Varric

The self-appointed biographer of heroes, spinning wild stories in Lowtown while keeping a steady hand on the pulse of Thedas.

Varric Tethras is a renowned dwarf from House Tethras, exiled generations ago from the subterranean kingdom of Orzammar. First appearing in Dragon Age II (2011), he serves as the unreliable narrator and a permanent party member, a role he reprises in Dragon Age: Inquisition. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Varric is not a playable companion or party member, and his role differs significantly from previous titles. Beyond his combat prowess with his signature crossbow, Bianca, Varric is a celebrated novelist who chronicles the lives of protagonists Hawke and the Inquisitor. Voiced by Brian Bloom across all media, Varric is a member of the Merchants Guild who wields influence through his connections and storytelling, often found spinning tales in taverns rather than openly wielding economic power.

Quick Facts

Series: Dragon Age
First: Dragon Age II (2011)
Voice: Brian Bloom
Race: Dwarf
Home: Kirkwall

Lore & Background

Hailing from House Tethras, Varric is a surface dwarf who has become a well-connected member of the Merchants Guild, though he is never described as a 'merchant prince' in canon. While he maintains contacts and informants across Thedas, he does not run a formal spy network for the guild, nor is he a guild leader. Varric spends his time in taverns like the Hanged Man telling stories and gambling, but there is no canon evidence of him systematically robbing patrons. His most famous work, Hard in Hightown, is canonically a detective story about Kirkwall City Guard member Donnen Brennokovic investigating a murder in Hightown—not a clash between Chantry agents and the Executors. Despite his roguish exterior, Varric is known for his loyalty and compassion, eventually helping to rebuild Kirkwall after being appointed Viscount in the epilogue of the Trespasser DLC (not the base game).

Reader's Guide

Varric is the only companion to be a permanent fixture in both Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition, meaning players never encounter crisis points that could cause him to leave the party. His defining trait is unwavering loyalty to the player characters. He wields Bianca, a repeating crossbow with a carved wood stock, brass embellishments, and a retractable bayonet; he is the only companion unable to equip alternative ranged weapons. When asked about Bianca's name, Varric states it involves 'a girl and a promise' that he can never tell. In Dragon Age II, he favors diplomatic solutions involving lying and blackmail over straightforward violence, appreciating irreverent humor. In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, he acts as the mentor for Rook, having recruited them to stop Solas from destroying the Veil. While not a romance option, Varric can be flirted with in dialogue conversations.

Did You Know?

Varric's novel Hard in Hightown was published as a real-world book with Varric listed as the first author, though written by former BioWare writer Mary Kirby.
Bianca is Varric's signature repeating crossbow, which features a retractable bayonet and cannot be replaced with other ranged weapons.
Varric was originally conceived as a sleazy character before developers decided he needed to stand up for the protagonist in Dragon Age II.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Varric Tethras?

He is an exiled dwarf from House Tethras who serves as a storyteller and companion in multiple Dragon Age games. Originally appearing in Kirkwall, he later joins the Inquisition to help document their journey against the Blight.

Who voices Varric in the games?

The character is brought to life by actor Brian Bloom across multiple titles. His performance captures Varric's humorous yet loyal personality throughout the franchise.