Early Dragon Age: The Veilguard Concept Art Reveals a Darker Solas
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, 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's contribution to The Veilguard's development included a visual novel prototype used to explore plot points. Over 100 sketches from this prototype depict various scenes and characters, many of which appear in the final game, albeit with significant alterations.
The contrast between the concept art and the released game is particularly striking in depictions of Solas. While the core plot point – Solas's attempt to tear down the Veil – remains consistent, his portrayal differs significantly. The concept art frequently shows him as a colossal, shadowy figure, radiating a far more sinister presence than the dream-bound advisor seen in the final product. This raises questions about the extent to which these discarded scenes reflect events within Rook's dreams or manifestations of Fen'Harel's power in the real world.
Some sketches highlight a vengeful god persona, a stark contrast to his initially helpful demeanor in Dragon Age: Inquisition. The lyrium dagger, a key element of The Veilguard, also features prominently in the concept art.
The discrepancies between the concept art and the final game are not surprising, given the nearly ten-year gap between installments and the game's title change from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. Thornborrow's release of these sketches provides valuable insight into the creative process and the significant narrative shifts that occurred during The Veilguard's development, bridging the gap between initial vision and final product.
