» Thu Aug 18, 2011 2:04 am
Although I'd love to see a return to the Mereic Era, the Imperials didn't build the Empire in one day. If there's anyone to conquer Tamriel, it's the descendants of Alessia that well-rounded in almost every military vocation. As for their rivals(and those with other races in mind).....
Argonians: Very deadly guerilla fighters with skilled mages, resistance to poisons, and amphibian talents too boot. They're also united. We don't hear much of infighting within Argonia. If anything, these guys will take a long time to return to Imperial(or any other kind) rule.
Altmer: Skilled warriors with a magical heritage barnone, and a strong navy. They've also fought men and mer before when they where still Aldmer. Problem is though that their society is being unraveled from within, and they're probably one of the lowest in population if their eugenic programs are facts and not rumors.
Bretons: The ingenuity and tenaciousness of man, wed with elven skill. All bretons know some magics, and if their base in High French culture is any sign, they might also have a strong Chivalric tradition. They're pitifully divided however. It would be easy for spies to turn the five kingdoms against each other.
Bosmer: They've fought against Khajiit, Altmer and Imperials before, only the latter to even manage to bring some semblance to rule. Valenwood still remains on of the least developed provinces however. Wood Elves are defensive, using the trees to their advantage being scouts and archers, and I haven't even touched the Wild Hunt yet. I don't think any Tamrielic army managed to bring Valenwood into full submission. Camoran dynasty anyone?
Dunmer: If Vvardenfell wasn't a gaping caldera, it be a suicide mission for almost any army. Though the dark elves are divided by house and religion, most share a strong faith in their Velothi heritage. But now with the Dunmer rendered nothing more than a refugee population, they're sitting ducks unless if they build an imposing presence quick and strong in Solstheim.
Khajiit: They've got a full gauntlet of warriors, raiders, calvary, and archers of various types due to the Lunar Lattice. Only in spell power is where the Khajiit lack, but if a strong Mane can unite the tribes of the north and the cities of the south, they might not be able to conquer other provinces, but they can be good defenders. They have fought each other before however, and that divisiveness has been exploited.
Nords: These guys literally cut out a place for most of mannish races a place in Tamriel out of steel and elven blood. These guys are survivors. Strong fighters, skilled sailors, capable mages and maybe even Thu-um makes them good contenders for Tamriel domination.
Orcs: Excellent soldiers, mages, and leadership, but they don't have the numbers.
Redguard: The same as the nords above, sans magic, Thu-um, and a society not divided along socio-political lines. Unless if they get their act together, it might not turn out well.