Taking inspiration from http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1393169-choices-of-an-altmer/ topic posted several months ago, I also wish to add a self-imposed set of "guidelines" for my character, particularly a Dunmer.

Now, I know a reasonable amount of (the basic) lore, but not nearly as much as I would like. That is why I have come to you, my beloved lore buffs, who often overload my feeble brain with thought-provoking theories and tie-ins.

The character background I am planning to create will be for the upcoming The Elder Scrolls Online title. That means that he will be living in the Second Era, specifically on 2E 583. Now, I don't exactly have much knowledge concerning this era besides the major events of the general timeline:

Spoiler

• 2E 1 - following the assassination of the last member of the Reman Dynasty, Potentate Versidue-Shaie, a Tsaesci of Akavir, seizes control over the Empire
  
• 2E 230 - the founding of the Mages Guild
  
• 2E 283 - after a series of rebellions throughout the continent, Akaviri Potentate Versidue-Shaie crushes the resistance
  
• 2E 309 - after Khajiit tribes unite, Elsweyr is founded
  
• 2E 320 to 321 - the establishment of what is to become the Fighters Guild
  
• 2E 324 - the assassination of Akaviri Potentate Versidue-Shaie by the Morag Tong, in turn outlawing them throughout Tamriel
  
• 2E 360 - a schism within the Morag Tong makes way for the newly established Dark Brotherhood
  
• 2E 430 - the assassination of the second Akaviri Potentate Savirien-Chorak as well as his heirs by the Dark Brotherhood/Morag Tong, effectively ending the Second Empire
  
• 2E 431 - as a result of the above, Orsinium loses its status as an Imperial territory
  
• 2E 486 - a single warship from an entire Altmeri naval fleet manages to return after a one-sided battle against the Maormer
  
• 2E 547 - a Snow Demon King of Kamal (Akavir) attempts to invade Morrowind, but is thwarted by Almalexia and, supposedly, the Underking
  
• 2E 560 - the Knahaten flu decimates the land, killing many non-Argonians who are rumored to have created the plague
  
• 2E 563 - while escaping the flu, the Kothringi, failing to find a peaceful region to settle in, sail away never to be seen again
  
• 2E 572 - the Akavir again make an attempt on Morrowind, while Vivec prevents his people from drowning in the massive purging flood he produces to rid of the invaders
  
• 2E 583 - the events of TESO take place here, Knahaten flu is still widespread as far as I can tell (possibly somewhat contained?)

The basics for my character is that he will be a half-Dunmer (dominant), half-Nord residing in the Redoran city of Blacklight, which is right by the border to Skyrim and the nearby island of Solstheim. He will have been born on 2E 426 (under the Serpent sign) to see the imminent downfall of the Second Empire and the resulting chaos, making him 157 by the events of TESO. That's not bad for a Dunmer, considering Dram (from Redguard) lived to be 252, and only appeared to be 64 in physical appearance. Sadly, he's three decades (2E 612) away from being born, otherwise I'd have tried to tie him into my character's background somehow.

Anyway, I wish for my character to stray from being a typical demigod or a being heavily blessed by Divine/Almsivi/Daedric intervention (despite being born under the Serpent...), although I have an interest in the Dreugh despite knowing very little on them. The possibility of learning something useful from one seems interesting to me. Probably nothing along the lines of the Water Face, however.

Spiritually, my character would view the Almsivi much in the way that the Ashlanders and Dissident Priests do. That is, to (silently) question the Tribunal's accounts regarding their apotheosis as well as the events that occurred at Red Mountain involving the Nerevar's demise. Therefore, he instead chooses to return to Daedra and ancestral worship, while only honoring a handful of the Tribunal saints. (Currently worships: Padomay, Lorkhan, Saint Nerevar, Saint Veloth, Azura, Boethiah, Mephala, Nocturnal?, Sanguine?, ???).

He does not belong to any Great House, but loosely adopts the ways of the Redoran regarding duty/honor, gravity, and piety, but is more free-spirited and open-minded in a way similar to the Hlaalu. That said, his profession will be that of an Assassin/Nightblade.

Finally, my questions to all of you fine ladies and gentlemen out there:

Spoiler

• Does anyone have information/theories about the city of Blacklight? Did it officially belong to Morrowind at this point? From several mods, I've seen "Baan Malur" used as an alternate name for this place, but my Ehlnofex/Aldmeris/Chimeris/Dunmeris is far from fluent. Is this its "native" name?
  
• How exactly does the Serpent birthsign decide its boon/curse? Is it randomly chosen among the other birthsigns, or does it merely bestow a paralyzing sting?
  
• Aside from the Water Face, what other known or theorized abilities (within lore boundaries) might the Dreugh have possessed? Perhaps even lessons? Particularly those which they could likely pass on to those who were deemed worthy?
  
• Of the gods and saints mentioned, are they consistent with Ashlander/Dissident Priest beliefs? Not sure who else would fit, if any others. Namira, if I'm feeling particularly hungry or repulsive?
  
• Seeing as he will be an assassin or sorts, would he be a better fit in the Morag Tong (which I'm unsure of the playablity in TESO) or the Dark Brotherhood? I'm assuming it would be the latter, as my character refuses to praise the Tribunal, and Sithis appears to be an aspect of Padomay/Lorkhan to the Brotherhood, anyway.
  
• Off-subject: Could Alteration magic be used to manipulate the elements in ways similar to Destruction magic? Many of the spells in Alteration tend to manipulate air and water (and to a lesser extent, earth and light), which are the four elements recognized by the Ayleids, the innovators of Alteration magic. I tend to view these elements as "softer" (yet still potentially harmful), while fire, frost, and shock are the "corrupted", "harsher" elements used in Destruction.

Feel free to correct me on any mistakes or inconsistencies. Apologies for the long (and likely incoherent) read and for any slow to replies on my end, as writing this all up wore out my brain. I appreciate any constructive feedback and suggestions you have to offer me!

I'll answer number 5. If your character has some of the same virtues as Redoran, but is an honorable assassin. I suggest joining the Morag Tong, they are much more honorable than the DB. The DB are a bunch of psychopaths who worship the void. They have no honor and will kill you without hesitation. Just ask Lucien Lachance.