Dragon Age Wiki
Dragon Age Wiki
Tag: sourceedit
(rm non-canonical sources)
(32 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{Quote|It resembled a dragon in outward form, but no dragon was ever so terrible within. Darkness crackled around it, and darkness was its soul.<ref>[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]], Chapter 5.</ref>}}
  +
 
<onlyinclude>{{CreatureTransformer
 
<onlyinclude>{{CreatureTransformer
 
|style = {{{style|}}}
 
|style = {{{style|}}}
Line 6: Line 8:
 
|affiliation = [[Darkspawn]]
 
|affiliation = [[Darkspawn]]
 
|rank = [[Rank#Elite Boss|Elite Boss]]
 
|rank = [[Rank#Elite Boss|Elite Boss]]
|skills = Flight <br> Fire Blast <br> Unknown Fire DOT <br> Cleave
+
|skills = Flight <br> Fire Blast <br> Cleave
|location = [[Dead Trenches|The Dead Trenches]] <br> [[Fort Drakon]]
+
|location =
|appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Asunder]] <small>([[Fade]])</small>
+
|appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Asunder]] <small>([[Fade]])</small><br>[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]
 
}}</onlyinclude>
 
}}</onlyinclude>
   
'''Archdemons''' are the [[Old Gods]] manifested in the form of powerful and terrifying [[dragon]]s and tainted by [[darkspawn]].
+
'''Archdemons''' are the [[Old Gods]] manifested in the form of powerful and terrifying [[dragon]]s and [[taint]]ed by [[darkspawn]].
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
 
{{:Codex entry: Archdemon|style=codexexcerpt|excerptonly=true}}
 
{{:Codex entry: Archdemon|style=codexexcerpt|excerptonly=true}}
   
Archdemons possess an intelligence far beyond the average dragon and are purely evil creatures. Most of the time, the darkspawn are organized as a simple hive-mind, concerned only with expanding the horde. They rarely appear on the surface, except in raids and small invasions. Similarly, the Archdemon rarely fights on the surface during [[Blight]]s unless direct intervention is necessary, though through the hive-mind, the Archdemon communicates with and commands the entire horde whether in their presence or not; Grey Wardens often "hear" the Archdemon in their dreams, veteran Wardens even claiming to understand parts of the Archdemon's speech.
+
Archdemons possess an intelligence far beyond the average dragon and are purely evil creatures.<ref name=RPGC>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Core Rulebook, p. 293</ref> Most of the time, the darkspawn are organized as a simple hive-mind, concerned only with expanding the horde. They rarely appear on the surface, except in raids and small invasions. Similarly, the Archdemon rarely fights on the surface during [[Blight]]s unless direct intervention is necessary, though through the hive-mind, the Archdemon communicates with and commands the entire horde whether in their presence or not, usually sending its orders to the [[Emissary|emissaries]]<ref>[http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/world/creatures/emissary/ "Emissary"]. Official BioWare site. Retrieved January 28, 2012.</ref> or powerful [[hurlock general]]s;<ref>The Archdemon talks directly with the [[Hurlock vanguard]] in [[The Darkspawn Chronicles]] DLC</ref> [[Grey Wardens]] often "hear" the Archdemon in their dreams, veteran Wardens even claiming to understand parts of the Archdemon's speech.<ref>According to dialogue with [[Alistair]] in [[Dragon Age: Origins]]</ref>
   
A [[Blight]] begins when the darkspawn find and taint an [[Old God]], who then unites them into a great horde and unleashes them onto the surface in a wave of darkness and destruction. The Archdemon is their leader, and a Blight will not end until the Archdemon is destroyed.
+
A Blight begins when the darkspawn find and taint an Old God, who then unites them into a great horde and unleashes them onto the surface in a wave of darkness and destruction. The Archdemon is their leader, and a Blight will not end until the Archdemon that started it is destroyed.
   
 
Prior to the beginning of the [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon Age]] there had been four previous Blights, each led by an Archdemon, [[Dumat]], [[Zazikel]], [[Toth]] and [[Andoral]], respectively.
Some suppose that this transformation drives the deity mad, while others believe that the actions of such beings are beyond understanding.<ref name=RPG2>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 4</ref>
 
 
Before the events of ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'', there had been four previous Blights, led by the Archdemons [[Dumat]], [[Zazikel]], [[Toth]] and [[Andoral]], respectively.
 
   
 
Since the [[Dwarf|dwarves]] managed to fend off the darkspawn invasion after the [[First Blight]], no Archdemon has led a Blight against them. Instead, the dwarves consider the Blight to be something of a respite, as all darkspawn activity is focused on the surface.
 
Since the [[Dwarf|dwarves]] managed to fend off the darkspawn invasion after the [[First Blight]], no Archdemon has led a Blight against them. Instead, the dwarves consider the Blight to be something of a respite, as all darkspawn activity is focused on the surface.
   
 
== Involvement ==
 
== Involvement ==
  +
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins'' ===
  +
{{SpoilerDAOA|
 
The Archdemon which triggered the [[Fifth Blight]] is revealed to be [[Urthemiel]], the [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] god of beauty. During the [[Darkspawn Civil War]], [[the Mother]] reveals to [[the Warden-Commander]] that Urthemiel became an Archdemon due to a botched attempt by [[the Architect]] to turn it into a [[The Disciples|Disciple]] via a modified version of the [[Joining#The Awakening|Joining]].
  +
}}
  +
 
{{SpoilerDAO
 
{{SpoilerDAO
 
|[[File:Urthemiel in Dead Trenches.png|thumb|270px|The Archdemon in the Dead Trenches]]
 
|[[File:Urthemiel in Dead Trenches.png|thumb|270px|The Archdemon in the Dead Trenches]]
   
  +
[[Urthemiel]] is first glimpsed by [[the Warden]] after their [[Joining]] ceremony, although the other [[Fereldan]] Grey Wardens, such as [[Commander of the Grey|Warden-Commander]] [[Duncan]], had felt his presence since before their engagements at [[Ostagar]].<ref>According to dialogue with Duncan while in Ostagar.</ref> Urthemiel appears in the Warden's dreams after first leaving [[Lothering]].
The Archdemon which triggered the [[Fifth Blight]] is revealed to be [[Urthemiel]], the [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] god of beauty. [[The Mother]] reveals that it became an Archdemon due to a botched attempt by [[the Architect]] to turn it into a [[The Disciples|Disciple]] via a modified version of the [[Joining]].
 
   
  +
While traveling through the [[Dead Trenches]], it is encountered in the flesh for the first time from a distance, leading the bulk of the darkspawn horde. Sometime before Arl [[Eamon Guerrin]] called [[the Landsmeet]], the Archdemon appears again in the Warden's dreams the same night he has send a group of [[shriek]]s assassins to kill both the Warden and [[Alistair]] in their [[Party Camp|camp]] while they are traveling across Ferelden.
It is first glimpsed during [[the Warden]]'s [[Joining]] ceremony, then in the Warden's dreams after first leaving [[Lothering]]. While traveling through the [[Dead Trenches]], it is encountered in the flesh for the first time from a distance.
 
   
The Warden discovers on the eve of the [[Battle of Denerim]] that the Archdemon must be killed only by a Grey Warden. If killed by anyone else (as [[Riordan]] explains) its soul will escape to the nearest darkspawn (who are soulless), making it practically immortal (barring the impractical eradication of every darkspawn in existence). However, if a Grey Warden strikes the killing blow, the soul will assail that Warden's taint - causing both souls to be destroyed. As the senior Grey Warden present, [[Riordan]] acknowledges his duty to make the first attempt.
+
The Warden discovers on the eve of the [[Battle of Denerim]] that the Archdemon must be killed only by a Grey Warden. If killed by anyone else (as [[Riordan]] explains) its [[soul]] will escape to the nearest darkspawn (who are soulless), making it practically immortal (barring the impractical eradication of every darkspawn in existence). However, if a Grey Warden strikes the killing blow, the soul will assail that Warden's taint—causing both souls to be destroyed. As the senior Grey Warden present, Riordan acknowledges his duty to make the first attempt.
   
 
After this revelation, [[Morrigan]] waits in the Warden's bedroom to offer a [[Dark Ritual|deal]]. The premise here is that a Warden's taint will transfer to the pregnancy, and this will lure the escaping soul to be bound into the unborn child, free of the taint, rather than the standard mutual destruction with its slayer.
 
After this revelation, [[Morrigan]] waits in the Warden's bedroom to offer a [[Dark Ritual|deal]]. The premise here is that a Warden's taint will transfer to the pregnancy, and this will lure the escaping soul to be bound into the unborn child, free of the taint, rather than the standard mutual destruction with its slayer.
   
 
When the Warden reaches [[Redcliffe]], they are informed the Archdemon has been sighted near [[Denerim]]. Thus Ferelden's capital becomes the site of [[The Battle of Denerim|the final battle]]. This is where the Warden will call all allies that have been gained previously.
=== The Battle of Denerim ===
 
When the Warden reaches [[Redcliffe]], they are informed the Archdemon has been sighted near [[Denerim]]. Thus [[Ferelden]]'s capital becomes the site of [[The Battle of Denerim|the final battle]]. This is where the Warden will call all allies that have been gained previously.
 
   
The Archdemon is sighted some time after reaching Denerim, flying over the city followed by a charge of human soldiers. It is next seen from the [[Elven Alienage]] as the Warden leaves, after either killing or avoiding the [[Hurlock General]] there. The Archdemon flies overhead and destroys the bridge, making backtracking impossible for the 'primary' party.
+
Urthemiel is sighted some time after reaching Denerim, flying over the city followed by a charge of human soldiers. It is next seen from the [[Elven Alienage]] as the Warden leaves, after either killing or avoiding the Hurlock General there. Urthemiel flies overhead and destroys the bridge, making backtracking impossible for the 'primary' party.
   
At this point Riordan will be atop a tower dealing with his own group of darkspawn. The Archdemon swoops past the tower, and Riordan jumps onto its back, maintaining his position by stabbing his sword into various points in its body. The Archdemon attempts to 'skim' a tower, forcing Riordan to jump onto its right wing. It then flies directly upward, sending Riordan into a fatal fall, but not before he inflicts a massive wound which forces it to land atop [[Fort Drakon]], where the remaining Wardens can finish it off.
+
At this point Riordan will be atop a tower dealing with his own group of darkspawn. The Archdemon swoops past the tower, and Riordan jumps onto its back, maintaining his position by stabbing his sword into various points in its body. Urthemiel attempts to 'skim' a tower, forcing Riordan to jump onto its right wing. It then flies directly upward, sending Riordan into a fatal fall, but not before he inflicts a massive wound which forces it to land atop [[Fort Drakon]], where the remaining Wardens can finish it off.
   
When the Warden reaches the top of the fortress, the Archdemon is busy demolishing soldiers. This leads to the final fight of the [[Fifth Blight]] in which the Archdemon, Urthemiel is struck down by the [[The Warden|Hero of Ferelden]].
+
When the Warden reaches the top of the fortress, the Archdemon is busy demolishing soldiers. This leads to the final fight of the [[Fifth Blight]] in which Urthemiel is struck down by the two remaining Grey Wardens of Ferelden.
 
}}
 
}}
   
  +
=== ''The Darkspawn Chronicles'' ===
== Strategy ==
 
  +
{{SpoilerDC|
{{See|[[Archdemon (strategy)]]}}
 
  +
In a non-canonical narrative in which the Warden died at [[Ostagar]] and [[Alistair]] traveled onwards without his comrade, the Archdemon summoned the [[Hurlock vanguard]] to lead the other, mindless darkspawn to victory at the [[Battle of Denerim (conflict)|Battle of Denerim]]. [[Urthemiel]] whispers directly to the Vanguard's mind, ordering him to destroy key points of the city or specific enemies during the battle.
   
  +
After its battle against Riordan, sensing Alistair's approach and aware of its own injuries, the Archdemon demanded the Vanguard's presence at the top of Fort Drakon immediately. After the Vanguard killed Alistair in the ensuing battle, Urthemiel, having regenerated from its injuries, flew off to destroy the rest of Ferelden unopposed.
==Abilities==
 
  +
}}
{{:Breath|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Buffet|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Grab|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Massive Attack|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Roar|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Slap|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Sweep|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Archdemon Corruption Blast|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Spirit Smite|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Vortex|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
{{:Detonate Darkspawn|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
 
   
== Bugs ==
+
== Archdemon Prisons ==
  +
According to a report sent by [[Kardol]] of the [[Legion of the Dead]] to [[Orzammar]]'s [[Shaperate]], he accidentally discovered a cavern beneath the [[Deep Roads#Places|Heidrun Turning]] which was accessible via tunnels dug by darkspawn claws. The cavern smells foul and claw marks are ripped into the rock. There are also several darkspawn corpses dried out with their heads pressed against the stone, as if they were praying. Furthermore, the darkspawn could not follow the Legionnaires inside the empty cavern but the Legionnaires also started feeling numb and dizzy. Kardol believes this was a prison of an Archdemon, its echo still lasts to this day.<ref>{{Cite wot2|106}}</ref>
* The Archdemon is the strongest enemy in Origins, but if your character has the final in-game hit on it and you transfer your character to Awakening, the "Most Powerful Foe Slain" line during loading screens will remain blank for most of the playthrough (PS3, PC, 360). However, in most cases the Xbox 360 version of the expansion is unaffected, listing your "Most Powerful Foe Slain" as "Archdemon".
 
  +
* If the Warden enters the [[Royal Palace|Palace district]] during [[The Final Battle]], they witness the Archdemon fall onto [[Fort Drakon]] after having its right wing sliced by [[Riordan]]. If the Warden immediately exits and heads to the [[Denerim Alienage|Alienage]] ''for the first time during the battle'', they will see the Archdemon swoop past and destroy the bridge, its wing completely intact. This is due to the scene 'technically' taking place before the Archdemon's encounter with Riordan. (And alternative sequences of travel not being considered.)
 
  +
Beneath the [[Shimmer Stone Mine]] there is a dwarven [[thaig]] which the Wardens believe to contain another Archdemon Prison, they were guided to it by listening to [[Grey Wardens#The Calling|The Calling]].<ref>[[Note: Ancient Warden Logbook]]</ref>
* It is possible for the game to freeze during or after the encounter with the Archdemon due to a corrupted auto-save. If this happens, revert to a load point then turn off auto-save. The game should no longer freeze.
 
  +
* On some occasions when the [[Dark Ritual]] was refused ''and'' Alistair did not become king: after defeating the Archdemon, Alistair will engage you in conversation and say it is his duty as king to kill the Archdemon - then he will not become king in the epilogue, even if he survives.
 
  +
However in both locations the ground is notably extremely weak and prone to cave-ins. In both cases the Legionnaires and the Wardens lost men as a result of this.
   
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
{{:Codex entry: Archdemon|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
 
{{:Codex entry: Archdemon|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
 
*[[Archdemon (strategy)]]
   
  +
== References ==
  +
<references/>
 
{{Darkspawn}}
 
{{Darkspawn}}
  +
  +
[[de:Erzdämon]]
  +
[[es:Archidemonio]]
 
[[Category:Creatures]]
 
[[Category:Creatures]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins creatures]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins creatures]]
 
[[Category:Darkspawn]]
 
[[Category:Darkspawn]]
  +
[[Category:Archdemons| ]]
 
[[Category:Dragons]]
 
[[Category:Dragons]]
 
[[Category:Old Gods]]
 
[[Category:Old Gods]]

Revision as of 01:25, 19 January 2020

“It resembled a dragon in outward form, but no dragon was ever so terrible within. Darkness crackled around it, and darkness was its soul.[1]


Archdemons are the Old Gods manifested in the form of powerful and terrifying dragons and tainted by darkspawn.

Background

No one knows what it is that drives the darkspawn in their relentless search for the sleeping Old Gods. Perhaps it is instinct, as moths will fly into torch flames. Perhaps there is some remnant of desire for vengeance upon the ones who goaded the magisters to assault heaven. Whatever the reason, when darkspawn find one of these ancient dragons, it is immediately afflicted by the taint. It awakens twisted and corrupted, and leads the darkspawn in a full-scale invasion of the land: a Blight.

From Codex entry: Archdemon

Archdemons possess an intelligence far beyond the average dragon and are purely evil creatures.[2] Most of the time, the darkspawn are organized as a simple hive-mind, concerned only with expanding the horde. They rarely appear on the surface, except in raids and small invasions. Similarly, the Archdemon rarely fights on the surface during Blights unless direct intervention is necessary, though through the hive-mind, the Archdemon communicates with and commands the entire horde whether in their presence or not, usually sending its orders to the emissaries[3] or powerful hurlock generals;[4] Grey Wardens often "hear" the Archdemon in their dreams, veteran Wardens even claiming to understand parts of the Archdemon's speech.[5]

A Blight begins when the darkspawn find and taint an Old God, who then unites them into a great horde and unleashes them onto the surface in a wave of darkness and destruction. The Archdemon is their leader, and a Blight will not end until the Archdemon that started it is destroyed.

Prior to the beginning of the Dragon Age there had been four previous Blights, each led by an Archdemon, Dumat, Zazikel, Toth and Andoral, respectively.

Since the dwarves managed to fend off the darkspawn invasion after the First Blight, no Archdemon has led a Blight against them. Instead, the dwarves consider the Blight to be something of a respite, as all darkspawn activity is focused on the surface.

Involvement

Dragon Age: Origins


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening.


The Archdemon which triggered the Fifth Blight is revealed to be Urthemiel, the Tevinter god of beauty. During the Darkspawn Civil War, the Mother reveals to the Warden-Commander that Urthemiel became an Archdemon due to a botched attempt by the Architect to turn it into a Disciple via a modified version of the Joining.



This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.


Urthemiel in Dead Trenches

The Archdemon in the Dead Trenches

Urthemiel is first glimpsed by the Warden after their Joining ceremony, although the other Fereldan Grey Wardens, such as Warden-Commander Duncan, had felt his presence since before their engagements at Ostagar.[6] Urthemiel appears in the Warden's dreams after first leaving Lothering.

While traveling through the Dead Trenches, it is encountered in the flesh for the first time from a distance, leading the bulk of the darkspawn horde. Sometime before Arl Eamon Guerrin called the Landsmeet, the Archdemon appears again in the Warden's dreams the same night he has send a group of shrieks assassins to kill both the Warden and Alistair in their camp while they are traveling across Ferelden.

The Warden discovers on the eve of the Battle of Denerim that the Archdemon must be killed only by a Grey Warden. If killed by anyone else (as Riordan explains) its soul will escape to the nearest darkspawn (who are soulless), making it practically immortal (barring the impractical eradication of every darkspawn in existence). However, if a Grey Warden strikes the killing blow, the soul will assail that Warden's taint—causing both souls to be destroyed. As the senior Grey Warden present, Riordan acknowledges his duty to make the first attempt.

After this revelation, Morrigan waits in the Warden's bedroom to offer a deal. The premise here is that a Warden's taint will transfer to the pregnancy, and this will lure the escaping soul to be bound into the unborn child, free of the taint, rather than the standard mutual destruction with its slayer.

When the Warden reaches Redcliffe, they are informed the Archdemon has been sighted near Denerim. Thus Ferelden's capital becomes the site of the final battle. This is where the Warden will call all allies that have been gained previously.

Urthemiel is sighted some time after reaching Denerim, flying over the city followed by a charge of human soldiers. It is next seen from the Elven Alienage as the Warden leaves, after either killing or avoiding the Hurlock General there. Urthemiel flies overhead and destroys the bridge, making backtracking impossible for the 'primary' party.

At this point Riordan will be atop a tower dealing with his own group of darkspawn. The Archdemon swoops past the tower, and Riordan jumps onto its back, maintaining his position by stabbing his sword into various points in its body. Urthemiel attempts to 'skim' a tower, forcing Riordan to jump onto its right wing. It then flies directly upward, sending Riordan into a fatal fall, but not before he inflicts a massive wound which forces it to land atop Fort Drakon, where the remaining Wardens can finish it off.

When the Warden reaches the top of the fortress, the Archdemon is busy demolishing soldiers. This leads to the final fight of the Fifth Blight in which Urthemiel is struck down by the two remaining Grey Wardens of Ferelden.


The Darkspawn Chronicles


This section contains spoilers for:
Darkspawn Chronicles.


In a non-canonical narrative in which the Warden died at Ostagar and Alistair traveled onwards without his comrade, the Archdemon summoned the Hurlock vanguard to lead the other, mindless darkspawn to victory at the Battle of Denerim. Urthemiel whispers directly to the Vanguard's mind, ordering him to destroy key points of the city or specific enemies during the battle.

After its battle against Riordan, sensing Alistair's approach and aware of its own injuries, the Archdemon demanded the Vanguard's presence at the top of Fort Drakon immediately. After the Vanguard killed Alistair in the ensuing battle, Urthemiel, having regenerated from its injuries, flew off to destroy the rest of Ferelden unopposed.


Archdemon Prisons

According to a report sent by Kardol of the Legion of the Dead to Orzammar's Shaperate, he accidentally discovered a cavern beneath the Heidrun Turning which was accessible via tunnels dug by darkspawn claws. The cavern smells foul and claw marks are ripped into the rock. There are also several darkspawn corpses dried out with their heads pressed against the stone, as if they were praying. Furthermore, the darkspawn could not follow the Legionnaires inside the empty cavern but the Legionnaires also started feeling numb and dizzy. Kardol believes this was a prison of an Archdemon, its echo still lasts to this day.[7]

Beneath the Shimmer Stone Mine there is a dwarven thaig which the Wardens believe to contain another Archdemon Prison, they were guided to it by listening to The Calling.[8]

However in both locations the ground is notably extremely weak and prone to cave-ins. In both cases the Legionnaires and the Wardens lost men as a result of this.

See also

Codex entry: Archdemon Codex entry: Archdemon

References

  1. Dragon Age: Last Flight, Chapter 5.
  2. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Core Rulebook, p. 293
  3. "Emissary". Official BioWare site. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
  4. The Archdemon talks directly with the Hurlock vanguard in The Darkspawn Chronicles DLC
  5. According to dialogue with Alistair in Dragon Age: Origins
  6. According to dialogue with Duncan while in Ostagar.
  7. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 106
  8. Note: Ancient Warden Logbook