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|Date = -395 – -203 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]] (800–992 TE)
 
|Date = -395 – -203 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]] (800–992 TE)
 
|Location = [[Thedas]]
 
|Location = [[Thedas]]
|Result = Thedosian victory
+
|Result = Thedosian [[wikipedia:Pyrrhic victory|pyrrhic victory]]
 
# [[Dumat]] slain
 
# [[Dumat]] slain
# Collapse of [[Dwarf#History|Dwarven Empire]]
+
# Collapse of [[Dwarf#History|Dwarven Empire]] with [[darkspawn]] taking over the [[Deep Roads]] and most [[thaig]]s
  +
# Severe decline of [[Tevinter Imperium]]
# [[Darkspawn]] take over the [[Deep Roads]] and most [[thaig]]s except the kingdoms of [[Orzammar]], [[Kal-Sharok]], [[Gundaar]] and [[Hormak]]
 
 
# Order of [[Grey Wardens]] founded
 
# Order of [[Grey Wardens]] founded
|Belligerent1 = {{icon|dwarves|big}} Dwarven Empire <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} [[Tevinter Imperium]] <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} [[Rivain]] <br> [[Orlais#History|Ciriane]] <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Grey Wardens]]
+
|Belligerent1 = {{icon|dwarves|big}} Dwarven Empire <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} Tevinter Imperium <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} [[Rivain]] <br> [[Orlais#History|Ciriane]] <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Grey Wardens]]
 
|Belligerent2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} Darkspawn horde
 
|Belligerent2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} Darkspawn horde
|Commanders1 = {{icon|aeducan|big}} [[House Aeducan|Paragon Aeducan]] <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Dwarven royalty|King]] Valtor <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} Queen Getha<ref name="BioWare wiki">[http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Caridin_and_Golems Caridin and Golems] - BioWare wiki</ref> <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Carinus]]<ref name="rpgg3">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 3</ref> <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Paragon]] Moroc<ref name="rpg10">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10</ref>
+
|Commanders1 = {{icon|aeducan|big}} [[Paragon]] [[Aeducan]] <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Dwarven royalty|King]] Valtor <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} Queen Getha<ref name="BioWare wiki">[http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Caridin_and_Golems Caridin and Golems] - BioWare wiki</ref> <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Carinus]]<ref name="rpgg3">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 3</ref> <br> {{icon|gw|big}} Paragon Moroc<ref name="rpg10">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10</ref>
 
|Commanders2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} Dumat †
 
|Commanders2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} Dumat †
|Strengthdetails1 = {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Warrior caste]] <br> {{icon|Tevinter|big}} [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] soldiers <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} [[Rivain]]i soldiers <br> [[Orlais#History|Ciriane]] soldiers <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Grey Wardens]] <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Golem]]s <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} Legion of Steel
+
|Strengthdetails1 = {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Warrior caste]] <br> {{icon|Tevinter|big}} [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] soldiers <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} [[Rivain]]i soldiers <br> [[Orlais#History|Ciriane]] soldiers <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Grey Wardens]] <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Legion of Steel]]
|Strengthdetails2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Ogre]]s <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Hurlock]]s <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Genlock]]s <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Shriek]]s
+
|Strengthdetails2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Ogre]]s<ref>{{Cite wot|26}}</ref> <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Hurlock]]s <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Genlock]]s <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Shriek]]s
 
}}</onlyinclude>
 
}}</onlyinclude>
 
{{Blights}}
 
{{Blights}}
Line 26: Line 26:
 
In -395 Ancient (800 TE), seven [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] [[magisters]], [[Magisters Sidereal|each the High Priest]] to one of the [[Old Gods]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|54}}</ref> opened a gate into the [[Golden City]] with [[blood magic]] and entered it physically. According to the [[Chantry|Andrastian Chantry]], the result was catastrophic; the City turned black, and the [[mage]]s came back twisted and corrupted, devolving into monsters—the first darkspawn.<ref>{{Cite wot|27, 155}}</ref> The [[taint]] they carried infected others, turning them into darkspawn as well.<ref>{{Cite wot|147}}</ref>
 
In -395 Ancient (800 TE), seven [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] [[magisters]], [[Magisters Sidereal|each the High Priest]] to one of the [[Old Gods]]<ref>{{Cite wot2|54}}</ref> opened a gate into the [[Golden City]] with [[blood magic]] and entered it physically. According to the [[Chantry|Andrastian Chantry]], the result was catastrophic; the City turned black, and the [[mage]]s came back twisted and corrupted, devolving into monsters—the first darkspawn.<ref>{{Cite wot|27, 155}}</ref> The [[taint]] they carried infected others, turning them into darkspawn as well.<ref>{{Cite wot|147}}</ref>
   
Shortly after, the darkspawn went [[Thedas#Underground|underground]]. By chance or design, they located [[Dumat]] in his prison and corrupted him, freeing and transforming the Old God into the first [[Archdemon]].<ref name="wot150"/> The darkspawn multiplied and, in -380 Ancient (815 TE), attacked the underground kingdoms ''en masse'', concentrating at first on the [[Deep Roads]].<ref name="wot28,155">{{Cite wot|28, 155}}</ref> Although there were early warnings of the advancing horde—travelers who mysteriously disappeared, patrols of dwarven warriors gone missing while on duty—they were subtle at best, nothing to truly indicate what was to come.<ref name="rpg10"/>
+
The [[Memories]] of Orzammar record that the darkspawn first appeared [[Thedas#Underground|underground]] in 800 TE.<ref name="rpg10"/> By chance or design, they located [[Dumat]] in his prison and corrupted him, freeing and transforming the Old God into the first [[Archdemon]].<ref name="wot150"/> The darkspawn multiplied and, in -380 Ancient (815 TE), attacked the underground kingdoms ''en masse'', concentrating at first on the [[Deep Roads]].<ref name="wot28,155">{{Cite wot|28, 155}}</ref> Although there were early warnings of the advancing horde—travelers who mysteriously disappeared, patrols of dwarven warriors gone missing while on duty—they were subtle at best, nothing to truly indicate what was to come.<ref name="rpg10"/>
   
 
=== Scholarly views ===
 
=== Scholarly views ===
 
{{See also|Corypheus}}
 
{{See also|Corypheus}}
The Andrastian Chantry teaches that the magisters were trying to usurp the [[Maker]]'s throne and were cast out of the Golden City for their sinful pride. In their depravity they sought the Old Gods, and, finding Dumat slumbering deep within the earth, began the Blight. The [[Dwarf|dwarves]], on the other hand, give little credit to Chantry beliefs, but they themselves have no known origin story for the darkspawn. As far as the dwarves are concerned, the darkspawn simply appeared underground,<ref>[[Codex entry: The Eternal Battle: Darkspawn]]</ref> invaded the Deep Roads and began to attack the more remote western [[thaig]]s, at first with small war bands and later with a horde that overrun the dwarven empire in just a few years.<ref>[[Codex entry: Darkspawn]]</ref>
+
The Andrastian Chantry teaches that the magisters were trying to usurp the [[Maker]]'s throne and were cast out of the Golden City for their sinful pride. In their depravity they sought the Old Gods, and, finding Dumat slumbering deep within the earth, began the Blight. The [[Dwarf|dwarves]], on the other hand, give little credit to Chantry beliefs, but they themselves have only theories about the origin of the darkspawn. As far as the dwarves are concerned, the darkspawn first appeared underground<ref>[[Codex entry: The Eternal Battle: Darkspawn]]</ref> invaded the Deep Roads and began to attack the more remote western [[thaig]]s, at first with small war bands and later with a horde that overran the dwarven empire in just a few years.<ref>[[Codex entry: Darkspawn]]</ref>
   
However, if the Chantry's history and [[Orzammar]]'s [[Memories]] are both true, then Tevinter mages would have entered the [[Fade]], been cursed, fled, found Dumat, raised an army, and then overrun the western thaigs all in one year. It seems more likely that the magisters had already been seeking Dumat for some time. A few [[Grey Wardens|Grey Warden]] scholars believe they may have even found him by that time, and that it was he who helped them to reach the Golden City. Different groups of mages may have been pursuing different agendas that were later fused.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 2</ref>
+
However, if the Chantry's history and [[Orzammar]]'s Memories are both true, then Tevinter mages would have entered the [[Fade]], been cursed, fled, found Dumat, raised an army, and then overrun the western thaigs all in one year. It seems more likely that the magisters had already been seeking Dumat for some time. A few [[Grey Wardens|Grey Warden]] scholars believe they may have even found him by that time, and that it was he who helped them to reach the Golden City. Different groups of mages may have been pursuing different agendas that were later fused.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 2</ref>
   
== Dwarven kingdoms ==
+
== Dwarven empire ==
Despite the advanced technology the dwarves brought to bear, the darkspawn tore through them, first destroying the more remote thaigs, completely unprepared for the hordes that poured out
+
The First Blight was disastrous for everyone who lived during that time, but arguably none more so than the dwarves. Despite the advanced technology the dwarves brought to bear, the darkspawn tore through them and brought the dwarves to the near-brink of extinction. The more remote thaigs, completely unprepared for the hordes that poured out of the darkness, were the first to fall in a matter of days. The darkspawn swiftly overran the sites of their early victories and used them as staging grounds to push further into the dwarven empire, conquering entire kingdoms in the span of decades.<ref name="rpg10"/><ref name="chapter 3">[[Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 3]]</ref>
of the darkness, in a matter of days. The darkspawn swiftly overran the sites of their early victories and used them as staging grounds to push further into the dwarven empire, conquering entire kingdoms in the space of decades.<ref name="rpg10"/><ref name="chapter 3">[[Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 3]]</ref>
 
   
When the First Blight began, Orzammar was caught in the midst of a bitter inter-house war. The greatest members of the [[Warrior caste]] were either busy battling in its petty skirmishes, or had been injured in those fights. When news of the darkspawn horde arrived, every [[Noble caste|noble]] dwarven [[house]] wished to have their own thaig defended, leading to political chaos and a disorganized defense. The [[Assembly]] was so tied up with the infighting that the darkspawn spread, unchecked, to the gates of Orzammar.<ref name="rpg10"/>
+
When the First Blight began, the dwarven capital of Orzammar was caught in the midst of a bitter inter-house war. The greatest members of the [[Warrior caste]] were either busy battling in its petty skirmishes, or had been injured in those fights. When news of the darkspawn horde arrived, every [[Noble caste|noble]] dwarven [[house]] wished to have their own thaig defended, leading to political chaos and a disorganized defense. The [[Assembly]] was so tied up with the infighting that the darkspawn spread, unchecked, to the gates of Orzammar.<ref name="rpg10"/>
   
[[House Aeducan|Aeducan]] of the Warrior caste, realizing that Orzammar was facing certain doom, grudgingly took command of the armies, called upon the [[Smith caste]] to supply them with arms, enlisted the aid of the [[Miner caste]] to collapse overrun passages, and bypassed the Assembly and the nobles entirely. Eventually Aeducan achieved victory but with the loss of countless thaigs. In reward for his heroism, Aeducan was made [[Paragon]] by a near-unanimous vote of the Assembly.<ref>[[Codex entry: House Aeducan, Shield of Orzammar]]</ref><ref name="rpg10"/>
+
[[Aeducan]] of the Warrior caste, realizing that his entire race was facing certain doom, grudgingly took command of the armies, called upon the [[Smith caste]] to supply them with arms, enlisted the aid of the [[Mining caste]] to collapse overrun passages, and bypassed the Assembly and the nobles entirely. Eventually Aeducan achieved victory but with the loss of countless thaigs. In reward for his heroism, Aeducan was made [[Paragon]] by a near-unanimous vote of the Assembly.<ref>[[Codex entry: House Aeducan, Shield of Orzammar]]</ref><ref name="rpg10"/>
   
 
=== Introduction of golems ===
Even so, within fifty years every outer thaig and all but the four kingdoms of Orzammar, [[Kal-Sharok]], [[Hormak]], and [[Gundaar]] had fallen. Those who survived did this only by close cooperation, and by abandoning most of the Deep Roads.<ref name="rpg10"/>
 
 
In -255 Ancient (940 TE),<ref>{{Cite wot|32}}</ref> the dwarven smith [[Caridin]] discovered a [[Anvil of the Void (object)|method to forge]] a construct of steel or stone with great strength and survivability. Those living engines, named [[golem]]s, became one of the dwarves' most effective weapons against the darkspawn. For the first time since the start of the Blight, the dwarves were able to reclaim thaigs and sections of the Deep Roads that had long been given up for lost. Golems became the backbone of the dwarven armies, and some were even exported to Tevinter and a few groups of mages.<ref name="rpg11">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 11</ref>
  +
 
However, to bring each golem to life required the soul of a living dwarf. Initially, volunteers gave their lives willingly, but controversy arose when there were no more volunteers to be found. The dwarven monarch at the time, [[Dwarven royalty|King]] Valtor, became greedy and forced [[casteless]], criminals and his political enemies onto the Anvil. When Caridin opposed the king, after six years of continuous production, he too was made into a golem.<ref name="BioWare wiki" />
  +
 
In -248 Ancient (947 TE),<ref>{{Cite wot|33}}</ref> just when dwarves believed they were winning the battle against the darkspawn, Caridin vanished into the Deep Roads, taking his followers, the Anvil, and the secret of the golems' construction with him. Many were accused of having a hand in his disappearance, but no culprit was found. Many expeditions were sent into the Deep Roads to search for him, but all were pushed back by the darkspawn. After years of debate in the Assembly, Queen Getha sent the entire Legion of Steel, a legion made up of 126 golems, into the Deep Roads to recover the Anvil, but none of the golems returned. The [[Shaperate]] declared Caridin dead, dashing any hope of a swift victory over the darkspawn. Due to the incalculable loss of the Legion of Steel, all-golem regiments were forbidden in the Deep Roads, the remaining golems in Orzammar became coveted and are only to be used in the most dire circumstances, and Queen Getha was deposed.<ref name="BioWare wiki" /><ref name="rpg11" />
   
 
== Tevinter Imperium ==
 
== Tevinter Imperium ==
 
{{:Codex entry: The Blights|style=codexexcerpt|excerptonly=true}}
 
{{:Codex entry: The Blights|style=codexexcerpt|excerptonly=true}}
The darkspawn used the tunnels of the Deep Roads to travel to all corners of the continent. The Memories record that large forces of darkspawn began to bypass barricaded thaigs to strike on the surface from unexpected quarters. Although the dwarves sent warnings to the human kingdoms when they could, they had little other assistance to spare.<ref name="rpg10"/>
+
The darkspawn used the tunnels of the Deep Roads to travel to all corners of the continent. The Memories record that large forces of darkspawn began to bypass barricaded thaigs to strike on the surface from unexpected quarters. Although the dwarves sent warnings to the [[human]] kingdoms when they could, they had little other assistance to spare.<ref name="rpg10"/>
   
The darkspawn surfaced on the edges of Tevinter Imperium in -380 Ancient (815 TE).<ref name="wot28,155"/> The armies of the Imperium attempted to face down the darkspawn hordes, but they could not be everywhere at once,<ref name="chapter 3"/> and the Imperium began to lose its ability to maintain cohesion. As the hordes continued to rise up from underground, Tevinter was forced to turn its focus further and further inward, leaving its outlying territories to fend for themselves. The army was called on to protect [[Minrathous]] above all else. Whole cities that had once depended on Imperium's army for defense were swallowed by the ravaging darkspawn.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Core Rulebook, p. 162</ref>
+
The darkspawn surfaced on the edges of the Tevinter Imperium in -380 Ancient (815 TE).<ref name="wot28,155"/> The armies of the Imperium attempted to face down the darkspawn hordes, but they could not be everywhere at once.<ref name="chapter 3"/> While the Imperial troops were more than adept at fighting [[Elf|elves]] and other humans, their armies were in no way prepared for the unyielding, unrelenting thirst of the darkspawn<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Core Rulebook, p. 161</ref>, and the Imperium began to lose its ability to maintain cohesion. As the hordes continued to rise up from underground, Tevinter was forced to turn its focus further and further inward, leaving its outlying territories to fend for themselves. The armies were called on to protect [[Minrathous]] above all else. Whole cities that had once depended on the Imperium's armies for defense were swallowed by the ravaging darkspawn.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Core Rulebook, p. 162</ref>
   
 
As the darkspawn advanced on the surface, the land around was sucked of moisture, blackening the earth and turning plants to dust. The skies filled with rolling black clouds that blocked the sun. Disease and rot followed.<ref>{{Cite wot|145}}</ref>
 
As the darkspawn advanced on the surface, the land around was sucked of moisture, blackening the earth and turning plants to dust. The skies filled with rolling black clouds that blocked the sun. Disease and rot followed.<ref>{{Cite wot|145}}</ref>
Line 55: Line 59:
   
 
== The Grey Wardens ==
 
== The Grey Wardens ==
In -305 Ancient (890 TE), at the height of the Blight, the Order of the Grey Wardens was born. The Wardens were all seasoned veterans from darkspawn battles; humans, elves and dwarves who abandoned their allegiances, titles and families and dedicated themselves to end the Blight at any cost. A fortress was built at [[Weisshaupt]] in the [[Anderfels]], a region not as hard hit by the darkspawn but still strategically close to Tevinter.<ref name="Wardens"/><ref>{{Cite wot|32, 150, 156}}</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 4]]</ref>
+
In -305 Ancient (890 TE), at the height of the Blight, the Order of the Grey Wardens was born. The Wardens were all seasoned veterans from darkspawn battles; humans, elves and dwarves who abandoned their allegiances, titles and families and dedicated themselves to end the Blight at any cost. A fortress was built at [[Weisshaupt]] in the [[Anderfels]], a region not as hard hit by the darkspawn but still strategically close to Tevinter.<ref name="Wardens"/><ref>{{Cite wot|32, 150, 156}}</ref><ref name="chapter 4">[[Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 4]]</ref>
   
Led by the legendary [[Carinus]], the first Wardens actively searched for more effective ways to fight. Records say that Nakiri of the Donark Forest was the first one to suggest consuming darkspawn's blood. [[Blood magic]] was far from uncommon at that time, and the Wardens began [[Education|studying]] Donark and Tevinter practices. Some secret knowledge from ancient [[Elvhenan|Arlathan]] was provided by [[Elf|elven]] [[Slavery|slaves]] as well, on the condition that the Grey Wardens would hold elves equal with the other races, and turn their efforts to elven liberation once the Blight was over.<ref name="rpgg3"/> Several notable dwarven warriors, led by Paragon Moroc the Maul, were also present at the Grey Wardens' founding. They shared all they had learned about the darkspawn with their Warden allies.<ref name="rpg10"/>
+
Led by the legendary [[Carinus]], the first Wardens actively searched for more effective ways to fight. Records say that Nakiri of the Donark Forest was the first one to suggest consuming darkspawn's blood, as his people were known to consume the blood of their enemies to absorb their power. The first Grey Wardens consulted many Tevinter mages, who confirmed that there was power in blood, as blood magic was far from uncommon at that time, and the Wardens began [[Education|studying]] Donark and Tevinter practices. Some secret knowledge from ancient [[Elvhenan|Arlathan]] was provided by elven [[Slavery|slaves]] as well, on the condition that the Grey Wardens would hold elves equal with the other races, and turn their efforts to elven liberation once the Blight was over.<ref name="rpgg3"/> Several notable dwarven warriors, led by Paragon Moroc the Maul, were also present at the Grey Wardens' founding. They shared all they had learned about the darkspawn with their Warden allies.<ref name="rpg10"/>
   
 
Those discoveries led to the developing of the [[Joining]] ritual, that proved instrumental to their success. Those who underwent the ritual became nearly-immune to the taint, could sense the presence of darkspawn, and could "overhear" their unspoken communication. This was also the first real proof that the darkspawn were driven by a centralized motivating force.<ref name="rpg3">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 3</ref>
 
Those discoveries led to the developing of the [[Joining]] ritual, that proved instrumental to their success. Those who underwent the ritual became nearly-immune to the taint, could sense the presence of darkspawn, and could "overhear" their unspoken communication. This was also the first real proof that the darkspawn were driven by a centralized motivating force.<ref name="rpg3">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 3</ref>
   
 
=== Siege of Nordbotten ===
 
=== Siege of Nordbotten ===
The Grey Wardens' first recorded battle was at the city of [[Nordbotten]], that was besieged by the horde. Accounts tell of the Wardens mounting the now-extinct [[griffon]]s and swooping into the ranks of darkspawn, each facing ten or more enemies at a time. The first Grey Wardens' legendary success at the Siege of Nordbotten is no historical exaggeration. The darkspawn were disorientated, unable to distinguish the newly joined Wardens from their own,<ref name="rpg3"/> and the battle was a major victory. It became the turning point of the First Blight, giving the people of [[Thedas]] some much needed hope.<ref name="Wardens"/>
+
The Grey Wardens' first recorded battle was at the city of [[Nordbotten]], which was besieged by the horde. Accounts tell of the Wardens mounting the now-extinct [[griffon]]s and swooping into the ranks of darkspawn, each facing ten or more enemies at a time. The first Grey Wardens' legendary success at the Siege of Nordbotten is no historical exaggeration. The darkspawn were disoriented, unable to distinguish the newly Joined Wardens from their own,<ref name="rpg3"/> and the battle was a major victory. It became the turning point of the First Blight, giving the people of [[Thedas]] some much needed hope.<ref name="Wardens"/>
 
The Wardens then began an aggressive campaign against the darkspawn, reclaiming lands that most had given up for lost. They build fortresses at strategic points and grew in reputation as well as numbers, recruiting from all [[race]]s and backgrounds.<ref name="Wardens"/><ref name="wot156">{{Cite wot|156}}</ref> Beholden to no temporal lords, they were free to sacrifice villages and fortresses that could not be won, preserving their might for the clashes that truly mattered.<ref name="RPG5">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 5</ref>
 
 
== Introduction of golems ==
 
In -255 Ancient (940 TE)<ref>{{Cite wot|32}}</ref>, the dwarven smith [[Caridin]] discovered a [[Anvil of the Void (object)|method to forge]] a construct of steel or stone with great strength and survivability. Those living engines, named [[golem]]s, became one of the dwarves' most effective weapons against the darkspawn. For the first time since the start of the Blight, the dwarves were able to reclaim thaigs and sections of the Deep Roads that had long been given up for lost. Golems became the backbone of all the kingdoms' armies, and some were even exported to Tevinter and a few groups of mages.<ref name="rpg11">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 11</ref>
 
 
However, to bring each golem to life required the soul of a living dwarf. Initially, volunteers gave their lives willingly, but controversy arose when there were no more volunteers to be found. The dwarven monarch at the time, [[Dwarven royalty|King]] Valtor, became greedy and forced [[casteless]], criminals and his political enemies into the Anvil. When Caridin opposed the king, after six years of continuous production, he too was made into a golem.<ref name="BioWare wiki"/>
 
   
 
The Wardens then began an aggressive campaign against the darkspawn, reclaiming lands that most had given up for lost. They built fortresses at strategic points and grew in reputation as well as numbers, recruiting from all [[race]]s and backgrounds.<ref name="Wardens"/><ref name="wot156">{{Cite wot|156}}</ref> Beholden to no temporal lords, they were free to sacrifice villages and fortresses that could not be won, preserving their might for the clashes that truly mattered.<ref name="RPG5">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 5</ref>
In -248 Ancient (947 TE),<ref>{{Cite wot|33}}</ref> just when dwarves believed they were winning the battle against the darkspawn, Caridin vanished, taking the secret of the golems' construction with him. Many were accused of having a hand in his disappearance, but no culprit was found. Many expeditions were sent into the Deep Roads to search for him, but all were pushed back by the darkspawn. After years of debate in the Assembly, Queen Getha sent the entire Legion of Steel—a legion made up of 126 golems—into the Deep Roads to recover the Paragon. No one returned. The [[Shaperate]] declared Caridin dead, extinguishing the last kindle of hope. Due to the incalculable loss of the Legion of Steel, all-golem regiments were forbidden to ever again fight
 
in the Deep Roads and Queen Getha was deposed.<ref name="BioWare wiki"/><ref name="rpg11"/>
 
   
 
== First slaying of Dumat ==
 
== First slaying of Dumat ==
Meanwhile, in the surface, the Grey Wardens met with great success in their early years. A group of Ander soldiers even managed to slay Dumat while he was on the run from a Warden offensive. The celebrations were cut short when Dumat returned unharmed, however, a few days later. In the years that followed, Grey Warden scholars learned that the Archdemon's death had only forced its soul to relocate into the body of the nearest darkspawn, whose form it then twisted back into the shape of a corrupted [[high dragon]]. It seemed that as long as a single darkspawn remained, Dumat was immortal. The Grey Warden despaired.<ref name="rpg3"/>
+
The Grey Wardens met with great success in their early years. A group of Ander soldiers even managed to slay Dumat while he was on the run from a Warden offensive. The celebrations were cut short when Dumat returned unharmed, however, a few days later. In the years that followed, Grey Warden scholars learned that the Archdemon's death had only forced its soul to relocate into the body of the nearest darkspawn, whose form it then twisted back into the shape of a corrupted [[high dragon]]. It seemed that as long as a single darkspawn remained, Dumat was immortal. The Grey Wardens despaired.<ref name="rpg3"/>
   
 
Eventually, Grey Warden scholars proposed that if Dumat were slain by a Grey Warden, due to the Wardens' subtle ties to the darkspawn, his spirit would rush into the body of the Warden that had killed it. Unlike the darkspawn, a Warden's body already has a soul, and the resulting paradox would destroy both Warden and Archdemon.<ref name="rpg3"/>
 
Eventually, Grey Warden scholars proposed that if Dumat were slain by a Grey Warden, due to the Wardens' subtle ties to the darkspawn, his spirit would rush into the body of the Warden that had killed it. Unlike the darkspawn, a Warden's body already has a soul, and the resulting paradox would destroy both Warden and Archdemon.<ref name="rpg3"/>
   
 
== Battle of the Silent Plains ==
 
== Battle of the Silent Plains ==
In -203 Ancient (992 TE),<ref>{{Cite wot|33, 156}}</ref> the Grey Wardens formed a formidable force made up largely of Tevinter, [[Rivain]]i and [[Orlais#History|Ciriane]] soldiers. In a coordinated attack, they slew Dumat and routed the darkspawn forces at the Battle of the [[Silent Plains]]. A third of all the [[human]] armies fell in the battle.<ref name="Wardens"/><ref name="RPG5"/> Records do not say who exactly gave up his soul to destroy Dumat, for many Wardens struggled against him, and the Archdemon's very death throes slew seven or more of them.<ref name="rpg3"/>
+
In -203 Ancient (992 TE),<ref>{{Cite wot|33, 156}}</ref> the Grey Wardens formed a formidable force made up largely of Tevinter, Dwarven<ref name="chapter 4"/>, [[Rivain]]i and [[Orlais#History|Ciriane]] soldiers. In a coordinated attack, they slew Dumat and routed the darkspawn forces at the Battle of the [[Silent Plains]]. A third of all the [[human]] armies fell in the battle.<ref name="Wardens"/><ref name="RPG5"/> Records do not say who exactly gave up his soul to destroy Dumat, for many Wardens struggled against him, and the Archdemon's very death throes slew seven or more of them.<ref name="rpg3"/>
   
 
Dumat did not return in the years that followed. Although the darkspawn horde remained large in number and the battles persisted, without the Archdemon to lead them, they became disorganized and by -195 (1000 TE) were forced underground. For the surface world, the Blight was over.<ref>{{Cite wot|34, 156}}</ref>
 
Dumat did not return in the years that followed. Although the darkspawn horde remained large in number and the battles persisted, without the Archdemon to lead them, they became disorganized and by -195 (1000 TE) were forced underground. For the surface world, the Blight was over.<ref>{{Cite wot|34, 156}}</ref>
Line 90: Line 86:
   
 
=== Dwarven kingdoms ===
 
=== Dwarven kingdoms ===
Soon after the surface world claimed victory and the darkspawn were driven underground, they continued pushing the crumbling dwarven empire. Though the darkspawn did not coordinate their attacks well without an Archdemon to lead them, what they lacked in focus they made up in savagery and the weight of numbers.<ref name="rpg11"/> Communication between the surviving dwarven kingdoms began to falter, and each kingdom elected its own king while maintaining allegiance to a high king in Orzammar.<ref>{{Cite wot|35}}</ref>
+
Soon after the surface world claimed victory and the darkspawn were driven underground, they continued pushing the crumbling dwarven empire. Though the darkspawn did not coordinate their attacks well without an Archdemon to lead them, what they lacked in focus they made up in savagery and the weight of numbers.<ref name="rpg11"/> Those who survived did this only by close cooperation, and by sealing most of the Deep Roads.<ref name="rpg10"/> Communication between the surviving dwarven kingdoms began to falter, and each kingdom elected its own king while maintaining allegiance to the High King of Orzammar.<ref>{{Cite wot|35}}</ref>
   
In -40 Ancient (1155 TE), High King Threestone of Orzammar, with the consent of the Assembly and with great sorrow, ordered all Deep Roads to the other dwarf kingdoms permanently sealed. Within a decade, word reached Orzammar that Hormak and Gundaar had fallen. Conclusive word from Kal Sharok was never received, and this led the dwarves of Orzammar to eventually came to believe that they were the last dwarf kingdom.<ref name="rpg11"/><ref>[[Codex entry: Cut to Kal Sharok]]</ref>
+
In -40 Ancient (1155 TE), High King Threestone of Orzammar, with the consent of the Assembly and with great sorrow, ordered all Deep Roads to the remaining dwarven kingdoms permanently sealed. Within a decade, word reached Orzammar that [[Hormak]] and [[Gundaar]] had fallen. [[Kal-Sharok]] has no direct access to the surface and no word was ever received, and this led the dwarves of Orzammar to eventually conclude that they are the last ones still standing.<ref name="rpg11"/><ref>[[Codex entry: Cut to Kal Sharok]]</ref>
   
 
=== The Prison of the Vimmark Mountains ===
 
=== The Prison of the Vimmark Mountains ===
Line 102: Line 98:
   
 
=== Rise of Andraste ===
 
=== Rise of Andraste ===
Even after the Blight, Tevinter commanded an army larger than that of any other organized nation in Thedas, but that army was scattered and its morale dwindling. With the Imperium severely weakened, the barbarian [[Andraste]] called for an [[Exalted March]] against the Imperium 28 years later.<ref name="chapter 1"/>
+
Even after the Blight, Tevinter was still loosely controlling most of the continent and the only organized nation in Thedas, but that army was scattered and its morale dwindling. With the Imperium severely weakened, the barbarian [[Andraste]] called for an [[Exalted March]] against the Imperium 28 years later.<ref name="chapter 1"/>
   
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Revision as of 21:28, 8 January 2020

The First Blight began in -395 Ancient (800 TE) and lasted nearly two centuries, the longest Blight in history. Many thought it to be the end of days, and entire generations lived and died warring with the darkspawn.[5][6]

Background

Corruption of Dumat

See also: Second Sin

In -395 Ancient (800 TE), seven Tevinter magisters, each the High Priest to one of the Old Gods[7] opened a gate into the Golden City with blood magic and entered it physically. According to the Andrastian Chantry, the result was catastrophic; the City turned black, and the mages came back twisted and corrupted, devolving into monsters—the first darkspawn.[8] The taint they carried infected others, turning them into darkspawn as well.[9]

The Memories of Orzammar record that the darkspawn first appeared underground in 800 TE.[3] By chance or design, they located Dumat in his prison and corrupted him, freeing and transforming the Old God into the first Archdemon.[6] The darkspawn multiplied and, in -380 Ancient (815 TE), attacked the underground kingdoms en masse, concentrating at first on the Deep Roads.[10] Although there were early warnings of the advancing horde—travelers who mysteriously disappeared, patrols of dwarven warriors gone missing while on duty—they were subtle at best, nothing to truly indicate what was to come.[3]

Scholarly views

See also: Corypheus

The Andrastian Chantry teaches that the magisters were trying to usurp the Maker's throne and were cast out of the Golden City for their sinful pride. In their depravity they sought the Old Gods, and, finding Dumat slumbering deep within the earth, began the Blight. The dwarves, on the other hand, give little credit to Chantry beliefs, but they themselves have only theories about the origin of the darkspawn. As far as the dwarves are concerned, the darkspawn first appeared underground[11] invaded the Deep Roads and began to attack the more remote western thaigs, at first with small war bands and later with a horde that overran the dwarven empire in just a few years.[12]

However, if the Chantry's history and Orzammar's Memories are both true, then Tevinter mages would have entered the Fade, been cursed, fled, found Dumat, raised an army, and then overrun the western thaigs all in one year. It seems more likely that the magisters had already been seeking Dumat for some time. A few Grey Warden scholars believe they may have even found him by that time, and that it was he who helped them to reach the Golden City. Different groups of mages may have been pursuing different agendas that were later fused.[13]

Dwarven empire

The First Blight was disastrous for everyone who lived during that time, but arguably none more so than the dwarves. Despite the advanced technology the dwarves brought to bear, the darkspawn tore through them and brought the dwarves to the near-brink of extinction. The more remote thaigs, completely unprepared for the hordes that poured out of the darkness, were the first to fall in a matter of days. The darkspawn swiftly overran the sites of their early victories and used them as staging grounds to push further into the dwarven empire, conquering entire kingdoms in the span of decades.[3][14]

When the First Blight began, the dwarven capital of Orzammar was caught in the midst of a bitter inter-house war. The greatest members of the Warrior caste were either busy battling in its petty skirmishes, or had been injured in those fights. When news of the darkspawn horde arrived, every noble dwarven house wished to have their own thaig defended, leading to political chaos and a disorganized defense. The Assembly was so tied up with the infighting that the darkspawn spread, unchecked, to the gates of Orzammar.[3]

Aeducan of the Warrior caste, realizing that his entire race was facing certain doom, grudgingly took command of the armies, called upon the Smith caste to supply them with arms, enlisted the aid of the Mining caste to collapse overrun passages, and bypassed the Assembly and the nobles entirely. Eventually Aeducan achieved victory but with the loss of countless thaigs. In reward for his heroism, Aeducan was made Paragon by a near-unanimous vote of the Assembly.[15][3]

Introduction of golems

In -255 Ancient (940 TE),[16] the dwarven smith Caridin discovered a method to forge a construct of steel or stone with great strength and survivability. Those living engines, named golems, became one of the dwarves' most effective weapons against the darkspawn. For the first time since the start of the Blight, the dwarves were able to reclaim thaigs and sections of the Deep Roads that had long been given up for lost. Golems became the backbone of the dwarven armies, and some were even exported to Tevinter and a few groups of mages.[17]

However, to bring each golem to life required the soul of a living dwarf. Initially, volunteers gave their lives willingly, but controversy arose when there were no more volunteers to be found. The dwarven monarch at the time, King Valtor, became greedy and forced casteless, criminals and his political enemies onto the Anvil. When Caridin opposed the king, after six years of continuous production, he too was made into a golem.[1]

In -248 Ancient (947 TE),[18] just when dwarves believed they were winning the battle against the darkspawn, Caridin vanished into the Deep Roads, taking his followers, the Anvil, and the secret of the golems' construction with him. Many were accused of having a hand in his disappearance, but no culprit was found. Many expeditions were sent into the Deep Roads to search for him, but all were pushed back by the darkspawn. After years of debate in the Assembly, Queen Getha sent the entire Legion of Steel, a legion made up of 126 golems, into the Deep Roads to recover the Anvil, but none of the golems returned. The Shaperate declared Caridin dead, dashing any hope of a swift victory over the darkspawn. Due to the incalculable loss of the Legion of Steel, all-golem regiments were forbidden in the Deep Roads, the remaining golems in Orzammar became coveted and are only to be used in the most dire circumstances, and Queen Getha was deposed.[1][17]

Tevinter Imperium

I would say that the enemy's strategy seems to be changing, but they never appeared to have a strategy before, beyond destroying everything in their path. For weeks, their numbers appeared to be dwindling. There was talk that perhaps we were getting close to wiping them out. We could not have been more wrong. For today we came upon the body of their main force. I cannot give words to it, Anika. I have never before seen so much death in one place. There were darkspawn beyond counting, and at the heart of the throng a great beast, as tall as the palace of Orzammar, with breath of fire. A Paragon of darkspawn, perhaps, for they seemed to pay it deference. They were leaving. Marching toward the mine shafts which lead to the surface. But I knew when I beheld them that once they have devoured what lies above us, they will be back.

From Codex entry: The Blights

The darkspawn used the tunnels of the Deep Roads to travel to all corners of the continent. The Memories record that large forces of darkspawn began to bypass barricaded thaigs to strike on the surface from unexpected quarters. Although the dwarves sent warnings to the human kingdoms when they could, they had little other assistance to spare.[3]

The darkspawn surfaced on the edges of the Tevinter Imperium in -380 Ancient (815 TE).[10] The armies of the Imperium attempted to face down the darkspawn hordes, but they could not be everywhere at once.[14] While the Imperial troops were more than adept at fighting elves and other humans, their armies were in no way prepared for the unyielding, unrelenting thirst of the darkspawn[19], and the Imperium began to lose its ability to maintain cohesion. As the hordes continued to rise up from underground, Tevinter was forced to turn its focus further and further inward, leaving its outlying territories to fend for themselves. The armies were called on to protect Minrathous above all else. Whole cities that had once depended on the Imperium's armies for defense were swallowed by the ravaging darkspawn.[20]

As the darkspawn advanced on the surface, the land around was sucked of moisture, blackening the earth and turning plants to dust. The skies filled with rolling black clouds that blocked the sun. Disease and rot followed.[21]

Not only had the Blight ravaged the countryside, but Tevinter citizens had to face the fact that their own gods had turned against them. Gifts and prayers to the remaining Old Gods went unanswered, and many began to question their faith, some going as far as murdering priests and burning temples. The people of the far northern and eastern reaches of the Imperium rose up in rebellion. The magisters summoned demons in response, leaving corpses to burn as examples to all who would dare revolt. Still, the Imperium began to fall apart from within, angry and disillusioned citizens doing what centuries of opposing armies could not.[22]

The Grey Wardens

In -305 Ancient (890 TE), at the height of the Blight, the Order of the Grey Wardens was born. The Wardens were all seasoned veterans from darkspawn battles; humans, elves and dwarves who abandoned their allegiances, titles and families and dedicated themselves to end the Blight at any cost. A fortress was built at Weisshaupt in the Anderfels, a region not as hard hit by the darkspawn but still strategically close to Tevinter.[5][23][24]

Led by the legendary Carinus, the first Wardens actively searched for more effective ways to fight. Records say that Nakiri of the Donark Forest was the first one to suggest consuming darkspawn's blood, as his people were known to consume the blood of their enemies to absorb their power. The first Grey Wardens consulted many Tevinter mages, who confirmed that there was power in blood, as blood magic was far from uncommon at that time, and the Wardens began studying Donark and Tevinter practices. Some secret knowledge from ancient Arlathan was provided by elven slaves as well, on the condition that the Grey Wardens would hold elves equal with the other races, and turn their efforts to elven liberation once the Blight was over.[2] Several notable dwarven warriors, led by Paragon Moroc the Maul, were also present at the Grey Wardens' founding. They shared all they had learned about the darkspawn with their Warden allies.[3]

Those discoveries led to the developing of the Joining ritual, that proved instrumental to their success. Those who underwent the ritual became nearly-immune to the taint, could sense the presence of darkspawn, and could "overhear" their unspoken communication. This was also the first real proof that the darkspawn were driven by a centralized motivating force.[25]

Siege of Nordbotten

The Grey Wardens' first recorded battle was at the city of Nordbotten, which was besieged by the horde. Accounts tell of the Wardens mounting the now-extinct griffons and swooping into the ranks of darkspawn, each facing ten or more enemies at a time. The first Grey Wardens' legendary success at the Siege of Nordbotten is no historical exaggeration. The darkspawn were disoriented, unable to distinguish the newly Joined Wardens from their own,[25] and the battle was a major victory. It became the turning point of the First Blight, giving the people of Thedas some much needed hope.[5]

The Wardens then began an aggressive campaign against the darkspawn, reclaiming lands that most had given up for lost. They built fortresses at strategic points and grew in reputation as well as numbers, recruiting from all races and backgrounds.[5][26] Beholden to no temporal lords, they were free to sacrifice villages and fortresses that could not be won, preserving their might for the clashes that truly mattered.[27]

First slaying of Dumat

The Grey Wardens met with great success in their early years. A group of Ander soldiers even managed to slay Dumat while he was on the run from a Warden offensive. The celebrations were cut short when Dumat returned unharmed, however, a few days later. In the years that followed, Grey Warden scholars learned that the Archdemon's death had only forced its soul to relocate into the body of the nearest darkspawn, whose form it then twisted back into the shape of a corrupted high dragon. It seemed that as long as a single darkspawn remained, Dumat was immortal. The Grey Wardens despaired.[25]

Eventually, Grey Warden scholars proposed that if Dumat were slain by a Grey Warden, due to the Wardens' subtle ties to the darkspawn, his spirit would rush into the body of the Warden that had killed it. Unlike the darkspawn, a Warden's body already has a soul, and the resulting paradox would destroy both Warden and Archdemon.[25]

Battle of the Silent Plains

In -203 Ancient (992 TE),[28] the Grey Wardens formed a formidable force made up largely of Tevinter, Dwarven[24], Rivaini and Ciriane soldiers. In a coordinated attack, they slew Dumat and routed the darkspawn forces at the Battle of the Silent Plains. A third of all the human armies fell in the battle.[5][27] Records do not say who exactly gave up his soul to destroy Dumat, for many Wardens struggled against him, and the Archdemon's very death throes slew seven or more of them.[25]

Dumat did not return in the years that followed. Although the darkspawn horde remained large in number and the battles persisted, without the Archdemon to lead them, they became disorganized and by -195 (1000 TE) were forced underground. For the surface world, the Blight was over.[29]

Aftermath

Grey Wardens

The Grey Wardens used the victory to sign contracts with the nations of Thedas, ensuring their rights and solidifying their authority. The Right of Conscription was also granted to the order in that period.[30] The Wardens swore to stand vigilant against future darkspawn attacks on the surface and preached constantly about the possibility of another Blight, but most Thedosians were reluctant to listen.[26]

Dwarven kingdoms

Soon after the surface world claimed victory and the darkspawn were driven underground, they continued pushing the crumbling dwarven empire. Though the darkspawn did not coordinate their attacks well without an Archdemon to lead them, what they lacked in focus they made up in savagery and the weight of numbers.[17] Those who survived did this only by close cooperation, and by sealing most of the Deep Roads.[3] Communication between the surviving dwarven kingdoms began to falter, and each kingdom elected its own king while maintaining allegiance to the High King of Orzammar.[31]

In -40 Ancient (1155 TE), High King Threestone of Orzammar, with the consent of the Assembly and with great sorrow, ordered all Deep Roads to the remaining dwarven kingdoms permanently sealed. Within a decade, word reached Orzammar that Hormak and Gundaar had fallen. Kal-Sharok has no direct access to the surface and no word was ever received, and this led the dwarves of Orzammar to eventually conclude that they are the last ones still standing.[17][32]

The Prison of the Vimmark Mountains

In -189 Ancient (1006 TE), the Grey Wardens encountered intelligent darkspawn, eventually capturing the most powerful, a darkspawn emissary known as Corypheus. Senior Warden Sashamiri used Dumat's blood to trap Corypheus in a prison of their design, hidden in the Vimmark Mountains.[33][34][35]

They had hoped to study Corypheus but later abandoned the plan and the prison when it became clear Corypheus could influence others with the taint.[36][37]

When released of his prison in the Dragon Age, Corypheus mentioned entering the Golden City, but knew nothing of his own state, unaware of the time that had passed between then and now.

Rise of Andraste

Even after the Blight, Tevinter was still loosely controlling most of the continent and the only organized nation in Thedas, but that army was scattered and its morale dwindling. With the Imperium severely weakened, the barbarian Andraste called for an Exalted March against the Imperium 28 years later.[22]

See also

Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 1 Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 1 - The Second Sin

Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 2 Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 2 - Dumat Rises

Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 3 Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 3 - The Dwarves Fall

Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 4 Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 4 - Griffons Take Flight

Codex entry: The Old Gods Codex entry: The Old Gods

Codex entry: Orzammar History: Chapter One Codex entry: Orzammar History: Chapter One

Sentinel armor set Sentinel armor set

Dumat's weapon set Dumat's weapon set

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Caridin and Golems - BioWare wiki
  2. 2.0 2.1 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 3
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10
  4. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 26
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Codex entry: The Grey Wardens
  6. 6.0 6.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 150
  7. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 54
  8. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, pp. 27, 155
  9. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 147
  10. 10.0 10.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, pp. 28, 155
  11. Codex entry: The Eternal Battle: Darkspawn
  12. Codex entry: Darkspawn
  13. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 2
  14. 14.0 14.1 Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 3
  15. Codex entry: House Aeducan, Shield of Orzammar
  16. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 32
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 11
  18. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 33
  19. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Core Rulebook, p. 161
  20. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Core Rulebook, p. 162
  21. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 145
  22. 22.0 22.1 Codex entry: The History of the Chantry: Chapter 1
  23. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, pp. 32, 150, 156
  24. 24.0 24.1 Codex entry: The First Blight: Chapter 4
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 3
  26. 26.0 26.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 156
  27. 27.0 27.1 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 5
  28. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, pp. 33, 156
  29. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, pp. 34, 156
  30. Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 203
  31. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 35
  32. Codex entry: Cut to Kal Sharok
  33. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 179
  34. Codex entry: Privileged to the Wardens
  35. Codex entry: Locks within Locks
  36. Codex entry: An Unusual Discovery
  37. Codex entry: A Change of Course