Solas' Hidden Origins: Unveiled in Dragon Age Concept Art

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Solas: Early Concepts Reveal a Darker 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. These sketches, shared by former BioWare artist Nick Thornborrow, reveal a more overtly vengeful and god-like Solas than the one players ultimately encountered in the final game.

Thornborrow, whose 15-year tenure at BioWare ended in April 2022, played a crucial role in The Veilguard's development. He created a visual novel to help shape the game's narrative, and over 100 sketches from this project have recently been revealed on his website. These sketches show significant differences between the initial concepts and the final product, particularly regarding Solas's portrayal.

While Solas's initial role as a companion in Dragon Age: Inquisition and his subsequent betrayal were well-established, the concept art suggests a more direct and sinister expression of his hidden agenda. The final game portrays Solas largely as a dream-based advisor to the protagonist, Rook. However, the early sketches depict him as a far more imposing figure, sometimes shown as a colossal, shadowy entity. The ambiguity of these early designs leaves open the question of whether these scenes represent events within Rook's dreams or manifestations of Fen'Harel's power in the real world.

The contrast between the concept art and the finished game highlights the significant changes The Veilguard underwent during development. This is not entirely surprising, considering the nearly ten-year gap between installments and the last-minute name change from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Thornborrow's behind-the-scenes look offers fans a valuable opportunity to understand the creative journey and the evolution of Solas's character arc. The initial concept of a vengeful god persona, while ultimately toned down, offers a compelling counterpoint to the final version, enriching the understanding of Solas's complex motivations.