Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Exploring Solas’ Complex Relationships and The Companions of Thedas

Key Takeaways:

1. Deep Dive into Solas and Felassan’s History – Uncover the intricate relationship between Solas and Felassan, who once served as Solas’s loyal general.
2. New Characters with Rich Backgrounds – Meet seven unique companions, each with their own backstories, abilities, and ties to factions within Thedas.
3. Solas and Trust Dynamics – Rook, the main character, must navigate a precarious trust with Solas, raising questions about redemption, loyalty, and betrayal.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, fans of the Dragon Age universe are treated to an emotionally charged story that deepens the lore of Thedas, especially through the complex relationships of the legendary character Solas. Known to fans as the Dread Wolf, Solas’ influence, both past and present, weaves throughout the game’s narrative. With a vibrant cast of new characters, The Veilguard explores bonds, alliances, and the inner workings of ancient and powerful figures whose choices may alter the fate of the world.

Felassan: Solas’ Trusted General and Tragic Friend

One of the most poignant relationships explored in Dragon Age: The Veilguard is that between Solas and Felassan, an ancient elven general whose loyalty to Solas was as fierce as it was conflicted. Known as “slow arrow” in Elvish, Felassan first appeared in the novel The Masked Empire, where his complex loyalty and wisdom made him an ally to Briala, another significant character. Although Felassan worked alongside Solas in a rebellion against the oppressive Evanuris, his loyalty faltered as his compassion for the people of Thedas grew. His decision to defy Solas led to his death at Solas’ hand, a decision that would haunt Solas for ages.

In The Veilguard, Felassan appears as a revenant embodying Solas’ regret, a manifestation of the remorse that lingers after Solas’ betrayal of his friend. This character’s reappearance not only revisits the painful consequences of Solas’ actions but also provides insight into the longstanding turmoil Solas faces within himself.

The Veilguard’s Companions: More Than Just Allies

BioWare’s games are known for their emphasis on companion relationships, and The Veilguard promises to take this to a new level. As Rook, the player journeys with a unique team of characters, each member of the Veilguard bringing distinctive skills, personalities, and backgrounds. The dynamics go beyond typical RPG partnerships: how well players engage with each companion directly affects their growth and synergy in combat.

Meet the Veilguard Companions

1. Davrin – A powerful Grey Warden with a griffon named Assan. Davrin embodies the legacy of the Grey Wardens, showcasing both strength and compassion. His role highlights the resurgence of ancient Grey Warden traditions, including griffon companionship.
2. Harding – An Inquisition favorite, the scout Harding returns with more agency and battle-ready skills than ever before. Known for her lighthearted spirit, she’s now a dynamic fighter whose high-flying bow skills make her an invaluable ranged attacker.
3. Taash – A Lords of Fortune member and dragon slayer with a tough exterior and an introspective heart. Taash’s journey of self-discovery is paralleled with her intense prowess in combat, making her an embodiment of strength and vulnerability.
4. Emmrich – Known as the “gentleman necromancer,” Emmrich’s respectful relationship with death and his necromantic abilities set him apart. His interactions with Manfred, a resurrected wisp he treats like a son, reveal his nurturing side.
5. Lucanis – Representing the Antivan Crows, Lucanis is a complex figure marked by trauma and resilience. His romanticism and skill as an assassin are tempered by an internal struggle to trust again, making him one of the most multifaceted companions.
6. Neve – An ice mage aligned with the Shadow Dragons, Neve is as capable as she is fierce. Her battle philosophy mirrors her desire to reshape Minrathous from the shadows, echoing the mission of her Shadow Dragon comrades.
7. Bellara – A member of the Veil Jumpers, Bellara is cheerful, intellectual, and loyal. Despite her bubbly exterior, she’s a formidable rogue who expertly maneuvers ancient ruins and unlocks the secrets of the Fade.

Each of these companions has abilities that will evolve as players build trust and understanding. For instance, by developing a deeper relationship with Neve, players can augment her time-slowing abilities, which add to the tactical depth of combat.

Rook and Solas: A Tenuous Partnership

While Solas does not join the journey as a core companion, he plays an influential role as an advisor. Rook’s relationship with Solas is precarious; Solas provides crucial guidance, yet his motivations are continually in question. The tension hinges on whether Rook, and by extension the player, can trust Solas. Solas is the key to unlocking secrets essential for the survival of Thedas, but his past actions and his plans for the future cast doubt on his trustworthiness.

This relationship adds a compelling layer of choice and consequence to The Veilguard. Players will often weigh the benefits of heeding Solas’ advice against the possibility that he may be manipulating them for his own ends. These decisions tap into one of the most enduring themes of the Dragon Age series: the balance of power and trust, and the ambiguity of good and evil.

Bringing Back Familiar Faces: Varric’s Continuing Conflict

In addition to Solas, another fan-favorite character, Varric Tethras, makes an appearance. Varric has long been a central figure in the Dragon Age universe, known for his wit, loyalty, and storytelling prowess. But the events of The Veilguard find Varric in an unusual position of doubt and self-reflection, as he questions his ability to redeem Solas.

As the viscount of Kirkwall and a close friend of the Inquisitor, Varric has spent years hunting Solas. The weight of his mission challenges his self-assured nature, causing him to question his judgment. Despite his reservations, he holds onto a sliver of hope, believing he might persuade Solas to abandon his dangerous plans. This internal struggle adds yet another layer to Varric’s character and reaffirms his unyielding belief in redemption a belief that may or may not withstand the journey ahead.

Companions and Combat: Building Bonds for Battlefield Synergy

The Veilguard redefines companion relationships by directly linking them to combat effectiveness. Game director Corinne Busche emphasizes that bonding with companions enhances their abilities, creating new synergies and combos. For example, Harding’s ranged skills can be augmented as the player strengthens their bond with her, adding devastating moves to her repertoire. Similarly, Emmrich’s necromantic abilities allow players to experiment with unconventional tactics by forming an emotional and strategic bond with him.

This mechanic creates a deeper, more integrated gameplay experience, where narrative choices shape the player’s success in combat. Completing quests with companions boosts “bond levels,” which grant skill points and abilities that reinforce each character’s role. This system reflects BioWare’s dedication to merging story and gameplay in ways that resonate with fans.

Conclusion: A Story of Loyalty, Love, and Sacrifice

Dragon Age: The Veilguard stands as a testament to BioWare’s expertise in creating stories filled with complexity, emotion, and intricate character dynamics. Solas’ tragic relationship with Felassan, Rook’s nuanced trust in Solas, and the bonds forged with each companion offer a rich narrative that intertwines with gameplay. With each step, players experience the consequences of loyalty, love, and sacrifice, adding depth to the battle for Thedas’ future.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Felassan in Dragon Age: The Veilguard? Felassan is a former general of Solas and one of his most trusted friends. His loyalty was complicated by his compassion for Thedas’ people, ultimately leading to a betrayal that cost him his life.

Q2: How does trust affect gameplay in The Veilguard? Building trust with companions unlocks abilities and improves combat synergy. As players strengthen bonds, companions gain new skill points and combos, making teamwork essential for success.

Q3: Can Solas be trusted as an advisor? Solas plays a significant role as Rook’s advisor, but his intentions are complex, and his guidance is not always clear-cut. Players must weigh his advice carefully, as it could lead to betrayal or provide crucial insights.

Q4: What role does Varric play in The Veilguard? Varric, while not a core companion, is involved in the story as a former viscount of Kirkwall and a close ally in the pursuit of Solas. His mission is complicated by his hope that Solas might still be redeemable.

Q5: Who are the main factions in The Veilguard? The main factions include the Grey Wardens, Lords of Fortune, Mourn Watch, Antivan Crows, Shadow Dragons, and Veil Jumpers. Each faction has unique goals and abilities represented by different companions in the game.