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|px = 270px
 
|px = 270px
 
|location = [[Free Marches]]
 
|location = [[Free Marches]]
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|inhabitants = [[Human]]s, [[Elf|Elves]], [[Dwarf|Dwarves]], [[Qunari]]
 
|type = City-State
 
|type = City-State
|appearances = [[Dragon Age: The Calling]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Witch Hunt]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Redemption]] <br> [[Legacy]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Mark of the Assassin]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Last Flight]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] - [[The Black Emporium (Inquisition DLC)|The Black Emporium]]}}</onlyinclude>
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|appearances = [[Dragon Age: The Calling]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Witch Hunt]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Redemption]] <br> [[Legacy]] <small> (mentioned) </small> <br> [[Mark of the Assassin]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Last Flight]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]] - [[The Black Emporium (Inquisition DLC)|The Black Emporium]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Knight Errant]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Hard in Hightown]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]]
  +
}}</onlyinclude>
   
'''Kirkwall''', also known as '''The City of Chains''' and historically as '''Emerius''', is a coastal city-state and a major population center located in the [[Free Marches]]. It is on the southern edge of the [[Vimmark Mountains]], east of the [[Planasene Forest]], and north across the Waking Sea from [[Ferelden]]. [[Hawke]] is known to become the [[Free Marches#Champion|Champion]] of Kirkwall.
+
'''Kirkwall''', also known as '''The City of Chains''' and historically as '''Emerius''', is a coastal city-state and a major population center located in the [[Free Marches]]. It is on the southern edge of the [[Vimmark Mountains]], east of the [[Planasene Forest]], and north across the Waking Sea from [[Ferelden]].
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
 
[[File:City of Chains heraldry DA2.png|thumb|Old Tevinter heraldry when Kirkwall was still known as Emerius]]
 
[[File:City of Chains heraldry DA2.png|thumb|Old Tevinter heraldry when Kirkwall was still known as Emerius]]
Founded under the name '''Emerius''', after [[Magister]] Emerius Krayvan, on the edge of the [[Tevinter Imperium|Imperium]] to be the main supplier of jet stone to build a [[Minrathous]] temple, the city gained notoriety after it was elected to be the new heart of the slave trade after a [[Slavery|slave]] revolt made [[Archon]] Vanarius Issar fear for his security when he was almost killed. Magisters competed viciously for the honor of governing the port for nearly two decades before Emerius married his son to the archon's daughter. The Krayvan family constructed the [[Gallows]], patronized the next three archons and were the main backers for the [[Imperial Highway]] into the Fereldan Valley, which devastated them when [[Andraste]] led her rebellion from there against the Imperium. At its height, Emerius was one of the mightiest Imperial cities with 1,000,000 slaves living and working in the city. The city was defended by the Fourteenth Cadre also known as ''The Black Cadre'' and was regarded by most Imperial soldiers to be a punishment to serve there. It wasn't until a massive slave revolt circa -25 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]] that the City of Chains came to be known as ''Kirkwall'' when a popular [[Alamarri]] slave named Radun was assassinated by wary magisters for his influence, which led to extremely violent retributions, including the sacking of [[Hightown]] and the death of its Tevinter rulers.
+
Founded under the name '''Emerius''' in -620 Ancient<ref>{{Cite wot|25}}</ref>, after [[Magister]] Emerius Krayvan, on the edge of the [[Tevinter Imperium|Imperium]] to be the main supplier of jet stone to build a [[Minrathous]] temple. The city gained notoriety after it was elected to be the new heart of the slave trade after a [[Slavery|slave]] revolt made [[Archon]] Vanarius Issar fear for his security when he was almost killed. Magisters competed viciously for the honor of governing the port for nearly two decades before Emerius married his son to the archon's daughter. The Krayvan family constructed the [[Gallows]], patronized the next three archons and were the main backers for the [[Imperial Highway]] into the Fereldan Valley, which devastated them when [[Andraste]] led her rebellion from there against the Imperium. At its height, Emerius was one of the mightiest Imperial cities with 1,000,000 slaves living and working in the city. The city was defended by the Fourteenth Cadre also known as ''The Black Cadre'' and was regarded by most Imperial soldiers to be a punishment to serve there. The City of Chains came to be known as '''Kirkwall''' in -25 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]], following a massive slave revolt which started when a popular [[Alamarri]] slave named Radun was assassinated by magisters wary of his influence; this led to extremely violent retributions, including the sacking of [[Hightown]] and the death of its Tevinter rulers.
 
Kirkwall has changed hands many times since then and has always been a valuable port, the nexus of nearly all trade that flows between the Free Marches and [[Ferelden]]. Natives of Kirkwall are referred to as "Kirkwallers". <ref>[[Codex entry: A Badly Copied Leaflet]]</ref>
 
   
 
Kirkwall has changed hands many times since then and has always been a valuable port, the nexus of nearly all trade that flows between the Free Marches and [[Ferelden]]. Natives of Kirkwall are known as "Kirkwallers". <ref>[[Codex entry: A Badly Copied Leaflet]]</ref>
   
 
{{Blockquote|The city's complicated past is not easy to forget, history having earmarked many corners of the stone city. A ship approaching the harbor spots the city's namesake: an imposing black wall. It is visible for miles, and carved into the cliff side are a pantheon of vile guardians representing the [[Old Gods]]. Over the years, the [[Chantry]] has effaced many of these profane sentinels, but it will take many more years to erase them all.
 
{{Blockquote|The city's complicated past is not easy to forget, history having earmarked many corners of the stone city. A ship approaching the harbor spots the city's namesake: an imposing black wall. It is visible for miles, and carved into the cliff side are a pantheon of vile guardians representing the [[Old Gods]]. Over the years, the [[Chantry]] has effaced many of these profane sentinels, but it will take many more years to erase them all.
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== History ==
 
== History ==
In 5:21 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]], at the height of the [[Fourth Blight]], Kirkwall was one of several cities in the Free Marches threatened by the advance of the [[darkspawn]] horde. The [[Grey Wardens]] were able to evacuate many thousands of refugees from the city to a [[The Retreat|safe haven]] in the [[Vimmark Mountains]], albeit at a high cost in Warden lives.
+
In 5:21 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]], at the height of the [[Fourth Blight]], Kirkwall was one of several cities in the Free Marches threatened by the advance of the [[darkspawn]] horde. The [[Grey Wardens]] were able to evacuate many thousands of refugees from the city to a [[The Retreat|safe haven]] in the [[Vimmark Mountains]], albeit at a high cost in Warden lives.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]]'', ch. 14, 16–19</ref>
   
 
In 7:56 [[Storm Age|Storm]], [[Qunari]] invaders took Kirkwall in a night raid and occupied it for four years, forcibly converting much of the populace to the Qun and making the natives work in labor camps previously manned by slaves. It was liberated by Orlesians under the chevalier [[Michel Lafaille]], who was appointed Viscount in 7:60 by the [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|emperor]]. He pursued a campaign of religious reeducation and formed the [[Kirkwall City Guard]] to act as the city's defenders.
 
In 7:56 [[Storm Age|Storm]], [[Qunari]] invaders took Kirkwall in a night raid and occupied it for four years, forcibly converting much of the populace to the Qun and making the natives work in labor camps previously manned by slaves. It was liberated by Orlesians under the chevalier [[Michel Lafaille]], who was appointed Viscount in 7:60 by the [[Orlesian royalty and nobility|emperor]]. He pursued a campaign of religious reeducation and formed the [[Kirkwall City Guard]] to act as the city's defenders.
Line 29: Line 30:
 
In 8:05 [[Blessed Age|Blessed]], Kirkwall rebelled against Orlesian rule and gained independence, but maintained the title of viscount as its ruler.
 
In 8:05 [[Blessed Age|Blessed]], Kirkwall rebelled against Orlesian rule and gained independence, but maintained the title of viscount as its ruler.
   
In 9:21 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]], Viscount Perrin Threnhold attempted to expel the [[Templar Order]] from Kirkwall, killing [[Knight-Commander]] Guylian in the raid of the Templar stronghold, only to be overthrown by the Templar Knight [[Meredith Stannard]], who was promoted soon after. With the [[Chantry]]'s support, she appointed [[Marlowe Dumar]] to succeed Perrin, but commands the true authority in the city from the Gallows.
+
At the onset of the [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon Age]], Chivalry Threnhold became Viscount of the city. Historical accounts paint him as a vicious thug who took power through a campaign of intimidation. His son Perrin succeeded him in 9:14. After he used the harbor's ancient chains to block sea traffic in the [[Waking Sea]] and charge exorbitant fees from Orlesian ships, Divine Beatrix III ordered the city's templars to pressure him into reopening the Waking Sea passage.<ref>[[Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 4]]</ref> As a result, in 9:21 Dragon, Viscount Perrin Threnhold attempted to expel the [[Templar Order]] from Kirkwall, killing [[Knight-Commander]] Guylian in the raid of the Templar stronghold. Knight-Templar [[Meredith Stannard]] and a group of her best templars marched on the [[Viscount's Keep]] and had him arrested, thrown in his own dungeons and stripped of his title. She was promoted to Knight-Commander by [[Grand Cleric]] [[Elthina]] soon after. With the [[Chantry]]'s support, Meredith appointed [[Marlowe Dumar]] to succeed Perrin, though she remained the true authority in the city from the Gallows.<ref>{{Cite wot2|184}}</ref>
 
{{SpoilerDA2|In 9:31 Dragon, Qunari set out to meet Orlesians who agreed to return the [[Tome of Koslun]] to them. However, the book is intercepted by a [[Isabela|Rivaini pirate]].
 
   
Following a storm, a Qunari ship founders on the coast of Kirkwall. The [[Arishok]] and his surviving army are forced to remain in [[Qunari Compound]], until they reclaim the Tome of Koslun.
+
{{SpoilerDA2|In 9:31 Dragon, Qunari set out to meet Orlesians who agreed to return the [[Tome of Koslun]] to them. However, the book was stolen by a [[Isabela|Rivaini pirate]]. As the qunari gave chase, the thief led their ship into a storm to try and escape them, leading both their ships to founder on the coast of Kirkwall. The [[Arishok]] and his surviving army were forced to remain in the [[Qunari Compound]], until they could reclaim the Tome of Koslun.
   
In 9:34 Dragon, the Arishok decides to attack the city, starting the [[First Battle of Kirkwall]]. In the ensuing invasion Marlowe Dumar is killed by the Arishok. [[Hawke]] drastically helps in the liberation of the city and thus is named "Champion of Kirkwall" by Kirkwall's Knight-Commander, Meredith Stannard.
+
In 9:34 Dragon, following years of tension between [[the Chantry]] and the qunari, the Arishok decided to attack the city, starting the [[First Battle of Kirkwall]]. In the ensuing invasion Viscount Marlowe Dumar was killed by the Arishok. [[Hawke]] drastically helped in the liberation of the city and was thus named the first "[[Free Marches#Champion|Champion of Kirkwall]]" by Kirkwall's Knight-Commander, Meredith Stannard.
   
In 9:37 Dragon, an [[apostate]] [[mage]], [[Anders]], destroys the [[Kirkwall Chantry]], igniting the [[Kirkwall Rebellion (9:37 Dragon)|Kirkwall Rebellion]] and inspiring mages throughout Thedas to rebel against the Circle system. His magical blast is not contained and rains deadly debris upon half of the city.<ref>[https://twitter.com/BioMaryKirby/status/485140931352342528 Mary Kirby Twitter].</ref> The Champion of Kirkwall kills [[First Enchanter]] [[Orsino]] and Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard during the rebellion in Kirkwall, and later becomes the Viscount or flees the city.}}
+
In 9:37 Dragon, the [[apostate]] [[mage]] [[Anders]] destroyed the [[Kirkwall Chantry]], igniting the [[Kirkwall Rebellion (9:37 Dragon)|Kirkwall Rebellion]] and inspiring mages throughout Thedas to rebel against the system of the [[Circle of Magi]]. His magical blast was not contained and rained deadly debris upon half of the city.<ref>{{Twitter|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|url=https://twitter.com/BioMaryKirby/status/485140931352342528}}</ref> The Champion of Kirkwall killed [[First Enchanter]] [[Orsino]] and Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard during the rebellion in Kirkwall, and later became the Viscount or fled the city.}}
   
 
{{SpoilerDAI|
 
{{SpoilerDAI|
 
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Sebastian Vael recruited by Hawke, Anders survived, and the Inquisitor accepts Sebastian's offer of friendship|}}
 
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Sebastian Vael recruited by Hawke, Anders survived, and the Inquisitor accepts Sebastian's offer of friendship|}}
  +
[[Sebastian Vael]] reclaims his title as Prince of [[Starkhaven]] and in 9:41 leads an invasion of Kirkwall. In the mission [[Annexing Kirkwall]], Sebastian requests support from the [[Inquisition]] in helping him suppress the city's resistance forces led by Guard-Captain [[Aveline Vallen]] and hunt down Anders and his associates. The [[Inquisitor]] can choose to send [[Leliana]]'s agents to bolster Sebastian's forces and strong-arm Aveline to back down or send [[Cullen]]'s military to bolster Aveline's resistance forces and repel Sebastian's occupation forces back to [[Starkhaven]].
+
[[Sebastian Vael]] reclaimed his title as Prince of [[Starkhaven]] and in 9:41 led an invasion of Kirkwall. In the mission [[Annexing Kirkwall]], Sebastian requested support from the [[Inquisition]] to help him suppress the city's resistance forces led by Guard-Captain [[Aveline Vallen]] and hunt down Anders and his associates. The [[Inquisitor]] can choose to send [[Leliana]]'s agents to bolster Sebastian's forces, resulting in Kirkwall ceding much of its northern territory but ultimately ending in a stalemate, send [[Cullen]]'s military to bolster Aveline's resistance forces and repel Sebastian's occupation forces back to [[Starkhaven]], or have [[Josephine]] refuse Sebastian's request.
   
 
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Sebastian Vael recruited by Hawke, Anders executed, and the Inquisitor accepts Sebastian's offer of friendship|}}
 
{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Sebastian Vael recruited by Hawke, Anders executed, and the Inquisitor accepts Sebastian's offer of friendship|}}
  +
[[Sebastian Vael]] reclaims his title as Prince of Starkhaven and in 9:41 decides to aid in the reconstruction of Kirkwall, which continues to suffer from Anders' actions. In the mission [[Aiding Kirkwall]], Sebastian requests that the Inquisition send in soldiers and workers. The Inquisitor can choose to heed Leliana's advice and ignore the request in order focus resources on defeating [[Corypheus]], have Josephine appeal to noble allies to help Kirkwall, or order Cullen to send in troops to expunge [[red lyrium]] from the Gallows and further rebuild the city.
+
[[Sebastian Vael]] reclaimed his title as Prince of Starkhaven and in 9:41 decided to aid in the reconstruction of Kirkwall, which continued to suffer from Anders' actions. In the mission [[Aiding Kirkwall]], Sebastian requested that the Inquisition send in soldiers and workers. The Inquisitor can choose to heed Leliana's advice and ignore the request in order to focus resources on defeating [[Corypheus]], have Josephine appeal to noble allies to help Kirkwall, or order Cullen to send in troops to expunge [[red lyrium]] from the Gallows and further rebuild the city.
 
}}
  +
  +
{{SpoilerDAIT| In the two years after [[Corypheus]]' defeat, [[Varric Tethras]] funded numerous reconstruction projects in Kirkwall. His reconstruction efforts got the harbor and businesses running again and in recognition of his deeds, the nobles voted him in as the new Viscount of Kirkwall.<ref name="Tresspasser Varric">According to Varric in [[Trespasser]].</ref> As Viscount, Varric continued his work to rebuild the city's damaged infrastructure. Under his rule, the city-state finally resumed its place as the major trade-hub of the [[Free Marches]].<ref>[[Epilogue (Trespasser)]]</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
   
 
== Governance ==
 
== Governance ==
Kirkwall is governed by a Viscount since the Orlesian occupation of the city, as the title itself is Orlesian. It has never truly been free to determine its own course, and since the ousting of [[Perrin Threnhold]] the [[The Templar Order|Templar Order]] holds considerable influence over his successor, [[Marlowe Dumar]], and the city.
+
Kirkwall has been governed by a Viscount since the Orlesian occupation of the city, as the title itself is Orlesian. It has never truly been free to determine its own course, and after the ousting of [[Perrin Threnhold]] the [[The Templar Order|Templar Order]] held considerable influence over his successor, [[Marlowe Dumar]], and the city.
   
 
If the ruling line of a Viscount dies out due to no living heirs, then the nobility of Kirkwall will gather to elect a new line from their ranks.
 
If the ruling line of a Viscount dies out due to no living heirs, then the nobility of Kirkwall will gather to elect a new line from their ranks.
   
 
{{SpoilerDA2|
 
{{SpoilerDA2|
With the death of Dumar at the hands of the Qunari, Knight-Commander Meredith was able to block any election of a new Viscount for a number of years until her death. If Hawke chose to side with the Templars, he/she is elected as the new Viscount. It is unknown who is chosen if Hawke sides with the Circle and has to escape the city.
+
With the death of Dumar at the hands of the Qunari, Knight-Commander Meredith was able to block any election of a new Viscount for a number of years until her death. If Hawke chose to side with the Templars, they are elected as the new Viscount.}}
}}
 
 
   
 
{{SpoilerDAI|
 
{{SpoilerDAI|
By 9:41, Kirkwall was ruled by Provisional Viscount [[Bran (seneschal)|Bran]]. If Hawke was previously elected Viscount, he/she was eventually betrayed and forced to flee by the Templars, who had become dangerously paranoid through [[Red Lyrium]] use. Bran reluctantly assumed the office only because no one else familiar with the protocols wanted it. He saw his appointment as temporary, and awaited the promised return of Hawke as the legitimate ruler of Kirkwall. In the meantime, Bran spent much of his time negotiating with numerous would-be conquerors of the city while Captain of the Guard [[Aveline]] and the Kirkwall Militia ably defended it.
+
By 9:41, Kirkwall was ruled by Provisional Viscount [[Bran (seneschal)|Bran]]. If Hawke was previously elected Viscount, they were eventually betrayed and forced to flee by the Templars, who had become dangerously paranoid through [[Red Lyrium]] use. Bran reluctantly assumed the office only because no one else familiar with the protocols wanted it. He saw his appointment as temporary, and awaited the promised return of Hawke as the legitimate ruler of Kirkwall. In the meantime, Bran spent much of his time negotiating with numerous would-be conquerors of the city while Captain of the Guard [[Aveline]] and the Kirkwall Militia ably defended it.}}
  +
}}
 
  +
{{SpoilerDAIT|
  +
Sometime in the two years after Corypheus' defeat, [[Varric Tethras]] was elected Viscount of Kirkwall in recognition of his substantial reconstruction efforts in the city.}}
   
 
== City crest ==
 
== City crest ==
 
[[File:Kirkwall heraldry DA2.png|thumb|right|Kirkwall heraldry]]
 
[[File:Kirkwall heraldry DA2.png|thumb|right|Kirkwall heraldry]]
Kirkwall's coat of arms is a stylized knot work representation of a dragon. It evolved from a symbol of rebellion from the time when Kirkwall was a center for the Tevinter slave trade. It was an image that catalyzed the slaves to overthrow the ruling magisters. While the symbol has changed over time, its message has not: Kirkwall is a city unto itself, beholden to no one.<ref>[http://www.epicweapons.com/da-pendants-kirkwall.php Kirkwall pendant]</ref>{{clear}}
+
Kirkwall's coat of arms is a stylized knot work representation of a dragon. It evolved from a symbol of rebellion from the time when Kirkwall was a center for the Tevinter slave trade. It was an image that catalyzed the slaves to overthrow the ruling magisters. While the symbol has changed over time, its message has not: Kirkwall is a city unto itself, beholden to no one.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110227092914/http://www.epicweapons.com/da-pendants-kirkwall.php Kirkwall pendant]</ref>{{clear}}
 
 
== Map ==
 
== Map ==
 
{|
 
{|
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== Banter ==
 
== Banter ==
 
Party banter may be triggered at the following spots:
 
Party banter may be triggered at the following spots:
* Just outside the Hawke Estate
+
* Just outside the [[Hawke Estate]]
  +
* Inside the [[Kirkwall Chantry]], in front of the main door
*At the base of the stairway leading from Lowtown to Hightown
 
  +
* On the stairs leading to the [[Viscount's Keep]]
 
* At the base of the stairway leading from [[Lowtown]] to [[Hightown]]
  +
* In front of [[the Hanged Man]]
  +
* In [[Darktown]], near the elevator leading to Lowtown
   
 
== Trivia ==
 
== Trivia ==
 
* Kirkwall declared the common [[nug]] a noxious vermin in 5:20 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]] over fears that the animals carried the [[Blight]]. The extermination became known as the Battle of Squealing Plains. It is not spoken of in polite company.<ref>Mentioned in a ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' loading screen.</ref>
 
* Kirkwall declared the common [[nug]] a noxious vermin in 5:20 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]] over fears that the animals carried the [[Blight]]. The extermination became known as the Battle of Squealing Plains. It is not spoken of in polite company.<ref>Mentioned in a ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' loading screen.</ref>
* Several of the nobles in Kirkwall are of Orlesian origin, such as the Launcet and the Carrac families.
+
* Several of the nobles in Kirkwall are of Orlesian origin, such as the de Launcet and de Carrac families.
* [[wikipedia:Kirkwall|Kirkwall]], the real world capital of the [[wikipedia:Orkney|Orkney Islands]] in Scotland, also had a Viscount, whom was traditionally the heir of the Earl of Orkney.
+
* [[wikipedia:Kirkwall|Kirkwall]], the real world capital of the [[wikipedia:Orkney|Orkney Islands]] in Scotland, also had a Viscount, who was traditionally the heir of the Earl of Orkney.
  +
* Kirkwall's key to the city controls one of the giant chain nets in the harbor.
  +
* Kirkwall neighbourhoods follow old fault lines and veins in the rock. Longtime residents still get lost, with only [[Dwarf|dwarves]] never experiencing this problem.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Hard in Hightown]]'', p. 31</ref>
  +
* The noble Hightown neighbourhood is colloquially known as “the Garden.” There are no house numbers, instead metal plaques with family heraldry hang over the lintels of estate doors.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Hard in Hightown]]'', pp. 9-11</ref>
   
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
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== References ==
 
== References ==
<references />
+
<references/>
 
== External links ==
 
* [http://dragonage.bioware.com/da2/world/environments/kirkwall/ "Kirkwall"] on the official website ([http://eu.dragonage.com/dragonageii/the-world/environment/kirkwall.asp UK])
 
   
 
{{Thedas}}
 
{{Thedas}}
  +
[[Category:Locations]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age II locations]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age: Last Flight locations]]
  +
[[Category:Dragon Age: Hard in Hightown locations]]
  +
[[Category:Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights locations]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
[[Category:Dragon Age II locations]]
 
 
[[Category:Free Marches]]
 
[[Category:Free Marches]]
[[Category:Dragon Age: Last Flight locations]]
 

Revision as of 13:25, 7 June 2020

Kirkwall, also known as The City of Chains and historically as Emerius, is a coastal city-state and a major population center located in the Free Marches. It is on the southern edge of the Vimmark Mountains, east of the Planasene Forest, and north across the Waking Sea from Ferelden.

Background

City of Chains heraldry DA2

Old Tevinter heraldry when Kirkwall was still known as Emerius

Founded under the name Emerius in -620 Ancient[1], after Magister Emerius Krayvan, on the edge of the Imperium to be the main supplier of jet stone to build a Minrathous temple. The city gained notoriety after it was elected to be the new heart of the slave trade after a slave revolt made Archon Vanarius Issar fear for his security when he was almost killed. Magisters competed viciously for the honor of governing the port for nearly two decades before Emerius married his son to the archon's daughter. The Krayvan family constructed the Gallows, patronized the next three archons and were the main backers for the Imperial Highway into the Fereldan Valley, which devastated them when Andraste led her rebellion from there against the Imperium. At its height, Emerius was one of the mightiest Imperial cities with 1,000,000 slaves living and working in the city. The city was defended by the Fourteenth Cadre also known as The Black Cadre and was regarded by most Imperial soldiers to be a punishment to serve there. The City of Chains came to be known as Kirkwall in -25 Ancient, following a massive slave revolt which started when a popular Alamarri slave named Radun was assassinated by magisters wary of his influence; this led to extremely violent retributions, including the sacking of Hightown and the death of its Tevinter rulers.

Kirkwall has changed hands many times since then and has always been a valuable port, the nexus of nearly all trade that flows between the Free Marches and Ferelden. Natives of Kirkwall are known as "Kirkwallers". [2]

The city's complicated past is not easy to forget, history having earmarked many corners of the stone city. A ship approaching the harbor spots the city's namesake: an imposing black wall. It is visible for miles, and carved into the cliff side are a pantheon of vile guardians representing the Old Gods. Over the years, the Chantry has effaced many of these profane sentinels, but it will take many more years to erase them all. Also carved into the cliff is a channel that permits ships into the city's interior. Flanking the channel are two massive bronze statues—the Twins of Kirkwall. The statues have a practical use. Kirkwall sits next to the narrowest point of the Waking Sea, and a massive chain net can be erected between the statues and the lighthouse, closing off the only narrow navigable lane. This stranglehold on sea traffic is jealously guarded by the ever-changing rulers of the city as the net trolls taxes, tolls, and extortions in from the sea.

History

In 5:21 Exalted, at the height of the Fourth Blight, Kirkwall was one of several cities in the Free Marches threatened by the advance of the darkspawn horde. The Grey Wardens were able to evacuate many thousands of refugees from the city to a safe haven in the Vimmark Mountains, albeit at a high cost in Warden lives.[3]

In 7:56 Storm, Qunari invaders took Kirkwall in a night raid and occupied it for four years, forcibly converting much of the populace to the Qun and making the natives work in labor camps previously manned by slaves. It was liberated by Orlesians under the chevalier Michel Lafaille, who was appointed Viscount in 7:60 by the emperor. He pursued a campaign of religious reeducation and formed the Kirkwall City Guard to act as the city's defenders.

In 8:05 Blessed, Kirkwall rebelled against Orlesian rule and gained independence, but maintained the title of viscount as its ruler.

At the onset of the Dragon Age, Chivalry Threnhold became Viscount of the city. Historical accounts paint him as a vicious thug who took power through a campaign of intimidation. His son Perrin succeeded him in 9:14. After he used the harbor's ancient chains to block sea traffic in the Waking Sea and charge exorbitant fees from Orlesian ships, Divine Beatrix III ordered the city's templars to pressure him into reopening the Waking Sea passage.[4] As a result, in 9:21 Dragon, Viscount Perrin Threnhold attempted to expel the Templar Order from Kirkwall, killing Knight-Commander Guylian in the raid of the Templar stronghold. Knight-Templar Meredith Stannard and a group of her best templars marched on the Viscount's Keep and had him arrested, thrown in his own dungeons and stripped of his title. She was promoted to Knight-Commander by Grand Cleric Elthina soon after. With the Chantry's support, Meredith appointed Marlowe Dumar to succeed Perrin, though she remained the true authority in the city from the Gallows.[5]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.


In 9:31 Dragon, Qunari set out to meet Orlesians who agreed to return the Tome of Koslun to them. However, the book was stolen by a Rivaini pirate. As the qunari gave chase, the thief led their ship into a storm to try and escape them, leading both their ships to founder on the coast of Kirkwall. The Arishok and his surviving army were forced to remain in the Qunari Compound, until they could reclaim the Tome of Koslun.

In 9:34 Dragon, following years of tension between the Chantry and the qunari, the Arishok decided to attack the city, starting the First Battle of Kirkwall. In the ensuing invasion Viscount Marlowe Dumar was killed by the Arishok. Hawke drastically helped in the liberation of the city and was thus named the first "Champion of Kirkwall" by Kirkwall's Knight-Commander, Meredith Stannard.

In 9:37 Dragon, the apostate mage Anders destroyed the Kirkwall Chantry, igniting the Kirkwall Rebellion and inspiring mages throughout Thedas to rebel against the system of the Circle of Magi. His magical blast was not contained and rained deadly debris upon half of the city.[6] The Champion of Kirkwall killed First Enchanter Orsino and Knight-Commander Meredith Stannard during the rebellion in Kirkwall, and later became the Viscount or fled the city.



This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.


Sebastian Vael recruited by Hawke, Anders survived, and the Inquisitor accepts Sebastian's offer of friendship:

Sebastian Vael reclaimed his title as Prince of Starkhaven and in 9:41 led an invasion of Kirkwall. In the mission Annexing Kirkwall, Sebastian requested support from the Inquisition to help him suppress the city's resistance forces led by Guard-Captain Aveline Vallen and hunt down Anders and his associates. The Inquisitor can choose to send Leliana's agents to bolster Sebastian's forces, resulting in Kirkwall ceding much of its northern territory but ultimately ending in a stalemate, send Cullen's military to bolster Aveline's resistance forces and repel Sebastian's occupation forces back to Starkhaven, or have Josephine refuse Sebastian's request.

Sebastian Vael recruited by Hawke, Anders executed, and the Inquisitor accepts Sebastian's offer of friendship:
Sebastian Vael reclaimed his title as Prince of Starkhaven and in 9:41 decided to aid in the reconstruction of Kirkwall, which continued to suffer from Anders' actions. In the mission Aiding Kirkwall, Sebastian requested that the Inquisition send in soldiers and workers. The Inquisitor can choose to heed Leliana's advice and ignore the request in order to focus resources on defeating Corypheus, have Josephine appeal to noble allies to help Kirkwall, or order Cullen to send in troops to expunge red lyrium from the Gallows and further rebuild the city.



This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.


In the two years after Corypheus' defeat, Varric Tethras funded numerous reconstruction projects in Kirkwall. His reconstruction efforts got the harbor and businesses running again and in recognition of his deeds, the nobles voted him in as the new Viscount of Kirkwall.[7] As Viscount, Varric continued his work to rebuild the city's damaged infrastructure. Under his rule, the city-state finally resumed its place as the major trade-hub of the Free Marches.[8]


Governance

Kirkwall has been governed by a Viscount since the Orlesian occupation of the city, as the title itself is Orlesian. It has never truly been free to determine its own course, and after the ousting of Perrin Threnhold the Templar Order held considerable influence over his successor, Marlowe Dumar, and the city.

If the ruling line of a Viscount dies out due to no living heirs, then the nobility of Kirkwall will gather to elect a new line from their ranks.


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.


With the death of Dumar at the hands of the Qunari, Knight-Commander Meredith was able to block any election of a new Viscount for a number of years until her death. If Hawke chose to side with the Templars, they are elected as the new Viscount.



This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.


By 9:41, Kirkwall was ruled by Provisional Viscount Bran. If Hawke was previously elected Viscount, they were eventually betrayed and forced to flee by the Templars, who had become dangerously paranoid through Red Lyrium use. Bran reluctantly assumed the office only because no one else familiar with the protocols wanted it. He saw his appointment as temporary, and awaited the promised return of Hawke as the legitimate ruler of Kirkwall. In the meantime, Bran spent much of his time negotiating with numerous would-be conquerors of the city while Captain of the Guard Aveline and the Kirkwall Militia ably defended it.



This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.


Sometime in the two years after Corypheus' defeat, Varric Tethras was elected Viscount of Kirkwall in recognition of his substantial reconstruction efforts in the city.


City crest

Kirkwall heraldry DA2

Kirkwall heraldry

Kirkwall's coat of arms is a stylized knot work representation of a dragon. It evolved from a symbol of rebellion from the time when Kirkwall was a center for the Tevinter slave trade. It was an image that catalyzed the slaves to overthrow the ruling magisters. While the symbol has changed over time, its message has not: Kirkwall is a city unto itself, beholden to no one.[9]

Map

LowtownHightownMap - Kirkwall
About this image

Click (or mouse over) any location for details.

Places

Darktown Darktown

Docks Docks

The Gallows The Gallows

Lowtown Lowtown

Hightown Hightown

Viscount's Keep Viscount's Keep

Kirkwall Chantry Kirkwall Chantry

The Hanged Man The Hanged Man

Hawke Estate Hawke Estate

Fenris's Mansion Fenris's Mansion

Anders' Clinic Anders' Clinic

Bartrand's Estate Bartrand's Estate

Harimann Estate Harimann Estate

Gamlen's House Gamlen's House

Dark Foundry Dark Foundry

Merrill's Home Merrill's Home

Kirkwall Alienage Kirkwall Alienage

Qunari Compound Qunari Compound

Black Emporium Black Emporium

The Blooming Rose The Blooming Rose

De Launcet Mansion De Launcet Mansion

Lirene's Fereldan Imports Lirene's Fereldan Imports

Amell Estate Cellar Amell Estate Cellar

Castillon's Landing Castillon's Landing

Disused Passage Disused Passage

Killer's Lair Killer's Lair

Run Down Alley Run Down Alley

Secret Meeting Place Secret Meeting Place

Sewer Passage Sewer Passage

Undercity Warrens Undercity Warrens

Winding Alley Winding Alley

Brekker's Hideaway Brekker's Hideaway

Forgotten Lair Forgotten Lair

The Sewers The Sewers

Sanctuary Sanctuary

Smetty's Fish Guttery Smetty's Fish Guttery

Banter

Party banter may be triggered at the following spots:

Trivia

  • Kirkwall declared the common nug a noxious vermin in 5:20 Exalted over fears that the animals carried the Blight. The extermination became known as the Battle of Squealing Plains. It is not spoken of in polite company.[10]
  • Several of the nobles in Kirkwall are of Orlesian origin, such as the de Launcet and de Carrac families.
  • Kirkwall, the real world capital of the Orkney Islands in Scotland, also had a Viscount, who was traditionally the heir of the Earl of Orkney.
  • Kirkwall's key to the city controls one of the giant chain nets in the harbor.
  • Kirkwall neighbourhoods follow old fault lines and veins in the rock. Longtime residents still get lost, with only dwarves never experiencing this problem.[11]
  • The noble Hightown neighbourhood is colloquially known as “the Garden.” There are no house numbers, instead metal plaques with family heraldry hang over the lintels of estate doors.[12]

Gallery

See also

Codex entry: The City of Kirkwall Codex entry: The City of Kirkwall
Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 1 Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 1
Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 2 Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 2
Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 3 Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 3
Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 4 Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 4
Codex entry: Speculations on Kirkwall Codex entry: Speculations on Kirkwall
Codex entry: The City-State of Kirkwall Codex entry: The City-State of Kirkwall

References