Grey Wardens

Lore & Background

Set in the fictional world of Thedas, the Grey Wardens operate during the eve of the fifth Blight. Their primary mission is to drive back the Darkspawn that dwell within the Deep Roads, an underground highway system created by dwarves long ago. The order relies on legendary warriors to confront the Archdemon and stop the invasion. While they are crucial to Thedas's survival, their existence is defined by the constant threat of these monstrous forces swarming the surface world. The game establishes that every few hundred years, a Blight occurs, requiring the Wardens to act as the shield between civilization and destruction.

In Their Own Story

In Dragon Age: Origins, the player assumes the role of a warrior, mage, or rogue from an elven, human, or dwarven background who is recruited into the Grey Wardens. The narrative begins with the character's specific origin story—such as Dalish Elf, Dwarf Commoner, City Elf, Mage, Human Noble, or Dwarf Noble—which determines how other characters perceive them. Despite these differing origins, all paths converge after the initial plot to focus on the main objective: defeating the Archdemon. The game features companions like Alistair, Morrigan, and Leliana who play major roles in the plot and gameplay as they journey together to end the Blight.

Reader's Guide

Gameplay allows players to customize their Warden's race and class before experiencing one of six origin stories. The available classes include warriors for physical attacks and protection, rogues for stealth and theft, and mages for spells and support. Players can shift perspectives from third-person to top-down during combat, managing a party against enemies like giant spiders, ghosts, and dragons. Progression involves earning experience points to level up, spending attribute points on Strength, Dexterity, Willpower, Magic, Cunning, or Constitution. Interaction with companions utilizes an 'approval system' where choices affect relationships, potentially leading to romantic paths or a companion leaving the party.

Did You Know?

• BioWare employed more than 144 voice-actors for Dragon Age: Origins.
• The game was released in November 2009 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.
• The development of the console versions was outsourced to Edge of Reality.
• Dragons were added late in development after the team used a name generator to create the title 'Dragon Age'.
• Companions can leave the party or even attack the Warden if their approval rating drops too low.