"Yes, them. I met one of them once, and he was a bit of a dick. Helpful, but a dick." Yet Finn found himself returning to Neloth more than once, seeking his help or doing the crusty bastard some favor.

That Five-Claw mentions a mage guild is more proof of what Finn suspects. Definitely from before the Fourth Era. Then she mentions the Emperor situation. History isn't his strong suit, but she's certainly from before the Septim era, from the sound of it.

"Then you and I are from different periods of Tamriel history."