Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s character creator is reportedly one of BioWare’s most elaborate yet. Customization options have been reported to include body modification sliders, dozens of hairstyles, and realistic variations of skin tones that can all be tested under different lighting scenarios. Another important part of character creation, especially for an RPG, lies in character motivation and background. Much like inDragon Age: Origins,Dragon Age: The Veilguardgives the player six different backgrounds to choose from when creating Rook, the protagonist.
These six backgrounds are a mixture of new and old factions from across Thedas. Two of them will be familiar to veteran players of the series, while the other four will only be familiar to those who have read the supplementary materials such asTevinter NightsandDragon Age: The Missing.
Established Factions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Grey Wardens
The Grey Wardens are one of the most controversial and crucial factions in Thedas. Their ability to fight the darkspawn and end Blights is respected across Thedas, but their mandate to conscript anyone from across society, from royalty to criminals, helps make them unpopular among the general population. Their involvement with Corypheus and the explosion at the Conclave further solidified some of Thedas' negative views against them, and it’s possible for them to have been exiled from Orlais and Ferelden inDragon Age: Inquisition.
Nonetheless, the Grey Wardens remain essential for fighting the Blight, and are the foremost authority on it in Thedas. In the battle against two Blighted gods and a very large horde of darkspawn, Grey Wardens will become an essential faction in Thedas once again inDragon Age: The Veilguard.
Antivan Crows
The Antivan Crows made their first appearance inDragon Age: Origins. Party member Zevran was also a member of the Crows, and provides lore and background on the faction and his own experiences with it. TheCrows operate out of Antiva, a small country located in the north of Thedas. While Antiva has a monarchy that allegedly rules the nation, in reality Antiva is controlled by the Crows.
The Antivan Crows are an order of ruthless assassins, and are so effective at what they do that other nations avoid invading Antiva for fear of reprisal from the Crows. The organization is brutal to its own members, who take in orphans and the unwanted and train them from childhood to become assassins. If a member of the organization cannot complete a contract, their life is forfeit.
New Factions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Shadow Dragons
One of the new factions that Rook can be chosen as Rook’s background, the Shadow Dragons made their first appearance inDragon Age: The Missing. TheShadow Dragons are a Tevinter-based groupthat opposes slavery and the corrupt rulers that lead Tevinter. The group is depicted freeing slaves and getting them out of Minrathous, but the details of their operations are not yet known.
Veil Jumpers
The secrets of Arlathan, the ancient elven empire, may become important inDragon Age: The Veilguard. TheVeil Jumpers, a group of Dalish and non-Dalishwho live around the Arlathan Forest, have dedicated themselves to fighting the magic unraveling the Forest, and to uncovering the lost history of the elven empire.
Lords of Fortune
Mourn Watch
TheMourn Watch are Mortalitasiwho guard and maintain the Grand Necropolis in Nevarra. While the Mortalitasi have always been at least mentioned inDragon Age,Dragon Age: The Veilguardwill be the first time the faction will have a significant presence.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you can’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
