Imagining Skyrim Without the Dragonborn: A What-If Scenario

Imagine a Skyrim without the Dragonborn—a realm plunged into chaos. The presence of this fabled hero is vital, quietly threading through the game’s narrative, but what if they weren’t there to save the day? Let’s explore an alternate Skyrim, unraveling its mysteries through the clues left behind by the game.

Picture this: The Dragonborn lies on the chopping block, Alduin’s timely arrival delayed by mere seconds. In the absence of this prophesied champion, Alduin would reign unchecked, transforming the fate of Skyrim dramatically.

The Dragon Peril Intensifies

The Blades, despite their limited numbers, relied heavily on the Dragonborn’s demigod powers to confront Alduin. Without the thunderous Dragonrend shout and the might to face dragons head-on, they’d be forced to resort to more primitive tactics. The cost? A grueling war with massive casualties on both sides. Towns like Whiterun and Riften, built mostly of wood, would be defenseless against dragon fire, triggering mass migrations to fortified cities.

While Delphine and Esbern might attempt to banish Alduin using the Elder Scroll, success would be uncertain. The people of Skyrim might eventually topple the dragons, but devastation would linger for decades, with societal tensions exacerbated by the influx of refugees—all underscoring the crucial role the Dragonborn plays.

A Civil War Standoff

The Civil War’s turmoil would deepen without the Dragonborn to shift the odds. Neither faction could easily claim victory, and even a temporary alliance against dragons wouldn’t resolve the core conflicts. The war might devolve into guerrilla skirmishes, with Ulfric Stormcloak’s rebellion potentially outliving its leader. The Thalmor could tilt the balance, but under their influence, the Empire might abandon Skyrim altogether, making Ulfric the default ruler.

Vampires at War

Without the Dragonborn, the battle between the Dawnguard and Harkon’s vampires becomes a prolonged, bloody conflict. The Dragonborn’s absence leaves both sides without the leverage to swiftly achieve their goals. The risk of Auriel’s Bow falling into dangerous hands heightens as the vampires and hunters collide in a drawn-out war.

Miraak’s Menace

Miraak’s return adds another layer of chaos. As the first Dragonborn, his power rivals both mortals and dragons, his ambitions unchecked. His conquest would be catastrophic, with only Neloth, a Telvanni wizard, standing a slight chance of resistance. However, with ongoing Ash Spawn attacks, even he might retreat to Morrowind, leaving Miraak unopposed amidst Skyrim’s unresolved conflict.

The Collapse of the Guilds

The Dragonborn helps rejuvenate the Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood. Without their intervention, these groups might crumble amidst Skyrim’s chaos. Disbandment seems likely as contracts cease and anarchy reigns, leading to their potential end.

Skyrim’s People in Peril

Though the Dragonborn can’t tackle every minor quest, their adventures bring solace and aid to many citizens. From finding lost treasures to simple acts of kindness, the Dragonborn’s presence brightens lives across Skyrim. Their absence would leave a noticeable void, worsening the lot of its people.

Envisioning a Dragonborn-less Skyrim

Captured at Skyrim’s southern edge, a prisoner meets their end, and the destiny of Tamriel alters. As fear grips Helgen due to Alduin’s ascent, Ulfric Stormcloak flees to Windhelm, igniting attacks on Imperial sites. The scattered Empire struggles to hold ground against Ulfric, while tensions simmer in Whiterun with envoys in constant turmoil.

General Tullius braces for onslaughts that come not from men but dragons, laying waste to cities and sending populations fleeing to stone fortresses like Windhelm and Solitude. Tension-filled shanty towns burgeon as refugees multiply, while rumors of a clandestine Thieves Guild frighten these impromptu havens.

Amid dragons and civil unrest, the elves of the Thalmor sow discord, ensuring Skyrim remains fractured. In drab camps, whispered tales of Elder Scrolls and salvation offer meager hope, while monstrous battles rage on.

One fateful day, a dragon falls not to Alduin’s resurrection but to a distant power—an ominous sign. Cultists demand Ulfric’s loyalty to Miraak, but their proposal is scorned, leading to the siege of Windhelm by armies of Draugr. Despite Ulfric’s escape westward, the Capital burns, cursed by Miraak’s name.

As Miraak’s grip tightens, even mighty dragons vanish, possibly awaiting a clash with their living rival. Once enemies, Ulfric and Tullius unite silently that day, recognizing the bleak reality they face. With society crumbling, Skyrim yearns for a new hero to rise and reclaim peace.