[quote=Noir]
They have diplomatic ties to the imperials I think. I can't remember exactly how it worked. I just know that the Stormcloaks didn't like Altmer one bit. And understandably so. The Thalmor are dicks. I just wanted to play a mage. If I had known the game forces you to choose between siding with people who tried to kill you in the past and people who currently want you dead, I might have decided to go with a Breton instead, or just screw the whole thing and play a Nord warrior like the game obviously wants you to.
[/quote]

You CAN be a Mage as a Nord.