Mundus? I keep seeing these references to the most recent incantation of the Aldermi Dominion's ultimate goal of elevating beyond the plane of Mundus and into divinity. Where is this information coming from exactly? All I can find are accounts of the Thalmor spreading influence and conquering imperial lands. I am not seeing anything that speaks to more that a typical power grab.

If you want to learn more about that subject it would be good for you to play through the mages college in Skyrim. It reveals something of the ultimate goal of Thalmor.

Alright thanks, I did so when the game came out but I don't think I had the full background of the Thalmor by that point, so it probably went over my head. I'll have to go back and do that.

The Thalmor are the furthest extreme of the Elves refutation of creation. Two texts that will help your understanding:

First, there's http://www.imperial-library.info/content/nu-mantia-intercept. It's an explanation of Towers and Stones and their role in creation.

Then there's http://www.imperial-library.info/content/forum-archives-michael-kirkbride. While it'd be best to read everything, the relevant part is 'what appears to be an Altmeri commentary on Talos."

After that, try to dig up the 1st edition pocket guide to the Empire, I'm pretty sure it's also on TIL, for a bit more perspective on the Thalmor.

Also this line by Ancano:

I think it's also referenced in the novels, but I can't check on mobile.

The Towers' function is given a noncommital nod in a discussion of White-Gold but I don't recall any mention of the Thalmor let alone their goals.

IIRC, in the novels only the first step of their plan, recreating a Merethic Era, is stated...

Quoting my Infernal City notes on TIL: