Skyrim: Delphine and the Blades
Blog Entry: Skyrim: Delphine and the Blades
Blog Entry: Skyrim: Delphine and the Blades
To quote from Skyrim confessions
"I never understand the hate Delphine and the Blades get. They're on your side from the very start, and their goal is to save the world and rid it of dragons. When you join them, you get to recruit your best followers and just hunt dragons all day... which is the hook of the game. Paarthurnax and the Greybeards are interesting, but they're in this funk of you proving your worth and do absolutely nothing to keep the world from ending, even implying that the world is MEANT TO END. Blades for life, man."
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/36800000/Skyrim-Confessions-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-36881451-500-278.jpg
Nords, Ulfric, the Empire, the Stormcloaks and Skyrim
I'm not saying that Delphine and the Blades are perfect, but there are other characters and groups that makes them look like saints. I mean what about such characters like Rolff Stone-Fist who often makes racist remarks about the Dunmer or Argonians, even to people who are not of that race. He even goes to where the Dummer live and tells them to get out.
"Every night I wander around the Gray Quarter and let them gray-skins know what I think of them."
Bolund
If the player is a Nord he will greet them with
"A hearty welcome to Falkreath! All of Skyrim's true sons are welcome here!"
But if the player is not a Nord he will simply say
"I can't believe we let provincials like you wander Skyrim."
If you play as an Argonian he will be downright hateful and say
"Stay out of my way, boot."
Solitude executioner
"That filthy Argonian would have never been allowed in this city if High King Torygg were still alive."
When entering Windhelm, the Dragonborn witnesses a female Dunmer arguing with two Nords, they treat her with suspicion, as if she's an Imperial spy. The Nords of Windhelm segregated the Dunmer from the other citizens, into what came to be known as the Gray Quarter. Worse treatment, however, was given to the Argonians, who are not allowed to live in the city and are forced to live and work on the docks outside the city walls. Windhelm is the most segregated and the Katjiit are not allowed in any city in Skyrim.
If the Dunmer, Katjiit and Argonians came from violent cultures and religions who's values on life and on people (women and children) were completely different from others, or didn't have any, to which they would have no problem committing crimes such as killing, raping, or they were trying to change Nordic culture to theirs, then I could understand the Nords not wanting them in their city. But that's not the case, they can be just as good or as bad as anyone else and their integrating into Nordic society or their simply not trying to change it.
Thalmor Dossier: Ulfric Stormcloak: Ulfric first came to our attention during the First War Against the Empire, when he was taken as a prisoner of war during the campaign for the White-Gold Tower. Under interrogation, we learned of his potential value (son of the Jarl of Windhelm) and he was assigned as an asset to the interrogator, who is now First Emissary Elenwen. He was made to believe information obtained during his interrogation was crucial in the capture of the Imperial City (the city had in fact fallen before he had broken), and then allowed to escape. After the war, contact was established and he has proven his worth as an asset. The so-called Markarth Incident was particularly valuable from the point of view of our strategic goals in Skyrim, although it resulted in Ulfric becoming generally uncooperative to direct contact.
Operational Notes: Direct contact remains a possibility (under extreme circumstances), but in general the asset should be considered dormant. As long as the civil war proceeds in its current indecisive fashion, we should remain hands-off. The incident at Helgen is an example where an exception had to be made - obviously Ulfric's death would have dramatically increased the chance of an Imperial victory and thus harmed our overall position in Skyrim. (NOTE: The coincidental intervention of the dragon at Helgen is still under scrutiny. The obvious conclusion is that whoever is behind the dragons also has an interest in the continuation of the war, but we should not assume therefore that their goals align with our own.) A Stormcloak victory is also to be avoided, however, so even indirect aid to the Stormcloaks must be carefully managed.
The Imperial Legion have Altmer (Legate Fasendil), Dunmer (Legate Sevan Telendas), Bretons and Nords in their ranks, only Nords can be a Stormcloak and it doesn't matter which race the Dragonborn is.
The Empire lost 4 legions retaking the Imperial city during the Great War and the Stormcloaks are too few in numbers, just having Nord support wouldn't be enough. The Thalmor are of course High Elves, born with magical abilities, combine that with the fact they use eugenics, selective breeding, so the best traits are pasted on to the next generation, with enhanced armor, weapons, battle tactics and with an population that can live for thousands of years, then you are truly a force to be reckoned with. Since Nords have an average human life span of only 80 years, a distrust of magic, other races, use poor armor and weapons, are not very good strategist and their leader, Ulfric, who got captured two times, first by the Thalmor and then by the Empire... the odds are not in their favor if the Dominion invade. But the Empire is weak and a shadow of its former self, it won't last.
Brunwulf Free-Winter, Balgruuf the Greater and Elisif the Fair
Malthyr: "You're a war hero, Brunwulf. Ulfric will listen to you."
Brunwulf: "It's not that simple. Ulfric wants a Skyrim for the Nords. He doesn't trust what he calls outsiders."
Malthyr: "You've seen how we live -- cramped alleys, run-down buildings, few guard patrols. Even the name 'Gray Quarter' is an insult."
Brunwulf: "I'll speak to Ulfric soon, but I make no promises that I can change his mind."
Malthyr: "That's all I ask. With your help, we have a chance to make a better life for ourselves here. For that, I thank you."
Brunwulf Free-Winter
"Whenever a group of marauders attack a Nord village, Ulfric is the first to sound the horn and send the men. But a group of Dark Elf refugees gets ambushed? A group of Argonians, or a Khajiit caravan? No troops. No investigation. Nothing. There's a group of cutthroats out there right now that Ulfric doesn't lift a finger to bring to justice, as long as they don't threaten Nord land."
"A sword can't repair damaged buildings, feed hungry people or undo years of prejudice."
"The Dark Elves and Argonians won't soon forget Ulfric's prejudice, but I'm doing what I can to repair that rift."
Player: "No. Skyrim's big enough for everyone."
"Good. Too many Nords in this town have been listening to Ulfric's narrow-minded words. He's tough, loyal to his men and a good leader, but if you're not a Nord, Ulfric will never trust you."
Balgruuf the Greater
"I'm not the High King, but neither am I a boy. If Ulfric wants to challenge my rule in the Old Way, let him. Though, I suspect he'll prefer to send his "Stormcloaks" to do it for him."
"Ulfric is the one who has offended. But, Proventus has a point. Ulfric has made it clear; in his mind, to refuse his claim is to side with the Empire."
Player: "Whose side are you on?"
"If it's the war you're referring to, I'm on the side of Whiterun. No doubt General Tullius and his friends in the Empire will tell you that I owe them my loyalty, and perhaps I do. Ulfric Stormcloak would say that I owe my allegiance to the Nord people as they fight for Skyrim's independence. Perhaps this is also true. The day might come when I am forced to draw my sword for one side or the other. But that day has not come yet."
After being exiled from Whiterun by the Stormcloaks, Balgruuf, along with Irileth and Proventus will relocate to the basement of the Blue Palace in Solitude.
Player: "What will it take to end the war?"
"Ulfric Stormcloak's head on a pike. Do you think Ulfric really cares about Skyrim's independence, or the welfare or its people? I promise you, he doesn't. He's nothing more than a barbarian renegade, whose lust for power has cost the lives of countless innocents."
Elisif the Fair
Player: "Are you the High Queen of Skyrim?"
"Not yet, no. Although it is true my husband Torygg was the High King, and I am his widow... now is not the time to lay claim to such a title. This land is riven by war, and her people suffer for it. The Stormcloaks are a blight on Skyrim, and like any blight... must be purged. Only then will I take my rightful place as High Queen."
Player: "Do you trust General Tullius?"
"Hmmm... A question I am all too familiar with. One my very Thanes ask often. They worry that Tullius is so focused on the war, that he risks forgetting what's best for our people. The real irony is that, while General Tullius is certainly no Nord, the people of Skyrim would be lost without him. Trust is always difficult, especially for my people. Yet we must trust Tullius' leadership. For what other choice do we have?"
Citizens of Skyrim
When it comes to what other characters have to say about the Thalmor, the Stormcloaks, Ulfric and the crimes or problems with others
Legate Fasendil
"Home? Home to me is a hot cup of ale at the end of the day and five minutes without someone needing something from me... Cyrodiil is a beautiful place, full of diverse peoples and histories. But so too, Hammerfell and Skyrim, and every other place I've been. Don't get me wrong, every country has its dark corners. But that's why we're here. To bring order and civilization, and to protect the people."
"Ulfric and his thugs are stirring up trouble for their own agenda, the Empire is the only thing keeping the Dominion from walking all over Skyrim. It matters little if some people here are ignorant of that truth, they are still citizens of the Empire, it is our solemn duty to protect them."
"The life of a soldier is full of hardship. That's nothing. But they send the Legion to places that've gotten too bad to be settled without violence. What's hard is seeing good people warped by evil. And I've seen the face of evil. It was in the air above Sentinel on the Night of Green Fire."
Should he be asked, he will describe what happened during the Night of Green Fire.
"Back in 42 I was stationed in Hammerfell, on leave in Sentinel, trying to track down some refugee relatives who had fled persecution in Alinor. Suddenly an explosion of magic in the refugee quarter. Thalmor mages were attacking the Altmer dissidents who were resisting with magic of their own. I ran to the scene with other Legionaries who were stationed there, but the entire quarter was a smoking ruin by the time we arrived. Everyone was dead. Wholesale slaughter. The Dominion, not content with killing dissidents at home, came to Hammerfell to finish the job. We're supposedly at peace now. But I put in to be stationed here to keep an eye on the Thalmor. I've a feeling they're behind this unrest in Skyrim."
Are all high elves Thalmor? - The Elder Scrolls Lore (Analysis)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8EuvyVBfjg
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/36900000/Skyrim-Confessions-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-36901510-500-278.jpg
Saerlund
You can ask him to elaborate on what sort of lies Ulfric has been spreading, which will lead him to provide you with his opinion on the Stormcloak leader.
"Ulfric only cares about one thing... Ulfric. He's ordained himself the future High King of Skyrim and steps on anyone that gets in his way. He's begun a rebellion against those that wish to eradicate the worship of Talos and uses it as his rallying cry. His cause may be true, but the man is a lie... all he holds in his heart his lust for the throne."
Threki the Innocent
"Let me out of here, damn it! I'm not a criminal!
She will then explain how she got here in the first place, saying
"This is what happens to you when you speak your mind in this city. They threw me in here because I called Ulfric a liar; a deceiver."
She strongly opposes Ulfric and claims that
"Ulfric doesn't care about Talos. He yearns for the throne of Skyrim and he'll say anything to rally people to his side. But now, because of Ulfric's greed, countless lives have been lost."
She will finish with a reflection on her current condition
"On second thought, maybe I'm better off in here. At least I'll die with a clear conscience."
Malthyr Elenil
"When Ulfric Stormcloak was killed, justice was done. That might sound harsh, but it's how I feel."
"Yes, markedly so. Ulfric and his Stormcloaks made no secret of their disdain for the Dark Elves. In fact, they didn't seem to care much for anyone who wasn't a Nord. The folk of the Empire have always had a more cosmopolitan view of the world, so I'm glad to see them in charge."
Ambarys Rendar
"At long last, Windhelm is free. No longer must we suffer persecution at the hands of Ulfric Stormcloak."
Aval Atheron
"Unlike Ulfric, Brunwulf has shown a great willingness to work with the other races and make us feel more at home here. For the first time in a long while, I truly believe that there are brighter days ahead."
Scouts-Many-Marshes
"The Stormcloaks are gone, and so is their prejudice."
If the Stormcloaks win, they'll harass Carlotta Valentia.
"No more than I was already getting. Four of the guards have already decided they're in love with me. Two of the guards got into a fight over me at the tavern. At least Balgruuf's men bathed regularly. These Stormcloaks always smell of ale and sweat, and their breath reeks."
Adrianne Avenicci
If the Stormcloaks win the, Adrianne mentions that the conditions of the city have not improved for her or her business. She also notes that if it weren't for her Nord husband, the Stormcloaks would have stopped purchasing from her altogether, due to her Imperial background.
Ancano is a typical Thalmor, meaning he's a rude asshole who thinks he's above everyone. Most of the Mages don't trust or like him and his actions lead to the death of two Mages.
Svana Far-Shield is treated like shoot by Haelga and by most of the men in Riften.
"Work? I suppose you can call it that. I call it slavery. I work my fingers to the bone keeping this disgusting place clean. Ever since my parents died and Haelga took me in, it's been a nightmare. How was I to know she was such a wretched woman? So now I'm stuck living here while those pigs she calls customers grope me and say the most awful things."
Lynly Star-Sung's ex-fiancé, Sibbi Black-Briar, killed her unarmed brother, she goes into hiding so he hires you to find her so he can kill her.
Astrid becomes jealous, betrays you, and the Dark Brotherhood is nearly destroyed because of it.
Grelka is a dog from the get go.
Njada Stonearm shows no respect to you, not even when you become the leader.
Ingun Black-Briar... do I even have to explain???
Tiber Septim who became to known as Talos is pretty much like real religious figures throughout human history, while they murdered dozens, they were turned into heroes...
1. He sacked the city of Senchal in Elsweyr. Because of this, a lot of innocent populace were slaughtered, including children.
2. He killed his own king, Cuhlecain, and his loyal contingent.
3. He betrayed his own Battlemage Zurin Arctus, or probably Ysmir Wulfhart (who was known as Ysmir Kingmaker and Kyne's Storm).
4. He used the Numidium to destroy the neutral royal families of Tamriel.
5. He massacres the Crowns of Hammerfell at Stros M'kai.
6. He killed an unborn child against the will of its mother (Barenziah).
Some of the Daedric Princes have done their fair share of killing, cursing others and will command you to kill someone.
Molag Bal: He's earned the title The King of Rape... his main desire is to harvest and consume the souls of mortals and to bring mortals' souls into his sway by spreading seeds of strife and discord in the mortal realms. He's also the main source of the obstacles to the Dunmer people. Under the summon of King Dro'Zel of Senchal, destroyed the city of Gilverdale. All the inhabitants were killed in a bright red mist in the First Era. He's the main antagonist in The Elder Scrolls Online where he takes advantage of the destruction and war going on in Tamriel and attempts to merge Nirn and Coldharbour into one nightmarish hellscape by using Daedric machines called Dark Anchors, in an event known as the Planemeld.
Vaermina
Mehrunes Dagon
Hermaeus Mora
Namira
Boethiah
When it comes to the other Guilds
The Graybeards do nothing but sit atop a mountain and shout at the sky. There clearly not negotiators, there useless with coming up with a peace treaty between the Empire and the Stormcloaks. But that's what happens when you isolate yourself from everyone and there leader even thinks that the world should end for everyone.
The Thalmor seem to have the authority to do anything they want, they have no patience for anyone and will even attack nonbelievers of Talos.
The Silver Hand hunt down Werewolves and display their remains as trophies.
Vigilants of Stendarr have sworn to wipe out all Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Daedra. When it comes to people who want to wipe out a race or a specie, there it. It's not surprising that the add-on Dawnguard quest has you wiping them out.
The Thieves Guild has you going around bullying innocent people into giving protection money, breaking there valuables, threatening to kill a person's family, and framing other people for stuff you stole.
The Dark Brotherhood has you killing anyone and they have a torture chamber where 4 Nords (2 men and 2 women) have been kidnapped, are half naked, moaning in agony, you and other Brotherhood members can torture them.
Cannabis hide among others and they will eat anyone they kill. Who knows what kind of death toll they have.
Bandits will attack everyone, I once saw an animal wonder into their castle or fort and they killed it on the spot.
The Forsworn will attack anyone and they sacrifice animals like it's going out of style.
Necromancers sacrifice and experiment on both animals and people.
So where's all the hate for these characters and groups???? Maybe there is and I just haven't found it or I haven't see it as much as there is for Delphine and the Blades... but I see a lot of people making excuses for these groups and the racial hatred the Stormcloaks have for others, even to the point where they say it's justified... that's there only argument...
The Blades will recruit only 3 people, but it doesn't matter what race they are or if there a Warrior, a Mage or a Theft. People even make excuses for the Dragons, as if your wiping out an innocent animal species, but they will attack and kill anything that's living on sight. Their leader, Alduin, wants to kill everyone and rule all of Tamriel, and anyone that's left will be enslaved. The Blades tried to help to defeat the Thalmor, but were effectively wiped out by them, thus cutting off Imperial Intelligence in their region. They then destroyed the order completely, except for a few members that escaped.
Also, it seems that a lot of people completely forget the fact that there Dragon Slayers... what were these people excepting from them???? So when some people say that she's the worst character and deserves to die... I really can't find any real reason for that. She's not the first character to be hated for idiotic reasons and she won't be the last.
Paarthurnax barely helps you fight Alduin, he teaches you 3 shouts which are not really that useful and he gives you a history lesson... that's it... and yet a lot of people completely over exaggerate this friendship they get from him... even after you kill Alduin, the other Dragons don't go away. If you let Paarthurnax go he states that he's going to try and help the others in the way of the voice... but that still doesn't change anything, you still have to keep fighting Dragons. I wonder, if we actually saw Paarthurnax killing dozens of people, burning them, torture and enslavement... would he still get any sympathy???? Something tells me that wouldn't change what most people would think of him.
I could go on and on with this, even with characters and groups from the DLCs, but I'll be here all day.
Final Thoughts
Having said all that, I'm not saying that these characters and groups need to go away simple because there bad people and rude, Skyrim wouldn't be a very interesting place without them. No one was written to be a Mary Sue (except the main character), a perfect flawless little angel or a boy scout, many of them will hire bandits to teach you a lesson for sealing or attack if there's a bounty on you.
This is a fan base full of sensitive morons (like countless others), this hate for Delphine and the Blades is just childish, trivial, with exaggerated reasons or none at all, speculating on what they can't prove and most of these people being hypocrites with no one going into details to make an argument for it. It's just, "I hate her and them because they wanted me to do something I didn't like!" It's like listening to a bunch of 6 year olds whining...
"I never understand the hate Delphine and the Blades get. They're on your side from the very start, and their goal is to save the world and rid it of dragons. When you join them, you get to recruit your best followers and just hunt dragons all day... which is the hook of the game. Paarthurnax and the Greybeards are interesting, but they're in this funk of you proving your worth and do absolutely nothing to keep the world from ending, even implying that the world is MEANT TO END. Blades for life, man."
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/36800000/Skyrim-Confessions-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-36881451-500-278.jpg
Nords, Ulfric, the Empire, the Stormcloaks and Skyrim
I'm not saying that Delphine and the Blades are perfect, but there are other characters and groups that makes them look like saints. I mean what about such characters like Rolff Stone-Fist who often makes racist remarks about the Dunmer or Argonians, even to people who are not of that race. He even goes to where the Dummer live and tells them to get out.
"Every night I wander around the Gray Quarter and let them gray-skins know what I think of them."
Bolund
If the player is a Nord he will greet them with
"A hearty welcome to Falkreath! All of Skyrim's true sons are welcome here!"
But if the player is not a Nord he will simply say
"I can't believe we let provincials like you wander Skyrim."
If you play as an Argonian he will be downright hateful and say
"Stay out of my way, boot."
Solitude executioner
"That filthy Argonian would have never been allowed in this city if High King Torygg were still alive."
When entering Windhelm, the Dragonborn witnesses a female Dunmer arguing with two Nords, they treat her with suspicion, as if she's an Imperial spy. The Nords of Windhelm segregated the Dunmer from the other citizens, into what came to be known as the Gray Quarter. Worse treatment, however, was given to the Argonians, who are not allowed to live in the city and are forced to live and work on the docks outside the city walls. Windhelm is the most segregated and the Katjiit are not allowed in any city in Skyrim.
If the Dunmer, Katjiit and Argonians came from violent cultures and religions who's values on life and on people (women and children) were completely different from others, or didn't have any, to which they would have no problem committing crimes such as killing, raping, or they were trying to change Nordic culture to theirs, then I could understand the Nords not wanting them in their city. But that's not the case, they can be just as good or as bad as anyone else and their integrating into Nordic society or their simply not trying to change it.
Thalmor Dossier: Ulfric Stormcloak: Ulfric first came to our attention during the First War Against the Empire, when he was taken as a prisoner of war during the campaign for the White-Gold Tower. Under interrogation, we learned of his potential value (son of the Jarl of Windhelm) and he was assigned as an asset to the interrogator, who is now First Emissary Elenwen. He was made to believe information obtained during his interrogation was crucial in the capture of the Imperial City (the city had in fact fallen before he had broken), and then allowed to escape. After the war, contact was established and he has proven his worth as an asset. The so-called Markarth Incident was particularly valuable from the point of view of our strategic goals in Skyrim, although it resulted in Ulfric becoming generally uncooperative to direct contact.
Operational Notes: Direct contact remains a possibility (under extreme circumstances), but in general the asset should be considered dormant. As long as the civil war proceeds in its current indecisive fashion, we should remain hands-off. The incident at Helgen is an example where an exception had to be made - obviously Ulfric's death would have dramatically increased the chance of an Imperial victory and thus harmed our overall position in Skyrim. (NOTE: The coincidental intervention of the dragon at Helgen is still under scrutiny. The obvious conclusion is that whoever is behind the dragons also has an interest in the continuation of the war, but we should not assume therefore that their goals align with our own.) A Stormcloak victory is also to be avoided, however, so even indirect aid to the Stormcloaks must be carefully managed.
The Imperial Legion have Altmer (Legate Fasendil), Dunmer (Legate Sevan Telendas), Bretons and Nords in their ranks, only Nords can be a Stormcloak and it doesn't matter which race the Dragonborn is.
The Empire lost 4 legions retaking the Imperial city during the Great War and the Stormcloaks are too few in numbers, just having Nord support wouldn't be enough. The Thalmor are of course High Elves, born with magical abilities, combine that with the fact they use eugenics, selective breeding, so the best traits are pasted on to the next generation, with enhanced armor, weapons, battle tactics and with an population that can live for thousands of years, then you are truly a force to be reckoned with. Since Nords have an average human life span of only 80 years, a distrust of magic, other races, use poor armor and weapons, are not very good strategist and their leader, Ulfric, who got captured two times, first by the Thalmor and then by the Empire... the odds are not in their favor if the Dominion invade. But the Empire is weak and a shadow of its former self, it won't last.
Brunwulf Free-Winter, Balgruuf the Greater and Elisif the Fair
Malthyr: "You're a war hero, Brunwulf. Ulfric will listen to you."
Brunwulf: "It's not that simple. Ulfric wants a Skyrim for the Nords. He doesn't trust what he calls outsiders."
Malthyr: "You've seen how we live -- cramped alleys, run-down buildings, few guard patrols. Even the name 'Gray Quarter' is an insult."
Brunwulf: "I'll speak to Ulfric soon, but I make no promises that I can change his mind."
Malthyr: "That's all I ask. With your help, we have a chance to make a better life for ourselves here. For that, I thank you."
Brunwulf Free-Winter
"Whenever a group of marauders attack a Nord village, Ulfric is the first to sound the horn and send the men. But a group of Dark Elf refugees gets ambushed? A group of Argonians, or a Khajiit caravan? No troops. No investigation. Nothing. There's a group of cutthroats out there right now that Ulfric doesn't lift a finger to bring to justice, as long as they don't threaten Nord land."
"A sword can't repair damaged buildings, feed hungry people or undo years of prejudice."
"The Dark Elves and Argonians won't soon forget Ulfric's prejudice, but I'm doing what I can to repair that rift."
Player: "No. Skyrim's big enough for everyone."
"Good. Too many Nords in this town have been listening to Ulfric's narrow-minded words. He's tough, loyal to his men and a good leader, but if you're not a Nord, Ulfric will never trust you."
Balgruuf the Greater
"I'm not the High King, but neither am I a boy. If Ulfric wants to challenge my rule in the Old Way, let him. Though, I suspect he'll prefer to send his "Stormcloaks" to do it for him."
"Ulfric is the one who has offended. But, Proventus has a point. Ulfric has made it clear; in his mind, to refuse his claim is to side with the Empire."
Player: "Whose side are you on?"
"If it's the war you're referring to, I'm on the side of Whiterun. No doubt General Tullius and his friends in the Empire will tell you that I owe them my loyalty, and perhaps I do. Ulfric Stormcloak would say that I owe my allegiance to the Nord people as they fight for Skyrim's independence. Perhaps this is also true. The day might come when I am forced to draw my sword for one side or the other. But that day has not come yet."
After being exiled from Whiterun by the Stormcloaks, Balgruuf, along with Irileth and Proventus will relocate to the basement of the Blue Palace in Solitude.
Player: "What will it take to end the war?"
"Ulfric Stormcloak's head on a pike. Do you think Ulfric really cares about Skyrim's independence, or the welfare or its people? I promise you, he doesn't. He's nothing more than a barbarian renegade, whose lust for power has cost the lives of countless innocents."
Elisif the Fair
Player: "Are you the High Queen of Skyrim?"
"Not yet, no. Although it is true my husband Torygg was the High King, and I am his widow... now is not the time to lay claim to such a title. This land is riven by war, and her people suffer for it. The Stormcloaks are a blight on Skyrim, and like any blight... must be purged. Only then will I take my rightful place as High Queen."
Player: "Do you trust General Tullius?"
"Hmmm... A question I am all too familiar with. One my very Thanes ask often. They worry that Tullius is so focused on the war, that he risks forgetting what's best for our people. The real irony is that, while General Tullius is certainly no Nord, the people of Skyrim would be lost without him. Trust is always difficult, especially for my people. Yet we must trust Tullius' leadership. For what other choice do we have?"
Citizens of Skyrim
When it comes to what other characters have to say about the Thalmor, the Stormcloaks, Ulfric and the crimes or problems with others
Legate Fasendil
"Home? Home to me is a hot cup of ale at the end of the day and five minutes without someone needing something from me... Cyrodiil is a beautiful place, full of diverse peoples and histories. But so too, Hammerfell and Skyrim, and every other place I've been. Don't get me wrong, every country has its dark corners. But that's why we're here. To bring order and civilization, and to protect the people."
"Ulfric and his thugs are stirring up trouble for their own agenda, the Empire is the only thing keeping the Dominion from walking all over Skyrim. It matters little if some people here are ignorant of that truth, they are still citizens of the Empire, it is our solemn duty to protect them."
"The life of a soldier is full of hardship. That's nothing. But they send the Legion to places that've gotten too bad to be settled without violence. What's hard is seeing good people warped by evil. And I've seen the face of evil. It was in the air above Sentinel on the Night of Green Fire."
Should he be asked, he will describe what happened during the Night of Green Fire.
"Back in 42 I was stationed in Hammerfell, on leave in Sentinel, trying to track down some refugee relatives who had fled persecution in Alinor. Suddenly an explosion of magic in the refugee quarter. Thalmor mages were attacking the Altmer dissidents who were resisting with magic of their own. I ran to the scene with other Legionaries who were stationed there, but the entire quarter was a smoking ruin by the time we arrived. Everyone was dead. Wholesale slaughter. The Dominion, not content with killing dissidents at home, came to Hammerfell to finish the job. We're supposedly at peace now. But I put in to be stationed here to keep an eye on the Thalmor. I've a feeling they're behind this unrest in Skyrim."
Are all high elves Thalmor? - The Elder Scrolls Lore (Analysis)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8EuvyVBfjg
http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/36900000/Skyrim-Confessions-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-36901510-500-278.jpg
Saerlund
You can ask him to elaborate on what sort of lies Ulfric has been spreading, which will lead him to provide you with his opinion on the Stormcloak leader.
"Ulfric only cares about one thing... Ulfric. He's ordained himself the future High King of Skyrim and steps on anyone that gets in his way. He's begun a rebellion against those that wish to eradicate the worship of Talos and uses it as his rallying cry. His cause may be true, but the man is a lie... all he holds in his heart his lust for the throne."
Threki the Innocent
"Let me out of here, damn it! I'm not a criminal!
She will then explain how she got here in the first place, saying
"This is what happens to you when you speak your mind in this city. They threw me in here because I called Ulfric a liar; a deceiver."
She strongly opposes Ulfric and claims that
"Ulfric doesn't care about Talos. He yearns for the throne of Skyrim and he'll say anything to rally people to his side. But now, because of Ulfric's greed, countless lives have been lost."
She will finish with a reflection on her current condition
"On second thought, maybe I'm better off in here. At least I'll die with a clear conscience."
Malthyr Elenil
"When Ulfric Stormcloak was killed, justice was done. That might sound harsh, but it's how I feel."
"Yes, markedly so. Ulfric and his Stormcloaks made no secret of their disdain for the Dark Elves. In fact, they didn't seem to care much for anyone who wasn't a Nord. The folk of the Empire have always had a more cosmopolitan view of the world, so I'm glad to see them in charge."
Ambarys Rendar
"At long last, Windhelm is free. No longer must we suffer persecution at the hands of Ulfric Stormcloak."
Aval Atheron
"Unlike Ulfric, Brunwulf has shown a great willingness to work with the other races and make us feel more at home here. For the first time in a long while, I truly believe that there are brighter days ahead."
Scouts-Many-Marshes
"The Stormcloaks are gone, and so is their prejudice."
If the Stormcloaks win, they'll harass Carlotta Valentia.
"No more than I was already getting. Four of the guards have already decided they're in love with me. Two of the guards got into a fight over me at the tavern. At least Balgruuf's men bathed regularly. These Stormcloaks always smell of ale and sweat, and their breath reeks."
Adrianne Avenicci
If the Stormcloaks win the, Adrianne mentions that the conditions of the city have not improved for her or her business. She also notes that if it weren't for her Nord husband, the Stormcloaks would have stopped purchasing from her altogether, due to her Imperial background.
Ancano is a typical Thalmor, meaning he's a rude asshole who thinks he's above everyone. Most of the Mages don't trust or like him and his actions lead to the death of two Mages.
Svana Far-Shield is treated like shoot by Haelga and by most of the men in Riften.
"Work? I suppose you can call it that. I call it slavery. I work my fingers to the bone keeping this disgusting place clean. Ever since my parents died and Haelga took me in, it's been a nightmare. How was I to know she was such a wretched woman? So now I'm stuck living here while those pigs she calls customers grope me and say the most awful things."
Lynly Star-Sung's ex-fiancé, Sibbi Black-Briar, killed her unarmed brother, she goes into hiding so he hires you to find her so he can kill her.
Astrid becomes jealous, betrays you, and the Dark Brotherhood is nearly destroyed because of it.
Grelka is a dog from the get go.
Njada Stonearm shows no respect to you, not even when you become the leader.
Ingun Black-Briar... do I even have to explain???
Tiber Septim who became to known as Talos is pretty much like real religious figures throughout human history, while they murdered dozens, they were turned into heroes...
1. He sacked the city of Senchal in Elsweyr. Because of this, a lot of innocent populace were slaughtered, including children.
2. He killed his own king, Cuhlecain, and his loyal contingent.
3. He betrayed his own Battlemage Zurin Arctus, or probably Ysmir Wulfhart (who was known as Ysmir Kingmaker and Kyne's Storm).
4. He used the Numidium to destroy the neutral royal families of Tamriel.
5. He massacres the Crowns of Hammerfell at Stros M'kai.
6. He killed an unborn child against the will of its mother (Barenziah).
Some of the Daedric Princes have done their fair share of killing, cursing others and will command you to kill someone.
Molag Bal: He's earned the title The King of Rape... his main desire is to harvest and consume the souls of mortals and to bring mortals' souls into his sway by spreading seeds of strife and discord in the mortal realms. He's also the main source of the obstacles to the Dunmer people. Under the summon of King Dro'Zel of Senchal, destroyed the city of Gilverdale. All the inhabitants were killed in a bright red mist in the First Era. He's the main antagonist in The Elder Scrolls Online where he takes advantage of the destruction and war going on in Tamriel and attempts to merge Nirn and Coldharbour into one nightmarish hellscape by using Daedric machines called Dark Anchors, in an event known as the Planemeld.
Vaermina
Mehrunes Dagon
Hermaeus Mora
Namira
Boethiah
When it comes to the other Guilds
The Graybeards do nothing but sit atop a mountain and shout at the sky. There clearly not negotiators, there useless with coming up with a peace treaty between the Empire and the Stormcloaks. But that's what happens when you isolate yourself from everyone and there leader even thinks that the world should end for everyone.
The Thalmor seem to have the authority to do anything they want, they have no patience for anyone and will even attack nonbelievers of Talos.
The Silver Hand hunt down Werewolves and display their remains as trophies.
Vigilants of Stendarr have sworn to wipe out all Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Daedra. When it comes to people who want to wipe out a race or a specie, there it. It's not surprising that the add-on Dawnguard quest has you wiping them out.
The Thieves Guild has you going around bullying innocent people into giving protection money, breaking there valuables, threatening to kill a person's family, and framing other people for stuff you stole.
The Dark Brotherhood has you killing anyone and they have a torture chamber where 4 Nords (2 men and 2 women) have been kidnapped, are half naked, moaning in agony, you and other Brotherhood members can torture them.
Cannabis hide among others and they will eat anyone they kill. Who knows what kind of death toll they have.
Bandits will attack everyone, I once saw an animal wonder into their castle or fort and they killed it on the spot.
The Forsworn will attack anyone and they sacrifice animals like it's going out of style.
Necromancers sacrifice and experiment on both animals and people.
So where's all the hate for these characters and groups???? Maybe there is and I just haven't found it or I haven't see it as much as there is for Delphine and the Blades... but I see a lot of people making excuses for these groups and the racial hatred the Stormcloaks have for others, even to the point where they say it's justified... that's there only argument...
The Blades will recruit only 3 people, but it doesn't matter what race they are or if there a Warrior, a Mage or a Theft. People even make excuses for the Dragons, as if your wiping out an innocent animal species, but they will attack and kill anything that's living on sight. Their leader, Alduin, wants to kill everyone and rule all of Tamriel, and anyone that's left will be enslaved. The Blades tried to help to defeat the Thalmor, but were effectively wiped out by them, thus cutting off Imperial Intelligence in their region. They then destroyed the order completely, except for a few members that escaped.
Also, it seems that a lot of people completely forget the fact that there Dragon Slayers... what were these people excepting from them???? So when some people say that she's the worst character and deserves to die... I really can't find any real reason for that. She's not the first character to be hated for idiotic reasons and she won't be the last.
Paarthurnax barely helps you fight Alduin, he teaches you 3 shouts which are not really that useful and he gives you a history lesson... that's it... and yet a lot of people completely over exaggerate this friendship they get from him... even after you kill Alduin, the other Dragons don't go away. If you let Paarthurnax go he states that he's going to try and help the others in the way of the voice... but that still doesn't change anything, you still have to keep fighting Dragons. I wonder, if we actually saw Paarthurnax killing dozens of people, burning them, torture and enslavement... would he still get any sympathy???? Something tells me that wouldn't change what most people would think of him.
I could go on and on with this, even with characters and groups from the DLCs, but I'll be here all day.
Final Thoughts
Having said all that, I'm not saying that these characters and groups need to go away simple because there bad people and rude, Skyrim wouldn't be a very interesting place without them. No one was written to be a Mary Sue (except the main character), a perfect flawless little angel or a boy scout, many of them will hire bandits to teach you a lesson for sealing or attack if there's a bounty on you.
This is a fan base full of sensitive morons (like countless others), this hate for Delphine and the Blades is just childish, trivial, with exaggerated reasons or none at all, speculating on what they can't prove and most of these people being hypocrites with no one going into details to make an argument for it. It's just, "I hate her and them because they wanted me to do something I didn't like!" It's like listening to a bunch of 6 year olds whining...