Red Templars

Steel-bound guardians of the Chantry, clad in crimson devotion against magic.

The Red Templars are a distinct faction in Dragon Age: Inquisition, led by Samson, who are corrupted by red lyrium and separate from the standard Templar Order. The Templars themselves are an ancient military order sworn to protect the Chantry and contain the mages of the Circle.

Quick Facts

Colloquial reference: Red Templars (Official In-Game Designation)
Status: Destroyed (by the end of Dragon Age: Inquisition)

Lore & Background

Tensions between the Templars and mages eventually fractured the order during the events of the Inquisition era. Some sought to maintain the status quo, while others pushed for radical change or independence from the Chantry. This schism led to a redefinition of their purpose in Thedas, though their core mission of protecting the world from uncontrolled magic remains a defining legacy. Crucially, their ability to resist and sever magical connections is not derived from external gear but is an innate power granted by lyrium infused directly into their bodies during the Rite of Passage.

Reader's Guide

The Templar Order serves as the military arm of the Chantry dedicated to monitoring mages within the Circle Towers. Their primary goal is preventing apostasy and ensuring that magic does not threaten the common folk. Members undergo rigorous training, infusing their armor with lyrium to withstand magical attacks. They operate under a strict hierarchy led by Grand Enforcers.

Historically, they maintained peace through containment, but this relationship soured over time due to perceived tyranny. During major conflicts, Templars have fought alongside Grey Wardens against the Blight or stood as adversaries to reformist mages. In modern Thedas, the Order faces an identity crisis following significant upheaval. Some factions seek to dissolve their ties with the Chantry, while others aim to preserve tradition. Regardless of internal strife, they remain a potent force in the balance between magic and order.

Did You Know?

Templars gain resistance to magic through internal lyrium infusion received during the Rite of Passage, granting them innate abilities rather than relying on treated armor.
During the Fifth Blight, the final battle at Denerim involved Grey Wardens and their allies, but Templars are not specifically depicted as a major force; the primary military forces are the army gathered by the player.

Frequently Asked Questions

What powers or abilities do they possess?

Their exposure to red lyrium grants them enhanced strength and a terrifying resistance to magic, allowing them to withstand spells that would kill ordinary soldiers. This corruption also fuels their fanatical aggression and distorts their perception of reality.

How does the story of the Red Templars conclude?

By the end of Dragon Age: Inquisition, the faction is completely destroyed after the Inquisitor defeats their leader, Samson, at the Temple of Sacred Ashes. Their defeat marks the end of this specific threat to the world.

How do they differ from standard Templars?

While regular Templars are sworn to protect the Chantry and contain mages, the Red Templars have abandoned these vows for a genocidal crusade against all magic users. Their crimson armor and red lyrium addiction visually and ideologically separate them from the Order's traditional blue-and-gold identity.