Your journey begins in the neon-soaked streets of Minrathous, the capital of the Tevinter Imperium. As Rook, you are tasked by Varric Tethras to track down Solas, the Dread Wolf, before he can complete a ritual to tear down the Veil. This opening sequence immediately plunges you into chaos as magical instabilities rock the city, forcing you to navigate crumbling infrastructure while fending off demonic incursions. This isn't just a political gathering; it is a desperate race against time to prevent a cataclysmic event that would merge the physical world with the Fade.
During this prologue, you will meet your first core companions: Harding, the adventurous dwarven scout from the Inquisition, and Neve Gallus, a cynical but talented ice mage and private investigator from the Shadow Dragons. These early interactions are critical, as your dialogue choices—ranging from supportive to aggressive—begin to shape your internal reputation. You will be forced to make a pivotal early decision regarding which teammate to prioritize during a combat encounter, offering a direct glimpse into the game's choice-and-consequence system. Pay close attention to the tutorial prompts for basic movement, camera control, and your initial ability loadout as you prepare to confront the Dread Wolf himself.
