Summary
The next chapter in theDragon Agesaga is on the horizon withDragon Age: Dreadwolf. Of course, this raises a ton of questions. How has the world changed? What will the story be? Who will be involved? Fans are eager to find out more about these possibilities, but there are also several other aspects to consider.
Namely, who will comprise thecolorful party of companions? These close-knit allies are among the strongest points of any BioWare title,Dragon Ageincluded. Not only are their respective arcs engaging, but they organically evolve over multiple entries. Naturally, players want to seeDreadwolfcontinue those arcs.
A popular addition to the sequels isVarric. One of two confirmed returning characters, this roguish dwarf is a colorful member of the heroes' ranks. Being both an alchemist and an archer gives him a diverse skill set. Plus, his sly personality is useful in a pinch, especially when dealing with such a politically volatile world. At the same time, this dangerous scoundrel treasures his crossbow (“Bianca”) like a lover and publishes his adventures as trashy novels. This unorthodox mixture of qualities arouses curiosity, but that intrigue doesn’t stop at the games.
Varric has several other escapades. Players can read about them invarious tie-in books.Knight Errantsees him execute an ambitious jailbreak. InThe Missing, he protects freed Elven slaves from the Venatori’s wrath. Developers can use these exploits as compelling conversation topics or even side quests. Doing so would tie the largerDragon Ageuniverse together as a living, breathing world. Who says the player characters should have all the fun?
The second confirmed return isSolas, though making him a companion might be tricky. After all, he isthe titular Dreadwolf. Not only is he responsible for many misfortunes in previous titles, but he’ll likely be the main villain here. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t join the team, at least for a time. Plenty of games let players control or work with the antagonists. These instances are usually one-off levels or redemption arcs. Either scenario would suit this Elven mage.
Reuniting with Solas is a prime opportunity to further his character. Players could address his past deeds and betrayals, weighing them against his time as an ally and possible lover. Such debates may add dimension to his villainy. It’d also be fun to play as a villain. The Dreadwolf can accessspells, abilities, and knowledgethat heroes can only dream of. Tapping into those dark gifts is tempting, especially if they break the game. Solas' inclusion could let fans enjoy some unbridled chaos before being bottlenecked into saving the day.
3Davrin
A New Character Could Usher The Return Of A Familiar Faction
Davrinis a new face. Fans don’t know much about him aside from the behind-the-scenes marketing, but his potential lies in his profession. Voice lines reveal that he’s a member of the Grey Wardens. This order of knights hasn’t had a prominent role on the good side sinceDragon Age: Origins, mainly because they were corrupted.Dragon Age: Inquisitionsaw them enthralled to a darkspawn named Corypheus. That servitude led to profane practices and blood magic. As terrible as those deeds were, they could be a foundation for greatness.
The Grey Wardens may carve a path of redemption and rediscovery inDreadwolf. They would strive to atone and revive their selfless roots. In the process, the narrative would expand on the player’s choice to either banish or recruit them. How does that choice impact the Wardens' rebuilding efforts? That conflict might be even more personal depending on the Warden ally chosen inOrigins. The narrative isn’t the only area ripe for expansion.Dreadwolfcould also evolve the Wardens' gameplay. They’d still have the physical benefits of knights, but they may also retainsome mystical abilitiesfrom their darkspawn dabbling. That mixture could spice up their skills and make Davrin more enjoyable in battle. In function, he’d be both familiar and new.
2The Inquisitor
A Series Tradition Could See Players Confront Their Past Selves
ADragon Agetradition is to bring backplayer characters from previous titles, albeit not as main protagonists. Instead, they serve as companions to the new heroes. The nameless Grey Warden fromOriginsand Hawke fromDragon Age 2both fill this role.Dreadwolfought to continue that trend.
Dreadwolfshould include theInquisitorof the aptly namedDragon Age: Inquisition. This protagonist was among the most influential figures in the series. Other characters prophesied players as a divine savior or the “Herald of Andraste.” This gave them nearly absolute power during a tumultuous time. Fromtheir mountain fortress, they amassed armies, coordinated assaults, judged prisoners, and forged vital alliances with disparate factions. Such actions naturally created a larger ripple effect.
Dreadwolfis a chance to see that effect. How would such heavy responsibility affect the Inquisitor in hindsight? Conversing with them would force players to reflect on their own decisions. After all, they may view a scenario differently from the outside looking in. The resulting questions would be particularly relevant considering the presence of Solas, who was the Inquisitor’s trusted ally. In short, the game practically begs for the Herald’s inclusion.
Alistairholds a special place in fans' hearts.An exiled princeand cynical Grey Warden, he’s a source of snarky levity. Beneath that exterior, though, lies a sensitive soul. Peeling back those layers makes him oddly poignant - both as a companion and potential love interest. It’s no wonder why he’s a series mainstay.
That said, Alistair’s circumstances vary drastically. Players' decisions and relationships see to that. He could be a proud king, a loyal knight, or a disillusioned drunkard. These paths progress through all three mainline games. It’s a testament to how choices - combined with organic writing - can alter life’s trajectory.Dragon Agedevotees may want to experience the next step in that journey.Dreadwolfcould continue Alistair’s evolution. His royal status would make him a pivotal figure in global events. Seeing how far he’s come in realizing that importance could give some pause for thought. The fact that he’s so engaging only makes his arc (or arcs) more engaging.
