I've always interpreted them as saying they DON'T need to kill men physically - that is an error that's derived from trying to oversimplify their plans.

I myself could have easily misinterpreted what it meant, but thats just how I've always seen it. The Thalmor Justicars seem to have no issue with slaying any and all who openly flaunt their Talos Worshiping in their face or don't see a reason its bad.

That's because they're efficient.

To kill man is to reach heaven I suppose. Too bad they picked a fight with a Raga who was just as eager to kill them as they were him. :whistle:

The reason they're going after Talos, at least in the capacity we've seen so far, isn't to revert Mundus, but to inflame tensions between the Imperials and Nords. Heck, they may very well have increased Talos worship in Skyrim for the time being.

Ive seen more Talos statues then I would have thought in an Empire that banns him. Markath has an open shrine, sure its not being 'used' but its there and anyone can just waltz on in.

The cities are much bigger than they are in-game. Markarth's shrine being in an easy to find location in-game doesn't mean it's easy to find in-lore.

Except for Whiterun. I'm disappointed that the priest (and the shrine) don't disappear if the Empire wins.

Why would they? Siding with the Empire was nothing more than maintaining the status quo, but getting a stronger garrison. If the Thalmor have problems with him, they can haul him away. The empire's just trying to protect Whiterun from Ulfric's marauders.

Because it offically alligns them with the Empire, meaning that the Thalmor should come after him. There should be consequences depending on what side you pick.

Well, Balgruuf is privately a Talos worshipper and there's at least one high-ranking Nord legionnaire who's not particularly careful about her own veneration of Talos.

I'd imagine the Empire is figuring out how to turn a blind eye when expedient.

The Empire doesn't have a beef with Talos worship. Whiterun is under Imperial Protection, but if those Whiterun Guards can kill a dragon, they sure as hell aren't letting any golden-shelled cockroaches into their city.

They have to, or the Dominion can claim they are violating the Concordat. Who cares what the Empire thinks, the Thalmor are allowed to kill Talos worshipers at will.

I'm not saying this to be against the Empire. Just add some consequence to the choice.

The Dominion can't even get past the guards of Whiterun. And they really aren't in a position to accuse the Empire of violating the Concordat - Their bark is worse than their bite, and while the Empire cannot re-start the war, they sure as hell can win a defensive war against the Dominion.

A very angry kitty-cat Legate says otherwise, and has a collection of elf-helms.

The Markarth Incident says otherwise. Also, if they can stop the Dominion from entering cities, why don't they just force them to stop their crusade? After all, they can engage in a defensive war.

Their so-called crusade (including the Markarth Incident) is a charade to keep the Nords angry at the Imperials. And don't forget the preacher is telling them to fight the Imperials and side with the Stormcloaks. He's unintentionally doing exactly what they want him to do.

There's only one city the Thalmor can't enter - Whiterun. The empire would rather not pick another fight with the Dominion because even if the Dominion can't win, it would just result in everyone losing and nothing changing.

There are three reasons Heimskr's still alive:
1. Even if the Empire can't keep the Dominion out of their cities, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater can.
2. Any Unwanted Thalmor that try to get in will try to be rude to Braith, and get their asses kicked.
3. While Heimskr cannot stand against the might of the Dragonborn, he can take on a million elves and come out on top - Talos favors him. The guards clean up the mess.

The reason the Empire puts up with Heimskr is because they're awesome and tolerant like that.