Can You Romance Two Characters in Dragon Age? A Deep Dive into Polyamory in Thedas

The short answer is: it depends on the specific Dragon Age game and the characters involved. Romance mechanics in the Dragon Age series have evolved with each installment, and with that evolution comes varied opportunities (and limitations) for pursuing multiple romantic interests. Let’s break it down: some games allow fleeting dalliances, others lock you into a single relationship, and still others offer specific scenarios for polyamorous relationships, or at least the illusion of them. This exploration will guide you through the possibilities and pitfalls of juggling romances in Thedas.

Dragon Age Romance: A Complicated Affair

The Dragon Age series is renowned for its intricate character relationships, and romance plays a significant role. The developers have carefully crafted each romance option, giving them unique personalities, backstories, and reactions to your choices. Therefore, managing these relationships requires careful consideration. Attempting to romance multiple characters without understanding the game’s mechanics can lead to heartbreak, jealousy, and ultimately, the loss of potential companions.

Dragon Age: Origins – The Risky Road to Romance

In Dragon Age: Origins, the system is quite rudimentary. You can raise the approval rating of multiple characters and trigger their respective romance scenes. However, the game doesn’t truly handle simultaneous committed relationships well.

• Potential for Trouble: Trying to romance two characters simultaneously will eventually force you to make a choice. Characters like Leliana or Morrigan, when pushed for exclusivity, will demand that you break things off with others.
• Approval is Key: The game tracks character approval relentlessly. Negative approval will end any romance fast, and if you want to get exclusive, you must be careful to be on their good side.
• Exceptions (Sort Of): While not exactly polyamory, some players have exploited glitches or used mods to maintain high approval with multiple characters and experience their romance scenes without triggering the exclusivity conflicts. However, this is not a supported or intended gameplay experience.

Dragon Age II – A Slightly More Permissive Approach

Dragon Age II offers a bit more flexibility, but it still primarily focuses on single, committed relationships.

• Friendship vs. Rivalry: Dragon Age II introduces the friendship/rivalry mechanic, which influences how companions react to you and the type of romance available. Romancing a character as a friend or a rival changes the dynamic, but it doesn’t open the door to polyamory.
• No Easy Multiple Romances: You can initiate romances with multiple characters, such as Isabela, Merrill, or Fenris, but eventually, these romances will demand commitment. Delaying the commitment can lead to awkward or even angry confrontations.
• Isabela’s Exception: Isabela is sometimes considered the “easiest” character to romance alongside others, as she is more open to casual relationships. However, even with Isabela, eventually, you’ll need to choose whether to commit to her fully or not.

Dragon Age: Inquisition – The Most Nuanced System Yet

Dragon Age: Inquisition provides the most intricate and forgiving romance system of the series, but true polyamory remains elusive with one key exception.

• Complex Approval and Dialogue: The game features deep conversations with each romance option. If you trigger them all, it becomes apparent how difficult it is to get them to all go along at once.
• The Iron Bull Exception: Iron Bull offers a unique relationship structure called a “Qunari romance,” which is inherently more open and less possessive than other romances. You can be involved with Iron Bull and another character simultaneously, at least for a while. However, even this has its limits. Eventually, choosing to pursue a deeper relationship with another character might strain or end your relationship with Iron Bull, depending on your choices.
• No Guarantee of Polyamory: While you can flirt with multiple characters and even share some intimate moments, most companions in Inquisition expect a monogamous relationship. Characters like Cassandra, Josephine, and Cullen will eventually require you to commit solely to them.
• Mods for True Polyamory: PC players can use mods to enable true polyamorous relationships, but this is outside the scope of the game’s intended design and can lead to unforeseen consequences or glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Age Romances

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the treacherous waters of Dragon Age romances:

1. Can I romance more than one character at the same time in Dragon Age: Origins? Technically, yes, you can initiate romances with multiple characters, but you’ll eventually be forced to choose one. Ignoring the requests for commitment from your love interest will result in anger and broken hearts.

2. Does Dragon Age II allow polyamorous relationships? Not in the traditional sense. You can romance multiple characters for a time, but eventually, they’ll demand exclusivity. Isabela is more tolerant of casual relationships, but even she eventually requires a choice.

3. Is there any way to have a truly polyamorous relationship in Dragon Age: Inquisition without mods? Iron Bull’s relationship is the closest you’ll get to a polyamorous relationship in the base game. However, it is still technically not polyamorous, as you can not have two exclusive relationships at the same time.

4. What happens if I try to romance multiple characters and refuse to choose in Dragon Age? Depending on the game and the character, you might face jealousy, anger, or the end of the romance. Characters will typically confront you and demand a choice.

5. Are there any characters in the Dragon Age series who are inherently more open to polyamory? Iron Bull is the most flexible, as his Qunari culture views relationships differently. Isabela is also more open to casual relationships than most.

6. Do choices I make outside of romance influence my relationships in Dragon Age? Absolutely. Your decisions throughout the game impact your companions’ approval ratings, which directly affects your romance options. Choosing actions that align with a character’s values will increase their approval, while actions they disapprove of will decrease it.

7. How do I know if a character is ready for a deeper commitment in Dragon Age? Pay attention to their dialogue and behavior. They will often express their feelings for you more openly and eventually ask about the future of your relationship.

8. Can I break up with a character after committing to them in Dragon Age? Yes, but the consequences vary. Breaking up can lead to resentment, anger, and even the loss of a valuable companion.

9. Do same-sex romance options exist in all Dragon Age games? Yes, the Dragon Age series is known for its inclusive approach to romance, allowing players to romance characters of the same gender.

10. Are there any characters who are romanceable regardless of gender in Dragon Age? Yes, many characters are bisexual and can be romanced by either male or female protagonists. Examples include Leliana in Dragon Age: Origins, Isabela in Dragon Age II, and Dorian and Josephine in Dragon Age: Inquisition.

11. How important is it to read character dialogue options carefully when romancing someone in Dragon Age? Extremely important! Dialogue choices can significantly impact your relationship. Choosing options that align with a character’s values and desires will increase their approval and lead to a more successful romance.

12. Can I ruin a romance by saying the wrong thing in Dragon Age? Yes, absolutely. Certain dialogue choices can severely damage or even end a romance. Be mindful of your words and try to understand the character’s perspective.

13. Do DLCs add any new romance options or affect existing romances in Dragon Age? Yes, some DLCs introduce new romance options or expand upon existing relationships. For example, the Trespasser DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition provides closure and further development for the game’s romances.

14. Are there any mods that allow for truly polyamorous relationships in the Dragon Age series? Yes, several mods exist that allow for polyamorous relationships in each of the Dragon Age games. These mods typically remove the exclusivity requirements of romances, allowing you to pursue multiple relationships simultaneously. PC players should check out websites like Nexus Mods for available options.

15. How does the friendship/rivalry mechanic in Dragon Age II affect romance options? In Dragon Age II, you can develop relationships with companions through both friendship and rivalry. Each path offers unique dialogue and interactions, leading to different romance experiences. Some characters may be more receptive to romance through friendship, while others may prefer a more challenging, rivalrous relationship.

The Future of Polyamory in Dragon Age

The Dragon Age series has consistently pushed boundaries with its character relationships, and it’s likely that future installments will further explore the complexities of romance. Whether that includes more explicit support for polyamorous relationships remains to be seen, but the demand is certainly there. Perhaps future iterations of the game will allow for full and open polyamorous relationships that are not just implied or facilitated through mods.

Remember that understanding the nuances of each game’s romance system is crucial for navigating the complex web of relationships in Thedas. So, play carefully, choose wisely, and may the Maker be with you as you seek love in the Dragon Age universe.

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