Kossith are a race that primarily inhabits northern Thedas, including the island nations of Par Vollen and Seheron, and the settlement of Kont-Aar in northern Rivain. Kossith are very rarely seen in Ferelden, with the exception of some high-class mercenaries (such as the Kadan-Fe). Kossith mercenaries are much more common in the Free Marches. Other races don't use the word "kossith," referring to them as "giants" or "ox-men" instead.

Contents 1 Appearance 2 Society 2.1 Qunari 2.2 Tal-Vashoth 3 Language 4 Notable kossith 5 Trivia 6 Gallery 7 References

Appearance Edit

Kossith are taller and considered to be more physically robust than humans. They have metallic-hued skin (bronze, gold and silver have been observed), white hair, slightly pointed ears, and vivid eyes with colors like violet, red, or yellow.

Most kossith have horns: some are born without them, but it is not considered a defect. On the contrary, those born without horns are considered special, as they are meant for a special role in Qunari society such as a Ben-Hassrath or an envoy to the other races.^[1] Sten who became a companion of the Warden as a soldier of the Beresaad falls into this category. If a kossith loses a horn, or part of a horn to an enemy blade, they don't care much. There are no nerves in there.^[2] It is not uncommon for Tal-Vashoth to remove their own horns^[1] (as in the case of Armaas), because they think it makes them look scarier.^[3] Saarebas, or Qunari mages, are also commonly seen with their horns cut off.

Society Edit

Qunari Edit

Main article: Qunari

Most kossith follow the Qun and form the major demographic of the Qunari, "the people of the Qun". The Qunari practice selective breeding: they have no families and all their children are raised by Tamassrans. At the age of 12 they are assigned a defined and fixed role in the society, the one of a soldier (part of the "body", lead by the Arishok), a craftsman (part of the "mind", lead by the Arigena) or a priest (part of the "soul", lead by the Ariqun). The Qunari leash their mages and call them Saarebas, literally "a dangerous thing."

Having recently arrived in Thedas, the Qunari with their advanced technology, including the explosives called "gaatlock," canons and dreadnoughts proved themselves to be formidable foes who look upon other nations as inferiors to be conquered and converted to the Qun. Although after three Exalted Marches declared by both the Andrastian and the Imperial Chantries they were pushed back, the Tevinter Imperium is still locked in the war with the Qunari.

Tal-Vashoth Edit

Main article: Tal-Vashoth

Those kossith who abandon the Qun are no longer considered to be Qunari. They become Tal-Vashoth, "true grey ones" and are deemed outcasts. Most Tal-Vashoth are former soldiers and become mercenaries.

Language Edit

Main article: Qunari language

Notable kossith Edit

For a complete list, see Category:Kossith.

• Arishok
• Armaas
• Jarvy
• Ketojan
• Maraas
• Salit
• Sten
• Tennant

Trivia Edit

• When a female kossith is turned into a broodmother by darkspawn, she produces ogres.
• A female kossith is yet to appear in the games of the Dragon Age series, although the concept art exists.
• Kossith were always supposed to have horns. They were cut from Dragon Age: Origins, because otherwise Sten would be unable to wear a helmet.^{[4] [5]}

Gallery Edit

References Edit

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Gaider, David. Game Informer, "The Qunari Evolved"
2. ↑ Kirby, Mary. "Questions about the Qunari." Retrieved 9 May, 2012.
3. ↑ Kirby, Mary. "MotA: Qunari questions." Retrieved 9 May, 2012.
4. ↑ Gaider, David. "Why do ogres exist in Thedas before the Qunari arrival?". Retrieved 27 March, 2012
5. ↑ Gaider, David. "Opinions about the art direction." Retrieved 27 March, 2012.