Scourge of the Gray Quarter Summary . Social commentary on the Dunmeri - Argonian relationship from the point of view of a very nationalistic Nord . Content . The tragedies befalling Morrowind do bring forth pity from even the stoutest Nordic heart . The dark elves deserve our condolences , but thus far they do not show themselves deserving of the simplest acts of charity . There are very different approaches to how to deal with the imminent problem of Morrowind , and I offer two options as seen in practice in Skyrim . One should serve as an exemplar , the other a cautionary tale . Consider Riften , which shares a border with the ruined province . A number of the dark elves have made their homes there , but they are expected to earn their livelihoods as is any other citizen of the great city . They ply trades as merchants , work in the temple , and serve in the keep . Honest labor , to be admired from a race that was so recently in such dire straits as to even warrant this discussion . Today the city still has its share of problems , but they are not traceable to any influx of outsiders in their presence . In short , the dark elves have properly assimilated themselves into the Skyrim way of life , to be expected from any newcomer to these lands . For an alternative approach , we only have to look at the once - proud city of Windhelm , to see what can happen when our arms are cast too wide open in welcome . To think that the city of Ysgramor , whose very name was made in driving out the elves from our sacred home , would open itself as a welcome destination for any refugee from the smoking sulphur , is a disgrace to the very idea of being a Nord . And what has become of this ? Predictably , the lazy , discontented rabble has descended into squalor in an area now delicately referred to as " the Gray Quarter " of the city . They were not expected to contribute and so have not . That they attempt to make over a proud Nord city into a little pocket of Morrowind is insulting enough , but the amount of unrest they have provoked even within the proper city walls should give any other Jarl reason to fear . The Nords I talk to in the city speak of constant strife and crime coming from the Gray Quarter , with no respite in sight . The city guard barely patrol there , leaving the dark elves to mete out whatever passes for justice in their native customs . The respectable families of the city , the Cruel - Seas and Shatter - Shields , speak with an almost parental affection of the Argonians in their employ , but the dark elves have made no effort to ingratiate or assimilate themselves to the proper city - dwellers . There is cause for optimism though , as Jarl Ulfric is not nearly so tolerant of these substandard beings as his fathers were . Indeed , the soft hand of Hoag can be seen in the Argonian population as well ; the fish - men , at least , have learned how to best contribute to their new home . They have proven themselves as models , toiling at the docks with utmost efficiency and bright smiles . It would do the dark elves well to pay heed to their scaly cousins . I would expect in due course that they will find themselves either contributing more directly or once again wandering the land in search of roof and warmth .