Changes: Caridin

Latest revision as of 17:51, 30 May 2023

“If you seek the Anvil, then you must care about my story or be doomed to relive it.”

Caridin is a revered Paragon of the dwarves, who created the Anvil of the Void around -255 Ancient (940 TE). As a Paragon, he founded the noble House Caridin.

Background[]

Caridin was born during the First Blight when the surface world was ravaged by the darkspawn, his mother was a noblewoman of House Ortan and his father Smith caste worker. As per dwarven tradition, the male child inherits the caste of his father so Caridin became a smith. But his mother fought to keep him close, and devised a plan in which both father and son could serve House Ortan officially as smiths. Caridin proved from a young age his smithing talent and he often employed creative techniques in his work. A few years later he had taken most of his father's commissions and was entrusted with outfitting House Ortan's finest warriors, many of whom were also his close friends.^[1]

H deshparaa 0 — House Caridin's heraldry

As more of the Deep Roads fell to the darkspawn, the dwarves became ever more desperate to push them back from their dwindling cities. Caridin envisioned a solution, based on a years-old idea, one that would turn the tide of battle in the dwarves' favor. The smith sequestered himself to his workshop, where he spent years refining his plans. When he finally emerged, he presented what he had made to the Assembly; the Anvil of the Void. Marrying the disciplines of smithing and lyrium enchantment, the Anvil allowed Caridin to create golems. In -255 Ancient, Caridin made the world's first golem^[2], and for his achievement, he was declared a living Paragon by the Assembly and given his own noble house.^[3] Following his ascendance, Caridin went on to design a stronghold for the Legion of the Dead, which was named Bownammar.

The golems allowed the dwarves to not only hold their ground against the darkspawn but push them back. Many victories were won against the darkspawn. But in -248 Ancient^[4], after six years of constant output, Caridin and the Anvil vanished, and with them, the process of golem manufacture.

The dwarves mounted numerous expeditions to find the Anvil, but the darkspawn pushed them each time. One major operation was conducted during the second year of the reign of Queen Getha, not long after Caridin's disappearance. She sent the entire Legion of Steel, a total of 126 golems, but none of the golems returned. Due to the incalculable loss of the Legion of Steel, Queen Getha was deposed, and the Shaperate declared Caridin dead, extinguishing the dwarves' last kindle of hope of reclaiming their fallen empire.^[5]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.

Caridin never mentioned the cost of such victory; namely the sacrifice of the lives of those who volunteered in order to animate the golems. He produced golems until King Valtor started using the Anvil to turn casteless, criminals, and political enemies into golems, instead of just volunteers.^[6] Caridin objected, and in turn, was made into a golem himself. However, his apprentices knew not how to properly construct a control rod, allowing Caridin to retain his free will and mind. Caridin disappeared into the Deep Roads, taking his followers and the Anvil with him.^[7] No one knew what became of Caridin until thousands of years later.

Shayle of House Cadash was the only woman who volunteered to become a golem. She was very loyal to Caridin and supported him against King Valtor. At some point however Caridin sent her away, "out of mercy".

This section contains spoilers for:
Golems of Amgarrak.

The smiths of Amgarrak sought to replicate and augment Caridin's work, but one of their creations turned against them, forcing them to seal the thaig and let it sink into obscurity for the safety of others. The Warden seeks to unravel the mysteries of Amgarrak in collaboration with members of House Dace.

Involvement[]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.

For years, Caridin entombed himself with the Anvil of the Void—trying to figure out a way to destroy it. No golem is able to touch it and since Caridin was a golem himself, neither can he. All Caridin can do was lay out traps through out the Dead Trenches to prevent anybody from finding it.

He is involved with the quest, A Paragon of Her Kind, in which the Warden can decide to either aid him or Branka. If the Warden decides to aid him, he will forge a crown for the new king of Orzammar, telling the Warden to give it to the candidate of their choice.

Caridin - suicide — Caridin throwing himself into a river of lava.

Caridin does not show interest on who is the candidate nor wants to hear about today's world events as he believes that he does not belong in this age. Once this is done, the Warden destroys the Anvil and Caridin throws itself into the river of lava feeling that his purpose has been fulfilled. If the Warden elects to not destroy the Anvil, Caridin will attack the party and is killed during the battle.

Quests[]

A Paragon of Her Kind

Strategy[]

If Caridin eventually fights the Warden, it will be assisted by two normal stone golems and two elite stone golems as well, while Branka will be unable to assist. If Shale is in the party at the time, it will also turn hostile. As allies, the Warden has two normal stone golems. During the course of the battle, it is imperative that a party member is sent to collect every lyrium vein in the area as soon as possible, otherwise Caridin can use these to heal itself.

Quotes[]

"The Anvil of the Void allowed me to forge a man of stone and steel, and because of it I was made into a Paragon."
"Aye... trapped forever in my own creation. A fitting punishment, I suppose."
"You have my eternal thanks, stranger. Atrast nal tunsha -- may you always find your way in the dark."
(If turned hostile) "I cannot allow you to do this stranger. To me, golems! Defend the Anvil, whatever the cost!"
(If Shale is present) "Ah, there is a voice I recognize. Shayle of House Cadash, step forward."

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: Caridin's Journal

Codex entry: The Legion of Steel

Notes[]

For unknown reasons, if Paragon Caridin creates the crown for Orzammar's next king, he uses the ancient seal of House Ortan on the crown instead of the seal of his own house.^[8]
Despite the dwarves giving little credit to the Chantry's teachings and having no particular story related to the origins of the darkspawn, Caridin seems to believe the Chantry's version.^[9]

Gallery[]

References[]

↑ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 24
↑ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 32
↑ Codex entry: Orzammar History: Chapter Two
↑ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 33
↑ Codex entry: The Legion of Steel
↑ Caridin and Golems. BioWare wiki.
↑ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 91
↑ See this image.
↑ Codex entry: Caridin's Journal

[1] Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 24

[2] Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 32

[3] Codex entry: Orzammar History: Chapter Two

[4] Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 33

[5] Codex entry: The Legion of Steel

[6] Caridin and Golems. BioWare wiki.

[wot91-7] Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 91

[8] See this image.

[9] Codex entry: Caridin's Journal

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 <onlyinclude>{{CharacterTransformer
-|style       = {{{style|}}}
+|style          = {{{style|}}}
-|name        = [[Caridin]]
+|name           = [[Caridin]]
-|image       = Caridin.png
+|image          = Caridin.png
-|px          = 270px
+|px             = 270x360px
-|title       = [[Paragon]]
+|title          = [[Paragon]]
-|class       = [[Warrior (Origins)|Warrior]]
+|gender         = Male <small>(formerly)</small>
-|gender      = Male <small>(formerly)</small> <br> N/A
+|race           = [[Dwarf]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Golem]]
+|class          = [[Warrior (Origins)|Warrior]]
-|caste       = [[Smith caste|Smith]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br>[[Noble caste|Noble]]
+|specialization =
-|race        = [[Dwarf]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Golem]]
-|quests      = [[A Paragon of Her Kind]]
+|rank           =
+|caste          = [[Smith caste|Smith]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Noble caste|Noble]]
-|voice       = [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0517087/ David Lodge]
+|family         =
-|appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]]
+|affiliation    =
+|location       = [[Anvil of the Void (location)|Anvil of the Void]]
+|quests         = [[A Paragon of Her Kind]]
+|voice          = [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0517087/ David Lodge]
+|appearances    = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[The Golems of Amgarrak]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <small>(mentioned)</small> <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] <small>(mentioned)</small>
 }}</onlyinclude>
-'''Caridin''' is a revered [[Paragon]] of the [[Dwarf|dwarves]], who created the [[Anvil of the Void (object)|Anvil of the Void]] around -255 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]] (940 TE). As a Paragon, he founded the [[Noble caste|noble]] [[House Caridin]].
+'''Caridin''' is a revered [[Paragon]] of the [[Dwarf|dwarves]], who created the [[Anvil of the Void (object)|Anvil of the Void]] around -255 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]] (940 TE). As a Paragon, he founded the noble [[House Caridin]].
 == Background ==
+Caridin was born during the [[First Blight]] when the surface world was ravaged by the [[darkspawn]], his mother was a noblewoman of [[House Ortan]] and his father [[Smith caste]] worker. As per dwarven tradition, the male child inherits the caste of his father so Caridin became a smith. But his mother fought to keep him close, and devised a plan in which both father and son could serve House Ortan officially as smiths. Caridin proved from a young age his smithing talent and he often employed creative techniques in his work. A few years later he had taken most of his father's commissions and was entrusted with outfitting House Ortan's finest [[warrior]]s, many of whom were also his close friends.<ref>{{cite wot2|24}}</ref>
 [[File:H deshparaa 0.png|thumb|House Caridin's heraldry]]
+As more of the [[Deep Roads]] fell to the [[darkspawn]], the dwarves became ever more desperate to push them back from their dwindling cities. Caridin envisioned a solution, based on a years-old idea, one that would turn the tide of battle in the dwarves' favor. The smith sequestered himself to his workshop, where he spent years refining his plans. When he finally emerged, he presented what he had made to the [[Assembly]]; the [[Anvil of the Void (object)|Anvil of the Void]]. Marrying the disciplines of smithing and [[lyrium]] enchantment, the Anvil allowed Caridin to create [[golem]]s. In -255 Ancient, Caridin made the world's first golem<ref>{{Cite wot|32}}</ref>, and for his achievement, he was declared a living Paragon by the Assembly and given his own noble [[house]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Orzammar History: Chapter Two]]</ref> Following his ascendance, Caridin went on to design a stronghold for the [[Legion of the Dead]], which was named [[Dead Trenches|Bownammar]].
-Born in the [[Ancient Age]] during the darkest days of the [[First Blight]], Caridin was the product of a love affair between a noblewoman of [[House Ortan]] and a [[Smith Caste]] worker<ref>{{cite wot2|24}}</ref>. As per dwarven custom being a male child, Caridin inherited the caste of his father instead of his mother's. But his mother fought to keep him close, and devised a plan in which both father and son could serve House Ortan officially as smiths. The specifics became unclear as history progressed, leading some to believe conflicting information whether Caridin was a member of the [[Noble Caste]] or Smith Caste<ref>[[Codex entry: Orzammar History: Chapter Two]]</ref>.
+The golems allowed the dwarves to not only hold their ground against the darkspawn but push them back. Many victories were won against the darkspawn. But in -248 Ancient<ref>{{cite wot|33}}</ref>, after six years of constant output, Caridin and the Anvil vanished, and with them, the process of golem manufacture.
-Caridin's talent was apparent from the beginning, and he often employed creative techniques in his work. By the time he had become a young man, he had taken most of his father's workload on himself and was entrusted with outfitting House Ortan's finest warriors, many of whom were his close friends<ref>{{cite wot2|24}}</ref>.
+The dwarves mounted numerous expeditions to find the Anvil, but the darkspawn pushed them each time. One major operation was conducted during the second year of the reign of Queen Getha, not long after Caridin's disappearance. She sent the entire [[Legion of Steel]], a total of 126 golems, but none of the golems returned. Due to the incalculable loss of the Legion of Steel, Queen Getha was deposed, and the [[Shaperate]] declared Caridin dead, extinguishing the dwarves' last kindle of hope of reclaiming their fallen empire.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Legion of Steel]]</ref>
-As more of the [[Deep Roads]] fell to the [[darkspawn]], the dwarves became ever more desperate to push them back from their dwindling cities. Caridin envisioned a solution, based on a years-old idea, one that would turn the tide of battle in the dwarves' favor. The smith sequestered himself to his workshop, where he spent years refining his plans. When he finally emerged, he presented what he had made to the [[Assembly]]: the [[Anvil of the Void]]. Marrying the disciplines of smithing and lyrium enchantment, the Anvil allowed Caridin to create [[golem]]s—beings of living stone or steel, wholly immune to the darkspawn's corruption; the perfect warriors against the blight. In -255 Ancient, Caridin made the world's first golem<ref>{{cite wot|32}}</ref>, and for his achievement, he was declared a living Paragon by the Assembly and given his own [[House Caridin|Noble House]]. Following his ascendance, Caridin went on to design a stronghold for the usually-nomadic [[Legion of the Dead]], which was named [[Dead Trenches|Bownammar]].
+{{SpoilerDAO|
-The golems allowed the dwarves to not only hold their ground against the darkspawn but push them back. Plentiful victories were won against the darkspawn. But in -248 Ancient<ref>{{cite wot|33}}</ref>, after six years of constant output, Caridin and the Anvil vanished, and with them, the process of golem manufacture.
+Caridin never mentioned the cost of such victory; namely the sacrifice of the lives of those who volunteered in order to animate the golems. He produced golems until [[Dwarven royalty|King]] Valtor started using the Anvil to turn [[casteless]], criminals, and political enemies into golems, instead of just volunteers.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100819203946/http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Caridin_and_Golems Caridin and Golems]. BioWare wiki.</ref> Caridin objected, and in turn, was made into a golem himself. However, his apprentices knew not how to properly construct a [[Golem control rod|control rod]], allowing Caridin to retain his free will and mind. Caridin disappeared into the Deep Roads, taking his followers and the Anvil with him.<ref name="wot91">{{Cite wot2|91}}</ref> No one knew what became of Caridin until thousands of years later.
+[[Shale|Shayle]] of [[House Cadash]] was the only woman who volunteered to become a golem. She was very loyal to Caridin and supported him against King Valtor. At some point however Caridin sent her away, "out of mercy".}}
-The dwarves mounted numerous expeditions to find the Anvil, but the darkspawn pushed them each time. The last rescue operation was mounted by Queen Getha<ref>[[Codex entry: The Legion of Steel]]</ref>, not long after Caridin's disappearance. She sent the entire Legion of Steel, a total of one-hundred and twenty six golems, but they were never heard from again. Due to the incalculable loss of the Legion of Steel, Queen Getha was deposed, and the [[Shaperate]] declared Caridin dead, extinguishing the dwarves' last kindle of hope of reclaiming their fallen empire.
+{{SpoilerGoA|
-{{SpoilerDAO|style=short|
-Caridin never mentioned the cost of such victory; namely the sacrifice of the lives of those who volunteered in order to animate the golems. He produced golems in the Anvil for six years, until [[Dwarven royalty|King]] Valtor started using the Anvil to turn [[Casteless dwarves|casteless]], criminals, and political enemies into golems, instead of just volunteers.<ref>[http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Caridin_and_Golems Caridin and Golems]. BioWare wiki</ref> Caridin objected, and in turn, was made into a golem himself. However, his apprentices knew not how to fashion a [[Golem control rod|control rod]] in order to control him, allowing Caridin to retain his free will. He took the Anvil and disappeared into the Deep Roads, only to emerge more than a thousand years later.}}
-{{SpoilerGoA|style=short|
 The smiths of [[Amgarrak Thaig|Amgarrak]] sought to replicate and augment Caridin's work, but one of their [[Harvester|creations]] turned against them, forcing them to seal the thaig and let it sink into obscurity for the safety of others. The Warden seeks to unravel the mysteries of Amgarrak in collaboration with members of [[House Dace]].}}
 == Involvement ==
+{{SpoilerDAO|
-{{SpoilerDAO|style=short|He is involved with the quest, [[A Paragon of Her Kind]], in which [[the Warden]] can decide to either aid him or [[Branka]]. If the Warden decides to aid him, he will forge a [[Paragon-Forged Crown|crown]] for the new king of [[Orzammar]], telling the Warden to give it to the candidate of their choice.
+For years, Caridin entombed himself with the Anvil of the Void—trying to figure out a way to destroy it. No golem is able to touch it and since Caridin was a golem himself, neither can he. All Caridin can do was lay out traps through out the [[Dead Trenches]] to prevent anybody from finding it.
+He is involved with the quest, [[A Paragon of Her Kind]], in which [[the Warden]] can decide to either aid him or [[Branka]]. If the Warden decides to aid him, he will forge a [[Paragon-Forged Crown|crown]] for the new king of [[Orzammar]], telling the Warden to give it to the candidate of their choice.
 [[File:Caridin - suicide.png|thumb|270px|Caridin throwing himself into a river of lava.]]
+Caridin does not show interest on who is the candidate nor wants to hear about today's world events as he believes that he does not belong in this age. Once this is done, the Warden destroys the Anvil and Caridin throws itself into the river of lava feeling that his purpose has been fulfilled. If the Warden elects to not destroy the Anvil, Caridin will attack the party and is killed during the battle.
+}}
+== Quests ==
-After this, the Warden destroys the Anvil, and Caridin throws itself into the river of lava. If the Warden elects to not destroy the Anvil, Caridin will attack the party and is struck dead during the battle.
+:{{:A Paragon of Her Kind|style=iconmini}}
-=== Strategy ===
+== Strategy ==
-If Caridin eventually fights the Warden, it will be assisted by two normal stone golems and two elite stone golems as well, while Branka will be unable to assist. If [[Shale]] is in the party at the time, it will also turn hostile. As allies, the Warden has two normal stone golems. During the course of the battle, it is imperative that a party member is sent to collect every lyrium deposit in the area as soon as possible, otherwise [[Caridin]] can use these to heal itself.}}
+If Caridin eventually fights the Warden, it will be assisted by two normal stone golems and two elite stone golems as well, while Branka will be unable to assist. If Shale is in the party at the time, it will also turn hostile. As allies, the Warden has two normal stone golems. During the course of the battle, it is imperative that a party member is sent to collect every [[lyrium vein]] in the area as soon as possible, otherwise Caridin can use these to heal itself.
-== Notes ==
-* For an unknown reason, if Paragon Caridin creates the crown for Orzammar's next king, he uses the ancient seal of House Ortan on the crown instead of the seal of his own house.<ref>See this [[:File:Caridin about House Ortan.jpg|image]].</ref>
-* Despite the dwarves giving little credit to the [[Chantry]]'s teachings and having no particular story related to the origins of the darkspawn, Caridin seems to believe the Chantry's version.<ref>[[Codex entry: Caridin's Journal]]</ref>
 == Quotes ==
 * "The Anvil of the Void allowed me to forge a man of stone and steel, and because of it I was made into a Paragon."
 * "Aye... trapped forever in my own creation. A fitting punishment, I suppose."
-* "You have my eternal thanks, stranger. [[Dwarven languages|Atrast nal tunsha]] -- may you always find your way in the dark."
+* "You have my eternal thanks, stranger. [[Dwarven languages and phrases|Atrast nal tunsha]] -- may you always find your way in the dark."
-* "I cannot allow you to do this stranger. To me, golems! Defend the Anvil, whatever the cost!" (If turned hostile)
+* (If turned hostile) "I cannot allow you to do this stranger. To me, golems! Defend the Anvil, whatever the cost!"
-* "Ah, there is a voice I recognize. Shayle of House Cadash, step forward." (If Shale is present)
+* (If Shale is present) "Ah, there is a voice I recognize. Shayle of [[House Cadash]], step forward."
+== Codex entries ==
+:{{:Codex entry: Caridin's Journal|style=iconmini}}
+:{{:Codex entry: The Legion of Steel|style=iconmini}}
+== Notes ==
+* For unknown reasons, if Paragon Caridin creates the crown for Orzammar's next king, he uses the ancient seal of House Ortan on the crown instead of the seal of his own house.<ref>See this [[:File:Caridin about House Ortan.jpg|image]].</ref>
+* Despite the dwarves giving little credit to the [[Orlesian Chantry|Chantry]]'s teachings and having no particular story related to the origins of the darkspawn, Caridin seems to believe the Chantry's version.<ref>[[Codex entry: Caridin's Journal]]</ref>
 == Gallery ==
-<gallery widths=199 captionalign="center" hideaddbutton=true>
+<gallery widths="180" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center" orientation="portrait">
 Caridin forging the crown.png|Caridin creating the crown
 Caridin's Crown.jpg|Caridin looking over the crown
@@ Line 65: / Line 80: @@
 == See also ==
-{{:Codex entry: Caridin's Journal|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
+:{{:The Paragon Caridin Carving|style=iconmini}}
-{{:Codex entry: The Legion of Steel|style=iconmini}}{{clrl}}
 == References ==
-<references/>
+<references />
 {{AncientAge}}
+<!--Categories-->
 [[Category:Characters]]
 [[Category:Dragon Age: Origins characters]]
 [[Category:Heroes of Dragon Age characters]]
 [[Category:Dwarves]]
+[[Category:Smith caste]]
 [[Category:Noble caste]]
 [[Category:Paragons]]
@@ Line 81: / Line 98: @@
 [[Category:Slavers]]
 [[Category:Warriors]]
+<!--Interwiki links-->

v • d • e Ancient Age
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