Should You Give the Relic to the Qunari or Isabela in Dragon Age 2?
The decision of whether to return the stolen relic to the Qunari or hand it over to Isabela in Dragon Age 2 is a pivotal moment, carrying significant consequences for your relationships, the plot, and ultimately, the fate of Kirkwall. The short answer is: giving the relic to Isabela is generally the better choice for most players seeking a more positive outcome in terms of companion relationships, while also providing a satisfying story arc. However, the long answer is more nuanced, as each choice has its own benefits and drawbacks.
The Consequences of Your Choice
The core conflict revolves around a relic stolen by Isabela, a pirate captain known for her roguish charm and chaotic behavior. The Qunari, a disciplined and powerful force with their own strict code of conduct, demand its return. Your decision determines not only the immediate outcome but also impacts several critical aspects of the game:
- Companion Relationships: Giving the relic to Isabela leads to a surge in approval from her and many of your other companions. Conversely, returning it to the Qunari results in significant disapproval and potentially strained relationships.
- Story Progression: Choosing to side with Isabela triggers a battle against a combination of Qunari and Tevinter forces, significantly progressing the plot. Siding with the Qunari leads to Isabela’s capture (or escape depending on the player’s choices) and a peaceful departure of the Qunari forces.
- Isabela’s Availability: Allowing the Arishok to take Isabela results in her permanent loss as a companion. To ensure her return at the climax of Act 2, she must have a Friendship or Rivalry score of fifty or greater, and her final Act 2 companion quest must be completed.
- Arishok’s Respect: Revealing to the Arishok that “Isabela has it” earns his respect, regardless of your ultimate decision.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, choosing who to side with comes down to the player’s preferences regarding gameplay style, storytelling focus, and desired relationships with companions.
Choosing Isabela: Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits:
- Increased Companion Approval: You’ll gain significant approval boosts with Isabela, Aveline, Merrill, and Varric if you defend her. This is crucial for achieving maximum Friendship or Rivalry with them.
- Engaging Combat Encounter: The battle that follows siding with Isabela is a challenging and rewarding encounter that adds an exciting layer to the storyline.
- Satisfying Narrative Arc: Supporting Isabela through this conflict offers a more impactful and emotionally resonant narrative.
- Romance Considerations: For those looking to romance Isabela, supporting her is vital for nurturing that relationship.
- Isabela’s Return: By maintaining her Friendship or Rivalry and completing her quest, you ensure her return later in the game.
Drawbacks:
- Challenging Fight: The subsequent battle can be quite difficult for those unprepared, potentially leading to multiple retries.
- Short-term Tension: The immediate fallout with the Arishok will generate a tense confrontation.
Choosing the Qunari: Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits:
- Peaceful Resolution: Handing Isabela over results in a peaceful departure of the Qunari and ends the immediate conflict.
- Avoiding Combat: Players looking to avoid the difficult battle might choose this path.
Drawbacks:
- Permanent Loss of Isabela: Giving Isabela to the Qunari removes her as a companion for the rest of the game.
- Companion Disapproval: You’ll incur Rivalry points with Aveline and lose out on positive rapport with the others.
- Narrative Shortcomings: Choosing the peaceful route means missing out on a key conflict and its subsequent rewards.
- Character Development Loss: You’ll lose the opportunity to explore the complex relationships between Isabela, Hawke and the Qunari, impacting your overall story experience.
The Ideal Outcome
The best approach, for most players, is to side with Isabela. While this choice leads to a tough battle, it pays off in terms of character development, relationship gains, and a more engaging and fulfilling storyline. It allows you to retain Isabela as a valuable companion and offers a deeper exploration of the character dynamics in Dragon Age 2.
Key Factors To Consider
Before making your decision, consider these vital points:
- Relationship Goals: Do you prioritize maintaining strong bonds with your companions, especially Isabela?
- Combat Preference: Are you comfortable with tackling challenging combat encounters or do you prefer a more peaceful approach?
- Story Impact: How important is it to you to fully explore the narrative and experience the major plot points?
- Role Playing: Does your character align with the idea of supporting a rogue or someone who is challenging and free-spirited?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if you give Isabela to the Arishok?
If you surrender Isabela to the Arishok, she will be taken to be punished for her theft by submitting to the Qun. You will lose her as a companion permanently, and the Qunari will depart peacefully.
2. What do I say to the Arishok about the relic?
When the Arishok asks about the relic, stating “Isabela has it” will earn respect from him, regardless of your ultimate choice.
3. Should I fight the Arishok?
You don’t have to fight the Arishok. If you surrender Isabela, the encounter ends peacefully. However, fighting him and winning allows you to keep Isabela as a companion.
4. How do I make sure Isabela returns later?
To ensure Isabela’s return in Act 2, she must have a Friendship or Rivalry score of at least 50, and her final Act 2 companion quest must be completed. Romanced Isabela will return even without the quest if the relationship is maintained.
5. Can you romance Fenris if you sleep with Isabela?
In the PS3 version and likely in all versions due to a bug, if you have a fling with Isabela, you cannot start a romance with Fenris. It’s best to establish the Fenris romance first to ensure it will happen.
6. Can you romance Isabella as a female Hawke?
Yes, Isabela can be romanced by a female Hawke. The game allows for same-sex romances with her.
7. Can you romance both Merrill and Fenris?
You can romance Merrill if you’ve slept with Anders and tell him it didn’t mean anything. Sleeping with Anders blocks Fenris however. If you sleep with Isabela or Fenris, you can still romance Anders or Merrill.
8. Can you romance Sebastian in Dragon Age 2?
You can romance Sebastian if you are playing as a female character. It is a chaste romance, meaning you won’t be able to sleep with him.
9. Does the Arishok respect Hawke?
Yes, the Arishok can respect Hawke, even if they are a mage, and names Hawke basalit-an (someone worthy of respect).
10. How do I get Isabela as a companion?
To add Isobel (Isabela) you must first complete the introductory quest. Visit the Castle Navire Wayshrine which is located in the southeastern area of High Isle. There you will see 2 people having an animated conversation. As with previous companions, once you complete their introductory quest, she will join your list of allies.
11. How do I romance Isabella?
After the Deep Roads, visit her at the bar, then check your estate; if she is there, flirt with her, and she will sleep with you. From then on, select humorous/flirtatious dialogue options.
12. Does Sten become Arishok?
Yes, in Dragon Age lore, Sten, after the events of the game, becomes the new Arishok after the previous one is killed.
13. Will Fenris leave if you side with the mages?
Siding with either the Templars or Mages can cause party members to leave. Siding with the mages may cause Fenris or Aveline to leave.
14. Why does Fenris leave Hawke?
Fenris leaves Hawke due to the emotional toll and memories their intimacy brings. The pain makes it hard for him to deal with the situation.
15. What should I do with the Qunari bodies?
When dealing with Qunari bodies, it’s best to treat them with respect. In the “Offered and Lost” quest, choosing “do not hide it, the Arishok will know” is the most respectable option.