I've always wondered why they didn't use an argonian model for the commander. Even if tsasci don't look exactly like argonians, they'd at least be reptilian. Also, I thought they used armor in the style of what became the blades' armor, since the blades are into all things akaviri. "History of the Fighter's Guild" only establishes that they couldn't wear the same armor designed for a nord.
Yes, the Blades use Akaviri weapons and armor, and Cloud Ruler Temple is an Akaviri fortress. This is interesting, as all literary references to the Akaviri depict them as beastmen, specifically the tsasci, the ones whom we derive all things "Akaviri" in Cyrodiil, who are seen as beastmen. And considering that all of the areas in Pale Pass give references to serpents, as does the artifact at the end, make it all even more confusing.