Deep within the lore of the Dragon Age franchise lies a fascinating species shrouded in mystery: the Baro Ki’teer. These enigmatic felines, often simply referred to as “Baro,” possess advanced intellect, a unique social structure, and a complex relationship with the other races of Thedas.
This article delves into the history, culture, and significance of the Baro Ki’teer within the Dragon Age world.
Origins and History: A Shrouded Past
Scattered across Dragon Age lore are fragmented pieces of information regarding the Baro Ki’teer’s origins. Here’s what we know:
Pre-recorded History: The Baro claim to possess a history predating the creation of the Veil, the barrier separating the physical world from the Fade (the realm of spirits). Nevertheless, hard data to back up these assertions is still scarce.
Thedas Arrival: It’s believed the Baro Ki’teer arrived on Thedas thousands of years ago, establishing hidden settlements within remote locations. The exact circumstances surrounding their arrival are shrouded in mystery.
Elven Connection: Some theories suggest a connection between the Baro and the ancient Elven civilization. Elven murals depict feline creatures with an uncanny resemblance to the Baro, hinting at a potential shared past.
A Culture of Secrecy: The Baro Social Structure
Baro society is characterized by secrecy and a strict caste system. Here’s a glimpse into their social hierarchy:
High Houses: At the top stand the High Houses, noble families who wield significant political power and influence. Information about these families is scarce, with names like Clan Lavellan (not to be confused with the Dalish elves) being occasionally mentioned.
Caste System: Baro society functions on a caste system, with specific roles assigned to each caste. While the exact details remain unknown, warriors, scholars, and artisans are mentioned.
Strict Hierarchies: Discipline and obedience form the bedrock of Baro society. Lower castes show utmost deference to their superiors, and transgressing established codes can result in harsh punishments.
Masters of Espionage and Information: The Baro and Thedas Politics
Despite their preference for secrecy, the Baro Ki’teer play a subtle yet significant role in Thedas politics. Here are some key points:
Information Brokers: The Baro possess a vast network of informants and spies, allowing them to gather information from across Thedas. They often act as brokers, selling this information to the highest bidder, influencing events from the shadows.
Shifting Alliances: The Baro maintain a policy of non-aggression with most Thedas races. However, they are not above forming alliances, often siding with whoever offers the most advantage or best serves their hidden agendas.
The Inquisition: In Dragon Age: Inquisition, players have the opportunity to interact with a Baro spymaster named Harding. Through this interaction, players gain a glimpse into Baro methods and their potential motives.
A Race of Mystery: The Baro Ki’teer and the Future of Dragon Age
The Baro Ki’teer remain an enigma within the Dragon Age universe. Here’s why they are significant and what the future holds:
Unexplored Potential: The Baro’s shrouded past, unique social structure, and role as information brokers offer fertile ground for future Dragon Age lore exploration.
Player Interaction: Limited interaction with the Baro in past games leaves room for more in-depth exploration in future titles. Perhaps players might encounter a Baro settlement or even play as a Baro character.
Impact on Thedas: The Baro’s influence on Thedas politics and their potential involvement in future conflicts add intrigue to the overall narrative of Dragon Age.
FAQs
Where do the Baro Ki’teer come from in Dragon Age?
The Baro’s origins are shrouded in mystery. They claim a history predating the Veil, the barrier separating the physical world from the Fade. However, evidence to support these claims is scarce. It’s believed they arrived on Thedas thousands of years ago, establishing hidden settlements, but the exact circumstances surrounding their arrival remain unknown.
Is there a connection between the Baro and the Elves of Dragon Age?
Some theories suggest a link between the Baro and the ancient Elven civilization. Elven murals depict feline creatures with an uncanny resemblance to the Baro, hinting at a potential shared past. However, concrete evidence for this connection remains elusive.
How is Baro society structured in Dragon Age?
Baro society is characterized by secrecy and a rigid caste system. Here’s a breakdown of their social structure:
High Houses: At the pinnacle stand the High Houses, noble families wielding significant political power and influence. Information about these families is scarce, with names like Clan Lavellan (not to be confused with the Dalish elves) being occasionally mentioned.
Caste System: Baro society functions on a caste system with specific roles assigned to each caste. While details are limited, warriors, scholars, and artisans are known to exist within this structure.
Strict Hierarchy: Discipline and obedience are paramount in Baro society. Lower castes show utmost respect to their superiors, and transgressing established codes can result in harsh punishments.
How do the Baro Ki’teer influence Thedas politics?
Despite their preference for secrecy, the Baro play a significant role in Thedas politics. Here’s how:
Information Brokers: The Baro possess a vast network of informants and spies, gathering information from across Thedas. They act as brokers, selling this information to the highest bidder, influencing events from the shadows.
Shifting Alliances: The Baro maintain a policy of non-aggression with most Thedas races. However, they are not above forming alliances, often siding with whoever offers the most advantage or serves their hidden agendas.
The Inquisition: In Dragon Age: Inquisition, players interact with a Baro spymaster named Harding. This interaction provides a glimpse into Baro methods and motivations.
Can you play as a Baro Ki’teer in any Dragon Age game?
Currently, no Dragon Age game allows players to play as a Baro Ki’teer. Given their secretive nature and limited interaction with other races, incorporating them as a playable character might be challenging from a narrative standpoint.
The Baro Ki’teer stand as a captivating enigma within the Dragon Age universe. Their shrouded past, unique social structure built on secrecy and hierarchy, and role as unseen information brokers manipulating the political landscape of Thedas all contribute to their mystique.
The limited glimpses players receive only fuel the desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding these intelligent felines. As the Dragon Age franchise continues to evolve, one can only hope for more opportunities to delve into the fascinating world of the Baro Ki’teer.
Whether through codex entries, character interactions, or perhaps even a future game where players encounter a Baro settlement or character, the potential for the Baro’s story to be further explored remains high.
Their presence adds a layer of intrigue and complexity to the world of Thedas, leaving players eager to learn more about these enigmatic creatures and the secrets they hold.
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