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“It is said they were rock and tree, wind and rain, given form and breath by the elven gods to protect their people.” ―Ariane

“Spirit born of wood and stone and air, you were created to protect those now dead. You have failed in your duty.” ―Lienne


A varterral is a huge spider-like creature that stands on five massive legs and can move at surprising speeds.

Background[]

According to the Dalish, the first varterral was created in the days before Arlathan. A high dragon attacked a mountain city beloved by Dirthamen, and the elven god fashioned the fallen trees of the forest into a deadly guardian that drove back the serpent.[1][2][3] Elves tell that the varterral has kept its vigil ever since, even over the ruins.[1] They also say that if magically[4] bound to guard something, a varterral will stay alive no matter how many times it is defeated,[2][3][5] a lot like a golem.[4]

Varterrals thrive in secluded places and hunt elk and bears.[3] They have a rocky carapace, attack with fast strikes and spit caustic poison.[2][3][4] At least some of them have no eyes and thus are completely blind, which is offset by the ability to feel movements through the ground like a snake and, according to Felassan, to taste the guilt of intruders.[4] Only dragons represent a challenge to the beasts, and even they seldom win.[3]

In theory, varterrals should never attack an elf, whom they discern by the scent, save in self-defense.[4] Yet the creatures encountered so far lashed out at anyone regardless of the race.

Involvement[]

Witch Hunt[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Witch Hunt.


A varterral attacks the Warden-Commander, Ariane & Finn in the Dragonbone Wastes. Its presence comes as a complete surprise to them, though it presumably has something to do with the eluvian hidden deep beneath the Wastes.


Dragon Age II[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.


Another varterral makes its Hunting Ground in Sundermount. It had taken the lives of three Dalish hunters and Pol before it was struck down by Hawke and Merrill in 9:34 Dragon. Three years later the creature revived and attacked Hawke's party again when they returned while hunting for an Antivan assassin.


Dragon Age: The Masked Empire[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: The Masked Empire.


Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons and Empress Celene's parties, under a temporary truce, combat a varterral that exists to guard the central eluvian activation chamber with a pedestal surrounded by a labyrinth of runes on the floor.


Dragon Age: The Missing[]


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: The Missing.


BioWare canon
The plot follows BioWare's own canon, meaning it may not follow some of the player's choices in the games.

Varric Tethras, Lace Harding, Strife, and Irelin sneak past a varterral in the Arlathan Forest to gain entrance to the temple that holds the crucious stone.


Quests[]

Witch Hunt[]

In Search of Morrigan In Search of Morrigan

Dragon Age II[]

Mirror Image Mirror Image
A Murder of Crows A Murder of Crows

Locations[]

Witch Hunt[]

Dragonbone Wastes Dragonbone Wastes

Dragon Age II[]

Varterral Hunting Ground Varterral Hunting Ground (Sundermount)

Abilities & Skills[]

Corrosive Spit Corrosive Spit
Activated
Range: Medium
Activation: 0
Cooldown: 20s
The creature spits. All targets take spirit damage and have their movement speed reduced. Spirit resistance reduces effect.
Leap Leap
Activated
Range: Medium
Activation: 0
Cooldown: 5s
The creature leaps to a target point.
Scream Scream
Activated
Range: Medium
Activation: 0
Cooldown: 30s
The creature screams. The target is paralyzed and is periodically drained of life force to heal the creature. Spirit resistance reduces the effect. Can be dispelled.
Shattering Stomp Shattering Stomp
Activated
Range: Personal
Activation: 0
Cooldown: 60s
The creature jump and lands with a stomp. All targets take damage and are knocked down unless they pass a physical resistance check. Friendly fire possible.

Codex entries[]

Codex entry: The Varterral Codex entry: The Varterral
Codex entry: Varterral Codex entry: Varterral

Trivia[]

  • This is the first creature for Dragon Age II to be described on BioWare's site, and one appears in the Destiny trailer.
  • Although they are never referred as such in game, the BioWare website and concept art refer to the beasts as "Striders".

Bugs[]

  • When you are trying to kill the Varterral in Dragon Age II, it may get stuck under the big boulder near the exit passageway stopping you from getting any loot.

See also[]

Gallery[]

References[]

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