Solas' Origins Revealed in Dragon Age: Unveiling Veilguard Concept Art

Dragon Age: The Veilguard's Solas: Early Concepts Reveal a Darker God

Early concept sketches by former BioWare artist Nick Thornborrow offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of Solas's character in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. These sketches, originally created for a visual novel used to brainstorm the game's narrative, reveal a significantly more vengeful and overtly godlike Solas than the advisor role he ultimately plays in the final game.

Solas, first introduced in Dragon Age: Inquisition, transitioned from helpful companion to revealed antagonist, plotting the destruction of the Veil. This plan continues in The Veilguard, forming the game's central conflict. Thornborrow, though no longer at BioWare (departing in April 2022), contributed significantly to The Veilguard's development through his visual novel prototype.

The newly released sketches, numbering over 100, depict various characters and scenes. While many closely resemble their in-game counterparts, Solas's portrayal differs dramatically. The final game presents him primarily through Rook's dreams, but the concept art showcases a far more sinister presence—a colossal, shadowy figure actively wielding his power. The ambiguity surrounding these scenes leaves open the question of whether they represent events within Rook's dreams or manifestations in the real world.

The stark contrast between concept and final product highlights the significant narrative shifts The Veilguard underwent during development. This is unsurprising given the nearly ten-year gap between installments and the late name change from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Thornborrow's shared artwork provides valuable context, bridging the gap between initial vision and the final game's narrative. The difference emphasizes a potentially darker, more powerful Solas that was ultimately toned down for the released version.