Thaigs

The Thaigs, better known as The Dwarven Space Complexes, are massive structures dotting much of the galaxy. Often they take the form of massive space stations--which are the actual Thaigs according to the Dwarves--, or a massive system of passageways and exoterrestrial tunnels and halls connecting some or all of the asteroids in a planetary system's asteroid belt--known as The Deep Roads.

Purpose / Function

For as long as anyone can remember, Dwarves have lived in the Thaigs. The largest and most well known of which is Orzammar. Their purpose, thus, has always been assumed to be simply the same as any planet. It's assumed that the purpose of The Deep Roads is connected to the mining of Lyrium, as The Deep Roads connect asteroids commonly known to have vast deposits of Raw Lyrium.

Alterations

When the first Darkspawn appeared in the Deep Roads, the Dwarves were the first to fall prey to their insatiable appetite. After which, in a panic and attempt to save their capital Thaig of Orzammar the Dwarves sealed off all entrances to the Deep Roads—entrances which took the form of both hanger bays for Dwarven spaceships and transporter portals, stations, and rooms. This left thousands of Thaigs abandoned to fend for themselves across the galaxy, including the once great former capital of the Dwarven empire Kal Sharok.

History

According to the Dwarven Shaperate, the Thaigs originally began being constructed some ten thousand years ago. While the Shaperate is known for their attention to detail and love for historical accuracy, it is believed they may have gotten this date incorrect due to much of their collected histories being lost when the Thaigs were sealed and abandoned.

The Elves date the completion of the Thaigs more or less 3500 years before the Fall of Arlathan. However, scholars are also unsure about the accuracy of this date and much history and knowledge was lost when Arlathan fell to the Tevinter Imperium. Most scholars believe this date to be a misinterpretation of actual events, as the elves also date their first contact with Dwarves to be around this same time, and the likelihood of both events occurring together is very low.

The earliest Human records state that the Thaigs have existed "since before we had spaceflight" as Thaigs were already present in the Galaxy when humanity first began traveling space.

According to the Dwarves, for as long as the Thaigs have existed, so too have The Deep Roads existed. When the Darkspawn first appeared in -395 Ancient, the Dwarves were the first to be attacked. The Darkspawn appeared en masse in the Deep Roads, many Thaigs fell, overrun by Darkspawn that surged forth from their connections to the Deep Roads. By the time the Darkspawn found their way to Human civilizations, many Thaigs had been lost or destroyed.

Working together, the Thaigs of Ozammar, Kal-Sharok, Hormak, and Gundaar managed to survive the initial onslaught of Darkspawn. Systematically sealing off or destroying access points from the Deep Roads into the Thaigs.

In -15 Ancient, hundreds of years after the first Darkspawn appeared, Orzammar sealed off the final transporter between its section of Deep Roads and the rest of the Dwarven Empire. All Thaigs were assumed lost.

It is claimed that the Thaig of Kal-Sharok was rediscovered in 9:12 Dragon, but many believe this date to be questionable at best. Kal-Sharok's Dwarves have a unique culture born of isolation, yet their merchants trade in goods that, were the date correct, they should not have access to.

Alternative Names

Dwarven Space Complexes

Type

Megastructure, Stellar scale

Connected Rooms

• The Deep Roads

Owning Organization

Dwarven Monarchs

Related Materials

• Lyrium

Related Historical Events

• -4600 Ancient
  First Contact (Elf-Dwarf)