Nuggalope

Nuggalopes are massive, elusive creatures that can be used as mounts.

Background[]

Though references to this massive creature predate the Divine Age, the nuggalope was largely considered a creature of myth until recently. While many claims with convincing evidence were brought forth over the ages, they were all proven to be hoaxes motivated by the desire for fame or malicious amusement.

Once their existence was proven, it was found that they were capable of being tamed and ridden. However, few can claim to have done so.

Nuggalope and Nug Art of Inquisition 238 — Nuggalope and Nug Size Difference

In terms of appearance nuggalopes are significantly larger than their cousin the nug. They have large, curling horns, and are two-tone in colour. The base colour can be grey, brown, purple, or off-yellow, and they often have stripes along their back. Their paws may be different in colour—usually lighter than their bodies. Like their smaller cousins, the nuggalopes' most distinctive features are their hand-like front paws, a trait that is a source of fascination among researchers. Nuggalopes are known to use them to reach high tree branches and pull them down and dunk its food in water before eating.

Some researchers theorize that nuggalopes may be capable of using rudimentary tools, such as using sticks to draw out insects from dirt mounds and trees. However, they have been unable to confirm this theory due to the few numbers of wild nuggalopes and their elusive nature. ^[1] The sound of nuggalopes rutting is said to sound like distant thunder.^[2]

Involvement[]

The Inquisitor has the opportunity to obtain a variety of nuggalopes as mounts.

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.

After purchasing the Mystery Box at the Summer Bazaar in Val Royeaux from Deraboam, a golden nug statue appears before the Inquisitor. It serves as a lure and unlocks the war tabe operation "The Big One?". The lure is used to attract a fearsome cousin of the nug: the Greater Nuggalope, also known as the "Deth Nug" or the "Greater Mountain Nuggalope".^[1] Four other breeds of Nuggalope can be captured for the Inquisition's stables.

Quests[]

The Big One? (war table)

Spoils of the Avvar

Variations[]

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: A Horsemaster's Notes on Mounts

Trivia[]

Unlike nugs, Nuggalopes have been described as stubborn, strong, and having 'spirited eyes'.^[4]
Heroes of Dragon Age has playable nuggalopes. They have released three varieties: Avvar War Nug, Nuggalope, and the Wintersend Nug, which became available on December 18, 2019.