A phylactery is a vessel, often a glass vial, containing the essence of a magical being. The Circle of Magi and the Chantry use small phylacteries filled with blood—taken from apprentice magi—to track down mages that turn apostate, fleeing the wrath of the templars. In Ferelden, some of these phylacteries are kept in the basement of the Circle Tower behind protective wards, but most are kept at an undisclosed location in Denerim. Phylacteries for first enchanters are stored in the White Spire, an Orlesian Circle and the Templar Order stronghold.[1]
Workings
Phylacteries, ironically, are a form of blood magic.[2] When a templar wishes to track down a fugitive mage they will use the phylactery as a way of homing in on the fugitive by way of a "hot and cold" situation, i.e., the phylactery glows and the glow grows more intense the closer the templar gets to the mage they are tracking.[3] If the mage dies, the phylactery no longer glows.[1]
Trivia
- Originally a Greek word (phylacterion) denoting amulet, safeguard or guard-house. In many forms of fantasy fiction, a phylactery is the vessel for the soul of an undead monster, particularly a Lich.
See also
- A number of glass phylacteries are involved in The Black Vials quest.
- The Arcane Warrior specialization is unlocked by interacting with a phylactery among the ancient Lower Ruins in the Brecilian Forest.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Dragon Age: Asunder.
- ↑ Thedas UK (January 14, 2012). "David Gaider Interview". Retrieved January 29, 2012.
- ↑ http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9386107