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 advisory role he ultimately plays in the final game.
Thornborrow, who departed BioWare in April 2022 after 15 years, contributed significantly to The Veilguard's development by creating a visual novel prototype to explore story possibilities. Over 100 sketches from this prototype, recently added to his online portfolio, depict various characters and scenes, many of which bear a striking resemblance to the final product. However, the portrayal of Solas differs significantly.
While Solas's actions in the game's opening—his attempt to rend the Veil—appear largely consistent with the concept art, other scenes present a stark contrast. The sketches often depict Solas as a colossal, shadowy figure, far removed from the dream-bound advisor seen in the released game. This raises questions about the nature of these scenes: are they solely manifestations within Rook's dreams, or do they hint at Fen'Harel's actions in the real world?
The discrepancy between the concept art and the final game highlights the significant narrative shifts that occurred during The Veilguard's development. The change in the game's title from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf shortly before release further emphasizes this evolution. Thornborrow's contribution provides valuable insight into these changes, offering fans a richer understanding of Solas's journey and the creative process behind the game. The black and white sketches, punctuated by vibrant color accents on key elements like the lyrium dagger, effectively capture the evolving portrayal of Solas, from a sympathetic advisor to a more menacing, vengeful deity.
