The Veilguard Characters We Wish Were Romance Options

Like all previous entries in the series before it, on top of saving the world, Dragon Age: The Veilguard allows time for a little romance, with all seven companions available for Rook. However, just like all previous entries in the series, that is not enough for some as plenty of other characters have also caught the fanbase’s eye. And while some of these are somewhat obvious choices, there are others that are a little more… niche.

[Warning: This article contains spoilers for Dragon Age: The Veilguard.]

Romance with non-companion characters in Dragon Age games isn’t a new idea, with Inquisition offering romances with Cullen and Josephine, and both Dragon Age 2 and Origins allowed for a fair amount of flirting with NPCs. Companions can even romance each other or other characters in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, perhaps adding to the feeling of Rook being left out of the fun. And with dashing rogues, heroes, and mysterious merchants all over Thedas, there would have been plenty of options for a little extra romance.

10

Solas – Ancient Elven Mage

Complex But Potentially Unhealthy

Solas was a romance option for female elven Inquisitors in Dragon Age: Inquisition, a romance that can carry over and play a significant role at the end of The Veilguard. Solas spends much of the game trapped in the Fade prison he had originally designed to hold the Evanuris and will offer Rook advice. During these conversations, there are a few interactions that could be read as flirtatious, fueling the desire for some to pursue Solas despite his antagonist role in the plot.

The dynamic would have been undoubtedly unhealthy because of Solas’ control over Rook’s perception, his manipulation of Rook, and his frequent betrayals. Therefore, it’s doubtful a full romance could have bloomed with Solas in the same way as in Inquisition. However, having a more flirtatious relationship with him could have been interesting, and even added to the emotional blows of his machinations.

9

Isabela – Rivani Pirate Queen

Why Break With Tradition?

Isabela has the honor of appearing in some form in every Dragon Age game so far, making her cameo in The Veilguard all the more fun. First appearing in Origins, Isabela could be met and flirted with in the Pearl and even joined for the evening. She then became a full companion and romance option when the Rivani pirate reappeared in Dragon Age 2.

Isabela is the faction contact for the Lords of Fortune in The Veilguard and the quest giver for the Arena bouts. It feels wrong to see Isabela in a Dragon Age game and not be able to at least flirt with her. Isabela has always had a healthy attitude when it came to casual liaisons, so it feels like a missed opportunity not to include a callback to Origins‘ Pearl exploits.

8

Elek Tavor – Thread Agent

Smooth Talking Bad Boy

Another character that has grabbed fans’ attention is Elek Tavor, a member of the Threads crime syndicate. Elek will appear as part of Neve’s personal quest as the detective’s Threads contact and the two of them have an easy back-and-forth that hints at a long history of cooperation. Elek is also somewhat flirtatious with Rook, showing that his skill set within the Threads is most likely charming information out of people.

Frustratingly though, despite Elek’s honeyed words, Rook can’t flirt back, which is such a shame. Just like Isabela, Elek would have made for a good casual fling, especially if the Threads are supported during Neve’s quest, with it perhaps left ambiguous if he was being sincere or not. There could have even been some banter or dialogue with Neve afterward, with her warning Rook not to fall for Elek’s charms.

7

Illario Dellamorte – Antivan Crow

This Charming Assassin Would Spell Heartbreak

Another bad boy who has fans hot under the collar is Illario Dellamorte, the younger cousin of Rook’s Antivan Crow companion Lucanis. Illario can be met as part of the main quest very early in The Veilguard and plays a key role during Lucanis’ personal questline when his betrayal is revealed. Despite this, Illario would have made an interesting and probably heartbreaking romance option.

Related

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Should Lucanis Free Or Imprison Illario

Lucanis Dellamorte’s journey in Dragon Age: The Veilguard is one of betrayal and family where Rook has to decide the fate of an Antivan Crow traitor.

Illario will happily flirt with Rook during their encounters, much to Lucanis’ frustration, but if Rook were able to pursue Illario, things could have gotten much more complicated. Having Illario as a full romance option would have made his betrayal personal for Rook as well as Lucanis and could have even provided a third option for dealing with him. It would have been interesting to see if the actions taken by Rook could have resulted in the same outcome or a chance at redemption for Illario.

6

Irelin – Veil Jumper Shapeshifter

A Kind & Sweet Non-Companion Romance

Irelin can be met early in The Veilguard and will set Rook on the path to finding Bellara to help them with the eluvian. Sadly, little is learned about Irelin in the game, although her character is much more fleshed out in other Dragon Age media. The one clue to Irelin’s past is a codex entry that hints at a past relationship between Irelin and Bellara that perhaps didn’t end well.

Having Irelin as a romance option could have given more context to the Veil Jumpers, who at times can feel removed from the main plot. Stealing time away from saving the world for dates in Arlathan would have provided little tender moments to learn more about Irelin. And, given her past with Bellara, could have resulted in some fun or teasing dialogue with Bellara as the romance progressed.

5

Strife – Veil Jumper Leader

Another Option For A Mature Romance

Met at the same time as Irelin, Strife is the second member of the Veil Jumpers faction who acts as a contact for Rook and their team. Always level-headed and clearly able to hold his own in a fight, Strife guides his team of Veil Jumpers with a firm hand. If not in a romance with Rook, Emmrich will pursue a relationship with Strife, pointing out that the older elf needs romance in his life.

Related

All Dragon Age: The Veilguard Factions, Ranked

Rook has the choice of belonging to one of six factions in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, each offering bonuses, but some are much better than others.

But it’s really not fair that only Emmrich gets to enjoy Strife’s company and go on camping dates. Just like Irelin, it would have been lovely to learn more about Strife and woo him with romantic hikes or delving for artifacts. Having another more mature option for a romance would also have been a nice touch for those who like to play an older Rook.

4

Tarquin – Shadow Dragon Agent

An Opportunity To Show His Softer Side

Faction contacts continue to grab fan attention as another popular choice for many would have been Shadow Dragon agent Tarquin. Often seen at the side of the Viper, Tarquin is the brusque Templar who aids the Shadow Dragons in their goals for a better Tevinter. When spoken to, Tarquin will warm up to Rook and happily chat about his background and reasons for joining the underground movement.

Tarquin would have been a great choice for a full faction-specific romance if Minrathous was saved. There could have been dates to show a different side to Tarquin outside his dutiful, shadowy life with the Dragons, or perhaps help him on some small side missions. It is always interesting to see the softer side of more terse characters and Tarquin would have been a great choice for this.

3

The Viper – Shadow Dragon Leader

A Chance For A Complicated But Fulfilling Love Story

Sticking with the Shadow Dragons, and one of the most frequently mentioned characters on romance wishlists, is the Viper. The mysterious faction leader hides his identity behind a mask, but that hasn’t stopped people from imagining what could have been, getting to know Ashur a little better. Very little is revealed about the Viper directly in The Veilguard, although hints can be found, leaving room for a romance to uncover more.

Related

One Dragon Age: The Veilguard Faction Contact Is More Important Than You Realize

Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers several hints to the identity of the Viper, but cut content spells out exactly how important this faction leader is.

It could have been fascinating to begin a romance with the Viper and then learn about his true identity later, perhaps after a botched mission. Dates could have shifted from small stolen moments on rooftops to perhaps seeing him without the mask over dinner. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that the Viper is voiced by Matthew Mercer, adding to the allure for many.

2

Teia & Viago – Antivan Crows

A Perfect Opportunity For A Polyamorous Romance

The faction contacts for the Antivan Crows come in the form of Viago de Riva and Andarateia Cantori, also known as Teia, who are in an on-again, off-again relationship. Ambient dialogue makes it clear that during the events of The Veilguard, they are on again, making any romance with one of them off the table. However, they would have been a great way to have a polyamorous option in the game.

Teia gently flirts with Rook during Lucanis’ questline, pulling amusingly annoyed comments from him, but this could have been taken further as there is no way to return the attention. It could have been fun to flirt with either Teia or Viago before finding out about the involvement of the other. From there, the choice could have been between a fling with one or both of the Talons.

1

Vorgoth – Mourn Watch Merchant

Beauty Is Truly In The Eye Of The Beholder

Finally, there is a character who some fans have latched onto for a more unusual romance option. Vorgoth, the faction merchant for the Mourn Watch, is an imposing, hooded being of inscrutable nature, but that hasn’t stopped them from gathering admirers. It is never made clear in the game what exactly Vorgoth is, with even Emmrich admitting that no one in Mourn Watch has any idea.

Given their spirit-like nature, it’s unclear how a romance with Vorgoth in Dragon Age: The Veilguard would realistically unfold. However, it could have been an interesting way to explore a more chaste romance, as it’s unclear if Vorgoth has lips to kiss. Whatever the form the romance took though, it would have been a great excuse to see Vorgoth’s painting collection.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth entry in the Dragon Age franchise and a sequel to 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition. A classic character, Solas, will return as the new game’s antagonist. The game will retain many of the series’ staples, such as multiple dialogue options, party choices, romantic options, and more. Dreadwolf will act as the first direct sequel in the Dragon Age franchise.

Released

October 31, 2024

Developer(s)

BioWare

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Engine

Frostbite

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

Expand