Part 1: Opening moves
King Valerian I
"It has been twenty years since the last Akaviri potentate was assassinated with all of his heirs. In that time Tamriel has slipped further and further into chaos. High Rock has collapsed into feuding city-states, Skyrim's Jarls battle endlessly for dominance, even Cyrodiil finds itself is hopelessly divided between the Colovians and the Nibenese, the petty kingdoms of Skingrad, Kvatch, and Anvil drown the west in blood.
It must end."
"But how my lord?" Tacitan, Steward of the Colovian Estates asked.
"It is quite simple my friend, we shall reforge Reman's empire with fire and sword, the petty kings of Cyrodiil will bow before me willingly or they will be crushed beneath my boot."
"What would you have us do my lord?" Lucia the Chancellor asked.
"Lucia you will send emissaries to our neighbors they will "request" that they pledge their loyalty to me."
"Tacitan you and Marshal Uriel will remain in Sancre Tor, Tacitan will ensure that the taxes are being collected efficiently, Uriel you will see to training our levies. When it is time to march we will not be found wanting.
"Yes my lord" They bowed and exited.
Lucia joined the king at his table and he poured her a glass of wine.
"You know the Jarl of Frostcrag will never submit willingly, he's too much of a "Proud Nord"."
"I know, but
trying diplomacy first always looks better."
They laughed at that before Lucia left to instruct the emissaries.
Valerian sighed and looked at his map of Cyrodiil, one province divided up into numerous kingdoms, duchies, and petty lordships.
"This is going to be interesting."
The next four months proved trying, four of the five lords contacted pledged their allegiance, the stubborn Jarl of Frostcrag alone refused. The Royal army defeated the Jarl and his warriors at Bruma before besieging him in his mountain capital and after 32 days it fell the Jarl was led off in chains, the Duchy of Frostcrag was given to the Marshal Uriel.
In five short months Valerian had achieved all of his initial goals, The Colovian Estates were united, all of northwestern Cyrodiil was now under his control.
His gaze shifted south to the kingdom of Skingrad a land wracked by a terrible civil war...
Part 2: A Wedding and the War for Skingrad will be out tomorrow.