J
Jeremius
Guest
The Empire set the law, the people of Skyrim suffer for it. Can't blame the rebels for what they are doing. I bet most of the rebels actually choose the rebellion for legitimate reasons, and not because they are willing to serve as Ulfric's ambition hounds.
What has the Empire done for Skyrim? Put them under a Thalmor law and strip them of resources used to fill the pockets of the elder council, as far as I know. that is not helpful.
The Concordat set the law, the Empire had to accept it. The number of people suffering under this rule would be a minority like the author of "Flight from the Thalmor" who had to do it as obviously and publicly as possible - and still, that guy was singing at the top of his lungs about Talos and it took a full week to get to the arrest. Meanwhile a few hundred Nords were worshipping Talos in the land who didn't have to worry about it because they could keep quiet. Like a big national secret, and only those who couldn't keep their pride down a bit had to feel the consequences.
Now thanks to the Markarth Incident and the Thalmor's greater presence in Skyrim, things have changed regarding the Stormcloaks. With the Imperials being too busy looking out for rebel attacks instead of checking what the Justiciars are actually doing, the Stormcloaks have basically given the Thalmor much more influence. It benefits the Stormcloaks as well, take Ralof for example. His cousin had to be kidnapped for him to join the Stormcloaks, and the Stormcloaks got a good soldier for themselves. Too bad it harms the Empire, the only threat and obstacle the Dominion has.
The Empire offers possibilities regarding trade and security (remove the latter thanks to the Stormcloaks for now). Blacksmiths and miners are probably among the top earners now, just take Lod in Falkreath who's ordering more ion ore and even offers extra payment 'cause the Imperials need weapons. Too bad the Stormcloaks are around, otherwise for example food resources wouldn't have to be used for the Legion.
you are not seeing the connections. The Empire signed the WGC because it was lazy and did not take the Thalmor seriously. Had they taken them seriously, the Thalmor might have been beaten long before the battle of red ring, which makes signing the WGC not happening. Without the Empire signing the WGC, Talos would not have been banned which led to Ulfric being used as a scapegoat for the Empire's failures, which led to the creation of Ulfric's "army for his own ambition."