CAUTION: This article contains SIGNIFICANT SPOILERS for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Read at your own risk!
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, players encounter a fresh protagonist alongside a host of new allies as they battle against ancient, malevolent elven deities bent on annihilating the world. True to BioWare’s style, Veilguard also integrates familiar faces from previous titles in various capacities, such as Scout Lace Harding as a companion and Varric Tethras serving in an advisory role.
Several characters return from the Dark Horse Dragon Age comics, including the companion Neve and leaders of the Veil Jumpers, Grey Wardens, and Antivan Crows. The Tevinter mage Maevaris also makes a comeback, playing a crucial role in one of Rook’s pivotal world decisions.
For this ranking, we will concentrate exclusively on characters revisiting from prior Dragon Age installments. Below is our emotional ranking of these reappearing characters in Veilguard.
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8. Xenon the Antiquarian
Choices carry weight in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, sometimes leading to loss of weapons, armors, Mementos, and various items. But worry not! Xenon the Antiquarian has established the Black Emporium in Mynrathous, offering a wide array of wares. Rook receives an invitation after Act 1, granting access to the shop for the remainder of the game. Notably, the Black Emporium includes a Wardrobe station to modify the visual appearances of weapons and armor for both Rook and their allies.
Visiting the Black Emporium has become a beloved staple in the Dragon Age franchise, making its return exciting.
7. The Inquisitor
As Rook battles Elgar’nan, Ghilan’nain, the Blight, the Venatori, the Antaam, and darkspawn in northern Thedas, the Inquisitor is engaged in their own conflicts in the south. Players can craft a bespoke world state in Veilguard’s character creator, detailing their Inquisitor’s relationships and whether the Inquisition ended or merged with the Chantry. This world state influences Rook’s interactions with the Inquisitor, shaping dialogue choices and more.
Creating my Inquisitor anew was an intriguing challenge, and I was thrilled with the outcome. Her involvement in the Veilguard narrative brings a meta twist to the experience, akin to the inclusion of Hawke in Inquisition.
6. Light
Solas, known as the Dread Wolf and a trickster deity entwined in webs of lies, previously severed the Inquisitor’s hand in Trespasser. In Veilguard, his ambition is to dismantle the Veil separating Thedas from the realm of demons to restore the elves’ former glory and immortality; however, his grand scheme falters when Rook, Varric, Harding, and Neve intervene. Now he must devise an alternate plan while the others clash with Elgar’nan and Ghilan’nain…
Coming into Veilguard, I wished nothing more than to push Solas off a cliff or, at the very least, knock some sense into him. After completing the game, my feelings grew complex because his arc was compelling; however, I still harbor little affection for him.
5. Lady Morrigan
Lady Morrigan has donned various roles throughout the Dragon Age series, all of which are referenced in Veilguard. In Inquisition, she absorbed the memories of the goddess Mythal after Solas ended her mother Flemeth’s mortal existence. Although she doesn’t possess the goddess’s complete essence, recalling Mythal’s memories proves pivotal in the battle against Elgar’nan, Ghilan’nain, and Solas.
The announcement of Lady Morrigan’s return in Veilguard excited me immensely, as revealed in the first full trailer. I thoroughly enjoyed her narrative arc in this installment and only wished she could have had additional moments as a regular advisor.
4. Isabela
The formidable pirate queen Isabela returns in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, now leading the Lords of Fortune and closely tied to companion Taash and their mother, Shathann, the Qunari scholar. Isabela remains enthusiastic about joining the fight against the elven gods, particularly for the sake of her good friend Varric, who has chosen Rook to combat Solas.
Despite my initial doubts about her inclusion given the Lords of Fortune’s pirate theme, seeing Isabela made me nearly drop my controller. I was even more delighted when she remained throughout the game, allowing me numerous opportunities to engage in combat and dialogue with her, reminiscent of our experiences in Dragon Age 2. If only we could have flirted!
3. Scout Harding
Scout Lace Harding joined the Inquisition after providing critical information to soldiers who passed through her small village in Ferelden. She adores her mother and has proven her aptitude with a bow and arrow, excelling at stealth and gathering intelligence. In Veilguard, her role as a companion evolves, as she unexpectedly gains a deeper connection to the Stone, transforming her entire perspective.
After a decade of anticipation to pursue a romance with Lace Harding, I found myself emotional through her storyline in Veilguard. Her romantic arc is profoundly sweet and, beyond that, her companion quests revolve around uncovering truths about the Titans, confronting trauma, and exploring identity. My heart is full.
2. Dorian Pavus
Dorian Pavus, a Tevinter Magister, teases tears from me nearly every time I revisit his storyline in Dragon Age Inquisition, and his romance is stunning. In Veilguard, he remains as self-assured as ever, acting as an insider for the Shadow Dragons, consistently relaying vital information. His aversion to blood magic and the Venatori continues, and he is resolute in risking everything to prevent catastrophe, just as he did ten years prior.
I had high hopes for a Dorian cameo in Veilguard and received much more than I expected. While his initial appearance may seem brief and potentially underwhelming based on Rook’s alliances, simply witnessing him and hearing his voice brought me to tears. I’m overjoyed he returned and occupies such a significant role.
1. Varric Tethras
Varric Tethras, a rogue with unwavering loyalty to his friends, shares an unbreakable bond with them. He stood by Hawke’s side during their tumultuous experiences in Kirkwall (Dragon Age 2) and later played a crucial role in saving the world alongside the Inquisitor. In Veilguard, he suffers a stab wound at the hands of Solas while attempting to reason with him about not destroying the Veil, leading to a journey of recovery where he continues to advise Rook.
Yet, this is how things seem to Rook. Due to Solas’s manipulation, Varric dies in the opening sequence of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and Rook interacts with his spirit for the entirety of the adventure until their bittersweet farewell in the Fade. I was taken aback to see Varric appear to “survive”his injury, but I presumed BioWare desired to maintain such a cherished character. When the truth unraveled toward the game’s conclusion, I found myself sobbing at my desk.
In my subsequent playthrough, it became abundantly clear that Varric was not truly present and that only Rook could perceive him. This poignant revelation intensified the emotional depth of the experience, and even though I respect the narrative decision to eliminate him, my heart aches. Varric has consistently been among my favorite characters in Dragon Age lore, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC on Steam and Epic Games. The Standard Edition is priced at $59.99, while the Deluxe Edition is available for $79.99.
Image Credits: Themarysue.com
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