One of the newest factions to be introduced into the Dragon Age series, very little detail about the Mourn Watch’s influence in Dragon Age the Veilguard is known. With minimal instances of their inclusion into the previous narrative, the Nevarran’s piqued rabid curiosity within the fanbase. A mystery, an unknown, yet utterly fascinating, the keepers of the dead and protectors of the Grand Necropolis are sure to be one of the most macabre additions to the series -offering even more nuance to an already diverse and intricate world.
Nevarra
Located in the central region of Southern Thedas, Nevarra has a varied history that spans everything from being a vassal state under the totalitarian rule of Ancient Tevinter to being one of the world’s most enigmatic countries wielding power like no other. Under the rule of the Pentaghast line, since the Exalted Age, Nevarra’s influence on the global stage has solidified its place as Thedas’ most self-contained and enigmatic culture. Death and respect for the dead are key. Ancestry, and the honoring thereof, supersede any religious rite that disavows their cherished funerary traditions; Meaning, that the Andrastian Chantry’s teachings are simultaneously highly respected and truly ignored.
The Region’s Culture
Art, artistic expression, philosophy, beautiful aesthetics, pageantry, chivalry, and respectful indulgencies are all part of Nevarra’s way of life. The civilians hold an intrinsic respect for family, ancestry, the bonds shared between individuals, and the honoring of those long since passed. Disrespecting the dead is a considerable offensive socially inept action a person from Nevarra can do. Desecration of a corpse is murder in the eyes of its people and its mages, the Mortalitasi known as the Mourn Watch.
Burial Practices
Unlike every other nation in Dragon Age the Veilguard, Nevarra does not burn their dead. In Andrastian teachings, they believe that burying the dead will only invoke the inherent nature of baleful demons. It may lead to possession and desecration of the corpse. Creating uncontrollable abominations determined to torment the living out of pure spite and contempt for those who remain. Nevarra contradicts every aspect of these teachings by mummifying and enshrining their dead in elaborate tombs and mitigating the impact death has on the nature of spirits and the Fade.
The Mourn Watch
Known as the keepers of the dead, the Mourn Watch consists mostly of necromantic mages known as the Mortalitasi. Their job, among many, is to maintain the balance between the spirits of the dead within the halls of the Grand Necropolis. It’s an enormous, city-sized catacomb that houses thousands of the country’s dead. Grand Necropolis initiates the transfer of spiritual existence between those who are lost and the Fade spirits who believe they are displaced by death.
Nevarran society argues that when a person dies, their soul (or spirit) journeys across the Veil and into the Fade realm. By doing so, the soul inadvertently takes the place of a spirit dwelling happily there. The replaced spirit then loses its place within the Fade and becomes wayward and untethered, making it more susceptible to corruption and the inevitability of becoming a demon. To combat this, Mortalitasi mages and the Mourn Watch, facilitate a ritual wherein these wayward spirits are bound to the corpses of the dead within the Grand Necropolis.
The Mourn Watch is also responsible for dealing with any wayward magic involving the spirits of the dead or demonic possession. Their expertise in death, the corruption of the fade, and the inner workings of necromancy grant them supernatural abilities. Members can sense demons, perform spells banned by Andrastian teaching, and develop protective instincts about the very nature of death for the living and dead.
Key Players
For the new Dragon Age the Veilguard game, the Mourn Watch, and their intricacies are poised to be heavily explored. With the addition of Emmrich Volkarin, a well-practiced Mortalitasi, and an expert in death, as a romanceable companion, players will get a firsthand look into the history and lore of Navarra and its keepers of the dead.
While little is known about Emmrich’s role in the upcoming game, pieces of his backstory and lore; found in the short stories, Down Among the Dead Men and The Flame Eternal; lend themselves to the inclusion the the people of Navarra and their Grand Necropolis. Their existence will support the greater narrative of the overall game.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the property of Bioware, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts, headquartered in California. It will be released via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 31, 2024. The game is rated M for mature for adult themes, adult language, and violence. The review embargo will end on Monday, October 28, 2024. Afterward, more details about the game’s upcoming release can be found on BioWare’s official blog and YouTube channel.
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