User blog comment:Saratje/The Great Paarthurnax Conspiracy/@comment-69.146.244.153-20120417222118/@comment-1992639-20120420114224

And a good reason why Paarthurnax looks old and weathered, while Alduin looks primed and fresh (although gamedesign principles apply too, Alduin is rash, angry and energic, fairly impatient, his spikes, jetblack scales and flawless appearance add to that feel).