There are six available factions available during character creation in Dragon Age: The Veilguard — Antivan Crows, Grey Wardens, Lords of Fortune, Mourn Watch, Shadow Dragons and Veil Jumpers. Rook's faction determines who they were before, how they met Varric and why they came to travel with him instead of their own faction.
Each faction has its own set of casual clothing worn during certain cutscenes and gives you three distinct buffs. These factions also represent groups in the world whose help Rook must seek; there is a reputation mechanic that tracks Rook's standing with each given faction. Each specialization is associated with a particular faction.
Each companion is tied to a certain faction, though there are also agents which act as the face of each faction.[1]
Antivan Crows[]
- Main article: Antivan Crows
“Rook is an Antivan Crow. Swift knives in the dark, the Crows are ruthless assassins, both respected and feared as Antiva's shadowy protectors.”
Background[]
Assassin Extraordinaire
“When the invaders of Treviso took people captive, Rook was determined to free the prisoners at any cost.
A talented new Crow recently promoted to full membership, Rook chafed at the cautions of her/his/their commanders, especially with her/his/their city occupied by brutal soldiers known as the Antaam. When Rook saw a patrol herding along captives one night, s/he(/they) leaped into action. Despite saving lives, however, Rook had unknowingly compromised a larger Crow operation against the Antaam. Rook's superiors were incensed. Sidelined for her/his/their actions, the young assassin searched for new ways to prove herself/himself/themself.”
Last Name: De Riva
Companions and agents[]
- Companion: Lucanis Dellamorte
- Merchant: Fletcher
- Faction agents: Teia and Viago
- Base of operations: Treviso
Traits[]
- Under their Wing: gain reputation with the Antivan Crows more quickly
- Open Contract: deal increased damage vs. Antaam
- Hidden Pouch: holds an extra potion
Associated specialization[]
- Duelist: a rogue specialization that uses two blades for rapid strikes and focuses on dodges and parries.
- Spellblade: a mage specialization that uses melee attacks infused with magic.
Grey Wardens[]
- Main article: Grey Wardens
“Rook is a Grey Warden. An ancient military order sworn to battle darkspawn and other monsters, the Wardens undergo secret, unbreakable rites that grant them supernatural powers against the dark.”
Background[]
Shield Against the Night
“When innocent lives were at stake, Rook led the charge, saving a village from a monstrous nightmare—no matter the cost to her/him/themself.
During a large darkspawn incursion, Rook was ordered to hold the line with other Grey Wardens until reinforcements arrived. Rook argued that by then, villagers under attack would be dead. S/he(/They) disobeyed orders, leading the squad into the incursion and sealing the tunnel to the Deep Roads. This turned the tide, and the darkspawn were driven off, which saved the villagers. Rook's heroism was popular among the younger Wardens, but others with connections to noble families resented her/his/their independent streak. Rook chose to step away while tempers cooled.”
Last Name: Thorne
Companions and agents[]
- Companion: Davrin
- Merchant: Holden
- Faction agents: Evka and Antoine
- Base of operations: Hossberg Wetlands
Traits[]
- Bonded in Blood: gain reputation with the Grey Wardens more quickly
- Blight Killer: deal increased damage vs. darkspawn
- Vigilant Training: base defense and health are slightly increased
Associated specialization[]
- Champion: a warrior specialization that uses weapon and shield, focusing on tactical defense and tanking hits from enemies.
Lords of Fortune[]
- Main article: Lords of Fortune
“Rook is a Lord of Fortune. An informal collection of explorers, hunters, and treasure-seekers from Rivain, the rowdy Lords are famed for both daring exploits and narrow escapes.”
Background[]
Seeker of Gold and Glory
“When a corrupt Rivaini noble double-crossed Rook, Rook escaped a collapsing ruin, turned the tables, and destroyed a dangerous artifact.
A rising Lord of Fortune, skilled at breaking into lost tombs and ruins, Rook killed a corrupt Rivaini noble to prevent an ancient evil from being given to the Venatori. Her/His/Their actions were correct and saved the lives of expedition members, but some Rivaini nobles were resentful. Because the success of the Lords' expeditions relied on Rivaini authorities looking the other way, it seemed wise for Rook to step away while tempers settled.”
Last Name: Laidir
Companions and agents[]
- Companion: Taash
- Merchant: Mateo
- Faction agents: Isabela
- Base of operations: The Hall of Valor
Traits[]
- Together in Glory: gain reputation with the Lords of Fortune more quickly
- Healthy Competition: deal increased damage vs. mercenaries
- Relentless: perform takedowns on enemies with slightly less effort
Associated specialization[]
- Saboteur: a rogue specialization that uses traps and tricks to turn the tide of battle.
- Slayer: a warrior specialization that uses two-handed weapons for simple but strong attacks that have increased damage.
Mourn Watch[]
- Main article: Mourn Watch
“Rook is a Mourn Watcher. This elite necromantic order explores the mysteries of life and death, and tends to the undead in Nevarra's sprawling Grand Necropolis.”
Background[]
Defender of the Dead
“When restless spirits threatened the inhabitants of the Grand Necropolis, Rook took decisive action to protect both the living and the dead.
Discovered by undead inside a Grand Necropolis tomb as an infant, Rook was raised by Mourn Watch necromancers, eventually joining the order. During a "civil war" between undead nobility, known later as the War of the Banners, s/he(/they) led a daring attack on the rebellion's dueling leaders. It was a success, quelling the war and saving lives. But Rook's destruction of these undead nobles was controversial. Some Mourn Watchers feared Rook had offended the order's aristocratic patrons and encouraged her/him/them to travel for a while.”
Last Name: Ingellvar
Companions and agents[]
- Companion: Emmrich Volkarin
- Merchant: Vorgoth
- Faction agents: Myrna and Vorgoth
- Base of operations: Necropolis Halls
Traits[]
- Recognized Name: gain reputation with the Mourn Watchers more quickly
- Return to the Grave: deal increased damage vs. Undead and Demons
- Acute Afflictions: you can apply an additional affliction stack on targets
Associated specialization[]
- Death Caller: a mage specialization that uses necromancy magic.
- Reaper: a warrior specialization that uses night blades to steal health from foes, risking death to gain supernatural abilities.
Shadow Dragons[]
- Main article: Shadow Dragons
“Rook is a Shadow Dragon. This underground resistance opposes corrupt rulers and slavery in Tevinter. Coming from all walks of life, they are determined to bring justice to the people.”
Background[]
Breaker of Bonds
“Rook risked everything to liberate the enslaved people of Tevinter, even knowing it would anger the ruling elite.
The foundling Rook was adopted into a military family and joined the Shadow Dragons to fight from the shadows for change in Minrathous. While guarding a visiting dignitary who was investigating a slavery ring in the nearby city of Nessus, Rook concluded that the mission would fail without throwing caution to the wind. Alone, s/he(/they) sneaked the dignitary deep into Venatori-controlled zones and brought him back, along with the rescued slaves. These actions brought Rook to the Venatori's attention, and the Shadow Dragons decided to keep Rook out of sight.”
Last Name: Mercar
Companions and agents[]
- Companion: Neve Gallus
- Merchant: Lorelei
- Faction agents: Tarquin and The Viper
- Base of operations: Dock Town
Traits[]
- Light in the Dark: gain reputation with the Shadow Dragons more quickly
- Never to Rise: deal increased damage vs. Venatori
- Resourceful: your class-specific resource regenerates slightly faster
Associated specialization[]
- Evoker: a mage specialization that uses elemental fire, ice, and lightning magic.
Veil Jumpers[]
- Main article: Veil Jumpers
“Rook is a Veil Jumper. This daring group explores ancient elven ruins in Arlathan Forest. Although founded by elves, they welcome anyone brave enough to face Arlathan's reality-warping magic.”
Background[]
Hunter of Secrets
“When lives were at stake, Rook defied orders to rescue people from the mystic perils of Arlathan.
On an expedition to ruins in Arlathan Forest, the Veil Jumpers found ruins that contained important lost lore and deadly danger. Barely surviving the ruins' ancient magical defenses, Rook's small team recovered an invaluable map leading to a hidden area of the forest. Although the team escaped, other Veil Jumpers found themselves trapped. Rook chose to return to the ruins, saving her/his/their teammates' lives, but losing the map. S/he(/They) was lauded for her/his/their bravery, but the map's loss caused some resentment among Veil Jumper leaders.”
Last Name: Aldwir
Companions and agents[]
- Companion: Bellara Lutare
- Merchant: Amylia
- Faction agents: Strife and Irelin
- Base of operations: Arlathan Forest
Traits[]
- Close to the Veil: gain reputation with the Veil Jumpers more quickly
- Attuned Strikes: deal increased damage vs. Fade-Touched
- Keen Eye: deal slightly increased critical and weakpoint damage
Associated specialization[]
- Veil Ranger: a rogue specialization that uses a solely ranged style of combat to hit enemies from afar with a bow.
References[]
- ↑ Wesley LeBlanc (June 25, 2024). "Breaking Down Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s Classes And Factions" (archive) .