The Grey Wardens are an organization of elite heroes dedicated to battling the darkspawn and ending the Blights. Once their numbers were great and they rode into battle on majestic white griffons. In the centuries since the last Blight, their numbers have dwindled as many in Thedas came to believe they were no longer needed. In Ferelden the Grey Wardens were forced out entirely and only returned a few decades ago; still their numbers are small. Characters do not start play as Grey Wardens. It is an honor that must be earned.