Kossith

A non-playable race, the bronze-skinned qunari are both larger and stronger than humans. They have pointed ears and vivid eyes including such colors as violet, red, or yellow. Their white hair is traditionally worn in braids or cornrows.

Culture
The qunari live in Par Vollen, a land of tropical jungles far to the north of Ferelden. They follow the philosophy of the Qun (kyoon), a violently evangelical religion. Individual qunari are raised as soldiers from a very young age. They are expected to be strong, disciplined, and stoic, adhering without fail to the tenants of honor and duty as defined in the Qun. Fanatical in this devotion, the qunari are prepared to wage war throughout their entire lives as part of their attempts to “enlighten” all other races in regards to their philosophy. Even qunari attempts at trade with other races and nations are done primarily to size up potential opponents, rather than to amass resources or wealth.

History
The qunari are recent arrivals to the area surrounding Ferelden, having arrived by warship only a few centuries ago. While in the past they threatened to conquer all of Thedas, they are currently involved in a war for dominance of the North against the Tevinter Imperium.

Trivia
On the official Dragon Age: Origins forums, the qunari have been nicknamed “militant Islamic borg” by Lead Writer David Gaider. (Note: this is not in reference to specific religious beliefs, but to qunari relations with other races and the political structure of Thedas.) Writer Mary Kirby refuted this, claiming they were more like "militant Buddhist borg".