The Stormcloaks see the Empire's ban on Talos worship as an attack on their very culture. Siding with the Empire means turning your back on your people's faith and traditions. Are Nords who collaborate with the Empire truly honoring their god-king? The Empire will tell you that a weakened Empire benefits the Thalmor, the true enemies of Skyrim and Tamriel. There's truth to that. The Thalmor documents you find hint at their desire to manipulate the Stormcloaks, using Ulfric as a pawn. But here's the key: The Thalmor don't want a Stormcloak victory either. They just want chaos. The decision to side with the Stormcloaks is a complex one. It's about challenging authority, preserving cultural identity, and fighting for self-determination. Weigh the arguments, consider the risks, and decide for yourself: will you be a pawn in the Thalmor's game, or will you stand up for what you believe in?