“I have seen things in my journeys that most can only dream of. Literally.”
Solas is an elven apostate hedge mage, and an expert on the Fade. He is a companion in Dragon Age: Inquisition, and a potential romance option for female elven Inquisitors.
Background
Solas grew up in a small village.[1]Before the events that lead to the Inquisition, he spent most of his life wandering the wilderness and although his pointed ears mark him as one of the Elvhen, he does not, however, recognize himself as a Dalish or a city elf.[2]
Despite having no contact with the Circle of Magi or any Dalish tutors (though he has had contact with clans during his travels),[3] Solas taught himself how to master his magical abilities. Solas' prime interest is in the Fade, happily spending his time dreaming in ancient ruins and learning all there is to learn about what dwells beyond the Veil rather than joining the current Mage-Templar War.
When not on the field with the Inquisitor, he prefers the quiet solace of his own company.[4] Though he may be considered a "Hedge mage" by the Circle of Magi,[5] Solas has some unique magical tricks of his own, such as a form of lucid dreaming to experience the hidden history of areas where the Veil is thin and how to manipulate the rifts in the Veil in unique ways via his knowledge of the Fade.[6] As such, he is more open minded about the Fade and its denizens than most Thedosians, who in contrast have been taught by the Chantry to fear anything related to spirits.
Fundamentally, Solas believes in cause and effect, wisdom as its own reward, and the inherent right of all free willed people to exist. Solas concludes that the many current conflicts in Thedas - mages against Templars, elves against humans, spirits against demons - are little more than the black-and-white reductionist dichotomies of others which has led to the many tragedies that have occurred up until now.[7] Though he has made attempts to reach out to others--notably Dalish elves, towards whom he is skeptical[8]--in the past to teach them what he has learned of the Fade, he has frequently been derided by both enemies and allies as a liar and a madman. This adds to the sometimes impression in others that Solas does not care about other elves, when in fact he merely fears there is no way to help them in their current state and has grown weary of not being heeded.[9]
Indeed, Solas harbors a moderate view of the plight of the elves, and pities those in the Alienage just as he pities those of any race who need help.[10] He sees a world in which people cling to the little they remember and have left because they lack the power to restore it.[11]
Solas is known throughout Skyhold as a polite and worldly man whose direction to the mysterious fortress seemed literally miraculous. He provided exactly the information and tools the Inquisition required when they required it most, and his magical knowledge is both unusual and extremely useful. As an elf, Solas neither speaks like--nor sounds like--Dalish or City elves. Kitchen staff at Skyhold note he eats little but has peculiar requirements about tea.[12] He is also frightfully good at Wicked Grace, Diamondback[13] and chess.[14]
Involvement
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Solas tarot card
When Solas witnesses the Breach, he seeks out and joins the Inquisition, knowing that he will be able to provide knowledge on the Fade that others simply will not. Solas entered the Inquisition camp voluntarily, surrendering his staff to Chantry forces without protest. Solas was granted permission to study the lone survivor of the Divine Conclave's explosion and one of the smaller rifts, in hopes of finding a way to seal the Breach.
Solas appears with Varric Tethras in Haven following the opening of the Breach. He helps the Inquisitor seal a small rift, and then follows them to the Breach itself to attempt to close it. Prior to the Inquisitor meeting him, he had also tended to them after their emergence from a rift, using healing magic and minor wards to restore them.[15]
Following the destruction of the Inquisition's base in Haven, Solas explains the elven origins of the Elder One's orb weapon to the Inquisitor. He elaborates that the orb is a focus used by the elves to channel ancient magics. He worries that if the orb's origin is revealed, it may be reflected badly on his people. He then directs the Inquisitor to Skyhold, a new headquarters in the Frostback Mountains for the Inquisition to use.
Later on, Solas asks the Inquisitor for aid in rescuing a Spirit of Wisdom who had been summoned to the physical world by mages against its will. Upon finding the spirit in the Exalted Plains, Solas discovered the mages who had summoned it had turned the spirit against its nature to protect themselves from bandits, transforming it into a pride demon. Destroying the binding pillars reverted the demon into a feminine humanoid form. As the spirit passes, Solas turns his anger on the mages. The Inquisitor can either talk him down or permit him to murder the group. Solas then leaves the party and returns to Skyhold.
In the Temple of Mythal, Solas and the elven Temple Keeper Abelas explain the history of the fall of Arlathan, as well as the true origins of Vallaslin.
When the Inquisitor finally defeats Corypheus, Solas laments the destruction of his orb, it being another elven artifact lost. Afterwards, he departs the Inquisition and Leliana's agents are unable to locate him. She intends to continue her search, however.
Solas Post-game tarot card
In a post-epilogue scene, Solas meets with Flemeth, who addresses him as the Dread Wolf, as well as an old friend. Solas tells her that he allowed the orb to fall into the hands of the Venatori in order for to Corypheus to unlock its true power—something he could not accomplish on his own, as he was too weak after awakening from his long slumber.
During the events of Trespasser, Solas elaborates that the plan was to recover the orb after Corypheus unlocks it and dies in the resulting explosion but did not foresee Corypheus had uncovered the secret to effective immortality. Had all gone according to his plan, he would have reclaimed the orb and used its power to tear down the Veil as the world burned in the raw chaos. Solas concludes that he would have restored the world of his time--the world of the elves. Solas seems remorseful for his actions, recognizing that he deserves punishment. He claims, however, that while "[he] should pay the price," he cannot face this punishment yet, as the People still need him. He apologizes to Flemeth, which she answers with an embrace and an apology of her own. Following this exchange, Solas seems to affect Flemeth in some way and strands of light emerge from her body. She collapses in his arms, seemingly petrified. When Solas raises his head, his eyes glow with the same light that had emanated from Flemeth.
Trespasser
Two years after Corypheus' defeat, Solas has amassed a network of spies and agents large and capable enough to hinder the Qunari. Many of his spies are also planted in the Inquisition which is how he uncovered the Qunari plot to invade southern Thedas. He disrupted the plot by having his agents discreetly help the Inquisitor uncover the Qunari invasion.
Qunari invaders, the Dragon's Breath, have pursued him as an agent of Fen'Harel but Solas proved elusive as he has complete control of the Eluvians and has grown so much in power that he can petrify foes with a thought. The Inquisitor is drawn in to investigate their former companion's situation, and learns that Solas is in fact the Dread Wolf himself and that he has been making use of his own spies and agents in the Inquisition to highlight the Qunari threat and check the Qun's own Inquisition agents.
After petrifying the last of the Qunari invasion force, Solas temporarily calms the Anchor to allow them time to talk. He reveals to the Inquisitor how he fought back against the Evanuris after they betrayed and murdered Mythal, in his words the one elven god who served as a voice of reason, who cared for and loved her subjects. As punishment he erected the Veil and banished the Evanuris to the Beyond, despite the irrevocable damage wrought across Elvhenan as a result. He has since vowed to walk the solitary path of the Din'Anshiral in order to restore the elven people regardless of the cost to Thedas, and he cannot be swayed even if romanced.
Solas also reveals that he did not turn the Orb of Destruction over to Corypheus; rather that his agents left the foci where the Venatori would find it and return it. He had hoped Corypheus would be destroyed trying to unlock it and he would be free to enter the Fade with the Anchor, remove the Veil and restore the world of the elves. All of this activity had occurred in the year previous to the establishment of the Inquisition, as Solas had slumbered in 'dark and dreaming sleep" until then while the orb amassed power.
He warns the Inquisitor about the inevitability of an organization as large as the Inquisition becoming corrupt, and that it in fact already has, before the time Solas has bought to converse runs out and the Anchor becomes unendurable. As the Inquisitor doubles over in pain they can declare that they will either stop Solas's plan or redeem him and show him that the world that exists now is worth saving. Then he uses his magic to disintegrate the Inquisitor's left forearm, preventing the Anchor from killing them.[16] He instructs them to enjoy what time they have left before departing once more.
With high approval he is far more fulsome in his explanations, and if romanced he calls the Inquisitor "my love," kisses her one last time, and tells her he will always remember her before he walks away. She may also choose to end their relationship at this point as well.
If friendly and seeking to redeem him, Solas will tell a befriended Inquisitor that he looks forward to being wrong again, and asks them to take his hand so he may remove the mark. If Solas is befriended and the Inquisitor asks why the world must be destroyed, Solas will not answer the question but will smilingly remark that the Inquisitor has always shown a thoughtfulness he appreciated, and that it would be too easy to tell them too much.
If the Inquisitor's approval with Solas is low and/or they express no interest in asking him about what is going on, he curtly explains his nature and purpose, tells them their mark is killing them and removes their arm much more roughly, saying only that their death would cause unnecessary problems. He also notes that he alone would have been able to bear the Anchor without dying. Depending on dialogue choices, he will confirm to the player that he's stronger now than he was when they met. Should the Inquisitor attempt to attack Solas, he causes the Anchor to flare up, immobilizing them.
If the Inquisitor has gathered enough evidence[17], they can call him out on being Fen'Harel instead of hearing it from Solas himself. Solas replies that it was well done.
It is also confirmed that Solas/Fen'Harel employed the elven agent Felassan and regretfully killed his friend when he failed to obtain the eluvians for him. [18]
Approval
- Main article: Solas/Approval
Solas' approval can be raised by showing intelligence--even if it means being ruthless at times--asking questions, and being thoughtful.[19] He also responds positively to actions that generally support mages and elves (and marginalized people and groups, in general), and to an open-minded attitude about magic and the Fade, as well as spirits and demons. Remaining stubborn or becoming defensive on issues of elven culture, particularly if the Inquisitor is an elf, can lead to a reduction in approval.
Solas will always opt for more thoughtful solutions, and is a strong believer in freedom of personal thought. Choices that invalidate these factors in game go against his philosophy. Consequently, sacrificing the Bull's Chargers, allowing the death of his friend the spirit of wisdom, and recruiting the Grey Wardens will all net disapproval with Solas. In general, Solas approves of "people who are interested in finding out knowledge."[20]
Completing the quest Measuring the Veil, as well as related quests to strengthen the Veil and secure elven artifacts also leads to increased approval from Solas.[21] Activating the aforementioned elven relics in the various zones of the game can unlock a final quest, What Lies Dormant.
If Solas' approval gets too low, a scene will occur in Skyhold where Solas confronts the Inquisitor about their manipulative behavior and supporting divisive ignorance. Solas disappointingly takes comfort that the Inquisitor served as an example of proving right every negative stereotype he had of their race. Despite their differences, Solas willingly remains with the Inquisition because of a lack of better options to resolve the current crisis and hopes he will one day be heeded.
Romance
Solas Romance tarot card
Solas is a potential love interest for female elven Inquisitors. Patrick Weekes has noted that making Solas available solely to female characters was a decision made to avoid the pitfalls of expected tropes and cliches with his character.[22]
Flirtation may begin almost immediately following the Inquisitor's awakening in Haven after stabilizing the Breach. The first chance to kiss Solas occurs during a conversation with him in the Fade version of Haven following the establishment of Skyhold, if flirt options have been taken. If the Inquisitor decides to kiss Solas, he'll reach for her just as she starts to look away afterward and will begin to passionately kiss her back. Later, he will apologize for his impulsive nature, stating that doing things becomes "easier" for him in the fade. The Inquisitor can tell him that nothing else should happen between them then, or suggest that there's something between them. If she does suggest that they have a connection, he'll agree. But he'll also say that he needs time to think about starting a relationship with her, because there are considerations.
Pursuing Solas' personal quest All New, Faded for Her may also bolster his approval of the Inquisitor or else break off the romance, depending on the outcome and dialogue options chosen. At this point, Solas will ask to speak with the Inquisitor privately, and will bring her to her room's balcony. The player can choose whether or not to officially begin a romance with Solas during this conversation.
If the Inquisitor officially pursues a romance with Solas, she will get special dialogue and cutscenes if she brings Solas with her to the Winter Palace during the mission Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts. He'll talk to her after the events of the mission, and if the Inquisitor has completed his personal quest and progressed sufficiently in his romance, Solas enthusiastically asks her to dance with him.
Following events at the Temple of Mythal, Solas may ask to spend more time with the Inquisitor, culminating the romance.[23] Though he does not have a specific gift for the Inquisitor, Solas takes the Inquisitor out to a secluded cove in Crestwood. There, he ultimately offers her the truth of the nature of vallaslin to show that she is important to him; however, according to the developers he might not have otherwise told her at all, as he becomes quite flustered during the conversation and moves onto a safer topic than he originally intended to broach with her.[24] He offers to remove the Inquisitor's vallaslin, which the player can accept or reject.
The Inquisitor and Solas will share an intimate moment with one another after the player rejects or accepts the removal of the vallaslin. However, Solas will gaze sadly at the Inquisitor afterward, and tell her that he is sorry for distracting her from her duty, and that it won't happen again. No matter how the Inquisitor reacts to this, they will part ways. When the Inquisitor tries to press the issue with Solas after, he appears very regretful for hurting the Inquisitor, but refuses to answer why he cannot to be with the her. He'll refuse to say that he doesn't care for the Inquisitor deeply, and will say that it hurts to not be with her, but states that it was "selfish" of him to pursue anything with her in the first place. If the Inquisitor begs him not to leave her and confesses her love, he will sadly look at her and confess, "You have a rare and marvelous spirit. In another world..."
Solas had actually been planning on telling the Inquisitor the truth about who he was and his involvement with the elves and Corypheus when he brought the Inquisitor out with him to the secluded cove in Crestwood. However, at the last second he lost his nerve, and used the truth about the vallaslin as an excuse as to why he brought her out there instead. When he kisses the Inquisitor, he is fully ready to lose himself in her and forget about the mission he has dedicated himself to. However, when he pulls back, he realizes that he cannot do that lest he betray himself. He decides right then that he needs to break off his emotional entanglement with the Inquisitor, as much as it hurts him. Solas cares deeply for the Inquisitor, in more ways than he is able to express. He is always one step away from confessing everything to them.[25]
In the end, whether you decide to perform the ritual or not he will tell you after you defeat Corypheus, "No matter what comes, I want you to know that what we had was real." Or, alternatively, if a romanced Lavellan expresses anger toward him after the breakup, his parting words will be, "You were right to be angry. I hope, in time, you will understand."
Trespasser
Initial statistics
Ability trees
| Ability trees | Initially selected abilities |
|---|---|
 Spirit
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 Barrier
|
 Storm
|
|
 Inferno
|
|
 Winter
|
 Winter's Grasp
|
 Rift Mage (specialization)
|
Equipment
| Weapons |  Acolyte Ice Staff
|
| Armor |  Apprentice Coat (Solas)
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Trivia
- In Elvish, Solas means "pride."
- Solas' necklace is of a wolf jawbone.
- There is a city called Solas on the borders of the Tevinter Imperium and Nevarra.[26]
- Mary Kirby describes him as Scotch bonnet candies.[27]
- Solas is referred to in promotional images as "The Mind."
- Solas was written by Patrick Weekes, with heavy input from lead writer David Gaider.[28][29]
- Weekes considers Solas to be in his early to mid-forties.[30]
- Solas is described as knowledgeable, logical, and refusing to believe in bad and good.[31]
- Solas is the first romance option to be available only to elven playable characters in the Dragon Age series.
- Originally, Solas wasn't a romance option for Dragon Age: Inquisition, but according to Mike Laidlaw, Bioware changed his role as a Love Interest when they extended the game's development for a year. [32] This was also an opportunity to increase the basic sadness of Solas' character.[33]
- Solas is referred to by Varric as "Chuckles." This is the same nickname Varric can give a sarcastic Hawke if prompted during Mark of the Assassin DLC in Dragon Age II.
- Solas' greatest fear is dying alone.
- Solas disdains tea, particularly caffeinated tea, as it is a stimulant and helps prevent crossing into the Fade during sleep. His dislike of tea also reflects writer Patrick Weekes' hatred of tea.[34]
- Despite his largely peaceful and thoughtful demeanor, Solas was hot-blooded and cocky as a young man.[35]
- Although he is introverted and has a discreet nature, Solas is infatuated with the "heady blend of power, intrigue, danger and sex" that is the Game and the Orlesian Court.
- According to Patrick Weekes, writing a character with hidden depths like Solas provided a great deal of both difficulty and opportunity.[36]
- Solas sometimes speaks in iambic pentameter, and the Inquisitor will always gain approval when replying in kind.[37]
- Earlier drafts of Solas posited him as a much weaker character, and much more prone to lying and deception.[38] He also originally spoke much more frequently about elves.[39]
- Cole was always aware of who and what Solas really was.[40]
- There was at one point a planned "Quest for Solas" epilogue for Dragon Age: Inquisition, which was ultimately cut from the final game.[41] Furthermore, a variant ending had the Inquisitor present during the epilogue cutscene.[42]
- According to Patrick Weekes, Solas would belong to House Ravenclaw in the Harry Potter universe.[43]
Quotes
- Main article: Solas/Dialogue
- (To the elven mage Lysas in Redcliffe Village) "Sometimes to achieve the world one desires, one must take regrettable measures."
- (To the Inquisitor) "Every great war has its heroes. I'm just curious what kind you'll be."
- (About the Elder One) "No real god need prove himself. Anyone who tries is mad or lying."
- "Spirits wish to join the living, and a demon is that wish gone wrong."
- "Imagine if spirits were not a rarity but a part of our natural world like... a fast-flowing river. Yes, it can drown careless children, but it can also carry a merchant's goods or grind a miller's flour. That is what the world could be if the Veil were not present. For better or worse."
- (To the Inquisitor) "There are few regrets sharper than watching fools squander what you sacrificed to achieve."
- "I saw a young Qunari working in a simple kitchen, baking bread as she was ordered every morning. In every loaf she broke the rules. She’d take a pinch of sugar and fold it into the center, like a secret, and this act of small rebellion brought a shining smile to her face."
- "You would risk everything you have in the hope that the future is better? What if it isn't? What if you wake up to find that the future you shaped is worse than what was?"
- "War breeds fear. Fear breeds a desire for simplicity. Good and evil. Right or wrong. Chains of command."
Dialogue
- Solas: "Some of my fondest memories were found in crumbling cities long picked dry by treasure seekers. The best are the battlefields. Spirits press so tightly on the Veil that you can slip across with but a thought."
- Inquisitor: "Any place in particular?"
- Solas: "I dreamt at Ostagar. I witnessed the brutality of the darkspawn and the valor of the Fereldan warriors. I saw Alistair and the Hero of Ferelden light the signal fire...and Loghain's infamous betrayal of Cailan's forces."
- Inquisitor: I've heard the stories. It would be interesting to hear what it was really like."
- Solas: "That's just it. In the Fade, I see reflections created by spirits who react to the emotions of the warriors. One moment, I see heroic Grey Wardens lighting the fire and a power-mad villain sneering as he lets King Cailan fall. The next, I see an army overwhelmed and a veteran commander refusing to let more soldiers die in a lost cause."
Codex entries
Codex entry: The Rotunda and the Fresco
Gallery
References
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