Saarebas

For information about the Dragon Age: Redemption character, see Saarebas (Dragon Age: Redemption).

Saarebas (Qunlat for "dangerous thing") is a Qunari word for a mage, as well as a title given to all Qunari mages. Non-Qunari mages are called Bas Saarebas (Bas indicating non-Qunari)

Background[]

Quarini — Chained and masked Qunari mages

The world treats all mages with caution, but the Qunari are especially hard on their own. The strict and regimented treatment of Circle mages by the templars pales in comparison to that of the Saarebas by the Qunari. Whereas the Circle mages have relative freedom within their towers, Saarebas are seemingly prisoners within their own body, donning a set of heavy pauldrons with chains attached to them, perhaps to act as a form of leash, while their faces are hidden beneath a metal visor. In extreme cases their lips may be stitched together.^[1] If found practicing forbidden magic, their tongues are cut out to prevent them from corrupting others.^[2]

Saarebas do not receive a proper instruction and are essentially hedge mages. They are less versatile than Circle mages since they lack the skills of the Circle of Magi.^[3] Even so, they are said to be much more powerful than most human or elf mages. They are considered weapons and as such are trained with the focus on destruction.^[4]

In Qunari society, a mage is never allowed to be alone, and must always be kept under watch by an Arvaarad. If Saarebas separate from their keeper, they must be slain, or commit suicide, according to the Qun. The chained armor the Saarebas are forced to wear can immobilize them through a device held by an Arvaarad. The Qunari also invented a mobile version of the magic-blocking device which makes mages unable to cast spells – it is in the form of a collar.^[5]

The Qunari pity, but honor the Saarebas at the same time, for the Saarebas striving while under constant threat from within is truly selfless, the highest virtue of the Qun.^[1]

Involvement[]

Dragon Age: Origins[]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.

Two Tal-Vashoth mages are hired by Marjolaine in her home in Denerim and will assist her if a fight breaks out.

Dragon Age II[]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.

Saarebas shepherding wolves — A Saarebas chooses to immolate himself over living free of the Qun.

Amongst the Qunari shipwrecked near Kirkwall.
With a group of Tal-Vashoth that took residence in the Wounded Coast. They had at least one Saarebas.
During the quest Shepherding Wolves, where Hawke escorted a Saarebas, named Ketojan by the Chantry sister Petrice, outside of Kirkwall.
During the Demands of the Qun, the Arishok unleashes his remaining Saarebas upon Kirkwall.
Among the Tal-Vashoth residing within Mountainside Path there are Saarebas.

Dragon Age: Redemption[]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Redemption.

One Saarebas got separated from the Arishok's group. He destroyed a human village and a Dalish camp whilst on the loose.

Dragon Age: Inquisition[]

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.

With the threat of the Venatori now adding to their war with the Tevinter Imperium in the north, the Qunari dispatch Hissera; a Saarebas, to serve as an agent of the re-established Inquisition in the hopes that this contribution would help to secure a full alliance with the Inquisition.

This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.

As part of the Dragon's Breath conspiracy, several Saarebas are deployed in combat with non Qunari forces and later a Ben-Hassrath agent; Viddasala unleashes Saarath, her personal escort saarebas, in a final bid to kill the Inquisitor.

Abilities[]

Cone of Lightning
Electrical Field
Lightning Ball
Teleport

Elemental resistances[]

Cold: very weak
Electricity: normal (immune on Nightmare)
Fire: normal (immune on Nightmare)
Nature: very weak
Spirit: normal

Special traits[]

Immune to Flanking
Very weak health and armor

Known Saarebas[]

Hissera
Inquisitor Adaar – if they are the sole survivor of the Divine Conclave
Ketojan
Saarath
Saarebas

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: The Qunari - Saarebas

Codex entry: History of Kirkwall: Chapter 3

Codex entry: The Risk of Saarebas

Codex entry: Saarath

Codex entry: Talisman of Saarebas

Trivia[]

A story involving an inexperienced arvaarad and his charge, titled "The Chain of Saarebas", appears in The Seer's Yarn, a collection of children's fables.^[6]
Although Saarebas are controlled by the Qunari and typically reside on Par Vollen, the Chantry treats them as apostates. ^{[citation needed]}
The Dragon Age: Inquisition multiplayer character Hissera is a saarebas sent to aid the Inquisition by the Qunari who seems to be exempt from requiring constant supervision by an arvaarad.