Paragon

Paragons are the elite of the dwarven culture. They are the noble warriors, politicians and smiths that all others seek to emulate. A Paragon is elected by an assembly of the Shaperate. When a Paragon is chosen a House is created, that very instant, in the name of the Paragon, and his/her name is recorded in the Memories, the records of the dwarven people. The word of a Paragon carries an almost equal weight to that of the King. Not through any special political power, but because the word of a Paragon is held in that much respect by all dwarves.

Dwarven cities are decorated by giant, amazingly life-like statues of Paragons from days past. They are most prominent in the Hall of the Paragons inside the surface gates where the giant statues appear to hold up the ceiling. This is meant to impress visitors to Orzammar and to convey upon dwarves heading to the surface all that they are leaving behind.

Known Paragons

 * Aeducan was the Paragon that led the defenses of Orzammar against the darkspawn when they first poured into the Deep Roads and almost completely destroyed the dwarves.


 * Astyth the Grey was the first female Paragon of the Warrior Caste. She founded the Silent Sisters, and members of that order cut out their tongue in emulation of her.


 * Branka is the only Paragon to be elected in generations. She's an ill-tempered smith who discovered smokeless coal. She is also the wife of Oghren who is a companion to the main character in the game. She went into the Deep Roads some time ago and was not heard from again. The reason for leaving was to find the Anvil of the Void, the secret to creating Golems.


 * Caridin was the Paragon who created the Golems of the dwarves. He was originally from the Smith Caste. When he died, the secret of how to make war Golems died with him. When the player goes to to find the Anvil of the Void, Caridin is there in the form of a Golem.


 * Garal was the Paragon who moved the capital from Kal-Sharok to Orzammar.


 * Varen was the Paragon who discovered that nugs are edible.


 * Voldin was a Paragon whose deeds are not yet known, but who is known for becoming a Paragon by the narrowest margin in the history of the dwarves - one single vote.
 * Lynchcar whose deeds are not know but is mentioned in a book of poetry.
 * Seuss was a Paragon presumably named for his most excellent rhyming skills.

The PC, if it is a dwarf, is said to become a Paragon in the game's epilogue if certain criteria are met.

Trivia
Seuss is, of course, a nod to Dr Seuss of "Green Eggs and Ham" fame.