Board Thread:Skyrim/@comment-12599067-20130928060857/@comment-3539474-20140206015858

Dovahsebrom wrote: Nazul Rostello wrote: Dovahsebrom wrote: 72.200.200.252 wrote: Since the Reachmen are decended from Nords the fact that the Nords were there before the Forsworn does not affect the Forsworn's status as native, since they could claim descent from the first Nord settlers and those that they interbred with. Over time this mixed race acquired its own unique culture and legitimate ruling structures and so they were in fact the invaded and wronged party. Also Talos was a vile vile man and Skyrim belongs to the Giants. Reachmen were born in the Western Reach meaning they are native to High Rock, not Skyrim. Also Reachmen weren't bred from the first Nordic settlers, they were born during the Skyrim Conquests; the Reachmen actually have very little Nordic blood in them and are much more descended from Altmer than even most Bretons. The Reachmen never in their lives established a rule over the Reach that could be considered anywhere near as legitimate as Skyrims ruling Kingdom (which the Reach belonged to). Considering Orsinium was founded by an Orc chieftain years after High Rock was established as a Bretonic Kingdom., it's safe to assume that the Reachmen also wanted their own city-state within the two kingdoms (The Reach & Western Reach), except they want to be independent and free from foreign influence. Orcs existed in High Rock long before Bretons did, in fact there is evidence orcs were in Tamriel before any other Mer. Yes. But Orsinium was created after High Rock became a kingdom. Before the Atmorans founded the First Nordic Empire (Skyrim), that snowy region was known as "Mereth", a land which was once inhabited by clans of the Dwemer and the Falmer. Solstheim was part of Skyrim before the High King gave it to the Dunmer.

It's not about who were there first, it's about independence. Much like Orcs, they likely are outcasts trying to be recognized. Come to think of it, perhaps there is a problem with the self-determination. Especially during the aftermath of the Skyrim Civil War, that the war is to determine whether or not Skyrim becomes an independent kingdom which is politically free of the Empire. Depends on the canon ending. (Which is also a key for Reachmen independence.)