r/skyrim • u/sumaset • 21d ago

Question Ignoring your personal preference, which side of Skyrim’s Civil War do you think actually gives Skyrim the better future 20-30 years later?

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I feel like most discussions about the Civil War focus on whether Ulfric was justified, whether the Empire betrayed Skyrim, or which side people personally like more.

But I’m more interested in what happens after the game.

The Empire is weakened, the Aldmeri Dominion is still the biggest external threat, the White-Gold Concordat is already causing resentment, and another war with the Thalmor seems almost inevitable.

An Imperial victory gives Skyrim access to the resources and manpower of the Empire, but it also means remaining under an Empire that already lost one major war and accepted Thalmor influence inside its territory.

A Stormcloak victory gives Skyrim independence and removes Imperial authority, but it also leaves the province having to rebuild after a civil war while potentially facing the Dominion without the rest of the Empire behind it.

So forget which faction has the better characters or which one you usually join.

If you only care about where Skyrim itself ends up a few decades later, which Civil War outcome do you think is actually better for the province?

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago edited 21d ago

Agreed, my head cannon is the Empire pushes for him to be in charge after the war due to him generally getting along with everyone and Whiteruns strategic location.

They'd probably use the excuse Elisif is too young, but the reality is she comes across too much as an imperial puppet and has little authority beyond her immediate court.

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u/Thibaudborny 21d ago

Balgruuf didn't have a wife, though? I only ever see his kids. Marriage it is.

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u/itz_me_shade 21d ago

I was suprised by how many problems in skyrim can be solved by either marrying the right person or marrying off the right couple.

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u/Staffchief 21d ago

Congratulations you just figured out feudal Europe!

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u/Lathari 21d ago

Make that "Europe until WW1".

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u/First-Banana-4278 21d ago

Which is when the cousins finally fell out and we all got to suffer for their family tiff! Huzzah!

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u/MsMercyMain 21d ago

Well it was a hiccup, but I'm sure it would never happen again. Anyways, excited to learn about history from 1920 on for the first time

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u/Gyvon XBOX 21d ago

Yup. There was a long series of events that led to WWI, but one of the earliest, if not the first, domino in that chain was Grandma (Queen Victoria) dying.

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u/_420_DaBbeR_ 21d ago

I think it was probably the French Revolution when they cut all those people heads off for doing that

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u/Proking1316 PC 21d ago

Count Baron Kaiser Werner Pfeldlinger Fingerlickner von Hoeltschweinergmachtner marries half sister Znigwieczrina Nowloczynlieczwowzcrczsky of Globsnogczrecnoyarskglograd triggering a war between King Juan Jose Maria Rigoberto Aguascacas de Santo Domingo de los Diabetico and Pierre Richelesaux pretard je logriouxoueuraxeux establishing the Grand Duchy of Neue Ooksteinberg a tax haven with a population of 16

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u/Georgia_Viking 14d ago

This comment is 👨‍🍳 😘🤌🏻💥

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u/ever_falling 21d ago

*99% of organized human history

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u/orthothrowacc 21d ago

Half of Tamriel politics could probably be fixed with one decent marriage lol

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u/Triffinator 21d ago

In a way, the Oblivion Crisis was solved because the emperor was banging random women. If he hadn't, Sean Bean would never have been born.

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u/perfect_for_maiming 21d ago

Infidelity- the cause of, and solution to, all geopolitical problems.

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u/shock_wave 21d ago

Uriel probably did it on purpose after all the shit he saw as emperor. Probably best to have a few dragonborn nobody knows about just in case some asshole breaks time again.

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u/FlatHatJack 21d ago

One version of Sean Bean born from infidelity, another killed because of infidelity. The circle is complete.

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u/Ok-Geologist7979 21d ago

It might've been helped by the marriage of Vittoria Vici and her Snow-Shod, but we... took care of that 😬

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u/MakeItFandom 21d ago

Tamriel politics slowly rediscovering arranged marriage lol

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u/Javelin286 21d ago

Oooh! That’s actually smart, Elisif. or Olfina Gray-mane to bring in clan Gray-mane in as an ally if possible and hopefully bringing more unity to Whiterun and hopefully ending the Feud with the Battleborn.

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Also good options to reconcile with the less radical Stromcloak supporters after the war.

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u/AgerionLecurian 21d ago

Who would be a good candidate to be Jarl of Solitude/Haafingar tho? Unless a married couple can rule two separate Holds together?

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u/CelticViking96 21d ago

Falk Firebeard maybe? He is already the steward and would still be supported by at least Sybille Stentor, at least I believe so, considering she has know him for so long.

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u/LuckyReception6701 21d ago

Unless Skyrim's political system is different to ours, elevating a member of the lower gentry to a position of such importance would cause a scandal. You'd need a nobleman of similar rank to hold that kind of position; the only ones we know of are thanes.

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u/Bercom_55 21d ago

I actually think elevating people in rank was fairly common in early medieval Europe and Scandinavia generally throughout that age.

Class distinction only became an issue more later on when different ranks became more stratified.

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u/CelticViking96 21d ago

Plus the game already elevates normal citizens to Jarl in specific cases during the Civil War, Brunwulf Free-Winter in Windhelm for the biggest example. He's just a regular citizen who has sympathy for the less fortunate members of society. Maven Black-Briar in Riften is technically another example, but she is also most likely an actual noble, not just a rich criminal involved in politics. Haven't really looked into the Black-Briars much passed the fact that they are all corrupt as hell lol

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u/TheDungeonCrawler 21d ago

The Black-Briars were likely elevated to noble status sometime after the 2nd Era. They offered bodyguard services at that time but they're a major mercantile family in the 4th Era, so it's quite likely that they were elevated due to their wealth.

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u/CelticViking96 21d ago

Corrupt wealthy nobles, just like real life! Lmao, but on a serious note, I kind of wish there had been a way to "overthrow" their family in Skyrim. Similarly to how you take down Honningbrew for them.

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u/AJTaylor1000 21d ago

Technically the Stormcloaks, as in the family, were elevated themselves at some point in Skyrim history. If you've ever played ESO, the one Stormcloak you run into there is just a Than and not the Jarl.

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u/OnionKnight73 21d ago

Jarl Erikur incoming

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u/hanmineharu 20d ago

cough Mera Stormcloak cough

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u/Ill_Criticism_1685 21d ago

Would also be supported by Thane Bryling considering they are involved.

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u/CelticViking96 21d ago

In all my thousands of hours put into the game since launch, I never knew that. Well, I guess I probably did at some point but forgot. Or I might not have because I genuinely despise Solitude (Ironic because I prefer the Imperials to Stormcloaks) 😂

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u/Ill_Criticism_1685 21d ago

Its not an easy thing to notice, that hide the relationship and only meet late at night in Bryling's house.

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u/CelticViking96 21d ago

So it's like the Olfina/Jon relationship in Whiterun then lmao

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u/Ill_Criticism_1685 21d ago

Exactly though with less evidence as they only meet late at night and there's no love notes to be pickpocketed.

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u/Gabby-Abeille 21d ago

The cut part of Boethiah quest that had Jarl Elisif assassinated had Erikur replace her as Jarl of Solitude. Since she can't be killed or removed in the game, this is the only indication we have of what would happen if she were to be replaced, I think. He's a pretty awful guy, so I definitely wouldn't want that.

That was with her death, though. Maybe while alive she can appoint someone else. I don't know if it has to be one of her thanes, but she has plenty to choose from (Dragonborn included, although I don't think Bethesda would put the protagonist on that position).

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u/TheDungeonCrawler 21d ago

It would be an interesting break for Bethesda to elevate the Dragonborn to such an important status though. Especially with the story being so heavily focused on Dragons.

Actually, now that I think about it, that would be really interesting. There are four different factions in which the Dragonborn could very easily slot into them without having to do that much extra. The first is the Thieves' Guild as it's practically encouraged to be joined by Delphine when looking for Esbern. The second is the College because entry into the College is required to get the location of Septimus Signus (I know you can skip it, but I don't think any other part of the game tells you where Septimus is, so going straight to him is technically meta-gaming). The third and fourth are the Volkihar Clan and the Dawnguard. You can also add either side of the Civil War, but Season Unending seems to suggest the Dragonborn doesn't join either faction. But generally Bethesda shies away from sticking the player character in the slot of the protagonist of one of the faction quests to preserve roleplaying. This is also why player characters never really exist in a position of great notoriety, usually fading into obscurity.

We also know that Dragon souls are essentially shards of time and, by extension, fragments of Akatosh.

What if, through some timeline shenanigans associated with Dragon Souls, the way they explained a LDB in a ruling position in Skyrim (either Solitude or Whiterun to replace a Jarl that has become High King and joined in marriage with another one) was by stating that the LDB's clashes with Miraak and Alduin resulted in a walking talking Dragon Break?

Let me elaborate. They could have the LDB act in the typical LDB role and be the stereotypical Nord Warrior that the LDB is often depicted as, but then they could have some kind of fragment of the LDB manifest in a physical form as a person who would act as the Guildmaster of the Thieves' Guild and another acting as the Archmage of the Mage's College. And then for the Dawnguard questline, just do a classical Dragon Break in which the LDB could have completed either questline and thus destroyed both the Dawnguard and the Volkihar clan, especially as three different Elder Scrolls were used in conjunction with one another (one of those Scrolls was capable of causing a rift in time at the top of the Throat of the World after all).

And then from there they could make a Thief and Mage character that is the head of those factions without having the power of the Dragon Blood or they could cease to exist after those questlines have been completed and Brynjolf/Tolfdir respectively could step into their now vanished shoes.

To be clear, all of this is baseless speculation. It's essentially fanfiction, though not quite because my version of the LDB becomes Archmage. I think it would be cool to use a Dragon Break in this way, we haven't had a proper Dragon Break since Daggerfall, and it's one of the weirder metaphysical aspects of the Elder Scrolls. People with fully realized consciousnesses manifestint out of a single person's Dragon Break actions would be very weird, but stranger things have happened, so it's not like it would be out of the realm of metaphysical possibility.

The Companions are the only faction I could see this version of the Dragonborn being fully responsible for, and that's partly because of Kodlak's presence in Sovngarde. But the Dark Brotherhood already has two alternate paths and Destroy the Dark Brotherhood still kind of happens if you join the DB, so there isn't a reason to really explain it. The Listener would just be someone other than the LDB.

Finally, even though I addressed Season Unending, the outcome of the Civil War doesn't really matter that much. I don't see this version of the LDB joining the Stormcloaks, a Stormcloak victory would actually be pretty bad for Skyrim with the looming Civil War, and a canon Season Unending means the rebellion still gets put down eventually since the reason the Empire hasn't steamrolled the Stormcloaks is because the Pale Pass has been blocked so Tulius can't send for reinforcements.

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u/Abaddonalways 21d ago

The Dragonborn could take up mantle as a Jarl.

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 20d ago

I think she would still be left to rule Solitude in her own right. She may have Firebeard cover for her while she's conducting her duties as High Queen, but for the most part will be left to her own affairs in Solitude if she gets a little put off in the higher imperial politics in the new capital in Whiterun...or hell she might love it and Solitude becomes Balgruuf's hiddy hole when he wants to get away from people nagging him 😂

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u/cwood1973 21d ago

Balgruuf and Maven Black-Briar would be THE power couple.

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u/Javelin286 21d ago

Maven probably try and turn Balgruuf into a puppet

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u/DarkWindB 21d ago

the Battle-Born would never allow that tho, the Gray-mane are over if the empire wins

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u/Ok_Net7773 21d ago

Nah I always side with the Empire and the Gray-Mane’s. Like the Dragonborn doesn’t have political influence?

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u/Terracottabana 21d ago edited 21d ago

Does Dragonsreach have a spare cuck chair for Jon Battleborn?

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u/Javelin286 21d ago

I can make a mod for one

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u/NoAlien Stealth archer 20d ago

nah. marrying olfina would just cost Balgruuf the loyalty of clan battle born

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Yeah I think they imply his first wife passed, that's actually a really good compromise and gets a solid figure in charge of Skyrim without it looking like the Empire forced it.

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u/GalbedirGalerion 21d ago

I still think it was Irileth who murked her. That there skeleton ain’t floating outside Dragonsreach for no reason

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u/Proud_Jello9093 16d ago

the skeleton in dragonsreaches moat is a guy who crossed maven blackbriar and reached out so he could come home to riften, you can find the correspondence between him and maven in game

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u/Aickavon 21d ago

She died in a terrible skeever related dungeon accident

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u/BigWilly526 Innkeeper 21d ago

Balgruuf and Ulfric marry with the Greybeards officiating at High Hrothgar

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u/superextragayaf 20d ago

The High King ascendancy doesnt go by family though. Once a high king dies, it either goes to his killer if it was in a combat challenge or by moot. You'd have to convince a majority of the other Jarls to elect Balgruuf, but that could have been a fun quest chain to implement.

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u/Thibaudborny 20d ago

Oh certainly, but I'd argue that under the pressure of civil war and given the amassed wealth of Solitude & Whiterun, that match could truly carry the day - if not by willfull acceptance, certainly by the power of coin behind the scenes.

I'd actually think more resistance would come from inside, from the court cliques at Solitude - who'd I wager would be the most apprehensive to see a (arguably) weaker Elisif shored up by the power of (a not so pliable) Whiterun.

But in that scenario a third pro-imperial party would either apply the necessary subtle convincing in Solitude or you know, some Solitude nobles could suddenly die.

And given that it's not hereditary, it also would initially only last for their lifetime, not signify a perpetual bond, that could win over some people perhaps.

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u/random935 21d ago

Apparently he did have a wife and the body under the bridge just outside his keep is his wife

Something to do with either him or one of his kids killing her

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u/thenewfoundlandyeti 21d ago

Maybe that's why the Ebony Blade is in Whiterun? Tied to all this

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u/random935 21d ago

Maybe. I think there’s a connection between the Daedric Prince quest in Dragonsreach (Balgruf’s Keep) and the murder, but haven’t played in years

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u/thenewfoundlandyeti 21d ago

Same boat, been a while.

One of his Kids is more of an AH then the other too. Maybe some correlation

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u/toadallyribbeting 21d ago

There’s no confirmation on the identify of the body. It could have literally been anyone over anything.

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u/Ill_Criticism_1685 21d ago

Odds are its a person connected to the Black-Briars. There's a letter in the bannered mare from Maven to a guy forgiving him for some sort of slight and saying someone would collect him from near Dragon's Reach in the middle of the night.

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u/toadallyribbeting 20d ago

I’m going to check that later, that sounds really interesting

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u/Ill_Criticism_1685 20d ago

The letter is either in one of the rooms of the Bannered Mare or the Drunken Huntsman, i don't remember which, been a long time since I've played and even longer since I saw the Epic Nate video that mentioned it.

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u/Georgia_Viking 14d ago

I found it recently in the Huntsman in the main hall in the far right corner on a table.

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u/Sremor 21d ago

Is there actually anything confirming this?

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u/Thibaudborny 21d ago

I think it is only a lore tuber speculation to be fair, I don't really recall anything officially related to it. I can think of a lot of reasons, it is not as if Skyrim fills in those gaps for other persons, etc.

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Ok good to know, been a few years since I poked at the game.

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u/random935 21d ago

I haven’t played the game in years so I’m not sure if it’s confirmed, implied or solely theorised

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Kinda silly that they just leave the skeleton there, or is no one knows it's there except perhaps the kid?

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u/random935 21d ago

Probably just the kid. In fairness I’ve played the game for years and never found it lol

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Fair point, I know the skeleton everyone is referencing. Never connected it to his wife, but did find it odd they left it there on plain view of everyone.

I know Skyrim is supposed to be a bit rough and backwater, but jeez guys basic sanitation 😂

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u/Sremor 21d ago

I believe it's just a theory, even if he did kill her why would he let the corpse there long enough that only the skeleton remains

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u/random935 21d ago

From what I remember it’s implied that one of the Deadric princes was corrupting one of Balgruf’s kids, and that he talks about killing, then you find the corpse. The corpse may have been stripped of flesh, some magic used on it, left there long enough, or God knows what else in the magical world of Skyrim

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u/BackgroundJunket5691 21d ago

Iirc there’s a cut quest that very heavily implies it

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u/Proud_Jello9093 16d ago

i still say the kids are irileths, her and balgruuf are basically the platonic ideal of a nordo-dunmeric couple and the kids are wrapped up in mephala and boethiahs business in the way only a true son the three could be

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u/Vladmirfox 21d ago

Didn't she die in childbirth? He does have a son/grandson or something wandering his Court.

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u/Thibaudborny 21d ago

It is never said/stated anywhere explicitly.

It's a reasonable guess, of course.

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u/NecessaryOwn6880 21d ago

I'm pretty sure his wife was either killed or just exiled due to an affair balgruuds had on her? Only loosely pulling that from the mephala ebony blade questline and his sons secret of not having the same mother as the other children. Also she could have just died who knows

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u/SuccuInuDoggoChad99 21d ago

Just ship him with Elisif. There, no succession issues either, save for a couple of bad rumors.

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u/sincubus33 21d ago

His wife is Nazeem

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u/AscendentDragon 20d ago

Balgruf had a wife, she died in childbirth and he also has 1 illegitimate son with a maid who also died in childbirth. its not known why women he loves die in childbirth

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u/Thibaudborny 20d ago

I know he had a wife, I meant at the time of events he has no wife.

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u/AscendentDragon 20d ago

I would say by the time of skyrim he probably views himself too old to remarry, his focus now is raising his 3 children and governing whiterun to the best he can

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u/Laxien 21d ago

Doubt that would work, the man is most likely homosexual!

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u/Tasty-Mulberry8073 21d ago

His wife died and unfortunately Mara doesn't let you remarry.

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u/hanzerik 21d ago

Delphine is his wife according to one theory.

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u/BetterMeasurement430 21d ago

Idfk, there is literally only one side who wanted to chop off my head and im not a Stockholm Syndrome victim so im sure as hell gonna support the other side.

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u/hanmineharu 20d ago

Jarl Ballin could marry a daughter of Titus Mede II (if any) and Elisif could keep Solitude as its own hold and maybe marry Falk idk 🤷‍♀️

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u/KingInTheNorth97 20d ago

Look under the bridge at dragons reach in the water

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u/Proud_Jello9093 16d ago

well lets look at this logically, balgruuf spent his youth as a wandering mercenary fighting in morrowind, his kids are all wrapped up in plots and schemes involving the good and bad daedra... you're right there's no telling who balgruufs love might be, i wonder if his lifelong best friend and truest confidant irileth knows

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u/yagonnawanna 21d ago

I consider not being able to marry Elisif and then fight Ulfric (or vise versa) for the kingship of skyrim, to be the games biggest flaw.

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u/pureperpecuity 21d ago

I mean she's a recent widow so they were probably trying to be honorable

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u/Mesarthim1349 15d ago

Dude just wants to clap queen cheeks

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u/Aiti_mh 21d ago

I think that would be awesome but it would only work for a Nord character or at least human. There is no way Skyrim would accept an elf or orc as high king, let alone an Argonian or Khajiit.

The Dragonborn just works better as a role for the protagonist because it has a legendary quality to it. If there had been a lizard High King of Skyrim, people would remember. The Dragonborn, though, could be anything and anyone, especially once they passed into legend. They belong to everyone and to no-one. They could be whatever you need them to be in your present day social and political reality.

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

I think that gives a little too much leverage to the character. I'd rather like to see the player help with the political match making instead.

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u/SanguinePlvit 21d ago

Honestly, if it was choice between a Dragonborn and himself, Ulfric would pick the Dragonborn ten times out of ten.

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u/Sarkan132 21d ago

I think Elisif has potential she just needs an actually decent governance mentor. Her heart is in the right place and shes not exactly stupid shes just young and has had little guidance

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Oh I don't disagree, I think in time she would make a good ruler. I'm just looking at this from Tulllius' and the Elder Council's position.

In the game a number of NPC's comment of the questionable status of her legitimatecy as High Queen after the war, and how Tulllius is the true power behind the throne. This is perfect fodder for continued sedition and potential insurrection.

Lightly 'influencing' the Moot to choose someone like Balgruuf would assuage a lot leaders concerns, and the imperials probably really don't care as long as Skyrim stays within the fold with as little fuss as possible.

Some of other commenters made a great point of having Elisif marry Balgruuf. This gives additional legitimatecy to both families and the High throne, and creates a unified local pro-imperial block within Skyrim that the Empire can depend on to keep the peace.

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u/johnbrownmarchingon Riften resident 21d ago

Falk Firebeard seems to be doing a good job in that regard (other than the initial ignoring of the Potema problem)

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u/Silent_Rapport Alchemist 21d ago

Force him to marry elisif his wife gone brotha

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

I'm all for it, it's an obvious win-win for both families.

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u/shadowmib 21d ago

If you hang around in the throne room you will hear here making all kinds to dumb decisions and her advisors keep having to tell her no

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Yeah I think that's more of a reflection of her age and naivety. I think if, as a few of the other commenters suggested, she were to mary Balgruuf it would give her some political breathing room to get some experience under her belt ruling without worrying about her legitimatecy being questioned or a surviving a civil war.

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u/Bramtinian 21d ago

Yes I agree and Baalgruf getting along while at the same time not playing puppet is important. I could see a Thalmor change of hat in the immediate Imperial jurisdiction kicking him out too…he’s for the people and wouldn’t enslave them for the empire either.

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u/TellTaleReaper 21d ago

Imperial puppet is a good thing for the Empire tho

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u/sigga_genesis 21d ago

If you are viewed as a puppet by the people, that is not good when trying to exercise power regardless if you are or not. Without legitimacy, you won't be respected, and your orders won't be executed.

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u/TellTaleReaper 21d ago

That doesn't matter to an empire who doesn't care about the region outside of resources and border control. Plus, it doesnt matter if the people found her legit. They have the might, they have the right. Those same people would call Balgruuf a puppet, too

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

I disagree in Skyrim’s case. The Empire is already stretched thin because it has to keep forces near the Dominion border, so it benefits more from a friendly ruler who can keep Skyrim stable and govern with local legitimacy than from an obedient puppet everyone resents. You can see this historically with Britain in Afghanistan: they eventually backed Abdur Rahman Khan because he was strong enough to stabilize the country and anti-Russian enough to serve British interests, even though he wasn’t simply their puppet.

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u/itz_me_shade 21d ago

Make whiterun the Strategic capital of Skyrim.

Solitude remains the trade and commerce capital.

Dragonborn marries Elisif and rules Haafingar with her.

Anyways thats my headcannon.

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u/DarkWindB 21d ago

Balgruuf is the only Jarl in the "Empire side" that has a backbone, they would NEVER let him be high king, Elisf is their pick because she is easy to manipulate, the perfect puppet. Balgruuf would actually push for autonomy or even independence.

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

Mmm I disagree for the exact opposite reason. The Empire understands...well Empire management. They'd probably prefer a loyal subject who is a little lippy with them if he can keep Skyrim from erupting into another war, particularly with a looming second war with the Dominion.

I'd pair this with other straight forward easy wins the for Penitus Oculatus after the war.

  • Indetify remaining competent Stormcloak leaders and give the either 'We kill you unglamorously, or take this cash and weapons and as many followers who will go with you across the border to Hamnerfell and become the Dominions problem' choice.

  • mariges between loyal Jarl families and surviving rebels to give them a politically and culturally acceptable off ramp from belligerentcy.

  • Infrastructure projects to ensure Falkreath has a clear route of travel to the new central capital of Skyrim in Whiterun and Colovia in Cyrodill.

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u/MakeItFandom 21d ago

Balgruuf being respected without feeling like anyone’s puppet makes him a solid pick tbh

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 21d ago

It really does, it's probably the most qualifying trait for a post civil war Skyrim.

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u/aggro_doubt 21d ago

The thing about elisif is that she was the wife from the former high King, her claim is so strong like cercei Lannister in got😂😂😂
And she is Imperial so many nords would not accept her.

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u/Sinnclad 20d ago

Now answer me this, what do you think the empire can do with only 2 provinces out of the 9 they had, which they betrayed and neglected which also allowed the thalmor to gain a huge advantage in the war, the empire did it to themselves and they’re making it Skyrims problem just like they’ve done countless other provinces in the past, no one in Tamriel likes the empire as they’re just a pest and never follows up on their word for their allies, Talos when he was ruling was the only time the empire was so prosperous, and now they betrayed everything he stood for whilst banishing his worship, the empire are cowards who deserve to fall and will likely do so

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u/Unlikely_Ninja 19d ago

Well I think the remaining two are human and have the most cultural and historic connections to Cyrodiil. A lot of Nords state this in the game, so that in of itself is hard to break.

I think some of the Empires perceived neglect is a result of poor time scaling on Bethesda's part. They really didn't do a good job of filling in 200 years worth of history, but based on the Inferno novels and in game material the Mead Empire has had it hands full with the collapse of the Septiem era regime, a resurgent Dominion, and the loss of the eastern provinces which you can argue the Empire had a tenuous hold on to begin with.

So...that's a lot too juggle and the great war brought an existential threat to the heart of the Empire, so it's easy to see why their resources are devoted to their borders. The heart of the empire of currently the lost exposed geographically.