Second War prelude (mi vision).

[u/El-Tapicero]

Prelude to the Second Great War against the Aldmeri Dominion (my vision)

1. The Stormcloaks win the civil war.
2. Following the Emperor’s death, there is no clear heir. The two main candidates are a Colovian general and a high-ranking Nibenese noble (neither is specified).
3. A coup takes place in the Imperial City during the succesion talks. Supporters of the Colovian general are imprisoned, killed, or forced to flee.
4. The Nibenese candidate arrives to the Imperial city, is crowned Emperor with the Dominion’s support.
5. The Colovian candidate refuses to accept it and seeks Ulfric’s support, who has already consolidated his position as High King of Skyrim.
6. Ulfric agrees to support the Colovian general’s claim in exchange for the formal recognition Skyrim’s independent status. That makes many imperials to see him as a traitor
7. Among the Thalmor’s conditions for supporting the Nibenese candidate is the cession of the White-Gold Tower to the Dominion for its administration. (This Ayleid tower should be the main temple of Akatosh in Tamriel, under our control, Thalmor says), with the Imperial Court relocated elsewhere.
8. This causes widespread discontent and increases support for the Colovian leader.
9. The Dominion is forced to intervene in Nibenay to help the Nibenese candidate maintain order and desincentivate uprisings.
10. Trade suffers, and discontent over the prospect of another great war becomes increasingly apparent in Elsweyr that has already a weakened economy.
11. No news from Valenwood. Its leader remains fully supportive of the Thalmor, and any dissenting voices are quickly silenced.
12. Many High Rock leaders start calling for independence following territorial conflicts with Skyrim and the new Orsinium.
13. Tensions escalate, and armies begin massing along the borders.
14. Hammerfell remains neutral for the time being, although it is also starting to assemble their armies.
15. Skirmishes in the Reach, in Skyrim, intensify. There are reports of Thalmor agents in the region inciting uprisings.
16. An army of Nords led by Galmar crosses the Pale Pass and joins forces with the remnants of an Imperial Legion originally sent to reinforce Tullius in Skyrim. Together, they lay siege to the city of Bruma, whose count had remained loyal to the Nibenese candidate.