Quote Originally Posted by Caurcas View Post
It's not necessarily that I like Ulfric, it's more I prefer the idea of self governance and not being shackled to a foreign,dying regime. Throw in roaming secret police of another foreign power, and the fact that they tried to execute the player character without charge makes the choice for me.
The thing is, is that the Empire is actually against the Thalmor. They just don't have enough power yet to stand up and fight them. Ulfric is an opportunist trying to seize power over Skyrim, and had already lost if not for Alduin interrupting the execution because of the Dragonborn.

Basically, siding with Ulfric is condemning Skyrim to independent rule by someone who has already proven they can't even take on one legion of the Empire without you. They will never stand a chance against the Thalmor.

Also, the decision to execute the player was commanded by an individual. While other leaders were there, they weren't concerned with justice for individuals at the time, since executing Ulfric takes precedence. I don't really have any great love for Tulius, but his second in command kind of makes up for it. Do wish I coulda killed the lady that orders my execution in the tutorial. Woulda been nice!

Siding with the Empire is also a move that keeps it unified. To splinter it by trying to command Skyrim to be independent just means the Aldmeri Dominion get even more power over Tamriel.