It didn’t have to be this way! Way back in 2014, BioWare art director Matt Rhodes drew up some concept art for what would eventually become this game. This was prior to the release of Dragon Age: Inquisition,

The Veilguard, then called Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, would be heading to Tevinter, it was the only thing I wanted to see. More than taking down Solas or meeting new companions, Tevinter was my main reason to care about whatever Dragon Age 4 would be called.

The Veilguard turns a lot of common franchise elements on its head, but the way it keeps one franchise tradition alive is quite funny.