Editing Qunari

[[File:Qunari House of Tides heraldry.svg|230px|thumb]]
The '''Qunari''' (literally, "[[Groups|People]] of the [[Qun]]") is the umbrella term most commonly used to describe the white-haired, metallic-skinned [[race]] of large humanoids and their society that governs the islands of [[Par Vollen]] and [[Seheron]], as well as the settlement of [[Kont-aar]] in northern [[Rivain]], and Qundalon in the [[Anderfels]].<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|title=Map of the whole of Thedas|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406131250/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/28716-map-of-the-whole-of-thedas/?bioware=1|access=December 3, 2009}}</ref><ref>Per discussion with [[Iron Bull]]</ref>

Members of any race who adhere to the teachings of the Qun can become "Qunari", but those other than the original giant race, that is [[human]]s, [[Elf|elves]], and [[Dwarf|dwarves]], are called '''Viddathari''' within the Qun.<ref name="qrn">{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|title=Qunari race name|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813225831/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/467237-which-race-in-dragon-age-lives-the-longest/?bioware=1}}</ref> Humans of [[Rivain]] and elven [[slavery|slaves]] of [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]] are especially susceptible to conversion, although it is not unknown for members of other groups to embrace the Qun.

Members of the aforementioned race who are born outside of the Qun are not considered to be Qunari within their own society,<ref>[[Codex entry: Vashoth: The Grey Ones]]</ref> and neither are those who are born into the Qun and reject it. Both are called "Vashoth", which means "grey ones". Those who reject and fight against the Qun are known as "[[Tal-Vashoth]]", "true grey ones". Most Tal-Vashoth are former soldiers and become mercenaries after leaving the Qun.<ref name="wot2-129">{{Cite wot2|129}}</ref> Vashoth are considered "redeemable," while Tal-Vashoth are not,<ref>{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]] and [[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406073209/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/485434-qunari-and-tal-vashoth-names/?bioware=1|title=Qunari and Tal-Vashoth names?}}</ref> and are considered by Qunari to be worse than ''bas''—who are non-Qunari foreigners.<ref name="qrn" />

Members of the Qunari race are rarely seen outside of their lands with the exception of Rivain.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Those Who Speak]]'', Chapter 2.</ref> During the [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon Age]], a fleet of Qunari ships sank in the [[Waking Sea]] between Ferelden and Free Marches, which resulted in Qunari presence in both of these lands. Tal-Vashoth are much more present in non-Qunari lands, most commonly as elite mercenaries, such as the [[Kadan-Fe Hideout|Kadan-Fe]] in Ferelden and the Valo-Kas in the Free Marches. 

== Gameplay ==
Qunari are present as companions, non-playable characters, and as a playable race in several Dragon Age games.

;''[[Dragon Age II]]''
:In ''Dragon Age II'', Qunari are present as non-playable characters.
:'''Racial benefits:''' +2 strength

;''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]''
:In ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'', Qunari from a Vashoth background are a playable race for [[the Inquisitor]] in all three [[Classes and specializations (Inquisition)|classes]].
:'''Racial benefits:''' 10% physical damage resistance

== Appearance ==
[[File:Qunari DA2.png|200px|right]]
Qunari are generally taller and more physically robust than [[human]]s. They usually have skin of varying metallic colors ranging the spectrum of patina (such as iron, bronze, and silver), white hair, pointed ears, and vivid eyes with colors like violet, red, silver, or yellow.

=== Horns ===
Most Qunari have horns. The horn itself has no nerve endings and can be removed<ref name="question">{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]] and [[Mary Kirby]]|date=2010|title=Questions about the Qunari|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406191825/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/129021-questions-about-the-qunari/?bioware=1}}</ref>; however, they can still become irritated, thus the Qunari have developed balm<ref>As explained to  [[Varric Tethras]] by the Iron Bull during [[Iron_Bull/Dialogue#Iron_Bull_and_Varric|a conversation]]</ref>.  All of the Qunari seen in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]'' have one pair of horns, whereas all but one Qunari seen in the base ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' have two pairs of horns - one big and one small one; the [[Arishok]] is the only one to date to have eight horns in total; it is unknown what determines the number of horns or their size. It should be noted that [[Salit]] has six horns in total.

=== Hornlessness ===
[[File:Qunari.png|thumb|right|200px|Horned/Hornless Qunari]]
Hornlessness is a rare genetic variation in Qunari, akin to red hair in humans. Those born without horns are considered special and are often given prestigious roles in Qunari society such as a [[Ben-Hassrath]] or an envoy to the other races.<ref>[[David Gaider]]. [http://gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/07/28/a-look-at-the-Qunari-evolved.aspx The Qunari evolved]. Gameinformer.</ref> [[Sten]], who became a companion of [[the Warden]] as a soldier of the Beresaad, falls into this category. Culturally, Qunari associate not having horns with being imposing or scary, and because of this [[Tal-Vashoth]] often decide to remove their own horns.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406133823/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/239890-mota-qunari-questions-spoilers/?p=6922898|title=MotA: Qunari questions (Spoilers)}}</ref> Likewise, [[Saarebas]], the Qunari mages, have their horns removed to warn of their danger.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122010842/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/422704-why-is-kossith-an-inaccurate-term-for-horned-qunari-and-tal-vashoth/?bioware=1|title=Why is Kossith an inaccurate term for horned Qunari and Tal-vashoth?}}</ref>

=== Vitaar ===
Unlike other races in Thedas, Qunari do not adorn themselves with [[tattoo]]s. Instead they make use of war paint called [[Codex entry: Vitaar|Vitaar]].<ref name="twitch.tv">[http://www.twitch.tv/bioware/b/573285688 ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'' Gameplay Demo, 29 September 2014]</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/Mike_Laidlaw/status/516660600295145474 Mike Laidlaw Twitter, 29 September 2014]</ref> This paint is made from a substance toxic to all races except the Qunari themselves. Some Tal-Vashoth, such as [[Salit]], also wear Vitaar despite leaving the Qun. In ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'', a Qunari Inquisitor and the [[Iron Bull]] must use Vitaar instead of helmets.<ref name="twitch.tv" /> Vitaar hardens the skin around the face to give it a metal like quality while retaining flexibility.<ref>[[Codex entry: Vitaar]]</ref>

== History ==
Before their arrival in Thedas, the aforementioned race were once a part of the [[kossith]] that predated the Qun. The earliest known kossith contact with Thedas was when a colony of them had settled in the southern [[Korcari Wilds]] in -410 Ancient. It was overrun by [[darkspawn]] during the [[First Blight]], and it is presumably this colony which led to the [[darkspawn]] developing [[ogre]]s.<ref name="wot1-26">{{Cite wot|26}}</ref> There were no other recorded sightings of the horned race for another 1000 years. 

[[File:QunariSwordMan.jpg|thumb|250px|Qunari wearing Vitaar]]

They returned as the Qunari en masse on warships, called [[Codex entry: Qunari Dreadnoughts|dreadnoughts]], and arrived in Thedas from the north in 6:30 [[Steel Age|Steel]].<ref>{{Cite wot|83}}</ref><ref name="wot1-108">{{Cite wot|108}}</ref> It's said that they originate from an unknown eastern land across the Boeric Ocean.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20091002082738/http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Qunari BioWare Wiki]</ref> Some scholars theorize that the Qunari come from the supposed eastern continent known as [[Thedas#Beyond Thedas|Amaranth]].<ref>{{Cite wot2|132}}</ref> They once threatened to conquer all of the known world, but after several [[Exalted Marches]] during the [[Qunari Wars]] they have lost much of the conquered land. Since then, peace has been made since with every nation except the [[Tevinter Imperium]]; with whom they are still involved in a prolonged war for dominance of the north. 

'''Timeline:'''
* '''-410 [[Ancient Age|Ancient]]:''' A kossith colony of horned humanoids settles in the Korcari Wilds but is obliterated by [[darkspawn]] during the [[First Blight]] a few years later.<ref name="wot1-26"/>
* '''6:30 [[Steel Age|Steel]]:''' The Qunari come to Thedas and land in [[Par Vollen]]. They conquer it quickly, though word of that does not reach the continent.<ref name="wot1-108"/>
* '''6:32 Steel:''' The Qunari ships land en masse in [[Seheron]] and northern [[Rivain]].<ref>{{Cite wot|109}}</ref> Within ten years, the Qunari conquer the entire island of Seheron and a portion of the mainland.<ref name="wot1-85">{{Cite wot|85}}</ref> The [[Qunari Wars]] begin and last for the remainder of the century, and most of the next one.
* '''6:35 Steel''': The Antivan city of [[Treviso]] is conquered by the Qunari.<ref>[[Codex entry: A Vessel of Tears]]</ref>
* '''By 6:42 Steel:''' The Qunari have conquered much of the [[Tevinter Imperium]], Rivain, and [[Antiva]] and begin to assault the [[Free Marches]].<ref>{{Cite wot|110}}</ref> Only [[Minrathous]] itself remains besieged but unconquered in the north.<ref name="prima">''[[Dragon Age: Origins: Prima Official Game Guide]]''</ref>
* '''By 6:85 Steel:''' Massive rebellions in Tevinter manage to free the Imperium, and the Qunari lines begin to crumble.<ref>{{Cite wot|112}}</ref>
* '''By 7:23 [[Storm Age|Storm]]:''' The Qunari are pushed back to Seheron and Rivain, but they are well entrenched. The Battle of the Nocen Sea is the largest naval engagement in history and results in a stalemate and the destruction of many of the ships on both sides. An impasse begins.<ref name="prima"/>
* '''7:25–7:85 Storm:''' The [[New Exalted Marches]] are declared repeatedly by both the [[Imperial Chantry]] (to retake Seheron and the eastern city of [[Qarinus]]) and the [[Chantry]] (to retake Rivain).<ref name="wot1-114">{{Cite wot|114}}</ref> Three major Exalted Marches occur.<ref>{{Cite wot|114-118}}</ref><ref name="wot1-85"/> The [[Tome of Koslun]] is stolen from the Qunari by the Orlesians.{{Citation needed}}
* '''7:52 Storm:''' The second Exalted March ends with the Qunari recapturing much of Antiva.<ref name="wot1-114"/>
* '''7:54 Storm:''' The Qunari took the island of [[Estwatch]] as a base of operations in their war against the Free March states, [[Nevarra]], and [[Orlais]].<ref name="wot1-115">{{Cite wot|115}}</ref>
* '''7:55 Storm:''' The pirates of [[Llomerryn]] band together under the banner of the [[Felicisima Armada]] to fight the Qunari.<ref name="wot1-115"/>
* '''7:55 Storm:''' The third Exalted March on the Qunari is declared.<ref name="wot1-118">{{Cite wot|118}}</ref>
* '''7:56 Storm:''' During the Third New Exalted March The Qunari land a great force in the [[Free Marches]] near the city of [[Ostwick]]. They try to deny supplies to the Thedas armies assaulting Rivain by taking [[Starkhaven]] and [[Kirkwall]]: the attack on Starkhaven fails, but Kirkwall is taken in a daring night raid with a heavy use of [[saarebas]]' magic.<ref name="wot1-118"/><ref name="kirk3">[[Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 3]]</ref>
* '''7:60 Storm:''' Orlesian forces led by Ser Michel Lafaille end the Qunari occupation of Kirkwall.<ref>{{Cite wot|119}}</ref><ref name="kirk3"/>
* '''7:78 Storm:''' The Qunari lose Estwatch to the [[Felicisima Armada]].<ref name="wot1-120">{{Cite wot|120}}</ref>
* '''7:84 Storm:''' The end of the Third New Exalted March. The Qunari had been pushed back to the city of [[Kont-Aar]] in northern Rivain and Par Vollen.<ref name="wot1-120"/> The [[Llomerryn]] Accords are signed and peace is declared between every human nations save Tevinter and the Qunari. Skirmishes between Tevinter and the Qunari are few while the Qunari pull back to Par Vollen and rebuild.<ref>{{Cite wot|121}}</ref>
* '''8:10 [[Blessed Age|Blessed]]:''' Qunari invite a group of Rivaini diplomats to Par Vollen, the visit helps dispel some myths about Qunari society.<ref>{{Cite wot|123}}</ref>
* '''8:55 Blessed:''' The Qunari land on the Tevinter island of Seheron and conquer it handily within three years. Several attempts to land on the continent and attack Tevinter directly are repulsed.<ref>{{Cite wot|128}}</ref><ref name="wot1-85"/>
* '''9:12 Dragon:''' The Qunari launch a major offensive on Tevinter, but are repelled in a crushing counterattack.<ref>{{Cite wot2|95}}</ref> Qunari footholds on the Tevinter mainland are destroyed in the counteroffensive.

== Involvement ==
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins'' ===
{{SpoilerDAO|
Upon hearing of a Blight starting in Ferelden, the Arishok sends a platoon of the Beresaad south; all but [[Sten|one]] are killed by darkspawn.
}}
=== ''Dragon Age II'' ===
{{SpoilerDA2|
In 9:31, a few hundred<ref>According to [[Marlowe Dumar]] during [[Following the Qun]]</ref> Qunari are led by the [[Arishok]] to meet with Orlesians to reclaim the Tome of Koslun, only to be stolen by [[Isabela|a thief]]. The Qunari fleets give chase but are caught in a storm and forced to land in Kirkwall.

After a series of provocations, the Qunari launch a [[First Battle of Kirkwall|full-scale attack]] on Kirkwall in 9:34. They are driven away by the Champion of Kirkwall, [[Hawke]].

In the aftermath of the Qunari attack on Kirkwall, in an unprecedented public display, the two remaining members of the Qunari ruling body traveled to [[Kont-aar]], the only Qunari settlement on mainland [[Thedas]], and made a public statement denouncing and disavowing the Arishok's attack on the city before a crowd of [[Chantry]] officials, diplomats and Rivaini [[Seer|seers]].<ref>{{Cite wot2|182-183}}</ref>
}}

=== ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'' ===
{{SpoilerDAI|
In 9:41 Dragon, the [[Ben-Hassrath]] became concerned about the [[The Breach|Breach]] and were worried that it could endanger all of Thedas. Thus the Ben-Hassrath ordered one of their agents, who has been going under the alias The [[Iron Bull]], to join the [[Inquisition]], get close to the organization's leadership, and send back reports to them on the developing situation.

The Iron Bull offers the services of himself and his mercenary company, the [[Bull's Chargers]], to the Inquisition. Should [[the Inquisitor]] hire them and build a decent rapport with Iron Bull, then the Ben-Hassrath will offer an alliance with the Inquisition. The Qunari condemn [[Corypheus]], his [[Venatori]], and the spread of [[Red lyrium]] and believe this unprecedented alliance could be mutually beneficial in stopping their common enemies. Should the Inquisitor take up the Qunari's offer, they must accompany The Iron Bull and his Chargers and help the Qunari disrupt a Venatori red lyrium shipping operation on the [[Storm Coast]]. The Qunari fear that if that red lyrium shipment reaches [[Minrathous]], the Imperium will feed it to their slaves and create a [[Red Templar]] army to wrest [[Seheron]] from them.

The Bull's Chargers and the Inquisitor's party was meant to clear the Storm Coast of the Venatori, then signal the Qunari dreadnought so it can come in and take out the smuggler ship. While the Inquisition manages to take out most of the Venatori, the plan went awry when the Chargers' position became overwhelmed by unforeseen Venatori numbers. The Inquisitor can either sacrifice the Chargers to lock down the Venatori so the Qunari dreadnought can destroy the smuggler ship—thus preserving the Qunari-Inquisition alliance—or call for the Chargers' retreat which will allow the Venatori to destroy the dreadnought, let the smuggler ship escape, and end the Qunari-Inquisition alliance.<ref>[[Demands of the Qun (Inquisition)]]</ref>
}}

=== ''Trespasser'' ===
{{SpoilerDAIT|
In 9:44, using an ancient elven system of transportation known as [[Eluvian]]s, an allegedly independent Qunari cell under the command of the [[Viddasala]] launch the Dragon's Breath operation; an attempt to simultaneously destroy the leadership of every southern thedosian nation in order to facilitate the conversion of southern Thedas to the Qun. The conspiracy is foiled by the [[Inquisition]] with the aid of an [[Solas|unknown Elven mage]].

With the failure of the Dragon's Breath plan, the Qunari decide to redouble their efforts against Tevinter, launching new assaults on the Imperium.
}}

=== ''Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights'' ===
{{SpoilerTN|
Starting around 9:44, the [[Antaam]] invades [[Tevinter]], unsanctioned by the rest of the Qunari.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]]'', Three Trees to Midnight</ref><ref name=NdP>{{Twitter|author=Nunzio De Filippis|url=https://twitter.com/ndefilippis/status/1209570705580400640}}</ref> They capture the cities of [[Ventus]]<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]]'', Three Trees to Midnight</ref>, Carastes<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Blue Wraith]]''</ref>, and Neromenian.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Dark Fortress]]''</ref>

Antiva is another target for invasion. The Qunari recruit Emil Kortez, one of the [[Antivan Crows|Antivan Crow]] Talons, and persuade him to assassinate the other Talons by promising a peaceful takeover. While Emil is able to assassinate three Talons, the other four discover his treachery and kill him for his treason.<ref>''[[Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights]]'', Eight Little Talons</ref>
}}

=== ''As We Fly'' ===
{{SpoilerTN|
The [[Antiva|Antivan]] city of [[Treviso]] has been invaded and captured by the Qunari. The occupying Qunari are led by Daathrata, a member of the Antaam who's nicknamed the Butcher due to his cruelty. The Antivan Crows in the city are actively engaged in resistance efforts, taking out Qunari lieutenants such as Kaathrata the Lash and destroying Qunari weapon caches.<ref>''[[Short Story: As We Fly]]''</ref>
}}

== The Qun ==
{{Main|Qun}}
The Qun is the religion of the Qunari founded under the [[Ashkaari Koslun]], though it is closer to a philosophy than a full-fledged religion. It governs every part of Qunari life, and even the governance structure is dictated by its ethics. It gives every Qunari individual a defined and fixed place in their society, either as a soldier (part of the body), a craftsman (part of the mind) or a priest (part of the soul).

== Society and culture ==
[[File:Qunari Tide heraldry DA2.png|200px|right]]

The primary symbol used to represent the Qunari as a people is the House of Tides icon, meant to signify the inevitable triumph of the Qun. It symbolizes the [[triumvirate|Qunari triumvirate]], the three pillars which govern all of Qunari society through its three primary leaders in all matters of body, mind, and soul.

=== The Triumvirate ===
{{Main|Triumvirate}}
The "body" is represented by the ''[[Arishok]]'' and the military, the "mind" by the ''[[Arigena]]'' and the craftsmen, and the "soul" by the ''[[Ariqun]]'' and the priests.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406192833/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/164531-wasnt-arishok-already-named/page-2|title=Wasn't "Arishok" already named??}}</ref> The Arishok is always male and leads the armies, the Arigena is always female and leads the craftsmen, whilst the Ariqun, whose gender varies, leads the priesthood.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105073947/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/166710-question-about-the-antaam/?p=4572374|title=Question about the antaam}}</ref> All three are the head of their respective "paths" and work in unison to complete the whole of Qunari society.

Duty is paramount in Qunari culture, and their society is seen as a living entity, whose well-being is the responsibility of all. Each person is like a drop of blood in the veins of the being, and they must not do what is best for them, but what is best for all.

=== Personal identity ===
The Qunari do not have a concept of personal identity. While they possess names, they do not use them, primarily using titles rather than names to identify and present themselves. The names are in fact simply strings of genealogical information used only by the [[Tamassran]]s for record-keeping. Some of the name-titles include Sten, Arishok, and Tallis.<ref name="question" /> However, they do make frequent use of nicknames.

=== Family ties ===
Qunari have no "family units": they do not marry, choose partners, or even know to whom they are related. A father's role ends at conception, a mother's ends at birth. A Qunari's "family" consists of his or her peers.

Qunari usually do not associate sex with love. Instead there are specific Tamassrans whose job it is to provide sexual release. Qunari who choose to express love through sexual relationships are sent to be re-educated by the [[Ben-Hassrath]]. If a child is produced, the same thing happens as with all other Qunari children: the child is sent to be raised by the Tamassrans, evaluated, and assigned a job. Qunari do not waste resources unnecessarily, people included.<ref name="question" />

Qunari have been bred for specific roles for a very long time. Parentage is no longer the issue, more like pedigree. However, breeding does not determine a Qunari's assigned task. If a Qunari was bred to be a soldier but turns out to be more intellectual, the Tamassrans may move him or her into the priesthood, researching weapons technology, or the [[Ben-Hassrath]] to police the populace, depending on what roles need to be filled by someone with their specific traits.<ref name="question" />

Qunari love their friends like anyone else does, but they don't have sex with them to express intimacy. Even so, there is an old tradition where Qunari can show intimacy with another: the pair finds a [[Dragon|dragon]]'s tooth, breaks it in half, and each wears a piece to symbolize that no matter how far apart life takes them, they will always be together.<ref>According to a [[Romance (Inquisition)|romanced]] [[Iron Bull]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]''</ref>

=== Reverence ===
The Qunari are known to hold [[dragon]]s sacred.  High dragons are called [[Ataashi]], "glorious one" in Qunlat. Some of this comes from physical similarities, while some believe that the Tamassrans cultivate dragon blood within the Qunari, allowing some to tap into combat abilities similar to [[Reaver]]s<ref>Conversation with the [[Iron Bull]]</ref>. This, however, does not translate into reverence, as most Qunari accept that dragons are savage creatures that have to be put down in order to establish civilization. It is said that before converting to the Qun, the horned race prayed to animist gods, but such practices were outlawed by the Qun,<ref>{{Cite wot|127}}</ref> and thus it would be against the law to openly revere the dragons.

{{See also|Funerary rites}}
The [[Qunari]] call the Fade "the Land of the Dead". Entering this realm while still alive is forbidden by the Qun, and the Qunari claim they do not dream like others do.<ref>{{Cite wot|143}}</ref> The corpse of a Qunari is considered an insignificant husk that is no longer the individual that it once was and thus is afforded no special treatment, rather disposed of in whatever manner is most practical. Instead, their tools which they used to perform their job are collected, for example warriors' swords are considered to be their "souls".<ref>[[The Sword of the Beresaad]]</ref><ref>[[The Lost Swords]]</ref>

=== Education ===
[[File:Vashoth Cards.jpg|thumb|Tarot cards depicting a female and male Vashoth in ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'']]
{{Main|Education}}
Qunari society is based upon learning as well as military might. Few speak the common tongue that is used among Thedosians, and even fewer speak it well. For this reason, Qunari often keep quiet among foreigners, out of shame—in a culture that strives for perfection and mastery, to possess only a passable degree of skill is humiliating, indeed.

The Tamassrans wield a great deal of influence in Qunari society. As it is primarily a female gender role (as all administrative tasks are), this might lead an outsider to believe that their society is female-dominated. Qunari do not, however, look upon government in quite the same way. The brain could be said to rule the body, but so too do the heart, the lungs, the stomach. All are part of the greater whole.<ref name="question" />

The Tamassrans raise all the children, give them their general education, and evaluate them. Qunari are officially assigned their roles when they are twelve years old. The Tamassrans do conduct some tests, but nothing that requires a pencil. They also have something of a head start on the process, as they are the ones who control the Qunari selective breeding program.<ref name="question" />

=== Gender roles ===
Qunari strongly believe that the genders are inherently and intuitively better at certain tasks. No matter how much aptitude and promise a male shows for management, he will never be considered as good at it as a female, therefore it would be considered inefficient and a waste of resources to place him in a role where a woman would serve better. Instead, the Tamassrans find another role that he shows aptitude for and will place him there instead. The same goes for females, most Qunari will find it odd if a female becomes a warrior. Necessities of the group come before all, though— a male Qunari will farm if he must, just as a female will fight, depending on the circumstance. But they almost certainly will not like it.<ref name="question" /> 

The Qunari also have the concept of "Aqun-Athlok," which means "born as one gender but living as another".<ref>Dialogue between Iron Bull and Krem</ref> For example, a woman who shows sincere interest and outstanding talent at fighting will be considered male regardless of biological sex, and socially treated as male for all intents and purposes. For the Qunari, gender is inexorably linked to their role within the Qun.<ref>[[Cassandra Pentaghast/Dialogue#Cassandra and Iron Bull|Dialogue between Cassandra and Iron Bull]]</ref>

There are fields like philosophy or sciences that make use of both genders, but even then, there is division by discipline. Men will do one kind of research and women another. The [[Ben-Hassrath]] also count both genders among their ranks, but they too are separated by specialization.<ref name="question" />

== Economy ==
The Qunari reject private property. They also don't have [[currency]], nor do they engage in direct bartering: they don't buy and sell things amongst one another. "Merchants" in Qunari cities have the job of making sure goods are distributed appropriately.<ref name="question" /> They will however, trade with the rest of Thedas in a limited manner. To the Qunari, this trade is less a way to obtain goods than an opportunity to learn more about those who do not yet accept the Qun as law.

The Qunari actively work to improve methods of production via research and borrowing from conquered people and neighboring cultures. On the other hand, demands of the individuals are quite limited, as having "more houses and clothes" would mean more work to maintain them.<ref name="question" /> In the countryside, Qunari houses are identical and arranged along perfectly orthogonal lines.<ref>[[Codex entry: Tal-Vashoth]]</ref>

== Antaam ==
[[File:Qunari Baresaad Green Ronin.png|thumb|Qunari Beresaad]]
{{Main|Antaam}}
The [[Antaam]] serves as the Qunari's military branch and are led by the [[Arishok (title)|Arishok]]. The Antaam are metaphorically considered to be the eyes, ears, legs, arms, and hands of the creature that makes up Qunari society; everything that one needs to interact with the world, and so most Qunari encountered by Thedosians belong to the military.

All Qunari are given a tool which signifies their role in Qunari society; for soldiers, this tool is always a weapon of some kind.<ref name="question" /> In the case of soldiers, at least, to lose this weapon brands the owner as soulless and one who is to be executed on sight by the Antaam. These items are held in high regard, and upon the owner's death the Qunari may take the item to honor the fallen individual.

In Qunari society, females cannot be soldiers. While [[Tallis]] is an [[assassin]] who hunts Tal-Vashoth, she is [[Ben-Hassrath]] - a religious enforcer and a member of the priesthood (led by the [[Ariqun]]) rather than the military (led by the [[Arishok]]). However, transgender female-to-male Qunari are welcome in the military and are referred to as Aqun-Athlok.

== Technology ==
[[File:Qunari dreadnoughts.png|thumb|250px|Qunari dreadnoughts]]
The Qunari are more technologically advanced than the rest of Thedas, with the exception of the [[Dwarf|dwarves]].<ref>{{Cite wot|35}}</ref> Their capital city of [[Qunandar]] is famous for great domes and aqueducts,<ref name="prima" /> their architecture likened to beehives.<ref>{{Cite wot2|143}}</ref> They have developed an explosive powder ("gaatlok") that is safer than [[lyrium]]-based dwarven explosives. Its formula is a secret they carefully guard.
{{SpoilerDAIT|style=short|In 9:44 Dragon, [[the Inquisitor]] obtains one version of the [[Codex entry: Orders Posted in the Factory|gaatlok formula]]: 1 part [[ataashi]] venom, 1 part [[deathroot]], 3 parts powdered [[silverite]].}}

The Qunari cannons and [[Codex entry: Qunari Dreadnoughts|dreadnoughts]] (or "floating fortresses" - massive wooden ships)<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406071206/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/202642-what-type-of-ships-are-qunari-using/?p=5469041|title=What type of ships are Qunari using?}}</ref> allowed them to sweep across northern Thedas and advance far into mainland within ten years from their arrival on the continent. The allied nations relied heavily on the [[Circle of Magi]] to counter their cannons and on the [[Felicisima Armada]] to counter their fleet.
[[File:Dreadnought.jpg|thumb|295x295px|A dreadnought war ship]]
The Qunari had also developed a deadly poison ("saar-qamek"), which instills madness in the victim before eventually killing them. This poison can be inhaled or put on blades to affect a target's bloodstream, however there is at least one antidote that can be taken preemptively that will reduce or outright neutralize the poison's effects.

=== Notable armors ===
* [[Antaam-saar]]
* [[Shokra-taar]]
* [[Qunari Commander Helm]]
* [[Qunari Helmet]]
* [[Qunari Siege Gauntlets]]
* [[Qunari Infantry Helm]]
* [[Qunari War Boots]]

=== Notable weapons ===
* [[Asala]]
* [[Bassrath-Kata]]
* [[Bow of the Beresaad]]
* [[Bull's Edge]]
* [[Serrated Qunari Blade]]
* [[Sword of the Antaam]]
* [[Whitewood Bow]]
* [[Qunari Battleaxe]]
* [[Qunari Buckler]]
* [[Qunari Tower Shield]]
* [[Qunari Slasher]]
* [[Qunari Sten Blade]]
* [[Qunari Sword]]
* [[Vidathiss]]

== Magic ==
{{Quote|As does a drowning man know the sea, so does a mage know magic|A Qunari saying<ref>As told by [[Sten]] and [[Saarebas (Dragon Age: Redemption)|Saarebas]]</ref>}}
[[File:Quarini.jpg|thumb|250px|Chained and masked Qunari mages]]
The Qunari call their own [[mage]]s "[[saarebas]]", which means "a dangerous thing" in [[Qunlat]]. As the Qunari believe that mages are ultimately unable to master themselves, each saarebas is entrusted to an "[[arvaarad]]" ("one who holds back evil") who bears a control rod. The Qunari do not blame them for their "defective"<ref name="question" /> and dangerous nature, so they frequently pity and honor saarebas,<ref>[[Codex entry: The Qunari - Saarebas]]</ref> for lack of a better word. In practice, they are treated little better than attack dogs:<ref name="fem">{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]] and [[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406171920/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/130908-female-qunari-fighters/?bioware=1|title=Female Qunari Fighters}}</ref> They are leashed, shackled, collared, and their mouths are sewn shut. Should they be found practicing forbidden magic, their tongues are cut out to prevent them from corrupting others.<ref name="fem" /><ref>''[[Dragon Age II: The Complete Official Guide]]'', p. 251</ref> The penalty for leaving their karataam is death, as they are assumed to have been corrupted by demons. The Qunari view this sacrifice, this selflessness - however unwilling - as the greatest virtue of the Qun. Lacking proper training, saarebas are essentially [[Hedge mage|hedge mages]],<ref name="tales3">[[Tales of the Destruction of Thedas#Chapter 3: The New Exalted Marches|Tales of the Destruction of Thedas]], The Qunari: Chapter 3.</ref> which does not preclude the Qunari from usage of saarebas forces in warfare, for instance during the first<ref name="kirk3" /> and the [[First Battle of Kirkwall|second]] Qunari invasions of [[Kirkwall]].

== Outsiders and converts ==
[[File:Ben-Hassrath (Those Who Speak).png|thumb|250px|A Tamassran educating converts]]
The Qunari view other nations as inferiors, kabethari (literally, "those who need to be taught") who are to be conquered and "enlightened", i.e. converted to the [[Qun]]. In the newly subdued areas they dismantle families: children are torn away from their parents and raised as Qunari,<ref name="question" /> while adults are sent to "learning" (labor) camps for re-education performed by a branch of the priesthood called the [[Ben-Hassrath]]. The latter appear to be reasonable if an individual doesn't resist their severe teachings, and a new convert, or viddathari, may take a high position in the Qunari society.

In fact, it is possible for a human, elven or dwarven viddathari to become Ariqun, Arigena or Arishok should they show the merit for the role. However, this is naturally less likely than a qunari taking the role, given their far greater numbers in the Qun.<ref>[[Mary Kirby]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20151105101801/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/484963-qunari-race-name/ Qunari race name]</ref>

Refusal to cooperate is seen as illness to be cured, and those who resist are taken to the viddathlok, temples dedicated to healing. What happens later is not quite clear, but it is known that the Qunari use a substance called qamek to turn them into mindless laborers<ref>[[Fenris/Dialogue#Fenris and Isabela|Dialogue]] between [[Fenris]] and [[Isabela]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]'', Act 3</ref> forced into indentured servitude or sent to mines or construction camps. Some would return, changed in profound ways, some would perish of exhaustion or starvation and some would be slain.

When the Qunari were pushed back during the [[Exalted Marches]], the Chantry and nationalist forces purged numerous Qunari converts and buried them in mass graves, most notably in [[Rivain]]<ref>[[Codex entry: The Llomerryn Accords]]</ref>, Nocen Fields, and [[Marnas Pell]] in [[Tevinter Imperium|Tevinter]].<ref name="tales3" /> Afterwards the existence of the purge has been officially denied to have ever happened.

=== Basalit-an ===
The Qunari call outsiders ''bas'' ("thing") and consider them unfortunate beings who, however, have a potential to grow if the Qun's wisdom is imparted to them.<ref name="fem" /> The best an outsider can hope for amongst the Qunari is to be considered a basalit-an, "worthy of respect"; a basalit-an is a worthy foe, and one that can be negotiated with to an extent, but still bas regardless.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412045523/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/43582-writers-of-dragon-age/page-6|title=How would the Qunari accept a mage that voluntarily joins them?}}</ref> The characters which are known to be named with that title are the following:
{{SpoilerDAO|
* [[The Warden]], possibly named by [[Sten]] if Sten's approval level is high enough and [[The Sword of the Beresaad]] quest is completed, and the Warden dies killing [[Urthemiel|the Archdemon]]. If the quest is competed, Sten may also refer to the Warden as ''kadan'', and even ''ashkaari'', for locating [[Asala]].}}
{{SpoilerDA2|
* [[Hawke]], possibly named by the [[Arishok]].}}
{{SpoilerTWS|
{{BioWare canon}}
* King [[Alistair]], as named by the new [[Arishok (title)|Arishok]] ([[Sten]])<ref>As during the events of ''[[Dragon Age: Those Who Speak]]''.</ref>}}
{{SpoilerDAI|
* [[The Inquisitor]], possibly named by Gatt's superiors if the dreadnought is saved during [[Demands of the Qun (Inquisition)|Demands of the Qun]].}}

== Language ==
{{Main|Qunlat}}

Qunlat is the Qunari [[language]]. Few among the Qun's people speak the common tongue, and fewer speak it well. In a culture that strives for mastery, to have only a passable degree of skill is perhaps embarrassing, so Qunari often keep quiet among foreigners.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Qunari]]</ref>

== Notable Qunari ==
{{For|a complete list of known Qunari|Category:Qunari}}

* '''[[Arishok]]'''
* '''[[Ashkaari Koslun]]'''
* '''[[Gatt]]'''
* '''[[The Inquisitor|Inquisitor Adaar]]''' – if they are the sole survivor of the [[Divine Conclave]]
* '''[[Iron Bull]]'''
* '''[[Jerran]]'''
* '''[[Ketojan]]'''
* '''[[Rasaan]]'''
* '''[[Salit]]'''
* '''[[Sten]]'''
* '''[[Tallis]]'''
* '''[[Viddasala]]'''

== Codex entries ==
:{{:Codex entry: The Qunari (Origins)|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Par Vollen: The Occupied North|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Qunari|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Qunari of Other Races|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: The Ben-Hassrath|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Qunari Tamassrans|style=iconmini}}
:{{:Codex entry: Ben-Hassrath Reeducators|style=iconmini}}

== Notes ==
[[File:Qunari seeker.png|thumb|Qunari in Seeker armor]]
* "[[Kossith]]" is an antiquated technical name that is only used by tamassrans to describe the horned race before most of it was converted to the Qun. A few members of the Qunari priesthood may recognize the word, but to everyone in Thedas, they're just "Qunari" or "Tal-Vashoth". Other races sometimes refer to them as "giants" or "ox-men" as well.
* The Qunari claim that they do not dream as humans and elves do. This claim is difficult to dispute as they are rarely encountered in the [[Fade]].<ref>{{Cite wot|143}}</ref> It should be noted, however, that [[Sten]] instantly understands he is dreaming if you take him on the [[Broken Circle]] quest, and the [[Iron Bull]] asks Solas if he ever flies or "bangs hot Fade ladies" while "doing his Fade thing," demonstrating a clear grasp of common dream themes. [[Saarath]], a [[saarebas]], outright states that he had "dreams of demons", further disproving the claim.<ref>[[Codex entry: Saarath]]</ref>
* The qunari race is insinuated to have an innate savagery- a trait common among [[Reaver]]s. [[Sten]] for example has exhibited bouts of uncontrollable murderous rage and [[Iron Bull]] states he revels in the brutality of combat. The qunari race may be so fanatical to the rigorous tenets of the [[Qun]] because it tames their savage impulses.
* If [[Morrigan]]'s son [[Kieran]] is born with the soul of an [[Old Gods|Old God]], he will comment sadly to Qunari Inquisitors that their blood does not belong to their people.
* If the Qunari Inquisitor sides with the Templars, [[Corypheus]] in [[Corypheus's Memories|his memories]] refers to them as "a beast of strange blood".<ref>See [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzmmFsCiAdw&t=1351 1].</ref> During the [[Doom Upon All the World|final battle]], Corypheus taunts the Qunari Inquisitor by saying "What do they call you, a Qunari? Your blood is engorged with decay, your race is not a race, it is a mistake!"

== Trivia ==
* Qunari were always supposed to have horns. They were cut from ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]''. because otherwise [[Sten]] would be unable to wear a helmet.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806033237/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/212684-gaider-why-do-ogres-exist-in-thedas-before-the-qunari-arrival/?bioware=1|title=GAIDER: Why do ogres exist in Thedas before the Qunari arrival?}}</ref><ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406191831/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/149046-opinions-about-the-art-direction/|title=Opinions about the art direction}}</ref>
* Female Qunari or kossith produce [[Ogre (variation)|ogres]] if they turn into [[broodmother]]s.
* The absence of cookies in the Qunari culture is explained by their efficiency; most cultures initially develop cookies and cakes as a way to use up leftover batter from other things. Qunari plan ahead too well to have leftovers.<ref name="question" />
* There is a concept art image of a Qunari wearing an armour with the [[Seekers of Truth]] heraldry on it in ''[[Dragon Age II: The Complete Official Guide]]''.
* All the races in Thedas are said to live approximately the same length of natural life, but Qunari have developed advanced medicine and sanitation, which allows them to extend their life span to some degree.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[Mary Kirby]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813225831/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/467237-which-race-in-dragon-age-lives-the-longest/?bioware=1|title=Which race in Dragon Age lives the longest?}}</ref>
* No Qunari has ever joined the [[Grey Wardens]]. There are, however, rumours of several Tal-Vashoth taking the [[Joining]] in recent decades.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Player's Guide, set 2, p. 7</ref>
* Chained Qunari are depicted on an ancient Tevinter mosaic called [[Freed Are Slaves]].<ref>[[Codex entry: The Mason's Tales: Freed Are Slaves]]</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Tales of the Destruction of Thedas]], in which a section of the book is dedicated to the Qunari.

== Gallery ==
<gallery widths="180" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center" orientation="portrait">
Qunari barbarian.jpg|Qunari Concept
Qunari-trailer.png|The Arishok from the ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' Destiny trailer
Tome of Koslun.png|[[Tome of Koslun]]
DA2_Qunari - cutscene art (act 1).jpg|Qunari (in-game cutscene art, ''[[Dragon Age II]]'')
Qunari female and male.jpg|Hornless female and male Qunari<ref>{{Cite wot|41}}</ref>
Quanari lineup.jpg|Concept art for ''Dragon Age II''
Tamassran - Those Who Speak.png|Female Qunari - the tamassran [[Rasaan]] from ''[[Dragon Age: Those Who Speak]]''
Dragon age inquisition 06.jpg|Qunari in ''Dragon Age: Inquisition''
Qunari inquisitor.png|Qunari Inquisitor
Qunari moodboard.png|A moodboard for the Qunari, depicting their architecture, weaponry, and various types of Qunari and Tal-Vashoth
</gallery>

== External links ==
* [http://social.bioware.com/wiki/dragonage/index.php/Qunari/Wiki Qunari on BioWare wiki].<!-- down, needs an archive link -->

== References ==
{{Scroll box|<references />}}

{{Qun}}

<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Qunari| ]]
[[Category:Races]]
[[Category:Groups]]
<!--Interwiki links-->
[[ru:Кунари]]
[[uk:К’юнарі]]