Possible Expansions, Well, one expansion in particular... Options

[Captain Hammer]

So, since this is Bethesda we're talking about, let's all talk about the number 1 expansion that you want to be included in Skyrim, based on what we know so far.

What do I want? Simple. The Ruby Throne.

I mean, seriously, the way the game is currently presented, the final big-bad will involve some manner of sealing away Alduin (Akatosh/Auri-Eil, based on your pantheon of choice) and saving the world. So, why not build on that, by, say, using your newfound status as Dragonborn God-Binder to do something productive.

Example of Productive Endeavor: Kick-start the Fourth Empire of the Dragonborn. Alessia did it. Reman I Cyrodiil did it. Tiber Septim, the Divine Talos, did it. Why in Oblivion's Infinite Chaos should the next Dragonborn not have a shot at becoming Emperor (or Empress)?

I know, I know, there's a large degree of difficulty in trying to figure out how an Elf would become the ruler of the very human-centric Tamriellic Empire. One Dark Elf Empress was difficult enough, even though she did get the job on account of her husband and minor son. Let's not get into the problems that most of the human races would have with an Argonian or Khajiit as Emperor/Empress. I'm sure there's a way to get around this. Even if it does require adopting an appropriate heir from a human household and/or being adopted into that household, giving other members the claim on the Ruby Throne.

According to the lore, periods of severe civil war always come at the end of an Interregnum. And it is always the forging and renewal of the Tamrielic Empire that ends such strife. Historically, when an individual controlled all of Skyrim, it was either as a supporter and ally of the Cyrodiilic rulers (the line of Ysgramoor in the High Kingship of Skyrim allying with Alessia and the First Empire), or that person was Emperor (both Reman I and Tiber Septim unified Skyrim behind them before they could conquer the rest of Tamriel).

And besides, if you can whistle up a dragon with a careful shout, who could stand against an army with that in its arsenal. It worked great against the Redguard Crowns at Stros M'Kai, and that was some of Tiber's most difficult opposition.

[Destri Melarg]

Interesting idea. The only real sticking point that I can see is exactly what you alluded to. How would subsequent games define your character’s role as ruler of the Empire? I suppose they could approach it in the same way that they approach any mention of the Nerevarine in Oblivion. You would be simply known as the Emperor, or the Dovahkiin Emperor. Of course that doesn’t hold a lot of water for those of us who enjoy playing female characters. There would also be the fudging of the inevitable biographies that would surface in subsequent games relating to your character and the, well, unconventional way that you attained the throne.

If the reins of power are what you wish, then why leave the borders of Skyrim to attain it? I would like to see your character, as Dovahkiin, act as one of the major players in bringing the nine holds of Skyrim under one rule by convening a Kingsmoot. It would mark the first time that such an act had been taken since the Battle of Glenumbria Moors way back in the First Era. As Dovahkiin I would presume that you will have at least a nodding acquaintance with all the rulers involved. I think that any attempt to have your character installed as the new king of Skyrim suffers from the same problem that plagues any attempt to seize the Ruby Throne. Perhaps more so in this case because we know that the humans that populate Cyrodiil will at least tolerate a Dunmer Empress. We can’t say that for certain of the Nords that inhabitant Skyrim.

Perhaps your character could explore the golden halls of Sovngarde in an expansion which asks you to save heaven itself from some evil influence. Or you could mount a voyage to Atmora that somewhat mirrors the voyage taken by the Nerevarine to Akavir. Perhaps you could be recruited to lead an invasion force to finally retake Morrowind. This could lead to yet another cataclysmic explosion of Red Mountain, one that you could witness.