Should You Help Isabela or Aveline First in Dragon Age 2? A Definitive Guide
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In the compelling narrative of Dragon Age 2, players often find themselves at a crossroads, forced to make decisions that can dramatically affect the course of the game and their relationships with key characters. One such pivotal moment arrives early in Act 2, presenting the player with a dilemma: should you help Isabela or Aveline first? The immediate answer, and one that will allow you to see all of the game’s content, is that you should always help Isabela first. This is because it leads to a specific quest line, which if done correctly, ensures Isabela’s return later in the game. Let’s delve into the reasons why helping Isabela first is the optimal choice, and explore the consequences of each decision.
Why Prioritize Isabela?
The choice stems from the quest “To Catch a Thief,” which centers around Isabela’s predicament with a stolen relic and the subsequent fallout with the Qunari. If you address Aveline’s request first, a seemingly more straightforward path involving duty and the law, you’ll find that the Isabela quest may not trigger or may be more complicated. Helping Isabela first ensures that you can properly navigate her quest line. Specifically, initiating the “To Catch a Thief” quest immediately will prevent Isabela from abandoning your party permanently. Here is how this quest line plays out, and why it is important:
- The Initiation: You must prioritize “To Catch a Thief” to help Isabela. This will begin her quest in earnest.
- The Relic: Isabela’s actions, and the relic she’s trying to acquire, will directly impact your relationship with her.
- The Qunari Threat: This quest introduces a significant conflict with the Qunari, a key element of Dragon Age 2’s story.
- Isabela’s Loyalty: Navigating this quest successfully, by achieving a high enough friendship or rivalry with Isabela (or being in a romance with her), will ensure she returns at the climax of Act 2. If this is not done, she may abandon the party forever.
The Consequences of Helping Aveline First
While it seems logical to assist Aveline, a character representing law and order, doing so has some specific downsides. It will delay the “To Catch a Thief” quest, and will risk not seeing the full content of the game in regards to Isabela. The game assumes you will complete both quests, but completing Isabela’s first is essential for maintaining a long term party member. Therefore, there aren’t any large or story breaking repercussions by helping Aveline second, but it does delay the conclusion of the Isabella storyline.
Helping Isabela: A Deeper Dive
The Importance of Friendship or Rivalry
The game tracks your relationship with your companions through a friendship/rivalry system. For Isabela to return after she leaves in Act 2, you must have either a Friendship or Rivalry score of 50% or higher, or be in a romance with her. This means that simply being “neutral” with Isabela will not be enough. You must actively engage with her character and dialogue choices throughout Act 2 to strengthen your bond, whether in a positive or negative way.
Romancing Isabela
If you are romancing Isabela, her return is guaranteed regardless of your friendship/rivalry level. This can be achieved by consistently choosing flirtatious and supportive options with her during your conversations. However, beware of sleeping with her before completing other character romances, as it may ruin your chances with other companions, especially if you state it was “just for fun”. However, you can sleep with her and then romance Fenris, which makes the Isabela interaction mostly benign if you’re seeking to date other people.
The Relic and the Arishok
The plot thickens when the Arishok demands the return of the stolen relic. You can choose to hand Isabela over to the Arishok, which will result in her leaving permanently. Alternatively, you can fight the Arishok and his forces to defend her. It’s important to note that if you give the relic back through her (by having her return) that will earn you favor from her and other companions. Conversely, returning the relic to the Qunari will cause major discord.
The Impact on Your Story
Choosing to help Isabela first leads to a more complete and nuanced narrative. This storyline presents crucial themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions. It offers a deep dive into the Qunari’s culture and beliefs, as well as their impact on the city of Kirkwall.
In summary, the choice to help Isabela first is not just about completing a quest; it’s about shaping your overall experience in Dragon Age 2, ensuring you don’t miss out on vital plot points and have the most complete party roster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to the Aveline vs. Isabela choice, and more.
- What happens if I give Isabela to the Arishok?
If you hand Isabela over, she leaves your party permanently. You will not be able to reconcile with her during the game. While it is revealed she escapes later, she will not return to your party. - Can I still romance Fenris if I slept with Isabela first?
Yes, you can. If you sleep with Isabela and tell her it was “just for fun”, you can pursue the Fenris romance. However, this will ruin the possibility of having a full romantic relationship with Isabela. - Does Isabela come back if I give her the relic?
Yes, if you have a high enough Friendship/Rivalry (50% or higher), or you’re romancing her, she’ll return, give the relic back to the Qunari, and stick by your side. - What if I have neutral friendship/rivalry with Isabela?
If your meter is in the middle, she will not return at the end of Act 2. The game requires strong feelings towards her. - Can I sleep with everyone in Dragon Age 2?
Yes, most companions are available to be romanced or have casual flings with, up until the Act 2 sex scene. However, you cannot sleep with Sebastian. - Will Fenris leave if I side with mages?
Yes, if you side with the mages, there is a high chance that Fenris will leave your party. The same is true for Merrill if you side with the Templars. - How do I ensure Isabela returns?
Complete all of her Act 2 quests, and have your friendship/rivalry be near the maximum, or be in a romance with her. - Who is the best character to romance in Dragon Age 2?
This is subjective, but Isabela is a popular choice due to her engaging storyline and fun personality. However, Merrill and Anders also have compelling romances that many find satisfying. - Can you romance Fenris as a rival?
Yes, you can achieve either friendship or rivalry with Fenris and romance him as well. - What happens if you romance multiple people?
The game keeps track of who you have the highest relationship with, and will consider that the main romance for achieving an achievement at the end. It can become difficult to continue romancing all parties if you go far enough with one. - What does the Arishok think of Hawke?
The Arishok names Hawke basalit-an, indicating respect for your skills and prowess, even if you are a mage, the Arishok will respect you as a warrior. - Does Isabela survive “Dead Rising”?
Yes, it is revealed that she survives, but was captured and experimented on. She is later rescued. - How do I get Isabela as a companion in a Dragon Age game?
In Dragon Age 2, she is a companion, but in a subsequent game (ESO) she joins you by completing an introductory quest in Castle Navire Wayshrine on High Isle. - Does Sten become the Arishok?
Yes, in the canonical storyline, Sten replaces the Arishok in Kirkwall. - Does Isabela give up her baby?
No, Isabela refuses to give up her baby for adoption, even when pressured to consider what’s best for the child.
By understanding the implications of each choice, you can navigate the complex world of Dragon Age 2 with a stronger understanding of the relationships and events that will unfold. Remember, prioritizing Isabela’s questline first will allow you to see her entire arc, ensuring you don’t miss out on a key character and the overall experience.