I have this elaborate idea as to how an action game based on a Second Great War between the Empire and the Thalmor would break down, but Skyrim's civil war outcomes really bug me. As much as I dislike Ulfric, Skyrim needs to be independent for this idea. You can see where Bethesda is trying to get to if you look at how the nations play out.

Here's the catch;
I am trying to allow for a second Ebonheart Pact to come together, but if Skyrim is a part of the Empire, why would they be a part of it? Besides, Bethesda needs an excuse for Skyrim's outcome for future games, anyway. So in the comments, I would like people to suggest an excuse for how in the world can Skyrim be separated from the Empire if the Dragonborn chooses to fight for the Imperials?

My suggestion is that Titus Mede II's son might have grown up with a certain dislike toward the nords of Skyrim (seems realistic), and when he inherits the thrown directly after Skyrim's story, this son would treat Skyrim unfairly - by means economically and all sorts, neglecting, and being disgusted - just as Ulfric was to anyone that isn't a nord. This would lead to a brief rebellion that was more successful than the civil war, because there were much more supporters and less haters. The emporer couldn't care less about Skyrim, anyway, so there you go. That's my thought. What's yours?

I know there is already a thread for future Elder Scrolls games, so I will save the story for there. I made a thread a few months ago suggesting how an Elder Scrolls VI would play out, and the story was too big to be a typical ES game. So a fanfiction would be nice, but I have no inspiration. So, I followed the path of action game. The story is based on that.

This action game would be known as The Elder Scrolls V: XXXXX. It would be a straight continuation of Skyrim (approximately 5-10 years after), and when starting a new game the player would be prompted to import a save from Skyrim. The file will have a requirement that the civil war questline was completed, and possibly the main questline. The reason is because this determines how the Dragonborn looks, and who the High King will be.

Just to give it away, the original factions will be coming together with these determinations:
Daggerfall Covenant - fighting for the Empire, has allied immediately.
Aldmeri Dominion - fighting for control over the Empire, as mer were meant to rule.
Ebonheart Pact - have desires of their own to push the restart button on Tamriel's society.

There would be ten different campaigns, based on each race. Just so you know. The nord campaign may allow the character to play as the dragonborn, but he/she may just be a background character.

So how can Skyrim become independent even after Ulfric Stormcloak is defeated?