Leliana: Unlocking the Nightingale’s Embrace in Dragon Age: Origins
Yes, you absolutely can sleep with Leliana in Dragon Age: Origins. Leliana is one of the more complex and fascinating companions in the game, offering a rich and rewarding romance arc for players. This article delves into the specifics of romancing and sleeping with Leliana, along with answers to frequently asked questions about her romance and impact on the Dragon Age universe.
Romancing Leliana: A Bard’s Ballad of Love
Romancing Leliana requires a delicate touch, a keen ear for her stories, and a genuine appreciation for her multifaceted personality. It’s not simply about showering her with gifts; it’s about building a meaningful connection.
The Path to Her Heart: Approval is Key
The core mechanic for any romance in Dragon Age: Origins is approval. Leliana’s approval rating dictates whether or not she is receptive to your advances. To increase her approval, take her on quests, make dialogue choices she agrees with, and offer her gifts. Specific gifts that Leliana appreciates include:
- Andraste’s Grace: This is a universally loved gift that grants a substantial approval boost.
- Silver Sword: Leliana appreciates weaponry, especially those with a bard-like flair.
- Cute Nug: Because who can resist a cute Nug?
- Small Silver Bar: Simple and effective.
However, gifts alone won’t seal the deal. Your actions and words matter just as much. Support her views on faith and justice, and listen intently to her stories about her past in Orlais. Be cautious, however, about pushing her too hard or disbelieving her stories, as this can damage your relationship.
The Softening and Hardening: Shaping Leliana’s Soul
A crucial aspect of Leliana’s character arc is whether you “soften” or “harden” her. This is determined through specific dialogue choices during her personal quest, “Leliana’s Past.”
- Softening Leliana: Encouraging her to embrace compassion and faith leads to a more gentle and forgiving character.
- Hardening Leliana: Reinforcing her past as a ruthless assassin makes her pragmatic and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.
This decision profoundly impacts her personality, her choices as Divine (if she becomes Divine in Dragon Age: Inquisition), and even her willingness to engage in a threesome/foursome at the Pearl.
The Moment of Intimacy: Sealing the Romance
Once Leliana’s approval is sufficiently high (generally around 91 or above), and after completing her personal quest, you’ll unlock unique dialogue options at camp. Choose the flirtatious options and express your genuine affection for her. The conversation will eventually lead to a love scene, solidifying your romance.
The Consequences: A Nightingale’s Loyalty
Once you’ve romanced Leliana, she becomes fiercely loyal and supportive. She’ll offer valuable insights, stand by your side in battle, and even influence your decisions based on her perspective. However, be aware that romancing other characters can strain your relationship with Leliana, potentially leading to jealousy and conflict.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Leliana’s World
1. Can you romance Leliana as a female character?
Yes, Leliana is a bisexual romance option, meaning both male and female Warden characters can romance her.
2. Can you romance Morrigan and Leliana simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to romance both Morrigan and Leliana in the same playthrough. However, be prepared for a confrontation. Eventually, you’ll be forced to choose between them.
3. What happens if Leliana dies in Dragon Age: Origins?
If Leliana dies, she is gone for the remainder of Dragon Age: Origins. However, if you imported a dead Leliana into Dragon Age: Inquisition and installed her as the Divine, she does not disappear. There is an implication that some sort of Lyrium Ghost has become the Divine Victoria, and that, unbeknownst to many, the Chantry and the Fade are now more intimately connected than before.
4. What are the key differences between a softened and hardened Leliana?
A softened Leliana is more compassionate, forgiving, and likely to pursue peaceful solutions. A hardened Leliana is more ruthless, pragmatic, and willing to use force to achieve her goals. This difference is especially significant if she becomes Divine, impacting her policies and actions.
5. How do you avoid romancing Leliana if you want to befriend her only?
To avoid inadvertently romancing Leliana, raise her approval by completing quests and giving gifts, but avoid using flirtatious dialogue options. Focus on being friendly and interested in her life without complimenting her looks or expressing romantic interest.
6. What happens if you support Leliana as Divine in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
If you support Leliana as Divine, her leadership will reflect whether she was softened or hardened. A softened Leliana will focus on reform and reconciliation, while a hardened Leliana will be more authoritarian and willing to use force to maintain order.
7. How does Leliana react to defiling the Sacred Ashes?
Leliana’s reaction to defiling the Sacred Ashes depends on whether she is softened or hardened. If she is unhardened, she will immediately turn against you. If she is hardened, you can potentially talk her down.
8. What is the best approach to take when speaking with Leliana?
The best approach is to be respectful, attentive, and genuinely interested in her stories. Listen carefully to her insights and offer support for her beliefs.
9. What effect does Leliana have on Alistair?
Leliana and Alistair have interesting interactions in Dragon Age: Origins. Her presence and advice could influence his character. If you make Alistair king and Leliana is present, she will act as his confidant.
10. What is the earliest opportunity to begin flirting with Leliana?
The earliest opportunity to begin flirting with Leliana is when her approval reaches a certain level, typically after completing a few quests and giving her some gifts. Keep an eye out for dialogue options marked with a heart icon.
11. Can Leliana be romanced if you’re already in a relationship?
Yes, but be cautious. Romancing multiple characters can lead to jealousy and conflict. Eventually, you will be forced to choose one to commit to.
12. How old is Leliana in Dragon Age: Origins?
Leliana is 36 years old, making her one of the youngest Divines.
13. Can you complete Leliana’s personal quest without romancing her?
Yes, you can complete Leliana’s personal quest, “Leliana’s Past,” without romancing her. However, completing it is essential to understanding her character and making informed decisions about her development.
14. Is it better to soften or harden Leliana?
Whether it is better to soften or harden Leliana is a matter of personal preference. A softened Leliana is more compassionate and forgiving, while a hardened Leliana is more pragmatic and ruthless. Your choice will depend on your own moral compass and your desired outcome for her character.
15. What is the most important factor in romancing Leliana?
The most important factor is genuine connection. While gifts and high approval are important, building a meaningful relationship based on trust, respect, and shared values is crucial to truly winning her heart.
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of the Nightingale
Romancing Leliana in Dragon Age: Origins is a deeply rewarding experience, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of one of the game’s most compelling characters. Whether you choose to soften or harden her, her loyalty and companionship will prove invaluable throughout your journey. Approach her with respect, listen to her stories, and embrace the complexities of her past, and you may just find yourself captivated by the Nightingale’s embrace. The study of gaming can be very intricate! Organizations like the Games Learning Society study how games can educate and engage. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.