Off Topic Discussion Megathread

[Caurcas]

The thing is, is that the Empire is actually against the Thalmor. They just don't have enough power yet to stand up and fight them. Ulfric is an opportunist trying to seize power over Skyrim, and had already lost if not for Alduin interrupting the execution because of the Dragonborn.

Basically, siding with Ulfric is condemning Skyrim to independent rule by someone who has already proven they can't even take on one legion of the Empire without you. They will never stand a chance against the Thalmor.

Also, the decision to execute the player was commanded by an individual. While other leaders were there, they weren't concerned with justice for individuals at the time, since executing Ulfric takes precedence. I don't really have any great love for Tulius, but his second in command kind of makes up for it. Do wish I coulda killed the lady that orders my execution in the tutorial. Woulda been nice!

Siding with the Empire is also a move that keeps it unified. To splinter it by trying to command Skyrim to be independent just means the Aldmeri Dominion get even more power over Tamriel.

Hammerfell was cut loose by the Empire and they drove the Thalmor out, so can Skyrim. Furthermore, the Thalmor would have to cross either Hammerfell or Cyrodiil in order to reach Skyrim. From which they then would have to maintain supply line whilst fighting against a nation that has a homefield advantage. It would be a quagmire for the Thalmor. Also, as an avid individualist I will always stand by a nation that wants self governance from a failed foreign power. Plus Dragonborn wild card.

[Vyrerus]

Hammerfell was cut loose by the Empire and they drove the Thalmor out, so can Skyrim. Furthermore, the Thalmor would have to cross either Hammerfell or Cyrodiil in order to reach Skyrim. From which they then would have to maintain supply line whilst fighting against a nation that has a homefield advantage. It would be a quagmire for the Thalmor. Also, as an avid individualist I will always stand by a nation that wants self governance from a failed foreign power. Plus Dragonborn wild card.

Hammerfell only held out against the Aldmeri Dominion because the Empire made the decision to allow the Imperial troops fighting for Hammerfell to be considered, "Invalid." This cut them loose without punishment, while maintaining the treaty with the Thalmor, which gave Hammerfell the necessary manpower to continue resisting. In the end, the Aldmeri withdrew, but over half of Hammerfell is in ruins. A pyrrhic victory under the auspices of the Empire. You're welcome.

The only way an Ulfric lead Skyrim is having any chance against the Aldmeri is if they ally with Hammerfell or another nation, so that they can make up for their deficiencies. They've got no navy. No real powerful mages. They've got the Thu'um, but not everybody's got the Thu'um.

Suppose Ulfric does win in Skyrim. What happens to the rest of what's left of the Empire? It does crumble, and then the Aldmeri take Cyrodil again. The only real wild card preventing this is what the dragons are doing.

I'm actually kind of jonesing for Elder Scrolls 6 in this regard, because I would very much like to know where they will go canonically with the Skyrim Civil War. Assuming we don't get like... some tale from the 1st Era or something instead of moving on to the 5th era or later in the 4th. I'd like to know if Paarthurnax actually succeeds in getting some benevolent dragon society going. Whether or not the Dragonborn stayed engaged with the political strife/war.

It'd also be cool if it was like, The Elder Scrolls VI: Outcast People, and was centered around Orsinium or something or other. Orcs ftw, baby!