Tevinter Imperium

Lore & Background

Set within the fictional world created for BioWare's Dragon Age video game series, the Tevinter Imperium stands as a nation where magic is central to governance. The story of Dragon Age: Absolution takes place specifically in Nessum, a city that historically subjugated southern Thedas before falling under its current oligarchic rule. This ruling body consists of magisters who wield significant power, supported by a society built on a strict caste system that legally permits slavery. The Imperium is distinct for its mages practicing sacrificial and forbidden blood magic without the restrictions found elsewhere in Thedas. Chronologically, events in this setting occur after the conclusion of Dragon Age: Inquisition and months after the Trespasser expansion, yet ten years prior to the events of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

In Their Own Story

The narrative centers on a group of mercenaries tasked with stealing the Circulum Infinitus, an artifact fueled by blood magic. When this heist goes wrong within the Imperium, the team must deal with the immediate and dangerous fallout. Their struggle is intensified by the relentless pursuit of Rezaren Ammosine, a Tevinter magister seeking the mysterious artifact. He is aided in his hunt by Tassia, his lover and a Knight-Commander of the Templar Order. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Nessum's oppressive social structure, where escaped slaves like the elven mercenary Miriam face constant threat from the state's magical enforcers.

Reader's Guide

For those exploring the Tevinter Imperium as depicted in Dragon Age: Absolution, the setting is primarily the city of Nessum. This location is ruled by an Imperial Archon and a council of magisters who enforce a rigid caste system where slavery is legal. Visitors or characters must navigate a world where blood magic is practiced openly and sacrificially. The series follows BioWare's official canon, placing these events ten years before Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Key figures to watch include the merchant Lacklon, a dwarven Lord of Fortune, and various allies like Roland, a warrior, and Qwydion, a light-hearted Qunari mage who provides comic relief.

Did You Know?

• The series takes place in the city of Nessum, which once subjugated southern Thedas during ancient times.
• Dragon Age: Absolution was released on Netflix on December 9, 2022.
• The show is set ten years before the events of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
• Fairbanks, a character in the series, first appeared in a minor role in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
• Critics compared the heist story's tone to Ocean's Eleven (2001).

The Tevinter Imperium as Narrative Setting

In Dragon Age: Absolution, the Tevinter Imperium serves as the primary setting, specifically within the city of Nessum. This location is described as an ancient city that once subjugated southern Thedas and is now governed by a powerful oligarchy of magic-wielding magisters led by an Imperial Archon. The narrative leverages the Imperium's strict caste system, which includes slavery, to create high stakes for the protagonists. Furthermore, the setting is defined by its mages who practice sacrificial and forbidden blood magic, distinguishing it from other regions in the Dragon Age universe.

The Heist and the Circulum Infinitus

The plot is driven by a heist to steal the Circulum Infinitus, an artifact fueled by blood magic. The mission goes wrong, forcing the mercenaries involved to deal with the fallout. This central conflict draws in Rezaren Ammosine, a Tevinter magister seeking the artifact, and his lover Tassia, a Knight-Commander of the Templar Order. Their pursuit transforms the story into a desperate struggle for survival within the oppressive laws of the Imperium.

A Diverse Ensemble and Character Dynamics

The series features a diverse cast including Miriam, an elven mercenary and escaped slave; Fairbanks, a freedom fighter who first appeared in Dragon Age: Inquisition; Qwydion, a light-hearted Qunari mage; Hira, a human mage and former member of the Inquisition; Roland, a warrior ally; and Lacklon, a dwarven fighter and Lord of Fortune. Critics have highlighted the well-developed chemistry between Roland and Lacklon as a particular draw, alongside Qwydion's role as comic relief. Guest appearances include Cassandra Pentaghast and Meredith Stannard, reprising their roles from previous games.

Chronological Placement and Critical Reception

Dragon Age: Absolution is set chronologically after Dragon Age: Inquisition and its Trespasser expansion, but ten years before Dragon Age: The Veilguard. It follows BioWare's own canon rather than player choices. Released on Netflix on December 9, 2022, the series received positive critical reception with a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 12 reviews. Critics praised its stellar animation and voice acting, noting it as an accessible entry point for newcomers while rewarding for fans of the franchise.