The fourth installment of BioWare’s most adored properties, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, is slated to be released before the end of the year. Iconic in the RPG space, and steeped in controversy with every iteration, the newest foray into the land of Thedas is poised to bring to the fore some of the best companions to date. Including the return of iconic game characters, love-them or hate-them former allies, and the introduction (or in some cases, re-introduction) of even more characters previously only hinted about.

While there has been a proverbial avalanche of news regarding Dragon Age: The Veilguard over the last month, the sources have been scattered via multiple outlets. So, here is a handy guide to what the Dragon Age community knows, and what has been confirmed about our new allies.

The Veilguard Companions

BioWare, and Dragon Age by extension, have been a trailblazer in the industry when it comes to compelling companions and emotional personal storylines for years. From making an unsure and anxious young man realize his birthright as the heir to Ferelden’s throne, to helping an ex-Templar battle his Lyrium addiction and find a new lease on life, and everything in between, the Dragon Age series has something for RPG players. Players are more likely to find that narrative reflected somewhere within the world.

And Veilguard is poised to take that focus to another level, once again. Unlike the previous iteration of the franchise, Dragon Age: Inquisition, this game will be a more streamlined and less cluttered menagerie of allies. Instead of nine companions to follow you into battle, Veilguard will only feature seven this time. A revolving door of who’s who in northern Thedas, each with their own personal backstories, connections, factions, personalities, goals, motivations, and desires for you to navigate.

Party Members

The Mages

• Balara: The Veil Jumper. Known as “A creative and romantic Veil Jumper obsessed with uncovering ancient secrets.” Who is rumored to be the bubbly, innocently endearing one?
• Emmrich: The Necromancer. Known as “A necromancer of Nevarra’s Mourn Watch who comes complete with a skeletal assistant, Manfred.” Who is known as the gentlemen’s gentlemen and is purported to be the most caring and romantic of the bunch.
• Neve Gallus: The Investigator. Known as “A cynic fighting for a better future, both as a private detective and a member of Tevinter’s rebellious Shadow Dragons.” Who, is known to be full of more determination and drive than most.

The Warriors

• Davrin: The Warden. Known as “A bold and charming Grey Warden who has made a name for himself as a monster hunter.” And he comes with a baby griffon sidekick, named Assan!
• Taash: The Dragon Hunter. Known as “A dragon hunter allied with the Lords of Fortune who lives for adventure and doesn’t mind taking risks.” and one of the most anticipated companions to date.

The Rogues

• Lucanis Dellamorte: The Antivan Crow. Known as “A poised & pragmatic assassin who descends from the bloodline of the House of Crows, a criminal organization renowned throughout Thedas.” And whose death has (seemingly) been greatly exaggerated.
• Harding: The Scout. Known as “The dwarven scout returns to the fray as a companion with her big heart, a positive outlook, and a ready bow – as well as unexpected magical powers.” As our official representative of the Inquisition and fan favorite.

The Romance Option

Regarding romance, a staple in BioWare games, the devs have confirmed several key pieces of information. Unlike the companions in Larian Studios’ mega-hit RPG, Baldur’s Gate III, the companions for Veilguard will not be player-sexual. Meaning that they will not just fall for your Rook, and no one else. Their romance arcs will be assuredly detailed, interesting, engaging, and even more compelling than any other romances that have come before. Corrine Busche, Lead Game Director for the project, has gone on record saying that each companion is pansexual by default. And, if not romanced by the player, can and will develop romantic relationships with other companions.

While all the possible romance combinations between your party members have not been confirmed, devs teased that one such pairing includes Inquisition Scout Lace Harding and Taash, our Lord of Fortune dragon hunter. Similar to how Dorian Pavus and The Iron Bull, from Inquisition, can initiate an off-screen romance under the right conditions, BioWare is bringing that aspect back for their fourth installment. However, how apparent such pairings may be, who they will involve, and how much of it players will see, remains to be discovered. But devs have confirmed that, with each romance, they will find something that will appeal to even the most particular of players.

Nudity and Adult Themes

Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s ESRB rating is set to Mature. And, as such, will include adult-oriented themes and subject matter. Regarding nudity in the game: several developers, including Busche, have confirmed that it will be a factor in most romances. So, for those interested in spice, once again, BioWare has players covered.

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