You're sort of right. Went there, bought a room, noticed it was 11am in the game, and then left because I decided to go and actually do something. Instead of fast traveling I just walked off on foot up the mountains.
NOT a good idea, if you haven't already. I found some sort of palace, not marked on map, and came across bandits, wolfs, different types of soldier that puked on you (Called afflicted I think.) and just nasty stuff.
Hey, people live there, they don't give a crap about what visitors think.
True, but it has to be the least interesting town. Even Winterhold is better. Lol!
Nope nothing much in Morthal...
1 potential follower
1 interesting quest
cure for vampirism
master trainer in conjuration that also sells black soul gems
Also a close place to a vampire den if you want to catch vampirism
Maybe they're just scared of being attacked by vampires.
Was it Bthardamz that you stumbled upon? It's full of the afflicted, plus dwarven automatons.
As to the question the OP posted, I've only visited Morthal a few times. There are no redeeming qualities to it.
...and there are a few thieves up there who appear out of nowhere and plant there stolen goods on you.
They claim they're being chased by thieves and say they'll be back to get it, but about five minutes later a hunter or someone will run by and ask you if you saw a thief.
Point is, you have the stolen goods on you and he's looking for them.