The Human Noble Origin is one of six origins available in Dragon Age: Origins. This character begins as the child of the Teyrn of Highever, one of the most powerful nobles in Ferelden. The default name is "Aedan Cousland" if male, "Elissa Cousland" if female.

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Introduction

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"Some lands are ruled by men and women who believe that they have been elevated to their rank by the Maker himself, but in Ferelden, rulers must earn their place. The nobility is not suffered gladly as the Orlesian Empire discovered when it attempted to occupy this land. The Couslands have stewarded for many generations, dating to before Ferelden's first king was ever crowned. They have persevered for so long because of their reputation for justice and temperance, as well as their willingness to lead men into battle. With the rise of the Darkspawn horde in the south, it thus falls to the Teyrn of Highever to send out the call once again; duty demands that an army be sent to King Cailan at once.

As the Couslands will quickly discover, however, the evil horde to the south is not the only darkness in Ferelden; treachery stalks the halls of Castle Cousland as well.

As a young scion of the Cousland family, the duty of carrying its banner will fall to you. Will you live up to your family's proud heritage? Or, will you forge your own path, and damn the consequences?"

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Plot

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Teyrn Bryce Cousland and his oldest son Fergus are preparing to heed King Cailan's call to battle darkspawn at Ostagar. Arl Rendon Howe of Amaranthine waits for his forces to join the teyrn's at Highever. The tardiness of Howe's men is being discussed in the main hall as Fergus' younger sibling (the PC) enters; s/he is greeted by Arl Howe and Teyrn Cousland, and introduced to Duncan. The latter, a senior Grey Warden, explains his mission and suggests that the PC would be a promising recruit--already knowing this idea will be dismissed by the teyrn. After being tasked with instructing Fergus to depart immediately with the bulk of the Cousland forces, the PC is intercepted by Ser Gilmore, a knight in Highever's service; Teyrna Eleanor Cousland wishes her youngest child to collect his/her dog, prompting another quest. After finishing both tasks, the PC heads for bed.

In the night, Arl Howe's "late" men seize the castle. The PC wakes up, fights a way out of his/her bedroom and finds the teyrna, who explains that the teyrn is missing. A quick search will reveal Fergus' son and wife murdered, along with the other guests. Teyrna Eleanor, saddened and outraged, suggests retrieving a family heirloom or two. In the main hall Ser Gilmore, directing the few remaining defenders, says the teyrn has headed for the kitchen.

In the pantry they find the teyrn, gravely wounded. Duncan fights his way in and asks to recruit the PC. Bryce relents, wanting his youngest child to tell Fergus what has happened. Duncan offers to bring the teyrna too, but she refuses to leave her husband's side--and the teyrn is too injured to travel.

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Quests

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Father's Task
Mischief in the Larder
Howe Treachery
The Cousland Treasury
Sweet Iona / Sweet Dairren



“ I trust you completely to carry on the Cousland name if the worst should happen.”