The Fade & Dreams
The Fade is a parallel dimension in the Dragon Age universe, a realm of dreams, spirits, and raw magic. It is the source of all magic and the home of spirits and demons. Mortals can enter the Fade through dreams, meditation, or by being forcibly pulled in. The Veil, a barrier between the physical world and the Fade, is usually strong, but can be thinned or torn, leading to dangerous incursions.
Dreams are the most common way mortals interact with the Fade. When sleeping, individuals enter the Fade, where their subconscious can manifest in various ways. These dreams can be mundane, prophetic, or terrifying, depending on the dreamer's state of mind and any spiritual influences. The Fade is a fluid and unpredictable place, shaped by the thoughts and emotions of those within it.
Spirits inhabit the Fade, existing as pure emotion or concept. They can be benevolent, neutral, or malevolent. When the Veil is thin, spirits can cross into the physical world, sometimes possessing mortals or manifesting as physical beings. Demons are corrupted spirits, born from negative emotions like rage, fear, or hatred. They are inherently dangerous and seek to cause harm and spread their influence.
The Inquisitor's journey often involves confronting threats that originate from or are connected to the Fade. Fade Rifts, tears in the Veil, allow spirits and demons to pour into the physical world, posing a significant danger to the populace. Closing these rifts is a major undertaking for the Inquisition, requiring magical prowess and courage.
Key Concepts of the Fade:
- Realm of Dreams: Where spirits reside and mortals can travel through dreams.
- Source of Magic: All magical energy originates from the Fade.
- The Veil: The barrier separating the physical world from the Fade.
- Spirits and Demons: Inhabitants of the Fade, with demons being corrupted spirits.
- Fade Rifts: Tears in the Veil that allow incursions from the Fade.
The nature of the Fade and its inhabitants is a central theme in Dragon Age: Inquisition, particularly in relation to the protagonist's unique connection to the Fade and the Breach. Understanding the Fade is essential for comprehending the motivations of spirits and demons, the origins of magic, and the overarching threat to the world.
Certain operations on the War Table directly relate to the Fade, such as 'Improved Stability,' which requires closing Fade Rifts, or 'Investigate Ancient Laboratory,' hinting at attempts to manipulate Fade energies. These missions offer rewards that bolster the Inquisition's ability to combat Fade-related threats.