Thalmor are more hoity-toity about intellect than race. Here are my thoughts after going through many character runs; Here be *possible, most likely* Civil War quest spoilers Ulfric is a jerk, until you prove yourself, and even after that, he thinks him above you really.Even upon mentioning Helgen, his attitude is pretty much 'dragons. meh, I've seen worse.'Galmar sent you to a frozen wasteland and didn't expect you to come back, but he is much more grateful once you help out.When fighting them, they tend to mosey out and just surround you, hitting anything in between you and their blade. (Or the oh-so-annoying Iron Warhamer "Super-Duper-Skull-Bashing" killmoves.) ]:<During the war-meetings between sides (this is dependent on progression in the main quest and civil war, it does not always occur.), Ulfric, no matter which side you are on, treats Tullius like dirt. Insults him, and does not want to co-operate, and frequently just talks about "freedom!, Imperial scum!, 'murica!"Then there is the imperial side, which is my preference. General Tullius is respectful from the start.Upon mentioning Helgen, despite whatever your character did to get in that situation, he acknowledges that you were one of the few who survived, and that the Legion could benefit from your talent.Rikka also doesn't send you nearly as far away from HQ as Galmar, and she pays last rites to Ulfric upon you killing him.When fighting against Legionnaires, they are well-disciplined, organized, and capable warriors. Their ranks are comprised of differently ranked warrior classes with their respectful equipment.During the war-meetings, Tullius chooses to speak in a polite and calm manner, but becomes quite curt after Ulfric starts bashing him, and he does not insult Ulfric, if my memory serves correctly.Also, it is worth mentioning that in holds captured by Stormcloaks such as Whiterun, asking citizens and shopkeepers if their presence has changed anything, I mostly found the people said the soldiers were annoying, smelled, took stuff because they could, etc.Anyway, that's just what I think, having gone through both sides. Edit: With all that said, Bethesda designed whichever side you took to constantly bash the other. It is, IMO, a psychological way for you to hear it often, and be convinced by it. Thus making it seem more personal.