Unveiling the Hidden Charms: Why Playing as a Dwarf Commoner in Dragon Age: Origins is an Unforgettable Journey

Unlike the typical elves found in Tolkienesque fantasy, the dwarves in Dragon Age: Origins have a unique background. This race has lost most of its underground kingdoms to the Blight, with only one remaining. The dwarves of Orzammar are skilled in various professions such as fighting, trading, inventing, and mining. However, their experiences differ due to the strict caste system in place.

Out of the two options available for players to choose from when playing as a dwarf, the perspective of the Dwarf Commoner is particularly challenging. In this origin, players assume the role of Brosca, a dwarf without a caste, who is looking for a fight. Unfortunately, the casteless are forbidden from battling darkspawn.

Brosca has limited prospects and is left with the option of seeking a death that holds some appeal. Every decision players make for this dwarf is aimed at ensuring the survival of their family, but they are only met with setbacks. In a society where children are branded as worthless at birth, Brosca Wardens learn to solve problems using their wits and resorting to creative violence. The harsh reality of being casteless ensures that Brosca begins life learning survival skills in the Deep Roads, and their story can only end one way: with duster boot prints on an archdemon that was practically begging to be defeated.

10 Born In The Wrong Caste

The City Elf origin delves into the concept of liberating oneself from the burden of oppression and servitude, while the Dwarf Commoner origin centers around overcoming obstacles using sheer strength. The casteless dwarves, who are barely above criminals in society's hierarchy, depend solely on themselves for protection even from their fellow dwarves.

While the oppression faced by the casteless is arguably more severe than that of city elves, they resort to greater levels of violence in order to survive. Similar to city elves, however, this is not a matter of choice. Dusters inflict harm on others as a means to sustain their own lives.

9 The Carta Life Seems Inevitable

A rogue Brosca is a logical choice considering the strong connection players form with the notorious Carta. In this extensive criminal organization, strength and combat prowess are essential, making either class option suitable for dwarf players.

Unlike other origins that emphasize bonds with family, clan, or organization, the dwarves of Thedas are pragmatic individuals without sentimental attachments. This origin familiarizes players with the idea of prioritizing their party's interests by adapting to various sets of rules.

8 The Implacable Children Of The Stone

Dragon Age dwarves possess great resilience, derived in part from their enigmatic connection to the Stone. Similar to the Dwarf Noble origin, Brosca Wardens exhibit a natural resistance to magic, but this origin also offers the Warden a distinct and gritty roleplaying experience as a casteless individual.

Life as a casteless may be short and perilous, but the demanding lifestyle serves as exceptional preparation for the battles undertaken by Grey Wardens. The unyielding determination to survive exhibited by the casteless is comparable to that of the Warrior Caste. While those at the pinnacle of dwarven social hierarchy enjoy the privilege of training and exceptional craftsmanship, the casteless face constant challenges in their journey to surpass their marginalized status.

7 Anything For My Sister

The origin story of the Dwarf Commoner portrays one of the most troubled families amongst all. Within the Brosca family, the commoner suffers from an abusive mother who prioritizes her love for mosswine over her own children. Additionally, the family includes a sister named Rica, who aligns herself with the Carta as a noble-hunter. Their father opted to leave the family early on and embrace life as a surface dwarf.

Much like the City Elf origin, Brosca's life takes a turn for the better following the Joining. Interestingly, this is the only origin where players have the opportunity to significantly improve their family's circumstances. However, whether the Broscas truly deserve this chance remains a question worth pondering.

6 Best The Paragons Of The Proving

The Provings serve the purpose of determining worthiness and sometimes determining who is correct. It is not only Dwarf Noble players who have the chance to fight for their Ancestors; however, the story of the Dwarf Commoner is not a tale of heroic triumph. The casteless do not experience the same sense of moral certainty that the Proving offers to the castes.

What makes this battle so exhilarating is not the ability to brag about victories over Brosca's social status; the castes clearly do not value the skills of a criminal from the lower class. However, harnessing the Dwarf Commoner's anger towards their untapped potential and channeling it into the Proving is precisely what leads Brosca to a future with the Grey Wardens.

5 Fighting For Respect Is In Brosca’s Blood

Not everyone dreams of earning a place among the Grey Wardens. However, for players who choose to be Dwarf Commoners, it is the ultimate opportunity to gain respect beyond their wildest imagination. Typically, the only options for those without a caste are begging, being a mistress, or becoming expendable Carta thugs. Unfortunately, most end up dead or wishing for a different fate.

Brosca refuses to rely on nonexistent charity or settle for a life in poverty in Dust Town. Playing as Brosca means seeking out new chances and eliminating anyone who stands in their way. Those who attempt to surpass the Dwarf Commoner become mere stepping stones in Brosca's ascent to success.

4 For The Heartless And The Hardcore

Brosca's early decisions demonstrate a preference for violence as an effective option. The Carta does not show mercy, and playing a kind-hearted casteless character will result in punishment from dwarven society.

In terms of gameplay, this means that players will achieve the greatest rewards and XP by embracing Brosca's criminal tendencies. Lying, stealing, and killing are commonly used by the Carta. Therefore, the Dwarf Commoner origin offers an ideal opportunity to roleplay a more pragmatic or villainous Warden.

3 From Casteless To Kingmaker

Returning to Orzammar does not guarantee acceptance back into dwarven society for the two dwarf origins, nor does it grant them the ability to hold important positions through self-election. However, the Warden still plays a significant role in aiding the dwarves, and for a Brosca, there is an added personal drive behind the choices made during these quests.

The political influence of the Warden is limited to offering assistance or betrayal to the two current contenders, similar to the other origins. Nevertheless, the return to Orzammar holds a special significance for Brosca. The fact that the Assembly allows a Grey Warden to intervene in Orzammar politics is a noteworthy development. Yet, it cannot compare to the immense satisfaction of a casteless individual gaining so much power.

2 Brother Bhelen And His Iron Fist

The Dwarf Commoner origin offers compelling reasons to support Bhelen rather than Harrowmont. Not only do Bhelen's political views align better with a Brosca Warden's past and future, but he is also the father of Rica's child. This means that the fate of the family's fortune is directly linked to Bhelen's success in claiming the throne, making it a personal matter for the players. Whether they choose to aid or undermine their own family is a decision they must make.

The Dwarf Commoner origin goes beyond the typical rags-to-riches narrative. Becoming a Paragon of Orzammar is akin to achieving god-like status, and it is something that Brosca can aspire to. Although attaining noble standing as a permanent exile may not come with the same luxury as being born into it, the prospect of other nobles bowing down and paying homage to the House of Paragon Brosca is a fulfilling goal to strive for.

1 Darkspawn Belong Under Brosca’s Boot

Every dwarf is aware of the true danger posed by darkspawn and their existence in the Deep Roads. Unlike the surface world, encounters with darkspawn are not uncommon in this treacherous underground realm. For those without a place in caste society, one of the few honorable ways to meet death is by joining the Legion of the Dead, a sworn group dedicated to battling this ancient enemy in the darkness.

Under normal circumstances, Brosca would not have the opportunity to engage in combat against darkspawn unless declared legally dead in one way or another. However, it becomes difficult to disregard the actions of a casteless individual who confronts an archdemon, effectively displaying the flaws in the entire dwarven society. The moral of this story is clear: a Brosca is needed to bring an end to a Blight.

Dragon Age Origins

Bioware's Dragon Age, an RPG title released in 2009, marked the beginning of a successful franchise. This inaugural installment established the Dragon Age universe by introducing the menacing Dark Spawn and a diverse array of captivating characters.

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