Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-26213507-20150715194939/@comment-26801133-20150723090546

I must say, I really like your idea with causing trouble with the treaty around the Empire and forcing the Dominion to spread their forces thin. Although I doubt they would do that. Thalmor presence in Skyrim seems to be relatively small, yet still have a prominent effect. They have their Embassy, one military fort (which will be cleared permanently) and a few officers stationed in Markarth. The Dominion is keeping most of their army at home in case of an attack, just like the Empire. As for food we forgot another important supply in Skyrim; meat. It is mentioned (and even seen in-game) that Skyrim has an abundance of wild animals. They could use it for themselves or export it to other countries. Interestingly, even if the Stormcloaks wins the Civil War, the East Empire Trading Company still stands both in Solitude and Windhelm. I guess even though Ulfric and Galmar hate the Empire with a passion, they aren’t blind to reason either. That is why East Empire Trading Company as well as the Penitus Oculatus Outpost still stand; most likely both being Empire related factions, but removed from the internal politics of Skyrim.

But I won’t deny what you are saying about Skyrim will lose much if they leave the Empire. It is implied a lot that Skyrim will fall on hard times if they break apart from the Empire. But like Idgrod herself will say: "I try and take comfort in knowing that when all is lost, there is much to be gained." I consider it like curing oneself from an addiction. For too long has Skyrim lived comfortably on Imperial coin. Once it’s taken away, Skyrim will feel an abstinence effect that will last for a long while. But once they overcome the pain and the addiction, they might come out stronger in the end.

And I wouldn’t compare the Stormcloaks to the Forsworn at any time. Yes it’s true, they both use similar catch phrases and both fight for independence and religious freedom. But the way the Forsworn carries out their rebellion is much different. Unlike the Forsworn, the Stormcloaks are really friendly to outsiders. Hell, you can freely walk into any of their military camps, talk to them, use their equipment, loot their chests, sleep in their beds and even trade with their local quartermaster. You come anywhere near a Forsworn base of operations, even as a Breton wearing Forsworn armor, they will at best warn you to stay away or at worst put an arrow in your face. Also, the Stormcloaks doesn’t attack innocent civilians except for Imperial Soldiers and other hostile beings. The Stormcloaks doesn’t also infiltrate cities and spread terror from the inside. Even though I do sympathize a bit with the Forsworn, they are still several Septims short of a Stormcloak rebellion. As for Siddgeir I wouldn’t say he even controls the criminals within his Hold the way Maven does. He simply gets a bribe from the bandits and in return lets them do whatever they please. They are not in his pocket like the Thieves Guild are in Maven’s pocket.