Dragon Age: Solas' Origins Detailed in Veilguard Artwork

Early Dragon Age: The Veilguard Concept Art Reveals a Darker Solas

Early concept sketches by former BioWare artist Nick Thornborrow offer a glimpse into the evolution of Solas's character in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. These sketches, showcased on Thornborrow's website, reveal a more overtly vengeful and god-like Solas than the advisor role he ultimately plays in the final game.

Thornborrow, who departed BioWare in April 2022, contributed significantly to The Veilguard's development by creating a visual novel prototype to explore story possibilities. Over 100 sketches from this prototype, recently added to his online portfolio, depict various characters and scenes. While many closely resemble their in-game counterparts, Solas's portrayal shows significant divergence.

The contrast between concept art and the final game is striking. While the initial Veil-tearing sequence appears largely unchanged, other scenes present a drastically different Solas. The sketches depict him as a colossal, shadowy figure, a far cry from his largely advisory role in the released game. The ambiguity surrounding these scenes leaves room for speculation: are they solely manifestations within Rook's dreams, or do they represent Fen'Harel's real-world actions?

This behind-the-scenes look offers valuable insight into the significant narrative shifts The Veilguard underwent during development. The game's title change from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf shortly before release further highlights the extensive evolution of its story. Thornborrow's sketches help bridge the gap between initial concepts and the final product, providing fans with a richer understanding of Solas's journey and the game's creative process.