Would the Stormcloaks manage to defend Skyrim? : V

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 4:21 pm

So, it is simple: Would the Stormcloaks manage to edfend Skyrim Against the Thalmor and Aldmeri Dominion if they won the civil war? Why/why not?

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 2:24 pm

So, it is simple: Would the Stormcloaks manage to edfend Skyrim Against the Thalmor and Aldmeri Dominion if they won the civil war? Why/why not?

No probably not. Not without help anyway. If they where part of a larger and organized alliance, well then the situation would be more promising.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 7:08 pm

The redguards did in hammerfell, so maybe the stormcloaks could as well, although it will be harder then if the empire was united, i understand what the stormcloaks are fighting for, but i think that them and the legion should resolve their differences, defeat the greater threat (the thalmor) and then sort all this out.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 5:46 pm

I dunno - Ysgramor did it once before... but no, probably not, because - well, numbers, i think. The Thalmor plan of splitting folks down the middle worked too well. Just my opinion =)

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:12 am

Yes, because my Stormcloak dragonborn will singlehandedly throw the entire invasion back into the sea.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 5:57 pm

It doesn't matter, both the Empire and the Stormcloaks will fall to the Thalmor.

It has to be, because there'd be inconsistencies in the lore for the next game otherwise.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 6:40 pm

It doesn't matter, both the Empire and the Stormcloaks will fall to the Thalmor.

It has to be, because there'd be inconsistencies in the lore for the next game otherwise.

That is a distressingly logical point. Damn elves.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:18 pm

stormcloaks will only use other nords in their army and the other races will not be seens as worthy to the cloaks -> low army numbers -~> lose

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:41 pm

The stormcloaks winning would be bad economically and military wise for Skyrim. They would lose import/export with the rest of the Empire, drastically changing way of life for many.

Plus their military force would be divided now from the rest of the Empire, making it easy for the Thalmor. Stormcloaks winning is the divide and conquer plan of the Thalmor, without the Thalmor losing any forces.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:05 pm

The Thalmor don't have to win, the next game could be just inside the war and Bethesda would be looking to expand their group vs group gameplay (taking over areas/castles, defeating supply caravans and helping to defend some places, etc), so it fits.

Though either way would allow that, i guess.

On topic, since the nords would have control over their realm, the empire will no longer be stretching their forces across the entire empire, alongside the fact that Hammerfell no longer likes the empire and may sign a deal with the nords, i imagine they could defend themselves quite well, i mean Hammerfell defeated their problem by themselves.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 3:15 pm

That is a distressingly logical point. Damn elves.

While Mr. Stormcloak and Tullius were busy butchering and weakening each other, the Thalmor had plenty of time to plot.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:40 am

Hammerfell did it. Is doing it.

The thing is that at least they're willing. The Empire isn't. If the Aldmeri Dominion attacks, the Empire will just abandon Skyrim again. And it'll be worse next time. They'll sell Skyrim out for peace like they did with Hammerfall.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:00 pm

Unlikely.
The redguards did manage to throw out the Thalmor however that itself was influenced by the things that occured in Cyrodil towards the end of the great war.
Were the Thalmor to attack Skyrim after the Stormcloaks had their way, they would be alone (dount the Empire would be willing to join a fight they currently don't believe they would win), doubt the redguards would help either given the past.
Remember too that Skyrim did fight on the side of the Empire during the great war, and if, with help, they could only manage a uneven peace treaty how well do you really think they would manage all alone?
The Dragonborn is a mortal, don't expect miracles.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:01 pm

Can Skyrim alone defend against the Thalmor?
Hard to say.. they would stand a better chance alone, than they would as part of the Empire though.
The Empire is scattered and broken, with practically only Skyrim left unscathed. The Empire need Skyrim far more than the other way around. All the Empire can do for Skyrim is to syphon it's soldiers and resources, and spread them too thin.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 3:31 pm

So, it is simple: Would the Stormcloaks manage to edfend Skyrim Against the Thalmor and Aldmeri Dominion if they won the civil war? Why/why not?

they maybe get help from hammerfell and could make peace with the empire.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:46 am

Either way they would however make enemies of the black marsh, Elsweyr and Morrowind.

So who knows.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 3:06 pm

Unlikely.
The redguards did manage to throw out the Thalmor however that itself was influenced by the things that occured in Cyrodil towards the end of the great war.
Were the Thalmor to attack Skyrim after the Stormcloaks had their way, they would be alone (dount the Empire would be willing to join a fight they currently don't believe they would win), doubt the redguards would help either given the past.
Remember too that Skyrim did fight on the side of the Empire during the great war, and if, with help, they could only manage a uneven peace treaty how well do you really think they would manage all alone?
The Dragonborn is a mortal, don't expect miracles.

Besides, the Dragonborn will end up disappearing just like the Nerevarine and the Champion of Cyrodill did, you'll see.

There are still plenty of expansions to come. They'll most likely determine the Dragonborn's fate.
The point is, he WON'T be there when the Empire / Stormcloaks most need him.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 4:02 pm

The rest of the Empire needs to be liberated from its Thalmor puppet regime, and then with a rejuvinated empire and an alliance with the other independent peoples the Thalmor can be destroyed.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 3:57 pm

Ulfric seems like a bit of a moron so probably not.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 12:12 pm

My personal impression is rather divided. The Empire is draining its resources, but without the Empire they would number to few. That said the Ra'Gada of Hammerfall managed it, and if they forged an alliance against the Thalmor and the Empire they would have a fair chance.

I believe an invasion of Stormcloak Skyrim would end much like the Night of Tears: The Nords lose and are subdued(or driven out), but decides that enough is enough and take back their home.

The reason I wonder is that I have started to doubt the Empire after a certain storyline(those who have done it will know it, so don't post spoilers).

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 2:48 pm

It doesn't matter, both the Empire and the Stormcloaks will fall to the Thalmor.

It has to be, because there'd be inconsistencies in the lore for the next game otherwise.

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» Sat Dec 17, 2011 8:07 am

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What an inspired and informative post. :whistling:

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:25 pm

One option that others don't seem to be considering - the Stormcloaks could coordinate with other independent provinces (like Hammerfell) to force the Thalmor to constantly be fighting a multi-front war, Forcing them to constantly split their power. Keep harrasing them, keep them off-balance, never give them the chance to marshall their forces against a single province and conquer it without having the other provinces pressing the attack against Summerset Isle or other "vassal" provinces.

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 10:20 am

The Redguards would probably support the Nords if there was an invasion of Skyrim. They wouldn't want the Thalmor directly controlling land on their northern border. Would probably spark Great War v2.0

» Sat Dec 17, 2011 5:05 pm

The Redguards would probably support the Nords if there was an invasion of Skyrim. They wouldn't want the Thalmor directly controlling land on their northern border. Would probably spark Great War v2.0

I could see the Redguards offering token support and using the Nords to weaken an invasion force, while keeping the brunt of their army unscathed (would allow them to then expand into Skyrim themselves and create a buffer zone). Remember the redguards probably still smart over their treatment of the Empire (of which Skyrim was a part), and Ulfric's tone isn't one I think the Redguard would welcome. I don't see them putting a large military force in Skyrim's defence as it would leave themselves somewhat vulnerable.