Why You Should Play A Qunari In Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Dragon Age: The Veilguard has four playable races for the players to choose from – Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and Qunari. Each of these lineages are involved in the lore of the Dragon Age series, and the first three have been present as playable races throughout the franchise. Upon starting a playthrough, the first decision players will face is the choice of a lineage to assign to the protagonist, Rook. However, with most of the bonuses depending on Rook’s faction, this choice may prove difficult to make, given that the effects of their lineage are not immediately laid out for the player.

Though most choices after character customization can be changed, such as name and appearance, this does not apply to the things that are core to their character. For example, players can respec Rook, but cannot change their class overall. Once selected, the player cannot change Rook’s lineage, meaning whatever choice is made at the start of the playthrough should be a well-thought-out decision. Though players are guaranteed a fantastical adventure no matter their choice, one lineage appears to be the superior decision – especially for players who are first exploring the world of Thedas.

Who Are The Qunari?

Tall, Horned, Gray Humanoids

The People of Qun, better known as the Qunari, are known for their large, muscular build, horns, and grayish or metallic-colored skin. Their features add another option to the character customization screen, where players can choose from various unique horn designs and decorations. Though technically, “Qunari” is actually the name of their main religion, and the in-game race are descendants of the Kossith. The name could actually refer to an individual of any race which follows Qun, but the genetic lineage is still referred to as Qunari in the customization screen.

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The Qunari are stated to be “feared and envied” for their enhanced strength, and have before been said to originate from a far away continent. They are known to have great reverence for dragons and hold them in high regard – some have even theorized that they could be descended from dragons and elves due to their horns being able to be read as dragon-like. However, they still recognize dragons as the dangerous beings they are and believe they should be hunted, so playing as a Qunari will not avoid any dragon fights.

Despite there being multiple human and elf companions, there is one Qunari who can join the player’s party – Taash, who was featured in the Vows & Vengeance series (via the Dragon Age YouTube channel) leading up to the release of The Veilguard. Viewers of the series anticipating starting a playthrough may choose to play as a Qunari if the character of Taash resonates with them the most, and if they would like their Rook to have a particular kinship with them. However, no matter the player’s choices of companions in their party, there are several more reasons why they should consider playing as a Qunari.

The Qunari Are Unique To The Dragon Age series

Playing As A Qunari Offers Gameplay Available Nowhere Else

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, many of the choices made in character customization can affect interactions later in the game. For example, if players choose for Rook to have scars or tattoos, then they can look into a mirror and allow the player to determine their opinion on them, such as whether they regret them or not. It’s no surprise that the larger choices such as lineage and class also amount to a more personalized player experience.

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Since the Qunari are exclusive to BioWare’s Dragon Age setting, players who choose to make Rook part of this lineage can be sure that they will get the most immersion out of their playthrough. Though all the lineages have dialogue unique to them in certain scenarios, the species that was made specifically for the series is bound to have some of the best related content. Though all races equally have a role to play in the lore of Thedas, the Qunari are the only option not available in countless other fantasy games.

Qunari originate from a different homeland than elves, humans, and dwarves, and are often considered foreign to Thedas. This origin may actually make them the best choice for players who are new to the series. Players who are not versed in the previous installments of Dragon Age may want this reflected in their playthrough, as it could be the most organic way to experience a new world – through the eyes of someone who is also unfamiliar with it.

How To Best Play A Qunari Rook

Ideas For Playing A Qunari Character To Fit In With The Dragon Age Lore

With their strong builds, players predicted that the Qunari would be suited to the warrior class. However, in the current release, there is not much difference between the four playable lineages and none of them get specific bonuses. Though players may still consider playing as a warrior Qunari for the roleplay factor. The only lineage which functions any differently is the dwarf, which has the drawback of being unable to use magic. The character creation menu states that, despite their inability, they are renowned for their battle prowess, but a dwarf Rook will not get anything to compensate for it.

Though many may not think about making their Qunari Rook hornless, as their horns are often their defining feature, those who do may consider some pieces of Qunari lore from within the Dragon Age franchise. Hornlessness in Qunari is a genetic mutation associated with being intimidating – some even remove their horns to portray themselves as such. Those without horns are also often favored in Qunari society and find themselves in higher positions of power. Players who want to give more character to their Rook could choose this option for a more opposing appearance, or a backstory of prestige.

Class, faction, and lineage are the most important choices in the character customization in the fourth Dragon Age game. As the most distinctive lineage available for players in the Dragon Age series, a Qunari Rook is the best option for those who want a unique experience compared to that of other fantasy games where elves, dwarves, and humans are commonplace. Though there isn’t an objectively better choice between humans, elves, and Qunari in terms of combat, those who choose to play as the latter will likely get the most out of the story of Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Source: Dragon Age/YouTube

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is the fourth entry in the Dragon Age franchise and a sequel to 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition. A classic character, Solas, will return as the new game’s antagonist. The game will retain many of the series’ staples, such as multiple dialogue options, party choices, romantic options, and more. Dreadwolf will act as the first direct sequel in the Dragon Age franchise.

Released

October 31, 2024

Developer(s)

BioWare

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Engine

Frostbite

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

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