When did Varric say it?
See, this what's driving me crazy about it. I think it was before the Orlesian ball because I remember thinking "Who the heck is 'Rutherford'? Is this a reference to one of Varric's Hard in Hightown characters?"
Then the patch came and now I have no idea if I can get it again even if I load up an early save. I can try tomorrow though and report if I do manage it.
Then I learned what/who he was and my angst meter went off the charts. Now, every scene with him (even just as a friend) is so weighted with that revelation.
Heh. Yeah. It's amazing how well-foreshadowed it is. Doing a second playthrough, you could make a drinking game out of how many times Solas hints at his true identity. My favourite is probably him giving you an approval bump when you find the offering to fen'harel in the Exalted Plains. Cheeky bastard.
I definitely get the 'feelings' part of the relationship--even without the relationship, something is there--but I don't think I can handle that break up. I've utubed it, but that's not the same as actually experiencing it in game. Maybe if they do a "Wolf Hunt" DLC I'll consider it.
Yeah. I'm crossing my fingers for something like that. Hopefully a bit meatier than Witch Hunt was (I'm hoping for something almost Lair of the Shadow Broker-ish).
And it does seem that Solas has very strong feelings for the Inquisitor, romance or no.
I romanced Solas my first playthrough, Cullen on my 2nd. To the OP's thoughts:
Why so late? (<---annoyance) - Solas drove me insane with this, but I later realized he's unique in how little content he has. I thought the Cullen romance proceeded at a much better pace. I assume having the final romance scene (or, sex scene in Cullen's case) locked by completing both Abyss and Wicked Hearts is just to keep it paced out over the game - it would really suck to be able to hit that scene before you do all those quests, and then get nothing else after that for the rest of the game.
Sexy Time - I agree, kind of miss the "inviting into your tent" as much as you want from Origins. Getting back kisses on demand was a step up from DA2 (glares at Solas), but both would be better still.
Gift - This seems to vary by romance - Cullen gives you a gift, you give Iron Bull and Cassandra gifts...Solas gives you years of therapy....I don't mind that, it adds variance to each storyline
Lack of Romance Banter - I would definitely like to see more of this as well.
Marriage - I don't neeeed this, almost seems to take romances too much away from being "side content" to "the entire point of the game" (even tho it is the main reason I play lol). Tho it is the main reason I love my Sebastian romance as much as I did - it's one of the few you actually get married in. It seems like, if they ever do it, it should be at the "end" of that protagonist's story - like if they were to do a Citadel type dlc for every game, that's the one that would have weddings.
One Sided - they definitely are, but I think this was in response too many people ranting about Anders hitting on them in DA2. So now just to be on the safe side, they made everything have to be motivated by the PC. Which is lame.
Little Things - lol I would never notice things put in my quarters cos I never go there! Too far of a walk.
The only time my Wife seems to notice me playing this game is when;
A: I'm making a new character. "Are you still picking beards? It's been three days".
B: I'm about to partake in a love scene. "Oh, I see you've finally settled on facial ha.... oh my god, what are you doing?!"
My husband just teases me about all my "video game boyfriends"...it's funny.
As much as I enjoy the nicely fleshed out romance options in Bioware games, though, I don't necessarily feel the need to make them more than they are. I'm okay with fade-to-black (stuff like the Witcher 2 romance scene is just...too much for my taste) and for the most part I don't need anything extra as far as gift-giving, ceremonies, or the like.
One thing I will agree on, however, is the lack of party banter. I guess we were spoiled with all the mentions in DA:O, but I really would've liked more than one War Table banter about me and Cullen in the whole 45+ hour game I played. 
That marriage has nothing to do with the Inquisitor's LI. You just run into a marriage taking place and have the option of saying a few words.
Personally, I don't think marriage really has a place in a game that takes place over the course of 6-8 months or so. And what if your Inquisitor just doesn't like the idea of getting married? Should they gate content based on that? Really, marriage should either be saved for post-game headcanon or made a central part of the plot of the romance. It causes too many problems otherwise.
Lol there's actually a marriage? Exactly where/when? Or is it cut content, but regarding a marriage in Val Royeaux of some rando NPCs?
To be honest, I would be surprised if Bioware was remotely interested in making a wedding arc or wedding DLC.
From a practical, non-fangirling, standpoint, I agree with those that argue that "this is a game, not a dating sim". I would only see this possible if they tied in a wickedly awesome storyline involving interesting gameplay mechanics, and a big bad, that would've somehow required the storyline framework of a wedding. And as a DLC, your Inquisitor has the choice of partaking in it, or not.
Otherwise, I don't see how creating an entire wedding for your Inquisitor is in line with what their resources are concerned with accomplishing.
See, this what's driving me crazy about it. I think it was before the Orlesian ball because I remember thinking "Who the heck is 'Rutherford'? Is this a reference to one of Varric's Hard in Hightown characters?"
Then the patch came and now I have no idea if I can get it again even if I load up an early save. I can try tomorrow though and report if I do manage it.
Thank you, the "Cullenites" would greatly appreciate if someone could confirm this, I'm sure!
Personally I think the romances in this game are the most fun out of the series so far, though DA2 is pretty up there.
I agree, I always want more when it comes to the romances. They're one of my favorite parts of the games. Which is funny because I'm not the romantic sort what-so-ever in real life.
I agree, I always want more when it comes to the romances. They're one of my favorite parts of the games. Which is funny because I'm not the romantic sort what-so-ever in real life.
Heck I think I'm allergic to romance, yet it's also one of those things that I find very enjoyable about these games. Maybe I'm just a fanboy of irony. I just don't get as much out of Shepard's story unless there's playful banter with Liara, or Hawke with Isabela.
For me, the romance just helps the story feel more real. It's not that I want an RPG to be a dating game, but in a story heavy game, a little romance can be some nice story-glue.
Guest_Caladin_*
My thoughts?? well ok since you asked, most of my Inquisitors will be single simply because of gender/race locks, the only romance that fits into any my play throughs is cassandra's, much like morrigan's in DA:O it is the only one (apart from solas) who adds anything to my pc's story, none of the rest add anything to my story and since i like gender hopping as much as race hopping and the fact i wont romance my dwarf pc to anything other than another dwarf, same with my Qunari and wont play another elf because of the anorexia and cass is male only and constantly playing a male is boring.
Bah you get the idea
Why so late? (<---annoyance)
I am a bit perplexed as to why I need to complete Adamant and The Ball before I can sleep with Cullen. I do not get as to why this could not have happened after one or the other, not both. To me this happens so late in the game that the relationship feels on the same gear up to this point.
I actually like that you needed to do a few missions first before new scenes would unlock. DAI is a big game so this helped with the pacing. If I had complete access to the cut scenes I would have gone through them all way too fast, I have no restraint 
. Cullen also struck me as someone who would want to take things slow anyway, it suited him.
Sexy Time
I really would have liked the option that once you sleep with whomever you choose, from that point on you can click on your romance and go to sleep with him/her. Just a small cut scene playing out instead of the whole fade to black crap for a few seconds, making you assume that you did have sex.
I'm with you there. Being able to kiss your LI whenever was a cute addition and I liked that it had it's own little cut scene. After the official love scene I would have liked a "invite to quarters" option added to the dialog wheel. Not only would there be an actual use for that room as a Cullen romancer but I'd have liked an additional repeatable cut scene to compliment the kissing one. A ME1 style romance scene would have been nice.
Gift
OK, yeah Cullen gives my character a gift, which is sweet and all, but why cannot I give one to him? Why not after we sleep together, I get the option to make a special sword for him to which gives a cut scene and Cullen equipping the sword from now on.
Agreed, maybe we will in future DLC
Lack of Romance Banter
Hardly anyone talks about my romance with Cullen. I get a few bits here or there but no companion banter while out wandering the hills. I get ONE dialog happen at the War Table. You would think being with the Commander would cause a lot of your companions and advisers to be chatting up about it, but instead it felt like a tumble weed was rolling by most of the time.
Just a sample after you sleep with Cullen:
*snip*
To tell you the truth I had the banter bug so I didn't hear much anyway But I wish the other companions made more digs about the Inquisitor and Cullen. From what I've heard there's not much. DAO was great when it came to romance related banter, I really miss it.
Marriage
I for one would gladly pay for an expansion pack that adds marriage to the game. Hell, I run around as it is calling Cullen my husband. In my opinion it would be nice if Bioware finally add this option into the game.
All of my yes but I would want it to be in a DLC or an expansion that takes place after the main game. Just as much as I want a Solas Reunion to wrap up that arc, I want a Cullen proposal to wrap up his. This is because it would totally fit Cullen's character and his romance. Can you imagine him and his bumbling self trying to find a right moment and trying to say the right thing during a story DLC that keeps interrupting his attempts (like the poor oblivious scout during the first kiss ). And just when it's close to the end, he catches the Inquisitor off guard , looks deep into her eyes and says
I think the collective squees would be heard from around the world.
One Sided
To me it in DAI the romance seemed one-sided, you had to initiate to romance to keep moving forward. I would have liked to have seen that after flirting with Cullen so damn much, he cannot take it anymore. You go to your room, a cut scene plays out with Cullen arriving and it goes from there.
That had more to do with the romance mechanic more than Cullen's feelings. I was actually surprised how much Cullen was able initiate things despite this though. The first kiss was a great example.
Little Things:
Nothing like going into your Skyhold quarters and seeing a love letter left by Cullen and/or some flowers. Little things do so much for the romance, making it feel more realistic.
I really like this idea. It would have been another small thing to make the quarters feel less pointless.
Cassandra remains my favorite, having just recently played through Josephine.
I feel that may be unfairly weighted since I interact with her far more in party. I will forever lament the fact that I cannot romance Harding though. You broke my heart, Bioware. You broke my heart.
I miss companions commenting on your romance such as Wynne giving you the sit down or Varric and Isabella nosing around in your business XD
The only thing I don't like about the romances in the game is that there's no jealousy scene (or jealousy banter like in DAO) like in previous Bioware games which I found most amusing.
Either than that they did a great job, I personally found the Solas scenes extremely well done.
Cassandra remains my favorite, having just recently played through Josephine.
I feel that may be unfairly weighted since I interact with her far more in party. I will forever lament the fact that I cannot romance Harding though. You broke my heart, Bioware. You broke my heart.
I didn't think about it at first, but it's true. While there's possibly lots of banter from other companions that I've missed, I'm pretty certain that Cassandra is the only one that actually has multiple sequences of dialogue that are initiated in response to her party banter. She has multiple in her own quest to find the Seekers.
Ah, Harding. The romance that wasn't, but should have been.
I miss companions commenting on your romance such as Wynne giving you the sit down or Varric and Isabella nosing around in your business XD
I like to think that most of our companions being older - much like we can be - kind of negates the need to explain the birds and the bees. Or to give advice. And not the Zevran kind of advice. 
I like to think that most of our companions being older - much like we can be - kind of negates the need to explain the birds and the bees. Or to give advice. And not the Zevran kind of advice.
lol! I meant her talk about how you being in a romance is irresponsible and you should put the needs of the country before your own heart.
Though now that I think about it, it would be so hilarious if Varric or Cassandra had to sit the Qunari inquisitor in my avatar down (and Cole too) and explain sex and how babies are made to them.
I miss companions commenting on your romance such as Wynne giving you the sit down or Varric and Isabella nosing around in your business XD
My Warden always told Wynne to pretty much butt out with her nagging on relationships. I like Varric's the most, because all of the companions you can romance are kind of crazy or dangerous.
I rather dislike them, partly due to my dislike of how they often seem to lead to people only caring for a character if it's a "LI", or demanding for her/him to be made into a "LI", without regard for what the character has to offer as a friend or how much s/he would have to be changed. I'd much rather have the chance to forge strong (platonic) bonds with my companions instead of having the only form of closeness gated away behind gender, species, orientation, attraction and commitment.
The lack of reciprocity some people have complained about very much applies to non-romance interactions, too, and is definitely one of my gripes with the game. We constantly listen, advise, care and support, and I do enjoy that but really wish the companions and advisors would turn the tables around at least once in a while. I was pleasantly surprised to have Josephine show up on the balcony after the Halamshiral resolution, and ask if I was all right, even put her hand on my shoulder in a huge contrast to her usual "proper" behavior. Gee, turns out that happens because it's a last-ditch invitation to get into a "romance". I'd have craved an actual supportive-friend scene in that moment, not a reminder that I should be committed to someone by now.
Romanced Cass and Dorian. Working on the Bull now.
Dorian is so far my favorite. Cass was very sweet. But Dorian is more fun, I think. And I got a "talking" too from Mother Griselle about being in a gay relationship. She was objecting, respectfully. I told her, respectfully, to drop dead. You also get a nice butt shot of Dorian. Ok, a few actually 
.
After the Bull I'll probably try Josephine. Oh and Cullen of course.
It was nice to see the developers move forward with romance considering the previous games. However the path of romance I chose seemed to be missing bits and not to mention something that annoying me.
I for one can only comment on Cullen’s romance because the other options hold no interest.
Why so late? (<---annoyance)
I am a bit perplexed as to why I need to complete Adamant and The Ball before I can sleep with Cullen. I do not get as to why this could not have happened after one or the other, not both. To me this happens so late in the game that the relationship feels on the same gear up to this point.
Sexy Time
I really would have liked the option that once you sleep with whomever you choose, from that point on you can click on your romance and go to sleep with him/her. Just a small cut scene playing out instead of the whole fade to black crap for a few seconds, making you assume that you did have sex.
Gift
OK, yeah Cullen gives my character a gift, which is sweet and all, but why cannot I give one to him? Why not after we sleep together, I get the option to make a special sword for him to which gives a cut scene and Cullen equipping the sword from now on.
Lack of Romance Banter
Hardly anyone talks about my romance with Cullen. I get a few bits here or there but no companion banter while out wandering the hills. I get ONE dialogue happen at the War Table. You would think being with the Commander would cause a lot of your companions and advisers to be chatting up about it, but instead it felt like a tumble weed was rolling by most of the time.
Just a sample after you sleep with Cullen:
Leliana: Commander, one of the couriers may have an emotional scar for the rest of their life.
Cullen: What do you mean?
Leliana: Oh let’s just say that I know you were having a bit of fun last night.
Commander: What!
Leliana: I think it’s adorable.
Cullen: Maker’s Breath!
Leliana: (Laughs)
Marriage
I for one would gladly pay for an expansion pack that adds marriage to the game. Hell, I run around as it is calling Cullen my husband. In my opinion it would be nice if Bioware finally add this option into the game.
One Sided
To me it in DAI the romance seemed one-sided, you had to initiate to romance to keep moving forward. I would have liked to have seen that after flirting with Cullen so damn much, he cannot take it anymore. You go to your room, a cut scene plays out with Cullen arriving and it goes from there.
Little Things:
Nothing like going into your Skyhold quarters and seeing a love letter left by Cullen and/or some flowers. Little things do so much for the romance, making it feel more realistic.
Bah I rambled on long enough.
Thoughts? Comments? Sexual Innuendos?
Personally, speaking only for the straight ones, they seemed a bit cheesy. They had this kind of Masterpiece Theater/staged thing going on with long windedness and such that made them seem kind of sluggish.
It looks kind of endearing and yet you asked for an opinion and they seem to lack the true spontaneity and fiery passion of a romance I would find more interesting. Well, to be even more precise, they lack the true spontaneity and fiery passion of an actual romance, but even among fictional ones there are any number I would prefer.
I've also never been a fan of this "sequested" romance approach Bioware has taken on, Minsc and Dynaheir in BG1, or Geralt and Triss in W2 it's pretty plain there is a romantic element, blowing them out into extended side-quests seems to me to have basically just increased the graphic sex scene count without really creating anymore romantic intrigue. I feel like 'knowing' there is a romance in certain games that's simply implied and so on is kind of the whole point, this is express-staging "romance on" methodology in DA removes the uncertainty and coincidentally sort of removes the romance, IMO.
As a sidenote on marriage or LTR, which I'd also like to see in a Citadel-type DLC, Cullen does state his intent at the ball - someone asks him "Are you married?" - and he goes "Not yet - but I am taken" -or something.
And then the guy flirting with him comments.
I also liked the slow burn of the Cullenmance, and also that BioWare seem to have gotten over fear of Andersmancing by letting the LIs actually take some initiative.
Lots about the game I totally do not love - but very happy with the character-writing overall
/A
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