Qunari

Of all the entries in this section, the Qunari are the most accurate when it comes to the title “Races & Organizations,” as the term technically describes both. When most people hear the word “Qunari,” they think of the race of large, pale-haired and metallic-skinned humanoids that arrived on Thedas in force around 300 years ago. While this is mostly correct, the word actually refers to anyone, of any race, that follows the Qun. Though they have a separate name within the Qun itself, humans, dwarves and elves who convert are also Qunari, as the word simply means “people of the Qun.” In this book, I only refer to individuals as Qunari when I’m talking about the big, horned people. When I refer to a group of Qunari, it’s made up of all big, horned people, unless I’m talking about the organization as an abstract whole. I tried to both stick to these rules and make it obvious within the context of each use to avoid confusion, but you can see how it can get complicated very quickly.

Qunari lives are dictated by their adherence to the Qun, a code set down by the prophet Koslun that dictates every aspect of Qunari life. According to the Qun, each individual has a role in society that is determined for them and defines who they are. They must fulfill that role for the good of all, as the individual is not truly an individual, but merely a small piece of the whole. Each part is played without question, and if questions begin to form, that part is repaired or, if that proves impossible, removed for the good of the whole. Qunari, of any race, who outright reject the Qun are called Tal-Vashoth and must avoid the Qunari, lest they be taken and forcefully reeducated into their former roles. My lone Qunari companion, the Iron Bull, eventually became Tal-Vashoth during his time with the Inquisition. Followers of the Qun also believe that any who do not live by the Qun are inherently wicked and effectively harming themselves, and therefore the whole, and thus seek to indoctrinate each one for the good of all. You can see how this would rub many the wrong way. Now, before I move on, obviously I have to be relatively concise with my description here, and any true Qunari would likely be offended by how I have summarized their ways. Just know that the Qun is far more complicated than I could hope to describe, especially as one who has never lived as part of the Qun. As Inquisitor, I have had more exposure to and education about the Qun than most on Thedas, but much of their culture remains a mystery even to me. In fact, I have it on good authority, from multiple sources, that the Hero of Ferelden had difficulty understanding the Qun, despite also traveling with a Qunari during most of his time battling the Fifth Blight. He though that Qunari’s name was Sten, which it technically was, but in truth, Qunari have no individual names, they are referred to by the title of their role within the Qun. So, if you’re confused by some of this, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. The Qunari are utterly baffling to the vast majority on Thedas, an alien threat to be opposed rather than another people to understand.

The history of the Qunari on Thedas is one of conflict with its residents. While there are stories of groups of horned humanoids being seen in ancient times, they truly arrived around three centuries ago when they landed on, and promptly took over, the island of Par Vollen in the oceans north of the continent. A few years after that, they invaded the mainland and proceeded to war with the rest of the continent for nearly 100 years. Though they initially made significant headway south, they were eventually pushed back by an unlikely alliance of Tevinter and most of the other nations of Thedas, the Chantry faithful, and an armada of pirates. The Qunari signed a set of accords to cease hostilities with every nation except for Tevinter, with whom they continue to war to this day. The most notable incident outside of the Imperium since then happened in Kirkwall, when the Qunari, several hundred of whom had been mysteriously stranded there for years, eventually attacked the city. They were repelled by Hawke, which earned her the title of Champion of Kirkwall. Now, the Qunari remain and recover on their northern islands, content to bide their time until the next, inevitable opportunity presents itself.