“As one of the blighters, I sodding salute you. Let us show them our hearts, and then show them theirs.”
Oghren is a crude dwarven berserker fond of all things alcoholic. He is a companion to the Warden in Dragon Age: Origins and a possible one to the Warden-Commander in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening.
Background[]
Oghren was one of the best warriors of his generation and a member of House Kondrat in Orzammar, and in his youth he became quite popular (especially among women) due to his many victories against decorated veterans in the Provings. He became interested in a young woman of the merchant caste named Felsi[2]; but before they were able to pursue a relationship, his house betrothed him to a woman of a wealthy smith caste family named Branka. Oghren's family, believing the match to be of benefit to both families, pressured him to marry their choice. Even though she was eccentric and seemed more interested in smithing than in her new husband, the first months of the union were relatively happy and peaceful.
Within a year after their marriage, Branka was declared a living Paragon and founded the noble House Branka. Soon after its founding, House Branka absorbed the entire House Kondrat. Normally he could have been a deshyr on behalf of his new noble house[3] but the stress of Branka's Paragon status put a heavy strain on Oghren and Branka's marriage. As the marriage crumbled, Oghren began drinking heavily; Branka began an affair with his cousin Hespith. The couple stopped talking to each other and Branka's disdain for Oghren influenced the rest of his House; Oghren found himself shunned by even his own family.
Over Oghren's objections, in 9:28 Dragon[4] Branka took her entire household, with the sole exception of her husband, into the Deep Roads in search of the secrets of the legendary Anvil of the Void.[1][5] They were not heard from again.
Oghren, left behind, became a laughingstock. In a failed attempt to forget Branka, Oghren tracked down Felsi and began a relationship with her that soon foundered as he was no longer the man she fell in love with. When Oghren made a scene at her father's funeral, Felsi broke up with him and left for the surface to join her mother.[6]
Oghren began drinking even more heavily than he had been, making his situation even worse when one day the youngest son of Lord Meino mentioned that it was impossible for Branka and her house to have survived for that long in the Deep Roads. Oghren considered this as an insult to the Paragon, challenged his honor, and killed the man in a first-blood match while drunk. Oghren was stripped of his house name and barred from bearing weapons within the city—a punishment considered worse than exile for a warrior.
Oghren has spent the last two years trying to convince the Assembly, or anyone else who will listen to him, to look for Branka in the Deep Roads—often in a drunk state. Because of his insistence, even when told that there would be no rescue, Oghren became something of a pest in the Diamond Quarter.[6][7]
Oghren also knows Gorim Saelac, the second of the Dwarf Noble, because the latter has thrown Oghren out of the royal palace a couple of times. Their relationship is not bitter; however, there is some antagonizing.[8]
Involvement[]
Dragon Age: Origins[]
Oghren fighting a werewolf.
After the Warden has spoken to either Prince Bhelen's or Lord Harrowmont's representatives and given a task, Oghren appears, arguing with Loilinar Ivo in the entrance of the Diamond Quarter. Loilinar can be questioned about Oghren and Branka after Oghren leaves. He can be found again at Tapster's Tavern in the Orzammar Commons. The Warden can talk to him there, and learn more about Branka (choosing the option "I'm looking for someone" when talking to Corra the barmaid may be necessary to get him to appear, where he'll then be found near Lord Helmi's position). However, he is aware that the Warden is working for one of the candidates for the throne, which makes him think that any concern expressed about Branka is not genuine. If the Warden attempts to talk to Oghren at Tapster's again, no matter how the conversation is structured, Oghren will tell the Warden to "sod off".
The recruitment choices for Oghren in Dragon Age Keep
Oghren will only become a member of the party when the Warden is sent into the Deep Roads by Bhelen or Harrowmont to find Branka and secure her support for their ascension to the throne. He can leave Orzammar and the Deep Roads at this point, but he will not talk until A Paragon of Her Kind has been completed.
He is eager to reunite with his wife, but when the truth is revealed, he is shocked at what she has done in her quest for the Anvil of the Void, including causing the death of most of her House. Yet, despite this he is willing to offer her a second chance, and he disapproves if the Warden chooses to side with Caridin and destroy the Anvil. After a new king has been chosen, Oghren realizes that there was nothing left in Orzammar for him and then throws his lot in with that of the Warden's and leaves Orzammar to help fight the Blight.[6]
Once Oghren's approval is high enough, he can teach the warrior specialization, Berserker.
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening[]
After the Archdemon is defeated, Oghren settles down with his old flame Felsi and had a child. This happens even if Oghren's attempts to woo her while accompanying the Warden were unsuccessful. Those who know him say that he was truly happy, at least for a time. To Felsi's dismay, he returned to the ale soon again, unable to forget his insecurities and faults. The second time he dropped his baby, he realized that he wasn't fit to be a husband or a father.[6]
The choices during Oghren the Family Man in Dragon Age Keep
Without a word, Oghren left his family and traveled to Vigil's Keep awaiting the Warden-Commander so he could join the Grey Wardens and helped defend the Keep when it was attacked by the darkspawn.[6] Should he be put through the Joining he will survive and become a fully fledged Grey Warden. Eventually Felsi will return and ask about what he intends to do with his family. Once his approval is high enough, he will talk to the Warden-Commander about his feelings and he can be persuaded to take a more active role or not.
Oghren will also support siding with the Architect, arguing that it's worth the risk if sentience allows the darkspawn to stop assaulting Orzammar, which he mentions is still a major problem.
If the Warden killed him during the events of Origins while attempting to leave the party at -100 disapproval, the Warden-Commander can ask him about it. He will claim that he woke up with nothing on and compliment the Commander on trying to kill him.
Before the Siege of Vigil's Keep takes place, Oghren will send a letter to his child describing that he may not have a chance to contact again because he may not survive the upcoming battle. But even if he does, he feels that he won't live long. Affectionally calling his child "Nugget", he apologizes for leaving but says that it was better than being there. He also compliments Felsi and laments that he didn't do right by her.[6]
The Darkspawn Chronicles[]
The codex explains that after Branka turned him into a cuckold, Oghren turned to drink which eventually led him to kill a Dwarven noble during one of the times he was inebriated. He was then stripped of his weapons and title and forced to go to the surface, where he took up residence in the Gnawed Noble Tavern, ranting about his glory days to anyone who cared to listen.
Oghren, like the other heroes, appears as a boss, and is encountered in the Denerim Market District accompanied by four violent drunks. He wields the Forge Master's Hammer, though it is not explained how he obtained it.
Dragon Age: Asunder[]
Quests[]
Dragon Age: Origins[]
Dragon Age: Awakening[]
The Darkspawn Chronicles[]
Gifts[]
Dragon Age: Origins[]
Oghren's approval will increase when you give him any alcohol, especially ale. The one exception is Wine, which is preferred by Wynne.
Name Notes Description
Ale
Sold by various bartenders.A mug of watered-down ale.Alley King's FlagonFound in the Orzammar Commons.A monument to the pot-valiant in appropriately hammered gold. Lack of lid allows for a quick pour and, more importantly, refill. Never a stale brew when you facilitate swift consumption.Chasind Sack MeadFound in the Ruined Temple.A brutishly strong honey liquor, reminiscent of warm summer days, apple blossoms on the wind with an unexpected aftertaste of father going off to war, never to return. Bitter, to say the least.Garbolg's Backcountry ReserveFound by Dog.Likely dropped to avoid seizure by authorities, or because of seizure due to drinking it. Garbolg only brewed from 8:74 to 8:92 Blessed, killed when the vapors in his beard spontaneously combusted.Golden Scythe 4:90 BlackThis battlefield spirit maintains a chill even in direct sunlight, which it appears to absorb. Optimal serving is by the drop. Contact with exposed flesh is discouraged, but likely inevitable.Legacy White ShearObtained in the Lower Ruins.Peculiar and rare, a single run of this spirit took color and what has been optimistically been called flavor from lyrium in the cask's bilge hoop. A sipping whisky if you value your innards. Circa 790 T.E.Sun Blonde Vint-1Found in the Templar Quarters.Tevinter-brewed for a very discreet clientèle, and strong enough to fluster a tranquil. An almost weightless spirit best served with a powdering of catsbane as a flavor-enhancer and antidote.Wilhelm's Special BrewObtained in Honnleath. (Requires: The Stone Prisoner)This dark-colored ale gives off a thick, oaky smell. Swirling it in the tankard, you notice it takes on an unexpected glow.
Dragon Age: Awakening[]
Oghren continues to enjoy alcoholic gifts after he joins the Grey Wardens.
Name Notes Description
Aqua MagusFound in the Abandoned WarehouseFine spirits infused with a bit of refined lyrium. Potentially fatal if ingested in quantity."Dragon Piss"Obtained in Hubert's Den.The name is probably figurative, but no one knows for sure.Hirol's Lava BurstObtained in Knotwood Hills."It tastes like burning." Brewed exclusively in Kal'Hirol.Mackay's Epic Single MaltObtained in the City of Amaranthine.This whiskey is older than the Maker and smoother than elven baby-butt.Toy HorseA child might appreciate the simple toy.West Hill BrandyObtained in Vigil's Keep's Wine Cellar.Notes of blackcurrant with a honeysuckle finish. Also, tastes like brandy.
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Bug! If you export a character from Origins, the game remembers the number of gifts you gave Oghren during the Origins campaign, even though his approval is reset when he is recruited. This means that the initial gifts given to him during Awakening will already suffer from the diminishing returns on approval gain based on number of gifts given. |
Statistics[]
Initial attributes[]
Relative attribute weightings on auto-level:
Strength Dexterity Willpower Magic Cunning Constitution 1.4 0.25 0 0 0 0
Initial specialization[]
Initial talents[]
Warrior Powerful Powerful Threaten Bravery Death Blow (level 14)
Berserker Berserk Resilience Constraint (level 13) Final Blow (level 18)
Two-Handed Pommel Strike Pommel Strike Indomitable Stunning Blows (level 15) Critical Strike (level 19)
Sunder Arms Sunder Arms Shattering Blows Sunder Armor (level 12)
Mighty Blow Mighty Blow Powerful Swings (level 16) Two-Handed Strength (level 17) Two-Handed Sweep (level 20)
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Bug! When Oghren is imported into Awakening, his statistics are reset and repopulated with new defaults, regardless of your decisions and specializations in Origins. Note: If you played as a mage in Origins and had Oghren read the warrior/rogue Tomes in Origins, those attribute, skill, and talent points will be wasted in Awakening. If you want Oghren to use those tomes, you must hold them until Awakening. |
Initial equipment[]
Oghren fighting a revenant.
Dragon Age: Origins[]
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening[]
Weapons Darkspawn Ravager
Armor Helm of the Legion Legion of the Dead armor set
Accessories Smith's Heart One for the Ditch Ring of the Warrior Ring of Resistance
Restricted gear[]
- One for the Ditch (Origins)
- One for the Ditch (Awakening)
Plot skills[]
Dragon Age: Origins[]
As you befriend Oghren and gain his approval, he will gain the following additional skills:
Name Benefit Requirement Inspired: Minor Constitution
+1 constitution 25% approval Inspired: Moderate Constitution
+2 constitution 50% approval Inspired: Major Constitution
+4 constitution 75% approval Inspired: Massive Constitution
+6 constitution 90% approval
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening[]
Grey Warden Oghren in Heroes of Dragon Age.
As you befriend Oghren and gain his approval, he will gain the following additional skills:
Name Benefit Requirement Inspired: Minor Strength
+1 strength 25% approval Inspired: Moderate Strength
+2 strength 50% approval Inspired: Major Strength
+4 strength 75% approval Inspired: Massive Strength
+6 strength 90% approval
Dialogue points[]
- For an approval guide, see Oghren/Approval.
Below are the spots where you can initiate dialogue with Oghren in Awakening. On the PC version, it can be hard to find the correct spot to click; make sure to hit "tab" and rotate the camera if it's not letting you click on it. Within Vigil's keep, if dialogue doesn't initiate when clicking on Oghren, try clicking the cask behind him.
- City of Amaranthine: Billboard by the stairs to the Chantry.
- City of Amaranthine: The table of the weapon-smith in the market district (when talking to Sigrun).
- Kal'Hirol - Trade Quarter: The anvil in the prison room.
- Kal'Hirol: Cliff by the entrance of the thaig, just if Sigrun not joined the party.
- The Blackmarsh Undying: Boat in the area you wake up in. There is an alternative dialogue if the Warden is imported and Oghren was trapped in the Fade in the Circle of Magi.
- Vigil's Keep - Throne Room: The cask behind Oghren in the throne room, which can be used to initiate several conversations.
Quotes[]
- Main article: Oghren/Dialogue
Concept art of Oghren
Dragon Age: Origins[]
- "If you've ever heard of me before, it's probably all been about how I piss ale and murder little boys who look at me wrong. And that's mostly true..."
- "Misery, vomit and malt liquor. Ah, reminds me of home."
- "This is it, Warden. 'When from the blood of battle the Stone has fed, let the heroes prevail and the blighters lie dead.' As one of the blighters, I sodding salute you. Let us show them our hearts, and then show them theirs."
- "By the tits of my ancestors!"
- "Shave my back and call me en elf!"
- "That pot-bellied son-of-a-whore Teagan said I can't drink a whole barrel of pickle juice without passing out first. I aim to prove him wrong."
- "My family is dead, my honor as a warrior long gone. I've lost my caste and my house and I have nothing else to lose."
- "I wish people wanted to share me more often. Especially the ladies. I want more ladies to share me."
- "Aye. I've tried twenty-seven different types of ale and learned I'm just the right height to give a human girl a good time. That doesn't make me a good man."
Dragon Age: Awakening[]
- "You can take a warrior out of the fight, but you can never take the fight out of the warrior."
- "No one touches Oghren's junk and lives!"
- (Upon seeing the Mother) "That's a lot of nipples."
- (In banter with Sigrun) "I'm like a cherry soaked in brandy. Plump...juicy...and full of intoxicating flavor."
Dialogue[]
- Oghren: "I came here to join the Grey Wardens, and from the looks of it, you could use the extra hands! Where's the giant cup? I'll gargle and spit!"
- The Warden-Commander: "You're not allowed to spit."
- Oghren: "Heh. That's what I always say..."
Codex entries[]
Trivia[]
- Oghren is the first companion to be available in two different games, the others being Anders and Varric.
- Oghren does not know how to swim.[9]
- Oghren was mostly written by Jay Turner, but Sheryl Chee also had a hand in writing him.[10] Mary Kirby wrote his personal quest.[11]
- Although Oghren becomes a surface dwarf when he joins the Warden's party and leaves for the surface, he isn't forced to paint a tattoo on his face when the Warden and their party returns to Orzammar in order to indicate that he is a surfacer.[12] This is likely a developer oversight.
- Although Oghren is barred from bearing arms in the city, nothing happens if you equip him with weapons in Orzammar. He even joins your party with an axe equipped. This is likely a developer oversight.
- When selected to defend the Keep in Awakening, his codex entry states he died when the darkspawn attacked. However, with a fully upgraded Keep, the epilogue says he survived.
- Oghren's "Asschabs" was added as a joke between the writers of Dragon Age: Origins. David Gaider would, "[a]t least once or twice a week, [...] come in [their offices] groaning about having "chair butt", which is essentially when your butt goes numb from sitting in your chair for too long". Someone then coined the name "Association of Chair Butt Sufferers"; its abbreviation, ASSCHABS, was then written on their whiteboard. At that time, Jay Turner was writing Oghren, and the word "would be staring at him. So since it sounds like something Oghren would say, he decided to make Oghren say it, to make sure ASSCHABS was never forgotten."[13]
- Oghren named his child after the Warden.
- In a dialogue with the Warden he mentions that he feels bad about leaving Felsi and the child alone.
- In Dragon Age II, a painting of Oghren's concept art can be seen near the bar at the Hanged Man.
- Mary Kirby has playfully described Oghren as being like "creamed chipped beef that's been left in the fridge maybe a week too long".[14]
Bugs[]
- Infinite approval exploit: Take Oghren with you when you are confronting Dwyn before The Attack at Nightfall. When trying to persuade Dwyn to fight for the village, choose "You're a coward," followed by "Stay in here, then, if you prefer." This will end the conversation, and you can start it again as many times as needed. Oghren will gain (+1)
- Under unknown circumstances, Oghren may not show up in the entrance of the Deep Roads and enter the Warden's party during the last part of A Paragon of Her Kind quest line.
- If you have used the console command runscript selectparty before meeting Oghren for the first time in the Orzammar Diamond Quarter, he will not spawn at Tapster's Tavern and will be missing for the rest of the game. To fix the bug, go to Tapster's (preferably after acquiring the quest A Paragon of Her Kind), leave, and then enter runscript selectparty into the console again. Oghren should appear on the screen and remain there from that point on.
Gallery[]
References[]
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