Exploring Love and Loyalty: Who Can You Marry in Dragon Age?
The world of Dragon Age is a rich tapestry of political intrigue, ancient magic, and, importantly, compelling personal relationships. For many players, one of the most engaging aspects of the Dragon Age series is the opportunity to pursue romance and, in some games, even marriage with your companions. But who exactly can you tie the knot with, and what does it take to win their heart? This article will dive deep into the romantic possibilities across the Dragon Age saga, specifically answering the question: "Who can you marry in Dragon Age?"
Dragon Age: Origins - The First Steps to an Everlasting Bond
In the original Dragon Age: Origins, the concept of marriage as a fully realized in-game system is more nuanced. While you can form deep, committed relationships with your companions, the game doesn't offer a traditional wedding ceremony for every potential love interest. However, the relationships you forge can lead to a profound sense of commitment.
- Alistair: If you play as a female human noble or a female commoner, Alistair is a prime candidate for a significant romantic relationship. If you pursue him and make choices that align with his developing feelings and moral compass, you can solidify a lasting bond. Depending on your choices and his fate, he can become your King or your Warden's consort.
- Leliana: A female elf or human Warden can romance the charming and devout bard, Leliana. Her affections are won through kindness, empathy, and understanding. A successful romance with Leliana can lead to a deep partnership, though not necessarily a formal "marriage" in the traditional sense within the game's mechanics.
- Morrigan: While a romance with Morrigan is certainly possible for a male Warden (human, elf, or dwarf), it's a more complex and often darker path. Her "ending" in a romantic capacity is unique and doesn't involve a typical marriage.
- Isabela: For a male Warden (human, elf, or dwarf), the sultry pirate Isabela is an option for romance. Similar to Leliana and Morrigan, the culmination of this romance is about a committed partnership rather than a wedding.
It's important to note that in Dragon Age: Origins, the romantic outcomes are more about the enduring nature of your bond and the narrative conclusions for your relationship rather than a structured wedding event for most characters.
Dragon Age II - Companionship and Commitment
Dragon Age II shifts the focus slightly. While still a significant part of the game, the term "marriage" is less explicitly used. Instead, the game emphasizes deep companionship and romantic commitment. Your Hawke can pursue relationships with a select group of companions and even some notable NPCs.
- Aveline: If you play as either gender of Hawke and pursue a relationship with the stoic guard-captain Aveline, you can achieve a strong commitment. While not a formal wedding, their relationship becomes a cornerstone of Hawke's life in Kirkwall.
- Isabela: For either gender of Hawke, the roguish pirate Isabela is available for romance. The relationship with Isabela is passionate and can lead to a committed partnership.
- Merrill: A male Hawke can romance the enigmatic elven mage Merrill. Their relationship is one of growing affection and understanding, leading to a deep bond.
- Fenris: A female Hawke can pursue a romance with the brooding elven warrior Fenris. Their connection is intense and can blossom into a significant commitment.
- Anders: A female Hawke can develop a romantic relationship with the idealistic mage Anders. This romance is fraught with tension due to his secret, but a committed outcome is possible.
- Sebastian Vael: A male or female Hawke can pursue a romance with Prince Sebastian Vael. This is a more traditional romantic path that can lead to a committed relationship.
In Dragon Age II, the commitment you forge with these characters is a key part of your story, and while a formal wedding might not occur for all, the narrative treats these relationships as deeply significant.
Dragon Age: Inquisition - The Closest to Traditional Marriage
Dragon Age: Inquisition offers the most developed romantic systems in the series, bringing players closer than ever to the idea of an in-game "marriage." While still not a traditional wedding ceremony with a priest and vows for every character, the game features a significant, commitment-focused event for certain romantic partners that feels akin to a betrothal or an established union.
- Cassandra Pentaghast: If you play as a male Inquisitor (human, elf, or dwarf), you can romance Cassandra. Her path to love is one of shared duty and unwavering loyalty. A successful romance leads to a deep, committed partnership that feels very much like a marriage.
- Iron Bull: If you play as either gender of Inquisitor (human, elf, dwarf, or Qunari), you can romance the formidable Iron Bull. Their relationship is often passionate and can lead to a deeply committed, if unconventional, union.
- Josephine Montilyet: If you play as either gender of Inquisitor (human, elf, or dwarf), you can romance the charismatic diplomat Josephine. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and growing affection, culminating in a strong commitment.
- Solas: If you play as a female Inquisitor (human or elf), you can romance the mysterious elven apostate Solas. This romance is deeply emotional and tied to the game's overarching narrative, with a profound outcome.
- Dorian Pavus: If you play as a male Inquisitor (human, elf, or dwarf), you can romance the witty and charming mage Dorian. Their relationship is one of shared understanding and acceptance, leading to a strong bond.
- Sera: If you play as either gender of Inquisitor (human, elf, or dwarf), you can romance the capricious archer Sera. Her affections are won through shared experiences and understanding her unique worldview, leading to a committed relationship.
- Cullen Rutherford: If you play as a female Inquisitor (human, elf, or dwarf), you can romance the stoic Templar commander Cullen. Their relationship is one of growing trust and affection, leading to a very significant and committed partnership.
- Blackwall: If you play as a female Inquisitor (human, elf, or dwarf), you can romance the gruff but honorable Grey Warden, Blackwall. Their romance is one of finding solace and truth, leading to a committed relationship.
For many of these characters in Inquisition, achieving a romantic relationship with them will result in a point where their relationship is solidified, often expressed through dialogue and narrative events that signify a deep, unwavering commitment, which is the closest the series gets to an in-game marriage. Some of these even involve a symbolic gesture or a significant scene that underscores the depth of their bond.
General Considerations for Romance in Dragon Age
Regardless of which Dragon Age game you're playing, romancing a companion or NPC generally requires the following:
- Consistent Interaction: Spend time with your chosen character, engage in conversations, and bring them along on quests.
- Making the Right Choices: Pay attention to their dialogue and opinions. Making choices that align with their values and desires is crucial. Often, there will be specific dialogue options that indicate you are pursuing a romantic interest.
- Gifts (in some games): In *Origins* and *Inquisition*, giving specific gifts can help deepen a relationship.
- Flirtatious Dialogue: Throughout your interactions, select the flirtatious dialogue options when they become available.
- Key "Romance" Questlines: Many characters have specific companion quests that are integral to solidifying a romance.
While the "marriage" aspect might vary in its literal presentation across the games, the core of it remains the same: building a deep, committed, and often loving relationship with a character you've come to know and care about within the sprawling world of Dragon Age.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a romance with a companion?
To initiate a romance, you generally need to consistently engage with the character, make dialogue choices that align with their personality and values, select flirtatious options when they appear, and complete their personal companion quests. Paying attention to their reactions and what they say is key to understanding if you are on the right track.
Can I romance multiple characters at once?
In most Dragon Age games, you can flirt with multiple characters early on. However, to solidify a deep romantic relationship, you will usually need to commit to one character. Pursuing multiple romantic interests too far can lead to negative consequences or lock you out of serious relationships.
Why can't I marry everyone?
The eligible romance options are carefully chosen by the game developers to fit the narrative and character arcs. Not every companion is designed for a romantic storyline, and some characters have their own predetermined relationships or narrative destinies that prevent them from being romanced by the player character.
Does romancing a character affect the ending?
Yes, in most Dragon Age games, your romantic relationships can significantly impact the ending. A committed romance can lead to different epilogues, special scenes, or even influence the fate of your character and their beloved.
