Thanks for the super thorough reply, I really appreciate it! I did do the ritual, I think I got the "ring ending" for Morrigan as I entered the portal with her in the Witch Hunt DLC.

I agree with you on the appeal of these long series of games with save-import being the continuity, so it's a shame to hear it's not more elaborate than that. I know Welonz did a full Dragon Age series playthrough last year so I might just watch that some day. If Veilguard turns out to be incredible (doubtful) I'll take your advice and just watch story recaps I think.