Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-28667390-20160607034822/@comment-25127382-20160627231226

In the past few weeks, the number of Markarth soldiers near the Reach/Hjaalmarch border had increased significantly, something noticeable from both Dragon Bridge and Rorikstead. It was clear that Ryver was not going to wait for some unexpected surprise. He had sent letters, each delivered by a single Valkyrie convoyed by two light cavaliers to each Imperial hold.

"Addressed to all of Skyrim's loyal Imperial rulers.

''As some of you will have noticed, I have increased the security by the border between the Reach and the yet unaffiliated Hjaalmarch. I can assure you all that this is merely for the purpose of defence, but I cannot help but feel that the safest option at the current moment would be a military occupation of Hjaalmarch. Given their neutrality and small size, they probably have no intention of fighting, and are likely to surrender to whomever, Imperial or Stormcloak marches in first. Due to the marshlands, Hjaalmarch would be very difficult to conquer once occupied, given that both the environment and the military presence would be hostile.''

''While not the most strategic location for the Stormcloaks, if they conquered Hjaalmarch, their borders would literally be touching Solitude, and assault on the city with catapults and cannons would be all too easy. In addition to this, it is one of only two non-Stormcloak holds that borders the Sea of Ghosts, meaning that the Stormcloaks already have the potential for greater naval deployment, even without adding Hjaalmarch on top of it. If turned Stormcloak, Hjaalmarch would be a great threat to Haafingar in particular, especially since the mountains south of Morthal mean that Whiterun could not offer support by flanking Hjaalmarch directly.''

''Despite all that, I am not going to advance and occupy without the consent of my allies. I shall not take any non-defencive measures until a common consensus regarding our actions is agreed upon. But either way, the eastern Imperial holds need to steel themselves before the insurgents can strike with any kind of force. Always be prepared, and never underestimate your foe.''

- Victor Ryver, Lord of Markarth and the Reach."