Concept Art Highlights Solas' Origins in 'Dragon Age'

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, revealing a more vengeful and overtly powerful persona than what ultimately appeared in the final game. Former BioWare artist Nick Thornborrow, whose visual novel prototype helped shape the game's narrative, recently shared over 100 sketches showcasing this alternate vision.

Solas, initially introduced in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a helpful companion, later revealed his treacherous plan to destroy the Veil. This plan forms the core of The Veilguard's plot. However, Thornborrow's sketches depict a stark contrast to Solas's largely advisory role in the released game.

The artwork, primarily black and white with selective color accents, portrays Solas shedding his guise as a sympathetic advisor. He is frequently depicted as a far more menacing figure—a vengeful god actively wielding his power. While some scenes, such as his initial attempt to tear the Veil, remain largely consistent with the final game, others are drastically different. These alternative depictions often show Solas as a colossal, shadowy being, raising questions about whether these scenes represent events within Rook's dreams or manifestations of Fen'Harel's power in the real world.

These discrepancies highlight the significant narrative shifts that occurred during The Veilguard's development. The game's title change from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf shortly before release further underscores the extensive evolution of the story. Thornborrow's behind-the-scenes look provides valuable context, bridging the gap between initial concepts and the final product, offering fans a deeper understanding of Solas's character arc.