With Tevinter being the epicenter of Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s expansive narrative, no former companion is more important than Dorian Pavus -regarding influence. Whether it be his insights into the northern parts of Thedas granting fans a first-hand perspective; on the part of the world that lived securely in the ominous obscurity of the unknown and primed players for what they would experience within the new game; or with what we know so far, there is no doubt his presence will be felt in several ways.
Character
Inquisition’s resident fire mage and overall sassy Altus, Dorian Pavus was born and raised in the lap of luxury in Qarinus. Heir to a powerful family, the son of Magister Halward Pavus, Dorian was expected and groomed to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a ranking member of the Magisterium. But what plans his family may have had for him, Dorian’s sense of self was far more assertive than even his father could have ever thought. After a disagreement fundamental to his very being, Dorian fled Tevinter for the south -hoping to find a path all his own, unhindered by his father’s ideals on a family legacy and his demands of capitulation.
Personality
Of all the Inquisition companions, many argue that Dorian is one of those characters who speaks more honestly than some give him credit for. He’s arrogant when he wants to be, kind when he needs to be, and far more loyal than the people of Thedas would expect a Tevinter to be. He won’t hesitate to give saliant advice and is quick to shoot off a quick one-liner or backhanded comment -with the timing and the zeal of well-practiced shade. Yet, when the player gets to know him, they find that all that bravado is nothing more than a shield against the world; and that his true self is far more caring and understanding than his rhetoric suggests.
Culture
Through Dorian’s testimony and stories of his homeland, the Inquisitor learns much about Tevinter’s power structure, their views on the South, and the expectations thrust upon those of superior lineage and magical prowess. Discussions with the runaway heir, yield helpful and interesting tidbits about how the common people lived, of slavery and its impacts upon the people, and how the day-to-day functions -in comparison. As well as, learning how Dorian copes with the culture shock juxtaposed between Southern Thedas and the Tevinter Imperium.
Relationship
From the player’s perspective, fans learn even more about Dorian should they befriend him -wholeheartedly- or romance him. While the pieces of information the Inquisitor can pick up, via friendship, is not insignificant, a more in-depth look into Dorian’s history can be found if he is romanced. His companion quest, Last Resort of Good Men, finally sheds light on why Dorian fled Tevinter in the first place -and what his father tried to do to him. Players see firsthand Dorian’s struggles and pain and learn what his father’s actions really did to him emotionally.
Trespasser
During the events of the Dragon Age DLC, players learn what Dorian has been up to since the defeat of Corypheus two years ago. In that time, he had returned to Tevinter to try and mend the fences between himself and his family -while also coming to terms with how the Inquisitor’s friendship (or romance) has changed his perspective on how he sees his country. His experiences in the South have now influenced him to be more proactive and help reform the Magisterium to be more benevolent and caring to the people -no matter their station.
Pre-Veilguard
More insights on Dorian’s story can be found in both Tevinter Nights; an anthology of stories set in a time after the events in The Winter Palace of Halamshiral; and the comic titled Deception. In the latter, the (now) Magister assists the two main characters with a mission and eventually helps them escape from Qarinus; after the Qunari invade. In Tevinter Nights, readers get a glimpse into how his time with the Inquisitor changed Dorian’s thoughts on slavery -as now his home is looked after by paid servants- and become party to an adventure to hunt down a monster killing people under Minrathous.
Given his influence on the Inquisitor’s decisions, in Dragon Age: Inquisition, and his potential effect on the new narrative: Dorian will be one of the major companion characters that fans will want to see return -as he will be just as influential, if not more, to the Veilguard’s mission in Tevinter. Whether or not fans will get to see him, is still up for debate; as Bioware has yet to confirm his potential cameo in the game; but considering everything that the writers have set up over the last ten years, the likelihood that Bioware will not pay it off feels slim.
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