[DRAGON AGE]: What can you tell us about Cullen?
[BRIANNE BATTYE]: Cullen spent more than half of his life in service to the templars. He's gone through a lot over that time. He survived what happened to the Circle Tower in Dragon Age: Origins, then watched Kirkwall fall to chaos in Dragon Age II. In Inquisition, the sky's torn open, demons are running loose, there's war… things aren't exactly looking up.
[DA]: Cullen made a pretty big decision at the end of Dragon Age II. How has his life changed since he sided against Knight-Commander Meredith?
[BB]: Meredith was Cullen's commanding officer; he wanted to trust her. But standing against her paved the way for him to help form what would become the Inquisition. The templars failed to protect their charges and the people of Kirkwall. The Order has not lived up to its ideal, and though it wasn't easy for him, Cullen now recognizes that. It's something he's still processing, but he's looking to move forward and fight for something he can believe in. The whole world's falling apart, and Cullen won't sit by and watch that happen. He wants to be part of a solution. If that means serving the Inquisition instead of the Order, then that's what he's going to do.
[DA]: As a former knight-captain, Cullen is certainly well-trained and experienced. What is his primary area of expertise?
[BB]: He obviously has insights into the Templar Order, as well as firsthand knowledge of the mage-templar conflict. Of course, those aren't the only reasons he was recruited into the Inquisition. Cullen is a driven individual with a strong sense of responsibility. He's a leader: someone people can turn to, someone they can trust to make the right call, even if it's a tough one.
[DA]: How would you describe his role in the game?
[BB]: Cullen is one of three advisors who help run the Inquisition. Specifically, he commands the Inquisition's military forces on your behalf. Cullen will offer tactical advice and assistance throughout the game. And you'll have plenty of reasons to seek it.
[DA]: So, it sounds like players will get to spend some time with him.
[BB]: For sure—but it doesn't have to be about work all the time. There will be opportunities to get to know Cullen himself. Though he was in Origins and appeared in quests throughout Dragon Age II, there wasn't a chance to talk to him about anything that wasn't an immediate issue.
[DA]: And now?
[BB]: In the previous games, Cullen was there as a templar. He had work to do. But why did he become a templar in the first place? Who was he before that? Who is he beyond that? These were questions I had to consider. In Inquisition, the player can explore these ideas with him.
[DA]: What did you enjoy most about writing him?
[BB]: Cullen's been through a lot. As a result, he takes his new position very seriously. Your soldiers depend on him, after all, and he will do right by them. He expects a lot of the Inquisition and of himself. Some of my favorite parts to write were the moments where he lets that drop a bit—the moments where you see him relax and he can be the person behind the soldier.
[DA]: You mentioned that he is one of three advisors. Does Cullen get along well with his peers?
[BB]: Cullen has a lot of respect for his fellow advisors. Of course, that doesn't mean they always get along. For example, Cullen is a practical person who appreciates a straightforward, honest approach. Leliana, who has worked behind the scenes for the Divine for years, won't come at a problem the same way.
[DA]: Cullen fans have united on social media using the hashtag #cullenites. What do you think it is about him that makes him so popular?
[BB]: Well, I'm sure his introduction in Origins won him some fans—especially among certain female mages. But I don't think that's everyone's reason or the only one.
Cullen is someone who fights for what he believes in. He tries to do the right thing, even if he isn't always successful. His history interests me, and I'm sure other people are also curious about what it will mean. How has it influenced the man he is now? I guess I know the answer to that, but I won't say more just yet.
I just think it shouldn't be an issue as it isn't both ways but I accept your opinion so let's move on from this discussion because interview has a lot of discussion potential hidden in it's depths!
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Jeeze, I am utterly enthralled already. This is going to be amazing. 
. But yes, absolutely right. I think I started to like the character when I played a female mage in DAO but there are other things I see in him. I think the guy has potential and I'm really looking forward to see another, more private side on him.
