TheDragon Agefranchise by Bioware has been praised for its rich worldbuilding, its fully realized characters with deep motivations and sense of connection to the world of Thedas, and for its exploration of politics and cultural relations between vastly different kinds of people.
Dwarves inDragon Agewere once a thriving, powerful population, but sinceDragon Age: Originsintroduced players to the world of Thedas, it’s been clear that dwarves are on a massive downward spiral. Here are eight reasons why dwarves could be due for a comeback,
8Surface Dwarves Are Thriving
Who Needs The Stone
Although considered second-class citizens, below even the casteless dwarves, in Orzammar, the surface dwarves in Thedas appear to be thriving. Present across all sections of society, from the merchant classes to peasant farmers and even nobility, surface dwarves are a varied lot with a lot to offer to Thedas and its above-ground societies - such as Varric Tethras,two-time player companion.
Many surface dwarves seem totally unconcerned with the plight of their fellows below ground, and are happy to build their own cultures, communities, and societies entirely above ground. These dwarves represent a more integrated society of dwarves, but if the dwarves of Orzammar ever fall, the surface castaways will have the last laugh.
7Kal-Sharok Is Doing Fine
Independent Dwarves With No King In Orzammar
Although theDwarven empireonce spanned twelve great kingdoms across the length and breadth of Thedas, successive Blights, infighting, and the centuries of siege by darkspawn reduced the once-great Dwarven empire to a shadow of its former self. The Dwarves of Orzammar thought they were alone in the subterranean world of Thedas.
Except they weren’t - Kal-Sharok, one of the great thaigs of the Dwarven Empire, managed to survive for centuries on its own. The reunion wasn’t quite a happy one, as the dwarves of Kal’Sharok were understandably annoyed that their brethren abandoned them. But Kal’Sharok still exists and appears to be doing relatively well, which gives the dwarves a much-needed boost in survivability.
6Enchantment
Magic For Everyone
Enchantment is a powerful way to make use of magic, and can even make magical effects available to non-mages. However, enchantment is a difficult art and apparently can’t be done by mages. Dwarves are the primary enchanters of Thedas, although it’s said that some elves can do it too.
But apart from the dwarves, the Circle of Magi uses controversial people known as Tranquil to produce some enchantments. What’s clear though is that dwarves do it better thanks to their long history of the art. That, as well as controlling the supply of lyrium used in enchantment and for magic, means that the dwarves have an edge. Given the instability on the surface, enchantment offers dwarves a good product to negotiate for food or other supplies.
5Lyrium
Lyrium is Blood, Blood is Magic
The dwarves of Orzammar have a monopoly on the lyrium trade. Lyrium, a kind of metal mined from deep beneath the surface, is a lethal substance but is incredibly useful for the practice of magic. Elves and humans both use lyrium, and its trade is highly restricted.
Given the succession of crises on the surface, from the Fifth Blight to Corypheus problem and even the events ofDragon Age: The Veilguard,various surface organizations have had and will continue to have a great need for massive amounts of lyrium. And the dwarves of Orzammar are happy to supply it - for a price. And as they say, money makes the world go ‘round, even in Thedas.
4Sandal Feddic’s Prophecy
Enchantment For Everyone
A rare interaction inDragon Age IIcauses Sandal Feddic, an enchantment savant and adopted son of Bodahn Feddic to give an eerie prophecy. Sandal’s prophecy echoes the ambitions of Solas, companion toDragon Age: Inquisition’sInquisitor, totear down the Veiland restore the world to how it used to be.
For humans, this event could be catastrophic - it would totally change the world and how it works. But as it pertains to the dwarves, things might go very differently. It could restore their connection to the Titans and usher in a new golden era, or allow dwarves to reclaim the vast portions of their empire destroyed by the darkspawn.
3A Titan Woke Up
Children of Stone
Dwarves are said to be the children of the Stone. At first thought to be a more symbolic, metaphorical assertion, deep lore fromDragon Age: Inquisition’sThe Descent DLCsuggests that the meaning is much more literal: dwarves are literally the creation of the Titans.
Incomprehensibly vast entities which appear to be connected with or literally are the very land of Thedas, Titans used to have a close relationship with dwarves. The precise nature of the relationship is unclear, but given the appearance of Shaper Valta during the DLC, Titans’ connection to dwarves allowed them great power and stability. With at least one Titan awake, the fate of the dwarves seems much more hopeful - especially lyrium is literally the blood of Titans, and a potent source of magical power.
2Repopulation of Kal-Hirol
Moving House
One of the three remaining great thaigs, or cities, of the dwarves, Kal-Hirol is located under the Arl of Amaranthine. Once a great center of dwarven culture and civilization, Kal’Hirol was overrun by darkspawn and left empty. But after a push during the Fifth Blight the route to Kal-Hirol from Orzammar was re-established, and the decision was made to repopulate the city.
A new city, with much of the infrastructure already built, could provide much-needed space for the dwarves of Orzammar to grow their civilization and help alleviate some of the over-crowding in their city, while giving access to new resources and trading opportunities.
1Orzammar Stabilized
Dragon Age: Originsfeatured along section focused on Orzammarand the machinations of its political caste, showing the city to be quite a difficult place to thrive even at the best of times. Although there are two choices for king, with the decision reflected in future games of the series, sometimes having a bit of stability matters more than who sits in the chair.
Whatever the decision made inDragon Age: Origins, it seems likely that the increased stability of Orzammar will allow the dwarves some room to breathe and figure out what to do next. And depending on how Solas’s plans affect the darkspawn, Orzammar may even get a much-needed reprieve from the fight.
