I've experienced the Shivering Isles DLC for the first time recently, and while I do enjoy the funny characters whose speech makes no sense I couldn't help but notice the lack of dangerous psychopaths.

Madness can be associated with a great variety of things, so I understand that this realm is also home to obsessed/paranoid people and even artists.

But it's beyond me that the inhabitants of the realm of madness are mostly harmless people. There should be a more balanced rate between the harmless and dangerous types. Or at least, a greater number of disturbing people like Cutter. She's the only npc in SI that makes you think "Wow, s/he's definitely sick in the head".

And finally, Sheogorath himself. I hope he'll have a darker portrayal in future games. As a Mad God he isn't actually menacing. Honestly, whenever he talks about skipping rope with your entrails or plucking your eyes off, I don't believe he really means it, even if he technically might.

It's like we only ever see his manic side.

Have you ever tried attacking him, to see what he'll do? Save first.

Sheogorath has always been portrayed in TES as more of a trickster and deceiver than a psychopath. He's certainly bipolar, but bipolar doesn't necessarily equal "dangerous."

There's a lot of "sick in the head" to be seen in the Isles, if you look around. There's evidence of sadism and torture in a lot of the dungeons. Also, I'd suggest that the House of Dementia, and the quests associated with it, are rather dark and cruel.

I always thought Sheo was too happy in-game.

He' certainly a different character in person!

But seriously, I recall one book where Sheogorath once ripped out a person's spine and used it as a xylophone (or something) and he just doesn't convey this well in SI. Sure there is the occasional comment about ripping out eyes or something but it's always played down in a comedic fashion. He seems only to personify the mania aspect of his realm.

He's surprisingly friendly though. I'd the say the same for his appearance in Skyrim as well, he even advises you to leave before he gets any mood swings. "I... have been known to change my mind. So really, go."

Hmm, maybe I could give it the benefit of doubt for a while longer.

He's a cunning one, and he wants you to do something for him. Wouldn't he be nice to you, as long as there's plenty of cheese to go around?

*cough*

But seriously, explore the Isles and you will read and see darker things. You just need to look for them.

Well, his Oblivion quest surely was about carrying out his usual antics.

The Skyrim one however, was the opposite. It isn't like Sheogorath to cure someone from madness. He was chilling in Pelagius mind, then you show up asking him to leave and his reaction is like "Tell you what. Work around this place and make him sane again and I'll leave. Should be fun to watch you do it at least." And then "So you did it. Have this parting gift, see ya later!"

Shivering Isle spoilers:

Also, the Mad God wants to play a game in Pelagius' mind and see if you can end his insanity. He thinks it's hopeless, but gives you a chance anyway. When you do vanquish the Madness, you've pretty much ruined Sheogorath's vacation home, so he has no reason to stay any more. What would be the point of a Mad God staying within a Sane Mind? But because he's the one who came up with the challenge, he's a good sport and decides to uphold his end of the bargain and leave. I think the actual goal might have been to drive you mad, but you're able to win which surprises him enough that he doesn't tear you to pieces.