Dragon Age: The Veilguard’is imminent, and as the fateful day of Halloween 2024 makes its steady approach, showers of news and updates about what this game has in store for players following the10-year gap between entries in the belovedDragon AgeRPG series. The stars in any great story are, of course, its characters and writing, and, it looks likeDragon Age: The Veilguardhas them in droves. Developers have commented over the course of the game’s production cycle that the journey focuses onVeilguard’s companions, stories, sociology, and shared experience to enrich a compelling narrative in mature ways.
Though not an original party companion inDragon Age: Inquisition,Veilguardcompanion Lace Harding was an inspired choice to serve the role of returning character from the most recent chapter of an ensuing tale. Varric could not fulfill that position in earnest, technically being representative of the game he’s originally from,Dragon Age 2, and each of the new companions have the job of makingDragon Age: The Veilguardworthy of standing alongside the beloved casts from past games.Inquisition’s cast of companions has scattered to the far reaches of Thedas following the conclusion of theTrespasserDLC, yet as the situation regarding Solas continues to worsen, it’s likely familiar faces aside from Harding and Varric might appear.
From ‘Harding in Hightown’, to Harding the Heavy Hitter
Regardless of what surprise revealsDragon Age: TheVeilguardhas in store, Inquisition scout Lace Harding is an inspired choice for a returning character. Having been one of the first Inquisition soldiers the player character meets inDragon Age: Inquisitionin the starting overworld map of the Hinterlands (even swapping one iconic line with the beloved Varric that has found a home among headcanons), Harding became adored by fans for her cheeky exchanges with the Inquisitor as she debriefed the team upon first entry into new maps. For all intents and purposes, Harding has witnessed and assisted in the entire central conflict from the moment it began.
Harding’s deeds during the events ofInquisitionexhibited her selflessness and commitment to the greater wellness of the commonwealth. She embodies a sort of underdog trope while also maintaining a levity that offsets some of the heavier circumstances that saw the Inquisition visiting these areas in the first place. She is a good egg, ultimately, and arespectable representation of whatDragon Age’s Inquisition was as an organization. Reprising her role is a commendable nod to the previous chapter that allows her to follow through on stopping the Inquisition’s enemies.
Harding was canonically present for nearly all of the main story missions ofDragon Age: Inquisitionand aided the Inquisitor directly on a handful of occasions:
Additionally, Harding also held speaking roles and provided her usually refreshing countenance during theJaws of HakkonDLC, where she physically appeared in the new map as well.
Time has passed for Harding as well, seeing her character mature into a wizened, older version of the same robust yet capable archer that she ever was. The larger role she now plays in the story attests to the developers' confidence that Harding stands as a strong enough character in her own right to be a supporting pillar ofDragon Age: The Veilguard’s companion-centric narrative. Previews of gameplay, trailers, and teasers have also showcased Harding enough to hint at some twists of fate in withinDragon Age: The Veilguardthat raise questions for Rook’s future.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
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Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you can’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
