Dragon Age: How Sebastian Vael Became the Exiled Prince (2024)

As far asDragon Age companions go, Sebastian Vael is something of an enigma. Chantry brother and possible Prince of Starkhaven, Sebastian has a murky past he pretends not to be proud of, but beneath his shiny white Andrastian armor lies a heart afire with vengeance and longing for power.

Introduced in Dragon Age 2'sThe Exiled Prince DLC, Sebastian appears in front of the Kirkwall Chantry arguing with Grand Cleric Elthina before pinning up a reward noticefor anyone willing to help him avenge his murdered family. It's up to Hawke and party to get to the bottom of it, and, in doing so bringing the master archer in as a fellow-party member.

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Sebastian was the youngest of three sons. Knowing his older brothers were more than likely going to inherit the family's titles and fortune, he acted out in an effort to get attention. His whoring, drinking and gambling habitseventually prompted his parents to give him over to the Chantry, fearing that allowing him to run wild would tarnishthe family name.

Though hewas a faithful Andrastian,Sebastian was taken to the Chantrywhilestill very young andwith no desire to devote his youth to the religious order. Grand Cleric Elthina helped him escape, but after time and deep reflection, Sebastian returned to the Chantry and willingly took vows of poverty and chastity. For a while, he allowed himself to forget about the world beyond the safety of the Chantry.

However, when word of his family's brutal murder reached his ears, Sebastian's faith was tested once more. Elthina attempted to convince him to let go of his grief and his longing to reclaim his family's property and title, but that grief twisted his emotions, and he sought out help avenging his family and potentially reclaiming what was lost as the Vael family's only living and rightful heir.

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Upon meeting Sebastian the first time, Hawke has the option to take up his quest from the Chanter's board to destroy the Flint Company mercenaries who killed his family. Upon completing the quest, Sebastian rewards Hawke and leaves to petition the Viscount for aid in retaking Starkhaven. Hawke does not see Sebastian again until Act Two of the game, which takes place three years later.

Upon joining Hawke's party full-time, Sebastian relates that he has discovered who hired the mercenaries to murder his family. Hawke can help him infiltrate the Harimann's home, where they discover that a Desire Demoncorrupted the family, pushing them to take over Starkhaven's rule. After disposing of the demon and killing the Harimann matriarch Johane, Sebastian's internal struggle deepens. Should he remain with the Chantry or make efforts to reclaim Starkhaven?

As a potential romance option for a female Hawke, Sebastian flusters easily at her flirtations, and he finds himself drawn toHawke'sopinions on the matters of his future regardless of the player character's gender. Hawke can push Sebastian to reclaim Starkhaven and his throne, much to the Grand Cleric's frustration and dismay, or they can encourage him to let go of his concerns and maintain his life in the Chantry.

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A romanced Sebastian comes with the offer of a chaste marriage if he stays with the Chantry, though if Hawke pushes himto reclaim Starkhaven, it's implied their relationship progresses further.He does not, however, fulfill the romance requirements for the achievement in the game, and there are no romantic cutscenes with him.

After events in Act Three escalate and Andersblows up the Chantry, killing Grand Cleric Elthina, Sebastiangives Hawke an ultimatum: execute Anders for his crimes, or he'll leave and retake Starkhaven, hunting Anders down and destroying him with an army. If Hawke refuses to kill Anders, Sebastianleaves the party permanently, and the final battleis fought without his aid. If Sebastian stays and Andersis killed, he'll go along with whichever side Hawke chooses to fight for, regardless of his beliefs on the matter.

Though Sebastian does not appear in Inquisition, he is referenced in conversation with Varric. Aromanced Hawke will explain that he is now the Chantry advisor in Starkhaven, working to reclaim the throne and doing all he can to maintain peace there. There is a War Table quest called "An Ally In Starkhaven" wherein Prince Sebastian extends his hand in friendship or requests aid from the Inquisition in taking back his throne. In the event that Anders was not executed, he will ask for Inquisition help storming Kirkwall in an attempt to hunt down the rogue apostate and those who seek to protect him.

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Sebastian's addition to the game was an interesting choice, though at times his character felt like an afterthought. Because he was a DLC companion, this essentially was the case, sometimes not feeling fully integratedinto the game. Regardless, he is an intriguing addition to Hawke's companions and the party between him, Anders and occasionally Fenris does add some spice to the story.

He did appear in the Dark Horse companion comics, Dragon Age: Knight Errant, but whether or not he will make an appearance in future games in the franchise is impossible to guess. Perhaps a romanced Sebastian could be pushed toseek vengeance on the Inquisition afterHawkeis left behind in the Fade to battle the Nightmare Demon, or maybe his hunger for powerdrives him to become something unrecognizable. Only time will tell what will become of the exiled prince in the future.

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