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|Belligerent1 = {{icon|anderfels|big}} [[Anderfels]] <br> [[Antiva]] <br> [[Free Marches]] <br> * {{icon|starkhaven|big}} [[Starkhaven]] <br> * {{icon|Kirkwall|big}} [[Kirkwall]] <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} [[Nevarra]] <br> {{icon|orlais|big}} [[Orlais]] <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Orzammar]] <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} [[Rivain]] <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} [[Tevinter Imperium]] <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Grey Wardens]]
 
|Belligerent1 = {{icon|anderfels|big}} [[Anderfels]] <br> [[Antiva]] <br> [[Free Marches]] <br> * {{icon|starkhaven|big}} [[Starkhaven]] <br> * {{icon|Kirkwall|big}} [[Kirkwall]] <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} [[Nevarra]] <br> {{icon|orlais|big}} [[Orlais]] <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Orzammar]] <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} [[Rivain]] <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} [[Tevinter Imperium]] <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Grey Wardens]]
 
|Belligerent2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Darkspawn]] horde
 
|Belligerent2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Darkspawn]] horde
|Commanders1 = {{icon|gw|big}} [[Garahel]] † <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Isseya]] <br> {{icon|wardencommander|big}} Turab † <br> {{icon|wardencommander|big}} Senaste <br> King Elaudio † <br> Queen Giuvana † <br> {{icon|starkhaven|big}} Prince [[Vael family|Vael]] <br> {{icon|starkhaven|big}} Amadis Vael <br> {{icon|starkhaven|big}} [[Codex entry: Stonehammer's Gift|Champion]] of [[Starkhaven]]<br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} King Henault † <br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} Queen Mariwen <br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} Uvasha <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} [[Pentaghast family|Nestor Pentaghast]] <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} [[Van Markham family|Tylus Van Markham]] <br> {{icon|orlais|big}} Ser Gaston de Montfort <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} [[Archon]] <br> King Azar Adalberto Campana
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|Commanders1 = {{icon|gw|big}} [[Garahel]] † <br> {{icon|gw|big}} [[Isseya]] <br> {{icon|wardencommander|big}} Turab † <br> {{icon|wardencommander|big}} Senaste <br> King Elaudio † <br> Queen Giuvana † <br> {{icon|starkhaven|big}} Prince [[Vael family|Vael]] <br> {{icon|starkhaven|big}} Amadis Vael <br> {{icon|starkhaven|big}} [[Codex entry: Stonehammer's Gift|Champion]] of [[Starkhaven]]<br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} King Henault † <br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} Queen Mariwen <br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} Uvasha <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} [[Pentaghast family|Nestor Pentaghast]] <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} [[Van Markham family|Tylus Van Markham]] <br> {{icon|demontfort|big}} Ser Gaston de Montfort <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} [[Archon]] <br> King Azar Adalberto Campana <br> {{icon|orlais|big}} Lambert [[House Valmont|Valmont]]
 
|Commanders2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Andoral]] †
 
|Commanders2 = {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Andoral]] †
|Strengthdetails1 = Antivan soldiers <br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} Anderfels Royal Army <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} Nevarran soldiers <br> {{icon|orlais|big}} Orlesian soldiers <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} Rivaini soldiers <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} Tevinter soldiers <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Warrior caste]] <br> {{icon|gw|big}} Grey Wardens <br> Ruby Drake Mercenaries <br> The Masterless <br> The Stone's Bastards <br> The Broken Circle <br>
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|Strengthdetails1 = Antivan soldiers <br> {{icon|anderfels|big}} Anderfels Royal Army <br> {{icon|nevarra|big}} Nevarran soldiers <br> {{icon|orlais|big}} Orlesian soldiers <br> {{icon|rivain|big}} Rivaini soldiers <br> {{icon|tevinter|big}} Tevinter soldiers <br> {{icon|dwarves|big}} [[Warrior caste]] <br> {{icon|gw|big}} Grey Wardens<br> {{icon|gw|big}} Griffons <br> Ruby Drake Mercenaries <br> The Masterless <br> The Stone's Bastards <br> The Broken Circle <br> Former Elven Slaves
 
|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 <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Hurlock]]s <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Genlock]]s <br> {{icon|darkspawn|big}} [[Shriek]]s
 
}}</onlyinclude>
 
}}</onlyinclude>
 
{{Blights}}
 
{{Blights}}
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{{OrlesianConflicts}}
 
{{FreeMarchesConflicts}}
 
{{FreeMarchesConflicts}}
   
The '''Fourth Blight''' began when the [[archdemon]] [[Andoral]] arose in 5:12 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]] and [[darkspawn]] surfaced in the northeast and northwestern regions of [[Thedas]].
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The '''Fourth Blight''' began when the [[Archdemon]] [[Andoral]] arose in 5:12 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]] and [[darkspawn]] surfaced in the northeast and northwestern regions of [[Thedas]].
   
 
== Beginnings ==
 
== Beginnings ==
[[Antiva]] was struck by the darkspawn first. The Antivans were taken completely by surprise and the darkspawn had soon taken all of Antiva with only the capital, [[Antiva City]] resisting. Unchecked, the darkspawn swarmed out into [[Rivain]] and the [[Free Marches]]. Meanwhile Antiva City closed its gates. In spite of this, refugees continued to flee to Antiva City with hundreds camping outside the city gates.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', p. 29</ref>
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[[Antiva]] was struck by the darkspawn first. The Antivans were taken completely by surprise and the darkspawn had soon taken all of Antiva with only the capital, [[Antiva City]] resisting. Unchecked, the darkspawn swarmed out into [[Rivain]] and the [[Free Marches]]. Meanwhile, Antiva City closed its gates. In spite of this, refugees continued to flee to Antiva City with hundreds camping outside the city gates.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', p. 29</ref>
   
 
== Fall of Antiva City ==
 
== Fall of Antiva City ==
King Elaudio and Queen Giuvana of Antiva called the Grey Wardens for aid. Antiva's Warden-Commander, Turab, gathered a contingent of Antivan Wardens at the city and called for a regiment of [[griffon]] riders to help evacuate the city. [[Garahel]] and his sister [[Isseya]] were among them. The Wardens advised fleeing Antiva immediately in order to save as many lives as possible, but the royal couple insisted on trying to defend the city from the darkspawn. However, many of the ship captains still in the city chose to flee via Rialto bay, leaving even fewer means of escape from the city. Eventually discontent at the royals misjudgment led to the Antivan Royal Guard turning on them, killing King Eluadio before being defeated by the Grey Wardens. To preserve morale, it was announced that the King was killed by the darkspawn.
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King Elaudio and Queen Giuvana of Antiva called the [[Grey Wardens]] for aid. Antiva's [[Commander of the Grey|Warden-Commander]], Turab, gathered a contingent of Antivan Wardens at the city and called for a regiment of [[griffon]] riders to help evacuate the city. [[Garahel]] and his sister [[Isseya]] were among them. The Wardens advised fleeing Antiva immediately in order to save as many lives as possible, but the royal couple insisted on trying to defend the city from the darkspawn, ignoring the Wardens' warnings the city was in no way prepared to withstand a siege. However, many of the ship captains still in the city chose to flee via Rialto bay, leaving even fewer means of escape from the city. Eventually discontent at the royals' misjudgment led to the Antivan Royal Guard turning on them, killing King Eluadio before being defeated by the Grey Wardens. To preserve morale, it was announced that the King was killed by the darkspawn.
   
As the Wardens and the surviving members of the royal court prepared to withdraw, the walls were finally breached and the darkspawn swarmed through the city. The Wardens were attacked by the archdemon just outside of Antiva City, killing [[Commander of the Grey|Warden-Commander]] Turab and most of the Wardens along with the surviving members of the royal family. Garahel and Isseya, together with Amadis [[Vael family|Vael]] and an [[Antivan Crows|Antivan Crow]] [[mage]] [[Calien]] launched a diversionary attack on the archdemon to allow the surviving Wardens the time to get their charges to safety. After a pitched conflict they were able to delay the archdemon and make a narrow escape.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 2–5</ref>
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As the Wardens and the surviving members of the royal court prepared to withdraw, the walls were finally breached and the darkspawn swarmed through the city. The Wardens were attacked by the Archdemon Andoral itself just outside of Antiva City, killing Warden-Commander Turab and most of the Wardens along with the surviving members of the royal family, whom the Wardens had been trying to evacuate. Garahel and Isseya, together with Amadis [[Vael family|Vael]] and an [[Antivan Crows|Antivan Crow]] [[mage]] [[Calien]] launched a diversionary attack on the Archdemon to allow the surviving Wardens the time to get their charges to safety. After a pitched conflict they were able to delay the Archdemon and make a narrow escape.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 2–5</ref>
   
 
== Evacuation of Wycome ==
 
== Evacuation of Wycome ==
The surviving Wardens regrouped at the city of Wycome in the Free Marches. The local citizenry devoted all their efforts to fortifying the city. Knowing that this would be insufficient to hold off the darkspawn, Warden-Commander Senaste had the Wardens constructing improvised [[aravels]] led by griffons which they could use to evacuate the populace. Isseya oversaw the project while Garahel delivered messages and requests of support to nobles and other potential military assets on behalf of Amadis Vael. Although they were unable to evacuate everyone before the city fell, the Wardens managed to send a large number of refugees to [[Starkhaven]].<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 7–8</ref>
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The surviving Wardens regrouped at the city of [[Wycome]] in the Free Marches. The local citizenry devoted all their efforts to fortifying the city. Knowing that this would be insufficient to hold off the darkspawn, Warden-Commander Senaste had the Wardens constructing improvised [[aravels]] led by griffons which they could use to evacuate the populace. Isseya oversaw the project while Garahel delivered messages and requests of support to nobles and other potential military assets on behalf of Amadis Vael. Although they were unable to evacuate everyone before the city fell, the Wardens managed to send a large number of refugees to [[Starkhaven]].<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 7–8</ref>
   
 
== Other fronts ==
 
== Other fronts ==
Hossberg, the capital city of the [[Anderfels]], once again was besieged by the darkspawn. In the [[Tevinter Imperium]], the Siege of Marnas Pell took place, and along with the help of the [[Dwarf|dwarves]] of [[Orzammar]], the siege was lifted at no small cost. The dwarves received many accolades of the ruling [[Archon]] and one of them even became a [[Paragon]].<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'', p. 363</ref> [[Orlais]] was barely hit and drove the darkspawn within its borders back [[Thedas#Underground|underground]]. Tevinter refused to send any aid to the Free Marches or Anderfels, bitter over the recent [[Exalted Marches#Against the Imperial Chantry|Exalted Marches]] against the Imperium, while Orlais committed only a token force.<ref>{{Cite wot|98-99, 158}}</ref> The darkspawn also pushed in the underground realm and captured [[Ortan Thaig]].<ref>Mentioned by [[Orta]].</ref>
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[[Hossberg]], the capital city of the [[Anderfels]], once again was besieged by the darkspawn. In the [[Tevinter Imperium]], the Siege of [[Marnas Pell]] took place, and along with the help of the [[Dwarf|dwarves]] of [[Orzammar]], the siege was lifted at no small cost. The dwarves received many accolades of the ruling [[Archon]] and one of them even became a [[Paragon]].<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'', p. 363</ref> [[Orlais]] was barely hit and drove the darkspawn within its borders back [[Thedas#Underground|underground]]. Tevinter refused to send any aid to the Free Marches or Anderfels, bitter over the recent [[Exalted Marches#Against the Imperial Chantry|Exalted Marches]] against the Imperium, while Orlais committed only a token force.<ref>{{Cite wot|98-99, 158}}</ref> The darkspawn also pushed in the underground realm and captured [[Ortan Thaig]].<ref>Mentioned by [[Orta]].</ref>
   
 
== The Siege of Hossberg ==
 
== The Siege of Hossberg ==
Hossberg was under varying degrees of siege by the darkspawn for the next eight years. Garahel was promoted to the temporary rank of Field-Commander and given charge of defending against the siege. Finally in the last days of 5:19 Exalted, the Grey Wardens were able to locate the entrance to the [[Deep Roads]] which the darkspawn were using to bring re-enforcements into the Anderfels to join the siege. Isseya leads a small sortie party out of Hossberg on their griffons to collapse the passage. In spite of some casualties the passage was collapsed and the darkspawn were cut off from re-enforcements.
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Hossberg was under varying degrees of siege by the darkspawn for the next eight years. Garahel was promoted to the temporary rank of Field-Commander and given charge of defending against the siege. Finally in the last days of 5:19 Exalted, the Grey Wardens were able to locate the entrance to the [[Deep Roads]] which the darkspawn were using to bring reinforcements into the Anderfels to join the siege. Isseya leads a small sortie party out of Hossberg on their griffons to collapse the passage. In spite of some casualties the passage was collapsed and the darkspawn were cut off from reinforcements.
   
With the darkspawn isolated, Garahel led the bulk of the Grey Wardens and the Anderfels Royal Army from a position northwest of the city against the main force of the darkspawn. Meanwhile another contingent of Grey Wardens under the command of Isseya opened up a second front south of the city. The Wardens mined the area with 'skyburners' – a modified form of [[Dwarves|dwarven]] [[Lyrium|lyrium]] mining explosives which they baited with quality weaponry to lure the darkspawn. A large number of darkspawn were destroyed in the initial blast and afterwards the Wardens attacked massacring ancillary and withdrawing darkspawn forces in the fork of the Lattenfluss river. Combined with the main army's success, the siege of Hossberg was finally broken in the first days of 5:20 Exalted.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 10–14</ref>
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With the darkspawn isolated, Garahel led the bulk of the Grey Wardens and the Anderfels Royal Army from a position northwest of the city against the main force of the darkspawn. Meanwhile, another contingent of Grey Wardens under the command of Isseya opened up a second front south of the city. The Wardens mined the area with 'skyburners'–a modified form of dwarven [[lyrium]] mining explosives donated by Orzammar–which they baited with quality weaponry to lure the darkspawn.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', p. 154</ref> A large number of darkspawn were destroyed in the initial blast and afterwards the Wardens attacked, massacring and forcing the retreat of ancillary darkspawn forces in the fork of the Lattenfluss river. Combined with the main army's success, the siege of Hossberg was finally broken in the first days of 5:20 Exalted.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 10–14</ref>
   
 
== Height ==
 
== Height ==
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[[Chateau Haine|Fortress Haine]] became a makeshift Warden fortress and a refuge known as [[the Retreat]] was dug in the mountain, sheltering fleeing [[Cumberland]] and [[Kirkwall]] citizens. Kirkwall was evacuated using the same method the Wardens used in Wycome years earlier. Thanks to a rabid griffon, one train of aravels was lost on the approach to the darkspawn but the rest reached the fortress. Together with the [[Codex entry: Stonehammer's Gift|Champion]] of Starkhaven, the Wardens managed to evacuate hundreds of refugees to Fortress Haine.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 14, 16–19</ref>
 
[[Chateau Haine|Fortress Haine]] became a makeshift Warden fortress and a refuge known as [[the Retreat]] was dug in the mountain, sheltering fleeing [[Cumberland]] and [[Kirkwall]] citizens. Kirkwall was evacuated using the same method the Wardens used in Wycome years earlier. Thanks to a rabid griffon, one train of aravels was lost on the approach to the darkspawn but the rest reached the fortress. Together with the [[Codex entry: Stonehammer's Gift|Champion]] of Starkhaven, the Wardens managed to evacuate hundreds of refugees to Fortress Haine.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 14, 16–19</ref>
   
Meanwhile, Garahel formed an formidable ensemble army including a large number of disenfranchised groups including a company of [[apostate]] mages known as the Broken Circle, a group of [[casteless]] and [[surfacer]] [[dwarves]] named the Stone's Bastards and the Masterless, former [[elven]] [[slaves]] from the Tevinter Imperium.
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Meanwhile, Garahel formed a formidable ensemble army including a large number of disenfranchised groups, including a company of [[apostate]] mages known as the Broken Circle, a group of [[casteless]] and [[surface dwarves]] named the Stone's Bastards and the Masterless, former [[elven]] [[slaves]] from the Tevinter Imperium.
   
 
In 5:22 he gathered Orlesian and Anders Wardens and marched to [[Starkhaven]]. Garahel organized an alliance between the Marchers and the united army continued north.<ref>{{Cite wot|100-101, 158-159}}</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Chateau Haine]]</ref><ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 16–19</ref>
 
In 5:22 he gathered Orlesian and Anders Wardens and marched to [[Starkhaven]]. Garahel organized an alliance between the Marchers and the united army continued north.<ref>{{Cite wot|100-101, 158-159}}</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Chateau Haine]]</ref><ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 16–19</ref>
   
 
== Battle of Ayesleigh ==
 
== Battle of Ayesleigh ==
By 5:24 Exalted, the Darkspawn had finally been pushed back to Rivain and Antiva. The allied forces decided to use this opportunity to try and end the blight. Amadis Vael led the ground force on Arvaud's Barrow just outside the city of Ayesleigh, with Ser Gaston de Montfort leading the cavalry. The Champion of Starkhaven was also among the ground force. The ground force attacked the gathered darkspawn there and then laid an ambush for the archdemon. Simultaneously, Garahel led a strike force of Grey Wardens on griffons to the skies above Ayesleigh. Using a smaller version of the skyburner explosives, the wardens barraged the city below to devastating effect causing heavy darkspawn casualties. The darkspawn had no real way to combat the airborne Wardens, and the archdemon was forced to take the field.
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By 5:24 Exalted, the darkspawn had finally been pushed back to Rivain and Antiva. The allied forces decided to use this opportunity to try and bring the Archdemon itself to battle and thus end the Blight. Amadis Vael led the ground force on Arvaud's Barrow just outside the city of Ayesleigh, with Ser Gaston de Montfort leading the cavalry. The Champion of Starkhaven was also among the ground force. The ground force attacked the gathered darkspawn there and then laid an ambush for the Archdemon. Simultaneously, Garahel led a strike force of Grey Wardens on griffons to the skies above Ayesleigh. Using a smaller version of the skyburner explosives, the Wardens barraged the city below to devastating effect, causing heavy darkspawn casualties. The darkspawn had no real way to combat the airborne Wardens, and the Archdemon was forced to take the field.
   
The Wardens struck aiming to infuriate the beast and lure it back to their ground troops. However, they lost control of the rabid griffons, splintering their strike force. Only a handful of griffons followed the withdrawal formation while the rest frantically assaulted the archdemon. Cut off from their support, the Wardens concentrated all their riders on attacking the archdemon. Although most of them were killed during the ensuing battle, the unusual ferocity of rabid griffons proved highly effective tearing out chunks of the archdemon's flesh, and with support of the archers and mages the Wardens managed to collapse one of the its wings. The archdemon was sent hurtling down crashing into the streets of Ayesleigh. The Wardens advanced on the city to finish their task but flew head first into darkspawn [[Hurlock archer|archers]] line of fire, taking further casualties.
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The Wardens struck, aiming to infuriate the beast and lure it back to their ground troops. However, they lost control of the rabid griffons, splintering their strike force. Only a handful of griffons followed the withdrawal formation while the rest frantically assaulted the Archdemon. Cut off from their support, the Wardens concentrated all their riders on attacking Andoral. Although most of them were killed during the ensuing battle, the unusual ferocity of rabid griffons proved highly effective tearing out chunks of the Archdemon's flesh, and with support of the archers and mages the Wardens managed to collapse one of its wings. Andoral was sent hurtling down crashing into the streets of Ayesleigh. The Wardens advanced on the city to finish their task, only to discover Andoral had led them into a trap of its own; its flight had led the Wardens head first into range of legions of darkspawn [[Hurlock archer|archers]], taking further casualties.
   
With only three Wardens left, Garahel flew his griffon into Ayesleigh narrowly avoiding the archers and the archdemon's attacks before finally driving his blade into a wound at the base of the archdemon's neck made by the rabid griffons, killing the beast at last. The Fourth Blight ended – and Garahel died, having cast down and slain Andoral in single combat.<ref>{{Cite wot|101, 159}}</ref><ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 21–22</ref>
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With only three Wardens left, Garahel flew his griffon into Ayesleigh narrowly avoiding the archers and the Archdemon's attacks before finally driving his blade into a wound at the base of the Archdemon's neck made by the rabid griffons, killing the beast at last. The Fourth Blight ended–and Garahel died, having performed a Grey Warden's ultimate duty, sacrificing his own life to destroy Andoral.<ref>{{Cite wot|101, 159}}</ref><ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 21–22</ref>
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Captain Lambert [[House Valmont|Valmont]] of the Imperial Orlesian army was part of the Orlesian regiment of the ground forces during the battle. Lambert disregarded his orders and aided the Antivan forces, saving them and their King, Azar Adalberto Campana from certain death. The King thanked his savior by elevating him to noble rank and giving him one of his daughter's hand in marriage, and when Lambert returned to Orlais, the Emperor felt obligated to follow suit and granted him a Marquisate.
   
 
== Aftermath ==
 
== Aftermath ==
The effects of the Blight persisted in the Anderfels and the [[Deep Roads]] but were largely ignored by most, save for the Grey Wardens. So many darkspawn were slain in the final battles of the Blight that it was easy for some to imagine that they would never return. This view persisted for many centuries after the final victory at Ayesleigh, and would ultimately damage efforts to repulse the darkspawn the [[Fifth Blight|next time]] they rose up under the command of an archdemon, as the surface kingdoms were long convinced such an occurance was impossible.<ref>{{Cite wot|101–102, 159}}</ref> Garahel himself was granted a hero's funeral, attended by kings and emperors from across Thedas.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 23</ref>
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The effects of the Blight persisted in the Anderfels and the [[Deep Roads]] but were largely ignored by most, save for the Grey Wardens. So many darkspawn were slain in the final battles of the Blight that it was easy for some to imagine that they would never return. This view persisted for many centuries after the final victory at Ayesleigh, and would ultimately damage efforts to repulse the darkspawn the [[Fifth Blight|next time]] they rose up under the command of an Archdemon, as the surface kingdoms were long convinced such an occurrence was impossible.<ref>{{Cite wot|101–102, 159}}</ref> Garahel himself was granted a hero's funeral, attended by kings and emperors from across Thedas.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 23</ref>. As per Garahel's final request, his weapons and armour were returned to the Grey Wardens and placed in a memorial casket at [[Weisshaupt Fortress]], adorned with horns taken from Andoral's corpse, save for his [[Garahel's Helm|helmet]], which was lost in battle at Ayesleigh.<ref>''Dragon Age: Last Flight'', ch.1, p.20-21</ref>.
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The griffons soon went extinct, their numbers decimated during the Blight.<ref>{{Cite wot|102}}</ref>
   
{{SpoilerLF|The [[griffon]]s soon went extinct, their numbers decimated during the Blight.<ref>{{Cite wot|102}}</ref> The cause of this was the result of a modified version of the Joining created by Isseya that gave the griffons greater strength and speed that became contagious and communicated to unjoined griffons, resulting in the noble beasts becoming uncontrollably aggressive. The First Warden ordered that any griffon who showed signs or was suspected of being infected was to be put down. Isseya fruitlessly sought a cure at the Circle of Magi in both the Free Marches and the Tevinter Imperium to no avail. Judging that the Wardens of her generation were not fit to be stewards of the griffons, Isseya hid thirteen griffon eggs, sired by Garahel's griffon Crookytail and Amadis Vael's griffon Smoke, purified of the taint, in a dragon's den in the Anderfels in what would later be called the Red Bride's Grave, until the plague had past and left clues at Weisshaupt for an elven mage to find so the species would be reborn.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 23-25</ref>}}
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{{SpoilerLF|The cause of this was the result of a modified version of the [[Joining]] created by Isseya that gave the griffons greater strength and speed, that became contagious and communicated to unjoined griffons, resulting in the noble beasts becoming uncontrollably aggressive. The [[First Warden]] ordered that any griffon who showed signs or was suspected of being infected was to be put down. Isseya fruitlessly sought a cure at the [[Circle of Magi]] in both the Free Marches and the Tevinter Imperium to no avail. Judging that the Wardens of her generation were not fit to be stewards of the griffons, Isseya hid thirteen griffon eggs, sired by Garahel's griffon Crookytail and Amadis Vael's griffon Smoke, purified of the taint, in a dragon's den in the Anderfels in what would later be called the Red Bride's Grave, until the plague had passed and left clues at Weisshaupt for an elven mage to find so the species would be reborn.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 23-25</ref>}}
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
* The Fourth's Blight's infamous siege of [[Hossberg]] inspired commonly-known songs such as "The Rat-Eater's Lament" and "The Orphan With Five Fathers."<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', p. 22</ref>
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* The Fourth Blight's infamous siege of Hossberg inspired commonly-known songs such as "The Rat-Eater's Lament" and "The Orphan With Five Fathers."<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', p. 22</ref>
   
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
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== References ==
 
== References ==
<references/>
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{{Scroll box|<references/>}}
   
 
{{ExaltedAge}}
 
{{ExaltedAge}}
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{{Grey Wardens}}
 
[[Category:Free Marches]]
 
[[Category:Free Marches]]

Revision as of 16:37, 4 January 2018

The Fourth Blight began when the Archdemon Andoral arose in 5:12 Exalted and darkspawn surfaced in the northeast and northwestern regions of Thedas.

Beginnings

Antiva was struck by the darkspawn first. The Antivans were taken completely by surprise and the darkspawn had soon taken all of Antiva with only the capital, Antiva City resisting. Unchecked, the darkspawn swarmed out into Rivain and the Free Marches. Meanwhile, Antiva City closed its gates. In spite of this, refugees continued to flee to Antiva City with hundreds camping outside the city gates.[1]

Fall of Antiva City

King Elaudio and Queen Giuvana of Antiva called the Grey Wardens for aid. Antiva's Warden-Commander, Turab, gathered a contingent of Antivan Wardens at the city and called for a regiment of griffon riders to help evacuate the city. Garahel and his sister Isseya were among them. The Wardens advised fleeing Antiva immediately in order to save as many lives as possible, but the royal couple insisted on trying to defend the city from the darkspawn, ignoring the Wardens' warnings the city was in no way prepared to withstand a siege. However, many of the ship captains still in the city chose to flee via Rialto bay, leaving even fewer means of escape from the city. Eventually discontent at the royals' misjudgment led to the Antivan Royal Guard turning on them, killing King Eluadio before being defeated by the Grey Wardens. To preserve morale, it was announced that the King was killed by the darkspawn.

As the Wardens and the surviving members of the royal court prepared to withdraw, the walls were finally breached and the darkspawn swarmed through the city. The Wardens were attacked by the Archdemon Andoral itself just outside of Antiva City, killing Warden-Commander Turab and most of the Wardens along with the surviving members of the royal family, whom the Wardens had been trying to evacuate. Garahel and Isseya, together with Amadis Vael and an Antivan Crow mage Calien launched a diversionary attack on the Archdemon to allow the surviving Wardens the time to get their charges to safety. After a pitched conflict they were able to delay the Archdemon and make a narrow escape.[2]

Evacuation of Wycome

The surviving Wardens regrouped at the city of Wycome in the Free Marches. The local citizenry devoted all their efforts to fortifying the city. Knowing that this would be insufficient to hold off the darkspawn, Warden-Commander Senaste had the Wardens constructing improvised aravels led by griffons which they could use to evacuate the populace. Isseya oversaw the project while Garahel delivered messages and requests of support to nobles and other potential military assets on behalf of Amadis Vael. Although they were unable to evacuate everyone before the city fell, the Wardens managed to send a large number of refugees to Starkhaven.[3]

Other fronts

Hossberg, the capital city of the Anderfels, once again was besieged by the darkspawn. In the Tevinter Imperium, the Siege of Marnas Pell took place, and along with the help of the dwarves of Orzammar, the siege was lifted at no small cost. The dwarves received many accolades of the ruling Archon and one of them even became a Paragon.[4] Orlais was barely hit and drove the darkspawn within its borders back underground. Tevinter refused to send any aid to the Free Marches or Anderfels, bitter over the recent Exalted Marches against the Imperium, while Orlais committed only a token force.[5] The darkspawn also pushed in the underground realm and captured Ortan Thaig.[6]

The Siege of Hossberg

Hossberg was under varying degrees of siege by the darkspawn for the next eight years. Garahel was promoted to the temporary rank of Field-Commander and given charge of defending against the siege. Finally in the last days of 5:19 Exalted, the Grey Wardens were able to locate the entrance to the Deep Roads which the darkspawn were using to bring reinforcements into the Anderfels to join the siege. Isseya leads a small sortie party out of Hossberg on their griffons to collapse the passage. In spite of some casualties the passage was collapsed and the darkspawn were cut off from reinforcements.

With the darkspawn isolated, Garahel led the bulk of the Grey Wardens and the Anderfels Royal Army from a position northwest of the city against the main force of the darkspawn. Meanwhile, another contingent of Grey Wardens under the command of Isseya opened up a second front south of the city. The Wardens mined the area with 'skyburners'–a modified form of dwarven lyrium mining explosives donated by Orzammar–which they baited with quality weaponry to lure the darkspawn.[7] A large number of darkspawn were destroyed in the initial blast and afterwards the Wardens attacked, massacring and forcing the retreat of ancillary darkspawn forces in the fork of the Lattenfluss river. Combined with the main army's success, the siege of Hossberg was finally broken in the first days of 5:20 Exalted.[8]

Height

Despite all the successes, the year 5:21 was the most dire point of the Blight. The Free Marches were left all but devastated and the darkspawn pressed further west. In return for a declaration of support for her regency from Garahel himself, Queen Mariwen of the Anderfels agreed to send the Anderfels Royal Army to assist the Wardens in their campaign.

Fortress Haine became a makeshift Warden fortress and a refuge known as the Retreat was dug in the mountain, sheltering fleeing Cumberland and Kirkwall citizens. Kirkwall was evacuated using the same method the Wardens used in Wycome years earlier. Thanks to a rabid griffon, one train of aravels was lost on the approach to the darkspawn but the rest reached the fortress. Together with the Champion of Starkhaven, the Wardens managed to evacuate hundreds of refugees to Fortress Haine.[9]

Meanwhile, Garahel formed a formidable ensemble army including a large number of disenfranchised groups, including a company of apostate mages known as the Broken Circle, a group of casteless and surface dwarves named the Stone's Bastards and the Masterless, former elven slaves from the Tevinter Imperium.

In 5:22 he gathered Orlesian and Anders Wardens and marched to Starkhaven. Garahel organized an alliance between the Marchers and the united army continued north.[10][11][12]

Battle of Ayesleigh

By 5:24 Exalted, the darkspawn had finally been pushed back to Rivain and Antiva. The allied forces decided to use this opportunity to try and bring the Archdemon itself to battle and thus end the Blight. Amadis Vael led the ground force on Arvaud's Barrow just outside the city of Ayesleigh, with Ser Gaston de Montfort leading the cavalry. The Champion of Starkhaven was also among the ground force. The ground force attacked the gathered darkspawn there and then laid an ambush for the Archdemon. Simultaneously, Garahel led a strike force of Grey Wardens on griffons to the skies above Ayesleigh. Using a smaller version of the skyburner explosives, the Wardens barraged the city below to devastating effect, causing heavy darkspawn casualties. The darkspawn had no real way to combat the airborne Wardens, and the Archdemon was forced to take the field.

The Wardens struck, aiming to infuriate the beast and lure it back to their ground troops. However, they lost control of the rabid griffons, splintering their strike force. Only a handful of griffons followed the withdrawal formation while the rest frantically assaulted the Archdemon. Cut off from their support, the Wardens concentrated all their riders on attacking Andoral. Although most of them were killed during the ensuing battle, the unusual ferocity of rabid griffons proved highly effective tearing out chunks of the Archdemon's flesh, and with support of the archers and mages the Wardens managed to collapse one of its wings. Andoral was sent hurtling down crashing into the streets of Ayesleigh. The Wardens advanced on the city to finish their task, only to discover Andoral had led them into a trap of its own; its flight had led the Wardens head first into range of legions of darkspawn archers, taking further casualties.

With only three Wardens left, Garahel flew his griffon into Ayesleigh narrowly avoiding the archers and the Archdemon's attacks before finally driving his blade into a wound at the base of the Archdemon's neck made by the rabid griffons, killing the beast at last. The Fourth Blight ended–and Garahel died, having performed a Grey Warden's ultimate duty, sacrificing his own life to destroy Andoral.[13][14]

Captain Lambert Valmont of the Imperial Orlesian army was part of the Orlesian regiment of the ground forces during the battle. Lambert disregarded his orders and aided the Antivan forces, saving them and their King, Azar Adalberto Campana from certain death. The King thanked his savior by elevating him to noble rank and giving him one of his daughter's hand in marriage, and when Lambert returned to Orlais, the Emperor felt obligated to follow suit and granted him a Marquisate.

Aftermath

The effects of the Blight persisted in the Anderfels and the Deep Roads but were largely ignored by most, save for the Grey Wardens. So many darkspawn were slain in the final battles of the Blight that it was easy for some to imagine that they would never return. This view persisted for many centuries after the final victory at Ayesleigh, and would ultimately damage efforts to repulse the darkspawn the next time they rose up under the command of an Archdemon, as the surface kingdoms were long convinced such an occurrence was impossible.[15] Garahel himself was granted a hero's funeral, attended by kings and emperors from across Thedas.[16]. As per Garahel's final request, his weapons and armour were returned to the Grey Wardens and placed in a memorial casket at Weisshaupt Fortress, adorned with horns taken from Andoral's corpse, save for his helmet, which was lost in battle at Ayesleigh.[17].

The griffons soon went extinct, their numbers decimated during the Blight.[18]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Last Flight.


The cause of this was the result of a modified version of the Joining created by Isseya that gave the griffons greater strength and speed, that became contagious and communicated to unjoined griffons, resulting in the noble beasts becoming uncontrollably aggressive. The First Warden ordered that any griffon who showed signs or was suspected of being infected was to be put down. Isseya fruitlessly sought a cure at the Circle of Magi in both the Free Marches and the Tevinter Imperium to no avail. Judging that the Wardens of her generation were not fit to be stewards of the griffons, Isseya hid thirteen griffon eggs, sired by Garahel's griffon Crookytail and Amadis Vael's griffon Smoke, purified of the taint, in a dragon's den in the Anderfels in what would later be called the Red Bride's Grave, until the plague had passed and left clues at Weisshaupt for an elven mage to find so the species would be reborn.[19]


Trivia

  • The Fourth Blight's infamous siege of Hossberg inspired commonly-known songs such as "The Rat-Eater's Lament" and "The Orphan With Five Fathers."[20]

Gallery

See also

Codex entry: Ballad of Ayesleigh Codex entry: Ballad of Ayesleigh — a ballad about the final battle of the Fourth Blight
Codex entry: Garahel's Helm Codex entry: Garahel's Helm — describes the slaying of Andoral
Codex entry: Stalata Negat Codex entry: Stalata Negat — dwarven view on the Fourth Blight
Axe of the Grey Axe of the Grey
Codex entry: The Lion of Orlais Codex entry: The Lion of Orlais — describes the rescuing of beleaguered Antivan forces during the Battle of Ayesleigh

References