Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Lucanis’ Dilemma: Freeing or Imprisoning Illario

Staying true to the Dragon Age legacy, Dragon Age: The Veilguard features Rook accompanied by a diverse array of companions on their mission to save Thedas. Among these allies is Lucanis Dellamorte, a skilled assassin hailing from the notorious Antivan Crows. Known as the Demon of Vyrantium, Lucanis has a particular expertise in eliminating mages. However, from the outset of his adventure with Rook, he grapples with substantial personal challenges stemming from his family ties and internal conflicts.

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for Dragon Age: The Veilguard.]

Each companion quest in The Veilguard presents a unique narrative, as Rook’s allies confront shadows from their pasts. Unlike quests in earlier Dragon Age installations, the companion quests in this game are crucial for unlocking the Hero of the Veilguard status. This status significantly influences the game’s ending and determines the survival of various characters. Moreover, completing these quests rewards players with distinctive armor and perks that shift depending on the choices made—choices that resonate deeply for Lucanis.

Lucanis’ Quest: A Journey of Redemption and Betrayal

Familial Ties and Deceit

The narrative thrust of Lucanis’ quest initiates with a mission from Caterina Dellamorte, the First Talon of the Antivan Crows, who instructs Rook to locate Lucanis in the beautiful yet perilous underwater prison known as the Ossuary. Upon his release, Lucanis, ever the assassin, is driven to track down a Venatori torturer who has haunted him for a year. Yet, upon returning to his home city, Treviso, he discovers a devastating truth: Caterina has been murdered, allegedly by Zara, the very Venatori who orchestrated his torment and implanted a demon within him.

His quest becomes a relentless pursuit for vengeance against Zara, though hints throughout Lucanis’ journey indicate a deeper betrayal lies closer to home. The revelation of his cousin Illario’s treachery, while somewhat anticipated, delivers an emotional punch as Lucanis confronts disloyalty from within his own bloodline. The climax of his quest centers on a pivotal decision regarding Illario: should he be freed or imprisoned for his transgressions?

The Consequence of Letting Illario Go

Forgiveness Doesn’t Equate to Mercy

Post-battle, Lucanis faces the option to let Illario walk free. This choice resonates powerfully within the context of Lucanis’ character arc, focused on balance and forgiveness—a poignant element noted throughout The Veilguard. With shared histories and bonds akin to brotherhood, letting Illario go may seem like a compassionate resolution.

However, if the circumstances of Treviso’s fall hardened Lucanis’ outlook, this option may no longer be available, replaced by a resolute declaration to refuse Illario’s freedom.

By choosing to spare Illario, Lucanis earns the armor named Crow’s Poise and the Hero of the Veilguard skill, Demon of Rebellion. This gear is particularly favorable for a support-focused build, enhancing barrier damage and increasing resistance, optimizing Lucanis for synergy with mage-focused players. Nevertheless, tacticians should carefully consider their party composition when opting for this route, especially in high-difficulty scenarios.

Ability	Rook’s resistance increases by 10%, while party barrier damage amplifies by 25%.
Armor	Detonating an Overwhelmed enemy triggers a secondary detonation in a nearby enemy, making them vulnerable to necrotic damage.

Once Lucanis decides to release Illario, he entrusts his cousin into Viago’s care to keep him in check, although this choice might not be as benevolent as it seems. In a candid conversation with Rook later at the Lighthouse, Lucanis reveals his former belief in Illario’s loyalty, asserting that granting freedom is less an act of mercy and more a tactical move, stating all the Crows would be “watching him with their knives out.” Thus, Illario’s release is more of an act of humiliation rather than an act of leniency, marking him forever as the traitor exposed before his peers.

The Outcome of Imprisoning Illario

The Lines of Forgiveness Have Been Crossed

Lucanis making a decision to imprison Illario

The alternative choice after the encounter with Illario is to imprison him, potentially under house arrest. For a hardened Lucanis, especially after Treviso succumbs to the Blight, this choice feels both fitting and pragmatic. Even with personal reconciliations, opting for imprisonment aligns more closely with the ruthless logic expected of the Crows.

Should Lucanis choose to lock up Illario, he gains the Hero of the Veilguard skill, Demon of Defiance, along with the armor Crow’s Tenacity. This loadout is significantly more aggressive and complements Lucanis’ role as a damage dealer, making it a strategic decision dependent on Rook’s class and specialization. For instance, a player character focusing on magic may require a more robust support network from companions.

Ability	Lucanis’ critical damage and detonation damage increase by 50%, with all abilities dealing 25% more damage to enemies under Affliction.
Armor	Detonations against knocked-down enemies also cause Stagger to nearby foes, with Stagger from detonations boosted by 50% for each affected enemy.

Lucanis’ decision to imprison Illario is reinforced by Caterina’s endorsement, thereby designating him as the new First Talon of the Antivan Crows. After the ensuing celebration, Lucanis casually sips coffee in the Lighthouse’s dining area, reflecting on his choice to detain Illario for safety reasons—noting that rival factions desire his cousin’s demise. This exemplifies Lucanis’ strategic mindset, namely understanding that Illario, having intricate ties to the Venatori and Elgar’nan, possesses too much knowledge to remain unconfined.

There might be a brief delay between the conclusion of Lucanis’ questline and the achievement of Hero of the Veilguard status, often triggered by completing subsequent main quests.

In contrast to other companion quests in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, where choices are less black-and-white, the decision concerning Illario is distinctly clearer. Ultimately, imprisoning him stands out as the superior choice not only for the advantages it affords Lucanis’ gear but also for the coherence it provides within the realm of roleplay. Given Illario’s extensive knowledge of the Crows and Rook, permitting him to walk free, even if the Crows wouldn’t compel action due to his betrayal, defies logic. In the context of the ongoing struggle, Illario remains a potential asset for intelligence on Venatori strategies, making it wise to keep him under watch.

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