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[CuriousArtemis]

I grew up reading fantasy (but honestly, not science fiction, and yet booksellers still shove those two together as if they even related), and it made me cripplingly nervous to shop in the fantasy section, the only female surrounded by older men who would just stare at me funny, and then all my friends were reading fashion mags and mystery novels and romance novels, so I felt like a bit of a freak... so YES never knock someone else's reading material! And lest I paint myself the saint, my best friend and I used to horrendously mock her little brother and his friend for liking anime...... and now look at me. >.>

[Danny Boy 7]

First books I ever read were the Chronicles of Narnia. Made me want to be a writer.

[rapscallioness]

Omg, yes. Narnia. I loved Peter Pan. Oh!  A Wrinkle in Time series by Madeline L'Engle.  I loved all of them. The classics. Some new stuff. Always loved Fantasy and Science Fiction even though I'm more of a H.G. Wells fan than Jules Vern. Lol at those two. Wells drove Vern crazy with his writing style. Vern was like--You can't just hand wave stuff, or gloss over it. You need to explain these things. And Wells was like...eh, no I don;t. That's not the point. I don;t need to write about how many bolts it took to build a submarine.

 

Oh and Sci fi reruns on TV like the original Star Trek and Lost in Space. Loved that stuff like it was biscuits and gravy.

 

Charlotte's Web...a single tear!

 

Never got into the Hobbit, though.

 

Actually I think I was more of a Sci-fi fan than fantasy? Or maybe Magical realism, High Strangeness kinda stories?

[Danny Boy 7]

You should read Phillip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep." I just finished it and I LOVED IT. I'm about to start Dispossessed by LaGuin (I think).

 

I'm also about to try reading the Outlander series. I love the show and my roommate and her mom have all the books. 

 

I think I'm more of a fantasy guy, but that's partially because I grew up learning everything about Greek Mythology and Arthurian Legend (which Dagen's character is influenced by.) I'm also into movies like a Knight's Tale which just sort of parodied the genre.

 

That's why I love BioWare games so much lol.

[CuriousArtemis]

You should read Phillip K. Dick's "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep." I just finished it and I LOVED IT. I'm about to start Dispossessed by LaGuin (I think).

 

I'm also about to try reading the Outlander series. I love the show and my roommate and her mom have all the books. 

 

I think I'm more of a fantasy guy, but that's partially because I grew up learning everything about Greek Mythology and Arthurian Legend (which Dagen's character is influenced by.) I'm also into movies like a Knight's Tale which just sort of parodied the genre.

 

That's why I love BioWare games so much lol.

 

My background in fantasy is actually part of the reason I am not overly fond of the Dragon Age world. I find it far too derivative... it resembles every high fantasy novel I read as a teenager. I mean I had read a couple of the Game of Thrones books back in high school so when I encountered the Grey Wardens I was like... gee this sure feels familiar! And the whole Maker/Yahweh, Andraste/Christ, Chantry/Catholic Church... gosh and don't get me started on the Orlais/18th Century France and the Grand Game which is like Dangerous Liaisons for Beginners lol

 

But oh, enough of the smack talk, agree with you about Dick! Ubik is also a good Dick novel. I believe I read the Dispossessed but I'm not 100%. I've only read one adult Le Guin novel and I think that was it. I read the first Earthsea book and found it a bit boring. It's quite Tolkien-esque. I also read a more recent YA book by her with a blind protagonist but I can't recall the name. It was pretty good. I read "Omelas" with my students every semester. 

 

I can recommend Octavia Butler if you love science fiction, also C. J. Cherryh. Who is female and was told not only to use her initials so that she appear more masculine, but her actual last name is "Cherry," but editors thought that was also too girly so they made her add an "h" to the end. NO LIE. Anyway we read a short story collection of hers in a sci-fi class and it was like... mind-blowing. The two we read were "Wave Without a Shore" and "Voyager In Night" <---- READ THIS ONE!!!!!!!! It's brilliant hard sci-fi. Amazing mind-blowing take on alien minds and languages. They are both in a collection called Alternate Realities. So, so good. 

 

I didn't actually get into fantasy until middle-school. As a child I think I read kid series like the Black Stallion saga and the Babysitters Club books. I also ready basically anything with an animal protagonist. Then I read my first adult book at age 12, Gone with the Wind. Gee I sure wish I'd had someone to guide me through such a problematic novel, but alas. Anyway I think it was around age 13 that I discovered the Pern novels. And it was all downhill from there I became obsessed with dragons. Bought dragon statues and figurines every chance I could get, dragon t-shirts, jewelry, even had a dragon throw. I finally grew out of dragon obsession when my cat Bastet knocked over my blown glass figurine of a dragon that I had cherished so much. I was sad for a second but then I looked at the innocent face of my kitty (who was still a kitten at the time) and realized this living breathing creature was more important than a figurine. But don't get me wrong, I still love dragons. I actually have multiple dragon OCs... one of them is my oldest character ever. He's been with me for 20 years, bless him.

[Danny Boy 7]

My background in fantasy is actually part of the reason I am not overly fond of the Dragon Age world. I find it far too derivative... it resembles every high fantasy novel I read as a teenager. I mean I had read a couple of the Game of Thrones books back in high school so when I encountered the Grey Wardens I was like... gee this sure feels familiar! And the whole Maker/Yahweh, Andraste/Christ, Chantry/Catholic Church... gosh and don't get me started on the Orlais/18th Century France and the Grand Game which is like Dangerous Liaisons for Beginners lol

 

But oh, enough of the smack talk, agree with you about Dick! Ubik is also a good Dick novel. I believe I read the Dispossessed but I'm not 100%. I've only read one adult Le Guin novel and I think that was it. I read the first Earthsea book and found it a bit boring. It's quite Tolkien-esque. I also read a more recent YA book by her with a blind protagonist but I can't recall the name. It was pretty good. I read "Omelas" with my students every semester. 

 

I can recommend Octavia Butler if you love science fiction, also C. J. Cherryh. Who is female and was told not only to use her initials so that she appear more masculine, but her actual last name is "Cherry," but editors thought that was also too girly so they made her add an "h" to the end. NO LIE. Anyway we read a short story collection of hers in a sci-fi class and it was like... mind-blowing. The two we read were "Wave Without a Shore" and "Voyager In Night" <---- READ THIS ONE!!!!!!!! It's brilliant hard sci-fi. Amazing mind-blowing take on alien minds and languages. They are both in a collection called Alternate Realities. So, so good. 

 

I didn't actually get into fantasy until middle-school. As a child I think I read kid series like the Black Stallion saga and the Babysitters Club books. I also ready basically anything with an animal protagonist. Then I read my first adult book at age 12, Gone with the Wind. Gee I sure wish I'd had someone to guide me through such a problematic novel, but alas. Anyway I think it was around age 13 that I discovered the Pern novels. And it was all downhill from there I became obsessed with dragons. Bought dragon statues and figurines every chance I could get, dragon t-shirts, jewelry, even had a dragon throw. I finally grew out of dragon obsession when my cat Bastet knocked over my blown glass figurine of a dragon that I had cherished so much. I was sad for a second but then I looked at the innocent face of my kitty (who was still a kitten at the time) and realized this living breathing creature was more important than a figurine. But don't get me wrong, I still love dragons. I actually have multiple dragon OCs... one of them is my oldest character ever. He's been with me for 20 years, bless him.

Ooh thanks for the recommendations Omelas is one of my favorite short stories, as well as Godfather Death (my professor actually had us write fanfiction which was kind of fun). I don't doubt there was a lot of sexism. Science Fiction, as much as I love it, is not kind to women at all. Usually I can push something out of my mind if its well written, but Stranger in a Strange Land (whilst incredibly well done imo) is infuriating and the first book to actually make me say, "Wow that was really well done. I ****** hate it."

 

I might just have a very limited scope of fantasy (I didn't start looking at genres until I was older), but I read so many that were like you say derivative. I can get past it mostly (because I started seeing Greek, Egyptian and Norse myths in nearly every story I read), but I totally see where you're coming from. One series I enjoyed were the Dragonlance novels by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. LOTS of dragons. Also plenty of angst. I think you'd like Raistlin. Reminds me a bit of Fenris.

[Tishina]

I love both fantasy and sci fi, and there are a lot of them that fall somewhere in between. I read some of the Dragonlance books, but fell away from them. In fact, I think I've read most of the books/authors mentioned. I would read almost anything as a kid, but by middle school age, I was leaning toward sci fi and fantasy. And I have tended to find my romance reading in them (remember when I was late teens/early twenties, they were almost all bodice rippers and fainting damsels still.) I love Mercedes Lackey's By the Sword partly because Kero is such an opposite to those stories. But I also loved her more recent magician series such as Serpent's Shadow which rewrite classic fairy tales, and she spends a lot of time describing their beautiful clothes, etc. Almost all of them are very conventionally feminine in appearance, etc. And for something in between, I liked listening to my younger daughter read Tamora Pierce's Alanna the Lionness because part of the message was that women could do anything, but still enjoy beautiful clothes and being a woman if that's what they wanted.

 

However, we probably need to bring the topic back to DA and Cullen before someone says something

 

So, Cullen as a romance... Does anyone else headcannon that he's so awkward with the Inquisitor because he had seen her from the beginning as possibly a bit of a holy figure or because he's still in such a fragile place with the lyrium withdrawal at that moment? I mean, he can be downright bawdy when he walks in on a romanced IQ and Iron Bull...

[Danny Boy 7]

I love both fantasy and sci fi, and there are a lot of them that fall somewhere in between. I read some of the Dragonlance books, but fell away from them. In fact, I think I've read most of the books/authors mentioned. I would read almost anything as a kid, but by middle school age, I was leaning toward sci fi and fantasy. And I have tended to find my romance reading in them (remember when I was late teens/early twenties, they were almost all bodice rippers and fainting damsels still.) I love Mercedes Lackey's By the Sword partly because Kero is such an opposite to those stories. But I also loved her more recent magician series such as Serpent's Shadow which rewrite classic fairy tales, and she spends a lot of time describing their beautiful clothes, etc. Almost all of them are very conventionally feminine in appearance, etc. And for something in between, I liked listening to my younger daughter read Tamora Pierce's Alanna the Lionness because part of the message was that women could do anything, but still enjoy beautiful clothes and being a woman if that's what they wanted.

 

However, we probably need to bring the topic back to DA and Cullen before someone says something

 

So, Cullen as a romance... Does anyone else headcannon that he's so awkward with the Inquisitor because he had seen her from the beginning as possibly a bit of a holy figure or because he's still in such a fragile place with the lyrium withdrawal at that moment? I mean, he can be downright bawdy when he walks in on a romanced IQ and Iron Bull...

You know this is something I hadn't thought of that much, but I think it is significant. How does being this holy figure (regardless of the Inquisitor's beliefs) mesh with Cullen. I can imagine that its like walking in and seeing Jesus just going at it, or maybe more accurately Peter. In some religions sex isn't so taboo so I imagine its expected, but Cullen/Cassandra have the opportunity to sleep with and have a relationship with a "holy" figure and I don't think much is said about that.

[R2s Muse]

 

So, Cullen as a romance... Does anyone else headcannon that he's so awkward with the Inquisitor because he had seen her from the beginning as possibly a bit of a holy figure or because he's still in such a fragile place with the lyrium withdrawal at that moment? I mean, he can be downright bawdy when he walks in on a romanced IQ and Iron Bull...

TBH, I always felt he was too practical to think that the IQ is really a holy figure. When they first meet, his tone in talking about her new title always sounded to me more like he was concerned with her as a person and how she felt having all that foisted upon her. I also read him as being rather devout, but whether she's holy or not, they've got a job to get done. So I guess that's my lengthy way of saying, personally, no. LOL

 

For me, the awkwardness fits with his lack of experience in relationships as well as his self-doubt that he's worthy, since he doesn't seem to show it when he's just being her advisor or in talking with any of the other characters. I always thought he should also have some issues with fraternization with his superior, so I read some of that in there, as well, given his "you're the Inquisitor, we're at war" comment. So, that's my own interpretation. 

 

But it would be interesting to explore that side of their relationship, esp if the herald stuff is a  big issue for the IQ herself.

[CuriousArtemis]

Tish and Danny, yeah I read the Dragonlance books when I was a kid; they didn't really capture my attention, although the Raistlin character did. He was the only one I cared about, as the others all seemed like cardboard cutouts instead of real people. But I lost interest when Raistlin went full evil. I guess he was like the 80s version of Kylo Ren

 

So, Cullen as a romance... Does anyone else headcannon that he's so awkward with the Inquisitor because he had seen her from the beginning as possibly a bit of a holy figure or because he's still in such a fragile place with the lyrium withdrawal at that moment? I mean, he can be downright bawdy when he walks in on a romanced IQ and Iron Bull...

 

Well since we're talking headcanons, I guess it's okay to use the "he" pronoun when discussing romanced inquisitors? (I can say that now because there are now two of us who have male inquisitors!! So I'm not being (only) selfish! >.>) 

 

But as for the Bull scene (and you all know my feelings on that so I will not froth at the mouth and insult poor Bull fans) I think personally the scene was played for jokes and the different character's reactions are just there to add to the laughs, so I wouldn't take their responses to be truly indicative of their personalities.

 

Now from what I've encountered in the romance so far, Cullen doesn't even tell you directly that he believes you're sent by Andraste or the Maker; I'm not sure he sees you as a holy figure at all, so I guess I agree with R2? Even Cassandra, who is quite religious, accepts you as a person first and "maybe" a Herald second. As a Dalish she is always fine with my insisting that I've nothing to do with Andraste. And so yes, I agree with R2 that Cullen sees you as his superior, and also, once he realizes he's attracted to you, he gets a little awkward because he has little experience with relationships, and honestly, he is just a shy person. "Shy" doesn't necessarily mean you're afraid of sex or that you would immediately drop to your knees and pray to the Maker when you see a qunari penis lol It just means you feel awkward talking around someone you like, really.

[Tishina]

You know this is something I hadn't thought of that much, but I think it is significant. How does being this holy figure (regardless of the Inquisitor's beliefs) mesh with Cullen. I can imagine that its like walking in and seeing Jesus just going at it, or maybe more accurately Peter. In some religions sex isn't so taboo so I imagine its expected, but Cullen/Cassandra have the opportunity to sleep with and have a relationship with a "holy" figure and I don't think much is said about that.

I don't get the impression, chantry vows aside, that Thedas is that obsessed with the morality of sex. But on the other hand, most people would be intimidated at the idea of getting involved with a religious figure too. But I kind of agree with R2 that Cullen initially seems skeptical himself.

 

 

TBH, I always felt he was too practical to think that the IQ is really a holy figure. When they first meet, his tone in talking about her new title always sounded to me more like he was concerned with her as a person and how she felt having all that foisted upon her. I also read him as being rather devout, but whether she's holy or not, they've got a job to get done. So I guess that's my lengthy way of saying, personally, no. LOL

 

For me, the awkwardness fits with his lack of experience in relationships as well as his self-doubt that he's worthy, since he doesn't seem to show it when he's just being her advisor or in talking with any of the other characters. I always thought he should also have some issues with fraternization with his superior, so I read some of that in there, as well, given his "you're the Inquisitor, we're at war" comment. So, that's my own interpretation. 

 

But it would be interesting to explore that side of their relationship, esp if the herald stuff is a  big issue for the IQ herself.

I think we discussed the fraternization question before, and it's one of the things we've agreed to disagree on since I think fraternization is too modern a concept.

 

I tend to lean toward self-doubt (no one wants to tackle his feelings about himself while undergoing lyrium withdrawal?) I've got mixed impressions on his inexperience with relationships, honestly. He really only shows the awkwardness at key decision-making moments (clearly afraid she'd say no.) I'm thinking of how he behaves at the lake, for instance. He's very articulate, downright sassy at the lake if you pick the right lines, but it isn't a decision-making moment either.

 

One thing that occurred to me that I dismissed was the idea that it was because the IQ was originally supposed to be a human noble while he was a commoner, but since he was a late add to the romance list, he would have been written with multiple races in mind, I think. Unless they added Dalish to his romance at the last minute.

 

 

Well since we're talking headcanons, I guess it's okay to use the "he" pronoun when discussing romanced inquisitors? (I can say that now because there are now two of us who have male inquisitors!! So I'm not being (only) selfish! >.>) 

 

But as for the Bull scene (and you all know my feelings on that so I will not froth at the mouth and insult poor Bull fans) I think personally the scene was played for jokes and the different character's reactions are just there to add to the laughs, so I wouldn't take their responses to be truly indicative of their personalities.

 

Now from what I've encountered in the romance so far, Cullen doesn't even tell you directly that he believes you're sent by Andraste or the Maker; I'm not sure he sees you as a holy figure at all, so I guess I agree with R2? Even Cassandra, who is quite religious, accepts you as a person first and "maybe" a Herald second. As a Dalish she is always fine with my insisting that I've nothing to do with Andraste. And so yes, I agree with R2 that Cullen sees you as his superior, and also, once he realizes he's attracted to you, he gets a little awkward because he has little experience with relationships, and honestly, he is just a shy person. "Shy" doesn't necessarily mean you're afraid of sex or that you would immediately drop to your knees and pray to the Maker when you see a qunari penis lol It just means you feel awkward talking around someone you like, really.

Please use your pronouns! I just used the one suited to my own IQs...

 

Cass is a bit inconsistent with a Dalish IQ, but I suppose that's good characterization for her too.

 

So, no one else feels he might be more relaxed and less awkward around a non-IQ love interest or someone he knew longer?

[CuriousArtemis]

So, no one else feels he might be more relaxed and less awkward around a non-IQ love interest or someone he knew longer?

 

100% I think this!! Well, not relaxed, but not shy either. Around my Solasmancer he was professional. I certainly never felt close to him. He did his job as a general and was extremely competent and professional about it. There was never any hesitation or stuttering. EVER.

 

But with my Cullenmancer, there's that conversation before the first kiss on the battlements, and boy oh boy, it's like old Cullen is back! Suddenly he's Mr. Shy-and-awkward. I love it.

 

And regarding fraternization, I suppose it is a modern concept, but power structures aren't. There is something imposing and disturbing about having romantic feelings for a superior. I think that's just natural.

[R2s Muse]

100% I think this!! Well, not relaxed, but not shy either. Around my Solasmancer he was professional. I certainly never felt close to him. He did his job as a general and was extremely competent and professional about it. There was never any hesitation or stuttering. EVER.

 

But with my Cullenmancer, there's that conversation before the first kiss on the battlements, and boy oh boy, it's like old Cullen is back! Suddenly he's Mr. Shy-and-awkward. I love it.

 

And regarding fraternization, I suppose it is a modern concept, but power structures aren't. There is something imposing and disturbing about having romantic feelings for a superior. I think that's just natural.

Plus, we know from DG that fraternization is an issue for templars, and is explicitly forbidden between templars as well as between templars and mages. Given their power over the mages and their small community among the templars, the power structures within the Tower seem to be very strictly maintained. 

 

As for only be shy and awkward because she/he is the Inquisitor... well, I think that characteristic has been around as long as he's been in the games. It's one of the few things we knew about him before DA:I, that in uncomfortable situations he stutters and is awkward. So I don't see it being something that happens only in DA:I with the Inquisitor, even if it's more fleshed out in that game. It's an open question though if there are romantic entanglements in which he'd be immediately comfortable. I suppose it could happen, but I personally have a hard time imagining that. I might just have to do some dedicated imagining, tho. After all, I convinced myself Cullen could have had a pre-existing relationship with a courtesan in Kirkwall before Hawke, so there are probably plausible scenarios out there.

 

edit to add: do i think he'd more relaxed around someone he knew longer?? totally. 

[Tishina]

Plus, we know from DG that fraternization is an issue for templars, and is explicitly forbidden between templars as well as between templars and mages. Given their power over the mages and their small community among the templars, the power structures within the Tower seem to be very strictly maintained. 

 

As for only be shy and awkward because she/he is the Inquisitor... well, I think that characteristic has been around as long as he's been in the games. It's one of the few things we knew about him before DA:I, that in uncomfortable situations he stutters and is awkward. So I don't see it being something that happens only in DA:I with the Inquisitor, even if it's more fleshed out in that game. It's an open question though if there are romantic entanglements in which he'd be immediately comfortable. I suppose it could happen, but I personally have a hard time imagining that. I might just have to do some dedicated imagining, tho. After all, I convinced myself Cullen could have had a pre-existing relationship with a courtesan in Kirkwall before Hawke, so there are probably plausible scenarios out there.

 

edit to add: do i think he'd more relaxed around someone he knew longer?? totally. 

I actually thought the proscription on fraternization between Templars was a bit illogical, while the one with mages makes complete sense. Then again, the Chantry does like their control

 

Most people mature out of that awkwardness, though, and as I pointed out, he isn't consistently awkward or shy, only in particularly key moments. But I also admit I have mixed feelings about them continuing the thread with him now that he's 30ish, etc., so maybe I'm trying to find reasons to think of it as situational...

 

I think you figured out one of the reasons I was interested in what other people thought . Though honestly, I do feel it's easy to read it as the particular situation and moments in DA:I. Writing (really) awkward, uncertain Cullen once was enough

[R2s Muse]

I actually thought the proscription on fraternization between Templars was a bit illogical, while the one with mages makes complete sense. Then again, the Chantry does like their control

Most people mature out of that awkwardness, though, and as I pointed out, he isn't consistently awkward or shy, only in particularly key moments. But I also admit I have mixed feelings about them continuing the thread with him now that he's 30ish, etc., so maybe I'm trying to find reasons to think of it as situational...

I think you figured out one of the reasons I was interested in what other people thought . Though honestly, I do feel it's easy to read it as the particular situation and moments in DA:I. Writing (really) awkward, uncertain Cullen once was enough

Oh, I also think it's situational! I just think romance is one of those situations.

[Fadburger]

 

I'm also about to try reading the Outlander series. I love the show and my roommate and her mom have all the books. 

 

 

Outlander is really good, I've read all of them out so far~. There are some iffy bits but mostly good stuff, it gets a little slow after a few books but not enough that you want to stop (I am easily bored so I don't think it could be that bad). 

 

TBH, I always felt he was too practical to think that the IQ is really a holy figure. When they first meet, his tone in talking about her new title always sounded to me more like he was concerned with her as a person and how she felt having all that foisted upon her. I also read him as being rather devout, but whether she's holy or not, they've got a job to get done. So I guess that's my lengthy way of saying, personally, no. LOL

 

For me, the awkwardness fits with his lack of experience in relationships as well as his self-doubt that he's worthy, since he doesn't seem to show it when he's just being her advisor or in talking with any of the other characters. I always thought he should also have some issues with fraternization with his superior, so I read some of that in there, as well, given his "you're the Inquisitor, we're at war" comment. So, that's my own interpretation. 

 

But it would be interesting to explore that side of their relationship, esp if the herald stuff is a  big issue for the IQ herself.

 

I agree with everything there lol, especially the bit where I would like to see them delve into the religious figure thing. Also I am a bit of a perv so I wouldn't mind seeing it put to use in a bit more of a dirty way hahahahah >.>;;; I also definitely thing he's got a heaping helping of that self doubt and lack of experience causing his awkwardness. 

 

 

Well since we're talking headcanons, I guess it's okay to use the "he" pronoun when discussing romanced inquisitors? (I can say that now because there are now two of us who have male inquisitors!! So I'm not being (only) selfish! >.>) 

 

 

Please please use whatever pronouns you want  

 

I don't get the impression, chantry vows aside, that Thedas is that obsessed with the morality of sex. But on the other hand, most people would be intimidated at the idea of getting involved with a religious figure too. But I kind of agree with R2 that Cullen initially seems skeptical himself.

 

Yeah I think Thedas, as a whole, is much more lax about sex than our current society. There is a sliding scale of course (Orlesian nobles at least, seem quite open about it, for example). The whole "sleeping with your superior" thing R2s brought up may have had some weight but I don't think it's as much of it being a taboo as it is that it might be bad for your career... 

 

100% I think this!! Well, not relaxed, but not shy either. Around my Solasmancer he was professional. I certainly never felt close to him. He did his job as a general and was extremely competent and professional about it. There was never any hesitation or stuttering. EVER.

 

But with my Cullenmancer, there's that conversation before the first kiss on the battlements, and boy oh boy, it's like old Cullen is back! Suddenly he's Mr. Shy-and-awkward. I love it.

 

And regarding fraternization, I suppose it is a modern concept, but power structures aren't. There is something imposing and disturbing about having romantic feelings for a superior. I think that's just natural.

 

Ugh I love that dichotomy of Cullen's so much..how he is the confident commander one moment then you have some alone time with him and he's all sweet and awkward...I have a hardcore soft spot for Bioware LIs that are like that haha...

[R2s Muse]

Sorry i'm on my phone now, but I don't think I'm explaining myself well. I personally wouldn't call him shy. I don't think that that's the character that we see in any of the games. I think that he's awkward in situations that he is inexperienced in. Like a real relationship and thinking about the future gives him the jitters, because he probably hasn't done that before, but then he has no problem taking you on his desk.

[CuriousArtemis]

Sorry i'm on my phone now, but I don't think I'm explaining myself well. I personally wouldn't call him shy. I don't think that that's the character that we see in any of the games. I think that he's awkward in situations that he is inexperienced in. Like a real relationship and thinking about the future gives him the jitters, because he probably hasn't done that before, but then he has no problem taking you on his desk.

 

Maybe there's some disconnect in the way he's written then. Because honestly, the first romance conversation, before the first kiss, he does come off as shy. When you flirt with him early on, I get shy vibes again. Now I haven't gotten to the desk scene, but you're already in a relationship at that point, right? But, I really do think it could just be some slipshod writing. It does feel at times he was written to be "your perfect boyfriend" despite his base character flaws (which were often written out of his personality in DAI...).

[Tishina]

Maybe there's some disconnect in the way he's written then. Because honestly, the first romance conversation, before the first kiss, he does come off as shy. When you flirt with him early on, I get shy vibes again. Now I haven't gotten to the desk scene, but you're already in a relationship at that point, right? But, I really do think it could just be some slipshod writing. It does feel at times he was written to be "your perfect boyfriend" despite his base character flaws (which were often written out of his personality in DAI...).

And yet, there's the Cullen of the chess game and at the lake. So I agree that he isn't always consistent even in the romance parts (and honestly you get both sides of him in the desk scene.)

[R2s Muse]

Maybe there's some disconnect in the way he's written then. Because honestly, the first romance conversation, before the first kiss, he does come off as shy. When you flirt with him early on, I get shy vibes again. Now I haven't gotten to the desk scene, but you're already in a relationship at that point, right? But, I really do think it could just be some slipshod writing. It does feel at times he was written to be "your perfect boyfriend" despite his base character flaws (which were often written out of his personality in DAI...).

Hmm, that's a good question. I wonder if it's partially definitional, or just interpretation. Let's see. What do I mean when I say shy? I guess I expect that to be someone who is not assertive, that doesn't want to put themselves in the spotlight, isn't the initiator. And, I don't see those things in general about Cullen, or even necessarily in his romance scenes. He's almost obnoxiously assertive as your advisor. And in the first kiss scene, I feel like he's just not smooth, like he has no idea what to say or how to say it... but he's the one that kisses you first (while, of course, the IQ hides demurely at the parapet while Jim is there). So I guess that's why I would call it awkward but not shy. Does that make sense? But maybe that's still what you mean by shy?

 

In the chess scene as well, he's awkward and fumbling, but he also invites you to play chess with him instead of just letting you, and the moment, pass by. 

[Fadburger]

Hmm, that's a good question. I wonder if it's partially definitional, or just interpretation. Let's see. What do I mean when I say shy? I guess I expect that to be someone who is not assertive, that doesn't want to put themselves in the spotlight, isn't the initiator. And, I don't see those things in general about Cullen, or even necessarily in his romance scenes. He's almost obnoxiously assertive as your advisor. And in the first kiss scene, I feel like he's just not smooth, like he has no idea what to say or how to say it... but he's the one that kisses you first (while, of course, the IQ hides demurely at the parapet while Jim is there). So I guess that's why I would call it awkward but not shy. Does that make sense? But maybe that's still what you mean by shy?

 

In the chess scene as well, he's awkward and fumbling, but he also invites you to play chess with him instead of just letting you, and the moment, pass by. 

 

Yeah I am thinking maybe we are using shy and awkward interchangeably here? Because I feel, personally, like all the parts sometimes described as "shy" I would always describe as "awkward". 

[CuriousArtemis]

Hmm, that's a good question. I wonder if it's partially definitional, or just interpretation. Let's see. What do I mean when I say shy? I guess I expect that to be someone who is not assertive, that doesn't want to put themselves in the spotlight, isn't the initiator. And, I don't see those things in general about Cullen, or even necessarily in his romance scenes. He's almost obnoxiously assertive as your advisor. And in the first kiss scene, I feel like he's just not smooth, like he has no idea what to say or how to say it... but he's the one that kisses you first (while, of course, the IQ hides demurely at the parapet while Jim is there). So I guess that's why I would call it awkward but not shy. Does that make sense? But maybe that's still what you mean by shy?

 

In the chess scene as well, he's awkward and fumbling, but he also invites you to play chess with him instead of just letting you, and the moment, pass by. 

 

Yeah I am thinking maybe we are using shy and awkward interchangeably here? Because I feel, personally, like all the parts sometimes described as "shy" I would always describe as "awkward". 

 

Agree The stuttering he sometimes does is what I term "shy." I also picture him maybe clearing his throat and blushing sometimes when talking around someone he's interested in. You can be an assertive shy person I think. I know that seems like an oxymoron. I consider myself fairly shy at times, yet I am perfectly capable of standing in front of a classroom or a group of colleagues and leading a discussion without feeling at all self-conscious. But make me talk to a cute boy and I still freak out

[Ghost Gal]

I think Cullen is just shy when talking to people he likes that way. 

 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, shy is "feeling nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people," or "showing that you are nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people," or "tending to avoid something because of nervousness, fear, dislike, etc."

 

There's a lot of debate right now over whether Cullen stuttering, rubbing his hand to the back of his neck, etc. when first talking to a romanced Inquisitor can be interpreted as "shy." I think it is, because in these situations he clearly shows that he feels nervous and uncomfortable about talking to you and/or talking about certain subjects. While Cullen is usually pretty confident about meeting or talking to people (since he's pretty confident and talkative to all but the female mage Warden in DAO, Hawke in DA2, meeting the Inquisitor in DAI, etc), he also consistently shows that he suddenly turns nervous, uncomfortable, and insecure when he likes a gal.   I personally think it's pretty cute. 

 

EDIT: And that's fine. Some people are situationally shy. For example, my sister has always been very confident and talkative, but she's shy when she has a crush on a cute guy. I used to be very shy with everyone except my immediate family, but now I can confidently talk to almost everyone and give speeches in front of crowded rooms, except when I'm around my boyfriend's family, in which case I clam up. I can believe that Cullen is normally pretty confident, but then becomes shy when he first likes someone.

[R2s Muse]

Agree The stuttering he sometimes does is what I term "shy." I also picture him maybe clearing his throat and blushing sometimes when talking around someone he's interested in. You can be an assertive shy person I think. I know that seems like an oxymoron. I consider myself fairly shy at times, yet I am perfectly capable of standing in front of a classroom or a group of colleagues and leading a discussion without feeling at all self-conscious. But make me talk to a cute boy and I still freak out

LOL I think that just sounds situational, tho. I've been awkward plenty of times in such situations, but I wouldn't call myself shy. :shrug: 

 

edit: but then, according to M-W, apparently I should be. LOL 

[R2s Muse]

I think Cullen is just shy when talking to people he likes that way. 

 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, shy is "feeling nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people," or "showing that you are nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people," or "tending to avoid something because of nervousness, fear, dislike, etc."

 

There's a lot of debate right now over whether Cullen stuttering, rubbing his hand to the back of his neck, etc. when first talking to a romanced Inquisitor can be interpreted as "shy." I think it is, because in these situations he clearly shows that he feels nervous and uncomfortable about talking to you and/or talking about certain subjects. While Cullen is usually pretty confident about meeting or talking to people (since he's pretty confident and talkative to all but the female mage Warden in DAO, Hawke in DA2, meeting the Inquisitor in DAI, etc), he also consistently shows that he suddenly turns nervous, uncomfortable, and insecure when he likes a gal. 

 

I personally think it's pretty cute. 

Hmm, I guess for me, shy is more definition 3, and not the other two, and I do think they're different. But regardless, guess we're all talking about the same thing! More or less.