When Dragon Age: Origins first hit the shelves back in November 2009, it captivated audiences with its richly detailed world. Fast forward 15 years to today, with the latest addition to the series, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, making its debut. In that time, both in our world and in the mythical land of Thedas, a significant transformation has taken place. The Hero of Ferelden faced off against the Fifth Blight in 9:31 Dragon, an event that started in 9:30, while the Blighted Elven Gods made their return around 9:53 Dragon. This adds up to about 22 years in the Dragon Age universe’s timeline.
Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
Now, the actual age of the Hero of Ferelden is never pinned down. But, if we consider that they were about 18-20 by the end of the Fifth Blight, they’d be in their early 40s around The Veilguard’s timeline. In contrast, Hawke, born between 9:06 and 9:07 Dragon, would be about 46 or 47, provided they’re still kicking. As for the Inquisitor, the game wisely leaves their age somewhat ambiguous, allowing players to shape the character however they prefer, ranging from their 20s to their 40s during Inquisition. Given that The Veilguard happens roughly a decade later, the Inquisitor could very well be anywhere between their 30s and 50s. Rook, however, remains just as much an enigma.
Much like checking in with your favorite celebrities, seeing where our cherished Dragon Age characters are now feels vital for staying in touch with the saga’s narrative. Dragon Age: The Veilguard may not throw the story wide open but it certainly starts to tie up a couple of loose ends for now. It’s a chance to recall what last became of figures like the Hero of Ferelden and Hawke.
Where is the Hero of Ferelden Now?
Dragon Age: Origins, often the entry point for fans of the series, holds a special place and for good reason. The Hero of Ferelden boasts one of the most complex stories, woven seamlessly with outcomes that vary, depending on how one wraps up Origins and its accompanying DLCs.
At the heart of it, the Hero of Ferelden had several fates awaiting. They might have perished slaying the Archdemon, survived by letting Alistair or Loghain take the fall, or embraced Morrigan’s ritual, resulting in the birth of the OGB (Old God Baby). Outcomes could see them ruling as Queen or staying true to the Grey Wardens. While choices extend far and wide, it boils down to whether the Hero is alive or not after Origins. If deceased, their legacy is ensured by an Orlesian Warden Commander stepping in.
In the games following Origins, if alive, references to the Hero of Ferelden surface sporadically. By the time of Dragon Age: Inquisition, their fate is shrouded as they embark on a quest to halt The Calling.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard, however, remains cryptic on this front, opting instead for Easter eggs hinting at their Joining in Ostagar. Yet, the tale subtly suggests shifts concerning the Hero of Ferelden. The vanquishing of Ghilan’nain and Elgar’nan raises questions about the fate of the Grey Wardens, particularly with the apparent absence of Archdemons or Elven Gods. This may spell an end to The Calling—a notion Grey Wardens might entertain. Still, relying on BioWare’s storytelling tradition, resting assured in this assumption feels premature. Thus, the Hero’s true status remains a mystery as of The Veilguard.
Where is Hawke Now?
Hawke makes their final in-game appearance during the “Here Lies the Abyss” quest of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Players are presented with a gut-wrenching choice—leaving either Hawke or the Warden Contact behind in the Fade to deal with the Nightmare. This decision results in one of two scenarios for Hawke in Dragon Age: The Veilguard: lost to the Fade or alive, though their current whereabouts remain elusive.
If players manage to save Hawke, they go on to inform the Wardens of events at Adamant Fortress, triggering turmoil at Weisshaupt. Together with Varric, they attempt to repair Kirkwall, roughly around 9:44 Dragon, leaving the past ten or so years shrouded in mystery.
Note: Call it wishful thinking, but imagining Hawke either trapped or having an enigmatic decade makes for an intriguing setup in potential future Dragon Age installments…
Where is the Inquisitor Now?
Curiously, unlike other protagonists like the Hero of Ferelden or Rook, the Inquisitor stands out in both Dragon Age: Inquisition and its DLC for always surviving. Tasked with preventing Solas’ drastic plan to destroy the Veil, whether to save or thwart him, the Inquisitor’s journey, albeit altered, unfolds without lethal consequences.
In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the Inquisitor emerges as a pivotal leader in the devastated South, rallying Ferelden and Orlais, both reeling as much as the North from the chaos unleashed by Ghilan’nain and Elgar’nan.
Eventually, the Inquisitor makes a return during the climactic final battle, ensuring victory. Those who walked the Solavellan path can opt to accompany Solas on his redemptive journey—perhaps hinting at an optimistic future for them both. Yet, with Thedas being Thedas, those happy endings are rare gems.
Where is Rook Now?
Rook’s story is marked by vigilance. After gamers complete The Veilguard, Rook’s fate splits depending on previous player choices. Most endings depict Rook as alive, outmaneuvering Solas with either cunning or might—fittingly via trickery against a trickster. Yet, failing to engage with all aspects of the game might spell a grim conclusion: a lethal Lyrium Dagger wound could end Rook’s story as they trap Solas within the Veil.
In conclusion, Rook survives in about 75% of the endings, leaving them forthright in 25% of them. The game ends on the note “The Veilguard Remains Vigilant,” possibly hinting the Veil’s troubles aren’t yet settled. While fans await further developments, contemplating the return of past heroes remains an exciting prospect. Fingers crossed for what’s next.
