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' character in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. These sketches, showcased on Thornborrow's website, reveal a more overtly vengeful and god-like Solas than the character ultimately presented in the final game.
Thornborrow, who left BioWare in April 2022, contributed to The Veilguard's development by creating a visual novel prototype to explore story possibilities. Over 100 sketches from this prototype depict various scenes and characters, many of which appear in the final game, albeit with significant alterations.
Solas, initially introduced in Dragon Age: Inquisition as a helpful companion, later reveals his treacherous plan to destroy the Veil. The Veilguard continues this narrative, but the concept art suggests a more direct and sinister portrayal of Solas's actions. While some scenes, such as his initial attempt to shatter the Veil, remain largely unchanged, others depict a vastly different Solas – a colossal, shadowy figure. The ambiguity surrounding these altered scenes leaves open the question of whether they represent events within Rook's dreams or actual occurrences in the real world.
The discrepancies between the concept art and the finished game highlight the significant changes The Veilguard underwent during development. This is further evidenced by the game's title change from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf shortly before its release. Thornborrow's shared sketches provide valuable insight into this evolution, bridging the gap between the game's initial vision and its final form. The contrast between the initial vengeful god concept and the advisory role Solas ultimately plays in the game offers a fascinating look at the creative process behind Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
