Dragon Age: Veilguard Sketches Showcase Solas' Origins

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Solas: Early Concepts Reveal a More Vengeful God

Early concept sketches for Dragon Age: The Veilguard offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Solas, the enigmatic character who shifts between ally and antagonist throughout the series. Former BioWare artist Nick Thornborrow's work reveals a potentially darker, more vengeful side to Solas than what ultimately appeared in the final game.

Thornborrow, who contributed to The Veilguard's development even after leaving BioWare in 2022, created a visual novel prototype to help shape the narrative. His recently unveiled collection of over 100 sketches, drawn from this prototype, showcases significant deviations between initial concepts and the finished product.

Solas, initially introduced in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a helpful companion, later revealed his treacherous plan to destroy the Veil. The Veilguard continues this storyline, but the concept art presents a more direct, less subtle portrayal of Solas's intentions.

The sketches, primarily black and white with selective color accents, depict Solas less as a manipulative advisor and more as an overtly vengeful god. While some scenes, such as his attempt to shatter the Veil, remain largely consistent, others differ drastically. Several depict Solas as a colossal, shadowy figure, raising questions about whether these scenes represent Rook's dreams or actual events in the game's world.

The differences highlight the significant narrative shifts that occurred during The Veilguard's development, a process already known to fans given the game's title change from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the nearly ten-year gap between installments. Thornborrow's behind-the-scenes peek allows players to better understand the creative journey and the evolution of Solas's character.