The Executors first make a brief appearance in Dragon Age: Inquisition during War Table missions, where their involvement is so subtle you might overlook them entirely. It seems this was intentional. Introduced as a mysterious faction in the world of Thedas, the Executors are thought to hail from Across the Sea. Dragon Age: The Veilguard leans heavily into this enigma, hinting that they may pose the next big threat to Thedas. While it could just be a distraction, only time will tell.
Even as The Veilguard delves deeper into their mystery, many questions remain about the Executors and their larger ambitions. However, understanding their significance could unlock the mystery at Thedas’s core. For those intrigued, here’s all the lore we have on the Executors so far.
What Dragon Age: Inquisition and Tevinter Nights Reveal About the Executors
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, the Executors’ symbol—a downward triangle with wave-like lines—appears at multiple outposts. Through the War Table, players can explore this further. Cullen dismisses their significance, while Leliana opts for more investigation, each leading to different outcomes. If Cullen is chosen, the outposts are abandoned, with a message stating the Inquisition’s strength against Corypheus. Meanwhile, Leliana’s route yields a note complimenting her skills, indicating they’re not currently foes and offering shared knowledge as a gesture of goodwill. In both scenarios, the Executors vanish as mysteriously as they appeared.
Tevinter Nights and Their Physical Description
A short story in Tevinter Nights, "The Dread Wolf Takes You," describes an Executor as wearing concealing robes, including a mesh-covered hood, and speaking with an indiscernible voice. This portrayal highlights their intent to hide their true form, further enhancing their mystery.
Key Takeaways
The Executors’ lack of a distinct appearance and their ability to evade even Leliana suggest a unique significance. Their connection across the seas, possibly related to Qunari origins, is notable. The use of "will" in communications ties to Corypheus’s proclamations as well.
What is an Executor?
The term "Executor" refers to someone appointed to execute a will. This raises questions about whose will they are carrying out and what legacy they intend to fulfill in Thedas.
What Dragon Age: The Veilguard Reveals About the Executors
Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s secret ending reveals more about the Executors’ influence in Thedas over the years. A board in Dock Town reveals connections between key events in the Dragon Age series, hinting at an unknown entity’s presence.
Secret Ending Revelations
The secret ending details suggest the Executors were involved in significant events, such as the rise of the Magisters Sidereal, Bartrand’s expedition, and Loghain’s betrayal. The slides portray them as guiding and whispering forces in these pivotal moments. The dialogue hints these actions relate to their ultimate plan.
A notable scene shows five robed figures around a corpse, suggesting Executor involvement in a blood magic ritual akin to the magisters’ entry into the Fade. This aligns with the Executors’ possible ties to the Tevinter Old Gods.
The Mysterious Circles
Saeris’s journal entries detail the discovery of ancient circles linked to the Executors, invoking unease and secrets from the past. The circles manifest odd artifacts and lead to encounters with enigmatic figures, possibly Executors themselves.
Executor’s Dialogue
The dialogue accompanying the mysterious circles emphasizes learning, adapting, and triumphing. Their interest in the Elven Gods and connection to the Blight hints at deeper motivations and schemes for Thedas.
Those Across the Sea at War with the Evanuris
A codex entry reveals the Executors, or Those Across the Sea, were as ancient as the Evanuris and once at war with them, raising questions about their past and intentions.
Key Takeaways
The Executors’ manipulation of Thedas events, from Loghain’s betrayal to the magisters’ venture into the Fade, indicates their deep influence. Their plans seemingly focus on eliminating the Evanuris and achieving undisclosed objectives, leaving the true reason for their actions a tantalizing mystery.
Fans speculate on the Executors’ role in future games, but Dragon Age’s heart remains in Thedas, suggesting their arrival will further test its heroes and the integrity of the Veil. As events unfold, the Executors’ true goals will unravel, promising more thrilling narratives for devoted players.
