Dragon Age: The Veilguard is poised to introduce a character that has been heavily compared to one of Dragon Age’s most iconic figures, Zevran Arainai from Dragon Age: Origins. While both are Antivan Crows, Lucanis Dellamorte and Zevran vary greatly. Lucanis, set to make his debut in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, is a far cry from Zevran’s suave, flirty persona. Instead, Lucanis’s tragic backstory and awkward nature make him the polar opposite of Zevran.
Zevran Was Suave and Sensual, But Lucanis is Awkward and Brooding
Zevran Arainai appeared in Dragon Age: Origins with a seductive charm that immediately set him apart. As an Antivan Crow assassin, he introduced himself by ambushing the player in an assassination attempt. However, his silver tongue and flirtatious demeanor quickly won over many fans. His playful approach to life, combined with his tragic upbringing, gave him an intriguing complexity.
Zevran was raised in Antiva City by a mother forced into prostitution to pay off debts, and Zevran grew up surrounded by hardship. Despite this, he exuded confidence, readily discussing his past and his openness toward romantic relationships with both male and female Wardens, making him the first male character to be a same-sex romance option in the Dragon Age series.
Lucanis, on the other hand, couldn’t be more different. While also an Antivan Crow, Lucanis is practically royalty within the organization, with a much higher rank than Zevran. This status isn’t a mark of pride for him, though. Described by former BioWare writer Mary Kirby as a “bisexual disaster of a human,” Lucanis brings a darker, more tormented energy to the Crow legacy.
Lucanis is the Crow’s Royalty, While Zevran Was Raised in the Streets
Zevran’s background is a key element of his character. Born to an elven mother who abandoned her clan and moved to Antiva City, Zevran grew up in a brothel after his mother’s death. Raised in the rough streets of Antiva, he learned to use charm and wit to survive. His ascent within the Antivan Crows was impressive for someone with such humble beginnings, but Zevran never reached the level of influence that Lucanis has.
Lucanis, by contrast, is the grandson of Caterina Dellamorte, one of the most powerful figures in the Antivan Crows. His narrative quickly became one of the start out stories presented in the book Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights. Trained by her from a young age, Lucanis endured years of brutal treatment at her hands. Caterina frequently beat him with her cane when he made mistakes, which Lucanis now believes was her harsh method of ensuring his survival as an assassin. This familial legacy gives Lucanis a status Zevran never had, but it comes at the cost of his emotional well-being.
Zevran Was Open About His Past, Whereas Lucanis is a Walking Mystery
One of Zevran’s defining traits was his openness. He spoke freely about his upbringing and his time with the Antivan Crows. His flirty attitude masked deeper emotional scars, and he’d discuss his fears of intimacy with the player if romanced. But he never hesitated to share his thoughts on sex or his experiences with the Warden.
Lucanis, on the other hand, is shrouded in mystery. While Zevran relished the spotlight, Lucanis prefers to stay in the shadows, treating his role with the Antivan Crows as a family business. Known as the “Mage Killer,” he has gained a reputation as one of the most dangerous assassins in the Crows, but his internal struggle—exacerbated by demon possession—means he’s far more introspective and conflicted than Zevran. This enigmatic nature is likely to make him a differently complex character to interact with in Dragon Age: The Veilguard when compared to Zevran.
Zevran Was a Natural Flirt, But Lucanis Will Likely Be Awkward in Romance
Romance was one of Zevran’s strongest suits in Dragon Age: Origins. His flirtatious nature made him a natural romantic partner for the Warden, and his romances were filled with playful banter and seduction. He provided banter between teammates that left them flabbergasted or blushing from the way he openly discusses sexuality. He embraced his sexuality with an ease and charm that was integral to his character in Origins.
In contrast, Lucanis’s Veilguard romance will likely be far more awkward and emotionally charged. Given his tragic past and demon possession, he may struggle with intimacy in ways that Zevran never did. In some of the previews for the Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Lucanis is shown having conversations with his demonic side, which is demanding to interact with Rook and the others. Rook has the opportunity to show empathy and worry for Lucanis being alone with his demonic side, which also acts as a romantic conversation option.
While some may argue that Lucanis is a template based on Zevran, the two characters are fundamentally different. Zevran’s playful sensuality and openness starkly contrast Lucanis’s brooding and tragic persona. Lucanis is more of a tortured soul, weighed down by his past and his demonic affliction, whereas Zevran approached life with a carefree attitude despite his own hardships.
