For the headquarters of the Shaperate, see Orzammar Shaperate.

The Shaperate is a highly respected dwarven institution, a kind of organic library. The dwarves consider that those who walk the path of the Shaperate and document lore, history, and events in the Stone via the Memories will eventually be blessed by the Shaperate.[1] The members of the Shaperate are historians, scholars, judges, genealogists and philosophers among the dwarves. Their task is considered to be extremely important—almost sacred.[2][3]

The Shapers are an academic class typically drawn from the ranks of the Noble caste, though exceptions are made for those of other castes who possess great intellectual gifts. They also possess remarkable Stone sense.[4] The political body of Shapers is known as the Shaperate, which is also the name for their physical edifice in Orzammar.

Shapers are supposed to be apolitical, devoted solely to their work maintaining the Memories. But in reality, in certain cases the Memories had been concealed from the public[5] or even rewritten completely[6].

The functions of the Shaperate Edit

Main role Edit

The main role of the Shaperate of Memories is to record in lyrium on the Wall of Memories[7]: the authoritative collection of information on dwarven society spanning thousands of years. On a daily basis, they oversee births, marriages and death records.[8] Based on this information, the Shaperate can trace lineages, determine what land is owned by which family, and so on.[9] Several codex entries are attributed to various Shaperate members.[10]


A Shaperate scribe

Shapers are expected to venture far and wide to gain knowledge with which to add to the Memories.[1] This may involve entering the Deep Roads to search abandoned thaigs for forgotten lore where they may conduct excavations[11][12], even fighting darkspawn if that is what it takes to gain the knowledge they seek. All knowledge of dwarven history and current events is considered of value and Shapers are expected by their peers and the traditions of the Shaperate to seek it out.

The Shaperate is the main source of learning in Orzammar, and as such is critical to the research of dwarven scholars. Dwarves of any caste can also make use of the Shaperate archives[13], perhaps even the casteless are permitted inside.[14] Some scholars have noble patronage, conducting extended research on a particular house in return for support and protection.[15] The shapers also specialize in enchantments.[16]

Other functions Edit

In addition, the Shaperate of Memories regulates the changes in Orzammar's structure and society.[17] For example, the Shaperate decides whether or not to sanction a place of worship dedicated to anything other than the Paragons.[18] Furthermore, whenever a new king or queen of Orzammar is elected, they are coronated during a special ceremony in the Chamber of the Assembly by the Shaper of Memories.

Since they are considered apolitical and objective, the Shaperate advises the Assembly on matters of procedure and precedent. Members are called upon to act as judges in disputes. However, in extremely sensitive matters—such as the murder of a member of the royal family, or determining whether a dwarf shall be declared a Paragon—such responsibilities fall to the Assembly.



Structure Edit

Shaper&#039;s Life

A Shaperate cataloger

The order of the Shapers is dedicated to preserving the history and collective knowledge of the dwarves; as such there are three different kinds of Shapers to maintain the different branches of information.[20]

The Shaperate of Memories[21] is the most prominent branch of the Shaperates with a privileged location in Orzammar which keeps the essential records known as Memories.[20] Its leader is the Shaper of Memories[17] who may be part of the nobility since he is addressed as "Lord Shaper". This title may simply be an honorific and not intentionally indicative of nobility.

The Shaperate of Golems[21] is largely defunct with the dearth of golems in modern day.[20] Its leader is the Shaper of Golems.

The Shaperate of Runes[22] focuses on the study and construction of runes.

The Shaperate of Stone keeps mundane records of work and marriage and other domestic information.[20] Its leader is the Shaper of Stone.

Known positions within the Shaperate of Memories are:

  • Shaper of Memories
  • Shaper
  • Shaper Assistant
  • Scholar
  • Shaperate Scribe
  • Shaperate Cataloger

Known members Edit

Shapers Signpost

A signpost in the Shaperate

BioWare canon

Notes Edit

See also Edit

Ico codex entry Codex entry: The City of Orzammar
Ico codex entry Codex entry: The Shaper's Life
Codex icon DA2 Codex entry: The Primeval Thaig
Codex icon DA2 Codex entry: The Edge of Night
Codex icon DAI Codex entry: Dwarven Runecraft
Codex icon DAI Codex entry: The Eternal Battle: Darkspawn

Ico greatsword Shaperate's Blessing
Ico mace Shaperate's Blessing
Ico staff Shaperate's Blessing

References Edit

  1. 1.0 1.1 Codex entry: The Shaper's Life
  2. As implied during Thief in the House of Learning quest.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Core Rulebook, p. 185
  4. Mentioned by Lieutenant Renn.
  5. Codex entry: The Primeval Thaig
  6. Codex entry: Letters from the Past
  7. Mentioned by Dagna during Before the Dawn.
  8. Mentioned by Unna if you ask about the Shaperate.
  9. According to Shaper Czibor.
  10. See Category:Shaperate (sources).
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Codex entry: Letters from the Past
  12. 12.0 12.1 Based on Cinch of Skillful Maneuvering (Origins) and Cinch of Skillful Maneuvering (Awakening) description.
  14. Since the one who stole A Volume of Shaper History was a casteless dwarf.
  15. Gorim Saelac talking about Scholar Gertek.
  16. Dragon Age: The Calling, p. 391
  17. 17.0 17.1 Based on the discussion with Brother Burkel.
  18. The Chant in the Deeps.
  19. Codex entry: The Legion of Steel
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 35
  21. 21.0 21.1 Codex entry: Bartrand Tethras
  22. Codex entry: A Journal on Dwarven Ruins
  23. Codex entry: Asunder
  24. Codex entry: Stalata Negat
  25. Codex entry: The Paragon Hirol
  26. Codex entry: The Fortress of Kal'Hirol
  27. Codex entry: Valdasine
  28. Codex entry: Darion's Journal
  29. Brogan Dace. BioWare wiki.
  30. Codex entry: The Proving
  31. Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Core Rulebook, p. 179
  32. Mentioned by Dagna during Under Her Skin.