Romance Options & Approval

Romance Options & Approval

Dragon Age: Inquisition offers a rich tapestry of potential romantic relationships, allowing the Inquisitor to forge deep personal connections with companions and advisors. These relationships are not merely cosmetic; they deepen character backstories, unlock unique dialogue, and can even influence certain narrative outcomes. Successfully pursuing a romance requires careful attention to the chosen character's personality, values, and personal history, as well as managing their approval towards the Inquisitor.

The approval system is central to all relationships in Inquisition. Every major decision, dialogue choice, and quest outcome can either increase or decrease a character's approval. High approval is crucial for unlocking romance dialogue options, personal quests, and eventually, the romance itself. Conversely, consistently low approval can lead to characters leaving the Inquisition or even turning hostile in extreme cases (though this is rare for main companions).

Understanding the Approval System

• Dialogue Choices: The most frequent way to gain or lose approval. Pay attention to the tone and content of your responses. Characters often react strongly to choices that align with or contradict their core beliefs. For example, Cassandra appreciates devout and just actions, while Solas values intellectual curiosity and respect for ancient elven culture.
• Quest Outcomes: Completing personal quests for companions and advisors almost always grants significant approval. Additionally, certain main story and side quest decisions can impact multiple characters' approval simultaneously.
• War Table Operations: Some War Table missions, particularly those involving a specific advisor, can yield approval gains or losses depending on the chosen agent.
• Major Story Decisions: Critical choices made throughout the main campaign, such as who to side with in a conflict or how to deal with a powerful artifact, will have widespread approval implications.
• "Approve/Disapprove" Notifications: The game provides clear on-screen notifications when a character's approval changes, often accompanied by a small icon indicating who reacted. Pay attention to these to understand the impact of your choices.

you can only officially "lock in" one romance per playthrough. While you might flirt with multiple characters, a point will come where you must choose one to pursue seriously, often leading to other potential love interests gently declining further advances.

Romanceable Characters Overview

Below is a comprehensive list of all romanceable companions and advisors, detailing their gender/race locks, key approval triggers, and associated personal quests. Remember that consistent positive approval is the foundation for any successful romance.

Companions (Party Members)

Cassandra Pentaghast

• Gender Lock: Male Inquisitor only.
• Race Lock: No race lock.
• Personality & Approval: Cassandra values justice, faith in the Maker, order, and chivalry. She appreciates decisive leadership and compassion for the innocent. Disapproves of cynical, cruel, or overly pragmatic choices.
• Key Approval Actions:
  • Support the Chantry and its ideals.
  • Show respect for tradition and duty.
  • Choose dialogue options that express faith or hope.
  • Complete her personal questline.
• Personal Quests & Romance Triggers:
  • "Unfinished Business": Found in Val Royeaux. Help her track down the final chapters of Varric's "Swords and Shields" book. This is a crucial early step.
  • "The Ideal Romance": After "Unfinished Business" and sufficient approval, Cassandra will ask for your help in finding a "perfect" romance novel. This leads to humorous interactions and deepens your connection.
  • "Guilty Pleasures": Further progression of the romance, often involving a specific gift.
  • "The Promise of a Future": The final romance quest, leading to the "lock-in" scene.
• Important Dialogue: When discussing her past or beliefs, choose understanding and supportive options. Flirt whenever possible.

Iron Bull

• Gender Lock: No gender lock.
• Race Lock: No race lock.
• Personality & Approval: Bull respects strength, honesty, and loyalty. He appreciates directness, a good fight, and looking out for his mercenaries (the Chargers). He dislikes cowardice, unnecessary cruelty, or betraying allies.
• Key Approval Actions:
  • Support the Chargers and their well-being.
  • Choose pragmatic and decisive actions in combat.
  • Show interest in Qunari culture and his life as a Ben-Hassrath spy.
  • Engage in banter and lighthearted teasing.
• Personal Quests & Romance Triggers:
  • "Demands of the Qun": A major quest where you must choose between saving the Chargers or adhering to the Qunari's demands. Saving the Chargers is crucial for his romance.
  • "Gifts from the Sky": After "Demands of the Qun" and sufficient approval, Bull will ask you to help him retrieve a Qunari artifact.
  • "The Dragon's Breath": A unique romance scene that occurs after sufficient approval and completing "Demands of the Qun."
• Important Dialogue: Be direct and honest. Show interest in his double life and the Qun. Flirt openly.

Sera

• Gender Lock: Female Inquisitor only.
• Race Lock: No race lock.
• Personality & Approval: Sera values freedom, spontaneity, and fighting for the "little people." She dislikes formality, hypocrisy, and grand pronouncements. She appreciates mischievousness and genuine kindness.
• Key Approval Actions:
  • Support the common folk and challenge authority.
  • Make lighthearted or mischievous choices.
  • Engage in her "red jenny" activities.
  • Show genuine care for her and her friends.
• Personal Quests & Romance Triggers:
  • "A Woman Who Wants for Nothing": Sera will ask you to help her play pranks and deliver justice to those who deserve it.
  • "The Verchiel March": A more serious quest involving her past and the Red Jennies.
  • "The Great Prank": A fun, lighthearted romance scene that occurs after sufficient approval.
  • "Friends of Red Jenny": Continued involvement with her network.
• Important Dialogue: Be playful, avoid overly formal or philosophical responses. Show enthusiasm for her antics.

Solas

• Gender Lock: Female Inquisitor only.
• Race Lock: Elf Inquisitor only.
• Personality & Approval: Solas is an intellectual, deeply connected to the Fade and ancient elven history. He values knowledge, empathy, and respect for the spirit world. He dislikes ignorance, cruelty, and dogmatic thinking.
• Key Approval Actions:
  • Show curiosity about the Fade, spirits, and elven lore.
  • Choose empathetic and understanding dialogue options.
  • Question established norms and seek deeper truths.
  • Support mages and their freedom.
• Personal Quests & Romance Triggers:
  • "All New, Faded for Her": Solas will ask you to help him restore a Fade artifact.
  • "What Lies Dormant": A quest involving a powerful spirit.
  • "Measure of a Man": A crucial quest where you delve deeper into his past and beliefs.
  • "The Dread Wolf Rises": The final romance scene, which has significant implications for the future.
• Important Dialogue: Engage in philosophical discussions, ask insightful questions, and show respect for his unique perspective.

Advisors (Non-Party Members)

Cullen Rutherford

• Gender Lock: Female Inquisitor only.
• Race Lock: Human or Elf Inquisitor only.
• Personality & Approval: Cullen is a man of duty, honor, and strong moral conviction. He values loyalty, justice, and the well-being of the Inquisition. He struggles with his past as a Templar and appreciates understanding and support.
• Key Approval Actions:
  • Support the Templars (though not necessarily their extreme views).
  • Show compassion and understanding for his past trauma.
  • Make choices that strengthen the Inquisition and bring order.
  • Encourage him in his leadership role.
• Personal Quests & Romance Triggers:
  • "Perseverance": Cullen will discuss his struggles with lyrium withdrawal. Offer support and encouragement.
  • "The Lyrium Problem": A War Table operation where you decide how to handle his lyrium supply. Encourage him to find alternatives.
  • "Happier Times": A personal quest where you help him reconnect with his past.
  • "A Change of Plans": The final romance scene, often involving a game of chess.
• Important Dialogue: Be supportive, understanding, and encourage him to overcome his past. Flirt gently but persistently.

Josephine Montilyet

• Gender Lock: No gender lock.
• Race Lock: No race lock.
• Personality & Approval: Josephine is a diplomat through and through. She values diplomacy, charm, and peaceful resolutions. She appreciates wit, elegance, and upholding Antivan traditions. She dislikes crude behavior or unnecessary aggression.
• Key Approval Actions:
  • Choose diplomatic and peaceful solutions to conflicts.
  • Show interest in Antivan culture and politics.
  • Be charming and witty in dialogue.
  • Support her efforts to build alliances.
• Personal Quests & Romance Triggers:
  • "Of Somewhat Fallen Fortune": Josephine will ask for your help in dealing with a family rival. Support her diplomatic approach.
  • "Herald of Andraste": A quest involving a formal ball and securing an alliance.
  • "A War of Whispers": Further diplomatic challenges that require your support.
  • "The Grand Ball": The final romance scene, often involving a dance.
• Important Dialogue: Be polite, charming, and show genuine interest in her diplomatic work and Antivan heritage.

Blackwall

• Gender Lock: Female Inquisitor only.
• Race Lock: No race lock.
• Personality & Approval: Blackwall is a stoic, honorable Grey Warden who values duty, sacrifice, and protecting the innocent. He struggles with a dark secret and appreciates honesty, understanding, and a willingness to forgive.
• Key Approval Actions:
  • Support the Grey Wardens and their mission.
  • Show compassion for those suffering.
  • Encourage him to be honest and face his past.
  • Choose dialogue options that reflect integrity and justice.
• Personal Quests & Romance Triggers:
  • "Revelations": Blackwall will ask you to help him find a lost Grey Warden artifact.
  • "Exploits of the Grey Wardens": A series of quests where you help him uphold the Warden's legacy.
  • "The Last Warden": A critical quest where his true identity is revealed. Your choices here are paramount for the romance. Forgive him and offer support.
  • "A Promise of Grey": The final romance scene, occurring after you've dealt with his past.
• Important Dialogue: Be understanding and forgiving, especially after his secret is revealed. Encourage him to seek redemption.

General Romance Tips & Pitfalls

• Flirt Early and Often: Many romance options become available after the "In Your Heart Shall Burn" quest. Start flirting with your chosen character as soon as possible. Look for dialogue options marked with a heart icon.
• Prioritize Personal Quests: These quests are essential for building approval and progressing the romance storyline.
• Be Consistent: While some characters might appreciate a bit of playful banter, generally stick to choices that align with their core values.
• Avoid Mixed Signals: Once you've committed to a romance, avoid flirting with other characters, as this can sometimes lead to your chosen love interest questioning your intentions.
• The "Lock-In" Point: Each romance has a specific moment where you officially commit. After this, other potential romances will usually become unavailable. Pay attention to dialogue that indicates a serious turn in the relationship.
• Save Frequently: If you're unsure about a dialogue choice's impact on approval, save beforehand and reload if you get an undesirable outcome.
• Check the Codex: Character entries in the Codex often provide insights into their background and beliefs, which can help you make informed dialogue choices.