Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-3539474-20130910213054/@comment-3539474-20130920230012

One of the most interesting aspects of Skyrim is the civil war raging between the Imperial Army and the Rebels. The province is in turmoil, as its nine holds (major regions) are divided in their allegiances between the two opposing forces. What makes this civil war even more intriguing is that there is no clear “good guy.” Stormcloaks appear negative because they are bigot towards non-Nords, while the current WGC Empire bad because they are arrogant and believe in oppression through conquering. The game does a good job of putting the decision entirely in the hands of the player, as you are left to judge for yourself which side is better and which deserves Dovahkiin help in conquering Skyrim.

I would have agreed with the new "Stormcloak' rule if they returned the Reach to the Reachmen and outlawed bigotry.  And the dying Empire can go die if their going to be Thalmor's puppet. If High Rock were cut off and exposed by sea (no more Skyrim goods) and the Dominion will be poised to take the vulnerable HR with slave soldiers from Valenwood/Elsweyr.

Skyrim needs to remain neutral to prevent further bloodshed. As for Cyrodiil, the Imperials need another rebellion against the WGC puppet government. Imperial City could not have changed much, have a lot of battle scars and a large AD presence. Thalmor probably have taken over the Talos Plaza District and used it as their Embassy headquarters in the city.