Kraldar

I'm afraid the Winterhold you see before you is somewhat... underwhelming.

I can assure you, though, that it was quite something in its prime. An early capital of Skyrim, you know.

Sadly, the Oblivion Crisis took its toll on Winterhold, in more ways than one. Then, the Great Collapse swallowed most of our beloved city.

Goodness, no!

They're simply scholars, they mean no one harm. I've had... several conversations with Arch-Mage Aren over the years.

He's perfectly polite, if a bit guarded.

Just about eighty years ago, there was a terrible disaster. The cliffs overlooking the Sea of Ghosts collapsed, taking most of Winterhold with them.

In the middle of it all, the College was practically untouched. Many of the survivors were suspicious.

Some believed the mages were behind the whole thing, and others felt they could have at least prevented it.

Arch-Mage Aren assures me that his people had nothing to do with it, and I believe him. But Winterhold never recovered.

You may have noticed the College, just to the north there. Very prestigious place. Mages from all over Tamriel traveled here to seek knowledge.

After the Oblivion Crisis was over, many felt that magic users were to blame. Elves, to be specific. It created a great deal of tension.

A good many dark elves were driven from the city, and people became... uncomfortable with the presence of the College.