Skeleton

Skeleton
Type	Undead
Rank	Critter Normal Lieutenant
Variations	Skeleton archer Skeleton mage Devouring skeleton Frenzied Devouring skeleton Fanged skeleton Ancient Fanged skeleton Shambling skeleton Mangled Shambling skeleton
Affiliation	Demons
Appearances	Dragon Age: Origins Return to Ostagar Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening Dragon Age (tabletop RPG) Dragon Age: Inquisition

Skeletons are undead possessed by demons.

Background

The demons of the Fade are jealous of the world they sense from across the Veil. They constantly push against the boundaries of the Fade, and when they finally cross over, they attempt to possess the first living creature they see. They are unable, however, to distinguish that which was once living from that which still is... in fact, a corpse provides an even more tempting target to a weaker demon as it has no will with which to resist the possession. The demon cannot rationalize why this is so; it only sees a target and grasps at the opportunity.

A skeleton is exactly that: a corpse animated by a possessing demon. Upon finding itself trapped within a body that cannot sustain it, the demon is driven insane... it seeks to destroy any life that it encounters, attacking without thought to its own welfare.

The exact names given to skeletons of this type vary according to the nature of the demons that possesses it. A "fanged skeleton" is a skeleton possessed by a hunger demon. These skeletons devour whatever life they encounter and often possess the ability to drain life energy and mana from their victims. A "shambling skeleton" is a slower-moving skeleton possessed by a sloth demon, able to bring entropic powers against its opponents, slowing them and even putting them to sleep. More powerful demons have been known to command skeletons, but at that level they are known by other names: revenants and arcane horrors, to name two.

—From Codex entry: Skeleton

The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.

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Skeletons are exactly what they sound like: animated piles of bone driven by a rage demon. They are mindless creatures that wander aimlessly, or lie dormant near the site of their “first death” till living beings walk near. Their unreasoning fury can be terrible to behold. Skeletons simply attack all living targets and continue to do so, never wavering until they are smashed to pieces. If they originally came from a battlefield and have a weapon, they will attempt to use it. Otherwise, they’ll simply claw at their foes with broken finger bones, gouging away any flesh they can reach.

Strategy

It's not uncommon for skeletons to attack in groups. They can sometimes lie in wait for the Warden on the floor, "waking" when best able to surround the party (or at least the controlled character). They aren't detected by Survival in this dormant state, nor can they be targeted. Long-duration AoE spells/combinations still work, though, so if the Warden see some suspicious skeletons, it is recommended to cast at least one. Paralysis Explosion works best, though Grease Fire, Tempest, Inferno and Blizzard are also good. If the Warden's party doesn't have these, a stealthed rogue should be sent into the room to trigger them while the others wait at the door.

Like all undead, they are vulnerable to fire, but are immune to flanking attacks, nature damage and blood magic, as well as being resistant to cold damage. As a result, the party should avoid using Shale's natural crystals, Acid Flasks, Acidic Traps, and most poisons against them, in favour of their fiery equivalents.

Variations

Skeletons are called different names depending on the weapons they fight with:

• Skeleton archer – provides ranged support with a longbow
• Skeleton mage – extremely rare and are only present during boss encounters
• Devouring skeleton – possessed by hunger demons; they attack with a sword and kite shield
• Frenzied Devouring skeleton – encountered in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening
• Fanged skeleton – possessed by hunger demons; they attack with dual daggers
• Ancient Fanged skeleton – encountered in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening
• Shambling skeleton – possessed by sloth demons; they attack with greatswords
• Mangled Shambling skeleton – encountered in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening

Note: Some skeletons encountered will lack any further labels and will often use the same skills, equipment and weapons as those named above.

Codex entries

Codex entry: Skeleton

Notes

• Like corpses and other undead, the demon possessing a skeleton will likely die off once its host dies, as the skeleton lacks the lifeforce required for the demon to break through the Veil and go back into its Fade realm. As such, the heavily wounded skeletons will often leak the grayish-black substance (exactly the same as the one that makes up the body of the shade).^{[confirmation needed]}

Gallery

Devouring skeleton

Fanged Skeleton

A Fanged Skeleton close up

Shambling skeleton

Skeleton archer

Skeleton mage