I have an idea (or a couple) about the next TES game. So here it is.

The game begins as you, a prisoner as you're being taken across the sea towards The Summerset Isles via an Aldmeri Dominion prisoner galley. After you wake up [make character] to sounds of battle outside, a Redguard comes rushing in and busts open your cell door and says that he is here for you. You accept his aid and you both run swing across back to his ship, just as the galley you were on begins to sink into the water. As you tumble onto the ship deck, the Redguard captain yells for you to help. You are then told to either grab a sword and board ships, grab a bow to cover the boarders, or help the battlemages by using magic to sink ships. After the battle, you sail back to Hammerfell where your adventure begins...

The reason you were captured is because you were supposed to be a highly skilled [class] from [region] and the King of Hammerfell sent for you to aid with the fight against the Aldmeri Dominion. After your capture though, your skill is severely doubted by the Redguards and you must win back their trust, or turn your back on them and choose to aid the Aldmeri Dominion.

The class and region choices would of course give the player context as to their characters history, and the fact that you would be able to choose which region your character originated from give you a slight change in racial perks. Like being a Dunmer born in the Grey Quarter of Skyrim gives you a slight frost resistance buff, but as a result, it limits the natural flame resistance of the Dunmer.

This could also bring in some interesting race dynamics where because you are not considered a pure blood Dunmer, you are looked down upon by many Dunmer, on top of the fact that the Argonians and some Nords don't like you (Ah the many facets of racism).

The return of the Aldmeri Dominion could be explained because of the civil war in Skyrim severely weakened the Empires grasp on Tamriel, especially with the death of the Emperor. This would just be another push from the Aldmeri Dominion to take back Tamriel, starting with Hammerfell, the province that gave them so much trouble before.

And of course as you may have already guessed, I think it would be really cool to finally see ship combat in a TES game

All of you who are more familiar with the Elder Scrolls lore, feel free to pick this one apart. I still think it's a great idea.