Red Templars

Lore & Background

Tensions between the Templars and mages eventually fractured the order during the events of the Inquisition era. Some sought to maintain the status quo, while others pushed for radical change or independence from the Chantry. This schism led to a redefinition of their purpose in Thedas, though their core mission of protecting the world from uncontrolled magic remains a defining legacy. Crucially, their ability to resist and sever magical connections is not derived from external gear but is an innate power granted by lyrium infused directly into their bodies during the Rite of Passage.

In Their Own Story

The torchlight flickered against the cold stone walls of the Circle Tower. A Templar stood guard at the entrance, his red cloak draped heavily over steel pauldrons etched with the Chantry's symbol. He did not sleep; he watched for the shimmer of rogue magic in the dark. His hand rested on the hilt of a lyrium-infused blade, ready to sever the connection between flesh and spirit should it turn against them.

Reader's Guide

The Templar Order serves as the military arm of the Chantry dedicated to monitoring mages within the Circle Towers. Their primary goal is preventing apostasy and ensuring that magic does not threaten the common folk. Members undergo rigorous training, infusing their armor with lyrium to withstand magical attacks. They operate under a strict hierarchy led by Grand Enforcers. Historically, they maintained peace through containment, but this relationship soured over time due to perceived tyranny. During major conflicts, Templars have fought alongside Grey Wardens against the Blight or stood as adversaries to reformist mages. In modern Thedas, the Order faces an identity crisis following significant upheaval. Some factions seek to dissolve their ties with the Chantry, while others aim to preserve tradition. Regardless of internal strife, they remain a potent force in the balance between magic and order.

Did You Know?

• Templars gain resistance to magic through internal lyrium infusion received during the Rite of Passage, granting them innate abilities rather than relying on treated armor.
• The Order was originally created by the Chantry to protect the Chantry and contain mages; the protection of mages is a later interpretation or secondary function.
• During the Fifth Blight, the final battle at Denerim involved Grey Wardens and their allies, but Templars are not specifically depicted as a major force; the primary military forces are the army gathered by the player.