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[[File:Object-Paragon Branka.jpg|thumb|230px|Statue of Paragon Branka]]
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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 dwarves|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]].<ref name="rpg12">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12</ref>
   
 
== Background ==
  
== Background ==
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Dwarven cities are decorated by monolithic lifelike statues of Paragons from days past. They are most prominent in the [[Orzammar Hall of Heroes|Hall of Heroes]] inside the surface gates 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. They are most prominent in the [[Orzammar Hall of Heroes|Hall of Heroes]] inside the surface gates 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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[[File:Hirol's Tomb II.png|thumb|250px|Paragon Hirol's sarcophagus]]
  
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[[Dwarven royalty|King]] [[Endrin Stonehammer]] is known as the '''''First Paragon'''''.<ref name="tst355">''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'' p. 355</ref>
  
   
 
== Election of Paragons ==
  
== Election of Paragons ==
 
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 and even bloodshed.<ref>As noted in ''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12. Feuds have erupted as the result of the naming of a Paragon, because the creation of a new [[Noble caste|noble]] [[house]], in effect, dilutes the power of the [[Assembly]].</ref> When a Paragon is chosen a [[house]] is immediately created in the name of the Paragon, and their name is recorded in the [[Memories]], the records of the dwarves.
  
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 and even bloodshed.<ref>As noted in ''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12. Feuds have erupted as the result of the naming of a Paragon, because the creation of a new [[Noble caste|noble]] [[house]], in effect, dilutes the power of the [[Assembly]].</ref> When a Paragon is chosen a [[house]] is immediately created in the name of the Paragon, and their name is recorded in the [[Memories]], the records of the dwarves.
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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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{{SpoilerDAI|{{clear}}
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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 dwarves|surface dwarf]] ever to be nominated as Paragon.<ref>Mentioned by [[Varric Tethras]] after meeting with [[Bianca Davri]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]''.</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite wot2|258}}</ref>}}
   
 
== Known Paragons ==
  
== Known Paragons ==
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* '''Aeducan''' is the Paragon that led the defenses of Orzammar against the [[darkspawn]] when they first poured into the [[Deep Roads]] and almost completely destroyed the dwarves. 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>As mentioned by [[Shaperate|scholar]] [[Gertek]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]].</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. He is the founder of [[House Aeducan]].
   
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* '''[[Astyth|Astyth the Grey]]''' is the first female Paragon of the [[Warrior caste]]. She founded the [[Silent Sisters]], and members of that order cut out their tongue in emulation of her. At 1:95 [[Divine Age|Divine]], Astyth became a Paragon when she sacrificed her life for the king.<ref>{{Cite wot|71}}</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. 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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* '''Bemot''' 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''': 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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* '''[[Branka]]''' 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, taking her entire household with her save Ohgren, two years prior to the events of Blight, and has not been heard from since. She is feared dead. Her 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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{{SpoilerDAO|{{clear}}
  
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The reason for leaving was to find the [[Anvil of the Void (object)|Anvil of the Void]], the secret to creating [[golem]]s. She lives, though her entire house, save for the deranged and tainted [[Hespith]], has perished.}}
  
   
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* '''Child Paragon''' whose 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]]''' 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 died, the secret of how to make war golems died with him.
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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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{{SpoilerDAO|{{clear}}
  
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When [[the Warden]] goes to find the Anvil of the Void, Caridin is there in the form of a golem.}}
  
   
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* '''Ebryan''' is a Paragon who wrote the book ''Songs That Only Nugs Can Hear'' in 5:84 [[Exalted Age|Exalted]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Nug]]</ref>
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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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* '''Egon Wintersbreath''' is a Paragon known for mounting the defense of the Kingdom of [[Hormak]] against the [[darkspawn]] throughout the [[First Blight]]. He later left for the surface when [[Orzammar]] declared that it would close itself off from the other kingdoms, claiming that he would "rather die under an alien sky than be buried in the [[Stone]] that betrayed [them]." <ref>[[Wintersbreath (Inquisition)]] description</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''' is a Paragon who died in [[Caridin's Cross]]. He is mentioned on a [[:File:Road Marker.png|Road Marker]].
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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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* '''Fairel '''is a Master Smith Paragon known for his runework. He had, along with his clan and two sons, escaped the war waged [[Thedas#Underground|belowground]] between two thaigs, and built a new thaig aboveground in the [[Hissing Wastes]] of western [[Orlais]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Dwarven Inscriptions: Hissing Wastes]]</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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* '''[[Orseck Garal]]''' is the King and Paragon who, with [[Endrin Stonehammer]], moved the capital from [[Kal-Sharok]] to Orzammar.<ref>[[Codex entry: Orzammar History: Chapter One]]</ref> His statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes. Named a Paragon by Endrin Stonehammer on his deathbed.
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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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* '''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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* '''Garen''' is a Paragon and a king who lived in the early Exalted Age and whose deeds are unknown. He is responsible for the sending of numerous units of the [[Legion of the Dead]] to find his outcast son within the [[Deep Roads]].<ref>[[Codex entry: First Legionnaire's Journal]], [[Codex entry: Second Legionnaire's Journal]], [[Codex entry: Third Legionnaire's Journal]]</ref> Furthermore, as a tribute to his son, every heir of House Garen assumed the name Tethras.<ref>Mentioned by [[Varric Tethras]].</ref>
  
   
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[[File:Heidrun Thaig - Heidrun the Deep.png|thumb|270px|The tomb of Paragon Heidrun the Deep]]
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* '''Gherlen'''<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide#Collector's Edition|Dragon Age: Origins Prima Guide Collector's Edition]]'', Traveler's Guide.</ref>/'''Gherlon'''<ref>Mentioned by [[Rica Brosca]] in the beginning of the [[Dwarf Commoner Origin]].</ref> '''the Blood-Risen''' was born [[Casteless dwarves|casteless]]. However, he ventured to the [[Surface dwarves|surface]] and after he gained enough prestige from his adventures, 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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* '''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''' is a Paragon who discovered the means that allowed dwarves to build structures of massive height and breadth.<ref>[[File:The Lost Outpost Plaque Still Waters.png|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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* '''[[Hirol]]''' 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.
  
   
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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>
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* '''Hrildan''' is another female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes.
  
   
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[[File:Hirol's Tomb II.png|thumb|250px|Paragon Hirol's sarcophagus]]
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* '''Ilona''' is 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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* '''[[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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* '''Ivo''' is 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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* '''Lantena''' is another female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes.
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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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* '''Lynchcar''' is 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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* '''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]].<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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* '''Moroc the Maul''' was a legendary [[warrior]], present at the [[Grey Wardens]] founding in -305 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]] (890 TE). His contribution is a key reason there is no loss of caste associated with becoming a Warden.<ref name="rpg10">''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, p. 10</ref>
  
   
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* '''Lantena''': A female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes.
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* '''Ortan''' is 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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* '''Seuss''' is 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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* '''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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* '''Moroc the Maul''': A legendary [[warrior]], Moroc was present at the [[Grey Wardens]] founding in -305 [[Ancient Age|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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* '''[[Endrin Stonehammer]]''': The second king of Orzammar after Garal and the most famous of the dwarven Paragons.<ref name="tst355" />
  
   
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* '''Tethras''' is a Paragon whose deeds are unknown, but who descended from the lineage of Paragon Garen. The [[House Tethras|noble house]] named in his honor was banished to the surface in 8:98 [[Blessed Age|Blessed]] for fixing [[Provings|Proving]] matches.
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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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* '''Varen''' is the Paragon who discovered that [[nug]]s are [[Dwarven diet|edible]]. He was also a former [[Legion of the Dead|Legionnaire]].<ref>[[Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug]].</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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* '''[[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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* '''Vollney''' is 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 [[Gertek|Scholar Gertek]] to the [[Dwarf Noble Origin|Dwarf Noble]].</ref>
  
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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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* '''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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* '''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>
   
 
{{SpoilerDAO|{{clear}}
  
{{SpoilerDAO|{{clear}}
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* '''[[The Warden]]''' of dwarven [[Origins|origin]] will become a Paragon at the end of the [[Fifth Blight]].<ref>As mentioned the [[Epilogue (Origins)|epilogue]].</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 the [[Epilogue (Origins)|epilogue]].</ref>}}
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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>
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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>
   
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== Paragon-Elect ==
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* '''Heldane Zadol''': A Paragon who lived in [[Hormak]] and pioneered the art of folding steel, and whose blades are therefore coveted.<ref name="rpg10" />
  
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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<ref>{{Cite wot|52}}</ref> 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.<ref name="wot127" /> The dwarves of Kal-Sharok do not recognize the Paragons of Orzammar and likewise, Orzammar does not recognize their Paragons.<ref>{{Cite wot|40}}</ref>
   
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== Known Paragon-Elects ==
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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>
  
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* '''Sturhald-Sharok'''<ref>[[Paragon-Elect Sturhald-Sharok Carving]]</ref>
   
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== Paragon Elect ==
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== Notes ==
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* [[Rica Brosca]] erroneously calls Paragon Gherlen as ''Gherlon'' in the beginning of the [[Dwarf Commoner Origin]]. This is either a developer mistake or can be attributed to her lack of proper [[education]].
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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<ref>{{Cite wot|52}}</ref> 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.<ref name="wot127" /> The dwarves of Kal-Sharok do not recognize the Paragons of Orzammar and likewise, Orzammar does not recognize their Paragons.<ref>{{Cite wot|40}}</ref>
  
   
 
== See also ==
  
== See also ==

Revision as of 02:50, 12 October 2019

Fairel

Statue of Paragon Fairel

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.[1]

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 all dwarves. While dwarves have no gods, a Paragon is like a god in the eyes of dwarves[1] which is attributed to the fact that the dwarves venerate their Ancestors, so a living Paragon is considered as a living Ancestor. 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.[2]

Dwarven cities are decorated by monolithic lifelike statues of Paragons from days past. They are most prominent in the Hall of Heroes inside the surface gates 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 and is also the most famous.[3][4]

Election of Paragons

There are few living Paragons as many dwarves are named Paragon only after their death.[1][5] 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.[1][6] However some have earned the rank for less important pursuits such as writing particularly good rhymes or brewing stronger ales.[7] A Paragon is elected by the Assembly, which is no easy feat and often involves long debate and even bloodshed.[8] When a Paragon is chosen a house is immediately created in the name of the Paragon, and their name 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.[9]

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.[10] 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.[11]


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[12], allowing the election to pass unanimously. He is the 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. At 1:95 Divine, Astyth posthumously became a Paragon when she sacrificed her life to save the king of Orzammar.[13][14]
  • 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.
  • Branka: She became a Paragon in 9:10 Dragon[15] 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.
  • 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: He is the Paragon who 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 he vanished, the secret of how to make war golems vanished with him.
  • Ebryan: A Paragon who wrote the book Songs That Only Nugs Can Hear in 5:84 Exalted.[16] He is also attributed for being the author of How the Deepstalker Came to Be, a popular dwarven tale for children.[17]
  • Egon Wintersbreath: One of the greatest dwarven warriors, he is known for mounting the defense of the Kingdom of Hormak against the darkspawn until it fell in -35 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]."[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 Garal as Paragon on his deathbed.[21]
  • Orrick Garen[22]: 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 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.[23] 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.[24]
Heidrun Thaig - Heidrun the Deep

The tomb of Paragon Heidrun the Deep

  • Gherlen the Blood-Risen[25][26]: He was born casteless. However, he ventured to the 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.
  • Heidrun the Deep: His deeds are unknown. The Paragon is buried in a grandiose tomb in the Heidrun Thaig which is named after him.[27]
  • Hekkat: A Paragon who discovered the means that allowed dwarves to build structures of massive height and breadth.[28]
Hirol's Tomb II

Paragon Hirol's sarcophagus

  • 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 Trade Quarter of Kal'Hirol.
  • Hrildan: A female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes. There are also carvings made out of her.
  • Lantena: A female Paragon who is featured in the Hall of Heroes.
  • Lynchcar: A Paragon who lived during the Steel Age. His deeds are not known but he is mentioned in a book of poetry.
  • 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.[4]
  • 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.[32] His statue can be found in the Hall of Heroes.
  • Endrin Stonehammer: He succeeded Orseck Garal as the king of the dwarven empire. Stonehammer was named Paragon on his deathbed.[3][21]
  • 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.[23] 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.[24] In any case Paragon Tethras' noble house was banished to the surface in 8:98 Blessed for fixing Proving matches.
  • 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.[34]
This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.


  • 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.[4][36]

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[38] 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.[2] The dwarves of Kal-Sharok do not recognize the Paragons of Orzammar and likewise, Orzammar does not recognize their Paragons.[39]

Known Paragon-Elects

Notes

See also

Codex entry: Paragons Known and Lesser Known Codex entry: Paragons Known and Lesser Known

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 127
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne p. 355
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10
  5. ↑ Codex entry: Life in Orzammar
  6. ↑ 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.
  7. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 126
  8. ↑ As noted in Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 12. Feuds have erupted as the result of the naming of a Paragon, because the creation of a new noble house, in effect, dilutes the power of the Assembly.
  9. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 20
  10. ↑ Mentioned by Varric Tethras after meeting with Bianca Davri in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
  11. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 258
  12. ↑ According to Scholar Gertek if asked about Paragon Aeducan.
  13. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 71
  14. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 26-27
  15. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 137
  16. ↑ Codex entry: Nug (Origins)
  17. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 209
  18. ↑ Based on the description of Wintersbreath (Inquisition).
  19. ↑ Codex entry: A Journal on Dwarven Ruins
  20. ↑ Codex entry: Dwarven Inscriptions: Hissing Wastes
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 26
  22. ↑ Codex entry: First Legionnaire's Journal, Codex entry: Second Legionnaire's Journal, Codex entry: Third Legionnaire's Journal
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 158-159
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 See these four images: [1], [2], [3], [4].
  25. ↑ Dragon Age: Origins Prima Guide Collector's Edition, Traveler's Guide.
  26. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 24
  27. ↑ Monument to Heidrun the Deep
  28. ↑ Note: The Lost Outpost Plaque
  29. ↑ Codex entry: Amgeforn the Lonely Vigil
  30. ↑ Codex entry: Ivo Family Crest
  31. ↑ Codex entry: Blood Ring
  32. ↑ Mentioned by Orta.
  33. ↑ Codex entry: In Praise of the Humble Nug.
  34. ↑ As mentioned by Scholar Gertek to the Dwarf Noble.
  35. ↑ As mentioned the epilogue.
  36. ↑ Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 64
  37. ↑ Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne, p. 363
  38. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 52
  39. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 40
  40. ↑ Paragon-Elect Sturhald-Sharok Carving
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