For over a decade, I’ve been captivated by the intricate narratives woven by BioWare, with one character, in particular, standing out: Varric Tethras. As a surface dwarf and a member of House Tethras, Varric’s journey began in Dragon Age 2, where he first emerged as a companion of Hawke. He later continued to play a pivotal role inDragon Age: Inquisition, aiding the Inquisitor in their mission. What truly set Varric apart was not just his wit and charm, but his inseparable relationship with his signature crossbow, Bianca.
Crossbow Companion
Varric’s crossbow, Bianca, is not merely a weapon but a significant part of his identity. With its carved wood stock, brass embellishments, and a retractable bayonet, Bianca is as unique as Varric himself. Unlike other companions in Dragon Age 2, Varric cannot equip different weapons, further highlighting the special bond between him and his crossbow. When asked about the story behind Bianca’s name, Varric often cryptically replies that it involves “a girl and a promise,” a tale he has put to song but never fully shares.
The mystery deepens as it is revealed in later entries in the series that Bianca Davri, Varric’s sweetheart, designed and made the crossbow work. Their plans to profit from the design never materialized, and the couple drifted apart, leaving Varric with his beloved weapon and a lifetime of what-ifs.
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Brotherly Bonds
In my playthroughs of both Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition, Varric was the ultimate companion. His witty banter, unwavering loyalty, and the depth of his character made him more than just a party member. I fondly recall how he brought back Hawke into my story in Inquisition, even mentioning the romance my Hawke had with Fenris. His protective nature towards Hawke, hiding him from Cassandra and others until the latter part of Inquisition, showcased his dedication and the weight of his responsibilities.
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in Inquisition was Varric’s reaction to the potential loss of Hawke in the Fade. Though I managed to keep my Hawke alive, I am aware of the other option. I’ve watched the scene on YouTube where Varric is devastated by the loss. He blames himself for the loss.
Shattered Bonds
Fast forward to the recent reveal of Dragon Age: Veilguard. The 20-minute gameplay reveal was a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for long-time fans like myself.
Varric is now in pursuit of an old friend, Solas, who has become the Dreadwolf and a central figure in the upcoming game. Seeing Varric confront Solas was gut-wrenching. Having spent over 500 hours playing the game over the past ten years, I felt a deep connection to their conversations and shared history. Hearing Varric call Solas “Chuckles,” a nickname from Inquisition, brought tears to my eyes. It was a stark reminder of Varric’s lighthearted nature and his habit of giving party members nicknames.
Despite everyone else giving up on Solas, Varric remains hopeful, unable to abandon his friend. This unwavering hope, despite the seemingly hopeless situation, is a core aspect of Varric’s character. However, the encounter took a shocking turn when Solas attacked Bianca, shattering the crossbow. This moment was significant, symbolizing the end of an era. Bianca had been with Varric for over thirteen years in the franchise’s 15-year history, and her destruction marked the shattering of the past, the end of alliances, and the end of a friendship.
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The Splintered Aftermath
The decision to destroy Bianca was both shocking and brilliant. It served as a subtle symbol of how the past is now shattered. What was once an alliance and friendship is now over. This moment also raises the possibility of Varric’s demise, leaving fans like myself wondering about his fate. If Varric is indeed dead, it will be a heartbreaking moment for many, including myself. He has played a crucial role in the series, and I imagine him as a fatherly figure and mentor to the new team of adventurers.
However, as a writer, I commend BioWare for making such a bold narrative choice. Storytelling is a vital element of BioWare games, and they need to hit this one out of the park, especially after the mixed reception of Andromeda and Anthem. The destruction of Bianca and the potential demise of Varric are strong stepping stones for a compelling and intense storyline in Veilguard.
BioWare’s decision to shatter Bianca and possibly end Varric’s journey is a reminder of their storytelling prowess. It demonstrates their willingness to take risks and create emotionally charged narratives that resonate with players. Varric’s story arc, from his beginnings in Dragon Age 2 to his pivotal role in Inquisition and now in Veilguard, showcases the depth and complexity of BioWare’s character development.
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