Summary
The Qunari are one of the most interesting parts of theDragon Agelore. Their society and history are unique in both Thedas and in video games in general, with the Qun being a formidable force and looming possible antagonist. Despite the constant threat of the Qun, which will be closer than ever inDragon Age: The Veilguardthanks to the North’s proximity to the Qunari’s homeland of Par Vollen, Qunari remain popular and return as a playable lineage inDragon Age: The Veilguard.
The Qunari have had a presence in theDragon Agegames sinceDragon Age Origins, with Sten as a party member.Dragon Age: Inquisitionthen went on to have the Iron Bull as a companion.Dragon Age: The Veilguardwill be the first game in the series to feature a female Qunari companion with Taash, which is something many fans have been asking BioWare for years. Taash’s inclusion inDragon Age: The Veilguardis appropriate as the game is set in theNorth, a region where the Qunari are far more commonthan the previous games set in the South.
Taash in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
It’s been ten years sinceDragon Age: Inquisition, andDragon Age: The Veilguard’s reveal trailer introduced Taash, a Qunari companion. Patrick Weekes, Taash’s writer, has said that her name is derived from the Qunlat word for dragon, “ataashi”, and she’s introduced in the middle of a battle with a high dragon. Not much else is known about Taash at this point, aside from the fact that she’s a romance option and a Warrior.
It’s taken four games and sixteen years of waiting to get afemale Qunari companion inDragon Age, butDragon Age: The Veilguardis about to deliver. Both Sten and the Iron Bull were loyal to the Qun, while it’s likely that Taash is Vashoth or Tal-Vashoth because of her association with the Lords of Fortune. As the Lords of Fortune are from Rivain, and Taash’s battle appears to occur there, it’s likely Taash hails from the nation. Aside from the Lords of Fortune, Rivain is also known for its proximity to the Qunari, and openness to being converted. While seeing Qunari in the South is unusual, as in previousDragon Agegames, encountering them in places such as Rivain is more common.
The Role of Qunari Women in Dragon Age Games
While the Qunari have had a prominent role inDragon Agesince the very beginning, female Qunari weren’t depicted in the games untilDragon Age: Inquisition. The Qunari Rasaan in the comicDragon Age: Those Who Speakwas the first female Qunari to be depicted in the series. Rasaan is a high-ranking Tamassran who is destined to become the Ariqun, one of the three leaders of the Qunari. Rasaan appears again in the storyGenitivi Dies in the EndinTevinter Nights.
Rasaan’s introduction toDragon Agewas the first look at female Qunari, and some fans were expecting one as a companion inDragon Age: Inquisition. The Qunari made a return as a companion but, rather than a woman, the Qunari companion was once again a man. However, it was possible for the Inquisitor to be a female Qunari, but she would be the only one in the game until Trespasser. The main antagonist of Trespasser was the Viddasala, a high-ranking Ben-Hassrath and a female Qunari. The Viddasala wasn’t the only female Qunari in Trespasser, though, with several of the NPC enemies in battles over the course of Trespasser being women.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you may’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
