Varterral

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

Varterral is a huge spider-like creature that stands on five massive legs that allows it to move at surprising speeds.

Background

The elves created the varterrals in the time of ancient Arlathan. The remnant creatures are now often associated with that lost elven culture, and of times lost to history. Elven myth says the elven god Dirthamen fashioned the first varterral from rock, fallen trees, wind, and rain.^[1] Its purpose was to safeguard a city beloved by Dirthamen, and according to Dalish lore it has kept its vigil ever since, even over the ruins. It is said that if charged to guard something, a varterral will stay alive no matter how many times it is struck down.^[2]

They attack with speed, fast strikes and venomous spit. In theory, they should never attack an elf, save in self-defense.^[3]

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 everyone present, 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 Hunting Ground in Sundermount. It was struck down by Hawke and Merrill in 9:34 Dragon but somehow revived and attacked Hawke's party again when they returned while hunting for an Antivan Assassin. When Hawke sees the varterral for the second time they will remark on its apparent resurrection to which Merrill, if present, will explain that as long as the varterral has a duty to guard something, it will stay alive no matter how many times it is defeated.

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 and pedestal, and elven labyrinth.

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".
Apparently, some varterrals can smell if one is an elf, which helps them discern friendly mortals from enemies.^[4] Others, however, appear to attack anyone regardless of whether they are elven or not.^[5]

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.