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“I will not lie motionless in a bed with coverlets up to my chin, waiting for death to claim me.”


Wynne is a mage of the Circle in Ferelden and a potential companion to the Warden in Dragon Age: Origins.

Background[]

Wynne was born in the second half of the Blessed Age.[note] Her oldest memory was of a hayloft on a farm in the Bannorn. The freehold, known as Langwynne, would be her namesake, as she apparently did not have one when the farmer's wife found her. Wynne stayed with the farmer's family for several months. One day, her magical ability manifested in the form of fire, as Wynne fought back against the freeholder's son who was bullying her. Afterwards, she was taken to the Circle of Magi in Kinloch Hold.[1] Wynne joined the Circle at the age of nine.[2] She was a model student and underwent her Harrowing years ahead of her peers, just before she turned seventeen. Within two years she would be given her first apprentice, an elven boy, Aneirin.[1]

Wynne had served the Circle for most of her life, and was well respected for her strong sense of duty. She believed wholeheartedly in what the Circle stands for, and had been a vocal advocate of magic and for apprentices to be able to learn to control their gifts of magic and use them to serve humankind.

The fear of magic is born of misunderstanding, but Wynne cautioned apprentices never to forget that the fear is also a real one. For all the good the magic gift can bring, it will also always attract demons and therefore the risk of possession. Too many times in history have possessed abominations wreaked destruction on the lands, and thus every mage has a debt to repay. "Earn your place," she has said, "and you shall not be reviled."

Her peers thought so highly of her that she was asked to become the new First Enchanter of Ferelden's Tower. She refused, saying that she had no desire to work in the upper ranks of the Circle. When word recently reached the Tower of King Cailan's call to arms against the Blight, Wynne readily volunteered to go to Ostagar.

Wynne appeared to have been born into the Spirit healer role as a natural. In her childhood, she can recall entering the Fade in her dreams and feeling a particular spirit watching over her. Later on, if you get to know her, she speculates that this is a Spirit of Faith—much like the benevolent spirits of courage and compassion, but never before identified in known accounts.


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.


Wynne admitted to Alistair that she occasionally sought the "company" of other mages, and even bore a son out of wedlock with a templar in the Circle. Less than a year after Aneirin's presumed death, Wynne became pregnant, a fact she reported to First Enchanter Wenselus; when he confronted Wynne's friend Irving as to the father's identity, Irving identified him as a templar, and while he had his suspicions as to which templar it was, he wouldn't divulge that information. She gave birth to a boy named Rhys in 9:02. According to her, the child was taken from her by the Chantry and she was too weak from the birthing process to stop them at that point. Wynne still thought about her son all the time. Rhys' father contends in a rather impassioned letter that Wynne refused to fight to keep their child in order to remain securely in the Circle.


Involvement[]

Dragon Age: Origins[]

If the Warden is of magi origin, they will overhear Greagoir comment that Wynne has already gone off to fight at Ostagar, a fact that seems to anger him.

Additionally, the Warden may first encounter Wynne at the forward camp at Ostagar, near the mage tents. She can be talked to for limited dialogue. According to Wynne she had managed to kill several Darkspawn stragglers at that point.


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.


Wynne circle

Wynne preparing to fight a demon

The Warden will meet Wynne again in Ferelden's Circle Tower, where a demon outbreak has forced her to magically seal off some parts of the tower. The Warden can then either persuade (skill not needed) Wynne to reopen the doors and join their quest or just kill her.

If Morrigan is in the party when you encounter Wynne, several different dialogue options become available. If the wrong paths of dialogue are selected, Wynne will refuse to give the Warden access to the tower before attacking the party with the surviving mages of the circle. Your codex will update to reflect her death if this is how the game is played out.

After the situation with the Circle Tower is resolved either way, she'll pledge her support to the Warden and offer herself as a companion. If the Warden rejects her support, she will be standing in the entrance room, left of the quartermaster and, by initiating a conversation with her, she can be recruited at any time.

Wynne may also turn on the Warden later if the Warden decides to side with the trapped templar Cullen higher up in the tower. You can avoid this, however, by either telling Cullen you will save the mages or you will make your decision later (whether you succeed in saving them or not doesn't matter; she will stay as long as you promise to try).

She will also turn on the Warden if the Warden destroys the Urn of Andraste during the quest The Urn of Sacred Ashes, either immediately if she is in the party, or else when you next return to camp. However, you will not lose Wynne if she is recruited after destroying the Urn.

If you want to stay in Wynne's good graces, making morally right choices is the way to gain her approval. Indeed, the Warden's conversations with Wynne often concern the philosophy of what constitutes living a meaningful and fulfilling life; or finding purpose in one's fate. Wynne will encourage the Warden to live up to the ideals of a being a Grey Warden and embrace being a guardian of the people of Thedas—even taking pride in the sacrifices of a Grey Warden since they will aid in the continued existence of the people. Wynne cautions the Warden to use their power and influence responsibly, as even their actions will have a ripple effect on others and urges that the Warden be considerate.

During the Warden's search through the Circle Tower, Wynne explains the events that happened there: upon her return to Kinloch Hold after narrowly surviving the Battle of Ostagar, Wynne discovered that one of her colleagues, Senior Enchanter Uldred, who'd also been present at Ostagar, had nearly convinced the Circle to ally with Loghain in exchange for more freedoms from the Chantry. Wynne informed First Enchanter Irving of Loghain's treachery and the Circle revoked its tentative support. Wynne was not present at the meeting where Irving and the others confronted Uldred, merely witnessing its aftermath and explaining that as demons and abominations rampaged, Irving ordered her to get as many mages to safety as possible. Wynne expresses guilt at what has happened, believing it partly her fault as it wouldn't have happened had she stayed silent, but Wynne insists the Circle needed to know of Loghain's crimes.

If the Warden becomes involved with Alistair, Zevran, Leliana, or Morrigan, Wynne will express concern stating that the relationship is dangerous and does not want to see either get hurt. The Warden must place duty first and make difficult decisions, even sacrifice. She does not want suffering to befall either of you. You can choose any response, but keep in mind that Wynne is of a serious disposition and may respond badly to smart remarks. She does seem to contradict herself a little though, for when initially questioning you on the relationship, she expresses concern over the fact that it is merely a physical relationship (at least with Zevran) while saying it is because of the selfishness of love that she worries. However if you advance the approval rating of the partner to the degree of love (thereby posing a stronger threat to your duty as a Grey Warden) she relents her hard-line position in a later conversation. Wynne comments that love may not last forever but its worthiness is not diminished because of it. Wynne adds that she finds the lovers' adoration for one another beautiful and thinks love's ability to blossom even amongst chaos and strife gives her cheer.

Once Wynne's approval is high enough, an encounter at Hillside Path will occur. Once the battle is over, Wynne is overwhelmed by her Vessel of the Spirit ability and she faints momentarily; when recovered she reveals that she has a "condition." The truth is that during the initial battle in the Circle Tower, she was killed and was saved by one of the spirits in the Fade entering her. In her words, she is an abomination living on 'borrowed time' to help the Warden defeat the darkspawn.

Once the Warden is friendly enough with Wynne and she has confessed her condition, if she is asked further questions about the Circle, she will admit to feeling regret over a particular apprentice she worked with, a city elf named Aneirin. She believes the templars who said they hunted Aneirin after he ran from the Circle; an act which Wynne believes is her fault as she feels she was very hard on Aneirin who she believed was a very talented mage. The only clue of Aneirin's whereabouts is that Aneirin had once told Wynne he hoped to seek out the Dalish. The Warden can agree to find Aneirin for her. Talking to Sarel at the Dalish Camp will reveal where Aneirin is staying. He will then appear in the East Brecilian Forest, just northwest of the Mad Hermit.

Although Wynne apologized to Aneirin for being a poor mentor, Aneirin harbored no ill will towards Wynne and they were both able to reconcile with one another. Despite their turbulent history, Aneirin is grateful for the lessons she taught him. Wynne offered to mediate with Irving to accept him back into the Circle, and encourages Aneirin to add his voice in making the Circle better. Although Aneirin is fond of Irving and will consider Wynne's proposal, he is unwilling to commit to it for the time being. Once Wynne's personal quest is completed, approval points will be gained from Wynne, but she will also receive a gift from Aneirin in the form of "Aneirin's Token", an amulet which adds a 10% bonus to electric, nature, and spirit resistance. Additionally, whenever Vessel of the Spirit is activated, Wynne's mana is fully restored, and she will no longer be Stunned by the effect fading.


Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening.


If Wynne survived the events of the Fifth Blight she may be encountered outside the Chantry of Our Lady Redeemer in the City of Amaranthine. Wynne informs The Warden-Commander that the College of Magi is convening in Cumberland, Nevarra, to discuss the Libertarians' wish of breaking away from the Chantry completely, with some additional dialogue if the Warden is a mage. Wynne asks the Warden to find her colleague Ines in the Wending Wood, which starts the quest Ines the Botanist. Wynne is also present at the Chantry to present this quest for the Orlesian Warden, with a few minor changes to dialogue, and more changes if the Orlesian is a mage.

If the Urn of Sacred Ashes was defiled, Wynne will be angry with the Warden.


Dragon Age: Asunder[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Asunder.


BioWare canon
The plot follows BioWare's own canon, meaning it may not follow some of the player's choices in the games.

While Templar reinforcements arrived at Kirkwall to suppress further resistance, news from escaping mages of what had occurred spread to other Circles. Outraged that the templars of Kirkwall would invoke the Right of Annulment to justify the deaths of an entire Circle for the crimes of one apostate, some Circles revolted, while others were close to doing so. In response, the Templar Order cracked down, further restricting mage freedoms in an attempt to quell further disturbance.

Despite this, the College of Enchanters, meeting for the last time in Cumberland before being disbanded, voted against separation from the Chantry at the urging of the Archmage, Wynne, in opposition to the motion tendered by its newly elected Grand Enchanter Fiona. Nonetheless, many of the Libertarian faction, who wished for independence, continued to encourage mages to rebel.

GroupShot AsunderDE

The battle inside the keep

Wynne, acting on Divine Justinia V's personal orders, took her estranged son Rhys (a mage of the White Spire), his friend Adrian and the templar Knight-Captain Evangeline to Adamant Fortress in order to save her friend, Pharamond: a Tranquil who had become an abomination. After freeing Pharamond, he told the party that he had managed to find a way to reverse the Rite of Tranquility.

Presenting this information before Justinia V, it having already been sent to each of the fifteen Circles, and against strong objections from Lord Seeker Lambert, the Divine concluded that a Conclave must be held, ostensibly to hear from Pharamond and to discuss the findings. The Conclave took place in the White Spire with eleven of the fifteen First Enchanters and Grand Enchanter Fiona present. Wynne because of her unique place within the Circle, also participated along with the First Enchanters even though she wasn't leading a Circle. Furthermore, Senior Enchanters Rhys and Adrian participated as well, as they were part of the mission to save Pharamond. Watched by the templars, the Grand Enchanter nonetheless sought another vote to separate the Circle from the Chantry. Before the vote could be taken, the meeting was disrupted by Lord Seeker Lambert, who on presenting news that Pharamond had been murdered and the bloodstained knife found in the quarters of Rhys, attempted to disband the Conclave. Suspecting that Rhys was being framed, the mages refused to stand down, including Wynne, and the Lord Seeker orders the Templars & Seekers to attack.

Several of the first enchanters are slain, most were imprisoned, including Rhys, and only Wynne and Knight-Captain Evangeline managed to escape. They return to the White Spire to rescue those imprisoned with the assistance of their golem associate Shale, and Leliana, an agent of the Divine & Wynne's former companion. The Divine herself ordered Lord Seeker Lambert and a number of his templars to meet with her, a ruse to ensure that the rescue would succeed.

Evangeline, Wynne and Shale succeeded in destroying those phylacteries contained in the White Spire vault, including those of the surviving First Enchanters, while Leliana led those imprisoned to safety. In an echo of the rebellion of the Kirkwall Circle, other mages of White Spire fought their templar masters, and according to Wynne, managed to kill them all.

When Evangeline was killed in a duel with Lord Seeker Lambert, Wynne transferred her spirit into Evangeline to revive her, sacrificing her own life as the spirit was all that sustained her. Wynne's ashes were buried beneath an ancient tree near Andoral's Reach at Leliana's suggestion. Her son Rhys left the Libertarian fraternity and assumed his mother's old position as spokesperson for the Aequitarians.


Quests[]

Dragon Age: Origins[]

Wynne's Regret Wynne's Regret

The Darkspawn Chronicles[]

Slay the Healer Slay the Healer

Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening[]

Ines the Botanist Ines the Botanist

Gifts[]

Wynne likes books and scrolls, as well as wine. See Gifts for Wynne for all of her gifts.

Name Notes Description

Discovering Dragon's Blood: Potions, Tinctures, and Spicy Sauces
Discovering Dragon's Blood: Potions, Tinctures, and Spicy Sauces
Located: Ruined Temple
This thick tome is covered in dark, dusty leather and has a distinctly foreboding appearance.
Fancy Scroll
Fancy Scroll
Located: Lower Ruins
A scroll of parchment decorated with fancy gold handles.
The Guerrins of Ferelden
The Guerrins of Ferelden
"The Guerrins of Ferelden: A Genealogical History." This book traces the line of Arl Eamon back to the time of the Alamarri clans. It doesn't seem to have been read much.
The Rose of Orlais
The Rose of Orlais
Located: Circle Tower
"The Rose of Orlais" appears to be a book about a woman named Lady Talia Lyonne, and her tempestuous romance with the arrogant chevalier, Garren.
The Search for the True Prophet
The Search for the True Prophet
Located: Orzammar
"The search for the true prophet:" This tattered tome explores the possibility that Andraste was a powerful mage, not the Maker's Chosen. It seems this book was saved from a fire at some point.
Wine
Wine
Sold by various merchants.
A flask of red wine.

Statistics[]

Initial attributes[]

Relative attribute weightings on auto-level:

Strength Dexterity Willpower Magic Cunning Constitution
0 0 1 1.25 0.25 0.5

Initial specialization[]

Spirit Healer Spirit Healer

Initial skills[]

Herbalism HerbalismExpert Combat Tactics Expert Combat TacticsMaster Combat Tactics Master Combat Tactics (level 9)

Initial spells[]

Arcane Arcane Bolt Arcane Bolt
Spirit Healer Group Heal Group HealRevival Revival (level 8)   Lifeward Lifeward (level 13)
Primal Earth Rock Armor Rock ArmorStonefist Stonefist (level 6)   Earthquake Earthquake (level 9)
Creation Heal Heal HealRejuvenate RejuvenateRegeneration Regeneration (level 7)   Mass Rejuvenation Mass Rejuvenation (level 10)
Heroic Offense Heroic Offense Heroic OffenseHeroic Aura Heroic AuraHeroic Defense Heroic Defense (level 12)
Glyph Glyph of Paralysis Glyph of Paralysis (level 11)

Additionally, Wynne can gain the following new spell as you progress through the story:

Vessel of the Spirit Vessel of the Spirit
Sustained
Range: Personal
Upkeep: 60
Fatigue: 15%
Cooldown: 300s
Requires: Level 1
Wynne disorients nearby enemies with a release of energy, restoring some health and mana and earning bonuses to spellpower and mana regeneration. However, once she deactivates the ability, she is stunned and suffers penalties to movement, attack and defense.
Note: Aneirin's Token doubles this spell effect bonus, while preventing her getting stunned upon deactivation. This is by far the most powerful spell in terms of increasing a mage's willpower and mana regain. In order to receive the buff, Wynne does not have to equip Aneirin's Token: as long as it's in the player's inventory, the buff is in effect (tested on PC, if the token is sold to a merchant or equipped on a character other than Wynne, the buff is gone).

Initial equipment[]

Wynnemagic

Wynne casting a spell

Weapons Enchanter's Staff Enchanter's Staff
Clothing Senior Enchanter's Robes Senior Enchanter's Robes
Accessories Silver Aron Silver Aron

Restricted gear[]

Aneirin's Token Aneirin's Token
Silver Aron Silver Aron

Plot skills[]

As you befriend Wynne and gain her approval, she will gain the following additional skills:

Name Benefit Requirement
Inspired: Minor Willpower Inspired: Minor Willpower +1 willpower 25% approval
Inspired: Moderate Willpower Inspired: Moderate Willpower +2 willpower 50% approval
Inspired: Major Willpower Inspired: Major Willpower +4 willpower 75% approval
Inspired: Massive Willpower Inspired: Massive Willpower +6 willpower 90% approval
Note: These bonuses are non-cumulative, i.e. the total bonus is +6, not +13.

Quotes[]

Main article: Wynne/Dialogue
WynneConcept

Wynne concept art

  • "I'm not the sort of person that leaves things unfinished. I'll see this through, I promise."
  • "You'd think one would find a less perilous place to explore."
  • "People fear, not death, but having life taken from them. Many waste the life given to them, occupying themselves with things that do not matter. When the end comes, they say they did not have time enough to spend with loved ones, to fulfill dreams, to go on adventures they only talked about... But why should you fear death if you are happy with the life you have led, if you can look back on everything and say, 'Yes, I am content. It is enough.'"
  • (To Alistair) "Now that you're in an intimate relationship I think maybe I should tell you where babies come from."
  • (After Vessel of the Spirit is learned) "Well, we can't all be Quickwits McSmartypants now can we? Apparently you have a monopoly on cleverness."
  • (After being drained when using Vessel of the Spirit for the first time) "I suppose I shouldn't be using that particular trick to entertain children at parties."
  • (On romancing a companion) "Love is ultimately selfish. It demands that one be devoted to a single person, who may fully occupy one's mind and heart, to the exclusion of all else."

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: Wynne Codex entry: Wynne

Trivia[]

  • Writers Sheryl Chee and Mary Kirby joked that Wynne has a "magical bosom," which is of particular interest to some of the other companions.[3]
  • Wynne is quite the connoisseur when it comes to fine beers and ale, which surprises Oghren. She is seen imbibing dwarven ale, much to the surprise of her companions, in the village of Velun.
  • Wynne is the only companion who doesn't teach her class specialization.
  • Wynne possesses a red staff bestowed to her by the Warden.[4]
  • Wynne explains to the Warden how she lit a boy on fire and was sent to the circle, however strangely Wynne has no points invested in the Primal fire spell tree.
  • Sheryl Chee said that when she wrote Wynne, she was twenty-six years old, and at the time, any person over forty seemed old to her. Sheryl stated that's the reason why Wynne has so much "old lady energy".[5]

Notes[]

  • The exact year of Wynne's birth is not known. She was born sometime during the second half of the Blessed Age, in 8:81-8:82 at the latest, which can be inferred from the following information: Wynne found herself pregnant with her son, Rhys, one year after the presumed death of Aneirin, her first apprentice.[1] Rhys was born in 9:02 Dragon.[6] Wynne was entrusted with her first apprentice two years after her Harrowing, which she took shortly before turning seventeen.[1] The exact timeline cannot be established because it's not specified how long Aneirin remained Wynne's apprentice before he escaped from the Circle. If he was her apprentice for less than a year, then it could be calculated that Wynne gave birth to Rhys around the age of twenty/twenty-one years old, meaning that she herself was born around 8:81-8:82 Blessed. However, if Aneirin was Wynne's apprentice for a longer period of time, that would shift the timeline.

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 88
  2. Banter between Wynne and Alistair.
  3. Chee, Sheryl; Kirby, Mary (September 16, 2009). "The People of Dragon Age: Origins – An Interview with Sten, Wynne and the Tower Guard". BioWare Blog. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
  4. Dragon Age: Asunder, chapter 19
  5. Twitter icon Sheryl Cheehttps://twitter.com/SherylChee/status/1483891069456506883 . Twitter.
  6. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 199
  7. Original page unavailable. Image found at videogamesblogger.
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