The Empire, Skyrim and the Thalmor. Solution, Resolution and Perspecti

[Bohlox]

This is an interesting thread. Caused me to think, I like it. Well anyway I'm an imperial loyalist, so my little scenario would be in favor of the empire, and most characters I make, I kinda go with the role of a new emperor rising, remaking the current empire and basically creating another dynasty on par with what Septems had. Tiber Septem was a dragon born as well and he united the entire continent (even defeated the first dominion I believe) because he was obviously a genius and had power. What I would do is basically follow in his footsteps, I'd make some changes to the legion though. I remember reading in one of the rangers apprentice books, about a military the author modeled after the roman legions, tall square shields, small short swords made for stabbing and short throwing spears, this military was simple and extremely effective, simple enough that you can fully train a capable fighting force in a matter of months, out of inexperienced peasants, just a few months of drills to make each unit function as a whole, locked in a shield wall with their short swords stabbing through gaps in the shields, allowing them to advance in a deadly, nearly unstoppable wall. Of course these legions would need to be heavily supported by imperial battle mages but the legions have always been famous for those. if the legions were built on top of this then they would be able to field multiple legions at full strength very quickly. Not to mention the power of the voice being an incredible asset in any war, I mean look at Markarth, Ulfric was able to crack that dwemer built city, and his ability to shout played a huge role in that. As for the economic side to the war, that's not really my forte, but skyrim, as a region, has been the spring board for multiple empires throughout the ages, so there has to be some serous money value to the region. Plus the empire has control over the East Empire Company, and I'm sure there would be a lot of very smart people the dragonborn would have available that could seriously make use of that asset. And then there's the shadow war, the dominion proved they were more that a match for the blades at the start, the penitus oculatus has proven to be somewhat competent. So I would try to make use of both as much as possible, with, I dunno, maybe a third organization to make sure the right hand knows what the left is up to, that way they don't clash.

[RighthandofSithis]

Well, Tiber septim only managed to defeat the original dominion by, effectively, cheating (the use of the numidium. Think Dwarven centurion, but godlike and larger than the walls of Markarth).

 

And the shield wall tactic may work well from the front (however, some shock tactics, such as the boars snout may break it), but will it simply mimic the Phalanx formation, but with smaller blades? Thus, will it provide the same weaknesses, such as a slow moving force with little protection on the flanks?

[Bohlox]

The shorter blades is to make room for the short throwing spears, which is just as devastating as a volley of arrows or two, only instead of being just from archers, it comes from all of the foot soldiers, that couldn't be done as effectively if they had to juggle the long stabbing spears of the phalanx. I was just thinking that the mages would support heavily in the center, healing as needed and to sling their spells to counter any shock tactics, and countering any incoming spells. to answer the flanks issue, have better trained, stronger units guarding both flanks, with heavy support from archers and other missile units.

[MidbossVyers]

Well, Tiber septim only managed to defeat the original dominion by, effectively, cheating (the use of the numidium. Think Dwarven centurion, but godlike and larger than the walls of Markarth).

 

And the shield wall tactic may work well from the front (however, some shock tactics, such as the boars snout may break it), but will it simply mimic the Phalanx formation, but with smaller blades? Thus, will it provide the same weaknesses, such as a slow moving force with little protection on the flanks?

Naturally, a giant robot is the solution to all of our problems, so... Where do we get one?

[RighthandofSithis]

Out of curiosity, do we think that the Deep fighting tactic could be applied to the TES universe?

 

I should probably study it in more depth, but it seems to be bask the s#*! out of the opponent with artillery, then charge them with various units, each with its own goal in the battle.

[Dovahkiin234]

Here's my 12-point 2nd War strategy ^{(Patent Pending)}, assuming Tamriel is in its current position as the game starts, and I were Titus Mede II:

 

1. Broker a deal with Ulfric.

I would meet with Uflric Stormcloak, and negotiate a treaty with the rebellion in Skyrim (e.g.: Skyrim get more autonomy, Ulfric Stormcloak shall be recognized as High King of Skyrim). This would solve the issue of soldiers dying against Nords when the could be fighting Thalmor.

 

1 ¹/₂: Kill Amaund Mortierre.

Play the DB questline, then it'll make sense.

 

2. Improve Redguard relations.

This would be tricky, but it can be done. Simply do lots of negotiations (maybe some "gifts") and eventually convince Hammerfell to become closer to (maybe even rejoin) the Empire.

 

3. Establish a new Dragonguard.

Any attempts to reestablish the Blades would immediately be vetoed by the Aldmeri Dominion, so I would establish a secular Dragonguard, to help prevent/decrease chances of citizens being slaughtered by dragons (dragon attacks are bad for morale).

 

4. Find this Dragonborn guy.

Odds are, the Dragonborn will be making a pretty big stink in Skyrim by now, what with all the dragon-soul-eating and whatnot. Invite him to join the Imperial Legion as a General, generating support by saying maybe, just maaaybe, he's related to Tiber Septim.

 

5. Undermine the Thalmor.

I'm willing to get my hands a little dirty. I'll contact the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood (what's left of them) and use them to harass/eliminate important Thalmor. I might even use the DB to take out a few wealthy Thalmor-supporting noblemen. Meanwhile, the Imperial Legion will receive a large, anonymous donation.

 

6. Rebuild the Imperial Legion:

With the "funding" I mentioned earlier, this will be easier. Just instate a draft for all men ages 16-34. I'd be willing to also offer all bandits (except Reachmen) amnesty if they join the Legion. Although this may seem like a terrible idea, it'll work out in the short term, and that's what matters.

 

7. Nationalist funding.

Funnel money into Khajiit and Bosmer nationalist/freedom fighter groups in Valenwood and Elseweyr. That way, when we invade those places, we have plenty of support from the locals.

 

8. Weaken Thalmor armies.

Use the DB and TG to: poison water supplies, have blacksmiths make weak swords, burn barracks, tear sails, anything to make the Thalmor easier to crush.

 

9. The fun part.

Have General Dragonborn lead the charge, cutting through Valenwood, while General Tullius takes a legion through Elseweyr. when they force the Thalmor to the coastlines, have the Navy come in and finish the job.

 

10. Invade Summerset Isle!

Have the Dragonborn's legion go across the water to Summerset Isle, and have them wreak havoc!

 

11. Force our own little treaty upon the Aldmeri Dominion.

Write up the Crystal Agreement, which completely reverses the White-Gold Concordant, with these main points:

1. Worship of Auriel is banned (just for kicks)

2. The Thalmor shall be disbanded.

3. The Aldmeri Dominion shall have to answer to the Emperor.

4. Whatever the Aldmeri Army is called shall be reduced to 1/10 its size within 3 years.

 

12. Tie up loose ends.

Order the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary razed. Have all traces of the Thieves' Guild wiped out in Tamriel. Invite the Dragonborn back to Cyrodiil for a victory celebration. Since a decent number of people will believe that the Dragonborn should, by all rights, be Emperor (considering the whole "Dragonborn Emperor" concept of the Septim Dynasty), an Aldmeri nationalist will kill the Dragonborn during a speech. This will keep the Dragonborn out of the way, and will generate endless hatred against Altmer for a few centuries.

[RighthandofSithis]

Well, before trying anything, I'd address the social and economic problems facing the Empire. As i said before, that would require an iron hand, and could weaken the empire in the short run, allowing the Dominion to invade (although, it may be that the Dominions forces have been unable to rebuild), or they may set up more rebel movements within the Empire 9drawing on the totalitarian activities of the state).

 

Also, are you merging the WGC with the Treaty of Versailles?

[LithiumPower]

12. made me laugh out loud for it's sheer deviousness - brilliant.

[MidbossVyers]

@Dovahkiin234: Considering Auriel or Akatosh is worshipped by most races, you'd get something worse than the Stormcloak rebellion.

[fraquar]

Personally, if I were the Dragonborn I'd want no part of this Imperial mess. They got themselves into this mess, get themselves out of it - otherwise they should be ashamed to call themselves an "Empire" altogether.

 

As for the Thalmor, they'd only need to know (if they don't already with all the carnage to their Justiciars) that I'm not their ally, and have no quarrels spilling more of their blood should they decide to get stupid.

 

In fact, by deciding not to be a part of the Imperial mess I could openly defy the Thalmor by recreating the Blades (on a mass scale). Go ahead AD, come get me....... I'm not bound by your treaty.

Edited March 6, 2013 by fraquar