Changes: Genlock

Revision as of 17:11, 13 February 2020

Genlocks are a stocky, numerous breed of darkspawn. They are bred by broodmothers of dwarven background.

Background

Most numerous of the darkspawn by far, genlocks are tough and stocky fighters with a penchant for wickedly hooked axes. Unlike the majority of their brethren, they are swift to take up the more complicated weapons of their enemies, employing siege engines in battle and using clever traps to defend any terrain they control. Ferelden's Circle of Magi believes that their propensity to mine the Deep Roads for lyrium has given genlocks a resistance to magic, for they’ve been known to shrug off spells in battle with little effect.

Particularly cunning genlock alphas cultivate skill as sorcerers and become emissaries. However, emissaries generally only appear during a Blight. Like all darkspawn casters, genlock emissaries wield blight magic that draws on the taint rather than the Fade, allowing them to bypass the resistance to conventional magic inherited from dwarven broodmothers.

The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.

Genlocks tend to be slightly shorter than dwarves with pale white or yellowish skin. They are invariably bald, with deepset eyes and sunken cheeks. Their voices are low and harsh, punctuated by occasional grunts.^[1]

Genlock alphas are the strongest, quickest, and most cunning of their kind, bullying their way into the leadership of bands of lesser genlocks. They tend to be taller and more heavily muscled than their brethren, and have a more commanding presence, although their demeanor is more swagger and bluster than cool leadership.^[1]

It’s not clear how genlock emissaries are able to cast spells so effectively while armored. Some Grey Warden scholars theorize that the emissaries' magic is similar enough to blood magic (which draws directly on the blood rather than the Fade) that the emissaries can ignore the magic-damping effects of armor by simply pillaging their minions' life force to fuel their spellcasting.^[2]

Known variations

Genlock script — Script found in the Wonders of Thedas which provides an analysis on genlocks

Rogues

Genlock runner: Nimble and quick, these small genlocks are used as bait for traps. Very few are ever encountered, but when they are, it's most likely to happen in the Deep Roads.
Genlock archer: These genlocks are the ranged fighters of their kin, and will keep their distance if cornered.
Genlock rogue: These have the ability to use stealth, and can switch from daggers to crossbows and other ranged weapons if need be.
Genlock assassin acolyte: This upgraded form of genlock rogue fights in small groups, and is tough in tight quarters.
Genlock assassin: These are simply rogues with assassin skills, such as Mark of Death.
Genlock master assassin: Perhaps the deadliest of all rogue type genlocks, this creature has the abilities of the Genlock assassin with massively superior stats.
Genlock shadow: These have the ability to use stealth and decoy, and they use daggers.

Warriors

Genlock: These are the common infantry of the darkspawn horde, cannon fodder more than anything else.
Genlock alpha: These stocky beasts are the commanders and generals of the genlock forces, bullying the others into line with group buff abilities.

Mages

Genlock emissary: Very few darkspawn can learn magic, but those that can are called emissaries.
Genlock shapechanger: This rare darkspawn can become all manner of the Blight beasts, and can attack the party in these changed forms.
Genlock conjurer: This is one of the most powerful of all emissary type genlocks, able to summon demons, and direct them towards its enemies.
Genlock necromancer: An emissary that has learned to bind simple demons to the bodies of the dead, including other darkspawn. When they appear as bosses, they may be immune to Mana Clash.

Notes

The darkspawn were redesigned for the purposes of Dragon Age II, and the genlocks seem to be among the most heavily affected. Regular genlocks are much more beast-like in appearance, using their heavy-set arms to support their weight, much like a gorilla. In addition to sporting the new skin and armor similar to those of other darkspawn, the redesigned Genlock alphas in particular are much larger: about the size of a bronto and are extremely tough, wielding massive tower shields in deadly charge attacks. They only appear in the Legacy DLC. This design was later used, and upgraded for The Descent DLC in Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Gallery

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 26
↑ Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, pp. 26-27

[rpg26-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 26

[2] Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, pp. 26-27

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 |image       = 04 genlock archer.jpg
 |px          = 270px
-|variations  = [[Genlock (variation)|Genlock]] <br> [[Genlock alpha]] <br> [[Genlock archer]] <br> [[Genlock assassin acolyte]] <br> [[Genlock conjurer]] <br> [[Genlock emissary]] <br> [[Genlock forge master]] <br> [[Genlock necromancer]] <br> [[Genlock rogue]] <br> [[Genlock runner]] <br> [[Genlock shadow]] <br> [[Genlock shapechanger]] <br> [[Golem master]]
+|variations  = [[Genlock (variation)|Genlock]] <br> [[Genlock alpha]] <br> [[Genlock archer]] <br> [[Genlock assassin acolyte]] <br> [[Genlock conjurer]] <br> [[Genlock emissary]] <br> [[Genlock necromancer]] <br> [[Genlock rogue]] <br> [[Genlock runner]] <br> [[Genlock shadow]] <br> [[Genlock shapechanger]]
-|appearances = [[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Calling]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Journeys]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Dragon Age Legends]] <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]] <br> [[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]
+|appearances = [[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]] <br> [[Dragon Age: The Calling]] <br> [[A Tale of Orzammar]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[The Stone Prisoner]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Journeys]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Dragon Age Legends]] <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]] <br> [[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] <br> [[The Descent]]
 }}</onlyinclude>
-'''Genlocks''' are a stocky, numerous breed of [[darkspawn]].
+'''Genlocks''' are a stocky, numerous breed of [[darkspawn]]. They are bred by [[broodmother]]s of [[Dwarf|dwarven]] background.
 == Background ==
-Most numerous of the darkspawn by far, genlocks are tough and stocky fighters with a penchant for wickedly hooked axes. Unlike the majority of their brethren, they
+Most numerous of the darkspawn by far, genlocks are tough and stocky fighters with a penchant for wickedly hooked axes. Unlike the majority of their brethren, they are swift to take up the more complicated weapons of their enemies, employing siege engines in battle and using clever traps to defend any terrain they control. [[Ferelden]]'s [[Circle of Magi]] believes that their propensity to mine the [[Deep Roads]] for [[lyrium]] has given genlocks a resistance to magic, for they’ve been known to shrug off spells in battle with little effect.
-are swift to take up the more complicated weapons of their enemies, employing siege engines in battle and using clever traps to defend any terrain they control. [[Ferelden]]'s [[Circle of Magi]] believes that their propensity to mine the [[Deep Roads]] for [[lyrium]] has given genlocks a resistance to magic, for they’ve been known to shrug off spells in battle with little effect. Genlocks tend to be slightly shorter than dwarves with pale white or yellowish skin. They are invariably bald, with deepset eyes and sunken cheeks. Their voices are low and harsh, punctuated by occasional grunts.<ref name="rpg26">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 26</ref>
+Particularly cunning [[genlock alpha]]s cultivate skill as sorcerers and become [[Genlock emissary|emissaries]]. However, emissaries generally only appear during a [[Blight]]. Like all darkspawn casters, genlock emissaries wield [[Taint#Blight magic|blight magic]] that draws on the [[taint]] rather than the [[Fade]], allowing them to bypass the resistance to conventional magic inherited from dwarven broodmothers.
-[[Genlock alpha]]s are the strongest, quickest, and most cunning of their kind, bullying their way into the leadership of bands of lesser genlocks. They tend to be taller and more heavily muscled than their brethren, and have a more commanding presence, although their demeanor is more swagger and bluster than cool leadership.<ref name="rpg26"/>
+{{Tabletop RPG material}}
+Genlocks tend to be slightly shorter than dwarves with pale white or yellowish skin. They are invariably bald, with deepset eyes and sunken cheeks. Their voices are low and harsh, punctuated by occasional grunts.<ref name="rpg26">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 26</ref>
+Genlock alphas are the strongest, quickest, and most cunning of their kind, bullying their way into the leadership of bands of lesser genlocks. They tend to be taller and more heavily muscled than their brethren, and have a more commanding presence, although their demeanor is more swagger and bluster than cool leadership.<ref name="rpg26"/>
-Particularly cunning genlock alphas cultivate skill as sorcerers, mainly in entropy magic, and become [[Genlock emissary|emissaries]]. However, emissaries generally only appear during a [[Blight]], acting to rally darkspawn and carry out the more sensitive or intricate plans of the rising [[Archdemon]].<ref name="rpg26"/> It’s not clear how genlock emissaries - said to arise from dwarf [[broodmother]]s - are able to cast spells so effectively given their natural magic resistance, and how they are able to cast spells so effectively even though most are usually seen armored. Some [[Grey Wardens|Grey Warden]] scholars theorize that the emissaries’ magic is similar enough to [[blood magic]] that the emissaries can ignore the magic-damping effects of armor by simply pillaging their minions’ life force to fuel their spellcasting.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, pp. 26-27</ref>
+It’s not clear how genlock emissaries are able to cast spells so effectively while armored. Some [[Grey Wardens|Grey Warden]] scholars theorize that the emissaries' magic is similar enough to [[blood magic]] (which draws directly on the blood rather than the Fade) that the emissaries can ignore the magic-damping effects of armor by simply pillaging their minions' life force to fuel their spellcasting.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 2, pp. 26-27</ref>
-After the [[Fifth Blight]], Genlocks underwent a biological change, becoming more animalistic and less intelligent than they once were, but also becoming far stronger than they used to be, comparable to [[Hurlock]]'s.
 == Known variations ==
@@ Line 24: / Line 25: @@
 === Rogues ===
-* [[Genlock runner]]. Nimble and quick, these small genlocks are used as bait for traps. Very few are ever encountered, but when they are, it's most likely to happen in the [[Deep Roads]].
+* [[Genlock runner]]: Nimble and quick, these small genlocks are used as bait for traps. Very few are ever encountered, but when they are, it's most likely to happen in the [[Deep Roads]].
-* [[Genlock archer]]. These genlocks are the ranged fighters of their kin, and will keep their distance if cornered.
+* [[Genlock archer]]: These genlocks are the ranged fighters of their kin, and will keep their distance if cornered.
-* [[Genlock rogue]]. These have the ability to use stealth, and can switch from daggers to crossbows and other ranged weapons if need be.
+* [[Genlock rogue]]: These have the ability to use stealth, and can switch from daggers to crossbows and other ranged weapons if need be.
-* [[Genlock assassin acolyte]]. This upgraded form of genlock rogue fights in small groups, and is tough in tight quarters.
+* [[Genlock assassin acolyte]]: This upgraded form of genlock rogue fights in small groups, and is tough in tight quarters.
-* Genlock assassin. These are simply rogues with [[Assassin (Origins)|assassin]] skills, such as [[Mark of Death (Origins)|Mark of Death]].
+* Genlock assassin: These are simply rogues with [[Assassin (Origins)|assassin]] skills, such as [[Mark of Death (Origins)|Mark of Death]].
-* [[Genlock master assassin]]. Perhaps the deadliest of all rogue type genlocks, this creature has the abilities of the Genlock Assassin with massively superior stats.
+* [[Genlock master assassin]]: Perhaps the deadliest of all rogue type genlocks, this creature has the abilities of the Genlock assassin with massively superior stats.
-* [[Genlock shadow]].These have the ability to use stealth and decoy, and they use daggers.
+* [[Genlock shadow]]: These have the ability to use stealth and decoy, and they use daggers.
 === Warriors ===
-* [[Genlock]]. These are the common infantry of the darkspawn horde, cannon fodder more than anything else.
+* [[Genlock (variation)|Genlock]]: These are the common infantry of the darkspawn horde, cannon fodder more than anything else.
-* [[Genlock alpha]]. These stocky beasts are the commanders and generals of the genlock forces, bullying the others into line with group buff abilities.
+* [[Genlock alpha]]: These stocky beasts are the commanders and generals of the genlock forces, bullying the others into line with group buff abilities.
-* [[Genlock forge master]]. The strongest of all genlocks, this master of two-handed weapons rarely leaves the [[Dead Trenches]], where he resides, making weapons and armor for his brethren. It fights surrounded by archers and [[hurlock]]s, and wields [[Forge Master's Hammer|an enchanted war maul]].
 === Mages ===
-* [[Genlock emissary]]. Very few darkspawn can learn magic, but those that can are called [[Emissary|emissaries]].
+* [[Genlock emissary]]: Very few darkspawn can learn magic, but those that can are called [[Emissary|emissaries]].
-* [[Genlock shapechanger]]. This rare darkspawn can become all manner of the Blight beasts, and can attack the party in these changed forms.
+* [[Genlock shapechanger]]: This rare darkspawn can become all manner of the Blight beasts, and can attack the party in these changed forms.
-* [[Genlock conjurer]]. This is the rarest and most powerful of all emissary type genlocks, able to summon [[demon]]s, and direct them towards the Conjurer's enemies.
+* [[Genlock conjurer]]: This is one of the most powerful of all emissary type genlocks, able to summon [[demon]]s, and direct them towards its enemies.
-* [[Genlock necromancer]]. A Emissary that has learned to bind simple demons to the bodies of the dead, including other darkspawn.  When they appear as bosses, they may be immune to [[Mana Clash]].
+* [[Genlock necromancer]]: An emissary that has learned to bind simple demons to the bodies of the dead, including other darkspawn. When they appear as bosses, they may be immune to [[Mana Clash]].
-== Locations ==
-=== ''Dragon Age: Origins'' ===
-* The Genlock Conjurer, Shapechanger and Master Assassin are all found on the Main Floor of [[Fort Drakon]] during the [[the Battle of Denerim]].
-** The [[Genlock conjurer]] fights alongside one Greater [[shade]] and five Lesser shades.
-** The [[Genlock master assassin]] is accompanied by four Assassin Acolytes.
-** The [[Genlock shapechanger]] is surrounded by several Devouring and Enraged Corpses and a Hurlock Emissary.
-=== ''Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening ===
-* The [[Genlock forge master]] is located in the [[Dead Trenches]].
 == Notes ==
-* The darkspawn were redesigned for the purposes of ''[[Dragon Age II]]'', and the genlocks seem to be among the most heavily affected. Regular Genlocks are much more beast-like in appearance, using their heavy-set arms to support their weight, much like a gorilla. In addition to sporting the new skin and armor similar to those of other darkspawn, the redesigned genlock Alphas in particular are much larger: about the size of a [[bronto]] and are extremely tough, wielding massive tower shields in deadly charge attacks. They only appear in the ''[[Legacy]]'' [[Downloadable content (Dragon Age II)|DLC]]. This design was later used, and upgraded for ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]'s'' ''[[The Descent]]'' DLC.
+* The darkspawn were redesigned for the purposes of ''[[Dragon Age II]]'', and the genlocks seem to be among the most heavily affected. Regular genlocks are much more beast-like in appearance, using their heavy-set arms to support their weight, much like a gorilla. In addition to sporting the new skin and armor similar to those of other darkspawn, the redesigned Genlock alphas in particular are much larger: about the size of a [[bronto]] and are extremely tough, wielding massive tower shields in deadly charge attacks. They only appear in the ''[[Legacy]]'' [[Downloadable content (Dragon Age II)|DLC]]. This design was later used, and upgraded for ''[[The Descent]]'' [[Downloadable content (Inquisition)|DLC]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]''.
 == Gallery ==
-<gallery widths="199" captionalign="center">
+<gallery widths="199px" captionalign="center" orientation="landscape">
-Genlock Concept DAO.png|Concept Art<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 1, p. 29</ref>
+Genlock Concept DAO.png|Concept Art
 Legacy-03-genlock-p.jpg|Concept art for ''Dragon Age II''
 Genlock DAII.png|A Genlock as depicted in ''Dragon Age II''
@@ Line 67: / Line 56: @@
 == See also ==
-{{:Codex entry: Genlock|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
+{{:Codex entry: Genlock (Origins)|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
 {{:Codex entry: Genlock (Dragon Age II)|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
 {{:Codex entry: Genlock (Inquisition)|style=iconmini2}}{{clrl}}
 == References ==
-<references />
+<references/>
 {{Darkspawn}}
@@ Line 78: / Line 67: @@
 [[Category:Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne creatures]]
 [[Category:Dragon Age: The Calling creatures]]
+[[Category:A Tale of Orzammar creatures]]
 [[Category:Dragon Age: Origins creatures]]
+[[Category:The Stone Prisoner creatures]]
 [[Category:Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening creatures]]
 [[Category:Dragon Age II creatures]]
 [[Category:Dragon Age Legends creatures]]
+[[Category:Dragon Age (tabletop RPG) creatures]]
+[[Category:Dragon Age: Inquisition creatures]]
+[[Category:The Descent creatures]]
+[[Category:Heroes of Dragon Age creatures]]
 [[Category:Darkspawn]]
 [[Category:Genlocks| ]]
-[[Category:Heroes of Dragon Age creatures]]
-[[Category:Dragon Age (tabletop RPG) creatures]]