I'm pretty sure this has been debated a lot, and I'm sure there are multiple threads throwing different theory of the Skyrim beginning and the confusing comment that Ralof makes about being captured crossing the border near Darkwater Crossing when its a good distance away from they Cyrodiil border. After having logged in around 200 hours of playing with multiple characters. I couldn't stand to not know how I ended up in the damn cart. A few little things to keep in mind when analyzing my theory: 1) I like to think the Player Character (henceforth known as PC), is innocent. 2) I am very much a role-player, forgive my if my theory sounds like a mini work of fiction with a very badly named main character. 2) I am taking Ralof's comment to be true, that you did trip on a banana peel and land squarely in an imperial Ambush 3) I am assuming the character is a native of Cyrodiil, despite Hadvar's comment on where your remaines will go. With all that out of the way let's get started. For reasons unknown PC decides he is tired of Cyrodiil and decides to head up to Bruma from where ever he was. From here, he does try to cross the border legally via the Pale Pass, assuming the borders were still open. I am assuming here that PC has no idea of the civil war in Skyrim, or perhaps PC has heard of only the unrest in Skyrim. I am also assuming here that this Pass has been closed due to the war, as it would be foolish to let more people in to a region that could potentially help your enemy. Continuing on, PC tries to find another way through the Jeral Mountains and stumbles upon Serpents Trail. According to lore, it SHOULD lead right to Skyrim*. Upon taking this road and battling the Ogres of Pale Pass, PC is spit out somewhere near the Falkreath and Rift hold borders. Battle weary from fighting the Ogres and other enemy's, PC wanders along following the nearest road. Finding water westward, PC follows along crossing Treva River (perhaps filling a waterskin as well) and follows up Darkwater River. Of course at this very time the Imperial Legion is laying in wait for Ulfric and his troops, being on high alert any movement or sound could be the Stormcloaks. Naturally when the Legion hears hoof beats behind them along with a strangled cry, they spring the trap thinking on of their own has been hurt. Ulfric, being out numbered, surrenders without a fight and allows himself to be bound and gagged. With Ulfric's peaceful surrender, they find a Horse Thief and a Stranger in the same vicinity as there most valuable prisoner, they take no chances and drag the entire lot into custody. End Notes *In Oblivion there is a quest called "Lifting the Vail" Where you uncover the location to a hidden Akaviri fort located through a hidden trail called Serpents Trail that leads into Pale Pass. I am assuming taking this route leads you to a different part of the Pale Pass that is more hidden then the direct route leading North East from Bruma and wasn't rediscovered by someone else. The Countess that gives you this quest does tell you to keep it a secret between the two of you. I am aware in Oblivion the trail ends at the fort, I consider that a limitation so the player won't walk into an invisible wall. That is my theory, I would love to be proved wrong and hear other thoughts on this. As I said, I know it's been done before. I just wasn't comfortable commenting on a year old thread.
