From Argonian to Saxhleel Content . Misunderstanding and oppression have poisoned Black Marsh for centuries . My egg - siblings have endured subjugation by the Empire and slavery at the hands of the Dunmer . Armored boots tread on our traditions and culture . We are fortunate to have the Marsh . Without its perils to deter hapless dryskins , our ways might have already crumbled to dust . Despite our troubles , the Hist guides us still . And for the first time in memory , we have the chance to break the cycle . I spent my young life as a slave . An angry one . It cannot have been easy to become recognized for cruelty among the tyrants of House Dres , but Councilman Glathis Dres managed it . After I was beaten to unconsciousness for seating the guests at a banquet out of order , I could take no more . When I was able to work the saltrice fields again , I waited for an opening , overwhelmed the drunken guards , and escaped with my fellow slaves . We fled into the Thornmarsh . When we crossed paths with a troop of Argonians , we realized too late they were traitors , Archein tribe scum in the employ of House Dres . Hungry and exhausted , we were easy to capture . The sun abandoned my sky . Looking back , though , I see the subtle work of the Hist ' s will . In the Archein village , a vision came to me . Their Hist tree spoke , showing me blood and horror — the Akaviri invasion , Nords and Dunmer falling like dead leaves . This was an opportunity . A turning point . But how could I take advantage ? We were taken back to Thorn , now nearly empty as the Dunmer answered Almalexia ' s call to battle . For my transgression , I was to be whipped by Glathis himself . In the courtyard , Glathis struck his first lash . I grabbed his whip and strangled him with it . I ' ll never forget the look he gave me as the light drained from his eyes . Wasting no time , I challenged the centurion of the Archein guards for her position by right - of - combat . She could not refuse and maintain any respect from her cohort . The duel was brief . I assumed command and advanced on Stormhold to do the same there . I am thankful that I did not need to shed any further Saxhleel blood . Walks - in - Ash , who met us as we approached , was able to convince Stormhold ' s Shellbacks to join our command . I revealed my plan . We would march to Morrowind , into Stonefalls , and engage in battle — with the Akaviri . We would defend the Dunmer and turn the tide . To say some disagreed with my strategy would be quite an understatement . I told of my vision from the Hist , and let any who wished to return to the Marsh do so . Still strong in numbers , we marched . When we arrived in the chaos of battle , there was fear on the faces of the Dunmer , who saw armed slaves charging towards them . The fear turned to shock as we joined their ranks , our Shellbacks providing enough muscle to overpower the invaders and force them to flee . And now , we are recognized . We have allies , not overlords , for the first time in memory . We are free under the law , and we are taking back our villages and strengthening our traditions . There is still bitter blood flowing between many Saxhleel and our new allies , and not every tribe has joined us — only those of Thornmarsh , Shadowfen , and Murkmire . This is not a surprise . I hope that they will , in time , and realize that this opportunity we have been given to cultivate the understanding will allow us to preserve our way of life .