Nathaniel nods. "Grey Wardens." He hazards a guess that Anders hasn't told Martin much about his past. "We're an order of fighters and such, charged with trying to destroy darkspawn, and defeating any Blights that occur."

It was strange trying to explain something that every person in Thedas knew about, to a greater or lesser degree. "Darkspawn are these hideous monsters that dwell in the depths of the earth, and they're led by the old gods--dragons, or so I've heard, though we call them archdemons. And every few hundred years or so, one of the archdemons rises up, along with thousands of its servants. Wardens are the only who can destroy the archdemon, and thus end the Blight.

"It's an important job; there were seven old gods to begin with, five have been defeated. A day will come when Thedas will be free of all darkspawn, and it'll be due to the Wardens." The pride that Nathaniel feels about being part of this order should be obvious to anyone who listens to his tale.