4.2 Age Of Something

        I began by hiring the carriage outside of Whiterun to take me to Windhelm. Once there, I entered Candlehearth Hall, the inn of the town. I requested the song "Age of Oppression" and listened; it described an uprising of the Stormcloaks, saying that the "age of oppression is now nearly done." I then left the inn and entered the palace and listened to Ulfric Stormcloak talk to his advisor about possible strategies for advancing the uprising, mentioning sending Bulgruuf a "stronger message" and taking Whiterun. I approached Ulfric and told him that I helped Ralof escape, and he said he would vouch for me. He said Ralof had not come, but I could speak to Galmar to join the uprising. Using an appeal to pathos, he spoke of how we had all been branded villains and I could join if my criminal past was left behind me. He continued to speak of the value of honor and integrity among the Stormcloaks.
        I left Windhelm and traveled by Carriage to Solitude. I entered the Winking Skeever, the local inn, and requested the song "Age of Aggression." It was almost identical to "Age of Oppression" in melody. Lyrically, it was the opposite. It was an ode to the Imperials. It spoke of spilling the blood of Ulfric Stormcloak and said that "the age of aggression is just about done." Both songs have the same purpose, to motivate and inspire loyalty, but are intended to reach two very different audiences.
        I then exited the inn and walked to the Blue Palace. I heard Varnius speak of lights and magical sounds coming from a nearby cave, and Sybille said that it was simply superstition. Falk suggested a more reasonable and moderate approach of sending a few guards, which Elisif agreed to. I then spoke to Elisif the Fair; she spoke of her husband Torygg's murder by Ulfric Stormcloak. Attempting to appeal to pathos, she spoke of the Stormcloaks as a "blight" that must be "purged." This did not resonate with me personally because my character already seems to have decided on joining the Stormcloaks, though he has not done so officially. It is easy to tell through the songs and appeals present in both cities that each city is prepared to support their respective causes, whether they be inciting rebellion or attempting to crush it.