A lot of BioWare’sDragon Agetitles follow themes of classicism and racism, exploring these difficult topics in their fantasy settings. This predominantly focuses on the plight of the elves, who throughout the games have faced prejudice and subjugation. Due to the fall of the empire of Elvhenan,the rise of the Tevinter Imperium, and the generations of elves taken into slavery, the elven people are either impoverished city dwellers or nomadic outcasts. The upcomingDragon Age: Dreadwolflooks like it will be bringing the plight of elves to the forefront, which could lead to several interesting developments.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolfis setting the scene for a cataclysmic showdown between the elven mage and so-called god Solas and the current non-elven inhabitants of Thedas. Solas is determined to right the wrongs that have been visited upon his people – some unwittingly by his own hand – and restore the Fade. This goal largely pits the elves against the other races and could mean that choosing an elven protagonist has added complications.
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The Choice Of Protagonist
Whileelements ofDragon Age: Dreadwolfhave been shownoff since its announcement, like a trailer narrated by series regular and lovable scoundrel Varric, there are still many parts of the game that remain a mystery. The next installment in the popularDragon Agefranchise looks to be heading in new directions and offering players the chance to see inside the intriguing Tevinter Imperium for the very first time, and its updated neon-lit aesthetic seems more steampunk than the straight fantasy of the earlier installments.Dragon Age: Dreadwolfis clearly looking to expand the series, but there are some elements that players hope will make a return, like the first game’s character origin stories.
These not only helped to flesh out the playable protagonist, but they also provided some individualized storytelling that added depth to the game and its varied societies. The previous game,Dragon Age: Inquisition, added new options like playable qunari and this trend of expansion should definitely continue in the next title. Gamers have almost always been able to play as an elf inDragon Agegames (apart from the human Hawke inDragon Age 2), but choosing to play as an elf inDragon Age: Dreadwolfhas now taken on an additional significance thanks to the overarching narrative. A comprehensive and unique character origin story will be crucial to establishing this early on and could help players make decisions down the road as well.
The Role Of The Elves
Elves, Dwarves, and humans are thecentral races of Thedas, with others existing more in the peripheries – at least as far as the games are concerned. Many players are hoping thatDragon Age: Dreadwolfcontinues to add more playable races compared to its predecessors, but it’s fairly certain that these three will remain in the mix. In the past, playing as certain races and classes has given players advantages and disadvantages, as well as unique dialogue options depending on who they’re interacting with. An example of this is during one ofDragon Age: Inquisition’s main quests, Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts.
This slightly divisive section took the action away from exploring Thedas and centered it on political intrigue and the careful management of reputation points. Players have to navigate the treacherous court of Orlais and impress its denizens, but there were aspects of their protagonist that would affect their status or cut them off from parts of the quest. Gamers would get automaticdeductions for being a qunari or an elf, which is reflective of the wider attitudes within Thedas' society. While the qunari are treated with suspicion and their way of life is largely dismissed or misunderstood, elves arguably face a much more oppressive treatment.
Not only were elves enslaved for centuries, but their place in Thedas' society has barely improved.Dragon Age: Inquisitionexplores elven culturein much more detail, and vital truths are revealed such as the real fate of the empire of Elvhenan, the nature of the original elven gods, and the role of Solas in the creation of the Veil. The fate of the elves seems even more tragic after these aspects are revealed, and players can’t help but sympathize with Solas' goals. However, his certainty that his actions will tear down not only the Veil but life as they know it – and all the devastating consequences that entails – complicates this sympathy. But it seems like many elves agree with his plans, and they have begun to disappear at the end ofDragon Age: Inquisiton’s DLCTrespasserto join his cause.
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The Impact of Solas' Quest And The Fate Of The Elves
If players choose an elf inDragon Age: Dreadwolf, it stands to reason that they may be confronted by some additional choices throughout the game. It may be the case that all players are forced to decide what to do in the face of Solas' plan, but this has more complex implications for an elven protagonist given that the Veil, the Fade, andSolas' intentions are so tightly woven into the fate of the elves. It will make the story ofDragon Age: Dreadwolfa much more personal one compared to experiencing it through the eyes of a human, dwarven, or qunari protagonist.
AsSolas is an established character and a former companion, it makes sense that he will get plenty of screen time and could be encountered several times across the narrative, if only to briefly reunite with former friends like Varric. The protagonist may meet him more than once as well, and if they’re playing as an elf this could have some bittersweet connotations. As the Dreadwolf, Solas is an important figure in elven culture, even if his origin and actions were diluted and forgotten over the years. He is also undertaking this destructive plan to save his people, which in essence puts him on the side of the elves, including the potential protagonist.
There will undoubtedly be some fascinating and heartbreaking dialogue options ifSolas meets an elven protagonist, which wouldn’t occur for main characters of other races.Dragon Age: Dreadwolfseems to be continuingInquisition’s exploration of elf history, and will likely bring many of the centuries-long conflicts to a head once and for all.
