Corypheus's Resurrection

Lore & Background

This event fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of Thedas. The sudden appearance of demons in the physical world forced the Divine to authorize the formation of the Inquisition, an organization dedicated to closing the rifts and hunting Corypheus down. His goal was not merely conquest but ascension to godhood using the Anchor.

In Their Own Story

The air tasted of ozone and old blood as the dignitaries fell silent. Above Val Royeaux, the sky did not just darken; it tore open like wet parchment. A figure descended from the rift, clad in gold that had outlasted empires. Corypheus stood upon a pedestal of light, his eyes burning with ancient malice. As he spoke, demons poured through the wound in reality, and the world knew peace was dead.

Reader's Guide

The arc begins at the Exalted Council summit in Val Royeaux, where Corypheus reveals himself to the gathered dignitaries using forbidden magic. His resurrection tears a hole in reality known as the Breach, allowing demons to invade Thedas directly from the Fade. The Divine appoints an Inquisitor to lead a new organization dedicated to closing this rift and stopping the ancient mage. Early efforts focus on gathering allies and resources across Orlais and Ferelden, including securing the Harrowing of the Grey Wardens and establishing Skyhold as a base. The Inquisitor uncovers Corypheus's plan to use the Anchor, an artifact capable of reshaping reality, to cement his power permanently. Key decisions involve choosing which factions to trust and how to handle the Templar and Mage conflict during the crisis. The narrative culminates in a confrontation at the Temple of Sacred Ashes within Val Royeaux. The Inquisitor must utilize the Anchor's power against Corypheus himself, ultimately destroying him before he can achieve godhood. While the threat is neutralized, the Breach remains partially open depending on player choices, leaving Thedas to rebuild from the scars of his ambition.

Did You Know?

• Corypheus was responsible for summoning the darkspawn that caused the First Blight.
• The Breach was a direct result of the magic used to bring him back to life.
• He sought to use the Anchor artifact to rewrite reality and become a god.
• His defeat is one of the few times an ancient Tevinter archmage has been permanently stopped.