1. Why did you choose to side with the Empire?
I chose to side with the Empire in the Civil War in Skyrim because I feel that for Skyrim, union with the Empire is both
2. Who is your favourite (in-game) Legionarre or Legion supporter?
Rikke and Hadvar are probably amongst my favourites, although I am, for some reason, drawn to Captain Aldis and Legate Fasendil as well. Rikke, for me, embodies everything the Legion is and everything I choose to fight with it for. She symbolises the Nordic backbone of the Empire and the mutually symbiotic relationship between Empire of Man and Nord. Further, both she and Hadvar are just generally decent people; honourable, dependable and determined, no matter who they fought for, I'd admire them.
3. How do you think the Empire is better for Skyrim?
The Empire is essentially, in my eyes, a union of Man, and thus it favours the Men races. Economically the Empire provides numerous benefits with regards to trade and investment in the region, further, the combined strength of the two states provides enhanced military and law and order capabilities, but for me the biggest reason for the continued support of the Empire in Skyrim is entirely socio-cultural. To put it simply, the Nords are the Empire. We can see it in characters like Rikke, we can see it in the Talos contradiction of Ulfric's own rebellion (see below), we can see it across Skyrim as a place and in the history books which claim Tiber Septim as Skyrim's hero and the men of Skyrim as those that died by Tiber's side fo the Empire might be born.
4. Who do you think should be the High King? (Out of Imperial supporters, of course!)
Honestly, I think Elisif would make a fairly good High King, from her dialogue at the negations during Season Unending, which demonstrated independence from the Empire (that she'd not merely a lapdog), and what I see to be an embodiment of real 'True Nordic' culture. Further, although I feel that she is young, in-experienced and a little naive, I don't feel that this is not something she could not grow out of, with the proper guidance from those around her, and of course, over a short period of time as a ruler (we have to consider she's only just been thrust into the position as of the game and hasn't had time to recover from her husband's death and adjust to the new role). Balgruuf also seems like a fine ruler, although I think he might be better suited to the position of Jarl, although I would not be abject to his becoming High King. Additionally, Brunwulf Free-Winter and Brina Merilis are both leaders I respect, although again, I feel they would perform better closer to the ground, particularly in Brunwulf's case, as he really does have the issue of Eastmarch well considered. Further support goes out to Kraldar and Igmund.
5. Mede Empire vs. Septim Empire?
Both and neither. Both Empires, although specifically the Septim Empire, embody the subjugation of the Elven State and the supremacy of Man. However, for the Men races, I do support the Empire. The situation fo the 4th Era is more favourable, because the Empire has become a much more Man-centric entity, with the Elven and Beast races having generally seceded, and for me, if the Thalmor and Empire left eachother well enough alone, I would be pleased with the situation. Ideally, the Aldmeri Dominion would encompass Alinor, Valenwood, Anequina and Pelletine, witht he additions of Southern Cyrodiil (particularly the land taken from Elsweyr around the Niben) Southern Coastal Hammerfell and perhaps part of High Rock, whilst the Empire would consist of primarily Skyrim, Cyrodiil (primarily Colovia, the West Weald and the Jeralls), Northern and Eastern Hammerfell and most of High Rock.
6. Is there anything special you do when playing a Empire character (roleplaying-wise)?
7. What is your favourite Legion related quote?
I'm also free to stay and fight for what I believe in. - Legate Rikke
8: What are your thoughts on the Talos ban?
I see Talos as being a Siant-like figure akin to Nerevar or Saint Alessia, Pelinal or Saint Veloth. As such, I don't see why he need be imposed upon other races as a Divine, in a system of Alessian-Era Divines created to replace the Elven Pantheon and thus further subjugate Mer. As such, I find it ironic that Ulfric fights for Talos, an Imperial God, when the Nordic variation of Talos is actually Ysmir, indicative of how much of a connection exists between the Nords and the Empire. Ideally, he should be worshipped as the Patron of the Empire and of the Legion, but in a place higher than, yet distinctly separate from, the Divines, in the Empire of Men (but not necessarily by others).
9. Have you ever completed the Stormcloak side of the civil war?
Yes. Honestly, although they are so similar, it was less enjoyable due to the generic Stormcloak dialogue and that of Galmar and Ulfric. It felt much less honourable and noble, and for me it didn't actually feel like the 'Nordic' side (as was Bethesda's intention).
10: Is there anything you would change for the betterment of the Empire?
11. What is your specialization? ( This will allow me to label your group)
I don't tend to specialise, per se, however, I do prefer to focus on damage output over defence, and thus my Combat, Magic and even Stealth skills are geared towards damage, meaning I focus on taking foes down swiftly and avoding taking hits through maneuverability and speed.
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