Well this kind of anti climatic lol
Markarth is barely a city, its poorly provisioned and just poor in general.

I have a feeling though next years story will be all the rest of skyrim.

Vanilla PvE
Hostile or manipulated legions. As well as mercenaries from the Gold Coast.

Cyrodiil
Indeed ... Cyrodiil is mostly focused on the three alliances.
Bruma : No mention of second Legion and colovian revolt.
Cheydinhal : No mention of House Tharn.
Chorrol : No mention of Aquilarios.
Vlastarus : No mention of Skingrad and Vlastarus cohort.

Imperial City
It is indeed very focused on the Daedra. There is an imperial presence, but less. In other words ... Imperials abused and at the end of the abyss.

Gold Coast
Intrigue divided between Abecean piracy or religious fanaticism of Kvatch.

...
We did not have an imperial region, non-independent region with the institutions of the Empire, in good health.