The Gold Fleet was a major expeditionary naval force of the First Aldmeri Dominion, active circa 2E 582, that was intended to complete a circuit of the Dominion's coastal territories as both a diplomatic gesture and a show of strength. Expensive and numerous Altmer ships such as the Falconer and the Peregrine made up the core of the fleet, while a squadron of Khajiit privateer vessels (including the Little Alkosh, the Mara's Teat, the Prowler and the Rusty Claw) joined after stopping over in Haven to embark a contingent of Bosmer marines. On approach to Khenarthi's Roost, however, the fleet was swept ashore by a hurricane, running aground in the Shattered Shoals with the loss of all ships save for the Prowler. Although many—including the fleet commander—perished in the storm, some Dominion sailors survived, and sought refuge in the nearby port of Mistral, which strained the capacity of the local guard to accommodate them all. To make matters worse, Maormer raiders soon arrived on the beaches to scavenge the wrecks.