How "neutral" is Jarl Balgruuf really?

[Oakshield]

Last night when doing a part of my weekly playthrough, I ran into the event of negotiating the truce between the Empire and the Stormcloaks. As I usually had, I relived through those moments of wanting to slap both Ulfric and Tullius in their faces - with a blunt weapon, of course - because of their childish behaviour. But it wasn't until the entire event had ended, that I realized that the way the people sat at the table actually showed something that's oposite of what the two faction leaders would let us believe.


When looking at the participants, we can recognize several parties:

1) The hosts, represented by Angeir
2) The Blades, represented by Delphine and Esbren
3) The Empire, represented by general Tullius, legate Rikke and Jarl Eilisif; with the Thalmor Elenwen as "observer"
4) The Stormcloaks, represented by Ulfric and Galmar
5) The neutrals, represented by Jarl Balgruuf and the Dovahkiin

So far, so good. However, when looking at how the parties are seated, something weird is showing.
Taken from the point of view of the Dovahkiin we see to the left of Angeir the following order:

- Elenwen
- JARL BALGRUUF
- General Tullius
- Jarl Eilisif
- Legate Rikke

And to Angeir's right - again from the Dovahkiin's point of view -

- Esbern
- Dephine
-Jarl Ulfric
- Galmar Stone-fist
- empty chair

Considering that Tullius specifically declares that Elenwen is with the Imperial delegation, I'm wondering why Balgruuf is sitting between two members of that delegation.
Looking at some of his previous conversations, I got the feeling he'd rather see Skyrim being part of the Empire, as it would be possible to defeat the Thalmor together, rather as it being an independent country again.
Yet at the same time he hasn't completely outlawed the Talos worshipping, considering the Talos shrine is still present in the city.

On top of all of this, it used to be common that the most important guests were sitting at the host's RIGHT side; which Elenwen does to Angeir.
But at the same time the Blades, which Angeir doesn't like at all, are located right next to his left.

Wouldn't it have been more logical if Jarl Balgruuf would have been seated to Angeir's right, and then Elenwen and the Imperial delegation; just like the two Blades were seated to his left before the two Stormcloaks.

And that makes me wonder, is Balgruuf really that neutral or has some programmer at Bethesda made a mistake?

Opinions please?


Thorin :)

[SpeedFreak1972]

Well it is known that he has some beef with Ullfric. He tries to stay impartial yet in the end he chooses the empire. So yea his impartiality is debatable.

[fauxpas]

He's not impartial, he's an Imperial supporter, but at the same time he turns a blind eye towards Talos worship.

[alexander_dougherty]

Jarl Balgruf mostly wants to be left out of the whole civil war. If Ulfric doesn't back him into a corner he will stay out of it.

He has a slight preference for the Imperials, because like most of us he realises the Thalmor are trying the old divide and conquer routine....ie they want Skyrim separate from the Empire (well actually they want the civil war to weaken everyone so they can come in and conquer both Skyrim and Cyrodiil)

[MysticMalevolence]

Maybe Balgruuf showed up first and didn't know who would sit next to him, and then Tullius sat down besides him.

[Teratus]

What i've perceived about Balgruuf is that he both agrees and disagrees with elements on both sides of the war.

He does support the Empire but not the abolishment of Talos Worship and he does not like the Thalmor or the Almeri Dominion which is something most Nords have in common regardless of whether they support the Stormcloaks or the Empire.

Likewise he's a True Nord and he supports or at least agrees with The Stormcloaks message about protecting the Nords culture and religion but he does not support Ullfric and his rebellion against the Empire, nor does he like Ullfric personally.

There are many factors at work withing the civil war storyline which can make it quite convoluted.
Imo that's one of the things I find most enjoyable about choosing which side I actually support.
Both have valid points and Balgruuf is pretty much in the same situation as we are.. stuck in the middle with both sides demanding his support.

As you play through the game there are quite a few things that can give you a better perspective of the overall political situation in this world between the Empire and the Aldermi Dominion.
Suffice to say the question you have to ask yourself is "who is your true enemy?"

Empire?
Stormcloaks?
Dragons?
Thalmor?
Aldmeri Dominion?
Nazeem?

Once you've figured that out it's up to you what you think is the best way to defeat that enemy.
For me personally I want to destroy the Dominion, so the best way of doing that is to side with the Empire and strengthen it so we can kill all them damned Elves the next time they start a war.
Only this time the Empire will have a super powerful Vampire Lord Dragonborn on their side :P

[fauxpas]

Nah, because the Last Dragonborn will disappear from history because she ends up as HE'S newest pet.