Dragon Age Wiki
Dragon Age Wiki
m (updating links)
(adding tabletop template)
(34 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
[[File:Noble caste.png|right|230px|Noble caste]]
 
[[File:Noble caste.png|right|230px|Noble caste]]
   
The '''Noble caste''' is the most privileged and elite [[Castes|caste]] of [[dwarves|dwarven]] society, encompassing numerous noble [[houses]] as well as the royal house.
+
The '''Noble caste''' is the most privileged and elite [[caste]] of [[Dwarf|dwarven]] society, encompassing numerous noble [[house]]s as well as the royal house.
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
According to legend, Bloadlikk, one of seven brothers, was the progenitor of the Noble caste. Youngest and wisest, he was chosen king. Bloadlikk's children formed the Noble caste.<ref>According to [[Czibor|Shaper Czibor]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref>
+
According to legend, Bloadlikk, one of seven brothers, was the progenitor of the Noble caste. Youngest and wisest, he was chosen king. Bloadlikk's children formed the Noble caste.<ref>According to [[Shaperate|Shaper]] of Memories [[Czibor]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref>
   
The Noble caste is composed of numerous houses. Noble houses are collections of noble families typically related by blood.<ref name="rpg13">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 13</ref> Most noble houses were initially founded by a [[Paragons|Paragon]] but some were founded by high caste dwarves not originally of noble stock, typically [[warrior caste]] or [[smith caste]]. Noble houses used to own [[thaigs]] all across [[Thedas]] which were their ancestral homes and typically gave their name to the thaig. However almost all of them have now been lost to the [[darkspawn]].
+
The Noble caste is composed of numerous houses. They were initially founded by a [[Paragon]] but some were founded by high caste dwarves not originally of noble stock, typically [[warrior caste]] or [[smith caste]]. Noble houses used to rule [[thaig]]s all across [[Thedas]] which were their ancestral homes and typically gave their name to the thaig. However almost all of them have now been lost to the [[darkspawn]].
   
The respect accorded to a noble house is proportional to its age and accomplishments. Sometimes impoverished noble houses will marry a child to a wealthy non-noble house to gain its wealth and to elevate the lesser house.<ref name="rpg13"/> Noble houses or important nobles alone often act as patrons to lesser houses or families as well as function as patrons to great warriors in Provings and artists of merit. The noble house gains honor as the subject of their patronage excels and achieves greater status, so the relationship is mutually beneficial.
+
Noble houses or important nobles alone often function as patrons to lower caste houses and families such as skilled warriors in [[Provings]] or artists of merit. The noble house gains honor as the subject of their patronage excels and achieves greater status, so the relationship is mutually beneficial.
   
=== Seconds ===
+
=== Second ===
In combat, noble dwarves sometimes fight paired with another dwarf known as their "second". It is not known if other castes can have seconds. This form of team combat is a tradition in dwarven society as history has it that the style originated from the earliest days of the dwarven empire, when Kiotshett fought as King Bloadlikk's second.<ref>Mentioned by the [[Proving Master]] in the [[Provings]] held during [[A Paragon of Her Kind]] questline.</ref> Seconds may also function as something of a personal bodyguard and companion, essentially being the right hand of the noble.<ref>As [[Gorim Saelac]] is to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] in that origin.</ref> If a second is not available to serve their superior, another dwarf may temporarily take his place.<ref>As [[Bhelen Aeducan]] replaced the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] as [[Endrin Aeducan|King Endrin]]'s second during [[A Noble Expedition]].</ref>
+
In combat, noble dwarves sometimes fight paired with another dwarf known as their "second". It is not known if other castes can have seconds. This form of team combat is a tradition in dwarven society as history has it that the style originated from the earliest days of the dwarven empire, when Kiotshett fought as King Bloadlikk's second.<ref>Mentioned by the [[Proving Master]] in the [[Provings]] held during [[A Paragon of Her Kind]] questline.</ref> Seconds may also function as something of a personal bodyguard and companion, essentially being the right hand of the noble.<ref>As [[Gorim Saelac]] is to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] in that [[Origins|origin]].</ref> If a second is not available to serve their superior, another dwarf may temporarily take his place.<ref>As [[Bhelen Aeducan]] replaced the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] as [[Dwarven royalty|King]] [[Endrin Aeducan|Endrin]]'s second during [[A Noble Expedition]].</ref>
   
 
The known dwarves who served as seconds are the following:
 
The known dwarves who served as seconds are the following:
* [[Bhelen Aeducan|Prince Bhelen Aeducan]] to [[Trian Aeducan|Crown Prince Trian Aeducan]]
+
* Prince [[Bhelen Aeducan]] to Crown Prince [[Trian Aeducan]]
  +
* [[Astyth]] to the King of Orzammar who reigned at the end of [[Divine Age]]
* [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] to [[Endrin Aeducan|King Endrin Aeducan]]
 
* [[Dulin Forender]] to [[Pyral Harrowmont]]
 
* [[Vartag Gavorn]] to [[Bhelen Aeducan]]
 
* [[Olaniv]] to [[Darvianak Vollney|Lord Darvianak Vollney]]
 
* [[Pyral Harrowmont|Lord Pyral Harrowmont]] to [[Endrin Aeducan|King Endrin Aeducan]]
 
 
* [[Gorim Saelac]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]]
 
* [[Gorim Saelac]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]]
 
* [[Vartag Gavorn]] to [[Bhelen Aeducan]]
* Gorim's father to Endrin Aeducan<ref>Mentioned by [[Gorim Saelac]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] if asked about his [[House Saelac|family]].</ref>
+
* [[Gorim Saelac]]'s father<ref>Mentioned by [[Gorim Saelac]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] if asked about his [[House Saelac|family]].</ref>, Lord [[Pyral Harrowmont]], and the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]] to King [[Endrin Aeducan]]
 
* [[Dulin Forender]] to [[Pyral Harrowmont]]
 
* [[Olaniv]] to Lord [[Darvianak Vollney]]
 
* [[Velanz]] to [[Wojech Ivo]]
 
* [[Velanz]] to [[Wojech Ivo]]
   
 
== The Royal House ==
 
== The Royal House ==
The Royal family is the very pinnacle of the Noble caste, setting the mode in society and enjoying immense privilege and power amongst not only their own caste but all of [[Orzammar]] itself. The [[Dwarven royalty|king or queen]] hold their position for life, as do the Assembly members, unless they are removed or replaced.<ref name="rpg17">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 17</ref> As the ruler, the monarch is the theoretical war-leader of Orzammar but in practice this means that the ruler merely commands the warrior houses sworn to his or her own house.<ref name="rpg17"/> The monarch can expand their army by appointing High Generals from other noble houses and thereby gain their warriors.<ref>For example, [[Pyral Harrowmont|Lord Harrowmont]] is referred to as a High General in the service of King [[Endrin Aeducan|Endrin]] in ''Dragon Age: Origins''.</ref> The king or queen also has direct authority over the [[Legion of the Dead]].
+
The Royal family is the very pinnacle of the Noble caste, setting the mode in society and enjoying immense privilege and power amongst not only their own caste but all of [[Orzammar]] itself. The [[Dwarven royalty|king or queen]] hold their position for life, unless they are removed or replaced. As the ruler, they are also the war-leader and have authority over the [[Legion of the Dead]].
   
 
In modern-day Orzammar, royal power is kept in check by the Assembly, the dwarven governing body who chooses the king and from whom kings are typically drawn.<ref>[[Codex entry: Orzammar Politics]]</ref> Although the king rules Orzammar he must garner the support of the Assembly lords to maintain his position, for kings can--and have been--expelled from the throne. Unpopular kings and their heirs are deemed unfit to rule and the kingship then passes to another. While the chosen ruler is typically male, women have also been chosen by the Assembly to rule.<ref>Mentioned by [[Bhelen Aeducan]] to a female Dwarf Noble when discussing which of the [[House Aeducan|Aeducan]] heirs will be chosen to rule.</ref>
 
In modern-day Orzammar, royal power is kept in check by the Assembly, the dwarven governing body who chooses the king and from whom kings are typically drawn.<ref>[[Codex entry: Orzammar Politics]]</ref> Although the king rules Orzammar he must garner the support of the Assembly lords to maintain his position, for kings can--and have been--expelled from the throne. Unpopular kings and their heirs are deemed unfit to rule and the kingship then passes to another. While the chosen ruler is typically male, women have also been chosen by the Assembly to rule.<ref>Mentioned by [[Bhelen Aeducan]] to a female Dwarf Noble when discussing which of the [[House Aeducan|Aeducan]] heirs will be chosen to rule.</ref>
   
 
== The Assembly ==
 
== The Assembly ==
Lords and ladies of Noble houses may have seats in the dwarven [[Assembly]]. During the events of the [[Fifth Blight]], the [[Assembly#Steward of the Assembly|Steward of the Assembly]] is [[Bandelor]].
+
Lords and ladies of noble houses may have seats in the dwarven [[Assembly]]. During the events of the [[Fifth Blight]], the [[Steward of the Assembly]] is [[Bandelor]].
   
Members of the Assembly are known as "deshyr," which roughly translates to "assembly lord."<ref name="rpg17"/> They are sometimes called, perhaps derisively, "deep lords".<ref>As referred to by [[Ohgren]].</ref> During the events of the Fifth Blight, the Assembly is composed of eighty deshyrs drawn from the most influential noble houses in the city. The right of a noble house to claim a vote in the Assembly is predicated on that house having a deshyr, general, or Paragon among their [[Ancestors]].<ref>Mentioned by [[Bandelor|Assembly Steward Bandelor]].</ref> Therefore, the number of Assembly members can fluctuate. Any caste other than the noble caste is not represented in the Assembly.<ref>As mentioned by Lord [[Denek Helmi]].</ref>
+
Members of the Assembly are known as "[[deshyr]]" though some call them "deep lords"<ref>As referred to by [[Ohgren]].</ref> which is its derisive equivalent. During the events of the Fifth Blight, the Assembly is composed of eighty deshyrs drawn from the most influential noble houses in the city. The right of a noble house to claim a vote in the Assembly is predicated on that house having a deshyr, general, or Paragon among their [[Ancestors]].<ref>Mentioned by Steward [[Bandelor]].</ref> Therefore, the number of Assembly members can fluctuate. Any caste other than the noble caste is not represented in the Assembly.<ref>As mentioned by Lord [[Denek Helmi]].</ref>
   
 
== Known Noble houses ==
To become a member there must first be an opening in the tightly closed ranks, and this usually occurs through death or resignation. An acting member then nominates a candidate who must be approved by one-third of the Assembly.<ref name="rpg17"/> Resignation is uncommon as a deshyr holds their position for life, as does the monarch.
 
 
[[House#Noble Houses|Noble houses]] are listed in an alphabetical order and those whose status is unknown have their name ''italicized''.
 
== Known [[Houses#Noble Houses|Noble houses]] ==
 
Houses are listed in an alphabetical order and those whose status is unknown have their name ''italicized''.
 
   
 
* [[House Aeducan|Aeducan]]
 
* [[House Aeducan|Aeducan]]
* ''[[Astyth]]''
+
* ''Astyth''<ref>See [[Astyth]].</ref>
 
* [[House Bemot|Bemot]]
 
* [[House Bemot|Bemot]]
* [[House Branka|Branka]] <sup>[[Houses#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
+
* [[House Branka|Branka]] <sup>[[House#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
* Brodens<ref>See [[Exotic Methods]] quest.</ref>
+
* Brodens<ref>A member of this House is encounter during [[Exotic Methods]] quest.</ref>
* [[Brosca family|Brosca]] <sup>[[Houses#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
+
* ([[Brosca family|Brosca]]) <sup>[[House#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
  +
* ''[[House Caridin|Caridin]]''
* [[House Caridin|Caridin]] †<ref>House Caridin is an extinct house. Its last member, [[Caridin]], dies during [[A Paragon of Her Kind]].</ref>
 
 
* [[House Dace|Dace]]
 
* [[House Dace|Dace]]
 
* ''Duncoat''<ref name="key">[[Codex entry: The Key to the City]]</ref>
 
* ''Duncoat''<ref name="key">[[Codex entry: The Key to the City]]</ref>
  +
* Fairel †<ref>[[Codex entry: A Journal on Dwarven Ruins]]</ref>
* [[House Ferald|Ferald]] † <sup>[[Houses#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
+
* [[House Ferald|Ferald]] † <sup>[[House#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
* [[Dulin Forender|Forender]]
 
 
* Forender<ref>See [[Dulin Forender]].</ref>
* ''[[Orseck Garal|Garal]]''
 
 
* ''Garal''<ref>See [[Orseck Garal]].</ref>
  +
* [[House Garen|Garen]] †<ref>[[Codex entry: First Legionnaire's Journal]], [[Codex entry: Second Legionnaire's Journal]], [[Codex entry: Third Legionnaire's Journal]]</ref><ref>See these four images: [[:File:Varric about House Tethras I.png|[1]]], [[:File:Varric about House Tethras II.png|[2]]], [[:File:Varric about House Tethras III.png|[3]]], [[:File:Varric about House Tethras IV.png|[4]]].</ref><ref>{{Cite wot2|158-159}}</ref>
 
* [[House Gavorn|Gavorn]]
 
* [[House Gavorn|Gavorn]]
  +
* ''Gherlen''<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide#Collector's Edition|Dragon Age: Origins Prima Guide Collector's Edition]]'', Traveler's Guide.</ref><ref>{{Cite wot2|24}}</ref>
* ''Gherlon''<ref>See [[Paragons]].</ref>
 
* Gorosmote<ref name="key"/>
+
* Gorosmote<ref name="key"/>
* [[House Harrowmont|Harrowmont]] <sup>[[Houses#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
+
* [[House Harrowmont|Harrowmont]] <sup>[[House#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
 
* [[House Helmi|Helmi]]
 
* [[House Helmi|Helmi]]
  +
* Hirol<ref>{{Cite wot2|116-117}}</ref> <sup>[[House#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
* ''[[Hirol]]''
 
 
* [[House Ivo|Ivo]]
 
* [[House Ivo|Ivo]]
 
* [[House Meino|Meino]]
 
* [[House Meino|Meino]]
* Rousten<ref>Lord Rousten who is a member of this house, is mentioned by [[Beraht]] to [[Rica Brosca]] in the [[Dwarf Commoner Origin]] while [[Varick]] works in the old Rousten [[Thaigs|Thaig]], likely the ancient home of this house.</ref>
+
* Rousten<ref>Lord Rousten who is a member of this [[house]], is mentioned by [[Beraht]] to [[Rica Brosca]] in the [[Dwarf Commoner Origin]] while [[Varick]] works in the mines of the old Rousten [[Thaig]], the ancient home of this house.</ref>
* [[House Ortan|Ortan]] † <sup>[[Houses#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
+
* [[House Ortan|Ortan]] † <sup>[[House#Notes|[note]]]</sup>
  +
* ''Stonehammer''<ref>See [[Endrin Stonehammer]].</ref>
* [[House Tethras|Tethras]] †<ref>House Tethras ceases to exist by being exiled into the surface.</ref>
 
* Varen †<ref>House Varen does not exist anymore as mentioned in [[Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug]].</ref>
+
* [[House Tethras|Tethras]] †<ref>[[House Tethras]] ceased to exist after being exiled into the surface.</ref>
  +
* Varen †<ref>[[House]] Varen does not exist anymore as mentioned in [[Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug]].</ref>
 
* [[House Vollney|Vollney]]
 
* [[House Vollney|Vollney]]
   
 
== Notable members ==
 
== Notable members ==
 
{{For|a complete list of Noble caste members|Category:Noble caste}}
 
{{For|a complete list of Noble caste members|Category:Noble caste}}
 
* [[Aeducan]]
 
  +
* [[Endrin Aeducan]]
* Aller Bemot: Member of [[House Bemot]] and youngest son of Lord Bemot.
 
* [[Endrin Stonehammer]]
+
* [[Bandelor]]
* [[Orseck Garal]]
 
* King [[Endrin Aeducan]]
 
* [[Bandelor|Assembly Steward Bandelor]]
 
 
* [[Branka]]
 
* [[Branka]]
 
* [[Caridin]]
 
* [[Caridin]]
  +
* [[Czibor]]
* [[Anwer Dace|Lord Anwer Dace]]
 
* [[Brogan Dace]]
+
* [[Anwer Dace]]
 
* The [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]]
* [[Dulin Forender]]
 
 
* [[Orseck Garal]]
 
* [[Pyral Harrowmont]]
 
* [[Pyral Harrowmont]]
 
* [[Renvil Harrowmont]]
 
* [[Renvil Harrowmont]]
 
* [[Lady Helmi]]
 
* [[Lady Helmi]]
 
* Jaylia Helmi<ref>[[Codex entry: Trian's Journal]]</ref>
 
* Jaylia Helmi<ref>[[Codex entry: Trian's Journal]]</ref>
  +
* Mayla<ref>[[Codex entry: Bardin's Folly]]</ref>: A noblewoman who fled to the surface after her husband brutally murdered Bardin, a smith who loved her.
* [[Frandlin Ivo]]
 
  +
* [[Endrin Stonehammer]]
 
* [[Darvianak Vollney]]
 
* [[Darvianak Vollney]]
   
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
  +
* Dwarves who leave for the [[Surface dwarves|surface]] forfeit any claims to their house only if they are from the noble caste.<ref>Mentioned by [[Ronus Dace]] in conversation during [[The Nobles' Feast]].</ref>
 
{{SpoilerDAO|{{clear}}
 
{{SpoilerDAO|{{clear}}
 
* House Branka may become extinct if [[the Warden]] kills [[Branka]], its last living member, during the [[A Paragon of Her Kind]] quest.
 
* House Branka may become extinct if [[the Warden]] kills [[Branka]], its last living member, during the [[A Paragon of Her Kind]] quest.
Line 91: Line 91:
 
* House Ferald's last member voluntarily joined the [[Legion of the Dead]]. Due to his great personal sacrifice, as well as his noble descent, the Legion can be considered to be the heir of House Ferald and be elevated to minor nobility, although with some restrictions, during the [[The Dead Caste]] quest.
 
* House Ferald's last member voluntarily joined the [[Legion of the Dead]]. Due to his great personal sacrifice, as well as his noble descent, the Legion can be considered to be the heir of House Ferald and be elevated to minor nobility, although with some restrictions, during the [[The Dead Caste]] quest.
 
* House Harrowmont becomes extinct if [[Bhelen Aeducan]] becomes the next [[Dwarven royalty|King of Orzammar]] during [[A Paragon of Her Kind]].
 
* House Harrowmont becomes extinct if [[Bhelen Aeducan]] becomes the next [[Dwarven royalty|King of Orzammar]] during [[A Paragon of Her Kind]].
* House Ortan is re-established if the Warden completes the [[Lost to the Memories]] quest.
+
* House Ortan is re-established if the Warden completes the [[Lost to the Memories]] quest.}}
  +
* House Hirol is one of the most powerful noble Houses, along with House Aeducan and Harrowmont.<ref>{{Cite wot2|258}}</ref>
}}
 
  +
* While most nobles prefer to spend their time in the much more respected Provings, a few of them attend [[nug]] races.<ref>{{Cite wot2|265}}</ref>
  +
{{Tabletop RPG material}}
  +
* Deshyrs hold their position for life unless they are removed or replaced. As the ruler, the monarch is the theoretical war-leader of Orzammar but in practice this means that the ruler merely commands the warrior houses sworn to his or her own house.<ref name="rpg17">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 17</ref> The monarch can expand their army by appointing High Generals from other noble houses and thereby gain their warriors.<ref>For example, [[Pyral Harrowmont|Lord Harrowmont]] is referred to as a High General in the service of [[Dwarven royalty|King]] [[Endrin Aeducan|Endrin]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''.</ref>
 
* "Deshyr" roughly [[Dwarven languages and phrases|translates]] to "assembly lord". To become a member there must first be an opening in the tightly closed ranks, and this usually occurs through death or resignation. An acting member then nominates a candidate who must be approved by one-third of the Assembly.<ref name="rpg17"/>
  +
* Due to their never-ending intrigues, most noble houses of Orzammar employ one or several [[Poison-Making|poisoners]] at all times.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, p. 88</ref>
  +
* The respect accorded to a noble house is proportional to its age and accomplishments. Sometimes impoverished noble houses will marry a child to a wealthy non-noble house to gain its wealth and to elevate the lesser house.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 13</ref>
  +
  +
== Trivia ==
  +
* [[Varric Tethras]] will joke in banter with [[Fenris]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' about his gold-plated noble caste pin.
   
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
{{:Codex entry: The Castes|style=iconmini}}{{Clrl}}
+
{{:Codex entry: The Castes|style=iconmini}}<br>
   
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Revision as of 20:35, 20 February 2020

Noble caste

The Noble caste is the most privileged and elite caste of dwarven society, encompassing numerous noble houses as well as the royal house.

Background

According to legend, Bloadlikk, one of seven brothers, was the progenitor of the Noble caste. Youngest and wisest, he was chosen king. Bloadlikk's children formed the Noble caste.[1]

The Noble caste is composed of numerous houses. They were initially founded by a Paragon but some were founded by high caste dwarves not originally of noble stock, typically warrior caste or smith caste. Noble houses used to rule thaigs all across Thedas which were their ancestral homes and typically gave their name to the thaig. However almost all of them have now been lost to the darkspawn.

Noble houses or important nobles alone often function as patrons to lower caste houses and families such as skilled warriors in Provings or artists of merit. The noble house gains honor as the subject of their patronage excels and achieves greater status, so the relationship is mutually beneficial.

Second

In combat, noble dwarves sometimes fight paired with another dwarf known as their "second". It is not known if other castes can have seconds. This form of team combat is a tradition in dwarven society as history has it that the style originated from the earliest days of the dwarven empire, when Kiotshett fought as King Bloadlikk's second.[2] Seconds may also function as something of a personal bodyguard and companion, essentially being the right hand of the noble.[3] If a second is not available to serve their superior, another dwarf may temporarily take his place.[4]

The known dwarves who served as seconds are the following:

The Royal House

The Royal family is the very pinnacle of the Noble caste, setting the mode in society and enjoying immense privilege and power amongst not only their own caste but all of Orzammar itself. The king or queen hold their position for life, unless they are removed or replaced. As the ruler, they are also the war-leader and have authority over the Legion of the Dead.

In modern-day Orzammar, royal power is kept in check by the Assembly, the dwarven governing body who chooses the king and from whom kings are typically drawn.[6] Although the king rules Orzammar he must garner the support of the Assembly lords to maintain his position, for kings can--and have been--expelled from the throne. Unpopular kings and their heirs are deemed unfit to rule and the kingship then passes to another. While the chosen ruler is typically male, women have also been chosen by the Assembly to rule.[7]

The Assembly

Lords and ladies of noble houses may have seats in the dwarven Assembly. During the events of the Fifth Blight, the Steward of the Assembly is Bandelor.

Members of the Assembly are known as "deshyr" though some call them "deep lords"[8] which is its derisive equivalent. During the events of the Fifth Blight, the Assembly is composed of eighty deshyrs drawn from the most influential noble houses in the city. The right of a noble house to claim a vote in the Assembly is predicated on that house having a deshyr, general, or Paragon among their Ancestors.[9] Therefore, the number of Assembly members can fluctuate. Any caste other than the noble caste is not represented in the Assembly.[10]

Known Noble houses

Noble houses are listed in an alphabetical order and those whose status is unknown have their name italicized.

Notable members

For a complete list of Noble caste members, see Category:Noble caste.

Notes

  • Dwarves who leave for the surface forfeit any claims to their house only if they are from the noble caste.[29]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.



  • House Hirol is one of the most powerful noble Houses, along with House Aeducan and Harrowmont.[30]
  • While most nobles prefer to spend their time in the much more respected Provings, a few of them attend nug races.[31]
  • BioWare canon
    The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.

    • Deshyrs hold their position for life unless they are removed or replaced. As the ruler, the monarch is the theoretical war-leader of Orzammar but in practice this means that the ruler merely commands the warrior houses sworn to his or her own house.[32] The monarch can expand their army by appointing High Generals from other noble houses and thereby gain their warriors.[33]
    • "Deshyr" roughly translates to "assembly lord". To become a member there must first be an opening in the tightly closed ranks, and this usually occurs through death or resignation. An acting member then nominates a candidate who must be approved by one-third of the Assembly.[32]
    • Due to their never-ending intrigues, most noble houses of Orzammar employ one or several poisoners at all times.[34]
    • The respect accorded to a noble house is proportional to its age and accomplishments. Sometimes impoverished noble houses will marry a child to a wealthy non-noble house to gain its wealth and to elevate the lesser house.[35]

    Trivia

    See also

    Codex entry: The Castes Codex entry: The Castes

    References

    1. According to Shaper of Memories Czibor in Dragon Age: Origins.
    2. Mentioned by the Proving Master in the Provings held during A Paragon of Her Kind questline.
    3. As Gorim Saelac is to the Dwarf Noble in that origin.
    4. As Bhelen Aeducan replaced the Dwarf Noble as King Endrin's second during A Noble Expedition.
    5. Mentioned by Gorim Saelac to the Dwarf Noble if asked about his family.
    6. Codex entry: Orzammar Politics
    7. Mentioned by Bhelen Aeducan to a female Dwarf Noble when discussing which of the Aeducan heirs will be chosen to rule.
    8. As referred to by Ohgren.
    9. Mentioned by Steward Bandelor.
    10. As mentioned by Lord Denek Helmi.
    11. See Astyth.
    12. A member of this House is encounter during Exotic Methods quest.
    13. 13.0 13.1 Codex entry: The Key to the City
    14. Codex entry: A Journal on Dwarven Ruins
    15. See Dulin Forender.
    16. See Orseck Garal.
    17. Codex entry: First Legionnaire's Journal, Codex entry: Second Legionnaire's Journal, Codex entry: Third Legionnaire's Journal
    18. See these four images: [1], [2], [3], [4].
    19. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 158-159
    20. Dragon Age: Origins Prima Guide Collector's Edition, Traveler's Guide.
    21. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 24
    22. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 116-117
    23. Lord Rousten who is a member of this house, is mentioned by Beraht to Rica Brosca in the Dwarf Commoner Origin while Varick works in the mines of the old Rousten Thaig, the ancient home of this house.
    24. See Endrin Stonehammer.
    25. House Tethras ceased to exist after being exiled into the surface.
    26. House Varen does not exist anymore as mentioned in Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug.
    27. Codex entry: Trian's Journal
    28. Codex entry: Bardin's Folly
    29. Mentioned by Ronus Dace in conversation during The Nobles' Feast.
    30. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 258
    31. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 265
    32. 32.0 32.1 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 17
    33. For example, Lord Harrowmont is referred to as a High General in the service of King Endrin in Dragon Age: Origins.
    34. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, p. 88
    35. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 13