Should I Soften Leliana? A Dragon Age Dilemma Decoded
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The question of whether to soften Leliana in Dragon Age: Origins (DAO) is a recurring debate amongst players, deeply intertwined with roleplaying preferences and desired outcomes. The simple answer is: it depends on your Warden’s values and the kind of Divine you want Leliana to become in later games. Softening Leliana leads to a more compassionate, forgiving character, while hardening her results in a ruthless, pragmatic individual. Consider your own playstyle and long-term consequences before making your choice.
Understanding Leliana’s Transformation
Leliana’s character arc centers around her faith and her past as a bard in Orlais, trained by the enigmatic Marjolaine. Throughout DAO, the Warden has opportunities to influence her worldview, shifting her from a devout follower of the Maker to a more disillusioned and pragmatic agent, or reinforcing her faith with a touch of forgiveness. This divergence in character development directly impacts her decisions, especially in the later Dragon Age installments, primarily Dragon Age: Inquisition (DAI).
What Does it Mean to Harden or Soften Leliana?
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Softened Leliana: A softened Leliana retains her faith but tempers it with compassion and understanding. She’s more forgiving, willing to offer second chances, and prioritize justice over blind adherence to dogma. She emphasizes faith and forgiveness.
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Hardened Leliana: A hardened Leliana loses some of her naivete and becomes more pragmatic. She believes in the necessity of harsh actions to achieve the greater good, prioritizing results over morality. She will not hesitate to use brute force and is more accepting of collateral damage. She emphasizes ruthlessness to accomplish the greater good.
How Do I Harden Leliana in DAO?
Several choices in DAO influence Leliana’s hardening. Key moments include:
- The Landsmeet: Supporting ruthless tactics.
- The Urn of Sacred Ashes: Defiling the Ashes (though she can be talked down if hardened).
- Leliana’s Personal Quest (Leliana’s Past): Killing Marjolaine or, if spared, supporting Leliana’s reasoning for killing Natalie.
- Dialogue Choices: Throughout the game, telling Leliana that soldiers are expendable.
How Do I Soften Leliana in DAO?
Softening Leliana requires a compassionate approach. Actions include:
- Leliana’s Personal Quest (Leliana’s Past): Sparing Natalie, convincing Leliana to let her go.
- Dialogue Choices: Reassuring her after sparing Natalie and emphasizing the value of life.
The Consequences of Your Choice: Dragon Age: Inquisition
Leliana’s hardening or softening in DAO significantly shapes her role in DAI. As the Left Hand of the Divine, her personality influences her actions and, ultimately, her potential to become Divine.
Leliana as Divine: Compassionate vs. Ruthless
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Compassionate Divine: A softened Leliana, if chosen as Divine, leads with empathy and seeks reform through understanding. She focuses on healing the Chantry and bringing people together. She will use diplomacy first, then force if required.
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Ruthless Divine: A hardened Leliana, if chosen as Divine, enforces order with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and ruthlessly pursuing her vision. She is not afraid to use force.
The Impact on War Table Missions
Even if Leliana doesn’t become Divine, her hardened or softened state affects her advice and the outcomes of War Table missions in DAI. A hardened Leliana will recommend more aggressive, less scrupulous approaches, while a softened Leliana will suggest more diplomatic, compassionate solutions.
Leliana’s Romance: Does it Matter?
While the hardening or softening doesn’t directly block a romance with Leliana, it does influence the nature of the relationship. A softened Leliana is more open and trusting, while a hardened Leliana may be more guarded and demanding. The Warden’s personality and actions will also affect the romance.
Making the Right Choice For You
Ultimately, the decision to soften or harden Leliana depends on your preferred playstyle, the kind of world you want to create, and the type of Divine you envision for Thedas.
- If you prioritize compassion, forgiveness, and a more idealistic world, soften Leliana.
- If you value pragmatism, order, and are willing to make tough choices for the greater good, harden Leliana.
Remember to consider the long-term consequences in DAI, as your choices in DAO will have a lasting impact on Leliana’s character and the fate of Thedas. Further exploration of these themes can be found through academic research, such as that conducted by the Games Learning Society. You can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to hardening or softening Leliana, providing additional valuable information:
1. Can you reverse hardening/softening in DAO?
No, once Leliana is hardened or softened, the change is irreversible. Dialogue options that trigger these changes are one-time opportunities.
2. Does killing Marjolaine automatically harden Leliana?
Killing Marjolaine presents an opportunity to harden Leliana through subsequent dialogue. You still have a choice. Sparing Marjolaine makes it impossible to harden Leliana.
3. What happens if I defile the Sacred Ashes with a softened Leliana in the party?
A softened Leliana will immediately become hostile and attack the Warden. She will be considered a lost companion.
4. What happens if I defile the Sacred Ashes with a hardened Leliana in the party?
A hardened Leliana will disapprove, but you can convince her that it was necessary, preventing her from leaving the party.
5. Can you stop Leliana from killing Natalie?
Yes, you can prevent Leliana from killing Natalie by selecting the appropriate dialogue options during her personal quest. This is crucial for softening her.
6. How does allying with mages influence Leliana becoming Divine in DAI?
Supporting the mages, especially by allowing them to rebuild as an independent organization, significantly increases Leliana’s chances of becoming Divine.
7. Is it better for Leliana or Cassandra to become Divine?
This is subjective. Leliana is more politically adept and has a stronger desire to be Divine, making her a potentially better leader. Cassandra is more grounded and less susceptible to manipulation.
8. What are the gifts Leliana likes in DAO?
Leliana appreciates gifts like jewelry, religious items, and flowers, especially Andraste’s Grace. Giving her these gifts improves her approval rating.
9. Does romancing Leliana change her hardening/softening outcome?
Romancing Leliana doesn’t directly change the hardening or softening outcome, but it influences her perspective and trust in the Warden.
10. What happens if Leliana dies in DAO?
If Leliana dies in DAO, she won’t appear in DAI, and her role will be filled by another character. This also prevents her from becoming Divine.
11. How does Leliana become the Left Hand of the Divine?
Leliana is summoned by Divine Justinia V (formerly Dorothea) to become her Left Hand due to her skills as a spy and assassin.
12. How do you make Leliana a good Divine in DAI?
Making Leliana a “good” Divine involves softening her in DAO, supporting the mages, and advocating for reforms in DAI.
13. Why is Leliana not romanceable at the start of DAO?
Leliana requires a high approval rating to initiate a romance. Give her appropriate gifts and engage in flirtatious dialogue to increase her approval.
14. Can you romance both Leliana and Morrigan?
Yes, you can romance both Leliana and Morrigan in DAO, though it requires managing their approval ratings carefully.
15. Does Leliana remember the Warden in DAI?
Yes, if Leliana survives DAO, she remembers the Warden and references their past interactions in DAI. This includes the choices you made that hardened or softened her.