Romance Options

Romance in Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn adds a rich layer of character development and narrative depth to your playthrough. These relationships are not merely cosmetic; they influence dialogue, offer unique quests, and can even impact your character's morale and abilities. Successfully navigating a romance requires patience, specific dialogue choices, and often, completing companion quests. Note that only a male protagonist can romance Aerie, Jaheira, or Viconia, while only a female protagonist can romance Anomen.

General Romance Mechanics

Party Slot: The potential romantic interest must be in your active party for romance dialogues (love talks) to trigger.
Time-Based Triggers: Love talks often trigger after a certain amount of in-game time has passed (usually 30-60 minutes). Resting, traveling, and entering new areas can advance time and trigger these events.
Dialogue Choices: Always choose supportive, understanding, or flirtatious options. Avoid dismissive, rude, or overly aggressive responses.
Reputation: Your party's reputation can influence some romances. For instance, a very high reputation might deter Viconia.
Jealousy: Attempting to romance multiple characters simultaneously can lead to jealousy events, forcing you to choose one. This can result in one or more companions leaving your party permanently.
Companion Quests: Many romance arcs are tied to completing personal quests for your chosen companion. Prioritize these when they arise.

Aerie (Half-Elf Cleric/Mage)

Aerie is a gentle and somewhat naive half-elf, traumatized by her time in the circus. She seeks comfort and protection, making her a suitable romantic interest for a kind-hearted male protagonist.

Recruitment:

Aerie can be found and recruited in the Circus Tent in the Waukeen's Promenade district after completing the "Save the Circus" quest.

Romance Walkthrough:

Initial Flirtation: After recruiting Aerie, ensure she remains in your party. Early love talks will involve her expressing her fears and insecurities. Respond with reassurance and kindness. For example, when she speaks of her wings, express sympathy and tell her she is beautiful as she is.
The Circus: Return to the Circus Tent with Aerie in your party. She will have additional dialogue regarding her past.
Anomen's Interference: If Anomen is also in your party, he may attempt to flirt with Aerie. Defend Aerie and express your interest in her.
The Dream Sequence: Eventually, you will experience a dream sequence where Aerie is in distress. This is a key progression point.
Aerie's Doubts: Aerie will express doubts about your intentions or her worthiness. Reassure her of your feelings.
The Harpers' Call: Later in the game, Aerie will be approached by a Harper agent. Support her decision regarding the Harpers.
Personal Quest - Quayle's Visit: Aerie's uncle, Quayle, will visit her in your party. This leads to a personal quest involving Quayle's troubles. Complete this quest to further solidify your bond.
Commitment: The romance culminates in a commitment scene, often involving a discussion about your future together.
Throne of Bhaal: The romance continues into the Throne of Bhaal expansion, with further interactions and a potential marriage.

Jaheira (Half-Elf Fighter/Druid)

Jaheira is a strong-willed and independent Harper, still grieving the loss of Khalid. Her romance is complex, often involving her duties and past. She is available to a male protagonist.

Recruitment:

Jaheira is a starting companion, found with you in Irenicus' Dungeon.

Romance Walkthrough:

Initial Grief: Jaheira's early love talks will revolve around her grief for Khalid. Be understanding and patient, but also gently encourage her to move forward. Avoid being overly pushy or dismissive of her feelings.
Harper Business: Jaheira's romance is heavily intertwined with the Harper plotline. You will encounter several Harper agents and situations that require her involvement.
Baron Ployer: This is a critical quest. Baron Ployer, a mage, will curse Jaheira. You must find him in the Slums District and confront him. To lift the curse, you will need to retrieve the Nymph Cloak from the Druid Grove (part of the Trademeet questline) and the Skin of the Ghoul from the Graveyard District. Return these items to Ployer to force him to lift the curse.
The Harper Hold: After the Ployer incident, you will be summoned to the Harper Hold in the Docks District. Jaheira will face judgment from the Harpers. Support her and help her navigate this trial.
Galvarey: A powerful Harper named Galvarey will challenge Jaheira's loyalty. This confrontation can be resolved peacefully or violently depending on your choices and Jaheira's standing with the Harpers.
The Harper Pin: Jaheira will eventually receive a new Harper Pin, signifying her renewed standing.
Commitment: The romance progresses to a point where Jaheira acknowledges her feelings for you, moving past Khalid.
Throne of Bhaal: The romance continues, with further challenges and a deeper bond forming.

Viconia DeVir (Drow Cleric)

Viconia is a proud and cynical Drow exile, constantly facing prejudice. Her romance is challenging and requires a protagonist who can appreciate her strength and look past her race. She is available to a male protagonist.

Recruitment:

Viconia can be found in the Government District, about to be burned at the stake. Intervene and save her to recruit her.

Romance Walkthrough:

Initial Mistrust: Viconia will be wary and distrustful. Your early dialogue choices should be understanding of her plight but also firm. Do not be overly sentimental; she values strength.
Racial Prejudice: You will encounter many NPCs who express prejudice against Viconia. Always defend her. For example, when she is accosted by a group of bigots in the Bridge District, stand up for her.
The Temple of Lolth: Viconia will have dreams and conversations about her past with Lolth and her family. Show interest in her history without being judgmental.
Reputation Management: Viconia prefers a lower party reputation. If your reputation is too high (above 18), she may express discomfort or even leave. Consider balancing your reputation by occasionally committing minor evil acts (e.g., stealing from a merchant) if you are struggling to progress her romance.
The Drow Assassin: A Drow assassin will eventually attempt to kill Viconia. Defend her fiercely.
Personal Quest - The Orb: Viconia will ask you to help her retrieve a powerful Drow artifact, the Orb of the Black Star, from the Underdark. This quest is crucial for her romance.
Commitment: Viconia will eventually open up and express her feelings, acknowledging a bond that transcends her Drow heritage.
Throne of Bhaal: The romance continues, exploring the complexities of a Drow and a surface-dweller's relationship.

Anomen Delryn (Human Fighter/Cleric)

Anomen is a pompous but ultimately well-meaning knight-aspirant. His romance is available only to a female protagonist and focuses on his journey to knighthood and self-discovery.

Recruitment:

Anomen can be found in the Copper Coronet in the Slums District. He will join if you agree to help him with his knighthood quest.

Romance Walkthrough:

Initial Arrogance: Anomen's early love talks will showcase his arrogance and desire for recognition. Be patient and gently challenge his self-importance without being overly critical.
The Knighthood Quest: This is the central pillar of Anomen's romance. You must escort him to the Order of the Radiant Heart in the Temple District.
Family Tragedy: Anomen's sister, Moira, will be murdered. This event triggers a critical choice:
- Revenge (Chaotic Evil path): If you encourage Anomen to seek revenge on the murderer, Cor Delryn, he will fail his knighthood test and become a Fallen Paladin. This path is generally detrimental to the romance.
- Justice (Lawful Good path): If you encourage Anomen to seek justice through legal means, he will pass his knighthood test and become a Sir Knight. This is the preferred path for a successful romance.
Knighthood Ceremony: If Anomen passes his test, attend his knighthood ceremony at the Order of the Radiant Heart.
Post-Knighthood: After becoming a knight, Anomen's personality will soften. His love talks will become more sincere and less focused on his ego.
Commitment: Anomen will eventually confess his love and propose marriage.
Throne of Bhaal: The romance continues, with Anomen proving himself a loyal and devoted partner.