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Changes: Paragon

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(Corrected the name of Paragon Elahen, previously mistakenly entered as "Erahel".)
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[[File:Fairel.png|thumb|230px|Statue of Paragon Fairel]]
  
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'''Paragons''' are the elite of the [[Dwarf|dwarven]] culture, the pinnacle of dwarven excellence, and the one exception to the rigid caste structure as they can be drawn from any [[caste]], even the [[casteless]].<ref name="rpg12">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12</ref>
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'''Paragons''' are the elite of the [[Dwarf|dwarven]] culture, the pinnacle of dwarven excellence, and the one exception to the rigid caste structure as they can be drawn from any [[caste]], even the [[casteless]].
   
 
== Background ==
  
== Background ==
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Dwarven cities are decorated by monolithic lifelike statues of Paragons from days past. The most impressive is [[Orzammar]]'s [[Orzammar Hall of Heroes|Hall of Heroes]] beneath the surface gates in the [[Frostback Mountains]] where the giant statues appear to hold up the ceiling. This is meant to impress—and perhaps intimidate—visitors to Orzammar and to convey upon dwarves heading to the surface all that they are leaving behind.
  
Dwarven cities are decorated by monolithic lifelike statues of Paragons from days past. The most impressive is [[Orzammar]]'s [[Orzammar Hall of Heroes|Hall of Heroes]] beneath the surface gates in the [[Frostback Mountains]] where the giant statues appear to hold up the ceiling. This is meant to impress—and perhaps intimidate—visitors to Orzammar and to convey upon dwarves heading to the surface all that they are leaving behind.
   
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[[Dwarven royalty|King]] [[Endrin Stonehammer]] is known as the First Paragon of the dwarves and is also the most famous.<ref name="tst355">''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'' p. 355</ref><ref name="rpg10">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10</ref>
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[[Dwarven royalty|King]] [[Endrin Stonehammer]] is known as the First Paragon of the dwarves.<ref name="tst355">''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'' p. 355</ref>
   
 
== Election of Paragons ==
  
== Election of Paragons ==
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There are few living Paragons as many dwarves are named Paragon only after their death.<ref name="rpg12"/><ref>[[Codex entry: Life in Orzammar]]</ref> The act by which one becomes a Paragon can vary. Typically it is a feat of bravery in warfare or an incredible invention, but it can also be something as simple as embodying the ideals and tasks of one's caste to an unprecedented perfection.<ref name="rpg12"/><ref>There have been Paragons of the [[Servant caste]] who embodied the ideals of duty and service to such a degree that they were elevated to Paragons.</ref> However some have earned the rank for less important pursuits such as writing particularly good rhymes or brewing stronger [[Dwarven diet|ales]].<ref>{{Cite wot|126}}</ref> A Paragon is elected by the [[Assembly]], which is no easy feat and often involves long debate considering the political consequences; a Paragon creates a noble [[house]] with a [[deshyr]] representative which may upset the political balance as well as the society in general since dwarves from every caste can be invited to join the new house and be uplifted to the privileged noble caste. This new house bears the name of the Paragon and is recorded in the [[Memories]], the records of the dwarves.
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There are few living Paragons as many dwarves are named Paragon only after their death.<ref name="life">[[Codex entry: Life in Orzammar]]</ref><ref name="rpg12">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12</ref> The act by which one becomes a Paragon can vary. Typically it is a feat of bravery in warfare or an incredible invention, but it can also be something as simple as embodying the ideals and tasks of one's caste to an unprecedented perfection.<ref name="life"/><ref name="rpg12"/> However some have earned the rank for less important pursuits such as writing particularly good rhymes or brewing stronger [[Dwarven diet|ales]].<ref>{{Cite wot|126}}</ref> A Paragon is elected by the [[Assembly]], which is no easy feat and often involves long debate considering the political consequences; a Paragon creates a noble [[house]] with a [[deshyr]] representative which may upset the political balance as well as the society in general since dwarves from every caste can be invited to join the new house and be uplifted to the privileged noble caste. This new house bears the name of the Paragon and is recorded in the [[Memories]], the records of the dwarves.
   
 
In ancient times, the best warriors of [[Provings|Grand Provings]] were named Paragons and many statues were constructed in their honor.<ref>{{Cite wot|20}}</ref>
  
In ancient times, the best warriors of [[Provings|Grand Provings]] were named Paragons and many statues were constructed in their honor.<ref>{{Cite wot|20}}</ref>
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== Known Paragons ==
  
== Known Paragons ==
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* '''[[Aeducan]]''': He lived at the beginning of the [[First Blight]] and led the armies of Orzammar against the [[darkspawn]] at a time when they had almost completely destroyed the dwarven empire. It is said that his election to Paragon had but one dissenting vote; the one who cast that vote was savagely hacked to death by his fellow [[deshyr]]s<ref>According to [[Shaperate|Scholar]] [[Gertek]] if asked about Paragon [[Aeducan]].</ref>, allowing the election to pass unanimously. He is the founder of [[House Aeducan]].
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* '''[[Aeducan]]''' – he lived at the beginning of the [[First Blight]] and led the armies of Orzammar against the [[darkspawn]] at a time when they had almost completely destroyed the dwarven empire; it is said that his election to Paragon had but one dissenting vote; the one who cast that vote was savagely hacked to death by his fellow [[deshyr]]s<ref>According to [[Shaperate|Scholar]] [[Gertek]] if asked about Paragon [[Aeducan]].</ref>, allowing the election to pass unanimously; founder of [[House Aeducan]]
   
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* '''[[Astyth|Astyth the Grey]]''': She is the first female Paragon of the [[Warrior caste]]. The [[Silent Sisters]] were founded in honor of Astyth, and members of that order cut out their tongue in emulation of her. At 1:95 [[Divine Age|Divine]], Astyth posthumously became a Paragon when she sacrificed her life to save the king of Orzammar.<ref>{{Cite wot|71}}</ref><ref>{{Cite wot2|26-27}}</ref>
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* '''[[Astyth|Astyth the Grey]]''' – she is the first female Paragon of the [[Warrior caste]]; the [[Silent Sisters]] were founded in honor of Astyth, and members of that order cut out their tongue in emulation of her; Astyth posthumously became a Paragon when she sacrificed her life to save Orzammar's king in 1:95 [[Divine Age|Divine]]<ref>{{Cite wot|71}}</ref><ref>{{Cite wot2|26-27}}</ref>
   
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* '''Beirus''' – a true living paragon of Orzammar as his prowess at the forge rivaled that of [[Caridin]]<ref>According to dialog extracted from [[Quests (Dragon Age Legends)#Lukesh's Point of View|Lukesh's Point of View]], Beirus claimed he would fix Caridin's greatest failure, however he purposely became a [[Golem]].</ref><ref>Beirus is encountered in the [[Deep Roads]] during ''[[Dragon Age Legends]]''; see also [[Tovez]].</ref>
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* '''Bemot''': He is the founder of [[House Bemot]] and became a Paragon and king in one move during the [[Fourth Blight]]. He was born as a commoner. His statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes.
  
   
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* '''Bemot''' – was born as a commoner and became a Paragon and king in one move during the [[Fourth Blight]]; founder of [[House Bemot]]; Bemot's statue can be found in the ''Hall of Heroes''
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* '''[[Branka]]''': She became a Paragon in 9:10 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]]<ref>{{Cite wot|137}}</ref> and the only to be elected in four generations. She is also the founder and head of [[House Branka]] and the wife of [[Oghren]]. She's an ill-tempered smith who invented a smokeless coal. She went into the Deep Roads on a secret mission in 9:28 Dragon, taking her entire household with her except Oghren. Her statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes.
  
   
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* '''[[Branka]]''' – an ill-tempered smith who became a Paragon in 9:10 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]] by inventing a smokeless coal<ref>{{Cite wot|137}}</ref> (the only to be elected in four generations); founder and head of [[House Branka]]; Branka went into the Deep Roads on a secret mission in 9:28 Dragon, taking her entire household except her husband [[Oghren]]; her statue can be found in the ''Hall of Heroes''
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* '''Child Paragon''': The deeds and name are unknown, the memorial in [[Caridin's Cross#Special Objects|Caridin's Cross]] has been worn away by time or vandalized by darkspawn.
  
   
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* '''Child Paragon''' – the deeds and name are unknown, the memorial in [[Caridin's Cross#Special Objects|Caridin's Cross]] has been worn away by time or vandalized by darkspawn
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* '''[[Caridin]]''': He is the Paragon who created the [[Anvil of the Void (object)|Anvil of the Void]]. He originally descended from [[House Ortan]] but after his elevation to the Paragon status he created his own [[House Caridin|house]]. When he vanished, the secret of how to make war golems vanished with him.
  
   
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* '''[[Caridin]]''' – created the [[Anvil of the Void (object)|Anvil of the Void]]; he originally descended from [[House Ortan]] but after his elevation to the Paragon status he created his own [[House Caridin|house]]; when Caridin vanished, the secret of how to create [[golem]]s vanished with him
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* '''Ebryan''': A Paragon who [[:Category:Paragon Ebryan (source)|wrote]] the book ''Songs That Only Nugs Can Hear'' in 5:84 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Nug (Origins)]]</ref> He is also attributed for being the author of ''How the Deepstalker Came to Be'', a popular dwarven [[Deepstalker#How the Deepstalker Came to Be|tale]] for children.<ref>{{Cite wot2|209}}</ref>
  
   
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* '''Ebryan''' – [[:Category:Paragon Ebryan (source)|wrote]] the book ''Songs That Only Nugs Can Hear'' in 5:84 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]];<ref>[[Codex entry: Nug (Origins)]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: The Nug King]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: The Wellspring]]</ref> he is attributed for being the author of ''How the Deepstalker Came to Be'', a popular dwarven [[Deepstalker#How the Deepstalker Came to Be|tale]] for children<ref>{{Cite wot2|209}}</ref>
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* '''Egon Wintersbreath''': One of the greatest dwarven [[warrior]]s, he is known for mounting the defense of the Kingdom of [[Hormak]] against the [[darkspawn]] until it fell in -35 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]]. He later left for the surface after learning about the decree of High King Threestone who ordered the Deep Roads leading to [[Orzammar]] to be sealed, claiming that he would "rather die under an alien sky than be buried in [[the Stone]] that betrayed [them]."<ref>Based on the description of [[Wintersbreath (Inquisition)]].</ref>
  
   
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* '''Erahel''': A Paragon who died in [[Caridin's Cross]]. He is mentioned on a [[:File:Road Marker.png|Road Marker]].
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* '''Elahen''' – a Paragon who died in [[Caridin's Cross]]<ref>Mentioned on a [[:File:Road Marker.png|Road Marker]]</ref>
   
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* '''[[Fairel]]''': An ancient master smith who became Paragon and is well-known for his [[rune]]work. He along with his two sons and his House as well as several more, escaped the war waged [[Thedas#Underground|underground]], and built [[Kal Repartha]] on the surface in the [[Hissing Wastes]] of western [[Orlais]].<ref>[[Codex entry: A Journal on Dwarven Ruins]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Dwarven Inscriptions: Hissing Wastes]]</ref>
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* '''[[Fairel]]''' – an ancient master smith who is well-known for his [[rune]]work; Fairel, his two sons, his entire House and several others escaped the war waged [[Thedas#Underground|underground]] and built [[Kal Repartha]] on the surface in the [[Hissing Wastes]] of western [[Orlais]]<ref>[[Codex entry: A Journal on Dwarven Ruins]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Dwarven Inscriptions: Hissing Wastes]]</ref>
   
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* '''[[Orseck Garal]]''': He is an ancient king of the dwarven empire. After his death, he was succeeded by his friend and ally Endrin Stonehammer who named Orseck Garal as Paragon on his deathbed.<ref name="wot26">{{Cite wot2|26}}</ref>
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* '''[[Orseck Garal]]''' – he is an ancient king of the dwarven empire; after his death, he was succeeded by his friend and ally [[Endrin Stonehammer]] who named Orseck a Paragon on his deathbed<ref name="wot26">{{Cite wot2|26}}</ref>
   
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* '''Orrick Garen'''<ref>[[Codex entry: First Legionnaire's Journal]], [[Codex entry: Second Legionnaire's Journal]], [[Codex entry: Third Legionnaire's Journal]]</ref>: He lived in the early Exalted Age and he is the only king who became a Paragon during his reign. He sentenced his son Tethras to exile into the Deep Roads for the murder of his sister Unaria. Eventually he found out that the [[Carta]] was responsible for the murder and he was so overcome with guilt that he was constantly sending [[Legion of the Dead|Legionnaire]] units for ten years into the [[Deep Roads]] in an effort to find him and bring him back. As a tribute to his son, he changed the name of his house from Garen to Tethras as well as his own name.<ref name="wot158">{{Cite wot2|158-159}}</ref> This is disputed by [[Varric Tethras]] who says that as a tribute to his son, the heirs of House Garen took the name Tethras and eventually one of them became a Paragon on his own right and founded [[House Tethras]].<ref name="Legacy">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>
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* '''Orrick Garen'''<ref>[[Codex entry: First Legionnaire's Journal]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Second Legionnaire's Journal]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Third Legionnaire's Journal]]</ref> – he lived in the early Exalted Age and he is the only king who became a Paragon during his reign; Orrick sentenced his son Tethras to be exile into the Deep Roads for the murder of his sister Unaria; Orrick eventually found out that the [[Carta]] were responsible for the murder and was so overcome with guilt, that for ten years he continuously sent [[Legion of the Dead|Legionnaire]] units into the [[Deep Roads]] in an effort to find his son; as a tribute to his son, he changed the name of his house from Garen to '''Tethras''' as well as his own name;<ref name="wot158">{{Cite wot2|158-159}}</ref> this though is disputed by [[Varric Tethras]] who stated that as a tribute to his son, the heirs of House Garen took the name Tethras and eventually one of them became a Paragon on his own right and then founded [[House Tethras]]<ref name="Legacy">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>
   
 
[[File:Heidrun Thaig - Heidrun the Deep.png|thumb|270px|The tomb of Paragon Heidrun the Deep]]
  
[[File:Heidrun Thaig - Heidrun the Deep.png|thumb|270px|The tomb of Paragon Heidrun the Deep]]
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* '''Gherlen the Blood-Risen'''<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> – was born casteless and ventured to the [[Surface dwarves|surface]]; after gaining enough prestige from his adventures and acts of bravery, he returned to Orzammar and became a Paragon and king by overthrowing the ruler, his tale is still honored by dwarven adventurers
   
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* '''Heidrun the Deep''' – a Paragon whose deeds are unknown; however, he can be found buried in a grandiose tomb in the [[Ruins of Heidrun Thaig|Heidrun Thaig]] which was named after him<ref>[[Landmarks in the Deep Roads#Monument to Heidrun the Deep|Monument to Heidrun the Deep]]</ref>
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* '''Gherlen the Blood-Risen'''<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>: He was born casteless. However, he ventured to the [[Surface dwarves|surface]] and after he gained enough prestige from his adventures and acts of bravery, he returned to Orzammar and became a Paragon and king by overthrowing the previous ruler. His tale is still honored by dwarven adventurers.
  
   
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* '''Hekkat''' – discovered the means that allowed dwarves to build structures of massive height and breadth<ref>[[Note: The Lost Outpost Plaque]]</ref>
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* '''Heidrun the Deep''': His deeds are unknown. The Paragon is buried in a grandiose tomb in the [[Ruins of Heidrun Thaig|Heidrun Thaig]] which is named after him.<ref>[[Landmarks in the Deep Roads#Monument to Heidrun the Deep|Monument to Heidrun the Deep]]</ref>
  
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* '''Hekkat''': A Paragon who discovered the means that allowed dwarves to build structures of massive height and breadth.<ref>[[Note: The Lost Outpost Plaque]]</ref>
  
   
 
[[File:Hirol's Tomb II.png|thumb|250px|Paragon Hirol's sarcophagus]]
  
[[File:Hirol's Tomb II.png|thumb|250px|Paragon Hirol's sarcophagus]]
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* '''[[Hirol]]''' – he considered himself to be outside of the [[caste]] system and made several [[Inferno golem|improvements]] on [[Caridin]]'s original golem designs; he is the founder of the noble House Hirol, Hirol's tomb can be found in [[Kal'Hirol]]'s [[Kal'Hirol - Trade Quarter|''Trade Quarter'']]
   
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* '''Hrildan''' – a female Paragon who is featured in the ''Hall of Heroes''; there are several [[The Paragon Hrildan Carving|carvings]] depicted of her
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* '''[[Hirol]]''': He is a Paragon who considered himself outside of the [[caste]] system and made several improvements on Caridin's original golem designs. He is also the founder of the noble House Hirol. His tomb can be found in the [[Kal'Hirol - Trade Quarter|Trade Quarter]] of [[Kal'Hirol]].
  
   
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* '''Ilona''' – a Paragon whose deeds are unknown; she ordered the sealing of [[Malvernis]] in the [[Vimmark Mountains]]<ref>[[Codex entry: Amgeforn the Lonely Vigil]]</ref>
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* '''Hrildan''': A female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes. There are also [[The Paragon Hrildan Carving|carvings]] made out of her.
  
   
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* '''Ilona''': A Paragon whose deeds are unknown, but ordered the sealing of [[Malvernis]] in the [[Vimmark Mountains]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Amgeforn the Lonely Vigil]]</ref>
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* '''Ivo''' – a Paragon and founder of [[House Ivo]]; he lived during or just prior to the [[Blessed Age]]<ref>[[Codex entry: Ivo Family Crest]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Blood Ring]]</ref>
   
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* '''Lantena''' – a female Paragon featured in the ''Hall of Heroes''
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* '''Ivo''': A Paragon and founder of [[House Ivo]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Ivo Family Crest]]</ref> He must have lived during or before the [[Blessed Age]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Blood Ring]]</ref>
  
   
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* '''Lynchcar''' – a Paragon who lived during the [[Steel Age]]; Lynchcar's deeds are not known but he is mentioned in a [[Codex entry: The Noladar Anthology of Dwarven Poetry|book of poetry]]
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* '''Lantena''': A female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes.
  
   
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* '''Moroc the Maul'''<ref>[[Codex entry: When It's Quiet]]</ref> – a legendary [[warrior]]; Moroc was present at the [[Grey Wardens]] founding in -305 Ancient (890 TE); his contributions led to the standardization of not losing one's caste when becoming a Warden<ref name="rpg10">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10</ref>
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* '''Lynchcar''': A Paragon who lived during the [[Steel Age]]. His deeds are not known but he is mentioned in a [[Codex entry: The Noladar Anthology of Dwarven Poetry|book of poetry]].
  
   
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* '''Ortan''': A Paragon and founder of [[House Ortan]] who composed a grand epic of the Seven Brothers and the Ortanic Symphony. The [[Ortan Thaig]] is named after him.<ref>Mentioned by [[Orta]].</ref> His statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes.
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* '''Ortan''' – the founder of [[House Ortan]]; Ortan composed a grand epic of the ''Seven Brothers and the Ortanic Symphony''; his statue can be found in the ''Hall of Heroes'' and a known ancient [[Ortan Thaig|thaig]] was named after him<ref>Mentioned by [[Orta]]</ref>
   
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* '''Seuss''': A Paragon who lived in the early [[Glory Age]]. He apparently had excellent [[Codex entry: The Noladar Anthology of Dwarven Poetry|rhyming skills]].
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* '''Seuss''' – a Paragon that lived in the early [[Glory Age]] who apparently had excellent [[Codex entry: The Noladar Anthology of Dwarven Poetry|rhyming skills]]
   
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* '''[[Endrin Stonehammer]]''': He succeeded Orseck Garal as the king of the dwarven empire. Stonehammer was named Paragon on his deathbed.<ref name="tst355"/><ref name="wot26"/>
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* '''[[Endrin Stonehammer]]''' – he succeeded [[Orseck Garal]] as the king of the dwarven empire; Stonehammer was named Paragon on his deathbed<ref name="tst355"/><ref name="wot26"/>
   
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* '''Tethras''': Formerly known as Orrick Garen, he is the Paragon and founder of [[House Tethras]] after he changed his house's name as well as his own as a tribute to his son.<ref name="wot158"/> This is disputed by Varric Tethras who says that their founding Paragon was a heir of House Garen and a descendant from Paragon Orrick Garen.<ref name="Legacy"/> In any case Paragon Tethras' noble house was banished to the surface in 8:98 [[Blessed Age|Blessed]] for fixing [[Provings|Proving]] matches.
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* '''Tethras''' – formerly known as '''Orrick Garen''', he is the Paragon and founder of [[House Tethras]] after he changed his house's name as well as his own as a tribute to his son;<ref name="wot158"/> this however, is disputed by Varric Tethras who states that their founding Paragon was a heir of House Garen and a descendant from Paragon Orrick Garen<ref name="Legacy"/>, in any case Paragon Tethras' noble house was banished to the surface in 8:98 [[Blessed Age|Blessed]] for fixing [[Provings|Proving]] matches
   
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* '''Varen''': A former [[Legion of the Dead|Legionnaire]] who became a Paragon after discovering that the [[nug]]s are [[Dwarven diet|edible]].<ref>[[Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug]].</ref> There are also [[The Paragon Varen Carving|carvings]] made out of him.
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* '''Varen''' – a former [[Legion of the Dead|Legionnaire]] who became a Paragon after discovering that [[nug]]s are [[Dwarven diet|edible]],<ref>[[Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Paragons Known and Lesser Known]]</ref> there are several [[The Paragon Varen Carving|carvings]] depicting him
   
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* '''Vollney''': A Paragon and founder of [[House Vollney]] whose deeds are not yet known, but it is known for becoming a Paragon by the narrowest margin in the history of the dwarves; one single vote.<ref>As mentioned by [[Shaperate|Scholar]] [[Gertek]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]].</ref>
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* '''Vollney''' – founder of [[House Vollney]]; he is known for becoming a Paragon by the narrowest margin in the history of the dwarves–one single vote<ref>As mentioned by [[Shaperate|Scholar]] [[Gertek]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]].</ref>
   
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* '''[[The Warden]]''' – those of dwarven [[Origins|origin]] will become a Paragon at the end of the [[Fifth Blight]]<ref>As mentioned in the [[Epilogue (Origins)|epilogue]].</ref>
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{{SpoilerDAO|{{clear}}
  
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* '''[[The Warden]]''': Those of dwarven [[Origins|origin]] will become a Paragon at the end of the [[Fifth Blight]].<ref>As mentioned in the [[Epilogue (Origins)|epilogue]].</ref>}}
  
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* '''Egon Wintersbreath''' – one of the greatest known dwarven [[warrior]]s; Egon mounted the defense of the Kingdom of [[Hormak]] against the [[darkspawn]] until it fell in -35 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]]; he left for the surface after High King Threestone decreed that the Deep Roads–leading to [[Orzammar]]–be sealed, Egon claimed that he would "rather die under an alien sky than be buried in [[the Stone]] that betrayed [them]"<ref>[[Wintersbreath (Inquisition)]]</ref>
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* '''Unnamed''' – a dwarf who assisted the [[Tevinter Imperium|Imperium]] in the Siege of [[Marnas Pell]] during the [[Fourth Blight]]<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'', p. 363</ref>
   
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* '''Unnamed''': One of the dwarves who assisted the [[Tevinter Imperium|Imperium]] in the Siege of [[Marnas Pell]] during the [[Fourth Blight]].<ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'', p. 363</ref>
  
 
{{Tabletop RPG material}}
  
{{Tabletop RPG material}}
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* '''Heldane Zadol''' – also known as "'''Weaponsfather'''", is a Paragon who lived in [[Hormak]] and pioneered the art of folding steel–whose blades are still coveted til this day<ref name="rpg10"/><ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 64</ref>
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* '''Moroc the Maul''': A legendary [[warrior]], Moroc was present at the [[Grey Wardens]] founding in -305 Ancient (890 TE). His contributions are a key reason that here is no loss of caste associated with becoming a Warden.<ref name="rpg10"/>
  
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* '''Heldane Zadol''': Also known as the "'''Weaponsfather'''", he is a Paragon who lived in [[Hormak]] and pioneered the art of folding steel, and whose blades are still coveted.<ref name="rpg10"/><ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 64</ref>
  
   
 
== Paragon-Elect ==
  
== Paragon-Elect ==
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== Known Paragon-Elects ==
  
== Known Paragon-Elects ==
 
* '''Sturhald-Sharok'''<ref>[[Paragon-Elect Sturhald-Sharok Carving]]</ref>
  
* '''Sturhald-Sharok'''<ref>[[Paragon-Elect Sturhald-Sharok Carving]]</ref>
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== Codex entries ==
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:{{:Codex entry: The Paragons|style=iconmini}}
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:{{:Codex entry: Paragons Known and Lesser Known|style=iconmini}}
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:{{:Codex entry: When It's Quiet|style=iconmini}}
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
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{{Tabletop RPG material}}
  
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Latest revision as of 21:11, 20 November 2023


Paragons are the elite of the dwarven culture, the pinnacle of dwarven excellence, and the one exception to the rigid caste structure as they can be drawn from any caste, even the casteless.

Background[]

They are the noble warriors, politicians, smiths and even children that all others seek to emulate, and they function as essential role models to their race. The dwarves have no gods, instead they venerate their Ancestors. To them a living Paragon is considered a "living Ancestor", whose actions and words carry the wisdom and will of their Ancestors. The word of a Paragon surpasses in weight even the word of a king—even if the former's title does not grant official power.[1]

Dwarven cities are decorated by monolithic lifelike statues of Paragons from days past. The most impressive is Orzammar's Hall of Heroes beneath the surface gates in the Frostback Mountains where the giant statues appear to hold up the ceiling. This is meant to impress—and perhaps intimidate—visitors to Orzammar and to convey upon dwarves heading to the surface all that they are leaving behind.

King Endrin Stonehammer is known as the First Paragon of the dwarves.[2]

Election of Paragons[]

There are few living Paragons as many dwarves are named Paragon only after their death.[3][4] The act by which one becomes a Paragon can vary. Typically it is a feat of bravery in warfare or an incredible invention, but it can also be something as simple as embodying the ideals and tasks of one's caste to an unprecedented perfection.[3][4] However some have earned the rank for less important pursuits such as writing particularly good rhymes or brewing stronger ales.[5] A Paragon is elected by the Assembly, which is no easy feat and often involves long debate considering the political consequences; a Paragon creates a noble house with a deshyr representative which may upset the political balance as well as the society in general since dwarves from every caste can be invited to join the new house and be uplifted to the privileged noble caste. This new house bears the name of the Paragon and is recorded in the Memories, the records of the dwarves.

In ancient times, the best warriors of Grand Provings were named Paragons and many statues were constructed in their honor.[6]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.

In 9:41 Dragon, Bianca Davri is under consideration for Paragon status for her invention of a steam powered mechanical thresher and seeder. If successful, she will be the first surface dwarf ever to be nominated as Paragon.[7] However the Assembly is split on the matter with Houses which have strong financial motives with the surface trade are pushing and backing the motion like House Dace while rivals and traditionalists are siding against it.[8]


Known Paragons[]

  • Aeducan – he lived at the beginning of the First Blight and led the armies of Orzammar against the darkspawn at a time when they had almost completely destroyed the dwarven empire; it is said that his election to Paragon had but one dissenting vote; the one who cast that vote was savagely hacked to death by his fellow deshyrs[9], allowing the election to pass unanimously; founder of House Aeducan
  • Astyth the Grey – she is the first female Paragon of the Warrior caste; the Silent Sisters were founded in honor of Astyth, and members of that order cut out their tongue in emulation of her; Astyth posthumously became a Paragon when she sacrificed her life to save Orzammar's king in 1:95 Divine[10][11]
  • Beirus – a true living paragon of Orzammar as his prowess at the forge rivaled that of Caridin[12][13]
  • Bemot – was born as a commoner and became a Paragon and king in one move during the Fourth Blight; founder of House Bemot; Bemot's statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes
  • Branka – an ill-tempered smith who became a Paragon in 9:10 Dragon by inventing a smokeless coal[14] (the only to be elected in four generations); founder and head of House Branka; Branka went into the Deep Roads on a secret mission in 9:28 Dragon, taking her entire household except her husband Oghren; her statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes
  • Child Paragon – the deeds and name are unknown, the memorial in Caridin's Cross has been worn away by time or vandalized by darkspawn
  • Caridin – created the Anvil of the Void; he originally descended from House Ortan but after his elevation to the Paragon status he created his own house; when Caridin vanished, the secret of how to create golems vanished with him
  • Ebryan – wrote the book Songs That Only Nugs Can Hear in 5:84 Exalted;[15][16][17] he is attributed for being the author of How the Deepstalker Came to Be, a popular dwarven tale for children[18]
  • Orseck Garal – he is an ancient king of the dwarven empire; after his death, he was succeeded by his friend and ally Endrin Stonehammer who named Orseck a Paragon on his deathbed[22]
  • Orrick Garen[23][24][25] – he lived in the early Exalted Age and he is the only king who became a Paragon during his reign; Orrick sentenced his son Tethras to be exile into the Deep Roads for the murder of his sister Unaria; Orrick eventually found out that the Carta were responsible for the murder and was so overcome with guilt, that for ten years he continuously sent Legionnaire units into the Deep Roads in an effort to find his son; as a tribute to his son, he changed the name of his house from Garen to Tethras as well as his own name;[26] this though is disputed by Varric Tethras who stated that as a tribute to his son, the heirs of House Garen took the name Tethras and eventually one of them became a Paragon on his own right and then founded House Tethras[27]
Heidrun Thaig - Heidrun the Deep

The tomb of Paragon Heidrun the Deep

  • Gherlen the Blood-Risen[28][29] – was born casteless and ventured to the surface; after gaining enough prestige from his adventures and acts of bravery, he returned to Orzammar and became a Paragon and king by overthrowing the ruler, his tale is still honored by dwarven adventurers
  • Heidrun the Deep – a Paragon whose deeds are unknown; however, he can be found buried in a grandiose tomb in the Heidrun Thaig which was named after him[30]
  • Hekkat – discovered the means that allowed dwarves to build structures of massive height and breadth[31]
Hirol's Tomb II

Paragon Hirol's sarcophagus

  • Hrildan – a female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes; there are several carvings depicted of her
  • Lantena – a female Paragon featured in the Hall of Heroes
  • Lynchcar – a Paragon who lived during the Steel Age; Lynchcar's deeds are not known but he is mentioned in a book of poetry
  • Moroc the Maul[35] – a legendary warrior; Moroc was present at the Grey Wardens founding in -305 Ancient (890 TE); his contributions led to the standardization of not losing one's caste when becoming a Warden[36]
  • Ortan – the founder of House Ortan; Ortan composed a grand epic of the Seven Brothers and the Ortanic Symphony; his statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes and a known ancient thaig was named after him[37]
  • Tethras – formerly known as Orrick Garen, he is the Paragon and founder of House Tethras after he changed his house's name as well as his own as a tribute to his son;[26] this however, is disputed by Varric Tethras who states that their founding Paragon was a heir of House Garen and a descendant from Paragon Orrick Garen[27], in any case Paragon Tethras' noble house was banished to the surface in 8:98 Blessed for fixing Proving matches
  • Vollney – founder of House Vollney; he is known for becoming a Paragon by the narrowest margin in the history of the dwarves–one single vote[40]
  • Egon Wintersbreath – one of the greatest known dwarven warriors; Egon mounted the defense of the Kingdom of Hormak against the darkspawn until it fell in -35 Ancient; he left for the surface after High King Threestone decreed that the Deep Roads–leading to Orzammar–be sealed, Egon claimed that he would "rather die under an alien sky than be buried in the Stone that betrayed [them]"[42]
BioWare canon
The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.
  • Heldane Zadol – also known as "Weaponsfather", is a Paragon who lived in Hormak and pioneered the art of folding steel–whose blades are still coveted til this day[36][44]

Paragon-Elect[]

After the rediscovery of Kal-Sharok, it is revealed that in a time after the kingdom was completely isolated in -15 Ancient and considered lost to the darkspawn horde[45] the dwarves of that city changed the way Paragons are worshipped and nominated as well as the type of their power. Paragon Elect is the highest elected government office. Furthermore, the practice of nominating Paragons changed from recognition of past deeds into recognition of promised deeds. In Kal-Sharok Paragons are not rendered as giant statues like Orzammar, but as massive posthumous wall carvings that span lengths of the Deep Roads.[1] The dwarves of Kal-Sharok do not recognize the Paragons of Orzammar and likewise, Orzammar does not recognize their Paragons.[46]

Known Paragon-Elects[]

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: The Paragons Codex entry: The Paragons
Codex entry: Paragons Known and Lesser Known Codex entry: Paragons Known and Lesser Known
Codex entry: When It's Quiet Codex entry: When It's Quiet

Notes[]

BioWare canon
The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.
  • The election of a new Paragon may have such major political consequences that can cause even bloodshed between feuding dwarven clans.[4]

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 127
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne p. 355
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Codex entry: Life in Orzammar
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12
  5. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 126
  6. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 20
  7. ↑ Mentioned by Varric Tethras after meeting with Bianca Davri in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
  8. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 258
  9. ↑ According to Scholar Gertek if asked about Paragon Aeducan.
  10. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 71
  11. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 26-27
  12. ↑ According to dialog extracted from Lukesh's Point of View, Beirus claimed he would fix Caridin's greatest failure, however he purposely became a Golem.
  13. ↑ Beirus is encountered in the Deep Roads during Dragon Age Legends; see also Tovez.
  14. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 137
  15. ↑ Codex entry: Nug (Origins)
  16. ↑ Codex entry: The Nug King
  17. ↑ Codex entry: The Wellspring
  18. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 209
  19. ↑ Mentioned on a Road Marker
  20. ↑ Codex entry: A Journal on Dwarven Ruins
  21. ↑ Codex entry: Dwarven Inscriptions: Hissing Wastes
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 26
  23. ↑ Codex entry: First Legionnaire's Journal
  24. ↑ Codex entry: Second Legionnaire's Journal
  25. ↑ Codex entry: Third Legionnaire's Journal
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 158-159
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 See these four images: [1], [2], [3], [4].
  28. ↑ Dragon Age: Origins Prima Guide Collector's Edition, Traveler's Guide.
  29. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 24
  30. ↑ Monument to Heidrun the Deep
  31. ↑ Note: The Lost Outpost Plaque
  32. ↑ Codex entry: Amgeforn the Lonely Vigil
  33. ↑ Codex entry: Ivo Family Crest
  34. ↑ Codex entry: Blood Ring
  35. ↑ Codex entry: When It's Quiet
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10
  37. ↑ Mentioned by Orta
  38. ↑ Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug
  39. ↑ Codex entry: Paragons Known and Lesser Known
  40. ↑ As mentioned by Scholar Gertek to the Dwarf Noble.
  41. ↑ As mentioned in the epilogue.
  42. ↑ Wintersbreath (Inquisition)
  43. ↑ Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne, p. 363
  44. ↑ Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 64
  45. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 52
  46. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 40
  47. ↑ Paragon-Elect Sturhald-Sharok Carving
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