Hi!
I want to know how the mortal people at the Shivering Isles actually came there? Was there another gate back in the past? If not, how could they have passed the Gatekeeper and how can it be that in such a short period of time, they all got houses and jobs and villages and so on?
May be a silly question. But I want to roleplay a character that lives on the Shivering Isles so its important.
Thanks in Advance.
Sel
It's been years since I last played SI (or Oblivion for that matter), but if I recall correctly there were bits of dialogue in Passwall which, to me, indicated that the town existed independently of its inhabitants (as one would expect of a Daedric Realm), and that they just "took over" when they happenchanced across it. I believe this may be extrapolated to SI as a whole: those "worthy" enough find a way to enter, where they take over what's already there, and do whatever job they choose/are best at.
Of course, that is only immigration taken into account. I can only guess about the Isles' natural demographics, i.e. when two mortals have a child together in the Shivering Isles (as people can die there, as evinced by the gravestones outside New Sheoth, it's only natural to assume they can be born there as well).
I had a look-see on the UESP and found the snippets of dialogue which I'm alluding to:
Shelden (the "mayor"): "The place was pretty deserted when I got here. Of course, once I was here, others followed. Can't say I blame them."
Dredwhen (the "innkeeper"): "I took over the inn when I got here. There wasn't anyone living here, except for Shelden, who says he's mayor. Don't believe him."
Nanette Don, when asked about town: "I don't know who built it. It was here before any of us arrived. It looks like other people lived here before. Dredhwen's been selling what they left behind. So, if you need something, talk to her. She's in the Wastrel's Purse."
Jayred Ice-Veins: "I followed the bones. They lead me here. I just moved in when I got here. No one seemed to mind. Everyone here seems to be waiting for something."
It's not unlikely that there've been gates to SI in the past, but my knowledge concerning such events is pretty limited (which is a nice way of saying I don't have a clue at all).
To pass the Gatekeeper, one needn't necessarily slay him - one needs to be judged "worthy" (i.e. insane enough) to pass through.
Felas Serandas: "The Gatekeeper makes sure that no-one gets in, who isn't supposed to."
Nanette Don: "The Gatekeeper should take care of anyone who doesn't belong." and "The doors are unlocked now? Interesting. It doesn't really matter to me, though. I can come and go as I please. Sheogorath has judged me worthy."