History ShoutOut / DragonAge

* A bit of a TearJerker, the [[http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Codex_Entry:_A_Rolled-Up_Note Rolled-Up Note]] you find is a clear shout-out to VForVendetta's [[http://www.shadowgalaxy.net/Vendetta/valerie.html Valerie Page]].
* Lake and King Calenhad are named after the Calenhad, the sixth of [[TheLordOfTheRings Gondor's beacons]].
* If you start as a Magi, the codex says "[[Literature/{{Discworld}} There has been no way found to travel except putting one foot after another]]."
* Among the names of fallen Grey Wardens recorded on a poster in the Warden's Keep is "Jason sans les Argonauts", literally "Jason without the Argonauts". This is in an area right after you fight skeletal warriors, just like in the film.
* [[AllThereInTheManual A codex entry]] states the Orlesians think Fereldans are [[TheKillingJoke one bad day]] from barbarism.
* It's either incredibly subtle or an accident, but when you're in the Fade rescuing Connor from his terrible dreams, a constant landmark is [[Franchise/TheElderScrolls a stack of chairs all piled up one atop another in little towers.]] This is the mark of a dreamer for House Dagoth...
** It could also be a reference to ''Film/{{Poltergeist}}'', a movie about evil spirits with an unhealthy interest in a young child.
* After fighting the soldiers in the tavern in Lothering, talking to the barkeep allows you to begin the conversation with ''[[StarWars "Sorry about the mess..."]]''
* In the ''Awakening'' expansion, the Darkspawn Disciples use an ability called [[ConanTheBarbarian "Cimmerian Shield"]].
* The Kolcari Wilds are identified on the world map as [[Series/{{Farscape}} "Uncharted Territories."]] Naturally, this is where you meet [[ClaudiaBlack Morrigan]].
* A certain First in the Dalish camp sounds awfully like a [[MassEffect Gunnery Chief you might know from the future.]] She even quotes poetry at you.
* There's a random encounter where you happen across [[{{Superman}} an elderly couple next to a crater talking about how they're planning to raise the child they just found in it as their own. The woman's name is Martha]].
** You can pick up a meteorite from the crater. The item description implies it could be the last piece of an alien world. Sadly, [[InfinityPlusOneSword the sword]] you can have the ore smithed into is blue, not [[GreenRocks green]].
*** The sword, Starfang, makes the reference even more specific. There was an elseworld's comic where Superman's rocket landed on a medieval SwordAndSorcery world.
* Haven has a graveyard with lots and lots of readable gravestones. Among them:
** "The LHC did it."
** "To Great-Great grandfather [[DungeonsAndDragons Gygax]]"
** One that references NeverwinterNights
* When you rescue [[spoiler: Anora from Arl Howe]], she's dressed in a guard outfit to help escape capture. One of the dialogue options is [[StarWars "Aren't you a little short to be a guard?"]]
** During the Human Noble origin, the PC can say "I've got a bad feeling about this."
** After beating Loghain's men in the Lothering tavern, you can stroll over to the bartender and tell him that you're "sorry about the mess."
** Sten usually ends conversations with [[KnightsOfTheOldRepublic "Then I suggest we move on."]]
* If you've added Shale to your party, right before the final battle with the archdemon, she tells you to "[[Film/ThePrincessBride have fun storming the castle!]]"
** When questioning a scavenger who took Sten's sword, one of your dialogue options is "Sten, [[Film/ThePrincessBride tear his arms off.]]" Does it bear mentioning that Sten is the tallest member of your party?
** Sten is a walking, (rarely) talking Princess Bride shout out.
--> '''The Warden''': Well, that wasn't what I expected to hear.
--> '''Sten''': Get used to disappointment.

--> '''Sten''': Yes?
--> '''The Warden''': Nothing, let's just move on.
--> '''Sten''': As you wish.
** Another ''Film/ThePrincessBride'' reference occurs during your first confrontation with Ser Cauthrien where the dialogue option to fight her is "''Death first!''"
** And during the Landsmeet, [[spoiler: when the Warden picks Shale to duel Loghain]], the latter says: "I think the odds might be slightly in his favor in a test of strength."
** These shout outs are all the work of Bioware writer Mary Kirby.
* In the Brecilian Forest, you meet a crazy old man who wants to play a game, trading questions for questions and answers for answers. His very first one is "[[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail What...is your name?]]" Said in the ''exact'' way as in Holy Grail.
* The LordOfTheRings movies obviously had a ''great'' influence on the visual design of the [[strike: orcs]] darkspawn and the cinematics. Just look at [[strike:The Battle of Helm's Deep]] The Battle of Ostagar. Listen to the music, especially when fighting darkspawn in the Wilds, it sounds almost exactly like the orc theme from the movie.
** Also, the hurlock commander in charge does the neck-cricking thing that the Uruk-Hai commander does in the movie.
** No one has mentioned that it seems an awful lot like Helm's Deep? The spawn of evil are charging forward with a forest behind them towards a guarded fortress on a rainy night? All we needed was Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas to show up.
** The Deep Roads have obvious Moria parallels--a destroyed dwarven kingdom overrun by darkspawn/orcs, rife with the valuable mineral lyrium/mithril.
** Indirectly, Flemeth's unseen rescue from the Tower of Ishaal is highly reminiscent of the way Gandalf and the eagles save Frodo and Sam from Mount Doom, if Morrigan's story is true. A note the PC can find also mentions that a band of unfortunate explorers "should have taken the damn giant eagles."
** A possible reply to one of Wynne's conversations about being a Grey Warden is: [[LordOftheRings "I do not want power. I have never wanted it." Hello, there, Aragorn.]]
*** Wynne is the second in seniority amongst a group of mages, who acts as mentor and wise guide to a [[RagtagBunchofMisfits large travelling group of young'uns]], and who [[HeroicSacrifice loses her life]] in a desperate defeat of a powerful EldritchAbomination in order to save a younger and less able companion. But she was [[UnexplainedRecovery saved by a mystical, arcane force]] and sent back to complete her task. Now if that doesn't have Gandalf written all over it...
** In the Dalish origin, it is possible to find evidence of a failed attempt at establishing trade between elves and dwarves, stating "Some dwarves dug too high and too frugally and struck elves."
* ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime''. Warden sounds like Warder, Par Vallon sounds like Tar Valon, Loghain sounds like Logain, Shadowspawn and Blight are not even changed, the description of the Iron Ring (a serpent devouring its own tail) has it looking exactly like the Aes Sedai ring, Leliana is a bard with a gift for using knives and spying just like a certain Thom Merrilin, and Leliana also makes several references to the high-blood of the Seanchan, the game of houses, and refers to secret networks as "eyes and ears".
* One of the options for "what a lark can carry, but an ox may not" is "[[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail a coconut]]". Particularly funny, since you actually ''are'' looking for the equivalent of the HolyGrail.
* Oren, the young boy in the Human Noble prologue, fantasizes about vanquishing his foes with a "[[SwordOfTruth Sword of]] [[TheColbertReport Truthiness]]".
* A note found in the Deep Roads says, "'Mass will have an effect.... How's a dwarf get to be named [[MassEffect Shepard]]?'" The note consists mostly of the dwarf complaining about the [[LoadsAndLoadsOfLoading extremely slow lift]] he is standing on.
** "Shepard" here also axes his conversation partner and kills himself by walking out of the lift.
* The Gauntlet could easily be a shout out to ''Film/IndianaJonesAndTheLastCrusade'', as it constitutes several tests of character and ability (with appropriate discussion as to whether the flowery language of legend actually refers to something divine or merely a set of elaborate deathtraps) that must be conquered if one is to reach an artifact which might as well be the Holy Grail.
** Not to mention the Guardian, An ancient knight who guards a holy relic from the unworthy and is kept alive far longer than a normal human by the very power which he guards.
* "[[MySignificanceSenseIsTingling Warden senses]] [[SpiderMan tingling]]!!!", sometimes said by the PC just before a fight.
** [[GameplayAndStorySegregation Even during the origin story, when the PC is not a Grey Warden yet.]]
** And even if the enemies that are being fought are ''not'' darkspawn.
*** Considering the fairly snarky nature of the Warden, it might just be a joke.
** While we're talking about comic books: in the Fade, you have the possibility to "morph" into four different forms, each with specific abilitie and feats. Those four forms are, respectively, a "spirit" able to cast spells like a mage (read: intellect); a mouse who can use Stealth; an archer immuned to fire able to cast fireballs called "human torch"; and a big stone golem who can punch, earthquake and rock-throw his way through things. [[ComicBook/FantasticFour Seriously]].
** One of Alistair's "enemies nearby" lines is "Yep... [[PiratesOfTheCaribbean beasties. Beasties are comin']]."
* A sequence in the trailer for the ExpansionPack is highly reminiscent of the intro sequence to Baldur's Gate.
** BonusBoss Gaxkang is a clear shout out to Baldur's Gate II's Kangax.
** In Baldur's Gate, using an area transition while some characters were lagging too far behind resulted in the narrator informing you that "You must gather your party before venturing forth". Since this happens ''a lot'' due to iffy pathfinding, the line gained some infamy in the BG fandom. In Dragon Age, the 'confirm action' popup for leaving an area asks if you want to "Gather your party and venture forth"
* The Summer Sword is defintely a reference to the InfinityPlusOneSword [[Literature/LoneWolf Sommerswerd.]]
* In Denerim Chantry one may meet Sister Theohild who is messing the holy text up with hilarious errors. Exactly like minister Gerald in FourWeddingsAndAFuneral.
* The Awakening NPC Mistress Woolsey, an accountant/bureaucrat sent by Weisshaupt to "oversee" things at Vigil's Keep, seems to be a pretty straight-up shout out to Richard Woolsey from StargateAtlantis. Right down to the name.
* WordOfGod says that Ser Gilmore, an NPC in the human noble origin, has the first name Roland... [[GilmoreGirls Rory]] for short.
* A random encounter has a group of people surrounding an axe in a stump, and whomever pulls it out is said to be the true ruler of all Thedas. It seems like a KingArthur reference ... until a NPC starts complaining that lifting a drunken logger's axe out of a stump [[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail is no basis for a system of government]]. Another onlooker will state that the Warden has a regal manner, as evidenced by the fact that they [[Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail haven't got dung all over them]].
* If you have your Mabari hound go searching for items, he may return with some cake. One of your possible responses is [[PennyArcade "I'm not eating any found cake."]]
* During the Leliana's Song DLC, the eponymous [[strike:French Spy]] Orlesian bard will enter a room full of guards and announce her presence with a loud exclamation of "[[VideoGame/TeamFortress2 Gentlemen!]]"
** She also does this in Origins proper if you're playing a male Warden. She'll interrupt you and the captain in the pub with it.
* Sergeant Kylon, and his watchmen might be a small reference to the Ankh-Morpork city watch from the Discworld series of novels, not only is his name very similar to one of the characters, he also complains of the complete ineptness of the guard in capturing criminals and preventing crime.
* If you talk with Sten twice in the epilogue he'll say: "I was told there would be cake. [[VideoGame/{{Portal}} There is no cake. The cake is a lie."]]
* In the Darkspawn Chronicles it's revealed that Alistair named his dog [[PennyArcade Barkspawn]].
* In Awakening, the flavor text for the Kal'Hirol Lava Burst mentions that [[TheSimpsons it tastes like burning.]]
* If Zevran is in your group, you can at one point give him a pair of [[Main.RicardoMontalban fine Antivan leather]] gloves (like the ones his mother used to own). He will be surprised and ask what the occasion is, to which the player character may respond: [[PiratesOfTheCaribbean "If you don't want them, give them back."]]
* In the Witch Hunt [=DLC=], the joinable mage NPC Finn has a magic staff [[{{Firefly}} called]] [[ICallItVera Vera]]. The item description even says, "He's named it 'Vera' for some reason".
** He's even got a 'Ghastly Hat' which his mother made for him. Unlike Jayne he doesn't seem to be all that keen on wearing it.
* While more of a stretch than the other examples listed, to the point of possibly being coincidental, two [=NPCs=] are named [[VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia "Lloyd" and "Irving"]]. The former NPC can even be found in a tavern along with a character, Berwick voiced by CamClarke [[spoiler: the voice of Lloyd Irving's father, Kratos.]]
* Qunari, on close examination, is a clever anagram of [[MassEffect Quarian]].
** Well it's missing the second "A" but still clever.
* This may be a complete coincidence, but the Qunari appear to be alternate-universe ''[[TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} Tau]]''. Absurdly-structured caste-based society? Check. Allow outsiders (even those of different species) to join up? Check. More technologically advanced than the rest of the world? Check. Currently at peace with the prime human civilization(s) after a significant war of expansion? Check.
* In camp, a drunk Oghren propositions you, even if you are a male. When you reject him because "I'm a man!" He simply replies that [[SomeLikeItHot "Nobody's perfect."]]
* With high approval, Sigrun will sometimes say "O Commander! My Commander!" Similar to a certain [[MassEffect poetry-spouting Gunnery Chief]].
** That, or somebody at BioWare really likes WaltWhitman.
* A Chantry Priestess in Denerim who identifies relics talks about people bringing in fake "finger bones" and "holy sandals" of Andraste. ''{{Blackadder}} and ''Film/MontyPythonsLifeOfBrian'' respectively.
* Many, many shout outs to ''ASongOfIceAndFire'', considering that series' influence on ''DragonAge''. Several familiar names pop up, and a few people and organizations are very similar (the Legion of the Dead is almost a CaptainErsatz of the Night's Watch, for example).
* The ''Characters'' are shout-outs, especially to previous BioWare games:
** The elf who hates all humans, is cranky all the time, has real sibling issues, and is one of the best spellcasters in the game? Oh hello [[BaldursGate Viconia!]] She even sounds the same.
** Edwina, the barmaid of the Gnawed Noble Tavern, sounds like she's just lost a duel with Elminster of the Dales...
** Red Haired thief with a sunny attitude, dark past (and enjoys it), and all round adorableness? Give her a Mage Origin and she's Imoen!
** Sten, of the [[VideoGame/NeverwinterNights Red-Tiger clan.]]
*** Oh, and Daelan Red Tiger's voice actor is SteveBlum (Oghren).
** Hell, it also work with MassEffect: the "snarky with a heart of gold" highly specialized warrior with a harsh backstory, possible romance for female PC? Allistair/Kaidan (or possibly Garrus). The battle-hardened, [[BrutalHonesty brutally honest]], ComicallySerious and [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy proud]] BloodKnight ? Sten/Wrex. The sweet, almost {{Adorkable}} lady with an unusual backstory, a strong faith and an abusive authority figure, who is a possible bisexual romance for the PC? Leliana/Liara. The other possible romance for a male PC, a very abrasive woman who's prompt to criticize people who don't share their views, with a father/mother responsible for their prejudices and twisted vision of the world? Morrigan/Ashley.
* In the Witch Hunt DLC, you can overhear two mages talking, one saying he wished they could keep pets like dogs, cats, rats, and owls in the tower. The other questions [[Literature/HarryPotter what kind of a mage keeps an owl as a pet.]]
** In the same library, you can find a book about magical wands with a scribbled note: ''"What kind of self-respecting mage uses a wand, anyway?"''
* When the Warden first meets Nathaniel in ''Awakening'', Nathanial asks [[Film/{{Braveheart}} "Aren't you supposed to be ten feet tall? With lightning bolts coming out of your eyes?"]]
* The two sisters standing in front of the chantry in Denerim tell the story of one [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caedmon Brother Caedmon]] who used to be in charge of the lyrium storage...and very good at singing [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caedmon%27s_hymn#C.C3.A6dmon.27s_Hymn hymns.]]
* The little boy in sitting on the bridge in Lothering will open conversation with "Have you seen my mother?" with the exact same inflection as the boy asking for his "mummy" from the ''Series/DoctorWho'' two-parter "The Empty Child"/"The Doctor Dances". The voice is also identical. All the kid needs is a gas mask.
* When the warden and Zevran have the conversation about Antivian boots, one dialogue option is, "No boots for you!" [[Series/{{Seinfeld}} Soup Nazi anyone?]]
* Possibly a coincidence, but the city of Amaranthine in ''Awakening'' shares its name with a minor planet in ''VideoGame/MassEffect1''.
* One banter between Sten and Dog:
--->'''Sten:''' I don't understand you.
--->'''Dog:''' *Barking*
--->'''Sten:''' [[Series/{{Lassie}} There's a child trapped down a well?]]
* One of the gods of the elves is Fen'Harel, the Dread Wolf. One of the gods of the elves in ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' is Fenmarel, the Lone Wolf.

Back to Main/DragonAge.

* The Summer Sword is defintely a reference to the InfinityPlusOneSword [[LoneWolf Sommerswerd.]]

--->'''Sten:''' [[{{Lassie}} There's a child trapped down a well?]]

** While we're talking about comic books: in the Fade, you have the possibility to "morph" into four different forms, each with specific abilitie and feats. Those four forms are, respectively, a "spirit" able to cast spells like a mage (read: intellect); a mouse who can use Stealth; an archer immuned to fire able to cast fireballs called "human torch"; and a big stone golem who can punch, earthquake and rock-throw his way through things. [[FantasticFour Seriously]].

* In the Witch Hunt DLC, you can overhear two mages talking, one saying he wished they could keep pets like dogs, cats, rats, and owls in the tower. The other questions [[HarryPotter what kind of a mage keeps an owl as a pet.]]

* It's either incredibly subtle or an accident, but when you're in the Fade rescuing Connor from his terrible dreams, a constant landmark is [[TheElderScrolls a stack of chairs all piled up one atop another in little towers.]] This is the mark of a dreamer for House Dagoth...

* It's probably safe to say that at some point in the sequel, your party will be referred to as the "[[{{Berserk}} Band of Hawke]]."
** Take a close look at the "Berserker" specialization icon in ''Origins'' - [[http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100712094111/dragonage/images/e/e8/Classico_berserker.png notice anything]] [[http://ro42g.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/berserker03.jpg familiar]]?

* There's a random encounter where you happen across [[{{Superman}} an elderly couple next to a crater talking about how they're planning to raise the child they just found in it as their own. The woman's name is Marta]].

** Hell, it also work with MassEffect: the "snarky with a heart of gold" highly specialized warrior with a harsh backstory, possible romance for female PC? Allistair/Kaidan (or possibly Garrus). The battle-hardened, [[BrutalHonesty brutally honest]], ComicallySerious and [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy proud]]BloodKnight ? Sten/Wrex. The sweet, almost {{Adorkable}} lady with an unusual backstory, a strong faith and an abusive authority figure, who is a possible bisexual romance for the PC? Leliana/Liara. The other possible romance for a male PC, a very abrasive woman who's prompt to criticize people who don't share their views, with a father/mother responsible for their prejudices and twisted vision of the world? Morrigan/Ashley.