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.

[ureniashtram]

That expansion has a magnitude that even Bethesda would've trouble making. While the Ruby Crown does interest me.. CONQUEST and Invasion? That's more like a strategy game, a genre that Elder Scrolls isn't fitted with.

If we're talking about taking the Ruby Crown, I'd say that we should be more ... cunning about it. Letters of blackmail, threats of war, extortion.. Politics, man. Politics. Fullscale war just isn't for the E.S.

If they made an expansion about taking the Sundered Seat, I envision it a bit more like this...

After hearing of your origins as a Dragonborn, the Imperial COunts and other politicians from around the world ACTUALLY goes into Skyrim, seeing for themselves if the ancient line of Dragonborns survived the Earlier Crisis.

You could visit them, show your powers as a Dragonborn... Y'know. If they'rnt persuaded, you could just challenge them to duel. If that doesn(t work and their relatives share the same point of view, send an assasin(or yourself, depending on your class) and kill them all. Their orphaned children should be brainwashed to your cause, Har Har Har!

And they all stand in awe after bearing witness to your ... persuading powers and swears fealty to the new Emperor.

After that, you briefly travel to the Whitegold Spire, elect a new Elder Council if you wish and seat on the Sundered Seat like a Bawss, ordering royal wenches to be sent to you all the while.

The End!
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.. Trying to say is, war and invasion gameplay isn't just for the ES. Roleplaying is what they're about(even though they're going slightly mainstream) and even if Beth did that kind of expansion(war! hahaah!), I foresee that many loyalists and purists fans would be disgruntled. And you don't want me to explain the ramifications of disgruntled fans(which are paying customers), do you?

That said, anybody up for a session in Battle Realms? Playing against the A.I has been PRETTY lonely. (sadface!)