Seheron, the largest island in Thedas,[1] is a humid jungle nation in the Boeric Ocean, directly north of the Tevinter Imperium. The island has been a bitterly contested battleground between Tevinter and the Qunari of Par Vollen for almost three centuries.
History[]
Seheron had been in the possession of the Tevinter Imperium from its earliest days, and its architecture reflects the long occupation of the Imperium. However, after successfully claiming Par Vollen in 6:30 Steel, the Qunari turned their attention to Seheron and landed on its shores in 6:32. After ten years, the Qunari had not only taken the island from Tevinter entirely but also occupied a significant portion of the mainland Imperium.[2][1]
The Qunari were eventually pushed back from the mainland and entrenched in Seheron. The Battle of the Nocen Sea followed and proved to be the largest naval engagement in recorded history, ultimately leading to a stalemate between the warring countries.[1]
In 7:25 Storm, the New Exalted Marches were declared by both the Imperial Chantry, to retake Seheron and the eastern city of Qarinus, and the Orlesian Chantry, to retake Rivain.[1] Three Exalted Marches took place in quick succession with no clear victor by 7:84 Storm, the end of the Third New Exalted March. By then the Qunari had lost Seheron to Tevinter.[2][1]
Generations passed as the people of Seheron sought to rebuild the war-torn country. However, the Qunari mounted another offense to retake the island between 8:55-8:58 Blessed and finally wrested lasting control of the island from the Imperium.[2][1]
In 9:25 Dragon, the Qunari lost their Arishok of twelve years to wounds sustained in Seheron. After ninety days of testing, a successor was finally chosen: the Kithshok of Alam's garrison, who had long been considered by Tevinter to be one of the main obstacles to their reconquest of the island.[3]
Geography[]
Settlements[]
- Alam
- Seheron โ capital of the island
Fortresses[]
- Ath Velanis โ a fortress built by Malgorthios the Black, used as headquarters for Magister Aurelian Titus and his cult
- Akhaaz โ an old coastal fortress occupied by the Qunari in 9:38 Dragon
Politics[]
Seheron is still "kabethari" to the Qunariโa land to be conquered and converted, literally "those who need to be taught." The Qunari maintain a loose control, but meet a heavy resistance from Tevinter. To add to the chaos, both of them are opposed by Tal-Vashoth in the north of the island, and by native rebels.
Among the Qunari, the beresaad task their youngest soldiers with protecting the port of Seheron.[4] It is a relatively easy task, mostly requiring a tolerance for boredom and the ability to pay close attention even after hours of inactivity. There are occasional threats to the city's securityโassassins, spies, infiltratorsโand the young beresaad stationed there, most of them under eighteen years old,[5] are the city's first line of defense. However, while the city proper is considered a safe post, service elsewhere on the island is considered hazardous. Scores of Qunari soldiers fall to local insurgents, Tevinters, and Tal-Vashoth. Even those who survive are left scarred, as prolonged stress breaks the wills and minds of veteran officers and new soldiers alike. The Qunari call the condition asala-taar, or "soul sickness". The tamassrans struggle to compensate for the losses, forcing the antaam to promote new officers as quickly as they are lost. For those reasons, the Ben-Hassrath recommend a two-year maximum tour of service on Seheron.
The Fog Warriors[]
- Main article: Fog Warriors
Some native Seheron rebels have resorted to guerilla warfare against the Qunari and Tevinter occupants.[6] Known as the Fog Warriors, tales of their prowess and stealth have given them a reputation as formidable fighters even outside of Seheron.
Culture[]
The fog dancers tell stories of the land Seheron once was. They say that the griffons of the Grey Wardens came from Seheron. They speak of the ancient Curse of Nahar that brought the fog, and the promise that will one day lift it. They tell about the March of Four Winds, about the lost people who fled to the northern islands and about the heroes who learned from the elves.[7]
The battle in 8:55 Blessed leveled much of the architecture and infrastructure. Large portions of the island remained outside of Qunari authority. The native people of the island not under Qunari rule came to hate the Imperium as much as the Qunari due to the violent and long-lasting warfare and the toll it had taken on the island. In spite of this dissent, many inhabitants have taken willingly to the Qun as it offers an alternative to the oppression of Imperial rule, particularly to the large population of former elven slaves on the island. Many of those elves now hold high office within the Qunari ranks, helping the invaders oust their old masters.[6]
Food[]
Fish pockets are a known part of cuisine in Seheron. They consist of fish, crisp vegetables, and various hot spices held in a soft wrap, and must be eaten with care as they have a tendency to fall apart if not.[8] They are also called fish wraps and described as being fish wrapped in thin bread that is made by street food vendors.[9] Farmers in the mountains grow cinnamon and nutmeg trees. They are frequent targets of the Tal-Vashoth.[10]
Codex entries[]
Trivia[]
- Sten lived in Seheron prior to the events of the Fifth Blight.
- Sten comments that Seheron smells like tea, incense, and the sea.
- Fenris says that he's been told that he's from Seheron, but does not remember due to the amnesia caused by the application of his lyrium markings.
- Iron Bull served on Seheron for almost ten years, far longer than recommended by the Ben-Hassrath.[11]
Gallery[]
References[]
- โ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 85
- โ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Prima Official Game Guide: DAO Collector's Edition
- โ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 182
- โ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 94
- โ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 94
- โ 6.0 6.1 Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 87
- โ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 86
- โ Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas, p. 39
- โ Mentioned by the Iron Bull when recounting an incident in Seheron.
- โ Mentioned during conversation with Sten.
- โ Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 240
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