The Old Gods are sleeping beings that were worshiped in the form of dragons by a significant number of Thedosians, specifically the people of the Tevinter Imperium, thousands of years ago. Legend holds that it was the Old Gods who initially taught mages how to use magic. The Archdemons are awakened Old Gods, tainted by the darkspawn.

Should we hold onto legend, after the Veil was put into place and the Fade locked away, these Old Gods taught the mortals magic that had long been forgotten. Without them, magic today would not be known. So when thinking of the Old Gods, please remember the role they've played in history. Please remember that your mage wouldn't have magic if magic had never left the dragon's maw.

But even with great feats, come great terror. The Old Gods manipulated those who most worshipped them, the Tevinter Magisters, and in -395 Ancient, the Magisters found a way past the Veil. Entering a realm forbidden to the likes of man, the Magisters caused the Golden City to blacken. As it blackened and they were corrupted by the Void, upon which they had unknowingly entered, the first darkspawn came to exist.

So in a way, they gave us magic, but magic had a price.

Link to About Vessels

ANDORAL, THE DRAGON OF SLAVES
ARCHDEMON OF THE FOURTH BLIGHT

DUMAT, THE DRAGON OF SILENCE
ARCHDEMON OF THE FIRST BLIGHT

LUSACAN, THE DRAGON OF NIGHT
ARCHDEMON OF THE SIXTH/SEVENTH BLIGHT
THIS IS A CURRENTLY ACTIVE ARCHDEMON.
It's soul may become available depending on how it is killed.

RAZIKALE, THE DRAGON OF MYSTERY
ARCHDEMON OF THE SIXTH/SEVENTH BLIGHT
THIS IS A CURRENTLY ACTIVE ARCHDEMON.
It's soul may become available depending on how it is killed.

TOTH, THE DRAGON OF FIRE
ARCHDEMON OF THE THIRD BLIGHT

URTHEMIEL, THE DRAGON OF BEAUTY
ARCHDEMON OF THE FIFTH BLIGHT

ZAZIKEL, THE DRAGON OF CHAOS
ARCHDEMON OF THE SECOND BLIGHT