Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-10104661-20131123202545/@comment-177.17.25.62-20150119045735

Winterhold, as the Arch-Mage. I'd spend a few years leaving the College for Tolfdir to manage, and studying under Neloth. Next, I would send a letter of invitation to every wizard of Skyrim for a tenure at the College, all expenses paid (the funding would come from a tight grip on Skyrim's high value commodity market, such as potions, enchanted gear, jewelry et cetera). The city of Winterhold would see a major revamp, all graciously funded by the Arch-Mage.

After a sufficient amount of power had been amassed, I'd come to Jarl Elisif with an offer - in return for the full support of the College of Winterhold (an entire division of battlemages, guarded by Atronachs and mercenaries in full Dragonbone regalia), the Hold of Winterhold would be integrated under the College, with the Arch-Mage serving as Jarl in trust. The implication, of course, would be that in case of a refusal, I'd just make the same offer to Ulfric.

With the office of Jarl merged with the one of Arch-Mage and Winterhold an effective magocracy, the region would see prosperity.