As new and longtime fans dive back into the world of Thedas and immerse themselves in the plot ofDragon Age: The Veilguard, some will no doubt be keeping an eye out for any familiar faces. With this being the fourth installment in the series, expectations are high for characters from past games and otherDragon Agemedia to appear, andThe Veilguarddoesn’t disappoint. Continuing a series tradition started inDragon Age 2, there are several characters from throughout the franchise for Rook to meet.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for Dragon Age: The Veilguard.]
Dragon Agehas a long history of including characters from previous games and the wider franchise to make the world feel more connected and real. From Nathaniel Howe and Alistair visiting Kirkwall to Fiona and Loghain helping the Inquisitor,Dragon Agehas always brought back fan favorites alongside more niche characters, folding them cleverly into the plot. So whether leisurely exploring Thedas or rushing to see theending ofDragon Age: The Veilguard, here are all the cameos to watch for.
9Varric Tethras - Charming Dwarven Storyteller
Appears In Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age: Inquisition, & Various Comics
It might be a little cheeky to refer to Varric’s appearance inDragon Age: The Veilguardas a cameo, but many starting the game for the first time expected the clever storyteller to be a companion once more. First introduced inDragon Age 2, Varric Tethras charmed all who met him with his charismatic swagger and easygoing nature. Varric’s idea to explore the Deep Roads immediately after the Blight that swept Ferelden and his recruitment of Hawke set into motion a chain of events that still reverberates through Thedas.
Varric is still the Viscount of Kirkwall, although he frequently leaves the city in the hands of Seneschal Bran.
Varric’s role inDragon Age: The Veilguardis much more diminished than his time as a companion inDragon Age: Inquisition. This time, Varric is acting as a mentor to Rook, after getting severely injured during the game’s introductory mission. Initially the one hunting Solas, alongside Lace Harding, Varric was the team’s leader, but once Rook is forced to take over, he offers sage advice and is often the voice of reason when the situation gets tense.
8Solas - Elven Trickster God
Appears In Dragon Age: Inquisition & Various Comics
Just like Varric, many already knewSolas would be making an appearance inDragon Age: The Veilguard, and just like Varric, Solas’ role is not what people were expecting. Although Solas was not seen untilDragon Age: Inquisition, the Dread Wolf had been mentioned all the way back in the very beginning, withDalish characters inDragon Age: Originsinvoking his name as a curse. The twist of his true identity at the end ofInquisitionremains one of the best in the series and set up the plot ofThe Veilguardperfectly.
Solas also acts as an advisor of sorts for much ofDragon Age: The Veilguard, with Rook able to visit him in their dreams.There are several opportunities to learn more about this enigmatic character, with the side quest“Regrets of the Dread Wolf”standing out as particularly fascinating. Offering insight into the ancient elven gods unleashed on Thedas, it is interesting to see Solas no longer pretending to be anything other than his true self.
7Morrigan - The Witch Of The Wilds
Appears In Dragon Age: Origins, Witch Hunt, & Dragon Age: Inquisition
Another expected and teased return was the fan-favorite character Morrigan, with a new look but just as mysterious as ever. Morrigan is fondly remembered by long-timeDragon Agefans as one of the first companions to join the Warden’s party inDragon Age: Origins. Raised outside of civilization,Morrigan was often at odds with the other party members, with sometimes hilarious comments. Often prickly and outspoken, her personal journey throughout her various appearances has been wonderful to watch and experience.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Can You Romance Morrigan?
Once again returning to the Dragon Age franchise, Morrigan makes her reappearance in The Veilguard, leaving players to wonder if she’s romanceable.
Morrigan reappears inDragon Age: The Veilguard, interacting with Rook on brief occasions where she can be of help.Morrigan is the one who introduces Rook to the Inquisitorand will also explain who Mythal is and how she survived. The version of Morrigan who appears inThe Veilguardis older and wiser than the brash young woman fromOriginsbut still just as eccentric and a very welcome sight.
6The Inquisitor - Beloved Player Character
Appears In Dragon Age: Inquisition
A welcome cameo comes in the form of the prior installment’s protagonist as the Inquisitor ofDragon Age: Inquisitionarrives to offer insight into what is happening in the rest of Thedas.Including a player character from a previous game is always tricky, as seen with Hawke’s inclusion inInquisition,and there are bound to be complaints about the character’s watered-down personality. Perhaps this is why the Inquisitor’s involvement inDragon Age: The Veilguardis kept to an absolute minimum when it comes to screen time.
IfInquisitionwas not played or the Inquisitor is unedited, then they will appear as a female Elf with no love interest, who disbanded the Inquisition and wishes to redeem Solas.
Most of Rook’s interactions with the Inquisitor will come in the form of letters, found in the Missives section of the menu. When the Inquisitor is on-screen, thankfully, they can be made to look almost exactly as remembered, sinceDragon Age: The Veilguardallows theInquisitor to be fully customized. Overall, a brief but nice cameo that ties the games together well.
5Dorian Pavus - Witty Tevinter Magister
Appears In Dragon Age: Inquisition, Dragon Age: Deception, & Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights
Anyone who playedDragon Age: Inquisitionwill be delighted to see the charming Dorian Pavus again, as Rook explores Minrathous early in the game. First introduced inDragon Age: Inquisitionasa witty Tevinter mage companion and a potential romance candidate for male Inquisitors. Dorian’s story and his involvement in attempting to better the situation in Tevinter was expanded inDragon Agecomics.
Dorian appears briefly inDragon Age: The Veilguard, making a memorable impression on the grumpy First Warden Glastrum.Dorian will reveal that he’s working with the Shadow Dragonsand companion Neve Gallus and acts as the faction’s eyes and ears inside the Magisterium. Dorian’s fate in the game can change depending on whetherMinrathous or Treviso is helpedduring a crucial moment that can alter how factions and companions feel about Rook. Although Dorian’s cameo is brief, it stands out for all the right reasons with his tongue clearly as sharp as ever.
4Maevaris Tilani - Clever Tevinter Ally
Appears In Dragon Age: Those Who Speak, Dragon Age: Until We Sleep, & Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights
Appearing alongside Dorian is a fan favorite from theDragon Agecomics, former Magister Maevaris Tilani. First appearing inDragon Age: Those Who Speak,Maevaris is a loyal and strong ally to Varric, after unofficially marrying his cousin Thorold. As a Tevinter Magister, Maevaris attempted to use her influence and fortune to help change the world for the better. This later led her to become a founding member of a progressive reform and anti-Venatori group, the Lucerni, alongside Dorian.
Unfortunately, the Venatori were able to use their influence to strip Maevaris of her seat in the Magisterium. However,she continued to fight against them as one of the leaders of the Shadow Dragons. Maevaris appears briefly inDragon Age: The Veilguardin the Shadow Dragon’s hideout in Minrathous after an investigation of a Venatori warehouse. She will briefly provide information before pointing Rook to a meeting with the First Warden.
3Isabela - Flirtatious Pirate Queen
Appears In Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age 2, Dragon Age: Inquisition, & Various Comics
A firm fan favorite, Isabela has the honor of appearing in everyDragon Agegame, with her brief introduction inDragon Age: Origins, a full companion inDragon Age 2, and a multiplayer option inDragon Age: Inquisition. Always flirtatious and seemingly carefree,Isabela is a skilled duelist who fights with twin bladesand has a complicated past. Although only touched on inDragon Age 2, Isabela’s backstory was greatly expanded in theDragon AgecomicsThose Who SpeakandUntil We Sleep.
InDragon Age: The Veilguard,Isabela is part of the Lords of Fortune treasure hunters faction. Isabela appears after Taash has been recruited and then invites Rook to fight in the Hall of Valor, which is an arena requiring Rook to survive 10 waves of enemies.Isabela will also pop up frequently as part of Taash’s personal quest, making her cameo a little more substantial than others.
2Valya - Grey Warden Mage
Appears In Dragon Age: Last Flight
Valya might not be a name fans ofDragon Agegames will recognize. However, any who enjoyedDragon Age: Last Flightwill be happy to see her again. Born in an elven alienage, Valya was a former member of the Hossberg Circle, before joining the Grey Wardens to escape the ongoing Mage-Templar War. Valya was part of a research group that was looking into new darkspawn activity and was the one whodiscovered the diary of Isseya, a Grey Warden mage and one of the last griffon riders.
What Happens To The Griffons In Dragon Age: The Veilguard
One of Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s cutest characters is a young griffon. Assan’s fate, and that of his siblings, can be an emotional journey though.
After further research, Valya followed clues in Isseya’s diaries and led her team to the last griffon eggs which had been kept safe by magic.Valya appears inDragon Age: The Veilguardas part of Davrin’s questto rescue the kidnapped griffons from the Gloom Howler. She provides vital information and context about what the Grey Wardens did to the griffons centuries ago and why the species was thought extinct.
1Xenon The Antiquarian - Ancient & Eccentric Collector
Appears In Dragon Age 2 & Dragon Age: Inquisition
Finally, Xenon the Antiquarian makes a return, with a new shop for Rook to buy items and equipment. First appearing in theDragon Age 2DLCThe Black Emporium, Xenon runs a store of the same name located in Kirkwall.Xenon himself is ancient, having been granted immortality but not eternal youth, and looks like a withered husk reading a book. When visiting his shop, as either Hawke or the Inquisitor, Xenon will often make comments as they wander around his shop.
Previous versions of The Black Emporium were where the Mirror of Transformation was kept, allowing Hawke and the Inquisitor to change their appearance. InThe Veilguard, the mirror is kept in the Lighthouse infirmary.
Xenon will reach out to Rook inDragon Age: The Veilguard, offering them the chance to visit his new shop in Minrathous. Sadly, Xenon is there alone, withno Urchin or Chauncey the tiny bear to keep him company, although his trademark comments are still just as sharp as ever. After an initial visit, Xenon will send Rook a missive, complaining about the behavior of some of their companions while in his shop, and claim they were rude.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth entry in the Dragon Age franchise and a sequel to 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition. A classic character, Solas, will return as the new game’s antagonist. The game will retain many of the series' staples, such as multiple dialogue options, party choices, romantic options, and more. Dreadwolf will act as the first direct sequel in the Dragon Age franchise.
