MushroomGenius
Jarl of Fungi, Great Khal of the Mushraki
(Disclaimer: While not truly a quest, this was kind of my brainchild for a series of quests that would introduce the Forsworn as a third element in Skyrim's Civil War. While they do not have aspirations of control of the region, they would like to reclaim their homeland and defend it against all comers. I appreciate all that have taken the time to read what I've written. Thank you.)
Had I been given the chance, I would have written Skyrim differently. The Forsworn are a fascinating community that unfortunately, don't play as large a role as they could have or should have in Skyrim's narrative. I intend to fix that.
For those of you unfamiliar with the Forsworn's plight or just gloss over them as mere savages, think again. Their history is filled with fleeting moments of triumph, but longer bouts of sadness and tragedy. From even before the time of their First Era hero Red Eagle, the emigrated Bretons of High Rock proudly occupied the area of Skyrim known as The Reach.
The People of The Reach had suffered numerous bloody invasions to their territory including several attacks by Hestra, the Imperial Empress of the South during the First Era. It was during this conflict that the Reach-child Faolan became the child of prophecy, Red Eagle. Red Eagle united the tribes of The Reach and dispatched the Imperial invaders. It was Red Eagle who made the pact with the Hagravens. The Hagravens offered power, for a price. Faolan gave up his heart, his will, and his humanity so that he could continue to defend his people from the hordes of soldiers sent by Empress Hestra. From that day forth, his was a spirit of vengeance, pitiless and beyond remorse. The rebels grew in strength and numbers, and none could stand against them. Faolan's eyes burned coldly in those days, black opals reflecting a mind not entirely his own. Two years passed, and the foreigners were all but driven from the Reach.
However, the Empire would not be denied. Again Hestra launched an assault on The Reach. For a fortnight, Hestra's generals laid siege to Red Eagle's stronghold, until Red Eagle himself came forth for battle, alone and robed in nothing but his righteous fury. A thousand foreigners fell before his flaming sword, and the enemy was routed. Yet, when night fell, so too did he. The warriors who came to him said Faolan's eyes were clear again on that final night. He was taken to the place prepared for him, a tomb hidden deep within the rock. With his remaining strength he presented his sword to his people, and swore an oath: Fight on, and when at last the Reach is free, his blade should be returned, that he might rise and lead them again.
Towards the end of the Second Era, the People of The Reach would again face invasion by the Empire, this time, however, it was by an unproven 20 year old commander by the name of Tiber Septim. The Battle of Old Hroldan was Tiber Septim's first significant victory in his now legendary life. Using "The Voice", Septim and his invading army claimed The Reach for the Empire.
For centuries following their harrowing defeat at Old Hroldan, the People of the Reach became outlaws on their own lands, forbidden from outwardly worshipping their own gods. Forced to live in the shadows of civilization, out in the wild, in cold, dank caves, in run down forts and scattered campsites. For centuries the People bided their time, stewing, waiting for their opportunity to rise again and take back what was theirs. The Great War gave the People of The Reach their opportunity.
As the Great War between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion raged on throughout Tamriel, the Imperial heartland of Cyrodiil called out for help from outlying Imperial forces in Skyrim. The garrison of Imperial soldiers at Markarth answered that call. With Markarth left unprotected, the Reachmen were able to take Markarth after the elimination of Jarl Hrolfdir. A small number of Markarth's civilian population was also killed during the raid. It was at this time that Madanach was recognized as the King of The Reach.
For two years, from 4E 174 - 4E 176, Madanach and his Reachmen peacefully ruled their reoccupied homeland. The Reach was declared an independent kingdom, free from the politics and conflict that surround Imperial rule. Madanach even applied for recognition by the Empire as a legitimate kingdom. In 4E 175 the White-Gold Concordat was signed, ending The Great War and banishing the worship of Talos (Tiber Septim) as a diety.
However, because of the backlog of matters in the wake of the Great War, a peace treaty by the re-established Kingdom of The Reach and the Empire was put on hold. During these two years of re-establishment, the son of Jarl Hrolfdir, Igmund, struck a deal with a militia lead by an upstart Ulfric Stormcloak that spat directly into the face of the newly established White-Gold Concordat. Igmund promised Ulfric that people could once again freely worship Talos within the city walls if he aided him in retaking his fallen city. Ulfric agreed and once again The People of The Reach were under siege.
What happened during that battle was war, but what happened after the battle was over was nothing short of war crimes.
Every official who worked for the Forsworn was put to the sword, even after they had surrendered. Native women were tortured to give up names of Forsworn fighters who had fled the city or were in the hills of the Reach. Anyone who lived in the city, Forsworn and Nord alike, were executed if they had not fought with Ulfric and his men when they breached the gates. "You are with us, or you are against Skyrim" was the message on Ulfric's lips as he ordered the deaths of shopkeepers, farmers, the elderly, and any child old enough to lift a sword that had failed in the call to fight with him. The deposed King of The Reach, Madanach, was imprisoned in Cidnha Mine. What few survivors there were ended up fleeing into the wilds establishing themselves as "The Forsworn".
So when a "grateful" Empire accepted Ulfric's victory and sent soldiers to re-establish the rule of law in the Reach, it was no surprise that he would demand to be allowed to worship Talos freely before the Legion could enter. With chaos running through the streets of Markarth and the reports of deaths rising every day, the Empire had no choice but to grant Ulfric and his men their worship. The Empire allowed them to worship Talos, in full violation of the White-Gold Concordat. Ironic that Ulfric fights for a diety no longer recognized as legitimate when it was the Forsworn who fought for the very same thing ages ago.
Madanach, the deposed "King in Rags" now serves a life sentence in Cidhna Mine, a puppet of the Silverbloods. The Silverbloods are well established supporters of Ulfric and his Stormcloak soldiers. They have used the Forsworn to attack Imperial targets as well as eliminate individuals that threaten their power within Markarth.
Now that the history lesson is out of the way, where do we go from here? Let me paint a different picture for you Dragonborn. Back to that fateful carriage ride into Helgen....