What If Skyrim Had No Dragonborn? Chaos Ensues!

Summary

Dragons would pose a deadlier and longer-lasting threat without the Dragonborn‘s intervention.
The Civil War in Skyrim would likely result in a prolonged stalemate without options for a quick victory.
The absence of the Dragonborn would lead to chaos, with factions like the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood potentially collapsing.

In the narrative of “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” the Dragonborn assumes a significant, almost pivotal position in preventing Tamriel from spiraling into disorder. If they weren’t present to set things straight, the storyline would likely unfold quite differently. Although the game doesn’t explicitly reveal this alternate reality, it subtly hints at it through various clues scattered throughout the game.

In the scenario where the Dragonborn rests their head on the executioner’s block, Alduin momentarily postpones his arrival. With a single strike from the executioner’s ax, the world undergoes transformation. In this situation, with no more Dragonborn, no foretold hero to drive Alduin away, and no simple remedies available, what does the narrative of Skyrim become in their absence?

The Biggest Problems Facing Skyrim Without the Dragonborn

The Dragon Threat Is Far Deadlier and Lasts a Lot Longer

In the game Skyrim, the small but effective Blades faction triumphed largely due to the powerful presence of the demigod Dragonborn. The Dragonborn’s talent in mastering the Dragonrend shout and courage to confront Alduin directly made managing Alduin’s army less daunting. In the absence of a weapon specifically designed for Alduin, the Blades would have had to resort to traditional means of combat.

In the event of a war, it’s likely that numerous Dragons could be killed, but the casualties wouldn’t only be limited to them. Civilians and warriors alike would meet their end. Weakly fortified areas, particularly those made primarily of wood, would be especially vulnerable to Dragon attacks, succumbing first. Towns like Whiterun, Riften, Riverwood, Falkreath, Rorikstead, and many others could easily fall prey to fire-breathing Dragons, causing a mass exodus from susceptible regions towards cities offering better defenses.

As a fervent admirer, I’m inclined to think there might be hope in confronting Alduin, the Nordic World-Eater. Yet, let me caution you, this would undoubtedly be an arduous struggle against the seemingly indomitable dragon. Delphine and Esbern may employ the ancient Elder Scroll technique to send him back into oblivion, but whether it’ll work is highly questionable. The reason being, Alduin, being a cunning foe, would likely be aware of such tactics. Exposing him enough to banish him entirely would be an extraordinary feat indeed.

The inhabitants of Skyrim have the potential to triumph in their dragon conflict; however, the province would continue to suffer destruction for many years afterward. Moreover, the large influx of people into stone cities could ignite additional social conflicts. This underscores the significant advantage the Dragonborn provided in making the dragon war more manageable, and the debt Delphine owes to Paarthurnax for instructing the Dragonborn on combating dragons.

The Civil War Would Enter a Desperate Stalemate

The Skyrim Civil War, which has been causing division among players in the game and out for over ten years, wouldn’t have a clear winner without the intervention of the Dragonborn to swiftly tip the scales. Each faction would struggle to gain an edge, and although the dragon war might momentarily unite them, the deep-rooted issues would remain unsettled forever.

In simpler terms, the Civil War could transform into an extended insurgency where the Imperials are confined to the western part of the province, persistently harassed by the Stormcloaks. The rebellion led by Ulfric Stormcloak may continue beyond his leadership, as a prolonged conflict might stretch on for many years, with both parties firmly established and reluctant to back down, potentially lasting for decades.

The situation in Skyrim might only be altered if the Thalmor choose to intervene or withdraw. Essentially, the Empire depends on the elves’ goodwill, and as long as Skyrim remains tranquil, it serves as a valuable stronghold against them. Any substantial Thalmor action could potentially threaten the Empire’s influence in Skyrim, prompting them to hasty abandon the province, making Ulfric the effective High King of Skyrim by default.

The Volkihar Clan Would Be at War With the Dawnguard

Among Skyrim’s formidable factions, the Dawnguard stand as a prime target for Harkon’s Volkihar vampire clan. The vampire hunters, being an already skilled combat group, could potentially hold their own against Harkon even without the Dragonborn. However, with the Dragonborn’s assistance, overcoming Harkon became significantly less challenging.

As a devoted follower, I can’t help but ponder the implications if the Dragonborn were absent. The delicate intrigue within our family could easily unravel, potentially leading to Auriel’s Bow ending up in the wrong hands. Yet, it is precisely the Dragonborn who empowers both factions, fueling their courage and determination towards their objectives. This means the battle against vampires might stretch into a protracted, brutal conflict, one that would leave no corner of the province untouched by its devastation.

Miraak’s Reemergence Could Go Unchallenged

One major uncertainty lies with the potential resurgence of Miraak, who poses a threat to both mortals and dragons. As the first Dragonborn, Miraak possesses the capability and resources to inflict severe damage upon Tamriel. Unlike the Volkihar’s success, which depends on various factors, Miraak can start wreaking havoc in Skyrim once he manages to escape Oblivion.

Given his power to control beings at will, it’s probable that Miraak would make a beeline for densely populated areas such as the Skaal village and Raven Rock, aiming to bolster his forces. The Telvanni wizard Neloth might stand a chance against him, but with Ash Spawn attacks factored in, he might choose to retreat to Morrowind instead. Miraak’s ascension poses an additional risk, as the Skyrim Civil War remains unresolved, leaving no united front capable of challenging him.

The Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood Would Collapse

The Dragonborn plays a crucial role in rebuilding the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood; without their impact, these organizations would be mere echoes of their past glory. In Skyrim without a Dragonborn, it’s plausible that the groups may have to disband as towns and cities succumb to chaos. With no reliable sources for theft or a stable society, both organizations might face extinction.

The People of Skyrim Would Be Collectively Worse Off

Though it may seem unlikely that the Dragonborn would undertake every minor errand, there’s no denying they assisted numerous residents of Skyrim in significant yet small ways. Ranging from retrieving a family’s sword to rejuvenating the Gildergreen, or simply offering a healing potion to an ill person, the Dragonborn’s thirst for adventure and altruistic nature brought joy and relief to countless individuals in Skyrim. The absence of their benevolence would undoubtedly be felt by these people.

One Possible Scenario of a Skyrim Without the Dragonborn

At the southern edge of Skyrim, an anonymous captive rests their head on the execution block. With a single swift strike, the fate of all Tamriel is altered. Scarcely have the head hit the ground, when a colossal black dragon descends upon Helgen, causing both prisoner and soldier to flee in terror. This unexpected dragon appearance compels Skyrim to confront the return of dragons, which they believed were merely myths.

Returning to Windhelm, Ulfric Stormcloak launches attacks on Imperial strongholds. With the Empire stretched thin, they can merely rely on Skyrim’s rugged terrain to contain Ulfric in the east. However, with representatives from both parties constantly visiting Whiterun, it is evident that this state of affairs cannot continue indefinitely.

General Tullius anticipates an imminent attack, yet when the danger arrives unexpectedly from above, taking the form of a dragon, he recognizes that there’s something larger at stake. As time passes, cities throughout Skyrim experience similar attacks by dragons. Places like Windhelm and Solitude manage to withstand these assaults, gaining proficiency in combating dragons. In stark contrast, cities such as Whiterun suffer a devastating fate, being reduced to ashes during a single catastrophic night.

As I traverse the war-torn landscape of Skyrim, I see countless settlements lying in ruins. Desperate civilians are drawn to the ancient stone cities at the edge of the realm, only to find these too overcrowded and hurriedly setting up vast refugee camps outside their walls when they’re filled to capacity. Morale is low among the people, with dragon assaults relentlessly testing the camp’s defenses. In dire times, some resort to petty thievery just to survive. In the larger camps, whispers circulate about the Thieves Guild making a comeback, with rumors claiming that they disguised themselves as ordinary refugees when they fled Riften.

Over time, as months turn into years, the opposition towards dragons grows steadily stronger, and the memory of the Civil War fades. Former adversaries, united by diverse beliefs, now fight together, achieving Pyrrhic victories against Alduin’s forces. Yet, the Thalmor and Aldmeri Dominion cannot accept this unity, and they secretly plant Talos sympathizers and Imperial propagandists among refugee populations across the province with the aim of sowing discord once more.

Over time, camps gradually transform into makeshift towns, and the society remains isolated along the periphery of the province. There’s a persistent buzz about vampires and hunters clashing under the cover of darkness, yet with dragons patrolling overhead, fear seems to have lost its potency. Stories of courageous individuals who attempted to expel Alduin using some sort of Elder Scroll circulate around campfires, but few believe these unsubstantiated tales.

One day on a battlefield, instead of a dragon resurrecting, its spirit soars away. Meanwhile, three hooded Cultists march toward Windhelm city, causing the sky to rumble with thunder. Ulfric Stormcloak, mindful of another magic user, greets them warily. However, when they ask him to pledge eternal loyalty to Miraak, he angrily dismisses them.

In my view, Windhelm’s days are numbered. Swarms of Draugr and enslaved townsfolk loot the shack village, relentlessly overwhelming the city guards. While they may fall easily to a single fighter, their collective might is unyielding, gradually overpowering the defenders. At the forefront of this onslaught stands the vengeful Miraak, inciting chaos to break through the gates like a cacophony of old battlecries. In the nick of time, Ulfric flees westward, with nowhere else to go now, casting one final, mournful gaze at his capital engulfed in flames, muttering curses aimed at the first Dragonborn’s name.

Despite numerous warnings from scouts, Tullius finds it hard to accept what he sees as Ulfric’s honor guard marches into Solitude. The animosity between them once ran deep, but the memory of the Civil War seems like a distant past. When they finally confront each other, they do so without words, both aware that the situation is more critical than ever before.

Throughout the realm, dragons are succumbing, and their spirits head towards Miraak. Legend has it that even the mighty black dragon is gone, lying in wait until this upstart mortal is vanquished. Unperturbed by the world devourer, Miraak focuses on High Hrothgar, where a pacifist still resides atop the peak, a soul that Miraak covets. As his horde departs Windhelm to commence its slow climb, the land quakes in unison, and the people of Skyrim yearn for a new champion to reverse their fate.

2025-04-27 05:17