The Dragon Age series—particularly Origins and Inquisition—offers one of the deepest and most complex fantasy settings in modern gaming. From nuanced factions to morally gray characters and a dense historical backdrop, it's a masterclass in creating believable, high-stakes worlds.
Here are 10 takeaways from Dragon Age that every writer building a fictional world should absorb:
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1. Design Cultures, Not Just Kingdoms
Ferelden isn’t just a location—it has a culture, cuisine, political history, and dialects.
Writing Tip: Build diverse cultures with distinct values, conflicts, and histories rather than relying on generic fantasy tropes.
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2. Include Religion as a Force of Influence
The Chantry in Dragon Age is powerful—sometimes oppressive, sometimes guiding.
Writing Tip: Don’t shy away from religion and ideology. These systems influence war, politics, and identity.
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3. Morally Grey Is More Realistic Than Black and White
Mages aren't evil—but neither is the Templar Order.
Writing Tip: Develop conflicts with two valid sides, not just heroes and villains. Let readers wrestle with what’s "right."
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4. Backstory Should Inform the Present
The Blight, the Old Gods, the history of Tevinter—all of it affects modern events.
Writing Tip: Let your world’s past shape your current story. Use legends and ruins as narrative tools.
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5. Let Characters Represent Systems
Vivienne = political power. Solas = rebellion and mythology. Morrigan = mysticism.
Writing Tip: Create characters who embody the world’s ideologies, not just sidekicks or love interests.
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6. Dialogue Can Be a Weapon
Dragon Age’s dialogue is legendary—persuasive, manipulative, emotional.
Writing Tip: Master character voice and subtext. A line of dialogue should reveal character and intent.
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7. Make Lore Accessible
Codex entries, conversations, and artifacts make lore digestible.
Writing Tip: Deliver worldbuilding in layers—not in one info-dump. Use discovery as a reward.
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8. Relationships = Stakes
Whether it’s Alistair or Dorian, your companions matter.
Writing Tip: Let relationships drive emotional stakes. Readers should fear losing the people your protagonist loves.
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9. Geography Matters
Mountains block armies. Wetlands hide secrets. Cities are built for survival.
Writing Tip: Make your terrain impact politics, conflict, and culture—not just act as a backdrop.
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10. Let the World Evolve Over Time
Each Dragon Age game builds on previous lore—wars, alliances, and character choices carry forward.
Writing Tip: If you’re writing a series, let consequences snowball. Keep your world moving.
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The Verdict:
Dragon Age builds a world as rich as any epic fantasy novel—full of clashing ideologies, haunted ruins, and vibrant characters. Writers should treat their own worlds with this kind of layered complexity.
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