For over a decade, I have been captivated by the intricate narratives woven by BioWare, with one character, specifically, standing out: Varric Tethras. As a floor dwarf and a member of Home Tethras, Varric’s journey started in Dragon Age 2, the place he first emerged as a companion of Hawke. He later continued to play a pivotal position in Dragon Age: Inquisition, aiding the Inquisitor of their mission. What actually set Varric aside was not simply his wit and allure, however his inseparable relationship together with his signature crossbow, Bianca.
Crossbow Companion
Varric’s crossbow, Bianca, shouldn’t be merely a weapon however a major a part of his identification. With its carved wooden inventory, brass elaborations, and a retractable bayonet, Bianca is as distinctive as Varric himself. Not like different companions in Dragon Age 2, Varric can’t equip completely different weapons, additional highlighting the particular bond between him and his crossbow. When requested concerning the story behind Bianca’s identify, Varric typically cryptically replies that it entails “a lady and a promise,” a story he has put to tune however by no means totally shares.
The thriller deepens as it’s revealed in later entries within the collection that Bianca Davri, Varric’s sweetheart, designed and made the crossbow work. Their plans to revenue from the design by no means materialized, and the couple drifted aside, leaving Varric together with his beloved weapon and a lifetime of what-ifs.
Brotherly Bonds
In my playthroughs of each Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition, Varric was the final word companion. His witty banter, unwavering loyalty, and the depth of his character made him greater than only a occasion member. I fondly recall how he introduced again Hawke into my story in Inquisition, even mentioning the romance my Hawke had with Fenris. His protecting nature in direction of Hawke, hiding him from Cassandra and others till the latter a part of Inquisition, showcased his dedication and the load of his tasks.
Probably the most heart-wrenching moments in Inquisition was Varric’s response to the potential lack of Hawke within the Fade. Although I managed to maintain my Hawke alive, I’m conscious of the opposite choice. I’ve watched the scene on YouTube the place Varric is devastated by the loss. He blames himself for the loss.
Shattered Bonds
Quick ahead to the current reveal of Dragon Age: Veilguard. The 20-minute gameplay reveal was a rollercoaster of feelings, particularly for long-time followers like myself.
Varric is now in pursuit of an outdated pal, Solas, who has develop into the Dreadwolf and a central determine within the upcoming recreation. Seeing Varric confront Solas was gut-wrenching. Having spent over 500 hours enjoying the sport over the previous ten years, I felt a deep connection to their conversations and shared historical past. Listening to Varric name Solas “Chuckles,” a nickname from Inquisition, introduced tears to my eyes. It was a stark reminder of Varric’s lighthearted nature and his behavior of giving occasion members nicknames.
Regardless of everybody else giving up on Solas, Varric stays hopeful, unable to desert his pal. This unwavering hope, regardless of the seemingly hopeless state of affairs, is a core facet of Varric’s character. Nevertheless, the encounter took a stunning flip when Solas attacked Bianca, shattering the crossbow. This second was vital, symbolizing the top of an period. Bianca had been with Varric for over 13 years within the franchise’s 15-year historical past, and her destruction marked the shattering of the previous, the top of alliances, and the top of a friendship.
The Splintered Aftermath
The choice to destroy Bianca was each stunning and good. It served as a delicate image of how the previous is now shattered. What was as soon as an alliance and friendship is now over. This second additionally raises the potential for Varric’s demise, leaving followers like myself questioning about his destiny. If Varric is certainly useless, will probably be a heartbreaking second for a lot of, together with myself. He has performed a vital position within the collection, and I think about him as a fatherly determine and mentor to the brand new staff of adventurers.
Nevertheless, as a author, I commend BioWare for making such a daring narrative alternative. Storytelling is an important factor of BioWare video games, and they should hit this one out of the park, particularly after the blended reception of Andromeda and Anthem. The destruction of Bianca and the potential demise of Varric are sturdy stepping stones for a compelling and intense storyline in Veilguard.
BioWare’s determination to shatter Bianca and presumably finish Varric’s journey is a reminder of their storytelling prowess. It demonstrates their willingness to take dangers and create emotionally charged narratives that resonate with gamers. Varric’s story arc, from his beginnings in Dragon Age 2 to his pivotal position in Inquisition and now in Veilguard, showcases the depth and complexity of BioWare’s character improvement.
