Dragon Age: Inquisition is a grand return to form for Bioware, delivering stellar combat, a captivating story and a gorgeous fantasy world to explore. But what would Dragon Age and the world of Thedas be without the characters who populate it? In many ways, it isn't the combat or storyline that defines the Dragon Age series, but the wide variety of companion characters players learn to love (or hate) over the course of the games. Companions, more than anything else, are fundamental to the Dragon Age experience. With that in mind, it is a bit of a challenge to narrow down the franchise's two dozen or so companions into a list of "the best." Each companion is charming in their own way, but every player will have their favorites. Here are some of ours.
Aveline
Players meet Aveline in the first moments of Dragon Age II. A tough-as-nails, no-nonsense warrior who enlists with the Kirkwall City Guard and eventually rises to become its captain, Aveline is often a voice of logic and reason for the party. She is all about law and order, but not unreasonably so -- she bends the rules to see justice done. She is also the center of one of Dragon Age II's most memorable side-quests. Aveline has taken a liking to a particular guardsman, but has no concept of how "dating" works. Her attempts to hook up with the man are awkward to say the least, but with a little help from the player character, Aveline and her man can end up living happily ever after.
Isabela
Pirates are universally cool. This is known. Isabela then automatically wins a place on this list of best Dragon Age companions by being the former captain of the Sirens Call, a pirate ship that terrorized Thedas' Waking Sea. She is a companion in Dragon Age II and a deadly duelist, but she also makes a brief (and infamous) appearance in Dragon Age: Origins where players encounter her and the crew of the Sirens Call in a brothel. There players have the option of going to bed with Isabela in order to learn the Duelist specialization, and along the way can invite other party members along for a threesome. Kinky.
Varric
When you think of the typical fantasy dwarf, what image pops in your mind? Gimli, from Lord of the Rings, with his battle axe in hand? Short and stocky warriors who mine deep in the ground for precious gems? Some dwarves in Dragon Age do align to some of these stereotypical fantasy tropes, but Varric isn't one of them. He lives on the surface, is a charming rogue and often lets his repeating crossbow, Bianca, do the talking for him. When he isn't adventuring with the player in Dragon Age II and Inquisition, he can be found writing tales and weaving stories as an accomplished author.
Tallis
Voice actors help bring Dragon Age's companions to life, but it is rare for an actor to be completely recreated in-game. That's the case with Tallis in Dragon Age II, who is played by none other than geek icon Felicia Day of "The Guild" fame. But aside from Day's involvement, Tallis is just an interesting character in general. An assassin following the Qunari moral code known as the Qun, Tallis is also an elf, making her alignment with the Qunari even more unique. Much of Thedas is terrified of the Qunari and their unclear intentions. At the same time, many humans look upon elves as second-class citizens. Tallis, then, is a double dose of mistrust and complexity, as she fights her way through a world that distrusts her race and fears her religion.
Dorian
Mages of the Tevinter Imperium often get a bad rap. Powerful mages called Magisters rule the country, and often they keep and capture slaves -- an act deeply frowned upon by the rest of Dragon Age's world of Thedas. Dorian proves that those stereotypes aren't all true. Dorian has no slaves, and is keenly aware of the dangers of magic and those who abuse it. There is also his mustache to consider -- it may indeed be the most well-groomed facial hair in all the realm. For that reason alone he is worthy of tagging along.
Iron Bull
The leader of the Chargers mercenary band, Iron Bull, is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield with his massive two-handed axe. But he's not just a savage brute. He's also a capable leader who inspires fierce loyalty and respect from his men. Not only do his men dutifully follow Iron Bull despite his Qunari heritage, they are also completely accepting of his work as a spy for the Qunari government. Iron Bull regularly sends reports back to his homeland about various events abroad, but because of his upfront nature, his men find little reason to distrust Iron Bull's intentions.
Morrigan
Love her or hate her, Morrigan's spiteful and sarcastic comments are always on point. She is almost constantly displaying her disdain for characters like Alistair and the drunken dwarf Oghren, often times with hilarious results. Daughter to Flemeth, the legendary Witch of the Wilds, Morrigan is a powerful mage and shapeshifter who plays a pivotal role throughout the series. Raised apart from humanity and distrustful of their intentions, Morrigan nonetheless helps the player stop the Darkspawn threat in Dragon Age: Origins, and offers players a way out through a dark ritual that has Morrigan give birth to a god. Is she good? Is she evil? She is ultimately a little bit of both, which makes her one of the franchise's most memorable characters.
Alistair
Oh Alistair. You are literally a loveable bastard. Who would have ever thought you might end up being the king of Ferelden? Your sarcastic tones and loveable goofball nature made you an unlikely choice to become one of the greatest heroes in all of Thedas, but nonetheless you helped players the world over rebuild the Grey Wardens and defeat the Archdemon. You are also the butt of 90 percent of all jokes in Dragon Age: Origins, and for that we thank you.
Dog
Man's best friend is also yours in Dragon Age: Origins. Unlike other companions, who are always approving or disapproving of your actions, Dog is always there by your side, unyielding in his loyalty. Give him a pet on the head, point him at the enemies and then reward him for a job well done. In a game filled with difficult decisions and often bloody consequences, it was nice to have a companion who didn't judge. Even if that companion was a dog.
