Main Quests

Cullen Main Quest Scenes

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The Threat Remains

I Doubt You Came Here for a Lecture

The PC approaches Cullen while he’s training recruits.

Cullen (to recruit): You there! There’s a shield in your hand. Block with it. If this man were your enemy, you’d be dead.

Cullen (to nearby lieutenant): Lieutenant, don’t hold back. The recruits must prepare for a real fight, not a practice one.

Lieutenant: Yes, Commander.

The lieutenant salutes and leaves.

Cullen (to PC): We’ve received a number of recruits – locals from Haven and some pilgrims. None made quite the entrance you did.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m glad I’m here. [1]
General: I like to stand out. [2]
General: It wasn’t my choice. [3]

1 - General: I’m glad I’m here.
PC: I just hope I can help.
Cullen: As do we all. It is enough that you would try. [4]

2 - General: I like to stand out.
PC: At least I got everyone’s attention.
Cullen: That you did. [4]

3 - General: It wasn’t my choice.
PC: That wasn’t my idea.
Cullen: I’d be concerned if it was. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Cullen and PC begin to walk through the training camp. They pass more training recruits.

Cullen: I was recruited to the Inquisition in Kirkwall, myself. I was there during the mage uprising – I saw firsthand the devastation it caused.

A soldier appears behind them and walks up to Cullen.

Soldier: Ser!

He hands Cullen a report that the commander glances at.

Cullen: Cassandra sought a solution. When she offered me a position, I left the templars to join her cause. Now it seems we face something far worse.

Dialogue options:

General: I believe the mark will help. [5]
General: Everything’s a mess. [6]
General: You trust in the Inquisition? [7]

5 - General: I believe the mark will help. PC: I must have this mark for a reason. It will work. I’m sure of it.
Cullen: Provided we can secure aid – but I’m confident we can. [8]

6 - General: Everything’s a mess.
PC: The Conclave destroyed, a giant hole in the sky — things aren’t looking good.
Cullen: Which is why we’re needed. [8]

7 - General: You trust in the Inquisition?
PC: You left the templars for this. You believe the Inquisition can work?
Cullen: I do. [8]

8 - Scene continues.

Cullen: The Chantry lost control of both templars and mages. Now they argue over a new Divine while the Breach remains. The Inquisition could act when the Chantry cannot. Our followers would be part of that. There’s so much we can— Forgive me. I doubt you came here for a lecture.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I like your enthusiasm. [9]
General: I don’t mind. [10]
General: You’ve thought this through. [11]
General: No, not really. [12]

9 - Flirt: I like your enthusiasm.
PC: No, but if you have one prepared I’d love to hear it.
Cullen: (Laughs.) Another time perhaps.
The PC smiles at Cullen. [Incredibly awkwardly, but I don’t know if that’s intentional.]
Cullen: I, ah… (Clears throat.) [13]

10 - General: I don’t mind.
PC: You understand our situation. I appreciate your opinion.
Cullen: Look around. Our people are well-organized and committed. Despite what the clerics may think, we’re in the best position to help. [13]

11 - General: You’ve thought this through.
PC: You’ve given this a lot of thought.
Cullen: I know what happens when order is lost and action comes too late. [13]

12 - General: No, not really.
PC: I hadn’t planned on it, no.
Cullen: Then I shall spare you. [13]

13 - Scene continues.

Cullen: There’s still a lot of work ahead.

A soldier approaches.

Soldier: Commander! Ser Rylen has a report on our supply lines.

Cullen: As I was saying.

Cullen excuses himself and walks away with the soldier.

Scene ends.

Investigate: Why Did the Templars Leave?

Haven only

PC: Why would templars break away from the Chantry?

Cullen: The Order believes the Chantry no longer supports their efforts. Not to the extent they should.

Special: What changed?

PC: But the templars have served the Chantry for ages. Cullen: And in that time, they have come to take the Order’s services for granted. Templars risk their lives against blood magic, demons, abominations—to feel as if those efforts are dismissed… I may disagree with the Order’s actions—that I’m here is proof of that—but I sympathize with their frustrations.

Champions of the Just

Concerns

The PC approaches Cullen in Haven.

If Cole was recruited:

Cullen: Cole—or whatever he calls himself—may have helped at Therinfal, but that doesn’t mean we should trust him.

Dialogue options:

General: I trust him. [1]
General: We said he could stay. [2]
General: He’s being watched. [3]

1 - General: I trust him.
PC: I will vouch for Cole’s character. Give him a chance.
Cullen: I’d rather he keep away from me. [4]

2 - General: We said he could stay.
PC: I thought we agreed Cole could stay.
Cullen: I did not agree—I was outvoted. [4]

3 - General: He’s being watched.
PC: Leliana has people watching him.
Cullen: Provided they don’t lose him. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Cullen: I suppose my concerns can wait.

[Conversation starts here if Cole was not recruited]

Cullen: The templars are making final preparations. After what happened with the Lord Seeker, they’re eager to prove themselves.

Dialogue options:

General: It wasn’t their fault. [5]
General: I should hope so. [6]
General: This has to work. [7]

5 - General: It wasn’t their fault.
PC: The templars aren’t responsible for what happened at Therinfal. They have every right to be here.
Cullen: I do not question those joining us, only those who betrayed them first. I knew parts of the order were corrupt, but red lyrium? What were they thinking? If you had not gone to Therinfal, there would have been no one left to save. [8]

6 - General: I should hope so.
PC: After what I went through to get them, they’d better be.
Cullen: What happened at Therinfal was appalling. To have demons manipulate your mind… It takes a strong person to walk away from that. It’s good to see you… well. [8]

7 - General: This has to work.
PC: They will. This has to work.
Cullen: Of course. In the meantime, I will oversee our forces should anything go wrong.
PC: What do you mean?
Cullen: All we have are theories. I believe our plan can work, but no one knows for certain what will happen. We need to take precautions. [8]

8 - Scene ends.

In Hushed Whispers

For Their Safety

The PC approaches Cullen in Haven.

Cullen: The mages are ready to approach the Breach. I pray this will be enough to close it.

Dialogue options:

Mage: Do you an I have a problem? [1]
General: Give the mages a chance. [2]
General: Disappointed with our allies? [3]
General: It will be. [4]

1 - Mage: Do you an I have a problem?
PC: You weren’t happy with how I brought in the mages. Do you have a problem with me as well?
Cullen: Of course not. (Sighs.) I have no intention of endangering your alliance, but I must ensure the safety of those here. That concern extends to the mages. They are putting themselves at risk for the Inquisition, as are you. Any precautions taken are meant to aid you, nothing more. I hope you will accept them as such. [5]

2 - General: Give the mages a chance.
PC: I know you’re worried about having the mages here. Give them a chance to prove themselves.
Cullen. I’m not questioning their ability or their intentions, but we cannot ignore the risks.
Cullen (mages conscripted): The mages submitted to our authority. Their safety—and our followers—is my responsibility. I take it seriously. I recommend caution, that’s all.
Cullen (mages allied): I will not endanger the alliance you’ve created. We need their help. Any precautions taken will be to ensure the safety of our people and the mages themselves. Nothing more. [5]

3 - General: Disappointed with our allies?
PC: Would you be more confident if I’d brought back the templars instead?
Cullen: I’d be less worried about the thin Veil resulting in mass possession.
Cullen (mages conscripted): The mages submitted to our authority. Their safety—and our followers—is my responsibility. I take it seriously. I recommend caution, that’s all.
Cullen (mages allied): I will not endanger the alliance you’ve created. We need their help. Any precautions taken will be to ensure the safety of our people and the mages themselves. Nothing more. [5]

4 - General: It will be.
PC: Fiona has sent her best mages. This has to work.
Cullen: Of course. In the meantime, I will oversee our forces should anything go wrong.
PC: What do you mean?
Cullen: All we have are theories. I believe our plan can work, but no one knows for certain what will happen. We need to take precautions. [5]

5 - Scene ends.

From the Ashes

You Have My Word

Various messengers come and go from Cullen’s makeshift desk in the lower courtyard of Skyhold.

Messenger 1: Ser!

Cullen: The order was sent?

Messenger 2: Yes, Commander.

Cullen: Send men to scout the area. We need to know what’s out there.

Messenger 2: Yes, ser!

They leave.

Messenger 1: Commander. Soldiers have been assigned temporary quarters.

Cullen: Very good. I’ll need an update on the armory as well.

The messenger stands around idly.

Cullen: Now!

The messenger leaves as the PC walks up.

Cullen: We set up as best we could at Haven, but we could never prepare for an Archdemon—or whatever it was. With some warning, we might have…

Dialogue options:

**General: It was a bad situation.
**PC: We were all shaken by what happened.
**General: Do you ever stop working?
**PC: Do you ever sleep?
**General: Problem?
**PC: Is everything all right?

Cullen: If Corypheus strikes again, we may not be able to withdraw… and I wouldn’t want to. We must be ready. Work on Skyhold is underway, guard rotations established. We should have everything on course within the week. We will not run from here, Inquisitor.

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: How many did we lose at Haven? [2]
General: I hope I’m a good leader. [3]
General: I’m not used to the title. [4]
General: So, you work for me now? [5]

2 - Investigate: How many did we lose at Haven?
PC: How many were lost?
Cullen: Most of our people made it to Skyhold. It could have been worse. Morale was low, but has improved greatly since you accepted the role of Inquisitor.
[Back to 1]

3 - General: I hope I’m a good leader.
PC: Everyone has so much faith in my leadership. I hope I’m ready.
Cullen: You won’t have to carry the Inquisition alone. Although it must feel like it. [6]

4 - General: I’m not used to the title.
Qunari PC: Inquisitor Adaar.
Dwarf PC: Inquisitor Cadash. Fancy title for a surfacer.
Dalish PC: Inquisitor Lavellan.
Human PC (non-mage): Inquisitor Trevelyan. I wasn’t looking for another title.
Human PC (mage): Inquisitor Trevelyan.
PC: It sounds odd, don’t you think?
Cullen: Not at all.
PC: Is that the official response?
Cullen: (Laughs.) I suppose it is. But it’s the truth. [6]

5 - General: So, you work for me now?
PC: You report to me now? Will that be a problem?
Cullen: I was brought on to oversee the Inquisition’s forces and offer military advice. That hasn’t changed. [6]

6 - Scene continues.

Cullen: We needed a leader; you have proven yourself.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I’m glad we both made it. [7]
General: I trust your advice. [8]
General: We’re starting over. [9]
General: We can’t fail again. [10]

7 - Flirt: I’m glad we both made it.
PC: Thank you, Cullen.
The PC looks away.
PC: Our escape from Haven…it was close. I am relieved that you—that so many made it out.
Cullen: As am I.
There is a long pause and the PC turns to leave.
Cullen: You stayed behind. You could have—I will not all the events at Haven to happen again. You have my word. [11]

8 - General: I trust your advice.
PC: You responded quickly to the attack on Haven. Without that, so many more would have died. I’m grateful for any help you can give.
Cullen: Thank you, Inquisitor. I will do everything I can to ensure the security of our people. You have my word. [11]

9 - General: We’re starting over.
PC: If we need to start over, Skyhold seems as good a place as any.
Cullen: Once repairs are complete, it will be a strong base of operations. I will do everything I can to ensure the security of our people. You have my word. [11]

10 - General: We can’t fail again.
PC: There can be no mistakes this time.
Cullen: I understand. At least we know what we must face. I will do everything I can to ensure the security of our people. You have my word. [11]

11 - Scene ends.

Here Lies the Abyss

An Example

Cullen: First the templars, now the Grey Wardens. Both devoted their lives to fighting evil. Now they serve it.

Dialogue options:

Mage: So, if I was possessed… [1]
Templar: We don’t. [2]
General (allied templars): We have the templars. [3]
General: They’re not willing. [4]
General: Corypheus is cunning. [5]
General: They were desperate. [6]

1 - Mage: So, if I was possessed…

Cullen was told to continue lyrium Cullen: You’re not—and there’s been no cause for concern. PC: You’re avoiding the question. Cullen: What answer would you have me give? That I would ignore a threat to our people’s safety or that I would deal with it? Scene ends.

PC is romancing Cullen Cullen: Please, don’t ask me this. PC: I think I know the answer. Cullen: I don’t think you do. It’s not that simple, and I… I would rather not think of it. Scene ends.

Cullen quit lyrium/has not decided on lyrium. Cullen: I would rather not consider it. Scene ends.

2 - Templar: We don’t. PC: I’m a templar. I don’t serve Corypheus. Neither do you. Cullen (continued lyrium and was told “you chose this life”): You’re right. Cullen: A former templar and one who never joined the Order? I suppose that’s something. [7]

3 - General: We have the templars. PC: We brought most of the templars over. Cullen: Thank the Maker for that. Even if we were too late for some. [7]

4 - General: They’re not willing. PC: Not by choice. They were manipulated by Corypheus. Cullen: I’m not sure that’s a comfort. [7]

5 - General: Corypheus is cunning. PC: What better way to demoralize the people of Thedas than to corrupt their heroes? If Corypheus appears with the templars and Wardens at his side, why shouldn’t they follow too? Cullen: (Sighs.) Because now is not the time to lose hope. [7]

6 - General: They were desperate. PC: They were so desperate to destroy their supposed enemies, they did not see the one standing before them. Cullen: A mistake I’ve made before and do not wish to repeat. [7]

7 - Scene continues.

Cullen: The Inquisition must serve as an example. We must stand where others fall.

Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts

Never Again

Cullen: I’d be perfectly happy never again setting foot in the Winter Palace. It wasn’t the gossip and backstabbing—I know what the Game entails. But the indifference to it all…

Dialogue options:

Flirt (Danced at Halamshiral): I enjoyed the dance. [1]
General: I know what you mean. [2]
General: It’s how you play the Game. [3]
General: We met our goals. [4]

1 - Flirt: I enjoyed the dance. PC: At least there was dancing. Cullen: (Laughs.) Or an attempt at it, anyway. PC: I thought you did well. Cullen: I’m grateful for your poor taste in dance partners. Scene ends.

2 - General: I know what you mean. PC: I didn’t care for it myself. Cullen: I shouldn’t be surprised. The Chantry can be the same. Chantry politics may involve less spectacle but they are just as heated. [5]

3 - General: It’s how you play the Game. PC: Showing interest reveals weakness—something nobles are quick to exploit. Cullen: No doubt you’re right. The Chantry can be the same. Their politics are less extravagant, but just as heated. [5]

4 - General: We met our goals. PC: We ended the stalemates. That’s what matters. Cullen: In the Winter Palace. The clerics in Val Royeaux are still arguing over who should be Divine. Chantry politics may involve less spectacle but they are just as heated. [5]

5 - Scene continues.

Cullen (public truce): Celene and Gaspard rule a country. The Divine influences half a continent. Cullen (Celene rules): The empress rules a country. The Divine influences half a continent. Cullen (Gaspard rules): Gaspard rules a county. The Divine influences half a continent.

Scene ends.

Before the Dawn

Samson’s Fate

The PC enters Cullen’s office to find him throwing knives at a training dummy.

Cullen: (Sighs.)

Cullen: Samson took everything from those templars. He corrupted their souls, twisted them into everything they stood against. Everything they would have hated.

He walks to his desk.

Dialogue options:

General: I feel sorry for them. [1]
General: He got to you. [2]
General: We can’t change that. [3]

1 - General: I feel sorry for them. PC: I know the red templars fight for Corypheus, but I feel sorry for them. Cullen: They’re barely human anymore.

2 - General: He got to you. PC: You’re letting Samson get to you. Cullen: And what if I am?

3 - General: We can’t change that. PC: There’s nothing we can do for them now. Cullen: I’m well aware of that.

4 - Scene continues.

Cullen: The red lyrium left Samson’s mind unaltered. He knew what he was doing. He dares speak as if it were a mercy? The man’s a monster.

Cullen (Samson serves the Inquisition): I pray his information is useful. His life is good for little else. Cullen (Samson given to Kirkwall): I sent word to Kirkwall. Samson will pay for his crimes there. I’m sure of it. Cullen (Samson imprisoned): Our dungeon was too generous an option. At least he’s out of my sight. Cullen (Samson given to Dagna): Dagna is far too kind a jailor for the likes of him. Cullen (Samson exiled): Will he feel any remorse before the woods take him?

Dialogue options:

General: It’s over. Let it go. [5]
General: No sympathy, then? [6]
General: Justice was served. [7]

5 - General: It’s over. Let it go. PC: Samson is everything you say, but it’s over. You have to let this go. Cullen: Over for us, perhaps. For Samson. Not for those still controlled by Corypheus.

6 - General: No sympathy, then? PC; You knew Samson. You don’t feel even a little sympathy for him? Cullen: I may have once. But after what he’s done… My sympathies lie with those he betrayed. They will extend no further.

7 - General: Justice was served. PC: Samson got what he deserved. Cullen: The man and women he betrayed—they deserved something better. Samson deserves nothing.

8 - Scene continues.

The red templars needed to be torn down. We’ve broken Corypheus’s army. I might have known some of them. If my life had gone differently—I might have been one of them.

He pauses.

Cullen: Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you had not been at the Conclave? If you’d never become the Inquisitor?

Dialogue options:

Flirt: If we’d never met? [9]
General: I’d have joined anyway. [10]
General: No way. You people need me. [11]
General: My life would be simpler. [12]
General: I don’t care about what-ifs. [13]

9 - Flirt: If we’d never met? PC: A life without you? Never. They exchange long looks, and the PC leaves. Scene ends.

10 - General: I’d have joined anyway. PC: I’d still ne here. Well, maybe not here. But I’d be down in the barracks with the other volunteers. I couldn’t just sit idle. Cullen: No, I don’t imagine you could. The PC leaves. Scene ends.

11 - General: No way. You people need me. PC: Please. The Inquisition would be lost without me. Cullen: Then perhaps it’s best not to consider the alternative. PC: My thoughts exactly. The PC leaves. Scene ends.

12 - General: My life would be simpler. PC: Sometimes. My life would be less complicated. Less dangerous. Cullen: Or it could have been worse.

Cullen (continued lyrium): People’s lives aren’t simple or safe anymore. It’s been far too long since they were. Cullen (quit lyrium): There would still be chaos and—that was meant to sound comforting. And I can see how it wouldn’t. At all.

Cullen: You’ve led us this far. many owe you their lives. Whether or not the Maker sent you, you were needed here. The PC leaves. Scene ends.

13 - General: I don’t care about what-ifs. PC: Why would I care about what might have been? I’m here now. Cullen: And Corypheus is still out there. PC: Until we stop him, yes. The PC leaves. Scene ends.

What Pride Had Wrought

Unreasonable

Cullen: I do not like having that mirror—eluvian—in Skyhold. Corypheus may not be able to travel through it, but what if something else can?

Dialogue options:

General: I trust Morrigan with it. [1]
General: It doesn’t have to be bad. [2]
General: Ask Morrigan about it. [3]

1 - General: I trust Morrigan with it. PC: I don’t think Morrigan would keep it here if that were true. Cullen: Yes—Morrigan said as much when I asked her. PC: Oh? [4]

2 - General: It doesn’t have to be bad. PC: What if it’s something good? Cullen: Morrigan claims that if I close my eyes and wish hard enough, a fleet of griffons will appear under my command. PC: See? That’s… probably not true. But it would be fun. Cullen: It… well, yes, but that wasn’t my point. (Sighs.) I’ll stop worrying about it. So long as someone’s watching it. Even if that someone is Morrigan.

3 - General: Ask Morrigan about it. PC: Morrigan’s our expert on the eluvian. If you’re worried, why don’t you ask her? Cullen: I did. PC: And? [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Cullen: She said I was unreasonable, then offered to explain how the eluvian works using words with less than four syllables.

PC: Ah.

Cullen: The Circle had a library. I’m fairly well read.

PC: Right.

Cullen: I’m not unreasonable…

Post-game

Choice dependent dialogue:

Templars allied, Cullen quit lyrium [1]
Templars conscripted, Cullen quit lyrium [2]
Templars conscripted, Cullen temporarily continued lyrium [3]
Templars conscripted, Cullen continued lyrium/did not discuss lyrium [4]
Sided mages/Templars allied, Cullen continued lyrium/did not discuss lyrium [5]

1 - Templars allied, Cullen quit lyrium Cullen: With Corypheus gone, there’s talk among the templars of reform. They intend to stop binding their ranks with lyrium. They could make something better than what the Order became.

PC: Will you join them?

Cullen: I wish them well, but my place is here.

Cullen (romanced): I would not be enticed away so quickly. Cullen (not romanced): Our work’s not done yet, Inquisitor. [6]

2 - Templars conscripted, Cullen quit lyrium Cullen: The templars plan to stay with the Inquisition. Which means that what remains of the Order is under my command. It’s not what I expected when I left, but I’m glad they have a place here. [6]

3 - Templars conscripted, Cullen temporarily continued lyrium Cullen: The templars plan to stay with the Inquisition. The old Order’s gone. It’s time I cut my last ties as well. [6]

4 - Templars conscripted, Cullen continued lyrium/did not discuss lyrium Cullen: The templars plan to stay with the Inquisition. They will continue to serve as you see fit. As shall I. [6]

5 - Sided mages/Templars allied, Cullen continued lyrium/did not discuss lyrium Cullen (Leliana Divine): Leliana is to be Divine. It will be strange to see her go. Given her plans for the Chantry, the months to come will be… interesting. [6]

Cullen (Cassandra Divine): It’s hard to imagine Cassandra sitting through her coronation, let alone acting as Divine. Cullen (discussed lyrium with Cassandra): She put her faith in me. I will gladly put my faith in her now. Cullen (did not discuss lyrium): Still, if anyone can keep the clergy in check, it’s her. [6]

Cullen (Vivienne Divine): A mage Divine who would reinstate the Circles. What could possibly go wrong? (Sighs.) Just thinking about it gives me a headache. [6]

6 - Scene ends.

—

Post-game greetings

Romanced:

Cullen: It’s good to see you.
Cullen: You’re looking lovely. Have I told you that?
Cullen: Come to distract me, have you?

General:

Cullen: Inquisitor.
Cullen: At your service.
Cullen: Yes?