The following includes SPOILERS for major plot elements ofDragon Age: The Veilguard.
Dragon Age: The Veilguardfeatures seven recruitable and romanceable companions, including a mix of new and returning characters. Even prior to the game’s release, each of the seven had already amassed eager and excited fans. However, fans of two ofDragon Age: The Veilguard’scompanions - Shadow Dragon detective Neve Gallus and Antivan Crow assassin Lucanis Dellamorte - may be both frustrated and intrigued by the game’s unique handling of their stories.
Neve And Lucanis' Arcs Are Heavily Influenced By Player Decisions
While the player interacts with all six factions throughoutDragon Age: The Veilguard,the fate of Neve’sShadow Dragonsand Lucanis' Antivan Crows is entirely determined by a major choice made in Chapter 6 of the game’s story. When both Crow headquarters Treviso and Shadow Dragon-controlled Dock Town are attacked by the gods, the player can only choose one to save.
The decision affects the rest of the game, including Neve and Lucanis themselves. The city not saved becomes Blighted, with many NPCs dying, and the associated faction nearly wiped out. Players lose favor with the Shadow Dragons or Crows, and can no longer access their merchants to sell valuables. Which side quests are available in the city also changes, although content like treasure chests andFen’Harel altarscan still be accessed. However, arguably the greatest change involves Neve and Lucanis themselves.
Neve And Lucanis Become Hardened And Difficult To Bond With
The companion whose city is Blighted will temporarily leave the party, becoming unavailable for several quests. When they return, they will be Hardened, unwilling to use support or healing abilities and relying only on their offensive skills. Their bond with Rook will grow much more slowly, and they will be suspicious of Rook’s intentions. The contents of theircompanion questsand dialogue scenes will be altered to reflect the weakened state of their faction.
While they can still be romanced, accessing this path is much more difficult - indicated by dialogue choices saying “may allow romance with Neve/Lucanis” rather than “indicates romantic feelings.” If a player chooses not to romance either, they may also end up in a romantic relationship with one another - ironically, based around the non-Hardened one showing sympathy to the Hardened, realizing that their faction could have easily suffered the same fate.
Player Choice Is Stripped Regarding Neve And Lucanis' Fates
Ultimately, a HardenedNeveor Lucanis can still surviveDragon Age: The Veilguard,but it is much harder to do so. With their bond growth slowed, players may struggle with maximizing it and reaching Hero of the Veilguard status. A companion who is not a Hero of the Veilguard has a much higher chance of dying during the game’s final chapters - so a player may do everything they can to save a Hardened companion and still wind up failing.
Additionally, a Hardened Neve or Lucanis will not rely on Rook, which is ultimately reflected in the game taking major faction-related decisions out of the player’s hands. In the Shadow Dragons' case, it is who becomes the new archon of a slowly rebuildingMinrathous. For the Crows, it is how Lucanis handles the traitor within their ranks. Rook can only make one of these decisions, as only the city they choose to save will accept their input.
In some ways, the city blighting and its impact gives additional depth toNeve and Lucanis, allowing them to grow through a deep and emotional character arc. However, it can also be heartbreaking for fans of the character to see them suffer or try to win their love only to be rejected due to their new Hardened outlook. Only one thing is certain - players who love both Neve and Lucanis will need to playThe Veilguardmultiple times to experience their full stories.
