Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-72.74.78.209-20141019230536/@comment-17114085-20141204113928

Dovahkiin47800 wrote: 72.74.78.185

2) Ulfric did chalange Toryig to a proper duel. Even if he cheated with his thu'um, it was worth it because Toryig was an idiot and a puppet of the Thalmor. Ulfric started this war with the Empire and killed thousands of men while the Thalmor just stand by laughing. Don't you see? The Thalmor wanted a civil war between men, so in a way, Ulfric is the Thalmor's puppet. The Empire has plans to betray the Thalmor when they gather up strength... now here comes Ulfric ruining the plan just like the Thalmor want someone to do. They never wanted the Empire, they are sick mer and want to be worshipped as immortal beings, much like gods That is partly true. Ulfric starting the war was something the Thalmor planned, and it did benefit them. However it only continues to benefit them if it goes on without a victor. Should either the Empire of the Stormcloaks win then it would hurt the Thalmor's plans.

The Empire knows that another war with the Dominion is inevitable, but they don't want another war with the Dominion. As shown by the fact they played right into the Thalmor's hands for fear of being attacked by the Dominion. If they were truly more concerned with fighting the Dominion as they are pleasing the Thalmor then they would've solved the Civil War more diplomatically than sending a Legion to fight the Nords.

The Empire is never going to be able to gather up its strength as long as the Thalmor are able to hae free reign over the Imperial Provinces. If their plan with the Civil War in Skyrim fails they will just move on with whatever plan they have set up for High Rock, or Cyrodiil. With the Thalmor in the Empire it is only a matter of time before it is crippled and then it crumbles under the Dominion.