The next Great War

[The SheoDovah]

It's going to happen, the Dominion will unleash their armies on Cyrodiil and their allies but what will cause it?

I personally think that the Dovahkiin starts it by uniting Skyrim and forming an army that is capable of defeating the Dominion as well as burning the Embassy down to the ground. Due to what the Dovahkiin achieved, i believe that they would follow him into battle as the Nords would have a great amount of respect for him and would believe that he is capable of leading them to victory just as Talos did.(Please don't turn this into another Dovahkiin is lorkhan or talos thread as there has been plenty of threads that have suffered the same fate). I think it would start with the crowning of the new high king that had the Dovahkiin's blessing getting assassainated by the Thalmor as the last thing they want is for Skyrim to be united and worse, having a king that won't bow down to them,espically one that was chosen by their most hated enemy who embodies everything a nord is(going by the default one as i like to think they are the canon ones if i don't have a character that is Dragonborn).

Whiterun would most likely be destroyed as it would be a prime target for the dominon due to it being a major trading hub which would only anger the nords and cause them to fight twice as hard as nords only get more angry if their enemy burn down a city of theirs, i think a few of the lesser holds will be captured by the dominion due to them being not having that much protection but i believe that the Dominion will try to capture Windhelm in an attempt to demoralise the nords but fail due to it being the oldest city in Skyrim and is very easy to defend. They could try to approach it via the sea by that would result in them relying that no-one notices their ships and that the nords don't know how to use a bow. But overall, i believe that Skyrim would be the second province to defeat the Dominon. The Legion would most likely either assist Skyrim or abandon it. After Skyrim wins, the next great war would start as Nords have a habit of declaring all out war on their enemies and would either invade Cyrodiil(which would be very risky) or form an alliance with what's left of Morrowind, High Rock and Hammerfell before declaring war. Most likely they would form an alliance as even the nords know that they can't defeat the Dominion outside of Skyrim. Either way, it will make the last great war seem like a fight with a mudcrab.

[Mattbott]

the dlc shall reveal all

[Mr.Argonian]

Fairly sure that the next great war will either happen in TES:VI or between TES:V and TES:VI. A single DLC cannot do justice to a war on the scale of this. Plus it would be awesome to see full scale battles on the new consoles/PC engines.

[Br3admax]

This should be in general, as it doesn't use any lore.

[The SheoDovah]

They could start the Great war in the DLC and have TES6 continue a few years after it. Such as The Dovahkiin rallied all of Skyrim against the forces of the dominion. The Battle of Solitude proved to be a crucial factor in the fate of Skyrim but after months of battles, the nords won thanks to the Dovahkiin who vanished without a trace a few months after it. Which could be explain in the DLC so that only we know where we went. Hopefully, not doing a COC with a Prince.

Then TES 6 starts set in a war torn province whilst retaining some of it's beauty. Hopefully, the war won't be ended by someone who is the chosen one as that's starting to get boring now. The COC was chosen by the gods, the Dovahkiin chosen by Akatosh and the Neveraine chosen by Azure etc.. For once, i would like to be someone who saves the province with their raw potential and skill instead of being chosen. But sadly, i suspect they will force us to be a chosen one. Am hoping it will be set in Alinor as it would be very interesting to see what the Dominion has done to it. Have they made it unbearable to live or made it better?

[SajuukKhar]

Bethesda doesn't start story points in DLC that they cant finish in the same DLC.

[Xarnac the Conqueror]

The next great war: Imga VS. Redheads

[Medomé]

I don't know, but I can tell you two things: it's a story for another game, and therefore the Dovahkiin won't be involved to any significant degree because that would require fleshing-out of the PC.

[Pilaf The Defiler]

Orange vs. Potato.

Whoever wins, we lose.

In all seriousness, I can't imagine a war with the Thalmor could possibly be handled in a DLC, even a large and well done one. That deserves its own game. Alinor or Hammerfell would be good locations for such content IMO, due to the lore introduced in Skyrim.

[Minor Edits]

I'm inclined to agree with Pilaf. They've put so much effort into building up the Thalmor as enemies, it would seem like a waste to spend them on a DLC.

There's a good chance the next DLC will deal with the Thalmor, but I doubt it will resolve much in regards to them. I think one of the more viable DLC scenarios is a trip to Orsinium with a main quest heavily involving the Thalmor. It would make sense for the Thalmor to attempt to recruit the Orcs, or otherwise coerce them to do their bidding. The Thalmor undoubtedly want more warriors, and having the Orcs on their side would be a big advantage. Even if Orcs don't fight on their side, just keeping them out of the next war would be a huge coup. Bethesda has invested a lot in Orc lore ever since The Infernal City, so I fully expect them to cash in soon, whether in the next DLC or the next game. I don't even like Orcs, but it seems logical.

As for specifics on the next war, I don't think there's much to say. The Empire's team would consist of High Rock, Cyrodiil, and presumably whatever remains of the Dunmer. The Dominion's team would be Summerset, Valenwood, and the Khajiit kingdoms. Black Marsh is a wild card at this stage. As I alluded to, Orsinium could go either way.

Of course, what truly makes it unknowable is the events of Skyrim, which I believe will lead to a Dragon Break. There's no telling what the political landscape will look like after that happens. The Thalmor could hypothetically be crushed under the heel of a new Fourth Empire before the next game even starts.

[Falcon158]

The next Great War:First thing to happen Delphine with the blades the where gather with the help of the dragonborn she'll start recruiting more.Then start attack the thalmor either by large scale or hit and run tactics. the thalmor angered by this they'll inter start thier search for the blades. then soon or later the jarls will be upset by this and try to force them leave this works or fails its uncertain. but thalmor begin sending thier army into skyrim which would start the war. most like skyrim gain the support from hammerfell, highrock and or morrowind whats left. the out is uncertain but this with be worst that then first.

[Velothi]

Orange vs. Potato.

Whoever wins, we lose.

In all seriousness, I can't imagine a war with the Thalmor could possibly be handled in a DLC, even a large and well done one. That deserves its own game. Alinor or Hammerfell would be good locations for such content IMO, due to the lore introduced in Skyrim.

If they can do it well - they could try to set up the war.

so we don't have to deal with another book.

..Then again this is the team where outside the game they can make fantastic stories and even inside the game. Like with Morrowind's prophecies.

...But then we have Oblivion and Skyrim. Which lead up to nothing but "okah. He's gone for now. Do whatever."

[philfredobob]

..Then again this is the team where outside the game they can make fantastic stories and even inside the game. Like with Morrowind's prophecies.

...But then we have Oblivion and Skyrim. Which lead up to nothing but "okah. He's gone for now. Do whatever."

enough with the Oblivion hate, sheesh

anyways, on topic: i dont think that it will be done in another DLC, its too big for that, and starting it up in a DLC and finishing it later would just be stupid, that basicly means the story of the DLC would be unfinished, and thats bad. or at least, i think its bad . i just prefer having an ending.

they might make it in another game, but from what i've noticed they seem to focus more on ''godly'' storylines than politics, which i think is sad, as im not a fan of godly stories.
i would like the next game to feature a war with the Dominion, but it has to be done well.

[Right-Hand-Of-Sithis]

Well, in a Stormcloak victory, with a Redguard Alliance, I can see it playing out in two theaters; land and naval.

The land theater would be based around the two powers vying for the White-Gold Tower. However it would mostly be concentrated around counties Anvil and Kvatch (and most likely to a lesser extent, Skingrad). While Skyrim could send its forces directly for the Tower, the better option would be to use a significant portion of them to attack the Aldmeri Troops from the North of Kvatch, while the Redguards advance east toward Anvil, effectivly boxing the Aldmeri in on this front, forcing them to either: A, fight in this semi-surrounded position, B. Retreat to valenwood, or C: Advance on White Gold Tower.

The Thrid option presents the same issues, Nords from the North, Redguards from the west. This scenario would also force the Aldmeri to extend their Right Flank to prepare for a flanking move by the Nords (in south-west Cyrodiil, this could be done by garrisoning Skingrad, much easier). SO by this planning, the situation would (Strategically), be in the humans favor. But I may be underestimating the Aldmeri Positions. They could, in fact, flank the Nords if they cross the Niben at Leyawiin, march up to Cheydinhal (either a steep climb from the niben valley, as seen in Oblivion, or a march along the Ring Road, pretty much negating any possibility of a flank attack by the nords during the march). But if they make it to Cheydinhal before the Nords, then it would become a battleground for access to the Aldmeri Flank.

However, the second, and probably most crucial theater would be the sea. And invasion of Hammerfell itself would reduce her commitments to the Cyrodiilic front, meaning the Redguard navy (and whatever reinforcements she can get from Skyrim) must gain dominance of the sea (also giving the alliance striking capacity against Summerset Isles). Obviously, the three strongest navies in Tamriel will prove a challenge for each other (particularly with Skyrim so isolated from the sea front). the islands of Stros M'kai and Stirk will prove the strength of these navies (as strategically important islands).

[BetaB17]

Honestly I don't see a full scale war with the dlc's, not in-till the next major installment. In my views on proper dlc's, all but one prove to have great potential with the thalmor. I will feel free to enlighten on these, but what I wanna see for future dlc's are the following:
~return to Stros M'Kai and be able to witness the redguards' condition. While skyrim is in the mist of civil war, hammerfell was abandoned by the empire and is so faced with a common enemy alone. A aslo recall there was a red dragon slain on that island.
-I think a new shout should be added, at the cost of one soul you can revive a dead generic dragon(unless scripted) thus creating a temporary ally
~Orsinium where you the respect of the natives. As stated by another, I never thought that far into adding the thalmor factor, I am actually impresses Minor Edits.
~A visit to a series of islands located between tamriel and akavir. Many were once colonized, and new dragons could be present, thus adding a split quest series where you could aid the native dragons(friendly mainly) and create piece or aid the invaders thus rooting out all dragons
-the quest would be effected by the main quest and even more if the civil war quest was active/complete
~A small dlc mainly focusing on its quest line but will feature ancient ruins and ultimately the ruins of the battlespire
-it can even feature a rift into an isolated plane of oblivion.
~For a very large dlc, Summerset isles would be perfect, namely because of its importance and that it can provide the surrounding islands(even if done in a micro dlc) Summerset doesn't actually offer much from a geometric point of view, but it could provide multiple factions and quest lines
-it would be great for giving hints and lore on the future major installment

Regardless, I do agree the thalmor fear skyrim's rise and more over the dragonborn. But he won't be the initial trigger for the war, rather his actions would cause a ripple effect, paving the way for the next hero. If high rock, skyrim, hammerfell, and the remains of empire fight, they could win. Morrowind is too ruined to fight and so is out of the equation mostly. Black marsh though can easily tip the favors in the form of an alliance. After the oblivion crisis, they became far more united and powerful. To them, the thalmor would be a threat. I believe the next following installment would either be valenwood or elswyre

[Right-Hand-Of-Sithis]

I can't see people saying 'The war should be in the next game'.

It shouldn't and it won't.

This is because the Thalmor are a well written and planned antagonist. They add drama and uncertainty to the world of TES. This is very marketable for bethesda, and, from a dramatic point of view, beautiful scriptwriting. They add tension, the possibility of surprise, a plot for future TES games, and a focus on something else in the world, outside of the main quests.

Sorry if this is off topic, but I just felt the need to rant a bit.

[philfredobob]

yes , they add all of those things, so whats the problem with a war against the Dominion?

being at war with them wont immediatley destroy them? they will still be there


it should, and i think it probably will be in the next game. they certainly gave it plenty of build-up in skyrim. i'd be surprised (and a bit dissapointed) if it wasnt featured.

[Right-Hand-Of-Sithis]

yes , they add all of those things, so whats the problem with a war against the Dominion?

being at war with them wont immediatley destroy them? they will still be there


it should, and i think it probably will be in the next game. they certainly gave it plenty of build-up in skyrim. i'd be surprised (and a bit dissapointed) if it wasnt featured.

I think that Beth needs to build up more to a war. I think that it would be too soon to just go to war immediately. Perhaps a more escalated proxy war would work.

[Pilaf The Defiler]

Orange vs. Potato.

Whoever wins, we lose.

In all seriousness, I can't imagine a war with the Thalmor could possibly be handled in a DLC, even a large and well done one. That deserves its own game. Alinor or Hammerfell would be good locations for such content IMO, due to the lore introduced in Skyrim.

If they can do it well - they could try to set up the war.

so we don't have to deal with another book.

..Then again this is the team where outside the game they can make fantastic stories and even inside the game. Like with Morrowind's prophecies.

...But then we have Oblivion and Skyrim. Which lead up to nothing but "okah. He's gone for now. Do whatever."

Speak with yourself. I liked the books. I would read more TES books.

[Falcon158]

Ok Just had an idea what if the next war will be like the alliance war in eso with different sides and even try to go for control of Empire.
Now that the Emperor Titus Mede II was assassinated by the Dark Brotherhood.

[Right-Hand-Of-Sithis]

Ok Just had an idea what if the next war will be like the alliance war in eso with different sides and even try to go for control of Empire.
Now that the Emperor Titus Mede II was assassinated by the Dark Brotherhood.

Well, I suggested something like that above (making the assumption that Skyrim leaves the Empire, and forges an alliance with hammerfell).

Also, jsut because the Emporer is assassinated doesn't mean he has no heir. Although, when members of the Elder Council start conspiring to Assassinate the Emperor, we can see the telltale signs of corruption and imminent collapse.

[OblivionDuruza]

Fairly sure that the next great war will either happen in TES:VI or between TES:V and TES:VI. A single DLC cannot do justice to a war on the scale of this. Plus it would be awesome to see full scale battles on the new consoles/PC engines.

UI'm inclined to believe that we wont play a huge role in any 'second Great War' and that instead it will happen through lore (we may read about it in the future), unless Bethesda changes their MO to cater for a new direction/new fans. We've never really had much of a battle focus in TES games, and although Oblivion and Skyrim move to break away from this trend, even the Civil War questline is only a minor part of the game as a whole.

From a Lore standpoint, Skyrim alone, even with the aid of the Dovakiin, doesn't seem strong enough to take on the Thalmor, certainly not to invade the Isles or even the mainland Dominion (Valenwood). Perhaps they would be able to push the Thalmor out of Skyrim, but we have to remember that the Nords are still very much battered and broken as a result of the Civil War.

This should be in general, as it doesn't use any lore.

It's about the TES Universe (from an in-world perspective), rather than the Franchise (from a real-world perspective) however.

[Br3admax]

That's not how it is separated. Lore is for, well lore, and it is usually established already(most often with books in-game or backstories); while TESGeneral is for speculation on the future as well, not just franchise discussion or the trend of armor design.

[Right-Hand-Of-Sithis]

From a Lore standpoint, Skyrim alone, even with the aid of the Dovakiin, doesn't seem strong enough to take on the Thalmor, certainly not to invade the Isles or even the mainland Dominion (Valenwood). Perhaps they would be able to push the Thalmor out of Skyrim, but we have to remember that the Nords are still very much battered and broken as a result of the Civil War.

*Cracks Knuckles*

We starting that debate again?

[OblivionDuruza]

I'm not sure how much of a debate there can really be had about the state of the Nordic populace post-Civil War. Think of the casualties and the destruction the war caused, I'm fairly confident most people would agree that this a fairly objective assessment of Skyrim. That's not to say the War was or was not necessary or righteous, but even if we take only the deaths portrayed in-game (which generally tend to be only a small representation of lore), as a percentage of the in-game populace (even when we include civilians into the equation), it's not at all insignificant.

That's not how it is separated. Lore is for, well lore, and it is usually established already(most often with books in-game or backstories); while TESGeneral is for speculation on the future as well, not just franchise discussion or the trend of armor design.

In your opinion. Unless things have changed since the TES General Forum was implemented (I remember the discussion prior to this occurring about the Forum), I have to say I disagree with your perception of the intention behind each.

The question of future lore and other speculation/discussion about lore is and has been very much a part of the Lore forum, there are several threads like this there:

• What if...
• who really created the mortal plane?
• What is the origin of the names of the holds/towns?

If we were unable to speculate and discuss the meaning and interpretation of lore, there would not be a whole lot of point to the Lore Forum.

In contrast, the first threads in TES General were along the lines of 'The Future of the TES Franchise' and various Favourite, Opinion and General Discussion threads.

Honestly, perhaps this is a discussion to be had in the UESP Forums Subforum?