You can also, being me, try to imagine what the would-be-emperor feels is the right decision, aside from what is the one most likely to win the war. My dragon commander has a touch of idealism, so he wouldn't gladly employ means contrary to his ultimate goals.
People who enjoy doing that normally won't need me prompting them, though; just thought I'd bring it up.
The dwarves don't like me (much), and no wonder: They're not nice. (I'm sure they are nuanced, though, once you look beyond their prominent representative.)
Oddly enough this is why I wasn't much concerned about the mechanic in previews as I expected myself to go with my heart on these decisions. Instead I've found the narrative has placed me in the role of peacekeeper and it feels more important for me to build unity between the nations and prevent further wars than to impose my own ideals.
