Without the Dragonborn to sway the warring factions of Skyrim, they begin to crumble away. The war between the Imperials and stormcloaks is still at a stalemate despite the imminent and known threat of dragons after Helgen, as well as Alduin descending on Riverwood and torching it to the ground. The Greybeards hide in High Hrothgar and refuse the entrance of all who visit, besides the deliveries of food. The guilds of Skyrim such as the companions, thieves guild and dark brotherhood see an increase in work as the contracts roll in and become rich as a result. The mages of Winterhold collapse into the sea, their college collapsing into the depths and sending their tomes, students, masters, and everything else with it. What caused the collapse is unknown, but it is theorised that a malevolent god may have intervened. Hirel is a resident of Whiterun after fleeing from Riverwood and taking sanctuary in the hold. It is buckling under the weight of the refugees from the war and the dragon attacks, and he finds himself on the brink of being turned away from Whiterun. I do not own any of the organisations, locations, characters, magic, or the world of The Elder Scrolls at large. They are owned by Zenimax Media and Bethesda Game Studios Trigger warning for: Entomophobia - the fear of bugs