Basically, what is the deal with them. Any interesting and charming places that Vanilla Skyrim didn't seem to have?

There is an island in the north that has giant nirnroot.

Walking on the coast directly north of raven rock (I have no idea if this is random, or scripted to the place) I saw a high elf mage doing incarnations. He then flew into the sky and fell down again from a height, and died. Those that remember Morrowind might find this familiar! It scared the hell out of me (him coming back down with a bang!)

i found a really funny thing,its like that guy in morrowind falling from the sky,this time you hear a voice saying. they told me it wouldnt work,they said its impossible! etc.. then he just launches up in the air! XD then while falling down he is laughing,then he dies. you can find his journal on his body

Ninja'd ! oops

Also there is a cave in the far north, can't remember the name, but you come to a room where there are about 8 reiklings on their knees bowing and praying to a make-shift horse and cart made out of scrap wood and ice. Though this was a cool touch. From what I have seen it doesn't relate to any quest.