Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is setting the scene for a cataclysmic showdown between the elven mage and so-called god Solas and the current non-elven inhabitants of Thedas. Solas is determined to right the wrongs that have been visited upon his people – some unwittingly by his own hand – and restore the Fade. This goal largely pits the elves against the other races and could mean that choosing an elven protagonist has added complications.
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The Choice Of Protagonist
While elements of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf have been shown off since its announcement, like a trailer narrated by series regular and lovable scoundrel Varric, there are still many parts of the game that remain a mystery. The next installment in the popular Dragon Age franchise looks to be heading in new directions and offering players the chance to see inside the intriguing Tevinter Imperium for the very first time, and its updated neon-lit aesthetic seems more steampunk than the straight fantasy of the earlier installments. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is clearly looking to expand the series, but there are some elements that players hope will make a return, like the first game’s character origin stories.
These not only helped to flesh out the playable protagonist, but they also provided some individualized storytelling that added depth to the game and its varied societies. The previous game, Dragon Age: Inquisition, added new options like playable qunari and this trend of expansion should definitely continue in the next title. Gamers have almost always been able to play as an elf in Dragon Age games (apart from the human Hawke in Dragon Age 2), but choosing to play as an elf in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has now taken on an additional significance thanks to the overarching narrative. A comprehensive and unique character origin story will be crucial to establishing this early on and could help players make decisions down the road as well.
The Role Of The Elves
Elves, Dwarves, and humans are the central races of Thedas, with others existing more in the peripheries – at least as far as the games are concerned. Many players are hoping that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf continues to add more playable races compared to its predecessors, but it’s fairly certain that these three will remain in the mix. In the past, playing as certain races and classes has given players advantages and disadvantages, as well as unique dialogue options depending on who they’re interacting with. An example of this is during one of Dragon Age: Inquisition’s main quests, Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.
This slightly divisive section took the action away from exploring Thedas and centered it on political intrigue and the careful management of reputation points. Players have to navigate the treacherous court of Orlais and impress its denizens, but there were aspects of their protagonist that would affect their status or cut them off from parts of the quest. Gamers would get automatic deductions for being a qunari or an elf, which is reflective of the wider attitudes within Thedas’ society. While the qunari are treated with suspicion and their way of life is largely dismissed or misunderstood, elves arguably face a much more oppressive treatment.
Not only were elves enslaved for centuries, but their place in Thedas’ society has barely improved. Dragon Age: Inquisition explores elven culture in much more detail, and vital truths are revealed such as the real fate of the empire of Elvhenan, the nature of the original elven gods, and the role of Solas in the creation of the Veil. The fate of the elves seems even more tragic after these aspects are revealed, and players can’t help but sympathize with Solas’ goals. However, his certainty that his actions will tear down not only the Veil but life as they know it – and all the devastating consequences that entails – complicates this sympathy. But it seems like many elves agree with his plans, and they have begun to disappear at the end of Dragon Age: Inquisiton’s DLC Trespasser to join his cause.
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The Impact of Solas’ Quest And The Fate Of The Elves
If players choose an elf in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, it stands to reason that they may be confronted by some additional choices throughout the game. It may be the case that all players are forced to decide what to do in the face of Solas’ plan, but this has more complex implications for an elven protagonist given that the Veil, the Fade, and Solas’ intentions are so tightly woven into the fate of the elves. It will make the story of Dragon Age: Dreadwolf a much more personal one compared to experiencing it through the eyes of a human, dwarven, or qunari protagonist.
As Solas is an established character and a former companion, it makes sense that he will get plenty of screen time and could be encountered several times across the narrative, if only to briefly reunite with former friends like Varric. The protagonist may meet him more than once as well, and if they’re playing as an elf this could have some bittersweet connotations. As the Dreadwolf, Solas is an important figure in elven culture, even if his origin and actions were diluted and forgotten over the years. He is also undertaking this destructive plan to save his people, which in essence puts him on the side of the elves, including the potential protagonist.
There will undoubtedly be some fascinating and heartbreaking dialogue options if Solas meets an elven protagonist, which wouldn’t occur for main characters of other races. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf seems to be continuing Inquisition’s exploration of elf history, and will likely bring many of the centuries-long conflicts to a head once and for all.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is in development.
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