Board Thread:Skyrim/@comment-11344160-20160205154012

I've noticed an overwhelming sentiment within these forums that the Empire is the way of the future. I disagree.

But the Stormcloaks are racists! No they're not. They're nationalists. There are racists in Windhelm, two by my count, but neither of them seem to be Stormcloaks. Ulfric brought a bunch of Dunmer refugees into his city rather than turn them away. Maybe the Grey Quarter is a slum, but what is Ulfric supposed to do - give them all nice houses and a bunch of gold? As for the Argonians and Kah-jeet, I'm not sure I'd be eager to let walking/talking cats and lizards into my home either (especially the Kah-jeet, who have proven themselves time and time again to be criminals, drug addicts, and thieves).

But Ulfric is a Thalmor agent! No he's not. The Thalmor consider him an 'asset' (and an unwilling one to boot), but that same document everyone references also states that the Thalmor are against either side prevailing in the Rebellion. They understand that if the Stormcloaks secure a quick victory it would be that much more difficult for the Dominion. Skyrim and Cyrodill, without Civil War, regardless of the 'victor', is a stronger Skyrim and Cyrodill, even seperate.

If Skyrim rebels it weakens the Empire! So? I've got news for you - the 'Empire' is over. They've lost most of their provinces and the whole thing is crumbling. Skyrim is perfectly capable of standing on its own. What people seem to miss is that Skyrim gaining independence doesn't automatically make them enemies with Cyrodill. They can still be friends, trade, and even fight against the Dominion together. Kind of like America and England.

But Ulfric is an egomaniac! Yeah, probably. But at least he's got a spine. Looking around at the other Jarls, I don't see much in the way of effective leadership. Most of them are complete tools or puppets, with the one exception being Balgruuf in Whiterun, but he's a little indecisive and wishy-washy. If Elisif was made High Queen she would be dancing on the strings of the Imperials, who are (understandably) going to serve their own interests at the expense of Skyrim. She has shown that she cares for the people, but has also demonstrated absolutely no backbone when it comes to her bureaucracy.

If Skyrim become independent, they'll have a whole host of problems. They'll need to come up with things like their own currency, which will cause temporary economic havoc. They'll need to fill the vacuum created by the absence of the East Empire trading company. They'll need to form a cohesive military. And, ultimately, they'll have to figure out how to deal with the Aldmeri Dominion. But they can do all of these things. The Nords have done it before. Hell, the Nords invented the Empire. They can do it again. 