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Dragon Age: Inquisition – Mages or Templars? Unveiling the Truth About “In Hushed Whispers” and “Champions of the Just”

The burning question on every Inquisitor’s mind: Can you do both In Hushed Whispers and Champions of the Just in Dragon Age: Inquisition? The simple answer is no, you cannot complete both quests in a single playthrough. Choosing one locks you out of the other. This decision is a crucial turning point in the game, shaping the Inquisition’s alliances and the narrative’s trajectory. Once you trigger either quest by progressing in Val Royeaux and then committing on the war table, the other option becomes unavailable.

The Mage-Templar Dilemma: A Deep Dive

This choice isn’t just about a quest; it’s about the very soul of Thedas. For centuries, mages have been confined and controlled by the Templar Order, an organization dedicated to preventing mages from becoming possessed or using their powers for malicious purposes. However, this control has often been brutal and oppressive, leading to resentment and rebellion among mages.

Corypheus’s emergence and the destruction of the Conclave throws this already fragile system into utter chaos. With the Chantry weakened and the Templar Order fractured, mages are left vulnerable, and the Inquisition is faced with the task of restoring order and finding a solution to the mage-templar conflict. This is where you, the Inquisitor, step in to make a decision that will forever alter the course of the game.

Choosing between “In Hushed Whispers” and “Champions of the Just” essentially boils down to choosing whether you side with the mages of Redcliffe or the Templars seeking refuge. Each path offers a unique story experience, different characters, and varying degrees of support for your cause. Let’s delve deeper into each option.

In Hushed Whispers: Aligning with the Mages

By choosing “In Hushed Whispers,” you’ll journey to Redcliffe to meet with Grand Enchanter Fiona, who offers the support of the mages. However, things aren’t as simple as they seem. You quickly discover that Tevinter magisters, led by Alexius, are meddling with time magic, creating a dire future where Corypheus triumphs.

This quest allows you to travel to that future and witness the devastating consequences firsthand. The time-travel element adds a thrilling layer to the game’s lore, showcasing a potential grim reality. You’ll fight alongside Dorian, who you recruit if you choose the mages first, against Alexius and his time-warping experiments, ultimately deciding the fate of the Redcliffe mages and their alliance with the Inquisition. Siding with the mages aligns you with those seeking freedom from the Chantry and Templar control. This is often seen as the more intriguing path due to its narrative complexity and time-altering events.

Champions of the Just: Enlisting the Templars

Opting for “Champions of the Just” sends you to Therinfal Redoubt to aid the Templars, who are being tormented by demonic forces. Here, you encounter the Envy Demon, who preys on the Templars’ fears and weaknesses, creating chaos and despair.

This quest is more traditional in its fantasy themes, pitting you against a powerful demon within a fortified location. It’s a more straightforward narrative compared to the mage quest, but it still offers valuable insights into the Templar Order and the corruption festering within. You’ll fight alongside Cole, whom you recruit if you choose the Templars first, to overcome the Envy Demon and secure the Templars’ loyalty to the Inquisition. This path provides a more structured approach to the conflict, prioritizing order and stability, and it is better for the Inquisitor who sees the importance of discipline and protection.

Making the Choice: Factors to Consider

Ultimately, the choice between “In Hushed Whispers” and “Champions of the Just” is a matter of personal preference. There’s no inherently “better” option, but here are some factors to consider:

Story Preference: Do you prefer time-travel narratives and exploring the potential consequences of Corypheus’s victory (“In Hushed Whispers”), or a more traditional fantasy tale of battling demons and corruption within the Templar Order (“Champions of the Just”)?
Companion Preference: Choosing mages recruits Dorian first; Templars recruit Cole first. Both companions eventually join you regardless, but the order may influence your initial party composition and dialogue opportunities.
Lore Implications: The mage quest delves deeper into the nature of magic and the potential threats it poses, while the Templar quest explores the complexities of faith and the dangers of unchecked power.
Roleplaying: Consider your Inquisitor’s personality and beliefs. Would they be more sympathetic to the plight of mages seeking freedom, or would they prioritize the Templars’ role in maintaining order and preventing magical atrocities?
Difficulty: Some players find the Templar quest slightly easier due to its more linear structure and less reliance on specific party compositions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the intricacies of the “In Hushed Whispers” and “Champions of the Just” decision:

What are the level recommendations for each quest?
“In Hushed Whispers” is recommended for levels 4-7. While “Champions of the Just” shares a similar recommended level range, many find “In Hushed Whispers” slightly more challenging at lower levels due to the time-travel mechanics and enemy types.
Does choosing one quest affect my ability to recruit companions?
No, regardless of your choice, you will eventually recruit both Cole and Dorian. The only difference is the order in which they join your party. You can still foster relationships with each companion no matter what decision you make.
Does siding with mages or Templars affect the war table operations?
Yes, the war table operations and advisors related to the chosen faction become available after completing either quest. The quest also determines if you recruit or conscript the faction in the war table.
Are there any long-term consequences for my decision beyond the immediate quest line?
Yes, the choice impacts your relationship with certain companions, particularly Dorian (who favors mages) and Cassandra (who, despite reservations, values order and the Chantry). It can also influence the Divine election later in the game.
Can I change my mind after starting one of the quests?
No, once you trigger either “In Hushed Whispers” or “Champions of the Just” on the war table, you are locked into that path for that playthrough. Be sure about the choice before selecting.
Does my character’s class influence which quest I should choose?
Not directly, but a mage Inquisitor might find the lore implications of “In Hushed Whispers” more compelling, while a warrior or rogue might appreciate the direct combat focus of “Champions of the Just.”
How does this decision affect the “In Your Heart Shall Burn” quest?
After completing either quest, you return to Haven, debrief, and then “In Your Heart Shall Burn” becomes your next primary quest, regardless of which faction you aligned with. The impact will be related to your character’s attitude towards the events.
Does the difficulty level affect which quest is easier?
The mage quest provides more Supply Caches, which may make it easier on your first nightmare playthrough.
Does Solas prefer mages or templars?
Dorian and Solas prefer the player choosing Mages over Templars. Logically speaking, a Mage would probably prefer to choose Mages over Templars. (Though Vivienne might disagree.)
What happens after In Hushed Whispers?
The mages shall join you, but you get to choose under what conditions they do so. You’ll have a debriefing cut scene in Haven, and you can choose whether to keep Dorian permanently. After that, In Hushed Whispers resolves, Champions of the Just is canceled, and In Your Heart Shall Burn becomes your next primary quest.
If I want to make Leliana soft, does it affect my decision in this quest?
No, but it should make you consider what the best decision is for the people.
If I’m doing a Dorian romance, does the Templar or Mages quest impact it significantly?
Yes, siding with the Templars significantly lowers Dorian’s approval, potentially hindering the romance if his approval is already low. Conscripting the Mages will loose Doran’s approval, however, it may won’t be enough, by itself, to loose him.
Are there different endings depending on who you choose?
While the main ending remains the same, the fate of the mages and Templars, and their influence on the post-game world, will differ based on your choice.
Where does GamesLearningSociety.org fits in this conversation about choices?
The Games Learning Society emphasizes the educational potential of games, and Dragon Age: Inquisition’s Mage/Templar choice showcases how games can explore complex ethical and political dilemmas. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for understanding how games can be tools for learning and critical thinking.
What happens if you side with the Templars in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
If the player chooses the “Champions of the Just” mission and sides with the Templars, the Inquisition must deal with a “set up” situation with an envy demon who has become obsessed with the Inquisitor.

Conclusion: A Choice That Shapes Thedas

The decision to side with the mages in “In Hushed Whispers” or the Templars in “Champions of the Just” is a defining moment in Dragon Age: Inquisition. It’s a choice that reflects your Inquisitor’s values, shapes alliances, and ultimately influences the future of Thedas. Analyze all the angles before making a final choice!

Can you do both in hushed whispers and champions of the just?