Dragon Age Wiki
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Dragon Age Wiki
Dragon Age Wiki
13,668
pages
in: Creatures, Dragon Age: Origins creatures, Dragon Age II creatures,
and 7 more
English

Changes: Abomination

Back to page
Edit
Tag: sourceedit
mNo edit summary
Tag: Source edit
 
(142 intermediate revisions by 24 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{For|the creature article|Abomination (creature)}}
−
<onlyinclude>{{CreatureTransformer
  
−
|style = {{{style|}}}
  
−
|name = [[Abomination]]
  
−
|affiliation = [[Demon]]s
  
−
|image = Creature-Abomination.jpg
  
−
|px = 270px
  
−
|rank = [[Normal]], [[Lieutenant]], [[Boss]]
  
−
|variations = Sloth, Hunger, Rage, Desire, Pride
  
−
|class = [[Mage]]
  
−
|appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Legacy]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Asunder]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]] <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]]
  
−
}}</onlyinclude>
  
   
  +
{{Quote|It's like you're trapped in your own body, seeing out your eyes, while someone else moves you like a puppet. And you're trying to scream, to move a single muscle, but there's no escape. Until you look down at the blood on your hands...<ref>[[Anders/Dialogue#Anders_and_Merrill|Conversation]] between [[Anders]] and [[Merrill]].</ref>}}
⚫
An '''abomination''' is a creature created when a [[demon]] possesses a living being with [[Mage|magical]] abilities.<ref name="wot172">{{cite wot|172}}</ref><ref name="codex">[[Codex entry: Abomination]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Demonic Possession]]</ref><ref>''[[Dragon Age II: The Complete Official Guide]]'', p. 254</ref><ref name="tg">Mike Searly. "Traveler's Guide". [[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide#Collector's Edition|Dragon Age: Origins: Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide]].</ref><ref name="gr">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)|Dragon Age RPG: Set 1]]'', Player's Guide, p. 48</ref> An abomination has access to a mage's full power, and is thus typically far more dangerous than any other type of possession. There are stories of abominations that have ravaged entire settlements or even gone on to tyrannize a countryside for years after their creation.<ref name="tg" /><ref name="gr" />
  
   
  +
[[File:Price of Power.png|center|thumb|660px]]
⚫
In the broadest sense of the term, "abomination" is sometimes used to refer to the demonic possession of mage corpses<ref name="wot172" /> and the rare cases of bonds between mages and benevolent [[spirit|spirits]].<ref>Wynne is called an abomination in ''[[Dragon Age: Asunder]]'', p. 270</ref> The spirits can also possess almost any creature or object, including plants and rocks, however, these hosts cannot become abominations in the true sense, as the spirits gain no additional powers through possession.<ref>{{BSN|url=http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/141/index/4799697/?lf=8|title=Can non-mages become abominations?|author=David Gaider|access=August 18, 2013}}</ref>
  
  +
  +
{{TOC right}}
  +
  ⚫
An '''abomination''' is a creature created when a [[demon]] [[Demon#Demonic possession|possesses]] and controls completely a living being with [[Mage|magical]] abilities.<ref name="wot172">{{cite wot|172}}</ref><ref name="codex">[[Codex entry: Abomination]]</ref><ref>[[Quests (Heroes of Dragon Age)#Map 7: The Circle Tower|Heroes of Dragon Age: The Circle Tower]], Uldred's Turn</ref> There are stories of abominations that have ravaged entire settlements or even gone on to tyrannize a countryside for years after their creation.<ref name="tg">Mike Searly. "Traveler's Guide". [[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide#Collector's Edition|Dragon Age: Origins: Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide]].</ref> Most of the world does not know, however, that the strength of an abomination depends entirely on the power of the demon that possesses the mage. Thus, the magnitude of threat an abomination can pose is dependent on the type of demon that possesses the [[mage]].<ref name="Demonic Possession">[[Codex entry: Demonic Possession]]</ref>
  +
  ⚫
In the broadest sense of the term, "abomination" is sometimes used to refer to the demonic possession of mage corpses<ref name="wot172" /> or the product of merging a mage with a benevolent [[spirit]].<ref>Wynne is called an abomination in ''[[Dragon Age: Asunder]]'', p. 270</ref> The spirits can also possess almost any creature (living or dead) or object, including plants, animals,<ref>[[Codex entry: Wild Sylvan]]</ref> and rocks; however, these hosts cannot become abominations in the true sense, as the spirits gain no additional powers through possession.<ref>{{BWF|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104133702/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/140596-can-non-mages-become-abominations/|title=Can non-mages become abominations?|author=David Gaider|access=August 18, 2013}}</ref> The term abomination is also used in popular stories and books to indicate the demonic possession of living beings without magic.<ref>Brother [[Ferdinand Genitivi|Genitivi]] writes about [[Werewolf|wolves possessed by rage demons]] as a [[Codex entry: Blighted Werewolf|sort of abominations]].</ref>
  +
  +
While those who possess a mage may utilize the versatile magic that a mage's magic can provide, all possessed creatures can be augmented by the magical abilities that a spirit or demon can provide. Like all possessed creatures, the strength of the demon or spirit and what kind of magical abilities it can provide its vessel depends entirely on the type of spirit or demon that is inhabiting its host. For example, according to Enchanter Brahm's categorization of demons, [[Rage demon]]s exhibit great strength and occasionally the ability to generate fire; but they expend their energies quickly and are prone to violent outbursts on the living. A rage demon can possess a mage and become physically stronger and cast fire magic, or it can possess a [[wolf]] or a non-magical [[human]] host and transform it into a [[Werewolf]]—humanoid monsters with incredible speed and strength, able to spread a curse to those they bit that would drive them mad with unthinking fury.<ref>[[Codex entry: Werewolf]]</ref>
  +
  +
In contrast, a [[Desire demon]] is very intelligent, exploiting the desires of people as its name suggests, and may grant its vessel the ability to control minds and conjure illusions. [[Pride demon]]s are the strongest of demons and considered most dangerous. Pride demons possess vast intellect and are masters of magic. They are true schemers who seek most strongly to possess mages, and will bring other demons across the [[Veil]].<ref name="Demonic Possession />
   
 
== Background ==
  
== Background ==
−
Abominations are rare and usually created when a weak mage enters the [[Fade]] and is exposed to a demon's influence,<ref name="wot172" /> such as during the ritual of [[Circle of Magi#The Harrowing|Harrowing]] employed by the [[Circle of Magi]]. Mages who experiment with [[blood magic]] are more susceptible to demons and also risk becoming abominations.<ref>{{cite wot|109}}</ref> It is not unheard of for [[Grey Warden]] mages trapped by [[darkspawn]] behind enemy lines with no hope of rescue or re-enforcement to willingly surrender themselves to demons and become abominations in order to slay as many darkspawn as possible.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', p. 123</ref>
 +
Abominations are rare and usually created when a weak mage enters [[Fade|the Fade]] and is exposed to a demon's influence,<ref name="wot172" /> such as during the [[Circle of Magi#The Harrowing|ritual of Harrowing]] employed by the [[Circle of Magi]]. Mages who experiment with [[blood magic]] are more susceptible to demons and also risk becoming abominations.<ref>{{cite wot|109}}</ref> It is not unheard of for [[Grey Warden]] mages trapped by [[darkspawn]] behind enemy lines with no hope of rescue or reinforcements to willingly surrender themselves to demons and become abominations in order to slay as many darkspawn as possible.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', p. 123</ref> Malicious [[blood mage]]s and demons in solid form are also able to summon demons into unwilling hosts.<ref>As evidenced by [[Cullen Rutherford]]'s dialogue during [[Enemies Among Us]].</ref>
   
−
Once the abomination is created, it will try to create more abominations.<ref name="wot172" /><ref name="codex" /> While it is possible to free someone who has been possessed, this is rarely done due to the risks involved in such an attempt.<ref>[[The Arl of Redcliffe#What to do with Connor]]</ref> The mages who are not yet fully possessed can be saved by using the [[Litany of Adralla]].<ref name="wot172" />
 +
Once a demon possessed abomination is created, it will try to create more abominations.<ref name="wot172" /><ref name="codex" /> The mages who are not yet fully possessed can be saved by using the [[Litany of Adralla]].<ref name="wot172" />
   
  +
While it is possible to free someone who has been possessed, this is rarely done due to the risks involved in such an attempt. One method involves an independent party entering the Fade and killing the dominating demon of the possessed.<ref>[[The Arl of Redcliffe#What to do with Connor]]</ref> [[Marethari Talas]] says that those who are freed in such a way never truly recover as the soul of the formerly possessed is scarred and describes the liberated host as a wounded animal that could easily fall prey to scavengers. The [[Avvar]] employ a ritual to release themselves from possession but this ritual involves a spirit voluntarily leaving its host rather than fighting off a demon.<ref name="augur">Conversations with [[The Augur]] of [[Stone-Bear Hold]].</ref>
⚫
The possession is not physical – the demon is still in the Fade, but so is the mage's spirit, and the demon is able to control the body through that captive spirit like a puppet. The demon channels its power through the body, sees through the mage's eyes and is able to use magic in ways the mage would have never imagined. However, the experience of entering the physical realm is overwhelming to the weaker demons, and abominations are often driven mad by the unfamiliar sensations, turning into monstrosities and going on a rampage.<ref name="tg" /><ref name="gr" /> The most powerful demons are able to adapt to the new form and even maintain the original physical shape of their host in particular, when the possession is accepted willingly. Some demons also have the ability of [[Shapeshifter|shapeshifting]].
  
   
  +
Aside from those listed, death of the host is the most convenient way to end possession.
⚫
== Types ==
  
⚫
* Rage abomination
  
⚫
* Sloth abomination
  
⚫
* Hunger abomination
  
⚫
* Desire abomination
  
⚫
* Pride abomination
  
⚫
The broader definition also includes:
  
⚫
* [[Arcane horror|Arcane horrors]] – mage corpses possessed by pride demons
  
−
* [[Spirit healer|Spirit healers]]
  
−
* [[Spirit Warrior|Spirit warriors]]
  
   
  +
{{SpoilerDA2|[[Keeper]] Marethari was able to make her body a "prison" for the [[Pride Demon]] [[Audacity (demon)|Audacity]]; she states that should her body die, so too will the demon.<ref>According to Keeper [[Marethari Talas]]' dialogue during [[A New Path]]</ref> However, should you execute [[Anders]], he states his belief that the spirit of [[Justice]] will be free of his vessel and will continue to exist in the Fade<ref>According to [[Anders]]' dialogue during [[The Last Straw]] should you execute him</ref> rather than be destroyed like Audacity. Therefore, unless Marethari performed an esoteric ritual that has different rules for what happens when a possessed host dies, there seems to be contradictory information regarding what happens to a spirit/demon when the host of an abomination dies.}}
−
== Strategy ==
  
−
Standard rage, hunger, sloth and desire abominations have exactly the same appearance and use the same pair of skills:
  
   
  ⚫
The possession is not physical—the demon is still in the Fade, but so is the mage's [[soul|spirit]], and the demon is able to control the body through that captive spirit like a puppet. The demon channels its power through the body, sees through the mage's eyes and is able to use magic in ways the mage would have never imagined. However, the experience of entering the physical realm is overwhelming to the weaker demons, and abominations are often driven mad by the unfamiliar sensations, turning into monstrosities and going on a rampage.<ref name="tg" /> The most powerful demons are able to adapt to the new form and even maintain the original physical shape of their host in particular, when the possession is accepted willingly. Some demons also have the ability of [[Shapeshifter|shapeshifting]]. The most common way to get an abomination to reveal its nature (often causing the sentient host to transform into a grotesque, demonic form<ref>As evidenced by fights with a possessed [[Amalia]], [[Wilmod]], [[Marethari Talas]] and [[Uldred]]</ref>) is to make it feel threatened so that the residing demon would impulsively defend its host.<ref>According to [[Anders]] during [[Enemies Among Us]].</ref> The Avvar claim that the benevolent spirits they worship as gods watch for signs that an abomination has turned dangerous, and if that happens, the abomination is killed in its sleep before it can endanger others.<ref name="augur" />
−
* [[Rage (monster)|Rage]]
  
−
** HP < 75% ~''50% chance.''
  
−
** Any ~''20% chance.''
  
−
* [[Triple Strike]] (its effect varies slighly in abomination types)
  
−
** Any ~''30%''
  
−
*Abominations are immune to <font color="DarkGreen">Nature</font> damage, so most poisons, [[Acid Flask|acid flasks]] and [[Acidic Trap|acidic]]/[[Acidic Grease Trap|acidic grease traps]] are useless against them. Abominations are also one of the few enemies to have <font color="Yellow">Electricity</font> resistance (25%).
  
−
*In ''[[Dragon Age: Origins|Origins]]'', abominations explode shortly after death, dealing minor area of effect damage.
  
   
  +
As stated, possession can occur with either a spirit or a demon and thus the possession experience varies. In some cultures across Thedas, mages deliberately seek out possession by spirits. Avvar apprentice mages allow themselves to become possessed by spirits to learn to control their magic, then release the spirit once they have mastered their talent.<ref>As seen during the side quest [[In Exile]].</ref> The [[seer]]s of [[Rivain]], wise women who are in fact [[Hedge magic|hedge mages]], also communicate with spirits and allow themselves to become possessed.<ref>[[Codex entry: Rivain]]</ref>
⚫
== Notable abominations ==
  
  +
−
* [[Mythallen]]
  
  +
{{SpoilerDA2|Demons attempt to dominate their host, and [[Anders]] describes his experience in extremes. When he loses control of Justice, he says it's like being "trapped in your own body, seeing out your eyes, while someone else moves you like a puppet. And you're trying to scream, to move a single muscle, but there's no escape. Until you look down at the blood on your hands..." In contrast, when Justice is fulfilled, he says, "I cannot tell you how good it feels for a spirit to fulfill its function. The waiting is over. I am finally seeking justice. And he is exultant. There is no ecstasy humankind can feel to match."}}
−
{{SpoilerDAO|style=short|{{clear}}
  
  +
−
* [[Amalia]] (optionally)
  
  +
{{SpoilerDAO|
−
* [[Matthias]] (optionally)
  
  +
[[Wynne]] describes possession by a spirit as comforting—like feeling safe and loved. "It is like being held close, cradled... the bond is so complete that Wynne is unable to extricate herself, nor does Wynne wish to. "
−
* [[Connor Guerrin]]
  
−
* [[Uldred]]
  
⚫
* [[Wynne]] – possessed by a spirit of Faith}}
  
−
{{SpoilerDAOA|style=short|{{clear}}
  
−
* [[Baroness]]}}
  
−
{{SpoilerDA2|style=short|{{clear}}
  
⚫
* [[Anders]] – possessed by a spirit of Justice, later possibly corrupted into Vengeance
  
−
* [[Grace]]
  
⚫
* [[Evelina]]
  
−
* [[Feynriel]] (optionally)
  
⚫
* [[Olivia]]
  
⚫
* [[Wilmod]]}}
  
−
{{SpoilerDAA|style=short|{{clear}}
  
⚫
* [[Pharamond]]}}
  
−
{{SpoilerTME|
  
⚫
* [[Mihris]], possessed by [[Imshael]] (formerly)
  
 
}}
  
}}
  +
  ⚫
== Notable abominations ==
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker'' ===
  +
* '''[[Frenic]]''' – possessed by a [[pride demon]]
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: The Calling'' ===
  +
* '''[[Fiona]]'''
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins'' ===
  +
* '''[[Amalia]]''' – possessed by a [[desire demon]] <small>(conditional}</small>
  +
* '''[[Connor Guerrin]]''' – possessed by a desire demon <small>(conditional}</small>
  +
* '''[[Flemeth]]'''
  +
* '''[[Gaxkang]]'''<ref>[[Codex entry: Unbound]]</ref>
  +
* '''[[Matthias]]''' – possessed by a desire demon <small>(conditional}</small>
  +
* '''[[Slavren]]''' – a lieutenant of the [[Sloth demon (Broken Circle)|Sloth demon]]
  +
* '''[[Sophia Dryden]]'''
  +
* '''[[Uldred]]''' – possessed by a pride demon
  +
* '''[[Witherfang]]''' – possessed by [[The Lady of the Forest]]
  ⚫
* '''[[Wynne]]''' – possessed by a [[Spirit of Faith]]
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Awakening'' ===
  +
* '''[[Baroness|The Baroness]]''' – possessed by a pride demon
  +
* '''[[Kristoff]]''' – possessed by a spirit of [[Justice]]
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age Legends'' ===
  +
* '''[[Khedra]]''' – possessed by a pride demon
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
  ⚫
* '''[[Anders]]''' – possessed by a spirit of [[Justice]]; possibly corrupted into Vengeance
  +
* '''[[Grace]]''' – possessed by a pride demon
  ⚫
* '''[[Evelina]]'''
  +
* '''[[Feynriel]]''' – possessed by the sloth demon [[Torpor]] <small>(conditional)</small>
  +
* '''[[Marethari Talas]]''' – possessed by the pride demon [[Audacity (demon)|Audacity]]
  ⚫
* '''[[Olivia]]'''
  +
* '''[[Orsino]]'''
  ⚫
* '''[[Wilmod]]'''
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Asunder'' ===
  +
* '''[[Evangeline de Brassard]]''' – possessed by a [[Spirit of Faith]]
  ⚫
* '''[[Pharamond]]'''
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: The Masked Empire'' ===
  ⚫
* '''[[Mihris]]''' – possessed by the desire demon [[Imshael]] <small>(formerly)</small>
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: The Last Court'' ===
  +
* '''[[The Shame of Serault]]'''
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'' ===
  +
* '''[[Grandin]]''' – possessed by a [[rage demon]]
  +
* '''[[Gurd Harofsen]]'''
  +
* '''[[Sigrid Gulsdotten]]'''
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights'' ===
  +
* '''Ambrose Forfex'''<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]]'', The Wigmaker Job</ref>
  +
* '''Renke'''<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]]'', Hunger</ref> – a werewolf created by a [[hunger demon]] possession
  +
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Absolution'' ===
  +
* '''[[Neb]]'''
  +
  ⚫
=== Other ===
  +
{{Tabletop RPG material}}
  +
* '''[[Mythallen]]''' – a Dalish elf named Harralan who was possessed by a rage demon
  +
* '''[[Revenger]]''' – possessed by a rage demon
  +
  +
== Variations ==
  ⚫
:Rage abomination
  ⚫
:Sloth abomination
  ⚫
:Hunger abomination
  ⚫
:Desire abomination
  ⚫
:Pride abomination
  +
  ⚫
The broader definition also includes:
  ⚫
* [[Arcane horror]]s – mage corpses possessed by pride demons
  +
* Cannibals – living hosts possessed by hunger demons<ref name="Demonic Possession />
  +
* [[Fanged skeleton]]s – corpses possessed by hunger demons
  +
* [[Revenant]]s – warrior corpses typically possessed by powerful desire or pride demons
  +
* [[Shambling skeleton]]s – corpses possessed by sloth demons
  +
* [[Spirit Warrior]]s – humans and elves that employ magical abilities but are not mages; instead, they flirt with inhabitants of the Fade who agree to augment mortal abilities in exchange for a glimpse of the physical world
  +
* [[Sylvan]]s – trees possessed by rage demons or intelligent spirits
  +
* [[Werewolf|Werewolves]] – humans, elves and wolves possessed by either rage or hunger demons
  +
* [[Vampire]]s – living hosts possessed by hunger demons<ref name="Demonic Possession />
  +
  +
== Codex entries ==
  ⚫
:{{:Codex entry: Abomination|style=iconmini}}
  ⚫
:{{:Codex entry: Blighted Werewolf|style=iconmini}}
  +
:{{:Codex entry: Demonic Possession|style=iconmini}}
  +
:{{:Codex entry: Flemeth|style=iconmini}}
  +
:{{:Codex entry: Flemeth's Demise|style=iconmini}}
  +
:{{:Codex entry: The Right of Annulment|style=iconmini}}
  +
:{{:Codex entry: Scrolls of Banastor|style=iconmini}}
  +
:{{:Codex entry: Werewolf|style=iconmini}}
   
 
== Gallery ==
  
== Gallery ==
−
<gallery spacing="small">
 +
<gallery widths="180" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center" orientation="portrait">
−
Abomination.jpg|Concept art for ''Dragon Age: Origins''
 +
Creature-Abomination.jpg|An [[Sloth demon (Broken Circle)|abomination]] in the true sense
  +
Wynne vessel spirit.png|A [[Wynne|called-abomination]] mage
−
AbominationHoDA.png|An Abomination in ''[[Heroes of Dragon Age]]''
  
  +
NPC-Swiftrunner.jpg|A [[Swiftrunner|called-abomination]] non-mage
−
SlothAbominationHoDA.png|A Sloth Abomination in ''Heroes of Dragon Age''
  
  +
Creature-Witherfang.jpg|A [[Witherfang|called-abomination]] animal
−
Desire abomination.png|A Desire abomination in ''Heroes of Dragon Age'' (no longer available in game)
  
−
Pride abomination.png|A Pride abomination in ''Heroes of Dragon Age''
 +
GrandOak.jpg|A [[Grand Oak|called-abomination]] plant
  +
Creature-Revenant2.jpg|A [[Revenant|called-abomination]] corpse
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
−  
−
== See also ==
  
⚫
{{:Codex entry: Abomination|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
  
⚫
{{:Codex entry: Demonic Possession|style=iconmini}}
  
   
 
== References ==
  
== References ==
Line 84: Line 141:
   
 
{{Demons and spirits lore}}
  
{{Demons and spirits lore}}
  +
  +
<!--Categories-->
 
[[Category:Creatures]]
  
[[Category:Creatures]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins creatures]]
  
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins creatures]]
Line 89: Line 148:
 
[[Category:Legacy creatures]]
  
[[Category:Legacy creatures]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker creatures]]
  
[[Category:Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker creatures]]
⚫
[[Category:Abominations| ]]
  
 
[[Category:Heroes of Dragon Age creatures]]
  
[[Category:Heroes of Dragon Age creatures]]
  +
[[Category:Dragon Age: Inquisition creatures]]
  ⚫
[[Category:Abominations]]
  +
[[Category:Possessed creatures]]
  +
[[Category:Demons]]
  +
<!--Interwiki links-->
  +
[[de:Abscheulichkeiten]]
  +
[[ru:Одержимые]]

Latest revision as of 01:19, 19 January 2024

For the creature article, see Abomination (creature).

“It's like you're trapped in your own body, seeing out your eyes, while someone else moves you like a puppet. And you're trying to scream, to move a single muscle, but there's no escape. Until you look down at the blood on your hands...[1]”

Price of Power

An abomination is a creature created when a demon possesses and controls completely a living being with magical abilities.[2][3][4] There are stories of abominations that have ravaged entire settlements or even gone on to tyrannize a countryside for years after their creation.[5] Most of the world does not know, however, that the strength of an abomination depends entirely on the power of the demon that possesses the mage. Thus, the magnitude of threat an abomination can pose is dependent on the type of demon that possesses the mage.[6]

In the broadest sense of the term, "abomination" is sometimes used to refer to the demonic possession of mage corpses[2] or the product of merging a mage with a benevolent spirit.[7] The spirits can also possess almost any creature (living or dead) or object, including plants, animals,[8] and rocks; however, these hosts cannot become abominations in the true sense, as the spirits gain no additional powers through possession.[9] The term abomination is also used in popular stories and books to indicate the demonic possession of living beings without magic.[10]

While those who possess a mage may utilize the versatile magic that a mage's magic can provide, all possessed creatures can be augmented by the magical abilities that a spirit or demon can provide. Like all possessed creatures, the strength of the demon or spirit and what kind of magical abilities it can provide its vessel depends entirely on the type of spirit or demon that is inhabiting its host. For example, according to Enchanter Brahm's categorization of demons, Rage demons exhibit great strength and occasionally the ability to generate fire; but they expend their energies quickly and are prone to violent outbursts on the living. A rage demon can possess a mage and become physically stronger and cast fire magic, or it can possess a wolf or a non-magical human host and transform it into a Werewolf—humanoid monsters with incredible speed and strength, able to spread a curse to those they bit that would drive them mad with unthinking fury.[11]

In contrast, a Desire demon is very intelligent, exploiting the desires of people as its name suggests, and may grant its vessel the ability to control minds and conjure illusions. Pride demons are the strongest of demons and considered most dangerous. Pride demons possess vast intellect and are masters of magic. They are true schemers who seek most strongly to possess mages, and will bring other demons across the Veil.[6]

Background[]

Abominations are rare and usually created when a weak mage enters the Fade and is exposed to a demon's influence,[2] such as during the ritual of Harrowing employed by the Circle of Magi. Mages who experiment with blood magic are more susceptible to demons and also risk becoming abominations.[12] It is not unheard of for Grey Warden mages trapped by darkspawn behind enemy lines with no hope of rescue or reinforcements to willingly surrender themselves to demons and become abominations in order to slay as many darkspawn as possible.[13] Malicious blood mages and demons in solid form are also able to summon demons into unwilling hosts.[14]

Once a demon possessed abomination is created, it will try to create more abominations.[2][3] The mages who are not yet fully possessed can be saved by using the Litany of Adralla.[2]

While it is possible to free someone who has been possessed, this is rarely done due to the risks involved in such an attempt. One method involves an independent party entering the Fade and killing the dominating demon of the possessed.[15] Marethari Talas says that those who are freed in such a way never truly recover as the soul of the formerly possessed is scarred and describes the liberated host as a wounded animal that could easily fall prey to scavengers. The Avvar employ a ritual to release themselves from possession but this ritual involves a spirit voluntarily leaving its host rather than fighting off a demon.[16]

Aside from those listed, death of the host is the most convenient way to end possession.

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.

Keeper Marethari was able to make her body a "prison" for the Pride Demon Audacity; she states that should her body die, so too will the demon.[17] However, should you execute Anders, he states his belief that the spirit of Justice will be free of his vessel and will continue to exist in the Fade[18] rather than be destroyed like Audacity. Therefore, unless Marethari performed an esoteric ritual that has different rules for what happens when a possessed host dies, there seems to be contradictory information regarding what happens to a spirit/demon when the host of an abomination dies.


The possession is not physical—the demon is still in the Fade, but so is the mage's spirit, and the demon is able to control the body through that captive spirit like a puppet. The demon channels its power through the body, sees through the mage's eyes and is able to use magic in ways the mage would have never imagined. However, the experience of entering the physical realm is overwhelming to the weaker demons, and abominations are often driven mad by the unfamiliar sensations, turning into monstrosities and going on a rampage.[5] The most powerful demons are able to adapt to the new form and even maintain the original physical shape of their host in particular, when the possession is accepted willingly. Some demons also have the ability of shapeshifting. The most common way to get an abomination to reveal its nature (often causing the sentient host to transform into a grotesque, demonic form[19]) is to make it feel threatened so that the residing demon would impulsively defend its host.[20] The Avvar claim that the benevolent spirits they worship as gods watch for signs that an abomination has turned dangerous, and if that happens, the abomination is killed in its sleep before it can endanger others.[16]

As stated, possession can occur with either a spirit or a demon and thus the possession experience varies. In some cultures across Thedas, mages deliberately seek out possession by spirits. Avvar apprentice mages allow themselves to become possessed by spirits to learn to control their magic, then release the spirit once they have mastered their talent.[21] The seers of Rivain, wise women who are in fact hedge mages, also communicate with spirits and allow themselves to become possessed.[22]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.

Demons attempt to dominate their host, and Anders describes his experience in extremes. When he loses control of Justice, he says it's like being "trapped in your own body, seeing out your eyes, while someone else moves you like a puppet. And you're trying to scream, to move a single muscle, but there's no escape. Until you look down at the blood on your hands..." In contrast, when Justice is fulfilled, he says, "I cannot tell you how good it feels for a spirit to fulfill its function. The waiting is over. I am finally seeking justice. And he is exultant. There is no ecstasy humankind can feel to match."


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.

Wynne describes possession by a spirit as comforting—like feeling safe and loved. "It is like being held close, cradled... the bond is so complete that Wynne is unable to extricate herself, nor does Wynne wish to. "


Notable abominations[]

Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker[]

Dragon Age: The Calling[]

Dragon Age: Origins[]

Dragon Age: Awakening[]

Dragon Age Legends[]

  • Khedra – possessed by a pride demon

Dragon Age II[]

Dragon Age: Asunder[]

Dragon Age: The Masked Empire[]

Dragon Age: The Last Court[]

Dragon Age: Inquisition[]

Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights[]

Dragon Age: Absolution[]

Other[]

BioWare canon
The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.
  • Mythallen – a Dalish elf named Harralan who was possessed by a rage demon
  • Revenger – possessed by a rage demon

Variations[]

Rage abomination
Sloth abomination
Hunger abomination
Desire abomination
Pride abomination

The broader definition also includes:

  • Arcane horrors – mage corpses possessed by pride demons
  • Cannibals – living hosts possessed by hunger demons[6]
  • Fanged skeletons – corpses possessed by hunger demons
  • Revenants – warrior corpses typically possessed by powerful desire or pride demons
  • Shambling skeletons – corpses possessed by sloth demons
  • Spirit Warriors – humans and elves that employ magical abilities but are not mages; instead, they flirt with inhabitants of the Fade who agree to augment mortal abilities in exchange for a glimpse of the physical world
  • Sylvans – trees possessed by rage demons or intelligent spirits
  • Werewolves – humans, elves and wolves possessed by either rage or hunger demons
  • Vampires – living hosts possessed by hunger demons[6]

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: Abomination Codex entry: Abomination
Codex entry: Blighted Werewolf Codex entry: Blighted Werewolf
Codex entry: Demonic Possession Codex entry: Demonic Possession
Codex entry: Flemeth Codex entry: Flemeth
Codex entry: Flemeth's Demise Codex entry: Flemeth's Demise
Codex entry: The Right of Annulment Codex entry: The Right of Annulment
Codex entry: Scrolls of Banastor Codex entry: Scrolls of Banastor
Codex entry: Werewolf Codex entry: Werewolf

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. ↑ Conversation between Anders and Merrill.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 172
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Codex entry: Abomination
  4. ↑ Heroes of Dragon Age: The Circle Tower, Uldred's Turn
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mike Searly. "Traveler's Guide". Dragon Age: Origins: Collector's Edition: Prima Official Game Guide.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Codex entry: Demonic Possession
  7. ↑ Wynne is called an abomination in Dragon Age: Asunder, p. 270
  8. ↑ Codex entry: Wild Sylvan
  9. ↑ BSN David Gaider. "Can non-mages become abominations?" . The BioWare Forum. Retrieved on August 18, 2013.
  10. ↑ Brother Genitivi writes about wolves possessed by rage demons as a sort of abominations.
  11. ↑ Codex entry: Werewolf
  12. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 109
  13. ↑ Dragon Age: Last Flight, p. 123
  14. ↑ As evidenced by Cullen Rutherford's dialogue during Enemies Among Us.
  15. ↑ The Arl of Redcliffe#What to do with Connor
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Conversations with The Augur of Stone-Bear Hold.
  17. ↑ According to Keeper Marethari Talas' dialogue during A New Path
  18. ↑ According to Anders' dialogue during The Last Straw should you execute him
  19. ↑ As evidenced by fights with a possessed Amalia, Wilmod, Marethari Talas and Uldred
  20. ↑ According to Anders during Enemies Among Us.
  21. ↑ As seen during the side quest In Exile.
  22. ↑ Codex entry: Rivain
  23. ↑ Codex entry: Unbound
  24. ↑ Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights, The Wigmaker Job
  25. ↑ Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights, Hunger
v • d • e
Demons and Spirits
Demons
Desire · Despair · Envy · Fear · Fearling · Gibbering horror · Hunger · Pride · Rage · Shade · Sloth · Terror · Wisp wraith · Wraith
Undead
Spirits
Enthralled
Abominations · Ash wraiths · Rock wraiths · Sylvans · Werewolves
See also
Deutsch Русский
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms