In swearing fealty to the Nords, you are actively choosing to strengthen the weakest kingdom in the entire game. This is exactly why I want you to swear fealty to the Nords.
Personally, I've taken on a Nord army that was three-hundred strong, and I did so with a meager, mixed-unit army of ninety-five. Well, you see, the Nords are absolutely terrible and most starting characters could handle a Nord army single-handed, if they play it safe.