the cannibals in Markarth

So, we can all agree that Falkreath is by far the creepiest city in Skyrim, at least from surface impressions. The place is full of graves. Literally, everyone in Skyrim wants to be buried there. It's also misty, and there's nightshade growing everywhere. Markarth is creepier, though.

Why is Markarth creepy? Cannibals. They are everywhere in Markarth. That nice shopkeeper? A Cannibal. The guy you pass in the street? A Cannibal. They're just hanging out in the tombs and waiting to convince you that cannibalism is the way to go. It's not cool. It's creepy.

Why do they exist? What is their purpose? Apparently, they worship Namira. But, is Namira a cruel god who promotes cannibalism? They also are just hanging out in the tombs. There are draugr in the tombs. Why would you hang out in the tombs? Go hang out in the mountains where you can be tormented by vampires who at least are not zombies, which is the one redeemable thing about them. Also, if you want fun with Draugr, just go to Saarthal. The college of Wizardry is always recruiting people fro death field trips, so why not? Why go into the tombs? Why? Also, the shopkeepers are so nice, and then you find out they are cannibals? At least with the weird vampire lumber mill people, you know they are funky straight off the bat. Markarth is not so nice. So why? Why? Why?

Why not go to Dawnstar, where everyone is having nightmares? I mean that's creepy too, especially with the weather just being completely incongruous, but at least there is sunshine? Most of Skyrim is just dark and dreary, so even with the creepy dreams problem, at least you get some sunlight? It even has sand instead of snow! And most delightfully, there are no cannibals!

Or Morthal, why not go to Morthal? Sure, it's in a swamp, and there are vampires, but no cannibals! Just a Jarl with weird magical powers. Oh, and vampires. Did I mention the vampires?

There are however no cannibals in any of these places.

Haven't made to these cities mentioned above yet? Don't worry, Whiterun is also certified cannibal-free. It has lovely weather, numerous well-stocked merchants, and is not far from a mead brewery, if you are so inclined. Just watch out for dragons. One will attack shortly after you return from Bleak Falls Barrow, and there's another one supposedly imprisoned under the palace. We don't need to think about that though, just need to think about keeping the blacksmiths up all night as we level up our smithing skills by creating daggers for hours. Who cares about the NPCs after all? Unless, of course, they are cannibals!

Look, there are all sorts of monsters in Skyrim. You can fight vampires, wolves, giant crabs, and more. There are rats in Riften's sewers, along with thieves. Just please, not the Cannibals! They are too creepy. Just no.