Building strong relationships with your companions is a cornerstone of the Dragon Age: Inquisition experience. Each companion has their own unique personality, motivations, and moral compass, leading them to approve or disapprove of your decisions. Understanding these reactions can influence their loyalty, unlock personal quests, and even affect their survival.
Understanding Approval
Approval is gained by making choices that al with a companion's personal beliefs and goals. For example, showing mercy to enemies might earn approval from characters like Solas, while a more pragmatic or ruthless approach might please Iron Bull. Conversely, actions that contradict their values will result in disapproval.
Key Companions and Their Leanings:
- Cassandra Pentaghast: Values justice, order, and the pursuit of truth. She approves of actions that uphold the Chantry's ideals and expose corruption. Disapproves of deceit and unnecessary cruelty.
- Solas: Deeply concerned with the Fade and the ancient elven world. He approves of actions that show respect for magic and elven history, and often favors diplomacy. Disapproves of the oppression of mages and the destruction of ancient sites.
- Iron Bull: A follower of the Qun. He approves of strength, directness, and a pragmatic approach to conflict. He often enjoys morally grey decisions and displays of power. Disapproves of weakness and indecisiveness.
- Varric Tethras: A rogue with a cynical but ultimately good heart. He approves of wit, cleverness, and loyalty to friends. He often enjoys seeing the powerful brought low. Disapproves of needless brutality and arrogance.
- Blackwall: A Grey Warden who values honor and duty. He approves of acts of bravery and self-sacrifice. Disapproves of cowardice and betrayal.
- Cole: A spirit of compassion. He approves of kindness and helping the innocent. Disapproves of cruelty and suffering.
- Sera: A free-spirited archer who despises authority and tradition. She approves of rebellion, pranks, and actions that disrupt the status quo. Disapproves of formality and those who abuse power.
- Dorian Pavus: A mage from Tevinter who rejects his homeland's traditions. He approves of those who stand against oppression and embrace personal freedom. Disapproves of prejudice and the abuse of magic.
- Vivienne: A powerful mage who believes in the Circle's structure. She approves of order, ambition, and those who wield magic responsibly within established systems. Disapproves of rogue mages and those who challenge authority without good reason.
Impact of Approval
High approval can lead to companions becoming more effective in combat, offering unique dialogue, and eventually unlocking their personal quests. Completing these quests often results in significant rewards and can lead to romance options. Conversely, low approval can lead to companions leaving the Inquisition or even betraying you.