Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-72.74.78.185-20150102235901/@comment-25343239-20150319142132

I think it all depends on the Dragonborn and his power level. I believe the Dragonborn could, personally keep Skyrim competitive in a defensive war against the Thalmor.

The Dominion only has a few routines into Skyrim, and none are friendly. Marching through Cryodill to invade Skyrim would be inflammatory. The citizens of the Empire would not take kindly to that kind of move. Hammerfell would not allow their coast to be used either and would probably fire on any dominion ships that saught to sail around Hammerfell.

Even assuming the dominion gets it's forces through Cyodill and around Hammerfell to launch an ideal invasion (with their navy from the North and their army from the South), the Dragonborn could still devestate them.

The Dragonborn has the support of virtually every class of people in Skyrim. Thieves, killers, commoners, Jarls, soliders...everyone. He is also personally very sneaky and could kill people behind the lines before the actual invasion begins. Using the Quill of Gemination he could send false orders and sow confusion among the Dominion's ranks. Using Bend Will, the Dragonborn could amass an army of Dragons, Mammoths, and Giants, along with stormcloaks, mages and other volunteers, to defend from the south. I would bet that the having the advantage of dragons, mammoths, giants, and excellent espionage could prove enough to win the day against even a large Dominion army.

Using his skill as a spy, the Dragonborn could sneak into Dominion encampments or onto Dominion ships and use Bend Will to take control of Dominion generals, admirals and/or other officers.

The Dominion Navy would have a great deal of trouble managing the Dragonborn's control of the weather, and they would have a hell of a time fighting his dragons. Wooden ships would be burned to a crisp! Or, they'd be sunk thunderbolts/horrible wind. Also, remember, in Lore, the Thu'um is enough to shout down castles,  and Mirrak tore Solstheim appart from Skyrim with his Thu'um.

Even if the Dominion lands its forces in Skyrim, they will have to fight stiff resistance through the mountains, facing constant harrasment by Dragons and other raiders.

I say a Dominion invasion of an independant Skyrim would turn into a debacle for them that would leave them vulnerable to betryal from the Empire. It would be a major mistake.