Summary
The latest installment in Bioware’s epic fantasy video game seriesDragon Age-Dragon Age: The Veilguard- features a newcast of colorful characters. Bioware is known for creating interesting characters that are easy for the player to get close to, and the companions inThe Veilguardare no exception.
With this in mind, we’re going to be looking at eight of the best characters inDragon Age: The Veilguard. These are the characters that players fell in love with (literally if they are romanceable) thanks to their likability, how well they are written, and the in-depth nature of their backstories.
8Neve Gallus
Icy Detective
Neve is adetective and ice magefrom Tevinter who is one of the first to become part of the Veilguard, alongside Rook and Harding. Neve can be a little hard to connect with at times due to her cynicism and cold nature - as well as the aloof and monotone vocal performance from the VA -, but it is this part of her that makes her feel particularly realistic.
Her desire for justice and commitment to the people of her home city of Minrathous are indicative of the warm and kind person that lies beneath the icy exterior. If players are willing to make the effort to find it, they will see Neve for who she truly is.
7Lace Harding
Stone Scout
Harding is areturning characterfromDragon Age: Inquisition. Despite being a fan-favorite supporting character in that game, and getting a much more prominent role inThe Veilguardbecause of it, she doesn’t stand out as much as some of the characters that we are going to be discussing. That’s not to say that she isn’t a good character though, as she more than earns her place on this list nevertheless.
Harding has an interesting side quest that - without mentioning spoilers - offers a deeper insight into the lore of the dwarves in theDragon Ageuniverse. She gets much more to do this time around, and more of her personality comes to light. However, she remains the loveable scout that captured the hearts of players inDragon Age: Inquisition.
6Rook
More Than A Blank Canvas
This next entry is a bit of a cheat, asRook is the playable characterand so their background, race, and gender are all chosen directly by the player. However, no matter how players make their Rook look and what faction they pick for them, they maintain a charisma that makes them perfect for the main role inThe Veilguard.
Much like The Inquisitor, Hawke, and even the voiceless Hero of Ferelden before them, Rook is not only a custom character that can be transformed to the player’s preferences, but they are a character in their own right with plenty of personality.
5Davrin
Griffon Papa
Davrin is the stereotypically handsome warrior boy of the group, but he has a secret weapon that gives him an extra dose of charm: a baby griffon named Assan. Davrin is charming and likable on his own, but his relationship with Assan is a big part of his storyline and his character.
Their bond grows as the story goes on, and it’s sweet to see Davrin’s nurturing side emerge as it does so. That being said, even without Assan in the picture, Davrin’s backstory of a Dalish outcast turned Grey Warden is still thoroughly intriguing.
4Lucanis Dellamorte
Never Beating The Puss In Boots Allegations
Antivan Crow Lucanisis an interesting and in-depth character who just so happens to be housing a demon called Spite. While locked away in an underwater prison, Spite became a part of Lucanis after Venatori experimentation.
The relationship between the two isn’t what players might expect. Rather than a harrowing struggle for control of his own body, Lucanis mostly seems to be minorly vexed by Spite’s outbursts and attempts to escape. They are a bit like the stereotypical odd couple, with Lucanis being the level-headed straight man and Spite the eccentric comic relief.
The dynamic between Lucanis and Spite is not the only thing that makes him a good character though, as he has some complex family drama to dive into as well as a love for slaughtering Venatori cultists and a good cup of coffee.
3Assan and Manfred
Adopted Kids
Assan and Manfred are being put together as one on this list as both play the role of loveable sidekicks to two ofRook’s companions(Davrin and Emmrich). Despite being non-verbal characters, they are incredibly loveable and their interactions with Rook and the team are some of the highlights of the game.
Assan is more than just a pet, just as Manfred is more than just an assistant. They have their own stories and become close companions to the player as the game progresses, especially if Rook completes Davrin and Emmrich’s side quests.
This griffon and skelly boy duo are not only cute, but they are also well-devised and fully fleshed-out characters in their own right.
2Solas
Solas was the most anticipated returning character fromDragon Age: Inquisition,especially for those who romanced him. He makes a full return inThe Veilguard, and he is utilized in a way that does his character justice while also giving him a lot more backstory.
Solas was a mystery of sorts inInquisition, with certain revelations about who he really is coming to light in the game’s conclusion and in the Trespasser DLC. Veilguard reveals all of Solas’s history, adding even more depth to him and his narrative.
There were a lot of ways that Solas could have been turned into a stereotypical villain inThe Veilguard, but Bioware manages to maintain the integrity of his character while still raising the stakes. Players who romanced Solas also get some loose ends tied up after a decade of waiting, but that’s all there is to say for fear of diving too deep into spoiler territory.
1Emmrich Volkarin
Charming Corpse Raiser
Emmrich is by far the most fascinating new companion and new character inDragon Age: The Veilguard. He is slightly older than the other companions, which gives him a different perspective due to his additional experience. His role as a senior necromancer for the Mourn Watch in Nevarra also makes him more unique while allowing him to have a different take on matters concerning life and death.
Emmrich’s work with the dead suggests a macabre personality, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Emmrich is a sweet, charming, polite gentleman who respects both the living and the dead. He handles criticism and prejudice towards his profession with grace and decorum, but he can also flirt back with enthusiasm when playerschoose to romance him. He is also Manfred’s keeper/creator/father figure, and the two have a cute dynamic, especially when Manfred surprises Emmrich with his mischievous antics.
There is no doubt that Emmrich is one of the best new additions to theDragon Agefranchise, as well as a well-written and interesting character with plenty to offer when it comes to companionship or possible romance.
