Blight

Origins and Nature

The Blight originates deep within the Deep Roads, where the darkspawn dwell. It is a sentient, infectious corruption that taints the land, water, and air, eventually causing the death of all living things it touches. The corruption is intrinsically linked to the archdemon, an ancient dragon corrupted by the darkspawn, whose presence drives the creatures to the surface in a massive, organised invasion known as a Blight.

The Role of the Grey Wardens

Only the Grey Wardens, an ancient order of warriors including figures such as Alistair Theirin and Loghain Mac Tir, possess the unique ability to sense the darkspawn and permanently slay an archdemon. The process of joining the order requires consuming darkspawn blood, which grants them a connection to the hive mind but slowly consumes them from within. During the Fifth Blight, the Grey Wardens were instrumental in rallying the disparate factions of Thedas to prevent the total annihilation of the world.

Impact on Thedas

The recurrence of a Blight serves as the ultimate existential threat to the nations of Thedas. Beyond the immediate military danger, the Blight leaves behind permanent scars on the environment, turning once-lush regions into barren, corrupted wastes. The threat necessitates a level of cooperation between humans, elves, dwarves, and the Qunari that is rarely seen during times of peace, often forcing unlikely allies like Oghren, Sten, and Morrigan to unite against a common foe.