Dragon Age 3 Romance: A Comprehensive Guide to Inquisition’s Love Interests
Dragon Age: Inquisition, often referred to as Dragon Age 3 by fans, offers a rich and immersive experience, and a significant part of that experience is the complex and engaging romance options. Navigating the treacherous political landscape of Thedas is made all the more compelling when you have a loyal companion by your side. This comprehensive guide will delve into each romanceable character, their personalities, requirements, and the unique story arcs that unfold when you pursue a relationship with them. Understanding the intricacies of Dragon Age 3 romance is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment of the game.
Understanding the Romance System in Dragon Age: Inquisition
Unlike some RPGs where romance feels like an afterthought, Dragon Age: Inquisition weaves romantic relationships into the very fabric of the narrative. Your choices, dialogue options, and even your actions in the world will influence your standing with potential partners. Each character has their own set of values and beliefs, and aligning yourself with them (or directly challenging them) will determine whether you can spark a romantic connection. Successfully navigating the Dragon Age 3 romance system requires careful consideration and understanding of each character’s motivations.
Approval is Key
Approval is the cornerstone of any successful romance in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Each companion has an approval rating, which can range from deeply disapproving to highly approving. Gaining approval is typically achieved by agreeing with their viewpoints, supporting their personal quests, and making decisions that align with their moral compass. Conversely, disagreeing with them, acting against their interests, or supporting opposing factions can lead to disapproval, ultimately hindering your chances of a romance. Keep a close eye on your companions’ reactions during conversations and quests to gauge their approval level. This is especially important when trying to initiate a Dragon Age 3 romance.
Race and Gender Restrictions
While Dragon Age: Inquisition offers a diverse cast of characters, not all of them are available to every Inquisitor. Some romances are locked behind race or gender restrictions. For example, some characters are only interested in male Inquisitors, while others only pursue female Inquisitors. Understanding these restrictions early on can save you time and heartbreak. This adds another layer of complexity to the Dragon Age 3 romance system.
The Romanceable Characters: A Detailed Look
Let’s dive into the specifics of each romanceable character in Dragon Age: Inquisition, exploring their personalities, requirements, and potential storylines.
Cassandra Pentaghast
Cassandra is a staunchly traditional Seekers of Truth, dedicated to order and justice. She values duty, faith, and unwavering loyalty. To romance Cassandra, you must show her that you are a strong and decisive leader who is committed to the Inquisition’s mission. She appreciates honesty, integrity, and a genuine desire to do what is right. She disapproves of cruelty, deceit, and decisions that undermine the Inquisition’s authority. Cassandra is only romanceable by male Inquisitors. Successfully romancing Cassandra in Dragon Age 3 romance scenarios involves showing her your commitment to justice and stability.
Josephine Montilyet
Josephine is the Inquisition’s ambassador, a master of diplomacy and negotiation. She is charming, intelligent, and possesses a keen understanding of political maneuvering. To romance Josephine, you must appreciate her skills and support her efforts to build alliances and maintain peace. She values wit, grace, and a genuine interest in the well-being of others. She disapproves of violence, aggression, and actions that jeopardize diplomatic relations. Josephine is romanceable by both male and female Inquisitors. A successful Dragon Age 3 romance with Josephine requires showing appreciation for her diplomatic skills and a commitment to peaceful solutions.
Cullen Rutherford
Cullen is the commander of the Inquisition’s forces, a veteran Templar haunted by his past experiences with magic. He is stoic, disciplined, and deeply concerned with the safety and security of the Inquisition. To romance Cullen, you must show him compassion, understanding, and a willingness to help him overcome his inner demons. He values loyalty, courage, and a strong sense of justice. He disapproves of reckless behavior, abuse of power, and decisions that endanger the lives of his soldiers. Cullen is only romanceable by female Inquisitors who are human or elf. This adds a specific layer to the Dragon Age 3 romance options.
Blackwall (Thom Rainier)
Blackwall is a Grey Warden, a legendary warrior sworn to fight the darkspawn. He is honorable, selfless, and dedicated to protecting the innocent. To romance Blackwall, you must admire his virtues and support his commitment to his duty. He values bravery, sacrifice, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place. However, Blackwall harbors a dark secret, and uncovering it will play a significant role in your relationship. He disapproves of cowardice, selfishness, and actions that betray the ideals of the Grey Wardens. Blackwall is romanceable by female Inquisitors of any race. Navigating the complexities of Blackwall’s past is crucial to succeeding in a Dragon Age 3 romance with him.
Sera
Sera is an elven archer and a member of the Red Jennies, a group of rebels fighting for the common people. She is impulsive, rebellious, and fiercely loyal to her friends. To romance Sera, you must embrace her chaotic nature and support her fight against injustice. She values fun, spontaneity, and a genuine connection with others. She disapproves of formality, tradition, and actions that benefit the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor. Sera is only romanceable by female Inquisitors, and she prefers those who are elves or dwarves. Embracing Sera’s rebellious spirit is key to a successful Dragon Age 3 romance with her.
Dorian Pavus
Dorian is a mage from Tevinter, a powerful and charismatic individual burdened by the expectations of his society. He is intelligent, witty, and possesses a sharp sense of humor. To romance Dorian, you must appreciate his intellect and support his efforts to challenge the corrupt traditions of Tevinter. He values honesty, independence, and a genuine desire to understand him. He disapproves of prejudice, intolerance, and actions that reinforce the oppressive practices of Tevinter. Dorian is only romanceable by male Inquisitors. A Dragon Age 3 romance with Dorian involves understanding and supporting his struggles against the societal norms of Tevinter.
Tips for a Successful Romance in Dragon Age: Inquisition
Here are some general tips to help you navigate the romance system in Dragon Age: Inquisition and increase your chances of finding love with your chosen companion:
- Pay Attention to Dialogue: Choose dialogue options that align with the character’s values and beliefs. Listen carefully to what they say and try to understand their motivations.
- Complete Personal Quests: Each companion has a series of personal quests that delve into their past and motivations. Completing these quests is essential for building trust and deepening your relationship.
- Give Gifts: Some companions appreciate gifts that reflect their interests and personalities. Finding the right gift can significantly boost your approval rating.
- Travel with Your Chosen Companion: Bringing your chosen companion along on quests and missions allows you to engage in more conversations and build a stronger connection.
- Be Patient: Romances in Dragon Age: Inquisition take time to develop. Don’t expect to jump into a relationship overnight. Be patient, build trust, and let the relationship unfold naturally.
The Consequences of Romance
Successfully romancing a character in Dragon Age: Inquisition can have a profound impact on the story. Your relationship will influence dialogue, cutscenes, and even the ending of the game. A strong romance can provide emotional support during difficult times, strengthen your resolve, and ultimately shape the fate of Thedas. However, a failed romance can lead to disappointment, heartbreak, and even the loss of a valuable ally. The consequences of your romantic choices are significant, adding weight and meaning to your decisions. The depth of these relationships is a key component of the Dragon Age 3 romance experience.
Beyond the Main Romances
While the main romance options are the most fleshed out, Dragon Age: Inquisition also offers a few minor flirtations. These are typically short-lived and don’t have the same depth as the main romances, but they can still add a bit of spice to your playthrough. Characters like Harding offer lighthearted flirting options. However, for a truly immersive and impactful experience, focusing on one of the main romanceable characters is recommended. This allows you to fully explore the complexities and nuances of their personality and relationship with the Inquisitor. [See also: Dragon Age Inquisition Best Builds] Understanding the depth of the Dragon Age 3 romance system is crucial for appreciating the game’s narrative.
Conclusion
The Dragon Age 3 romance options in Dragon Age: Inquisition are a testament to BioWare’s commitment to creating compelling and emotionally resonant characters. Whether you’re drawn to the unwavering loyalty of Cassandra, the diplomatic grace of Josephine, or the rebellious spirit of Sera, there’s a romance option for every type of player. By understanding the requirements, personalities, and potential storylines of each character, you can embark on a journey of love, loss, and ultimately, the salvation of Thedas. So, choose wisely, Inquisitor, and may your heart guide you true. The diverse options for Dragon Age 3 romance contribute significantly to the game’s replayability and overall appeal. Remember to consider your choices carefully as you navigate the complex world of Thedas and seek a meaningful connection with your companions. The Dragon Age 3 romance system is a core feature that enhances the game’s narrative depth and player engagement.
