Okay. I have an idea for a mod, a mod which adds in a more strategic element for those who attain the rank of grandmaster (or whatever) for their respective great house, and maybe even the Imperial Legion (I was considering their territories being takeable by political bargaining, not war). Essentially, the houses would be at war with each other over cities. Before Dagoth Ur is defeated, they will actually be in alliance with each other, and will defend against Ash Creature attacks. Afterward, relations between the houses start to deteriorate quickly, and eventually all out war happens. Though you may be Hortator of the three houses, you must choose to support one of the Houses (the level of support you give will depend upon how much you want to give. You could be their full on battle commander [highest possible rank in that house required], or you could just be a soldier in the legions. Or, you could combine the two, giving commands whilst fighting, with your magically enchanted stone letting you talk with your captains, and order where they should, and who they should fight.)
During combat, cities would be vacated. All citizens would be relocated to nearby cities for the week of the combat (I was thinking one fight over a city per in game week?). The army size would be, maybe, 100 or so troops each, depending upon treasury size, mercenaries hired, and how your house relates with the common folk (mercenaries are hired with treasury, more pay for common soldiers means more will want to be hired, better relations will mean preferential treatment).
Things which I think will need to be added:
Faction reputation added to House
Treasury added to House
Thieves Guild, Mages Guild, Fighter's Guild given mercenary status (Houses will hire them to bolster their strength).
Mod will probably need MCA elements, and I've read about a mod called Dracandro's Voice which seems kind of similar.
House starting benefits:
Hlaalu: Large Treasury, skilled thieves, good relations with Imperial Legion
Redoran: Skilled Warriors, Large starting army, Neutral Relations with all
Telvanni: Very Skilled Mages, Bad relations with all (especially Mage's Guild. House Telvanni will not hire the Mage's Guild under any circumstance)
Just throwing this idea out there. I don't know how much of this would work, but I'd very much like to see something like it