Summary
The Dragonborn plays a very large role in keeping Tamriel from plunging into chaos during the events ofThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, but things would be very different if they were not there to put things right. The game itself does not let us find out directly, but it does leave a few clues about what could happen.
So, as the Dragonborn lays their head on the chopping block, Alduin delays his arrival by a few seconds, and in one swing of the executioner’s ax, the world is changed. With no more Dragonborn, no more prophesied hero to banish Alduin, and no chance for any easy solutions, what does the story ofSkyrimlook like without the Dragonborn?
The Biggest Problems Facing Skyrim Without the Dragonborn
The Dragon Threat Is Far Deadlier and Lasts a Lot Longer
Despite the faction’s tiny size, the Blades were successful inSkyrimbecause of the demigod Dragonborn. The ability tolearn the Dragonrend shout, backed up by the power to face the threat head on, made dealing with Alduin and his army a lot easier. Without a weapon to deploy against Alduin, the Blades would have to rely on more conventional methods of fighting back.
It is possible that many Dragons would be slain in the war, but countless warriors and civilians alike would perish. Holds without good defenses against Dragon attacks would be easy prey, with predominantly wooden towns falling first. Whiterun, Riften, Riverwood, Falkreath, Rorikstead, and many others would be easy prey tofire-breathing dragons, forcing large migrations from vulnerable regions to those more defensible cities.
There is reason to believe that Alduin could be dealt with. An uphill battle would need to be fought against theNordic Eater of Worlds, as he could constantly resurrect fallen dragons, Delphine and Esbern might be able to use the Elder Scroll method to banish Alduin further in time. However, the effectiveness of this method is in serious doubt, as Alduin would be wise to it, and getting him exposed enough to be banished would be a tall order.
The denizens ofSkyrim could win the dragon war, but the province would remain devastated for decades to come, and tensions caused by mass migrations into stone cities might spark other social tensions. It just shows how much easier the dragon war was by having a Dragonborn on the side of mortals, and how much Delphine owes to Paarthurnax for teaching the Dragonborn how to fight other dragons.
The Civil War Would Enter a Desperate Stalemate
TheSkyrim Civil Waris a conflict that has divided people, both in-game and out, for over a decade now, but without the Dragonborn to quickly turn the tide, the outcome is significantly murkier. No side would be able to gain an easy advantage, and while the dragon war might unite the different sides for a while, the underlying tensions would never be settled.
The Civil War would probably turn into a long-lasting guerilla campaign, with Imperials limited to the western half of the province, constantly under attack by Stormcloaks.Ulfric Stormcloak’s rebellionmight even outlast its eponymous leader, as a Civil War without a quick end could drag on for decades, both sides deeply entrenched and unwilling to give ground.
The only thing that could reasonably change this would be an intervention, or withdrawal, by the Thalmor. The Empire is ultimately at the mercy of the elves, and Skyrim is a useful province for resisting them while it is peaceful. Significant Thalmor activity could jeopardize the Empire’s position in Skyrim, forcing their unceremonious retreat from the province, leaving Ulfric the de factoHigh King of Skyrim.
The Volkihar Clan Would Be at War With the Dawnguard
One of Skyrim’s more competent factions, the Dawnguard are a clear target forHarkon’s Volkihar vampire dynasty. The vampire hunters could last a while without the Dragonborn, considering they are already a professional fighting force, but the Dragonborn made defeating Harkon directly a much easier feat.
Without the Dragonborn, it would be hard to destabilize the family from within, and would risk Auriel’s Bow falling into the wrong hands. However, it is also the Dragonborn who enables both factions to make bold moves toward their goals, so it is likely the fight against vampires would be a long and bloody one, spilling out across the province.
Miraak’s Reemergence Could Go Unchallenged
One of the most significant wildcards would be Miraak’s return. As an enemy of both mortals and dragons alike,Miraak, the first Dragonborn, has the power and means to cause significant destruction to Tamriel. His presence is not conditional on a number of factors in the same way the Volkihar’s success is, as Miraak just needs to escape Oblivion to begin conquering Skyrim.
With his ability to enslave beings to his will, Miraak would likely head for the closest centers of population, like the Skaal village and Raven Rock, to build up his forces. Only theTelvanni wizard Nelothhas a reasonable chance of resisting him, but coupled with Ash Spawn attacks, he would likely end up fleeing to Morrowind. Miraak’s rise would be extra dangerous, as with the Skyrim Civil War unresolved, there would be no unified front to oppose him.
The Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood Would Collapse
The Dragonborn is instrumental inrestoring the Thieves Guildand the Dark Brotherhood, so without their influence, both would be shadows of their former selves. With the rest of the chaos in a Skyrim without a Dragonborn, it is entirely possible that the groups would be forced to disband, as towns and cities descend into anarchy. With no stable contracts or society to steal from, both groups could very well meet their end.
The People of Skyrim Would Be Collectively Worse Off
While it is unreasonable to imagine the Dragonborn doing every single little fetch quest, it is undeniable that they have helped many of Skyrim’s inhabitants in small, but meaningful, ways. Whether by fetching a family sword,restoring the Gildergreen, or just giving a health potion to a sick person, the Dragonborn’s sense of adventure and charitable spirit uplifted countless people in Skyrim, and the people would suffer for their absence.
One Possible Scenario of a Skyrim Without the Dragonborn
Captured at thesouthern border of Skyrim, an unnamed prisoner lays their head on the chopping block, and one fell swoop later, the destiny of all of Tamriel is changed. Moments after the head rolls to the floor, an enormous black dragon lands in Helgen, sending prisoner and soldier alike scattering, and Skyrim is forced to reckon with the sudden return of the dragons it thought to be a myth.
Escaping back to Windhelm, Ulfric Stormcloak begins his raids on Imperial positions. The Empire, spread thin, can only hope to useSkyrim’s mountainous geographyto keep Ulfric in the east, but as envoys from both sides come and go in Whiterun, it is clear that things cannot last this way for long.
General Tullius expects to be under attack at any moment, but when the threat comes from the sky in the form of a dragon, he realizes that there is more at play. Over the coming months,cities across Skyrim are attacked by dragons. Some, such as Windhelm and Solitude, weather the attacks, becoming experts in dragon warfare. Others, such as the hotly contested Whiterun, are burned to the ground in one disastrous night.
With so many of Skyrim’s population centers in ruins, civilians flock to the old stone cities in the far reaches, quickly setting up large refugee camps outside when they reach capacity. Spirits are low, and with dragon attacks constantly probing the camps, some resort to petty Banditry. In the larger camps it is rumored that the Thieves Guild is operating isolated operations, stoked by fears that when theThieves Guild fled Riften, its members disguised themselves as ordinary refugees.
As months become years, resistance to the dragons mounts, and the Civil War is almost forgotten. Once enemies, people of different beliefs fight side by side, winning pyrrhic victories against Alduin’s armies. However, theThalmor and Aldmeri Dominioncannot abide by this, and the elves seed Talos sympathizers and Imperial propagandists into refugee camps across the province, seeking to divide the population all over again.
As time goes by, camps become shanty towns, and society remains cut off at edges of the province. Many citizens hear rumors of vampires and hunters stalking each other in the night, but with the dragons still roaming the skies, there is little that can scare anyone anymore. Some campfires spread tales of a brave few who tried tobanish Alduin with an Elder Scroll, whatever that is, but not many people put any faith in such baseless claims.
Until one day, when on the field of battle, a dragon is felled, but instead of the great time eater bringing it back, the soul flies into the distance. Quaking thunder punctures the sky as three masked Cultists approach the city of Windhelm.Ulfric Stormcloak, wary of another Thuum user, receives the delegation cautiously, but upon hearing their demands that he swear undying fealty to Miraak, shouts them out the door.
Windhelm would not last long, though. Legions of Draugr and enthralled servants surround the city, ransacking the shanty town. Easily beaten individually, but acting as an unstoppable wave, the defenders are slowly overcome. At the horde’s head is the vengeful Miraak, joining the siege to shout the gates open like the tongues of old. Escaping just in time, Ulfric goes west, the only place he can anymore, glancing back at the sight of his capital burning, cursingthe first Dragonborn’s name.
Although briefed by scouts plenty of times, Tullius cannot believe his eyes as he watchesUlfric’s honor guard enter Solitude’s walls. Once the most bitter enemies, the Civil War seemed so long ago, and when the two enemies come face to face, they meet silently, knowing things are more dire than ever.
Across the land, the dragons are dying, but each time their souls flow toward Miraak. It is said that even the great black dragon himself has disappeared, biding its time until this mortal upstart is dealt with. Miraak pays the world eater no mind, setting his sights on High Hrothgar, where one last pacifist remains at the summit, one whosesoul Miraak would gladly devour. As his horde leaves Windhelm to begin its shambling ascent, the land lets out a collective shudder, and the people of Skyrim wish for a new hero to turn the tide.
