[b][i]Valenwood and Elswyr[/i][/b] In the settlements of Valenwood and Elswyr, entire rows of houses burned as dissidents, their families, and entire communities were slaugthered by the assassins of the Thalmor, who were punishing opposition to the conscription and extra taxes needed for the coming invasion of the lands of men. While said Thalmor knew that this repression would only serve as a band-aid, not a cure to the problem of opposition, they hoped that the coming conquest of the realms of man would help stifle dissent and increase support. [b][i]Summerset Isles/Alinor[/i][/b] Several hooded Thalmor Archmagi, clad in robes of the finest material, and wielding sceptres hewn from the finest woods and gems, began a ritual that drew on the Altmer's magical prowess, in order to prey on the Redguards' weakness of being unwilling to fight the undead. Chanting words in High Elven, burning through reagents and Soul Gems, the Archmagi cast a powerful spell over Hammerfell, causing Draugr to rise, Mummies and Ghosts to come out of their coffins, and the recently dead to be reanimated. The Plague of Undeath had come. [b][i]Cyrodiil[/i][/b] "On behalf of the Rightful Emperor of the Empire of Cyrodiil, our ally Titus Mede II, the Aldmeri Dominion declares war on the subversive and heretical organization called the Res Publica, and ask all loyal citizens of the Empire to aid us!" This was the official line of the three Thalmor armies invading Res Publica territorry, and it was lies, all lies, meant to further bring oppoborium on Titus Mede and weaken his rule. The three Thalmor armies numbered 33,000 each, heading for the cities of Anvil, Kvatch, and Skingrad, the current headquarters of the Res Publica. Their plans were simple; besige and blockade the cities, using Destruction magic to break down the walls. Not merely that, but Thalmor Agents using Illusion and Alteration would infiltrate the Res Publica forces, in order to kill off key commanders. However, Lucius CIncinnatus was to be left untouched, and should Skingrad fall, [i]be allowed to escape[/i]. At the same time, counterrevolutionary militia began mustering in the more conservative countryisde, harrying the forces sent to surround the Imperial City, where the Emperor was about to break out... In Anvil, Gam-Shei would either be drafted to defend the city, or slip out before the Thalmor reached it and go adventure elsewhere; his choice. [b][i]Hammerfell and High Rock[/i][/b] After the Plague of Undeath had weakened them, Aldmeri Dominion ships would be sighted off the coast of S'tros M'kai, where the pirates were enjoying the booty of several successful raids. An entire fleet of 500 ships, which carried 50,000 people. At the same time, the Direnni, having heard of the Plague of Undeath, would secretly offer to send aid to the Kingdom of Hammerfell, said offer including an ad-hoc battalion of Altmer Dissidents, Bretons, and some of the Direnni themselves, along with Scrolls of Guardian Circle and Turn Undead. This offer came even though High Rock itself was being attacked by Dragons from Skyrim, led by Alunausbah (Ever-Suffer-Wrath), a Dragon who had denounced Paarthunax's 'Way of the Voice' as tyranny, and had left for High Rock with his followers, burning, looting, and killing as they went. Ironically, the depradations of Alunausbah and his followers strengthened the Direnni case for a coalition, as the kingdoms of Daggerfall and Wayrest began to send diplomats to Balfreia Island, in order to seek concerted action as regards the Dragon threat...