Grey Wardens

The Grey Wardens are an Order of warriors of exceptional ability dedicated to fighting darkspawn throughout Thedas. They are headquartered in the very place of their founding, Weisshaupt Fortress in the Anderfels, but maintain a presence in most other nations as well.
The Grey Wardens are known for ignoring a recruit's racial, social, national, and even criminal background if they deem the person valuable in terms of character, ability or skill.
Despite their small numbers, the Grey Wardens have been instrumental in defeating each Blight so far, and thus are vital to the survival of the world as a whole.
== History ==
=== First Blight and founding ===
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The First Blight began in -395 Ancient (800 TE) and lasted 192 years. The Deep Roads, underground highways built by dwarves, were swarmed with monstrous creatures that became known as "darkspawn". These creatures seemed limitless in number, and spread a Taint that infected other living creatures, mutating them into monsters, and corrupted and poisoned the very environment around them. The cult of the Maker claimed this was the result of Tevinter magisters entering the Fade through a ritual and attempting to usurp the throne of the Maker in the Golden City, although this theory has been disputed by others, most notably the dwarves. Nevertheless, this invasion of darkspawn — named the Blight — soon destroyed most of the underground kingdoms of the dwarves and spread to the surface world. Thedas was in chaos and entered a dark age. The darkspawn were found to be led by an immensely powerful dragon tainted with the darkspawn corruption; this creature was named an Archdemon and believed to be one of the Old Gods worshiped by Tevinter.
At Weisshaupt fortress in the desolate Anderfels, a meeting transpired. Soldiers of the Imperium, seasoned veterans who had known nothing their entire lifetimes except war, came together. When they left Weisshaupt, they had renounced their oaths to the Imperium. Calling themselves the Grey Wardens, they swore that they would accept anyone, no matter their race or background, without distinction if only deemed suitable to join the Order.Codex entry: The Grey Wardens
The Wardens began an aggressive campaign against the darkspawn, reclaiming lands that most had given up for lost. They proved to be a desperately needed spark of hope in the darkest of hours, and quickly gained renown. During the next 100 years, humanity slowly managed to stand firm and push back the Blight. Finally, in -203 Ancient (992 TE), the Grey Wardens gathered an allied army composed of soldiers from the Tevinter Imperium, the tribes of the Ciriane (the lands that would become Orlais), and Rivain to confront the main darkspawn horde, led by the Archdemon now identified as Dumat. A massive battle was waged at the Silent Plains, in what is now the border between Tevinter and Nevarra. The legion of darkspawn was defeated and Dumat was slain by the Grey Wardens; with the Archdemon's death, the horde's will to fight on was broken. It took several years to eradicate the remaining darkspawn from the surface, but the Blight was over and the Grey Wardens had carved out their legend. After the Battle of the Silent Plains, they were much celebrated and most nations gave formal promises of support for further darkspawn invasions. They were also given the Right of Conscription, to guarantee sufficient recruits.Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 203
Several notable dwarven warriors, led by Moroc the Maul, were also present at the Grey Wardens' founding and are a key reason why there is no loss of caste associated with becoming a Grey Warden. They shared all they had learned about the darkspawn with their Warden allies.Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 10 A group of the Orth people from the Wandering Hills and the northern reaches of the Hunterhorn Mountains, who knew how to "tame" griffons, also joined the Grey Wardens ranks and teach them how to ride the beasts in battle. Although there are no written records about it, it is widely believed that the Grey Wardens took their name from the griffons' grey coloration.Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 7
=== Second Blight ===
In 1:5 Divine, approximately 200 years since the slaying of Dumat, the Archdemon Zazikel rose to lead the Second Blight. The entire city of Nordbotten—the very place where the Grey Wardens first appeared on the battlefield—was destroyed before a defense could be organized. The Tevinter Imperium withdrew from the Anderfels, abandoning it in an attempt to protect central Tevinter. The Anderfels region was hard-hit, and even the Grey Warden headquarters in Weisshaupt came under siege by the darkspawn.
Fortunately, the armies of the recently founded Orlesian Empire under the command of Emperor Kordillus Drakon I proved both motivated and capable of standing up to the Blight. After several victories against the darkspawn, Drakon's army lifted the siege of Weisshaupt in 1:33 Divine and proceeded to save the rest of the Anderfels together with the Wardens. The Anderfels joined the Orlesian Empire and the Grey Wardens converted to the Chantry.
In the following decades, the Blight was again slowly pushed back and the Grey Wardens took command of the war. The Archdemon Zazikel was finally confronted and slain by the Grey Warden Corin in 1:95 Divine at Starkhaven in the Free Marches.
=== Glory Age to Towers Age ===
After the second Blight, the Grey Wardens actively remained vigilant for another Blight. Although there were no major darkspawn incursions to the surface during this period of time, the Wardens fought many small war bands of darkspawn that periodically appeared in surface lands. They also sent small groups of Wardens to help Orzammar in its fight against the darkspawn in the Deep Roads. When the Chantry declared their Exalted March against the Dales, the Grey Wardens refused to get involved in that conflict.Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 6
=== Third Blight ===
The Third Blight began with the awakening of Toth in 3:10 Towers, roughly 115 years after the last Blight. The initial darkspawn attacks occurred in central Thedas in Tevinter and Orlais, but even though the hordes were larger than those previously encountered, a rapidly organized defense led by the Grey Wardens managed to hold them back. The darkspawn attacks started to focus on the more lightly defended Free Marches while Tevinter and Orlais tried to remain neutral, but pressure from the Grey Wardens eventually brought them into the war. The darkspawn horde was crushed at Hunter Fell in the Free Marches in 3:25 Towers, and Toth was slain by the Grey Wardens. The Third Blight remained a relatively short event compared to previous Blights.
After the Third Blight, the Grey Wardens became more involved in the politics of the nations of Thedas, although they also remained ever vigilant against the darkspawn menace.
=== Fourth Blight ===
There are few records of Grey Warden activity during the next 200 years, until Andoral awakened and the Fourth Blight began in 5:12 Exalted. Most of the damage was to the east of traditional Grey Warden territory, in the Free Marches, Antiva, and Rivain, but the Anderfels was also attacked and Hossberg, not far from Weisshaupt, came under siege. This time, both Tevinter and Orlais were lightly attacked and refused to send aid. The hero of the Fourth Blight was an elven Grey Warden named Garahel, who first led the liberation of Hossberg in 5:20 Exalted and then managed to gather an army from the Free Marches to support the Grey Wardens. After a long and bloody war, Garahel's army marched north and faced the main horde in 5:24 Exalted at Ayesleigh, where Garahel perished after personally slaying Andoral.
The Grey Wardens' legendary griffons died out some time after the Fourth Blight.
=== Exalted Age to Dragon Age ===
After the Fourth Blight, the influence of the Grey Wardens waned considerably. It would be 400 years before the Fifth Blight, and many started to think it would never happen. So many darkspawn were slain during the Fourth Blight that many came to the erroneous conclusion they were defeated permanently. Although remaining an eternal threat to the dwarves, darkspawn were rarely seen by surface people, and the Grey Wardens were slowly dismissed as a relic of a bygone, darker time best left forgotten.
In 7:5 Storm, there was an awkward incident in Ferelden with the local Warden-Commander—Sophia Dryden, previously a rival for the crown of Ferelden—becoming involved in a planned coup d'état. The result was fighting between the Grey Wardens and the royal army, the loss of Commander Sophia and her command at Soldier's Peak, and King Arland banishing the Order from Ferelden. The Grey Wardens were allowed back in Ferelden by King Maric in 9:10 Dragon. They were able to begin a slow rebuilding, but by 9:30 Dragon, their presence remained light and the Order was neither well known nor held in high regard by Ferelden's people: there were a bare handful of Wardens in Ferelden at the time, many of whom were non-Fereldans moved there to help rebuild the Fereldan contingent.
The refusal of the Wardens to help the other nations of Thedas against the Qunari during the Steel Age also earned them the enmity of many courts.
== Involvement ==
=== Dragon Age: Origins ===
=== Dragon Age: Awakening ===
=== Dragon Age II ===
=== Dragon Age: Last Flight ===
=== Dragon Age: Inquisition ===
=== Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights === 
== Organization ==
:—Grey Warden songDragon Age: Warden's Fall, Chapter 3
The Order of Grey Wardens is commanded by the First Warden in Weisshaupt, and consists of a system of semi-autonomous national branches lead by a local commander. Though there is a hierarchy, in practice this is frequently defined by seniority (decided by time of Joining) in the Order.
In 9:31 Dragon, the strength of the Grey Wardens is estimated by Riordan to number over a thousand in the Anderfels, and anywhere from several hundred to only a few dozen per nation across the other realms of Thedas (Ferelden being the most understaffed amongst them), with the true headcount only being known to the Wardens in Weisshaupt.Riordan, when asked about the Wardens' organisation in Arl of Redcliffe's Estate: It's tough to say. Only the fortress in Weisshaupt has every record. But there are certainly a few dozen or hundreds in every nation in Thedas. The Anderfels are home to over a thousand. It’s almost like the archdemon chose Ferelden deliberately, knowing how unguarded it is.
The official hierarchy of the Grey Wardens, in descending order, is:
* First Warden – permanently situated at Weisshaupt fortress. The First Warden is mainly a political figure since the griffon extinction, and most military command falls to the Warden-Commanders.
* High Constable – Second-in-command to the First Warden, and formerly the aerial commander during the Wardens' use of griffons.High Constable's Mace Recently, the High Constable has become the public face of the Order, acting as the ambassador to the High King and leading local recruitment.
* Chamberlain of the Grey – the senior archivist at Weisshaupt, and to whom Warden-Commanders send yearly reports. The Chamberlain technically outranks the Warden-Commanders.
* Commander of the Grey – also known as Warden-Commander. The leader of the Grey Wardens in a given country, and under normal circumstances under little direction by the Order. The dwindling communications between Weisshaupt and the branches leave most Warden-Commanders to run their respective branches as they see fit. They can be summoned to Weisshaupt by the First Warden at any time.
* Field-Commander – a temporary rank used only in times of Blight. A Field-Commander has the same rank and responsibilities of a Warden-Commander in a given area.Dragon Age: Last Flight, Chapter 11
* Constable of the Grey – a Warden-Commander's second-in-command, the Constable, colloquially called Warden-Constable, acts as the field commander and steps in when the Warden-Commander is away.
* Senior Warden (or Warden-Lieutenant in Orlais) – the formal title given to veteran Wardens who deserve special privilege. When a Constable of the Grey is in command, they usually take a Senior Warden to act as their second-in-command. Senior Wardens may command a small group of Wardens or undertake special missions.
* Archivist – the archivist of a given national Grey Warden branch.See the Archivist demon during the Soldier's Peak quest.
* Warden-Ensign – generally just called a Warden, these are the rank-and-file members of the Order who have survived the Joining ritual.
* Warden-Acolyte – the rank given to the rank-and-file Warden mages.Mentioned by Avernus during the Soldier's Peak questline.
* Warden-Recruit – an individual selected to join the Wardens but who has not yet undertaken the Joining ritual. They are given a formal rank just for committing themselves to the Wardens, regardless of whether or not they survive the Joining. Failed recruits' names are kept in the archives of Weisshaupt in honor of their sacrifice.
== Recruitment and the Right of Conscription ==
The Grey Wardens are open to men and women from every race, nation and background, even criminals. They also accept volunteers, and elves in particular tend to be eager to submit themselves for the Grey Wardens, as they recruit regardless of social standing and serving is considered by many an honor.
One mage in every Circle of Magi is traditionally recruited, usually joining the Order after their Harrowings.Codex entry: A Letter from Warden-Commander Clarel The young mage recruit serves as a Warden their entire life from then on. Similar to serving a ruler, yet greatly removed from the degradation they may normally face in society, mage Wardens are given great respect and importance in the Order. Their facilitation of the Joining ritual is essential.
Should they need to, the Grey Wardens possess the Right of Conscription, an authority that dates back to the end of the First Blight and was given to them to ensure they will always have enough members. By using this Right, a Warden may demand that, instantly and irrevocably, any individual from king to criminal be drafted into their ranks, and the conscript cannot refuse being recruited once the Right is invoked. This is specially true in times of Blight.
However, in contemporary times the Right of Conscription is used sparingly for fear of political reprisal, due to the low standing the Order has in some countries—especially in Ferelden. The Grey Wardens prefer to not invoke the Right unless there is no other option, and usually is invoked only to quell protest from a recruit's lords or commanders.
While most people believe that someone must truly hate darkspawn to join the Grey Wardens, in most cases the potential recruits are just responsible individuals with a strong sense of will. In fact, most Grey Wardens see their first darkspawn only after becoming initiates of the Order. More so, veteran Wardens consider that having a personal hatred of the darkspawn can be detrimental to a Warden if it leads them to make rash and irrational decisions.Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 2, p. 9
The Grey Wardens don't accept just anyone within their ranks, however. Only the best and brightest are allowed. Recruits suffer excruciating tests to determine if they are worthy of being members of the Order. In addition, the fact that the Joining ritual kills many of its participants means that the draft may turn out to be a death sentence. While this is seen as unfortunate, this process elevates their membership to the highest caliber. To face a Grey Warden in combat, is to face an elite and deadly opponent.Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Player's Guide, set 2, p. 8
== The Joining ==
To become part of the Wardens, a recruit must first go through a secret ritual called the Joining. The ritual requires an individual to drink tainted blood procured from a darkspawn. A chalice is typically used to consume the blood; once swallowed, the individual will either pass out and awaken shortly after, or experience excruciating pain as the taint will lead to their death. Those who refuse to participate in drinking from the chalice, once the Joining commences, are immediately killed to protect what the ritual entails.
== Philosophy and methods ==
Being a Grey Warden means abandoning all ties to one's old life and dedicating their lives to destroying the darkspawn. Grey Wardens go where they are needed most, fight darkspawn wherever they appear, and do whatever it takes to stop them. They act as a frontline presence during a BlightAccording to Duncan's dialogue during Dragon Age: Origins and investigate darkspawn activities outside of Blights.Codex entry: A Celebration Of Wardens Even if a Grey Warden were to abandon their duty, the Grey Wardens will either drag them backAccording to Anders' dialogue during Dragon Age II or their Calling and connection to the darkspawn will lead the darkspawn to eventually find them.According to Riordan's dialogue during Dragon Age: Origins
Due to the Grey Wardens' cause being so crucial to Thedas' survival, various groups and nations signed Ancient Treaties promising to support the Grey Wardens in times of Blight. This support can come in the form of military aid, donations of gold, supplies, lending of armed forces, and equipment. Although those bound to the treaty are obliged to fulfill their promises, Grey Wardens believe in times of Blight, the treaties entitle them to take what is needed, when needed. Outside of the Blight, the treaties are as binding as a clever tongue can make them. Still, if the danger of darkspawn and the image of Grey Wardens as necessary heroes are still fresh in the minds of the people, Grey Wardens may be able to use the treaties in order to leverage the goodwill owed them if it can be justified as the Wardens using their privileges to protect Thedas from calamity.Utilize the Grey Warden Treaties
So far, it is known that the Grey Wardens have treaties with the dwarves of Orzammar, the Dalish, and the Circle of Magi.Dialogue of Alistair when the party reaches Lothering in Dragon Age: Origins Although the Grey Wardens may have treaties with other factions that are still undisclosed to the public.
Generally, Grey Wardens are supposed to be politically neutral and thus they strive to preclude their involvement in any political struggles.According to Jean-Marc Stroud's/Alistair's dialogue during Demands of the Qun Despite their claim that their cause is apolitical, they occasionally break these guidelines—sometimes justifying it as a necessity of survivalCodex entry: The First Warden or for personal reasons.Codex entry: Sophia Dryden
The Grey Wardens are aware that they are fighting a war of attrition against the darkspawn, and that they are in the losing side. Because of that, they know that they will have to use whatever tactic they can devise, no matter how unorthodox, to win in the end. And so, they acquire whatever resources they can regardless of the method, and employ whomever they must, regardless of their defects of morals or character. They often turn a blind eye to blood magic, deal with demons of the Fade, and do whatever else they must so long as those efforts led to the Blight's end. 
While it is easy to assume that all Grey Wardens want nothing more than to end all Blights forever, some individual Wardens have such zeal for the fight that they wish only for a lifetime of tests and war. This means that the ranks of the Order are filled with dangerous men and women, some unscrupulous in the extreme, but the Wardens make a point of suspending judgment of any who are effective against the darkspawn.
Even for their willingness to use any tactic, however, a philosophical split—unknown to people not associated with the Order—has long divided the Grey Wardens into two distinct factions: the ones who feel that the eradication of darkspawn is paramount, and the ones who see their protective mission as the greatest purpose of their calling.
For instance, if a village is under attack by a host of darkspawn, the Grey Wardens oriented to protection would chance alerting the darkspawn to their presence by warning the villagers of the danger, helping them to safety as best as they can before facing the monsters; while those oriented to destruction would be more likely to sacrifice the village before springing a more effective ambush on the darkspawn. The dead villagers, in their minds, are an unfortunate but necessary sacrifice.
However, while Grey Wardens are expected to do their duty whatever it takes, they are frequently admonished to avoid offending local authorities where at all possible. Although in times past the authority of the Grey Wardens was unquestioned, after the Fourth Blight things changed, and the Order isn't as powerful as it used to be.
The Grey Wardens' first allegiance is to their duty, and their second to the Order, but Wardens are not expected to abandon the lives they had before their Joinings. Rather, they are encouraged to put their worldly ties to use in furtherance of the Order's aims. Noble titles and merchant wealth can often accomplish what weapons cannot. Grey Wardens are also allowed to marry, have romantic relationships or retain the relationships they had before joining the Order,If made king, Alistair will mention that he knew about Wardens who had children before their Joining. if they want to. 
While some Grey Wardens avoid serious romantic entanglements knowing that their lives are at constant risk, others enjoy love as much as they can, figuring that they should embrace life to the fullest while they can. Some of those Wardens even allow their families to know the risks of being a Grey Warden, knowing that one day they will not see them again.For instance, Kristoff warned Aura that one day he will not return to her, as mentioned by Aura during Justice for Kristoff quest.
Likewise, some Grey Wardens make a point to stand apart from the communities they serve, knowing they may be called on to sacrifice, tomorrow, those they protect today. But again, other Wardens take the opposite stance, befriending any and all in the moment and addressing sacrifice when the times require it.
Whatever relationships they maintain or cultivate, however, Wardens are expected to remain neutral, and are discouraged from taking the field in civil or religious conflict against any enemy other than the darkspawn.
== The Calling ==
Just as specific secrets, such as the Joining, are kept from outsiders, certain secrets are also kept from members. The Calling—also known as the Long WalkMentioned by Janeka during Legacy.—was a ritual created by the first Grey Wardens to prevent future members from watching themselves ultimately succumb to the darkspawn taint.
== Relations with the dwarves ==
Grey Wardens and the dwarven people have always had a kinship through their shared battle against the darkspawn.
Dwarves are viewed as excellent recruits to the Order due to their experience against the darkspawn.Teyrn Loghain will remark at Ostagar that it is wise of the Wardens to recruit amongst the dwarves due to their skill and prowess against the darkspawn. However, as there are fewer dwarves due to low birth rates, there are also fewer dwarven Wardens.Mentioned by Duncan in the Dwarf Noble Origin. Grey Wardens are also the only surface organization to care about the endless war the dwarves wage against the darkspawn in the Deep Roads.
When the time of a Grey Warden's Calling draws near, a Warden honors a longstanding agreement between the Wardens and the dwarves and serves a year fighting darkspawn in the Deep Roads at the side of the dwarves. When the advance of the taint is unbearable, the Warden is celebrated by the dwarves and then enters the Deep Roads for their Calling.As Bregan did in Dragon Age: The Calling. In return the dwarves have signed treaties with the Wardens promising aid in times of a Blight.
== Notable Grey Wardens ==
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* Ailsa – detailed in a diary how the Calling affected her before succumbing to it while in the Darkspawn Warrens section of the Deep RoadsCodex entry: Warden Ailsa's Diary
* Alistair
* Anders
* Avernus
* Blackwall – a Warden-Constable (9:17-9:36)Codex entry: A Fine Time to Close a Border
* Caronel – an elven Warden from Ferelden, and Arcane Warrior
* Carinus – legendary founder of the Grey Warden Order
* Clarel – Warden-Commander of Orlais (9:41 Dragon)
* Corin – Hero of the Second Blight who killed the Archdemon Zazikel
* Davrin – a Dalish Grey Warden
* Daneken – the Warden-Commander who in -181 Ancient had the Warden's prison sealed to bind Corypheus in perpetuity
* Duncan – Warden-Commander of Ferelden (c. 9:10[note]-9:30 Dragon)
* Evka Ivo – formerly of House Ivo from Orzammar
* Fiona – former Grey Warden;By 9:37 Dragon, Fiona had been removed from the Grey Warden order. According to Fiona in Dragon Age: Inquisition she was made to leave when it became clear she could not again undertake the Joining after she was cured of the taint during the events of Dragon Age: The Calling. elected Grand Enchanter of the Circle of Magi in 9:38 Dragon
* Gable – a Lieutenant who ordered Kristoff to investigate the Darkspawn raids occurring outside of Amaranthine
* Garahel – Hero of the Fourth Blight who killed the Archdemon Andoral
* Genevieve – Warden-Commander of Orlais (8:99 Blessed-9:10 Dragon)
* Hafter (dog)Kell ap Morgan considers Hafter (dog) a Grey Warden by virtue of his tainted blood in Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 63.
* Isseya – sister of Garahel
* Janeka
* Julien
* Kell ap Morgan
* Kristoff – from Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening
* Kristoff – former Commander of the Grey of OrlaisDragon Age: The Calling (not to be confused with the Kristoff from Awakening)
* Larius – former Warden-Commander of the Free Marches
* Loris – a dwarven Grey Warden hero of the Third BlightCleave (Axe)
* Neriah – Corin's lover who sacrificed her life to save him
* Nicolas
* Nolan – a Warden known to keep a list of names of those who didn't survive the Joining
* Pierse – described the effects of the Darkspawn corruptionCodex entry: To Be Corrupted
* Polara – former Warden-Commander of Ferelden, originally from Antiva (9:10); Duncan assumed the mantle after her disappearanceCodex entry: Fiona
* Ramesh
* Reimas – a former Templar who joined the Wardens to avoid participating in the Mage-Templar WarShe and six other Templars joined the Wardens in order to avoid participating in the Mage-Templar War (9:41); Dragon Age: Last Flight, p. 164.
* Riordan
* Rolan – a former Templar who joined the Wardens, his loyalty with the Templars never changed despite the JoiningAnders (short story)
* Ruth – after the tragedy at Adamant Fortress, she surrenders herself to the Inquisition to serve as an example that Wardens are not above reproach (9:41)
* Sashamiri – successfully set a trap to capture and study Corypheus in the Vimmark MountainsCodex entry: Regalia of WeisshauptCorypheus's Prison - Sashamiri's Floor
* Sophia Dryden – Warden-Commander of Ferelden (7:5 Storm)
* Stroud
* Utha
* Valeska – a Senior Warden who recommended the building of a fortress over a Deep Roads entrance in Emprise du Lion after the Third BlightCodex entry: Valeska's Watch
* Valya
* Veldin – a Warden of Orlais that was present during the abandonment of Adamant Fortress (8:58 Blessed)Codex entry: Adamant Fortress
* The Warden / The Warden-Commander – Warden-Commander of Ferelden (9:31 Dragon)
=== Potential Wardens ===
* Bethany Hawke
* Carver Hawke
* Gregory Dedrick
* Jana
* Justice – technically, through Kristoff's Joined corpse
* Loghain Mac Tir
* Nathaniel Howe
* Oghren
* Rook (if chosen at character creation)
* Sigrun
* Thom Rainier – assumed the identity of Warden-Constable Blackwall in 9:41 Dragon 
* Velanna
=== Warden-Recruits ===
* Daveth – died taking the Joining
* Diguier – died taking the Joining; a former Templar Knight-Lieutenant from OrlaisDragon Age: Last Flight, p. 164
* Ser JoryA recruit to whom the Joining ritual and its ramifications have been explained must go on and continue with the ritual until the end. Those who refuse to drink from the chalice are killed by the Wardens overseeing the ceremony to preserve the Order’s secrets; as happened to Ser Jory during the Joining in Dragon Age: Origins – killed by Duncan after refusing to complete the Joining
* Ser Mhairi – died taking the Joining
== Known strongholds ==
=== Ferelden ===
* Denerim Compound (potentially closed by Loghain Mac Tir)
* Archive Tower in the Korcari Wilds (abandoned) The Grey Wardens' Cache
* Soldier's Peak – defunct unless the Warden aids Levi Dryden
* Vigil's Keep – granted to the Wardens following the Fifth Blight; including the surrounding Arling of Amaranthine
=== Orlais ===
* Adamant Fortress (abandoned)
* Griffon Wing Keep (abandoned)
* Warden Facility at Jader
* Warden Fortress at Montsimmard
* Valeska's Watch (abandoned)
=== Anderfels ===
* Weisshaupt Fortress – official headquarters of the Order, seat of the First Warden
=== Free Marches ===
* The Warden's Prison (Corypheus' Prison)
* Fortress Haine (formerly a Warden garrison)Codex entry: Chateau Haine
== Heraldry ==
* The heraldry of the Wardens is an argent griffon segreant on azure. The Grey Warden Commanders (at least in the time of Sophia Dryden) seem to have their own heraldry as well. The blazon for that charge might be rendered as "two griffons addorsed, wings elevated, maintaining a branch fesswise". On Sophia Dryden's Warden Commander Armor, the charge appears in or on a field sable. The artistic rendition of the charge on the armor is distinct from that seen on the heavier metal shields.
h greywrada 0.png|Grey Wardens
h greywradb 0.png|Commander of the Grey
Grey Wardens symbol (Legacy).png|Heraldry seen in an ancient Warden prison tower.
Grey Warden Skyhold Heraldry.png|Skyhold Grey Warden Heraldry
Heraldry flag grey wardens.png|Inquisition camp flag
== Codex entries ==
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== Notes ==
* Codex entry: Fiona's statement that Duncan was made Warden-Commander in 9:10 Dragon is inconsistent with the timeline presented in Dragon Age: The Calling.
== Trivia ==
* Alistair saying that Grey Wardens hear the Calling approximately thirty years after the Joining is something David Gaider regretted adding, since it is "a long time for that time frame." Although it was not really intended when this was written, Gaider clarified that the number varies.See transcript of an interview David Gaider gave at Thedas UK Con in 2012.
* Although Riordan is a Warden from Jader, he refers to himself as Senior Warden, not Warden-Lieutenant.
* According to Alistair, the Taint in a Grey Warden negatively affects the Grey Warden's fertility. Most Grey Wardens are only able to conceive or father a child before their Joining.
* According to Alistair, there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens.According to Alistair's dialogue to a female The Warden during Dragon Age: Origins. 
* For unknown reasons, Aveline Vallen's armor bears the Warden heraldry when she becomes Guard Captain.
* Wardens frequently train with weighted bundles of canes, sparring with one another and with pells to build physical strength.Dragon Age: Last Flight, p. 216
* Many Wardens keep a list of names of those who were lost in the Joining. Those casualties are regarded as being fellow Wardens despite not having survived the rite, and this list of names is cherished and remembered.
* Orlesian Grey Wardens who carry out great deeds are rewarded with the Silverite Wings of Valor.Codex entry: Blackwall
* Training within the Order appears to be somewhat class-blind, with warriors (and likely rogues) training mages, for example, and presumably mages training warriors and rogues in various areas as well. Likely there is something each class can learn from the others, regardless of natural abilities.If Jean-Marc Stroud is Hawke's Grey Warden contact in Dragon Age: Inquisition he will note that he trained some of the enslaved Warden mages himself.
* Unlike most oath-bound military Orders in Thedas, Grey Wardens are allowed to own property and personal belongings.According to Sigrun's dialogue with the Warden when she is gifted a Spyglass They may even own titlesThe Warden can own a title and riches if requested as a boon during the Epilogue (Origins). and have marriages;Warden Kristoff was married to Aura; and Warden Keenan was married to Nida. presumably it is permitted as long as such factors don't interfere with the Grey Warden's duty.
* Wardens trained in Ferelden are known to use trail signs when setting out on a campaign or a journey. A trail mark or 'Warden sign' consists of three marks, scratched into an available surface. The first indicates the date the Wardens left the area, the second mark indicates how many Wardens were in the group and the third mark gives the date they expected to return. If the third mark is absent; the Wardens did not expect to return.Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights, The Horror of Hormak, p.88
* Grey Wardens spend a lot of time on the move while out on tiring patrols in harsh conditions. To keep their energy up they take Grey Warden pastry pockets with them as trail provisions. Potatoes, meat, and onions are encased in pastry thick enough to prevent it from being destroyed in one's bag. They are eaten both hot and cold. Recently, newer Orlesian Wardens have devised their own version of this dish which uses the less sturdy Orlesian puff pastry. The resulting pockets are much more delicate and easier to smash.Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook: Tastes of Thedas, p. 33
* No Qunari has ever joined the Grey Wardens. There are, however, rumors of several Tal-Vashoth taking the Joining in recent decades.
== See also ==
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== Gallery ==
greywardenwarrior.png|Grey Warden warrior
Grey warden rogue.jpg|Grey Warden rogue
Grey Warden Mage Artwork.png|Grey Warden mage
dao-grey-warden.jpg|Grey Warden's armor from Warden's Calling trailer
WardenCommanderArmorSet.png| Storm Age era Warden-Commander armour
Warden Warrior Inquisition.png|A Grey Warden Warrior
Warden Archer.png|A Grey Warden Archer
Grey Warden SpellBinder.png|A Grey Warden Spellbinder Mage
Senior Warden In Game.png| A Senior Warden in battle
GWRogueHODA.png| Grey Warden Rogue from Heroes of Dragon Age
GreyWardenWarriorHODA.png| Grey Warden Warrior from Heroes of Dragon Age
GreyWardenMageHODA.png| Grey Warden Mage from Heroes of Dragon Age
Grey Warden Cavalry Knight.jpg|Artwork of Grey Warden Cavalry from Heroes of Dragon Age.
Warden-Constable Badge.png| A Warden-Constable's Badge of Office
== References ==
Category:Groups
 
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