Board Thread:Skyrim/@comment-11442700-20131115130935/@comment-3539474-20131116090201

Skyrim isn't under threat by the AD until they are no longer protected by the White-Gold Concordat. 2 choices..

1, The Stormcloaks win, Skyrim is independent. Then the Thalmor are free to attack Skyrim without violating the WGC, so they get to invade Skyrim fighting a force that's roughly equal to only 1/20 the military power of the Imperial Army while also keeping the up the facade of being allied with the Empire.

2, The Empire still hold Skyrim, but the Thalmor and Empire are no longer pretending to be "allies". Now the entire force of the Empire (all three provinces) is fighting the AD.