Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-26213507-20150715194939/@comment-26801133-20150722192148

I'm sorry you misunderstood my meaning. I didn't mean to portray the Stormcloaks as necessarily being better than the Empire. Both factions have valid reasons for doing what they are doing. And it is up to you to decide which appeal to you the most. I was just trying to contradict some of the reasons why many feel the Empire is the better choice, just as one can contradict the reasons why the Stormcloaks sound better.

It is true as you said, Security and Trade is very important or otherwise Skyrim would be devastated. But that was the point I was trying to make before. The Empire can hardly provide the much needed security if they are having such a hard time smashing the rebellion. Imagine if the Stormcloaks were replaced by Thalmor soldiers? The Legion in Skyrim, on their own, would have a slim chance against them. And I somewhat doubt (although not entirely impossible) that the Empire would send reinforcement to aid them, because it would risk weakening their own defense from a Thalmor assault or they would need their soldiers for a potential counter attack against the Dominion. Not to mention, if the Dragonborn chooses the Stormcloaks, and drives the Legion out of the Nine Holds, it will further emphasize that the Empire could not provide any more security than the Stormcloak army would(again, both factions being pretty equal).

And I disagree with your statement that Skyrim has minimal resources. Skyrim has plenty of mines and lumber mills producing ore and lumber throughout Skyrim, the most notable one being Cidhna Mine, the source of most of Skyrims silver. And there are plenty of prosperous farms throughout the Holds of Skyrim, with the exception of Hjaalmarch and Winterhold due to their harsh terrains. And with their own resources, they could possibly expand their production without being dependent on support from the Empire.

Also, you are a little incorrect when you said that the Empire left Elite shock troops behind to assist Hammerfell. When Titus Mede retreated from the Imperial City to Skyrim, he actually ordered all troops from Hammerfell to Cyrodiil. The only reason it didn’t happen was because of General Decianus, who was in charge of the defence of Hammerfell, refused to retreat and sent only "invalids" from the Legion there. And that was before the treaty was signed and Hammerfell was still part of the Empire. When the treaty WAS signed, the Redguards had to continue their fight against the Dominion on THEIR OWN. Without Imperial support.

As for your post regarding the Jarls of Skyrim, I can agree with some of your points, like with Balgruuf, Maven and Brina. (goddammit, I am so pissed that Balgruuf got exiled. Makes me almost want to join the Legion just because of that! >.<). As for some of the others, I feel that you have portrayed some Stormcloak Jarls too negatively and some Imperial Jarls too positively. But if you feel that way for them, I can respect your opinion. Here are some of my thought:

- Myself I feel that Igmund is too unsure of himself and a bit scared to make a risky decision. That is why I think he issued the arrest of Ulfric when the Empire demanded it, allowing the Silver-Blood family to run their corrupt activities in Markarth and as well as him allowing the Forsworn to run rampant in the Reach without taking any action. Waiting the Forsworn out has proven to be futile and just allows them to build their forces in peace. Thongvor's idea of violently suppressing the Forsworn, while it sounds bad and involves plenty of bloodshed, will at least send a message that their terroristic activities will no longer be tolerated. And putting them to work in the mine will allow them to repay their debts to the Reach.

- One thing you forgot to mention about Siddgeir is that he consorts with criminals, allowing them to cause harm to the Hold as long as he gets his cut. I shudder at the thought of what he would allow the Thalmor to do for some coin. Also Dengeir's paranoia seems to reduce a bit when he becomes Jarl, since he allowed Tekla to be her steward even if he used to believe she was a spy. And just because Dengeir doesn’t have recorded lines of him talking with his court doesn’t necessarily mean he is not aware of what’s going on. But if we are going to use that as an argument, I’d say Siddgeir is pretty clueless. He keeps asking for taxes from Granite Hill. Of course he won’t get the taxes from Granite Hill. Granite Hill doesn’t even exist anymore! :D

- While I don’t really have anything against Idgrod Ravencrone, she has become pretty unstable from her visions, according to some of Morthals residents. Even her own housecarl is plotting behind her back. While I don’t really think Sorli is much better to fit the role of Jarl, she is at least a bit younger and has a clearer mind. And even if the people don’t have a change of attitude over her being in charge, she at least has full support from her court.