One of the most anticipated features of Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the character creation and ability to customize Rook, the playable protagonist. Arguably, the most important part of character creation is selecting a background, as it defines where the player links into the overarching story - affecting dialogue, character interactions, and gameplay bonuses. There are six unique origins that can be chosen from, which determine the faction Rook belongs to, their surname, and a short piece of their backstory.
Each of the backstories follows similar plot lines, with Rook usually having to step foot on a new path after doing something that, though they believed to be right at the time, angered or provoked another group of characters. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that players have to stick with a good-aligned character, as the dialogue and story choices will allow Rook to pave their own way through the game. So, which backstory should players choose to best suit any given playthrough?
Every Faction Bonus In Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Each Faction Comes With 3 ive Abilities
Every faction in Dragon Age: The Veilguard will grant the player three bonuses. The first bonus is rather basic, simply increasing the reputation gained for each specific faction. The second will allow Rook to deal increased damage to a specific type of enemy, meaning certain factions may have advantages in different areas of the game. The final ability is truly unique to the faction and doesn't follow a specific structure.
Background |
Increased Damage Against |
Unique Ability |
---|---|---|
Grey Wardens |
Darkspawn |
Vigilant Training - Base Defense and Health are slightly increased |
Veil Jumpers |
Fade-Touched |
Keen Eye - Deal slightly increased Critical and Weakpoint damage |
Shadow Dragons |
Venatori |
Resourceful - Your class-specific resource generates slightly faster |
Lords of Fortune |
Mercenaries |
Relentless - Perform Takedowns on enemies with slightly less effort |
The Mourn Watch |
Undead and Demons |
Acute Afflictions - You can apply an additional Affliction stack on targets |
Antivan Crows |
Antaam |
Hidden Pouch - Hold an extra potion |
Any unique ability would be useful to have in any playthrough, though players may want to consider their preferred play style for an optimized experience. Something else players may want to consider is who they may want their allies to be. There are seven confirmed companions in the fourth installment of the Dragon Age franchise - six have a specific faction associated with them. For example, if there's a particularly interest in the Qunari, players may gravitate towards the Lords of Fortune and the warrior Taash.
The Antivan Crows Are The Best Faction For Playing As A Rogue
Provides Perfect Motivation To Get You Immersed In The Story
There are three classes in Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Warrior, Mage, and Rogue. If players choose to play as a Rogue, then the Antivan Crows may be the perfect backstory to choose if looking for an immersive roleplaying experience. Also known as The House of Crows, of this faction are elite assassins, thieves, and spies. Though the organization has an equal need for warriors and mages, choosing to be a part of the Antivan Crows would provide great world appropriate character motivations for someone playing a more sly or sneaky Rook.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Bringing Back This Controversial Faction Actually Makes Total Sense
Dragon Age is filled with unique fantastical factions, but one controversial faction that has existed since the beginning should always be included.
Despite the nature of the organization, the Antivan Crows have a strong sense of honor and don't take betrayal lightly. The companion associated with this faction is Lucanis Dellamorte, a human Rogue with the title of Master Assassin. He's previously appeared in the Dragon Age: Vows and Venegance podcast, and the Tevinter Nights book in the lead-up to Dragon Age: The Veilguard's story.
The Mourn Watch Has Extensive Roleplay Potential
The Mourn Watch Backstory Gives The Most Character To Rogue
Out of all six factions, the backstory given to Rook if the player decides to be a member of the Mourn Watch is by far one of the most interesting and in-depth. It's the only option that provides context as far back as Rook being an infant - being found in a tomb by undead, and raised by the Mourn Watch Necromancers, eventually becoming a recognized name. It stands out since Rook isn't given anyone to definitely call family in the other backstories. The companion within this faction is Emmrich Volkarin, who also has his own skeleton assistant.
If looking to build a character who heavily deals necrotic damage, or a story with themes of necromancy and the undead is attractive, The Mourn Watch is the best choice for a fitting backstory. Though there isn't necessarily a singularly best backstory to choose in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, some are perfect fits for certain classes, and some prompt more creativity from the player. At the end of the day, Rook is the player's to customize, and they should choose whichever faction resonates with them the most.
Source: Dragon Age/YouTube









Dragon Age: The Veilguard
- Released
- October 31, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- BioWare
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Frostbite
- Franchise
- Dragon Age
- PC Release Date
- October 31, 2024
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.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
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