A Very Serious Question About Dragon Age: Inquisition
February 22, 2016 7:30 PM Subscribe
In a moment of terrible weakness, I spoiled the end of Dragon Age: Inquisition for myself and now I'm wondering if it's still worth it to romance certain companions given their eventual actions. Join me inside for spoilerific beanplating about emotional attachments to fictional characters.
So before I found out about the events in Trespasser I was really excited to romance Solas, Blackwall, and Iron Bull. (I'm using a multiple romance mod because I am a greedy little inquisitor.) Now, and rather unexpectedly, I am really, really bummed about Solas's real identity and true nature, and similarly sad to learn about Blackwall and Bull. Given that I got this game primarily to explore all the romances, and given that I am an emotional person who takes fictional digital romances very seriously, is it still worth it to romance each of those companions or should I just stick to Cullen since he doesn't end up being a humongous dickhead at the end of the game? I guess what I want to know is are each of their story arcs (and special side quests) emotionally satisfying enough to make up for their eventual betrayals...
I legit started wailing when I read Solas's storyline and my family was so concerned -- until I told them I was crying about a video game character and then things got very quiet and awkward
So before I found out about the events in Trespasser I was really excited to romance Solas, Blackwall, and Iron Bull. (I'm using a multiple romance mod because I am a greedy little inquisitor.) Now, and rather unexpectedly, I am really, really bummed about Solas's real identity and true nature, and similarly sad to learn about Blackwall and Bull. Given that I got this game primarily to explore all the romances, and given that I am an emotional person who takes fictional digital romances very seriously, is it still worth it to romance each of those companions or should I just stick to Cullen since he doesn't end up being a humongous dickhead at the end of the game? I guess what I want to know is are each of their story arcs (and special side quests) emotionally satisfying enough to make up for their eventual betrayals...
I legit started wailing when I read Solas's storyline and my family was so concerned -- until I told them I was crying about a video game character and then things got very quiet and awkward
You ever meet someone you're attracted to but know that things would never work out in the long run? Where you have coffee, or dinner, or museum hop, or quiet nights in? Where you've got the hots for someone who looks sharp and has a sharper wit, whose kisses stun you and whose eyes you get lost in following what seems like an infinite trail of reflected streetlamps?
And you find yourself lonesome and terribly sad knowing things won't work out in the end when you recall all the beautiful things you've discovered in and with this person, or you find yourself lightened and relieved knowing things won't work out in the end when you have spats over this-or-that: things inconsequential, things devastating.
And when things finally come to an end, as you knew they would, you look back fondly on all the things great and all the things petty, and everything you've learned about them and everything you've learned about yourself. And though there's some sadness, there's a certain warmth to it all: you realize that there was so much more life found out of living by going from A to B to C and D, versus going straight from A to D.
It's like all that. You know: as they say, it's not the journey it's the exploration. Hmn. That's not right. It's not the journey, it's the adventure. Fuck. You know what I mean. The game's gonna end at some point. It's not the whatever, it's the whatever.
So, yeah, it's like all that: only with swords and demons and fucking CHAIN. LIGHTNING. So go for it! You only live once!
Unless you save often. Then you only live, like, nine times before you realize you should've saved more frequently and have to go way back to an older save point and after screwing things up for the ninth time you decide to throw your monitor out your window.
TL; DR - YES. DO IT. THE GAME IS FUN.
posted by herrdoktor at 8:44 PM on February 22, 2016 [7 favorites]
And you find yourself lonesome and terribly sad knowing things won't work out in the end when you recall all the beautiful things you've discovered in and with this person, or you find yourself lightened and relieved knowing things won't work out in the end when you have spats over this-or-that: things inconsequential, things devastating.
And when things finally come to an end, as you knew they would, you look back fondly on all the things great and all the things petty, and everything you've learned about them and everything you've learned about yourself. And though there's some sadness, there's a certain warmth to it all: you realize that there was so much more life found out of living by going from A to B to C and D, versus going straight from A to D.
It's like all that. You know: as they say, it's not the journey it's the exploration. Hmn. That's not right. It's not the journey, it's the adventure. Fuck. You know what I mean. The game's gonna end at some point. It's not the whatever, it's the whatever.
So, yeah, it's like all that: only with swords and demons and fucking CHAIN. LIGHTNING. So go for it! You only live once!
Unless you save often. Then you only live, like, nine times before you realize you should've saved more frequently and have to go way back to an older save point and after screwing things up for the ninth time you decide to throw your monitor out your window.
TL; DR - YES. DO IT. THE GAME IS FUN.
posted by herrdoktor at 8:44 PM on February 22, 2016 [7 favorites]
Well, maybe Cullen will be so handsome and sweet and eager that it will make everyone else's eventual betrayal bittersweet instead of just bitter.
Mods weren't out when I played, but Cullen was my choice anyways and was ah-dorable (though, I like an adorable man. ymmv.) so maybe all your other options falling away will leave you with (imo the best option anyways. so cute.) just Cullen remaining, which will be enough to soothe your emotional wounds? haha.. I can't speak for sure, but if I could have ran through all the romances and played them out and ended up with Cullen sticking around I would have been even happier, because I love completing everything, and I also take videogame romances stupid seriously.
posted by euphoria066 at 8:47 PM on February 22, 2016 [5 favorites]
Mods weren't out when I played, but Cullen was my choice anyways and was ah-dorable (though, I like an adorable man. ymmv.) so maybe all your other options falling away will leave you with (imo the best option anyways. so cute.) just Cullen remaining, which will be enough to soothe your emotional wounds? haha.. I can't speak for sure, but if I could have ran through all the romances and played them out and ended up with Cullen sticking around I would have been even happier, because I love completing everything, and I also take videogame romances stupid seriously.
posted by euphoria066 at 8:47 PM on February 22, 2016 [5 favorites]
it is totally okay to just want to be touched by cullen's noodly appendage again and again though
posted by poffin boffin at 9:03 PM on February 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 9:03 PM on February 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
Distressing Solas developments are painful and unavoidable, and if any hopeful resolution awaits those two, it won't be until at least DA4. The romance ends on a sad note and I would not recommend it if you aren't from the "I LOVE SUFFERING" school of Bioware romances.
If it's anyone but Solas, you can go ahead and love fearlessly. Bull and Blackwall (and Cullen!) have bad paths available, but it's very possible to end any of their romances in happy, committed, emotionally satisfying relationships, depending on your choices during their personal quests (memail me if you want details on what to avoid). Mod your way into a foursome and embrace your dreams.
posted by tabbyMage at 9:10 PM on February 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
If it's anyone but Solas, you can go ahead and love fearlessly. Bull and Blackwall (and Cullen!) have bad paths available, but it's very possible to end any of their romances in happy, committed, emotionally satisfying relationships, depending on your choices during their personal quests (memail me if you want details on what to avoid). Mod your way into a foursome and embrace your dreams.
posted by tabbyMage at 9:10 PM on February 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
If you really want the sweetest, most romantic pairing, you need to roll up a male character and romance Dorian.
But really, all the options are great and unique. I raged when my first play-through was romancing Blackwall and the twist was revealed, but we had a happy ending. I also had a clueless Qunari who made all the wrong choices and lost Bull. As a player, I thought that was a great plotline. Also romanced Cass and Cullen(twice!) and enjoyed them both. Poor Sera just hasn't gotten the right match yet.
Don't give up on Solas. Right after playing Tresspaser with one toon, I rolled up a new elf just to do the Solas romance and it was still fun without being heartbreaking.
posted by saffry at 9:36 PM on February 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
But really, all the options are great and unique. I raged when my first play-through was romancing Blackwall and the twist was revealed, but we had a happy ending. I also had a clueless Qunari who made all the wrong choices and lost Bull. As a player, I thought that was a great plotline. Also romanced Cass and Cullen(twice!) and enjoyed them both. Poor Sera just hasn't gotten the right match yet.
Don't give up on Solas. Right after playing Tresspaser with one toon, I rolled up a new elf just to do the Solas romance and it was still fun without being heartbreaking.
posted by saffry at 9:36 PM on February 22, 2016 [4 favorites]
Probably you shouldn't listen to me because all but one of my Inquisitors happily paired Iron Bull and Dorian up with each other and then went for Solas herself. (The sole exception is a dudequisitor I made because: LOVE ME, CASS. LIKE I LOVE YOU! but I haven't finished that playthrough.)
But: It's not like Mass Effect, which had a couple dud romances. Even the heartbreak is interesting and involving in DA:I. Romance 'em all!
posted by rewil at 10:10 PM on February 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
But: It's not like Mass Effect, which had a couple dud romances. Even the heartbreak is interesting and involving in DA:I. Romance 'em all!
posted by rewil at 10:10 PM on February 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I AM HERE FOR YOU.
Iron Bull - yes, very satisfying romance
Solas - oh my fucking God do it do it now you will be sobbing at Trespasser but legit writhing on the floor wanting DA4 to come out right fucking now. I mean, uh, I heard. From a friend.
Blackwell - idk, I always found his particular betrayal especially egregious because of how far the romance gets before it breaks. HOWEVER after the betrayal you have a chance to come to the loving arms of Cullen.
posted by corb at 12:37 AM on February 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
Iron Bull - yes, very satisfying romance
Solas - oh my fucking God do it do it now you will be sobbing at Trespasser but legit writhing on the floor wanting DA4 to come out right fucking now. I mean, uh, I heard. From a friend.
Blackwell - idk, I always found his particular betrayal especially egregious because of how far the romance gets before it breaks. HOWEVER after the betrayal you have a chance to come to the loving arms of Cullen.
posted by corb at 12:37 AM on February 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Solas romance is SO WORTH IT despite the pain. It makes Trespasser all that much more amazing. Even the animators did an incredible job with it. Just be warned that you will be incapable of waiting for DA4 after playing.
Blackwall and Bull can end very happily, so no worries there. There are pretty obvious "nooo this will ruin everything forever" choices to avoid with them if you don't want the heartbreak.
posted by sonmi at 6:59 AM on February 23, 2016 [2 favorites]
Blackwall and Bull can end very happily, so no worries there. There are pretty obvious "nooo this will ruin everything forever" choices to avoid with them if you don't want the heartbreak.
posted by sonmi at 6:59 AM on February 23, 2016 [2 favorites]
It depends on what your threshold is and what your triggers are, really.
I honestly wasn't bothered by Blackwall's reveal and find that he's one of the sweetest love interests (plus one of the few who tries to make amends). Iron Bull is mostly fine if you go the Tal-Vashoth route with him but I wouldn't if he's still in the qun because of his actions in Trespasser. I struggle more with Solas's last romance scene/treatment of the Dalish than I do with any of his Trespasser content. Dorian is sweet if you can handle the amount of homophobia written into his story (I had vile homophobic parents so it was too close to home for me). Watch out for the Sera romance, the other companions say ableist things about her, many are unsupportive of the relationship, and most of your dialogue options to her are messed up. Cullen has some weird implications re: addiction and the morality of recovery but people seem to like him. I don't think Cass's romance has any serious triggers but WHY IS SHE STRAIGHT BIOWARE WHY (also why did they put in a whole scene to "no homo" you UGH). If you want a sweet Disney-esque romance, your best bet is Josie.
In a way, being spoiled is kind of nice. It's a heads up so that you can reel yourself back in and protect your feelings. Since you're using the multiple romance mod, you don't need to stress about making The Right Choice, you can just keep romancing whoever you're still interested in. You can always go back and romance the more "risky" betrayers on subsequent playthroughs, when you know what you're emotionally signing up for.
posted by buteo at 10:38 AM on February 23, 2016 [2 favorites]
I honestly wasn't bothered by Blackwall's reveal and find that he's one of the sweetest love interests (plus one of the few who tries to make amends). Iron Bull is mostly fine if you go the Tal-Vashoth route with him but I wouldn't if he's still in the qun because of his actions in Trespasser. I struggle more with Solas's last romance scene/treatment of the Dalish than I do with any of his Trespasser content. Dorian is sweet if you can handle the amount of homophobia written into his story (I had vile homophobic parents so it was too close to home for me). Watch out for the Sera romance, the other companions say ableist things about her, many are unsupportive of the relationship, and most of your dialogue options to her are messed up. Cullen has some weird implications re: addiction and the morality of recovery but people seem to like him. I don't think Cass's romance has any serious triggers but WHY IS SHE STRAIGHT BIOWARE WHY (also why did they put in a whole scene to "no homo" you UGH). If you want a sweet Disney-esque romance, your best bet is Josie.
In a way, being spoiled is kind of nice. It's a heads up so that you can reel yourself back in and protect your feelings. Since you're using the multiple romance mod, you don't need to stress about making The Right Choice, you can just keep romancing whoever you're still interested in. You can always go back and romance the more "risky" betrayers on subsequent playthroughs, when you know what you're emotionally signing up for.
posted by buteo at 10:38 AM on February 23, 2016 [2 favorites]
Wait, people want to romance someone other than Dorian? Just kidding. But seriously Dorian is the best.
posted by MsMolly at 3:13 PM on February 23, 2016
posted by MsMolly at 3:13 PM on February 23, 2016
Response by poster: Okay, after reading all your responses I have decided that I am going to romance literally everyone except maybe sera, she makes me nervous and we will all live happily ever after, even me and Solas, even if it takes another game to make it happen.
thank you all for your input, my Inquisitor smooched Blackwall and Cullen for the first time today and I'm DELIGHTED, please feel free to spoil me with other information as I think I can take it now that I get to smooch Blackwall and Cullen whenever I want
posted by Hermione Granger at 7:30 PM on February 24, 2016 [2 favorites]
thank you all for your input, my Inquisitor smooched Blackwall and Cullen for the first time today and I'm DELIGHTED, please feel free to spoil me with other information as I think I can take it now that I get to smooch Blackwall and Cullen whenever I want
posted by Hermione Granger at 7:30 PM on February 24, 2016 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: I want you all to know that the only romance I regret beginning is Josephine because she is absolutely a Disney princess and deserves better than me, the philandering philanderer of all philanderers. I know I can break up with her but I tried that already and I was so ashamed that I went back 3 save states to fix it.
Cullen and Iron Bull are treasures, though, especially with added commentary from Dorian and Sera. I am also deeply upset that I cannot romance Krem and will whine about that almost as much as I will pine over Solas.
posted by Hermione Granger at 11:13 PM on March 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
Cullen and Iron Bull are treasures, though, especially with added commentary from Dorian and Sera. I am also deeply upset that I cannot romance Krem and will whine about that almost as much as I will pine over Solas.
posted by Hermione Granger at 11:13 PM on March 6, 2016 [1 favorite]
Don't give up all hope! DA has a history of taking characters from earlier games that people wanted to romance and making them romanceable. See: Cullen, Cass. Given the amount of fic with Krem, he may be an option in DA4.
posted by corb at 8:33 AM on March 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by corb at 8:33 AM on March 7, 2016 [1 favorite]
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