When I suggested pre morrowind I literally meant just pre maybe a decade.
http://www.imperial-library.info/history/3.shtml < history of that time
A few key dates in a nutshell:
3E 407 - construction of the ghostfence begins
3E 410 - sixth house spreading
- 414 - Vvardenfell opened to non temple people
- 415 - Sixth house everywhere, its strong
- 417 - The big one. The tribune loose keening and sunder and so most of their power to dagoth Ur. They keep this secret (as they had the source of their power)
- 426-7 - several assassination of prominent figures by sixth house
3E 427 - Neverine comes and kills dagoth ur three years later
Now as to why I think then would be good. Firstly its very fronteer, Vvardenfell is new territory and powers are changing, its all far more 'fronteer' than it was by the time morrowind was set. Everyone has secrets and stands to make, or lose, a lot. There are several factions all warring, the thieves guild/ commona tong, great houses, the temple within itself and with the dissident priests who would be appearing at this point. The imperials. The blades. The twin lamps. The ashlanders. Essentially everyone wants something and no one can have it all.
The other reason is because the most exciting times, especially for role play is not when it all blows up but is rather the lead in (that'smy opinion at least).
I think with different people on slightly different side (though probably not totally opposing) it could be good fun playing out what came before, we could make it follow what happened or if that isn't whats happening go our own way.
That was my thought but if anyone has another suggestion I'm happy any way. I just love morrownd becuase it has so much politics and conflict and this was one of its more strained times.
Look behind you and see an ever decreasing number of ghosts. Currently about 15.