The Little Griffon Could Be My Favorite Part Of Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Highlights

The addition of a griffon like Assan in Dragon Age Veilguard brings magic and wonder to the game’s rich lore.
Lore from the Last Flight novel suggests a possibility of reviving the griffon population, impacting the narrative and world of Thedas significantly.
The practical aspect of Assan as a combat tool and companion adds an emotional layer, deepening the player’s connection with the game.

I have to admit, the moment I saw the reveal trailer for Dragon Age Veilguard, my heart leapt with excitement. There, amidst the chaos and grandeur of Thedas, was a cute little griffon named Assan.

The sheer thought of having a griffon companion in a Dragon Age game is beyond thrilling. Griffons, believed to be extinct in the lore, hold a special place in the history of the Grey Wardens.

A Wing and a Prayer

The Grey Wardens, for those unfamiliar, are an ancient order of warriors sworn to protect the world from the darkspawn, and they were once renowned for their partnership with griffons. Seeing Assan brings a sense of magic and wonder that I can’t wait to explore.

The introduction of Assan isn’t just a whimsical addition; it ties deeply into the rich lore of Dragon Age. According to the compendium, a Grey Warden discovered the last clutch of unhatched griffon eggs. This fascinating piece of lore raises numerous questions. How did they survive all this time? What will be the handwave to explain the passage of time? I remember reading that they hinted at their return, and how exciting it was to consider that griffons might not be as extinct as we thought.

Ok, I’m Officially Excited For Dragon Age: The Veilguard

The hype is building.

In the Last Flight novel, a mage found some intact yet tainted griffon eggs. Using blood magic, the Grey Warden mage removed the taint by taking it into herself, thereby opening the possibility of reviving the griffon population. Fans have speculated that semi-independent Wardens might be working to bring griffons back, and it seems Veilguard might be confirming those theories.

The implications for the story are tantalizing. If griffons are making a comeback, it could significantly impact the narrative and the world of Thedas. I’m eager to see how Assan’s backstory unfolds and what it means for the future of the series.

Feathered Friends

Assan the baby griffon fights in Dragon Age Veilguard

I can’t help but reminisce about my early days in Dragon Age. Playing as my Warden Celestia in Origins, I remember sitting around the campfire with my companions and Alistair, my future husband and king, talking about the legendary griffons and the glory days of the Grey Wardens. Those moments made the history of the Wardens feel so romantic and heroic.

But then came Inquisition, where the Wardens faced a crisis. Hearing the Calling, which signaled their inevitable deaths, they were driven to desperation. Their attempt at a blood magic ritual marred their reputation, leading to possible exile depending on the player’s choices. Despite this, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Wardens.

Playing through Origins and seeing the world through their eyes, or saving Hawke’s brother Carver by making him a Warden in Dragon Age 2, solidified my affection for them. The blue and white armor adorned with a mighty griffon emblem always felt like a symbol of hope and resilience.

Now, with Warden Davrin in Veilguard, I’m curious about his role and how he navigates the current political and moral landscape of the Wardens. I’m even considering aligning my Rook character with the Wardens, partly out of nostalgia and partly because it feels like a fitting homage to my journey through the series.

My Inquisitor’s Romance With Dorian Better Be Acknowledged In Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Let love prevail instead of having my hero run away…again.

Aside from the lore and history, I’m also excited about the practical aspect of having Assan in the game. Not only is he likely to be part of Davrin’s combat toolkit, but he’s also confirmed to be a companion we can pet and interact with.

This reminds me of the baby Owlbear in Baldur’s Gate 3, where nurturing the creature allowed it to join your party and even participate in the final battle. I loved the idea of raising and bonding with a creature, though I was always hesitant to risk the Owlbear’s life in combat. I hope Assan gets a full story arc, enriching our experience and deepening our connection with him. The possibility of interacting with and caring for a griffon adds an emotional layer to the game that I’m eager to explore.

The Adventurer pets the owlbear in Baldur's Gate 3

The anticipation for Dragon Age Veilguard has reached new heights with the introduction of Assan. The blending of lore, nostalgia, and new gameplay possibilities makes the wait almost unbearable.

This cute little griffon has not only captured my heart but also reignited my passion for the series. Here’s hoping that this marks the beginning of a new era for griffons in Thedas and that they’ll play a significant role in the unfolding story.