The reveal of Solas' true identity as the Dread Wolf at the end ofDragon Age: Inquisitionwas a big deal to fans. It came as a surprise, but replaying the game reveals that the truth about Solas was hinted at all along. A lot of his behavior that was odd, such as being strangely comfortable atthe Winter Palace, suddenly made more sense.
Some of the most interesting hints to Solas' real identity inDragon Age: Inquisitionare the most subtle ones. Banter with companions shows a lot, and most players do not hear all of it within a single playthrough. Companions notice things about Solas that are like cracks in his mask and make interesting comments while unaware that they are treading very close to the truth.
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What Dragon Age Companions Say To Solas
Most companions have at least one banter thatforeshadowed Solas' role as the Dread Wolf. For example, Cassandra can question Solas in one conversation, asking how he knew to approach them after the Breach opened. She describes that despite the chaos, he was suddenly there and useful. She also wonders why he really is with the Inquisition, asks if he has always lived alone, and what he believes in. Solas, as usual, is able to answer with half-truths. However, Cassandra did remain suspicious of how Solas immediately came to aid her and Varric after the explosion at the Conclave.
Blackwall is another person with a lot of questions for Solas. A big one was how Solas knew aboutSkyhold. Solas simply says that he looked, and Blackwall responds that he’s sounding cryptic. He also takes notice that Solas speaks of death and destruction a lot, so he asks him if he ever fought in a war. Solas says that Blackwall would not have heard of the battle, and when Blackwall comments that Solas doesn’t carry himself like a soldier, he says he was cockier when he was younger.
It has been said that Cole knew Solas' true identity all along due to his ability to look into the hearts of others. Due to this, Cole offers a lot of cryptic foreshadowing. For example, he once tells Solas that he is “different,” “sharper,” and “in both places.” He mentions there is pain in Solas, and has conversations about that pain. The closest Cole gets to telling the Inquisitor is if they romance Solas. Cole takes a deep dive into Solas' feelings and says, “You’re real, and it means everyone could be real. It changes everything, but it can’t.” He also mentions what may bethe Evanuris, someone sleeping in a mirror.
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Dorian asks fewer questions, but does make some comments. He mentions that Solas is neither Dalish nor city elf, which makes him a “special snowflake.” Dorian also comes to the conclusion that there must be other alive ancient elves after meeting Abelas in theWhat Pride Had Wroughtquest. Solas also reveals to Dorian that Arlathan was not perfect before Tevinter fell their empire, which is a big hint of Solas being the Dread Wolf who caused a rebellion there.
With Iron Bull, a lot of banter centers on debates aboutthe Qun. Bull does make at least one interesting observation, mentioning that Solas has an odd fighting style. Solas says he is self-taught, but Bull pushes back to say Solas is still different from self-taught mages. He says, “Even the good ones have something awkward in their style, something that clunks. I don’t get that from you.” There is also the chess game that has become well-known toDragon Agefans, in which Solas sacrifices all his pieces and wins with just a pawn; symbolic of how he works as the Dread Wolf.
With Sera, Solas offers foreshadowing himself by giving her advice about theRed Jennys. He thinks they should have an end goal, that some lieutenants should be redirected, and perhaps get rid of the current political structure and see it replaced. He gets so into the conversation that he catches himself and apologies.
With Varric, there are a couple of interesting conversations. One is Solas commenting on how many spies and traitors are in his book. Solas also discusses some philosophy with Varric, saying a man alone on a boat is better off finding new lands and people rather than catching fish and watching stars. Varric argues that the man on the boat is living a good life and Solas says, “How can you be happy surrendering, knowing it will all end with you? How can you not fight?”
This is foreshadowing Solas himself, who is one of the last ancient elves and cannot fathom giving up his past. Varric also questionsSolas' obsession with fallen empires, saying people are more than just their societies and that life goes on. Solas, however, is too caught up in the cost of fallen empires to say giving up is ever worth it. Varric argues that simply living on is a form of fighting back, and Solas seems to take this into account.
Lastly isVivienne, a woman who Solas does not get along with. Most of their conversations are passive-aggressive attempts to outdo one another in magic knowledge. In their arguments, Vivienne mocks some of Solas' thoughts, but does lay down some insights into what he truly is. For example, when she asks how possessed mages should be handled and Solas answers he would simply kill them, she says that is a silly answer as he would need eternal life and omniscience.
Dragon Age: Inquisitionis available on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
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