the Tokugawa Shogunate, as an example - it was so strict, certain people were allowed to only wear certain colors. It was strong because of its elite military/warrior class, something very in common with the Nords of Skyrim.
I'm thinking something where they even pass a law - "If you are a Nord, you carry a sword." Where the Nords of Syrim become the elite class, where then within that, the warrior Nords, those capable of completely handling themselves become an even higher elite. Let alone if Skyrim were to come out with an edict stating "If you don't fight for Skyrim, and are not a Nord, you carry no sword." Basically stating "you want citizenship into the elite, while not being born a Son or Daughter of Skyrim?
Earn it and sign the fl*ff up!
Basically, Stormcloaks, could be perceived by their actions in the game, as freedom fighters for their pantheon and religion. Their government system though, surrounds that pantheon, using literally "god given" talents like the Thu'um to defend their beliefs and why their leader is in charge, making him possibly even into a demi-god himself. I mean, it's not a slippery slope that much, "Talos was a man!!" -
mocking the guy in Whiterun, dude cracks me up let alone when Ulfric has a Dovahkiin, a Dragonborn,
supporting him!!
Instead of being spread out, instead of going all over trying to lick and mend wounds throughout the Empire, Skyrim instead under Ulfric would cauterize its wounds, and amputate the bad sections. Elves? If it's up the sovereign group, they could do a mass murder and eradication of all Mer. It'd technically be "lawful." They could also help, in any way they think they can, but still understanding there is still a war going on, and the true enemy is the Aldmeri Dominion. And in that, it's perfectly acceptable to take out the Empire. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend," can work both ways, and the Empire, although not by choice, can easily be seen as having an alliance with the Aldmeri Dominion.
And furthermore, about Windhelm and the Dunmer, gotta love Bethesda and the ability to look at it from different angles:
Windhelm and Dunmer - Racist or Benevolent - from another Skyrim forum, hope that's okay
basically
"Imagine being the ruler of a good city. Suddenly evil looking elves show up fleeing a destruction you cannot imagine. They have nowhere to go. Your city is full but you make room for these refugees. You force your own people out of their homes and give a fourth of your city to the Dunmer. The displaced residents are not happy about this but you cannot let the elves die out in the snowy wilderness of Skyrim. You GIVE them homes. These homes are not outside the walls, apart from the Nords. You dont just give them a piece of empty snow to build on. You give them real homes inside the protection of your walls. You give them jobs and businesses so they can gain financial independence.
What do you get for your generosity? These ungrateful Dunmer accuse you of being racist. They take their fourth of your city and turn it into a slum. The streets are dirty. The flags are tattered. Your charity has harmed your people, your city and your reputation."
another great, personal example. Jarl Balgruuf and Farengar Secret-fire -
my Nord male Dovahkiin, Broc, is "Hero of Whiterun," and Thane. He's best friends with Farengar, and adores Jarl Balgruuf.
my Nord female Dovahkiin, Aednat, is a Stormcloak, and was rightfully at the chopping block. She told the Jarl of Whiterun he had
better defend Riverwood. When the Jarl tries to convince her to see his Court Wizard, she sees it's a stoopid errand, and just walks out. They aren't worth it. Oh? and about the "if you are a Nord, you carry a sword" edict thought/belief? You know the Battle-Borns? If one of them tries to stop and argue with Aednat... ever see the deleted scene in Last Samurai?
You think she cares about her bounty? Nope. It's earned. She'll kill anyone in her way at that point. Then, ironically, Balgruuf will maker her a Thane, after killing the dragon - ergo pardoning all the past crimes!
just shows how corrupt the system is - "Oh, all I gotta do is kill a dragon, and I'm pardoned for being a mass murderer?!?" She knows he's going to side with the Empire, and to her, it's his loss.
versus Broc, who fought to defend Whiterun, because it was his home and believed in Jarl Balgruuf.
I'm totally of the belief that both sides have their merits and faults. It's what makes it great = no easy choice.
