With the release of Dragon Age the Veilguard quickly approaching, fans may find themselves clamoring for more information on the game’s possible narrative -hoping to glean some predetermined insights on what they may encounter after launch.
Aside from the previous games, which grant the bulk of the series’ history, Dragon Age’s cannon stories and comics offer further elucidations on the happenings in Thedas for those who know where to look; and include prequel information both supplementary and prudent to many of the characters now poised to be the player’s closest companions and allies.
Resources To Know
When looking over the list of all the supplemental resources for the Dragon Age franchise, fans will often feel overwhelmed by the sheer variety and number of entries on offer to peruse at their leisure. With eight novels, nine comics, an animated TV show, and a movie, to choose from: it can be hard to know where to start or which entries are relevant to Dragon Age the Veilguard’s main narrative. For those answers, and their tie-ins, fans interested in ascertaining all the nuances of the preamble to Veilguard will only need to look at three main entries: the anthology novel, Tevinter Nights, the short story, The Wake, and the comic, Dragon Age: The Missing.
Tevinter Nights
Arguably, one of the most important entries into the prequel information for Dragon Age the Veilguard, Tevinter Nights includes numerous short stories relevant to several of the game’s companions and allies. Occurring over the years, after the Trespasser DLC, said short stories offer more insights into what has happened since fans last visited the world of Thedas and what players can expect to encounter soon. While many of the stories included add more insights into Thedas, only four of the book’s plotlines become relevant to the game’s upcoming narrative.
The Four Tales of Veilguard
Down Among the Dead Man
Down Among the Dead Men by Sylvia Feketekuty, tells the story of an investigation into the premature possession of Lord Penrick Karn’s corpse, and its escape, by a Nevarran guardsman named Audric Felhausen and a ranking member of the Mourn Watch, Myrna.
They soon realize two disturbing facts: the spirit possessing Karn’s corpse is a Pride Demon, and that Audric is not human. Myrna called upon to soothe Karn’s rage. Eventually, the situation is resolved, and at the story’s end, there is a sneaky cameo from Veilguard’s resident Mourn Watcher, Emmrich Volkarin.
The Streets of Minrathous
The Streets of Minrathous by Brianne Battye, tells the story of Dragon Age the Veilguard’s resident frost Mage, Neve Gallus, and her investigation into a recent Venatori plot. Wherein, Quentin Calla; son of Otho Calla and suspected Venatori agent; is stabbed to death by a masked figure who vanishes using blood magic.
As her investigation into his death continues, Neve soon discovers that Quentin’s death was not incidental as others were killed that same night. Eventually, Neve learns of a plot to invoke a ritual that would free a powerful demon imprisoned under the capital city of Tevinter, Minrathous. With the help of skilled Templars, Neve defeats the mage behind the attempt and stops the ritual from taking hold.
The Wigmaker Job
The Wigmaker Job by Courtney Woods tells the story of Lucanis Dellamorte and his cousin Illario, taking on an assassination contract for Tevinter’s premier wigmaker, Ambrose Forfex. The pair soon learn that Ambrose has been feeding Red Lyrium to his entrapped slaves, to cultivate and create wigs infused with the corrupting substance. While Illario saves the slaves from demons wreaking havoc at the estate, Lucanis tracks down and kills Ambrose -ending the monstrous operation and earning both the ire of Ambrose’s associate, Zara Renata and the moniker The Demon of Vyrantium.
Eight Little Talons
Eight Little Talons by Courtney Woods, tells the story of the First Talon of the Crows, Caterina Dellamorte, calling a meeting with her fellow rulers of the Antivan assassins to discuss a way to defeat the Qunari Antaam currently on the verge of invading the city of Treviso. Afterward, the leaders are forced to retreat when three Talons are killed. After the Seventh Talon, Andarateia (Teia) Cantori foils an assassination attempt on Viago De Riva -the Fifth Talon- she discovers that the murderer, Emil Kortez, was hired to kill off the remaining Talons to remove resistance to the invasion. Killing the assassin, the remaining Talons vow to make the Qunari pay for what they’ve done.
The Wake
Released on Dragon Age Day, in 2020, and written by Mary Kirby, The Wake short story picks up sometime after the events of “The Wigmaker Job.” Through its narrative, the reader experiences the grief currently gripping a mourning Illario Dellamorte. News has come that his cousin, Lucanis, has mysteriously died. While being looked after by Viago and Teia: he reminisces about the man he felt to be more like a brother than anything else. To the irritation of his cohorts, he continues in a downward spiral of sadness and regret before declaring “It should have been me.” Viago, fed up with babysitting the drunken man, eventually drugs Illario into unconsciousness -to save his sanity and make him rest.
The Missing
The most recent entry into the Dragon Age series, released in late 2023, The Missing. Written by George Mann and illustrated by Kieran McKeown, tells the tale of Varric and Harding’s mission to track down Solas. Their adventure leads them to the Deep Roads beneath Marnas Pell, following rumors of disappearances and abductions. During their investigation, the party finds information on a Lady Crysanthus who invited someone to her estate in Vyrantium. Harding and Varric head to the city, only to find that Tevinter Magister has been turned into stone.
Following the clues left behind, they travel to the Arlathan Forest where they have their first run-in with two Veil Jumpers, Strife and Irelin. Believing the Crucious Stone is why Solas had come to Arlathan and welcomes the pair to join them. With their help, Harding and Varric navigate the magical anomalies plaguing the ancient forest. They eventually come across the stone’s location, only to find a note from Solas waiting for them.
Unconvinced by the letter’s attempt to assuage Varric’s mistrust in Solas’ ability to minimize the damage, he and Harding head back to Minrathous to engage the services of Neve Gallus. They hoped that she might have some clues to the Dread Wolf’s whereabouts. She informs the pair of Solas’ most recent activities in the city, emphasizing that numerous slaves have been recently freed under mysterious circumstances. When they investigate further, they find that the Venatori intend to kill all the freed slaves at the gathering. Choosing to save the freed slaves over pursuing Solas, the pair succeeded but lost their last lead on the Wolf.
The Important Details
While it is not necessary to read all the previously mentioned stories, to effectively play Dragon Age the Veilguard. The nuances and extra information on numerous characters are already confirmed for the series’ newest additions to the world of Thedas as a whole.
For those who wish to know a little more about their potential romance partner, they can be an essential piece of the puzzle. Offering fans a little more understanding of how their resident Ice Mage, Antivan Assassin, or Navarran Necromancer became the people they have come to know and love. While also granting a little bit of foresight into what is to come.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the property of Bioware, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts, headquartered in California. It will be released via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on October 31, 2024. The game is rated M for mature for adult themes, adult language, and violence. More details, about the game’s upcoming release, can be found on BioWare’s official blog and YouTube channel.
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