» Tue Jan 01, 2013 2:16 pm
Ohh nice. This will be fun.
Having more experience with the Stormcloaks, I think I'll assume they won the War, and I'll explain what happens (from Skyrim;s point of view) from what I'd do if I where leading.
Firstly, here's a map of Tamriel, so as to help explain my ramblings:
[img]http://images.uesp.net/c/c3/TamrielMap.jpg[/img]
Firstly, I'd make ties with Hammerfell and some of the Kingdoms of High Rock (those closest to Skyrim's border). Hopefully I'd be able to create a league to oppose the Dominion. I'd also begin trade with the Dunmer.
At home, I'd consolidate my power, and begin a project to expand my economy to prepare for the War. I'd begin mass agriculture in the Rift and Whiterun Hold and rebuilt industry (smithing etc). I'd evaluate the situation in the Reach. if it is not economically or militarily viable to keep it, I'd immediately evacuate the population and retreat, posting the soldiers from the Reach on its borders to make sure the Forsworn aren't going to begin harassing the rest of Skyrim. Hopefully by doing this, the communications routes to Hammerfell won't be ruined. Ideally, I'd be able to bring the Reach into my alliance, but I'm not going to be that optimistic. I'd also make it top priority to instigate rebellion amongst the Nords of Bruma, or if that fails, take it by force. Its a key position, as it is situated on top of a steep rise up the Jerall Mountains, and helps guard the already defensible Pale Pass, making it the ideal Bulwark to defend Skyrim from both the Empire and the Thalmor.
This position should be enough to allow Skyrim to rebuild. Hammerfell has probably already rebuilt (after 20 years or so).
So onto the War itself, in this position, its pretty clear that the war will be focused on the seas between Summerset and Hammerfell, and the Province of Cyrodiil. Cyrodiil itself will probably be divided between North and South, with Colovia being a massive warzone. The North (Bruma, Cheydinhal and Chorrol) would fall in line with Skyrim and Hammerfell, with the south (Anvil, Kvatch, Skingrad, Bravil and Leyawiin), will fall in line with the Dominion. Naturally, The Imperial city would probably be the focus of the War, however, looking at southern Colovia, we can imagine that that area will be the focal point of much of the conflict. I can't imagine that Hammerfell would be able to take and hold that area by itself while also focusing on a naval battle, so Skyrim will need to commit at least half of its forces here. The outcome of the war will probably be decided here.
If Colovia is taken by Skyrim and Hammerfell, before we march on the White Gold Tower, we should try to take at least the Aldmeri city of Arenthia, again like with Bruma, as a Bulwark between the Dominion and Skyrim/Hammerfell.
The Naval battle will be another crucial point in the war. The Aldmeri, Nords and the Redguards are all famous for their navies. While we can imagine that the Aldmeri navy would utilise Battle mages to sink enemy Ships, we haven;t really seen any Aldmeri ships (or at least I haven't) to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Neither do I know much about Redguard Ships. However, I'm pretty sure that Nordic Ships include viking logboats, not necessarily designed for strength, but their speed could be very useful in an engagement. If the Nords have developed larger, more aggressive ships, i do not know. However, I could imagine that both the Nords and the Redguards would be able to match the dominion's magic with ship borne artillary (catapaults etc).
Regardless of the outcome, I can't see the Next Great War, in this scenario, providing a clear victor. That would have to wait for the third Great War at least.
And yes, when you think about it, its truly a horrible nightmare of a situation. It it truly the 'Season Unending'.