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|location = Southeast [[Thedas]] |
|location = Southeast [[Thedas]] |
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|capital = [[Denerim]] <br> [[City of Amaranthine]] <small>(during the [[Orlais|Orlesian]] occupation)</small><ref>[[Codex entry: The Port City of Amaranthine]]</ref> |
|capital = [[Denerim]] <br> [[City of Amaranthine]] <small>(during the [[Orlais|Orlesian]] occupation)</small><ref>[[Codex entry: The Port City of Amaranthine]]</ref> |
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− | |appearances = [[Heroes of Dragon Age]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Calling]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[Dragon Age (IDW comic)]] <br> [[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Warden's Fall]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Dragon Age Legends]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] |
+ | |appearances = [[Heroes of Dragon Age]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Calling]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[Dragon Age (IDW comic)]] <br> [[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Warden's Fall]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Dragon Age Legends]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Knight Errant]] |
}}</onlyinclude> |
}}</onlyinclude> |
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The climate of Ferelden appears to be temperate, and Ferelden along with Thedas itself is located in the southern hemisphere. |
The climate of Ferelden appears to be temperate, and Ferelden along with Thedas itself is located in the southern hemisphere. |
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− | Dividing Ferelden from Orlais to the west are the [[Frostback Mountains]]. The southeast holds the [[Brecilian Forest]], where in 9:30 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]] |
+ | Dividing Ferelden from Orlais to the west are the [[Frostback Mountains]]. The southeast holds the [[Brecilian Forest]], where in 9:30 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]] clans of [[Dalish|Dalish elves]] can be found. To the far south are the forbidding forests, swamps and eventually tundra of the [[Korcari Wilds]]. To the north of the Wilds lie the Southron Hills and the [[Hinterlands]], and the [[Free Marches]] across the sea. The central region of Ferelden contains [[Lake Calenhad]] and [[the Bannorn]]. In the far northern region are The Coastlands, which include more swamps and forests. |
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{| |
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|<imagemap> |
|<imagemap> |
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* [[Honnleath]] |
* [[Honnleath]] |
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* Killarney<ref>Mentioned by [[Valena]].</ref> |
* Killarney<ref>Mentioned by [[Valena]].</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
* [[Lothering]] |
* [[Lothering]] |
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+ | * Portsmouth<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Knight Errant]]''</ref> |
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* [[Redcliffe Village]] |
* [[Redcliffe Village]] |
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* Redhold - Avvar Settlement |
* Redhold - Avvar Settlement |
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* Rossleigh<ref>See [http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Flemeth Flemeth]. BioWare wiki.</ref> |
* Rossleigh<ref>See [http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Flemeth Flemeth]. BioWare wiki.</ref> |
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− | * South Reach — east of Lothering, part of the Arling |
+ | * [[South Reach]] — east of Lothering, part of the Arling |
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
* Wichford |
* Wichford |
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* Wutherford - probably near Lake Calenhad Docks<ref>Per conversation with Carroll at the docks in Dragon Age: Origins. If you resort to paying him to let you cross, he says the price is 40 sovereigns because he knows a girl in Wutherford who will only agree to see him for 40 sovereigns. |
* Wutherford - probably near Lake Calenhad Docks<ref>Per conversation with Carroll at the docks in Dragon Age: Origins. If you resort to paying him to let you cross, he says the price is 40 sovereigns because he knows a girl in Wutherford who will only agree to see him for 40 sovereigns. |
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Line 159: | Line 157: | ||
* Wulverton |
* Wulverton |
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* Wyvern Hold — Avvar Settlement |
* Wyvern Hold — Avvar Settlement |
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+ | {{Tabletop RPG material}} |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
=== Fortresses === |
=== Fortresses === |
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* [[Amaranthine]] |
* [[Amaranthine]] |
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* [[Denerim]] |
* [[Denerim]] |
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⚫ | |||
* [[Redcliffe]] |
* [[Redcliffe]] |
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− | * South Reach — between Lothering and Denerim |
+ | * [[South Reach]] — between Lothering and Denerim |
* [[West Hills]] — south of Redcliffe<ref name="kirby">{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|daurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104221051/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/84452-question-on-ferelden-background-for-the-writers-more-so/|title=Question on Ferelden Background (For the writers, more so)}}</ref> |
* [[West Hills]] — south of Redcliffe<ref name="kirby">{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|daurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104221051/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/84452-question-on-ferelden-background-for-the-writers-more-so/|title=Question on Ferelden Background (For the writers, more so)}}</ref> |
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* Stenhold |
* Stenhold |
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+ | {{Tabletop RPG material}} |
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⚫ | |||
; Known [[Fereldan royalty and nobility#Bannorns|bannorns]]<nowiki>:</nowiki> |
; Known [[Fereldan royalty and nobility#Bannorns|bannorns]]<nowiki>:</nowiki> |
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− | * Calon - Under the domain of the Arling of Redcliffe |
+ | * Calon - Under the domain of the Arling of Redcliffe<ref>War table operation [[The Arl's Invitation]]</ref> |
* [[City of Amaranthine]] |
* [[City of Amaranthine]] |
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* Dragon's Peak |
* Dragon's Peak |
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Ferelden is a relatively temperate nation in the far southeast of Thedas, historically populated by a simple militaristic culture that has only begun to "civilize" in the last few centuries. The Andrastian Chantry is now revered by the 90% of the population.<ref name="prima" /> Fereldan cities are considered virtually anarchic by the standards of most outsiders. The Fereldan desire for freedom has engendered a cultural mistrust of law enforcement, and 'laissez-faire' attitudes in general. While the worst offenses are quickly put down by the authorities, many others are ignored and citizens are often left to make their own justice. Petty theft is common, as guardsmen will only go out of their way to deal with serious disruptions. Commerce is given little official scrutiny as long as taxes are paid; businesses such as brothels and gambling halls are not only tolerated, but expected.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide]]'', p. 245</ref> |
Ferelden is a relatively temperate nation in the far southeast of Thedas, historically populated by a simple militaristic culture that has only begun to "civilize" in the last few centuries. The Andrastian Chantry is now revered by the 90% of the population.<ref name="prima" /> Fereldan cities are considered virtually anarchic by the standards of most outsiders. The Fereldan desire for freedom has engendered a cultural mistrust of law enforcement, and 'laissez-faire' attitudes in general. While the worst offenses are quickly put down by the authorities, many others are ignored and citizens are often left to make their own justice. Petty theft is common, as guardsmen will only go out of their way to deal with serious disruptions. Commerce is given little official scrutiny as long as taxes are paid; businesses such as brothels and gambling halls are not only tolerated, but expected.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide]]'', p. 245</ref> |
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+ | |||
+ | {{:Codex entry: Culture of Ferelden|style=codexexcerpt|}} |
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=== Social Tiers === |
=== Social Tiers === |
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[[File:Fereldan crafters Prima-Guide.jpg|thumb|250px|Fereldan crafters]] |
[[File:Fereldan crafters Prima-Guide.jpg|thumb|250px|Fereldan crafters]] |
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− | Beneath the crafthouses, the population is subdivided into common classes called "High Freemen" and "Low Freemen." High freemen are comprised of freeholders (land owners), soldiers and other employed individuals. Low freemen are made up of criminals, prostitutes and [[Elf|elves]]. For all that, all freemen are allowed to live and go where they wish, and make a living as they will. There are no serfs in Ferelden; all are paid in coin or barter for their work.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Core Rulebook, |
+ | Beneath the crafthouses, the population is subdivided into common classes called "High Freemen" and "Low Freemen." High freemen are comprised of freeholders (land owners), soldiers and other employed individuals. Low freemen are made up of criminals, prostitutes and [[Elf|elves]]. For all that, all freemen are allowed to live and go where they wish, and make a living as they will. There are no serfs in Ferelden; all are paid in coin or barter for their work.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Core Rulebook, p. 157</ref> |
=== Surnames === |
=== Surnames === |
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=== Importance of dogs === |
=== Importance of dogs === |
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− | [[File:Mabari War Dogs.gif|thumb|A mabari war dog]]Visitors and travelers to Ferelden are often curious about local attitudes toward dogs. Throughout Thedas dogs are employed in hunting game, keeping barns and storehouses free of vermin, herding livestock and guarding homes; in the mountains they may even be used as beasts of burden. Fereldans, however, show a particular appreciation for canine companions. The origin of this is tangled up in mythology. |
+ | [[File:Mabari War Dogs.gif|thumb|A mabari war dog]]Visitors and travelers to Ferelden are often curious about local attitudes toward dogs. Throughout Thedas dogs are employed in hunting game, keeping barns and storehouses free of vermin, herding livestock and guarding homes; in the mountains they may even be used as beasts of burden. Fereldans, however, show a particular appreciation for canine companions. The origin of this is tangled up in mythology.<ref name="codexdogsinferelden">[[Codex entry: Dogs in Ferelden]]</ref> |
[[File:TSG inside cover.jpg|thumb|The Mabari is the symbol of Ferelden royalty]] |
[[File:TSG inside cover.jpg|thumb|The Mabari is the symbol of Ferelden royalty]] |
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+ | The ability of normal dogs to detect a [[werewolf]] even when it is in a [[human]] guise is what first led Fereldans to adopt dogs as indispensable companions in every farmhold. Fereldan lore is full of instances where werewolves plagued the countryside<ref>[[Codex entry: Werewolf]]</ref> and the humans of Ferelden had to undergo many wars to eliminate the werewolf threat.<ref>[[Codex entry: Wolf]]</ref> |
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⚫ | Dogs are common in Ferelden, both amongst the nobles as well as the common folk and mercenaries such as the Ash Warriors. Keeping dogs is a tradition kept since the times before Ferelden, started by the Alamarri tribes. The barbarians were introduced to [[mabari]] by the [[magister]]s, who brought the dogs with them during their invasion of the land; many of the dogs decided to stay in the occupied lands after their original masters were defeated.<ref>According to [[Fenris]].</ref> |
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+ | |||
⚫ | Dogs are common in Ferelden, both amongst the nobles as well as the common folk and mercenaries such as the Ash Warriors. Keeping dogs is a tradition kept since the times before Ferelden, started by the Alamarri tribes. The barbarians were introduced to [[mabari]] by the [[magister]]s, who brought the dogs with them during their invasion of the land; many of the dogs decided to stay in the occupied lands after their original masters were defeated.<ref>According to [[Fenris]].</ref> Mabari are said to have been bred from the [[wolf|wolves]] who served the Alamarri hero [[Dane]] and anyone they are paired with are believed by Fereldans to be a person of worth. Furthermore, prominent Fereldan families think that they have a kinship with the mabari because according to Fereldan folklore, they are descendants of Dane, who was reputed to be a werewolf.<ref name="codexdogsinferelden" /> In addition to that, the mabari have also become an essential part of Fereldan military strategy and a formidable asset to Fereldan armies.<ref>[[Codex entry: Mabari War Hound]]</ref> |
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=== Food === |
=== Food === |
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− | Fereldan food is usually described as hearty and humble, and is not known for being particularly appetizing. "Fereldan turnip" is an insult levied at Fereldans; it presumably stems from their frequent use of turnips. [[Alistair]], in a dialogue with [[Leliana]], jests that Fereldan cuisine involves throwing all the ingredients in a pot and cooking them for as long as possible, until everything looks grey, bland, and unappetizing. Stews seem a particular specialty of Ferelden, such as the traditional Fereldan Lamb and Pea Stew, and the Fereldan Turnip and Barley Stew. Pickled eggs are another popular Fereldan dish, as well as a folk remedy prescribed for any ailment.<ref>{{Cite wot2|288}}</ref> Ferelden is also known for its ripe cheeses and rich pies.<ref>[[Codex entry: On Avvar Cuisine]]</ref> As for drinks, ale is commonly found across Fereldan taverns. |
+ | Fereldan food is usually described as hearty and humble, and is not known for being particularly appetizing. "Fereldan turnip" is an insult levied at Fereldans; it presumably stems from their frequent use of turnips. [[Alistair]], in a dialogue with [[Leliana]], jests that Fereldan cuisine involves throwing all the ingredients in a pot and cooking them for as long as possible, until everything looks grey, bland, and unappetizing. Stews seem a particular specialty of Ferelden, such as the traditional Fereldan Lamb and Pea Stew, and the Fereldan Turnip and Barley Stew. Pickled eggs are another popular Fereldan dish, as well as a folk remedy prescribed for any ailment.<ref>{{Cite wot2|288}}</ref> Ferelden is also known for its ripe cheeses and rich pies.<ref>[[Codex entry: On Avvar Cuisine]]</ref> As for drinks, ale is commonly found across Fereldan taverns. |
== Legal system == |
== Legal system == |
||
+ | {{Tabletop RPG material}} |
||
Fereldan law is relatively unregulated compared to that of older nations, and is expected on an individual level to be supplemented by one's martial prowess. Indeed, most petty crimes like theft are overlooked by the city guard in Denerim, whose main concern is protecting their posts.<ref name="rpg16">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 1, p. 16</ref> Consequently, the common Fereldan should not expect much help fending off criminal activity unless murder or major property damage has occurred.<ref name="rpg16" /> [[Slavery]] is illegal in Ferelden, but criminals still practice it in secret. |
Fereldan law is relatively unregulated compared to that of older nations, and is expected on an individual level to be supplemented by one's martial prowess. Indeed, most petty crimes like theft are overlooked by the city guard in Denerim, whose main concern is protecting their posts.<ref name="rpg16">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 1, p. 16</ref> Consequently, the common Fereldan should not expect much help fending off criminal activity unless murder or major property damage has occurred.<ref name="rpg16" /> [[Slavery]] is illegal in Ferelden, but criminals still practice it in secret. |
||
− | There are no laws regulating personal behavior such as bearing arms, drinking, gambling and prostitution. |
+ | There are no laws regulating personal behavior such as bearing arms, drinking, gambling and prostitution. This is not to say that Ferelden is lawless; quite the opposite. The king's seneschal personally appoints arbiters—judges—called "blackhallers" to hear disputes. Blackhallers adjudicate cases from the black granite seneschal's hall in Denerim—hence the name—, and in the countryside, sheriffs appointed by the local bann patrol and keep track of upcoming cases for the blackhallers to hear.<ref name="rpg16"/> |
− | |||
− | This is not to say that Ferelden is lawless; quite the opposite. The king's seneschal personally appoints arbiters—judges—called "blackhallers" to hear disputes. Blackhallers adjudicate cases from the black granite seneschal's hall in Denerim—hence the name—, and in the countryside, sheriffs appointed by the local bann patrol and keep track of upcoming cases for the blackhallers to hear.<ref name="rpg16" /> |
||
− | Given the blackhallers' busy schedules, trials can take some time to occur. A suspect may surrender an item of great value to the local sheriff and be released "on his bond" until the time of the trial rather than waiting in a dungeon. This property will be returned if the suspect returns to be judged. Otherwise, the property is retained by the sheriff and the suspect has the charge of fleeing justice added to their criminal record.<ref name="rpg16" |
+ | Given the blackhallers' busy schedules, trials can take some time to occur. A suspect may surrender an item of great value to the local sheriff and be released "on his bond" until the time of the trial rather than waiting in a dungeon. This property will be returned if the suspect returns to be judged. Otherwise, the property is retained by the sheriff and the suspect has the charge of fleeing justice added to their criminal record.<ref name="rpg16"/> |
− | As long-term imprisonment is frowned upon in general in Ferelden, punishment is often quick and violent. Common methods include public humiliation, whipping, disfigurement, fines and even executions.<ref name="rpg16" |
+ | As long-term imprisonment is frowned upon in general in Ferelden, punishment is often quick and violent. Common methods include public humiliation, whipping, disfigurement, fines and even executions.<ref name="rpg16"/> |
There's no firm rule that dictates who rules the household. Fereldans are willful and their families tend to be managed by whoever can. Usually, the oldest child inherits the majority of the property regardless of gender, but there are some cases where a younger brother or sister is named the heir simply because he or she seems more capable.<ref>The [[Human Noble Origin|Human Noble]], for instance, is rumored to be a strong contender to be the next Teyrn of [[Highever]], despite the presence of an [[Fergus Cousland|elder male sibling]].</ref> |
There's no firm rule that dictates who rules the household. Fereldans are willful and their families tend to be managed by whoever can. Usually, the oldest child inherits the majority of the property regardless of gender, but there are some cases where a younger brother or sister is named the heir simply because he or she seems more capable.<ref>The [[Human Noble Origin|Human Noble]], for instance, is rumored to be a strong contender to be the next Teyrn of [[Highever]], despite the presence of an [[Fergus Cousland|elder male sibling]].</ref> |
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The royalty and nobility of Ferelden is divided into several ranks. |
The royalty and nobility of Ferelden is divided into several ranks. |
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* King/Queen |
* King/Queen |
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+ | * Prince/Princess |
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* Teyrn/Teyrna |
* Teyrn/Teyrna |
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* Arl/Arlessa |
* Arl/Arlessa |
Revision as of 18:25, 4 August 2020
Ferelden is a relatively young kingdom located in southeastern Thedas. It was formed by King Calenhad nearly four hundred years before the start of the Fifth Blight by uniting Alamarri clans.
History
Unification
- Main article: Unification of Ferelden
When the Alamarri peoples first split from Neromenians and migrated southeast in -1220 TE,[3] they found a new homeland and called it "Ferelden", which means "fertile valley" in their tongue.[4] However, the fertile valley did not become a nation for another 2800 years. This period of time is littered with numerous wars the Alamarri tribes waged, both with foreign powers such as the Tevinter Imperium and Orlais, as well as their fellow tribes. During that time the Alamarri developed their own political system which remains largely intact to this day. With time, powerful nobles would turn their land into bannorns, then arlings, and finally teyrnirs. The nobles continued the Alamarri tradition of infighting and continued to fight with each other over petty and personal matters in order to gain more power. A few of the most powerful nobles put forward their bid for kingship over the Alamarri, but without success.
Then in the Exalted Age came a man named Calenhad who was born to a merchant. Through a series of events he got involved in the war for kingship, during which time he first became a servant to one of the candidates for the throne. When his master decided to use him to gain advantage against other nobles, Calenhad acted honourably; and through his actions gained respect and command of the armies of his former master. He married his master's noble daughter, and became a teyrn[5]—and a candidate for king himself.
As he was leading his men more joined his side, for he was known to be more honourable than other true nobles. Calenhad also gained followers in the Circle of Magi, as well as the Ash Warriors. By then, the Chantry had become very popular in other lands. Calenhad gained the trust of those amongst the Alamarri who followed the faith, as he was said to be a devoted Andrastian himself.
In 5:42 Exalted a Landsmeet was called and Calenhad made an appearance with his army, including mages of the Circle, templars and the Ash Warriors. With allies at his side, Calenhad challenged the biggest threat to his rule, the most powerful noble—Simeon, the teyrn of Denerim. Calenhad was matched in combat and wounded, but ultimately defeated Simeon. The nobles voted him king, and the fertile valley became the nation of Ferelden. Calenhad Theirin started the royal family of Theirins who sat on the Fereldan Throne for the next three centuries.
Grey Warden rebellion
- Main article: Battle of Soldier's Peak
In 7:5 Storm, King Arland Theirin, who earned the reputation of a tyrant, ascended to the throne. Some banns approached Warden-Commander Sophia Dryden, who previously held a claim to the throne, to intercede, and she agreed. She violated the Grey Wardens' neutrality by gathering allies to rebel against the king. Arland discovered the plot and his forces eventually routed Sophia and her followers at Soldier's Peak, where the Wardens held out for a brief time, despite being outnumbered. After defeating the Wardens at Soldier's Peak, Arland banished them from Ferelden. The order would have no presence in Ferelden for another two centuries.
Little is known of what followed Arland's rule, as a civil war for the throne occurred soon after his death. The war lasted a decade and wiped away most records of his reign.
Orlesian invasion
- Main article: Second Orlesian Invasion of Ferelden
The nation was invaded by Orlais in 8:24 Blessed and fully conquered 20 years later. For the next 78 years it was under Orlesian occupation. Orlesian noble Meghren was installed as the king of Ferelden during the late years of the occupation, and the Theirins were forced into hiding while keeping alive the rebellion.
Ferelden was freed through the efforts of Maric Theirin, who was the rightful heir to the throne, and a commoner, Loghain. Loghain and Rowan Guerrin defeated two legions of chevaliers sent to support Meghren at the Battle of River Dane, forcing Emperor Florian to withdraw all support for Meghren. Eventually by 9:2 Dragon, King Meghren and the remnants of his court fled to and barricaded themselves inside Fort Drakon. Maric challenged Meghren to a duel and killed him in single combat, ending his rule and the Orlesian occupation. Maric then married Rowan and set out to rebuild Ferelden.
Fifth Blight
- Main article: Fifth Blight
In 9:30 Dragon, the Grey Wardens, who were allowed to return to Ferelden in 9:10 by Maric, warned that Blight was due to occur in Ferelden and gathered the King's army in hopes of stopping it in its infancy. But memories of the Orlesian occupation lingered in many Fereldan minds, especially Loghain's, who opposed inviting Orlesian forces to aid Ferelden against the Blight, but King Cailan, Maric's son, was determined to put old hatreds aside for the sake of fighting the darkspawn. It was then at that pivotal battle at the ruins of Ostagar, when Loghain abandoned Cailan and the Wardens to the darkspawn. After returning to Denerim, Loghain installed himself as regent and claimed that the Wardens were the ones who abandoned the battle. But having seized the throne so soon after Cailan's death sparked suspicions amongst some of the nobles while others swallowed the lie, sparking civil war that threatened to leave the nation vulnerable to the Blight.
However, the two newest members of the Grey Wardens managed to survive the massacre and worked to recruit an army to fight the Blight using ancient treaties signed by Orzammar, the Dalish and the Circle of Magi. Eventually, with the aid of Arl Eamon, the Wardens were able to depose Loghain during a Landsmeet and united Ferelden to stand against the Blight. The Blight soon ended with the death of the archdemon Urthemiel during the Battle of Denerim, sparing Ferelden from certain destruction.
9:31 Dragon
- Main article: Amaranthine Conflict (9:31 Dragon)
In 9:31 Dragon, six months after the conclusion of the Fifth Blight, the Arling of Amaranthine—formerly the seat of Arl Rendon Howe—was granted to the Grey Wardens in recognition of their service to Ferelden. The new Warden-Commander was sent there to rebuild the order and find new recruits.
Even though the archdemon is now dead, the darkspawn have not departed (as was natural following prior Blights) and there are reports of a new, highly intelligent breed of darkspawn. Through investigation, the Warden-Commander discovers that the darkspawn have broken into two warring factions, one led by the Mother and the other led by the Architect. Both amass darkspawn armies and their civil war threaten the safety of Amaranthine. The Warden-Commander has no choice but to destroy the Mother to restore the peace, but has the option to either kill the Architect or allow him to live and continue his work.
9:32 - 9:40 Dragon
9:41 Dragon
- Main article: War against the Elder One
In 9:41 Dragon, the Monarchy offered the rebel mages sanctuary in Ferelden, in the arling of Redcliffe. The mages gratefully accepted the offer however the templar host pursued them across the border. Skirmishes between rebel mages and templars sparked through out the Hinterlands. Their generosity to the rebel mages however, drew some ire and some speculate that Starkhaven placed sanctions on trade against Ferelden as a sign of protest.[6]
Chaos erupted after the explosion that caused the Breach destroyed the Chantry's peace Conclave. With the best attempt at a peaceful resolution destroyed at the Temple of Sacred Ashes by the Breach, the war continues to rage across Thedas. The Hinterlands region particularly became a site of fierce conflict with heavy collateral damage caused by both sides. As the brutality of the Mage-Templar War escalated, many hunted rebel mages and apostates congregated to Fiona's refuge in Redcliffe. Some of these mage refugees were Tevinter infiltrators who encouraged an alliance with the Tevinter Imperium as the situation with the mage rebellion grew dire.
Grand Enchanter Fiona conceded to agree to the alliance when Magister Gereon Alexius used time warping magic to manipulate the rebel mages via clinching his seedy deal when the rebel mages were at their most desperate. Alexius however was also a Venatori agent and usurped Redcliffe Castle, alienating the mage rebellion's sole benefactor. With the mage rebellion's survival now dependent on their alliance with the Tevinter Imperium, Alexius changed the terms of the alliance and conscripted the southern mages into military service instead of indentured servitude. He then orders his forces to displace the people of Redcliffe from their homes.
Geography
The climate of Ferelden appears to be temperate, and Ferelden along with Thedas itself is located in the southern hemisphere.
Dividing Ferelden from Orlais to the west are the Frostback Mountains. The southeast holds the Brecilian Forest, where in 9:30 Dragon clans of Dalish elves can be found. To the far south are the forbidding forests, swamps and eventually tundra of the Korcari Wilds. To the north of the Wilds lie the Southron Hills and the Hinterlands, and the Free Marches across the sea. The central region of Ferelden contains Lake Calenhad and the Bannorn. In the far northern region are The Coastlands, which include more swamps and forests.
Settlements
- Alamar
- Amaranthine
- Crestwood
- Dales End[8]
- Denerim
- Dosov — Chasind settlement
- Elmridge — a small town in West Hills
- Greenfell[9][10]
- Gwaren
- Harper's Ford
- Haven
- Highever
- Honnleath
- Killarney[11]
- Lothering
- Portsmouth[12]
- Redcliffe Village
- Redhold - Avvar Settlement
- Rossleigh[13]
- South Reach — east of Lothering, part of the Arling
- Wichford
- Wutherford - probably near Lake Calenhad Docks[14]
- Wulverton
- Wyvern Hold — Avvar Settlement
- Logerswold[15]
- Sothmere[16] — within the Southron Hills, bordering the Hinterlands, part of Stenhold arling
- Vintiver[17] — within the Southron Hills
Fortresses
- Kinloch Hold
- Redcliffe Castle
- Soldier's Peak
- Ostagar
- Vigil's Keep
- West Hill
- Fort Drakon
- Castle Cousland
- Caer Oswin
- Therinfal Redoubt
- Caer Bronach - within Crestwood
- Stenhold - on the border of the Korcari Wilds
Regions
- Current teyrnirs:
- Current arlings:
- Amaranthine
- Denerim
- Redcliffe
- South Reach — between Lothering and Denerim
- West Hills — south of Redcliffe[18]
- Stenhold
- Edgehall — located west of Lake Calenhad[19]
- Known bannorns:
- Calon - Under the domain of the Arling of Redcliffe[20]
- City of Amaranthine
- Dragon's Peak
- Dragonmount[21]
- Oswin — Bann Loren's lands
- Portsmouth[22]
- Rainesfere
- Southern Bannorn — on the eastern shore of Lake Calenhad[18]
- Storm Coast
- Waking Sea — on the northern shore of Ferelden[18]
- West Hill
- White River[23]
- Winter's Breath[24]
- Denerim Alienage (possibly)[25]
- Lakes:
- Calenhad
- Lake Luthias, in the Hinterlands[26]
- Rivers:
- Dane
- Drakon
- Hafter
- White
- Other:
- Within Amaranthine:
- Aralt Ridge[27]
- Blackmarsh
- The Coastlands[27]
- Dragonbone Wastes
- Feravel Plains[27][28]
- Knotwood Hills
- The Pilgrim's Path
- Tarcaisne Ridge[27]
- Wending Wood
- Bannorn
- Blightlands
- Brandel's Reach
- Brecilian Forest
- Frostback Mountains
- Gherlen's Pass
- Sulcher's Pass
- The Hinterlands
- Korcari Wilds
- Southron Hills[29]
- Ruswold Valley[15]
Notes
- Ferelden's coastline faces the Waking Sea to the north and the Amaranthine Ocean to the east.
- The Imperial Highway enters Ferelden in the Frostback Mountains via Gherlen's Pass and circles Lake Calenhad and the Bannorn. Then one branch ends in Denerim and another at Ostagar which is also the Highway's southmost point.
- The Bannorn is effectively the "bread-basket" of Ferelden, containing the most arable land.
- Ferelden has two islands off its northeast coast: one containing the city of Alamar and another named Brandel's Reach. Alamar is considered rather independent of Fereldan politics. This could be explained by the rocky Brandel's Reach reputedly being a haven for raiders, making Alamar an unpopular place to live or visit.[30]
- The various hills and mountains of Ferelden are still occupied by Avvars, and the Korcari Wilds by the Chasind, tribes independent of Ferelden. Dalish elves can also be found traveling through the nation, or hiding in the Brecilian Forest.
Culture and society
Ferelden is a relatively temperate nation in the far southeast of Thedas, historically populated by a simple militaristic culture that has only begun to "civilize" in the last few centuries. The Andrastian Chantry is now revered by the 90% of the population.[2] Fereldan cities are considered virtually anarchic by the standards of most outsiders. The Fereldan desire for freedom has engendered a cultural mistrust of law enforcement, and 'laissez-faire' attitudes in general. While the worst offenses are quickly put down by the authorities, many others are ignored and citizens are often left to make their own justice. Petty theft is common, as guardsmen will only go out of their way to deal with serious disruptions. Commerce is given little official scrutiny as long as taxes are paid; businesses such as brothels and gambling halls are not only tolerated, but expected.[32]
The Fereldans are a puzzle. As a people, they are one bad day away from reverting to barbarism. They repelled invasions from Tevinter during the height of the Imperium with nothing but dogs and their own obstinate disposition. They are the coarse, wilful, dirty, disorganized people who somehow gave rise to our prophet, ushered in an era of enlightenment, and toppled the greatest empire in history.
There are few things you can assume safely in dealing with these people: First, they value loyalty above all things, beyond wealth, beyond power, beyond reason. Second, although they have nothing in their entire country which you are likely to think at all remarkable, they are extremely proud of their accomplishments. Third, if you insult their dogs, they are likely to declare war. And finally, the surest sign that you have underestimated the Fereldans is that you think you have come to understand them.
—Empress Celene I of Orlais, in a letter to her newly appointed ambassador to Denerim
—From Codex entry: Culture of FereldenSocial Tiers
Ferelden society is descended directly from Alamarri tribal culture and its respect for skill and ability. It is most generally broken up into the nobility and commoners (including city elves). There are also crafters and crafthouses (similar to guilds), who make up a highly valued middle tier between the lowest noble and the highest common classes. They have total power over certain industries in Ferelden.[33]
Beneath the crafthouses, the population is subdivided into common classes called "High Freemen" and "Low Freemen." High freemen are comprised of freeholders (land owners), soldiers and other employed individuals. Low freemen are made up of criminals, prostitutes and elves. For all that, all freemen are allowed to live and go where they wish, and make a living as they will. There are no serfs in Ferelden; all are paid in coin or barter for their work.[34]
Surnames
In Ferelden, nobles have proper last names, such as the Howes or the Couslands. Sometimes commoners will have last names that stem from noble lines, foreign origins, land ownership or titles granted to family members in the past.[35] Otherwise, most Fereldan commoners introduce themselves with a reference to the area they come from or to their trade, e.g. Gareth of Oswin or Lomo Kettlemaker.[36][37]
Alienage culture
- For a more in-depth discussion of city elves, see Alienage.
Like many countries in Thedas, Ferelden has a large population of elves who are segregated from the rest of society and live in walled-off alienages. Unlike in other countries, however, elves in Ferelden have rights and are paid for their work. Those who do not find positions of service outside of the alienage are unable to achieve high-paying jobs, but most seem to feel that they have better lives in Ferelden than in other countries, because at least they are free and among family who look out for each other.[38]
Importance of dogs
Visitors and travelers to Ferelden are often curious about local attitudes toward dogs. Throughout Thedas dogs are employed in hunting game, keeping barns and storehouses free of vermin, herding livestock and guarding homes; in the mountains they may even be used as beasts of burden. Fereldans, however, show a particular appreciation for canine companions. The origin of this is tangled up in mythology.[39]
The ability of normal dogs to detect a werewolf even when it is in a human guise is what first led Fereldans to adopt dogs as indispensable companions in every farmhold. Fereldan lore is full of instances where werewolves plagued the countryside[40] and the humans of Ferelden had to undergo many wars to eliminate the werewolf threat.[41]
Dogs are common in Ferelden, both amongst the nobles as well as the common folk and mercenaries such as the Ash Warriors. Keeping dogs is a tradition kept since the times before Ferelden, started by the Alamarri tribes. The barbarians were introduced to mabari by the magisters, who brought the dogs with them during their invasion of the land; many of the dogs decided to stay in the occupied lands after their original masters were defeated.[42] Mabari are said to have been bred from the wolves who served the Alamarri hero Dane and anyone they are paired with are believed by Fereldans to be a person of worth. Furthermore, prominent Fereldan families think that they have a kinship with the mabari because according to Fereldan folklore, they are descendants of Dane, who was reputed to be a werewolf.[39] In addition to that, the mabari have also become an essential part of Fereldan military strategy and a formidable asset to Fereldan armies.[43]
Food
Fereldan food is usually described as hearty and humble, and is not known for being particularly appetizing. "Fereldan turnip" is an insult levied at Fereldans; it presumably stems from their frequent use of turnips. Alistair, in a dialogue with Leliana, jests that Fereldan cuisine involves throwing all the ingredients in a pot and cooking them for as long as possible, until everything looks grey, bland, and unappetizing. Stews seem a particular specialty of Ferelden, such as the traditional Fereldan Lamb and Pea Stew, and the Fereldan Turnip and Barley Stew. Pickled eggs are another popular Fereldan dish, as well as a folk remedy prescribed for any ailment.[44] Ferelden is also known for its ripe cheeses and rich pies.[45] As for drinks, ale is commonly found across Fereldan taverns.
Legal system
Fereldan law is relatively unregulated compared to that of older nations, and is expected on an individual level to be supplemented by one's martial prowess. Indeed, most petty crimes like theft are overlooked by the city guard in Denerim, whose main concern is protecting their posts.[46] Consequently, the common Fereldan should not expect much help fending off criminal activity unless murder or major property damage has occurred.[46] Slavery is illegal in Ferelden, but criminals still practice it in secret.
There are no laws regulating personal behavior such as bearing arms, drinking, gambling and prostitution. This is not to say that Ferelden is lawless; quite the opposite. The king's seneschal personally appoints arbiters—judges—called "blackhallers" to hear disputes. Blackhallers adjudicate cases from the black granite seneschal's hall in Denerim—hence the name—, and in the countryside, sheriffs appointed by the local bann patrol and keep track of upcoming cases for the blackhallers to hear.[46]
Given the blackhallers' busy schedules, trials can take some time to occur. A suspect may surrender an item of great value to the local sheriff and be released "on his bond" until the time of the trial rather than waiting in a dungeon. This property will be returned if the suspect returns to be judged. Otherwise, the property is retained by the sheriff and the suspect has the charge of fleeing justice added to their criminal record.[46]
As long-term imprisonment is frowned upon in general in Ferelden, punishment is often quick and violent. Common methods include public humiliation, whipping, disfigurement, fines and even executions.[46]
There's no firm rule that dictates who rules the household. Fereldans are willful and their families tend to be managed by whoever can. Usually, the oldest child inherits the majority of the property regardless of gender, but there are some cases where a younger brother or sister is named the heir simply because he or she seems more capable.[47]
Politics
- Main article: Fereldan royalty and nobility
Unlike most kingdoms, power does not reside exclusively with the nobility. Rather, it arises from the support of the freeholders and even the king is not the unchallenged ruler. For many centuries the nobility has gathered annually to hold the Landsmeet, a council which functions as the official legislative body of Ferelden and it can even override the king or queen on any matter of law.
Some kingdoms rigidly define the rights of vassals and their duty to their liege. In Ferelden, a relatively new kingdom, the arls and arlessas theoretically command their arlings' banns and lords. In practice, those lessers often zealously maintain their independence.
Some Fereldan vassals must be goaded instead of ordered—swayed, not ruled. Vassals owe military obligations to their liege, yet often deny even sworn oaths and signed contracts. In contrast, the vassals expect their liege's protection despite provocation otherwise. A successful Fereldan liege applies force, persuasion, and duplicity in equal measure.
—From A Guide to Statecraft, published anonymously
—From Codex entry: Vassals and their LiegeThe royalty and nobility of Ferelden is divided into several ranks.
- King/Queen
- Prince/Princess
- Teyrn/Teyrna
- Arl/Arlessa
- Bann
- Lord/Lady
- Knight
To our neighbors, Ferelden seems utterly chaotic. Unlike other monarchies, power does not descend from our throne. Rather, it rises from the support of the freeholders.
Each freehold chooses the bann or arl to whom it pays allegiance. Typically, this choice is based on proximity of the freehold to the lord's castle, as it's worthless to pay for the upkeep of soldiers who will arrive at your land too late to defend it. For the most part, each generation of freeholders casts its lot with the same bann as their fathers did, but things can and do change. No formal oaths are sworn, and it is not unheard of, especially in the prickly central Bannorn, for banns to court freeholders away from their neighbors—a practice which inevitably begets feuds that last for ages.
Teyrns arose from amongst the banns, warleaders who, in antiquity, had grown powerful enough to move other banns to swear fealty to them. There were many teyrns in the days before King Calenhad, but he succeeded in whittling them down to only two: Gwaren in the south, Highever in the north. These teyrns still hold the oaths of banns and arls who they may call upon in the event of war or disaster, and similarly, the teyrns still hold responsibility for defending those sworn to them.
The arls were established by the teyrns, given command of strategic fortresses that could not be overseen by the teyrns themselves. Unlike the teyrns, the arls have no banns sworn to them, and are simply somewhat more prestigious banns.
The king is, in essence, the most powerful of the teyrns. Although Denerim was originally the teyrnir of the king, it has since been reduced to an arling, as the king's domain is now all of Ferelden. But even the king's power must come from the banns.
Nowhere is this more evident than during the Landsmeet, an annual council for which all the nobles of Ferelden gather, held for almost three thousand years except odd interruptions during Blights and invasions. The sight of a king asking for—and working to win—the support of "lesser" men is a source of constant wonder to foreign ambassadors.
—From Ferelden: Folklore and History, by Sister Petrine, Chantry scholar
—From Codex entry: Politics of FereldenNotable people with Fereldan origins
- For a complete list, see Category:Fereldans.
- Aaron Hawthorne
- Alistair
- Anora
- Cailan Theirin
- Calenhad Theirin
- Cauthrien
- Cole
- Cullen
- Eamon Guerrin
- Ferdinand Genitivi
- Greagoir
- Hawke
- Irving
- Loghain Mac Tir
- Maric Theirin
- Nathaniel Howe
- Sera
- The Warden[Note 1]
- Vaea
Trivia
- Visiting foreigners (notably Sten and Marjolaine) have claimed that "Ferelden smells of wet dogs".
- Ferelden is approximately the size of England.[49]
Gallery
See also
Codex entry: Geography of Ferelden
Codex entry: History of Ferelden: Chapter 1
Codex entry: History of Ferelden: Chapter 2
Codex entry: Politics of Ferelden
Codex entry: The Noble Families of Ferelden
Codex entry: Culture of Ferelden
Codex entry: Ferelden After the Blight
Codex entry: How to Act Fereldan
References
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Notes
- ↑ If not a human magi, Dwarf Noble, Dalish elf or commoner dwarf. Although it is not explicitly stated, the human mage is an Amell and therefore a Kirkwaller.
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