Why the Thalmor should support the Stormcloaks : The Elder Scrolls Series Discussion

» Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:03 pm

Think about it.

Stormcloak victory = Weakened Empire = Anti-elf, Talo(ist?), independant Skyrim = Perfect excuse for invasion = More territory for the Elves

I don't see why they couldn't, indirectly at least, aid the Stormcloaks.

» Thu Dec 08, 2011 2:04 am

They are quite content with it, mind. I read a few of their reports when... Well, you'll see.

To say it this way.

"Let them sow discord, but not to the point where we cannot control them."

» Thu Dec 08, 2011 4:43 am

There is nothing wrong with your line of logic; however, think of it like this: The Thalmor simply want to rule all of Tamriel, and their only real opposition is the Empire. As the Empire continues to pour more and more resources into Skyrim the Empire will continuously grow weaker as the war prolongs. (They've resorted to recruiting "locals" of Skyrim to fill the ranks of the Legion -- as paraphrased from an Imperial Legion Soldier)

It is stated that the Thalmor simply want to "prolong the war" where they could really care less about who the victor may be as the logic (I believe) behind this is that, after an extended period of war, both sides will lack sufficient resources to hold their own territories against the Thalmor allowing them to simply swoop in for the prize with ease.

Also, they choose not to support the Stormcloaks because of the peace treaty between the Thalmor and Empire, surely it would look bad if the Thalmor were caught doing this. Not to mention the possibility of hastening the end of the war.

Note: These are ideas I am led to given from the game so far; not complete fact.

» Thu Dec 08, 2011 11:23 am

Haven't played the MQ yet, but like those above me I would think that they just want the war to exist and continue as long as possible. Regardless of who wins, it serves their purposes. And the less of a victory it is, the better.

» Thu Dec 08, 2011 8:14 am

That is why I supported the Empire. Man must stand united against Mer. Especially in light of some pretty damning evidence I found on Ulfric Stormcloak...

If you have not yet completed the 'Diplomatic Immunity' quest, please refrain from reading:

Spoiler

Ulfric Stormcloak was captured by the Thalmor defending the Imperial City. Now, the basic wording indicates that he was... quite happy... to sell out the Empire in exchange for his own freedom, and was allowed to escape by the Thalmor.

Maybe he was fighting for the Empire, but this indicates to me that he was planning to betray them long before the White Gold Concordat banned Talos worship, which was his part of his justification, if I recall, for war. Being quite happy to sell out the Empire, believing it would lead to the Imperial City falling (the City had already fallen).

Or maybe, having read Rising Threat now, he was, all along, a tool of the Thalmor. Captured, a potent enemy, they poisoned his thoughts with the Empire not respecting his people. Maybe the Stormcloak Rebellion has been a Thalmor plot all along.

» Wed Dec 07, 2011 10:04 pm

I came to that conclusion already well before Skyrim.