Long live the Empire!

I love Imperials.

THE EMPIRE IS LAW. THE LAW IS SACRED.

Frealz tho, I actually really like the Empire, just as a game device. I prefer the more Roman version presented in Morrowind, it just seems to fit the theme better, rather than the medieval European style of Oblivion. I know Beth doesn't want to nail down an influence, but medieval Europe was a fractured, feudalistic society rather than a unifying civilization. Then again, maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyways. They bring a nice touch of civilization to a world which is otherwise rather barbaric. They have extensive records, taxes, sciences, etc. There's something reassuring about the bureaucracy of it all, like real progress is being made as humans, rather than just the subsistence survival everyone else is operating on.

I don't mind the Empire. It almost reminds me of the British one.

And I have a fondness for the British monarchies.

The current empire? Nah. The Alessian or Reman empires are another story...

It's said that monarchy is both the best and the worst form of government. The quality of that government is largely determined by the personal qualities of the individual at the head of it, which is generally unpredictable from one generation to the next. A great leader can take advantage of the focused power afforded by a strong central government and make serious improvements in the quality of life; a bad leader can use that control to bring misery to thousands or even millions. Various Septims throughout the history of the Empire in TES have shown both sides of the coin. Decentralized government (or government by "committee") is a guarantee of mediocrity, as a price for its protection from the excesses and abuses of a potential dictator; the more decentralized, the more mediocre.

The Empire in the TES series is a very effective story element as a contrast to the bickering and fragmented realms which it gathered within its strong grasp. I've played one character who was best termed an "Imperial lackey" to the max, and another whose driving ambition was to punish the Empire that first imprisoned him and then dumped him on that forsaken island. Personally, I "sort of" like it, but have plenty of reservations about it.

Empires bring civilisation to the world, and it is in their nature to destroy themselves.

I liked the empire a lot. First of all, I don't like the idea of "sticking it to the man". I like to abide by laws and keep things the way they are. That is why I liked the feel of Morrowind better than Oblivion, because the Empire is not troubled by assassinations and invasions like in Oblivion. I hope in the next game the empire makes progress to re-unite (hopefully aided by Skyrim).

I disagree. In my opinion the United States (to take one example) is more mediocre now than it was 200 years ago. The larger and more centralized the government, the slower and more unresponsive that government becomes.

I also disagree about the "committee" statement. If anything, centralized governments are more dominated by committees than decentralized governments. This goes for any organization, not just governments. A small business or small chain of businesses is less likely to be dominated by committees than a multinational corporation.

When the King on England had real power and owned australia, as well as India (which is its own continental plate) that was not true.

I agree with your assessment about the US now versus 200 years ago. I disagree with your reasoning as to why. 200 years ago, it was a Republic, with power concentrated in the hands of a "franchised" voting class who either owned land or served time in the military, and was removed from the "general public". Now it's a Democracy, with policy being set by the opinions of just about anyone and everyone. It may be larger now, but it's less centralized, and increasingly oriented toward providing the most "freebies" before the next election, instead of focusing on the long-term needs of the country.

There are a few "gray issues" to "centralization"; a political or economic entity with more size may more likely to be run by committees, but the power in that larger entity is likely to be concentrated in one or two such committees, which make up a disproportionately smaller fraction of the whole body. In the TES world, the destruction of the Amulet at the end of the Oblivion Crisis leaves the Empire in the hands of a committee. It remains to be seen how Bethesda handles the "history" of that time, and the ensuing maneuvering for power by claimants to the throne.

I really don't want to go too much farther with this, or risk turning it into a headed discussion on politics, which is ALWAYS a bad idea in an open discussion group.

I like the Empire, as greedy and un-caring as they are, they're effective and it's better than a bunch of warlords squabbling with innocent civilians getting caught in the crossfire

I generally don't appreciate it when cultures and beliefs are forced on the natives of a land by a larger, malignant civilization. It makes me sick.

No, not really.

but the empire doesn't do that. THe cult of the nine divines doesn't have Inquisitions (although that would be awesome)

Yes, they just so happen to build Imperial shrines directly outside of major Dunmer cities, not to mention they impose their laws, which are the basis of their culture, on the people of Morrowind, Elswyr and every other nation that would enjoy a splendid and unique culture if it weren't for the empire.

If they tried more direct assimilation, there would be even more revolts, systematic oppression works, just ask White America.

I only quickly flipped through the Infernal City (queue possible spoilers), Sure, it's currently in a state of disrepair, but they can only go up from where they are now.

Either way I'm not thrilled nor displeased by their presence... as long as they stay mostly out of the way of Argonia

Of course not. Empires are evil. Period.

Technically, the Septim Empire is dead. All hail the Mede Empire! Kill the Thalmor! ALL ELVES MUST DIE!

It's not that I like it, more that the alternative seems worse.

Imperial shrines are there for the Imperials residing there. The majority of Imperials in Vvardenfell are in cities, so it only makes sense for them to be close. You expect them to head into the ashland daily?

The empire rocks.

Plus Warlord Titus Mede sounds badass, I have high hopes for the new empire.

Exactly why must they be in Vvardenfell, again? I mean, they have Cyrodil. Is that not enough? They need a Volcanic island, too? Greedy clowns.

Any large organization (and this includes Empires) behave much like organisms, given enough time. Whatever the intention behind their founding, eventually the sole purpose of an organization is to reproduce and to spread.

And that's a good thing? Imperialism tends to bring out the worst in both the invaders and the natives.

This new Empire wants to kill all Elves? I like this new Empire and I find them to be a worthy heir to the old Alessian Empire, if that is the case.