Dalish (Dragon Age)

The Dalish are a group that features in Dragon Age.

History

The Dalish were a group of Elves that existed in the lands of Thedas. Their origins were traced to after the fall of their ancient civilization of Elvhenan falling to the Tevinter Imperium where their kind lost much of their language, history and lore as they became slaves to humans. In 1020 TE, a female prophet by the name of Andraste alongside her husband Maferath led the Alamarri against the Tevinter where Elven slaves under Shartan rose up to fight against their masters. Ultimately, Shartan was slain when Andraste was betrayed by the Tevinters but in 1025 TE it was her and her husband Maferath's sons who gave the elves a home in the Dales as a reward for their part in the war. This region was sparsely population and on the fringe of Tevinter territory with other human tribes far from the Dales allowing for the freed Elves a chance to make a new home for themselves where they took part in The Long Walk where many died on the way. However, they ultimately arrived in the Dales where the survivors founded the city of Halamshiral where they were joined by other Elves from across Thedas as they set about restoring their lost civilization. In those years, the Elves of the Dales were noted for growing isolationists as they refused contact with anyone else. During this time, the Empire of Orlais was formed by Kordillus Drakon I who conquered the neighbouring states and brought those territories under the religion of Andrastian's Cult of the Maker after he formed the Chantry. He used this as a means of eliminating people of other faiths and dispatched missionaries into new lands in order to spread his influence. The Dales refused any contact with the Orlesian Empire and it was claimed by the CHantry that they had remained neutral during the time of the Second Blight. However, Elvish accounts held that the Dalish had a presence in Anderfels where they were fighting the Darkspawn.

Overview

In appearance, the Dalish were clans of Elves who sought to reclaim their lost heritage and civilization. The were viewed as wild Elves that were dressed in hides and covered in tattoos with them acting as bandits. The tattoos were known among the Elves as Vallaslin ("blood writing") that they claimed was used to mark themselves to distinguish themselves from humans and those of their kind that lived under human life. It was said that the tattoos also reminded the Dalish that they were never to surrender their beliefs. They travelled across the more remote regions of Thedas in aravels that were special wagons that had large triangular sails and a kind of rudder on the back with these being pulled by Halla whilst also using magic to move through the forests quickly. They lurked in the wilderness on the fringes of settled lands where they preyed on travellers and isolated farmers

Some considered them noble wanderers that refused to join the society of humans that subjugated their homeland long ago. Instead, the tightly knit-clans travelled the lands and struggled to maintain their half-forgotten elvish lore within the human world that feared as well as despised them. Among the Dalish, some actively sought out human travellers in order to rob or frighten them though the majority preferred to be left alone.

A tradition kept among the Dalish were mages that rose the position of Keeper who served as leaders of a clan. They tended to spiritual needs but were not ruler but rather considered wise counsel. As such, every clan had a figure in this role who were dedicated in the preservation of ancient Elven lore. It was uncommon for a Keeper to teach anyone other than fellow clan members the Dalish's unique understanding of nature focus that focused on controlling the roots beneath the earth. Another important figure among the Dalish was the Hahren (Elder) that served as storytellers and caretakers of children where they worked in tandem to a Keeper and deferred to them.

The were known to believe in the pantheon of the old Elvish gods. This included their belief in Fen'Harel the Dread Wolf who was considered a malicious trickster.

Dalish were known to follow a philosophy based on the goddess of the hunt Andruil with her code espoused in the Vir Tanadhal (Way of Three Trees). These codes were:

• Vir Assan (Way of the Arrow) : Andruil taught followers to be swift, silent and to strike true without wavering along with not letting the prey suffer.
• Vir Bor'Assan (Way of the Bow) : taught the follower to be flexible yet never break in the process as it said that through resilience and pliancy one could find strength.
• Vir Adahlen (Way of the Forest) : stated hunters working together were stronger than they were individually.

When Dalish Elves died, their clan buried them and planted a tree over their remains. An oak staff was provided the dead to aid them in their journey into the afterlife. A cedar branch was used to scatter the ravens of Fear and Deceit that were once ervants of the god Dirthamen.

Members

• Ariane :
• Arianni :
• Ashalle :
• Cillian :
• Gisharel :
• Ilen :
• Josmael :
• Lanaya :
• Merrill :
• Tamlen :
• Varathorn :
• Velanna :
• Yevven :
• Zathrian :

Notes

• The Dalish feature in the setting of Dragon Age.

Appearance

• Dragon Age: Origins:
• Dragon Age: Inquisition:

External Links

• Mass Effect Wiki Entry

This article is a stub. You can help Multiversal Omnipedia by expanding it.