Elder Scrolls Lore » Discussions


The Highest Authority in Skyrim?

  • Member
    December 23, 2015

    I've reached I thought not too long ago when I paused between the screeching bellows of my self-advocated reenactment of Ed Sheeran's "I See Fire" in the shower.

    Who is the highest authority in Skyrim: the Arch-Mage, or the jarls? High King is out of the question; he'd obviously reign over them all. But if we were to take a step down from the very tip of hierarchy, who would be the second in command? Is a jarl able to command the Arch Mage, or is the Arch Mage able to command the jarls?

  • Member
    December 23, 2015
    I've always thought of the Arch-Mage as a principal, and nothing more. I doubt the position holds much power outside of the college. With the way Mages are viewed in Skyrim in the 4th Era it's likely nobody would bow to the Arch even if he/she was the second in command... so I reckon authority would probably fall upon Solitude's Jarl or, failing that, the leader of the strongest military force (Tullius or Ulfric)
  • Member
    December 23, 2015

    That makes a lot of sense. Thanks, Fish!

  • Tom
    Member
    December 24, 2015

    Let me quote a man with no balls;

    In a room sit three great men, a king, a priest, and a rich man with his gold. Between them stands a sellsword, a little man of common birth and no great mind. Each of the great ones bids him slay the other two. ‘Do it’ says the king, ‘for I am your lawful ruler.’ ‘Do it’ says the priest, ‘for I command you in the names of the gods.’ ‘Do it’ says the rich man, ‘and all this gold shall be yours.’ So tell me-who lives and who dies?