Darkspawn

While reports of darkspawn activity are rare, any sighting is a serious concern. Once thought to be suppressed following the previous Blight, darkspawn have been spotted in several locales across Thedas, with a troubling number reported in the Western Approach. Perhaps the recent absence of the Grey Wardens has allowed darkspawn to gain a new foothold? Whatever the reason, take these threats seriously and work to end their expansion. With demons emerging from the Fade, the last thing Thedas needs now is another Blight.

Ghoul

Locale: Emprise du Lion, Storm Coast, Western Approach

Level Range: 4-19

Health Modifier: 0.5

Armor: Average

Resistances: None

Vulnerabilities: None

Immunities: None

“Among the saddest legacies of the Fifth Blight are those poor souls who survived the darkspawn attacks across Ferelden only to succumb to the corruption of the Blight itself. We have seen animals—birds, wolves, and even bears—corrupted into mindless ruinations of their former selves, but humans are by no means immune. Those unfortunate victims not killed quickly by contact with darkspawn blood or disease become mad with fever. Their bodies lose their hair and become misshapen with sores; in their last lucid thoughts, many speak of hearing whispered words, or a song that no one else can catch. It is vital that once victims begin hearing such things, they are put out of their misery quickly and mercifully. There are stories across Ferelden of these ghouls, maddened by the corruption of the Blight, attacking their friends and spreading the corruption further. While it is likely that the sickness will eventually kill a ghoul, the dying strength of these poor creatures makes them nearly as great a danger as the darkspawn themselves. They are no longer our friends, our family, or our countrymen. They are victims of the Blight, and must be given the same mercy Hessarian showed Andraste: a swift sword.”

— An excerpt from Marks of the Blight, by Sister Dorcas Guerrin

Hurlock

Locale: Emprise du Lion, Deep Roads, Storm Coast, Western Approach

Level Range: 8-19

Health Modifier: 1.25

Armor: High

Resistances: None

Vulnerabilities: None

Immunities: None

“No one knows where the darkspawn come from. A dark mockery of men: In the darkest places they thrive, growing in numbers as a plague of locusts will. In raids, they will often take captives, dragging their victims alive into the Deep Roads; most evidence suggests these are eaten. Like spiders, it seems darkspawn prefer their food still breathing. Perhaps they are spawned by the darkness. Certainly, evil has no trouble perpetuating itself. The last Blight was in the Age of Towers, striking once again at the heart of Tevinter, spreading south into Orlais and east into the Free Marches. The plagues spread as far as Ferelden, but the withering and twisting of the land stopped well beyond our borders. Here, darkspawn have never been more than the stuff of legends. In the northern lands, however, particularly Tevinter and the Anderfels, darkspawn haunt the hinterlands, preying on outlying farmers and isolated villages, a constant threat.”

— From Ferelden: Folklore and History, by Sister Petrine, Chantry scholar

Hurlock Alpha

Locale: Emprise du Lion, Storm Coast, Western Approach

Level Range: 8-19

Health Modifier: 1.75

Armor: Very High

Resistances: None

Vulnerabilities:

• Electricity

Immunities:

• Physical Effects
• Fear*
• Paralyze*
• Freeze*
• Sleep*
• Taunt*
• Snare*

* Only when enraged

“The men all looked to their hands, for the blood-sickness of the darkspawn was known to us. When they did, the best wrenched the shackles from their grip. Then it was upon Lord Varron, holding him by the throat. ‘There is no talk,’ it said. ‘No negotiations. You will die. Your world will die. Now you understand.’ It snapped Lord Varron’s neck and killed four men before we finally killed it.”

— An excerpt from The Blighted Codex, a classified collection of studies on the darkspawn