Personal Quest

Perseverance

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You Should Know

Cullen: As leader of the Inquisition, you… (sighs) there’s something I must tell you.

Dialogue options:

General: You can tell me anything. [1]
General: Well, this sounds ominous. [2]
General: Spit it out. [3]

1 - General: You can tell me anything. PC: Whatever it is, I’m willing to listen. Cullen: Right. Thank you. [4]

2 - General: Well, this sounds ominous. PC: You’re being especially serious today. Cullen: I know. (Exhales.) [4]

3 - General: Spit it out. PC: All right. [4]

4 - Scene continues.

Cullen (templar spec PC): You know the power lyrium offers. I trust you’ve accepted the price. Cullen (non-templar spec PC): Lyrium grants templars our abilities, but it controls us as well.

Cullen: Those cut off suffer—some go mad, others die. We have secured a reliable source of lyrium for the templars here. But I… no longer take it.

PC: You stopped?

Cullen: When I joined the Inquisition. It’s been months now.

Dialogue options:

Angry: Why didn’t I know sooner? [5]
Anxious: But you could die. [6]
Confused: You seem fine. [7]
Stoic: But why? [8]

5 - Anxious: But you could die. PC: Cullen, if this can kill you… Cullen: It hasn’t yet. [9]

6 - Angry: Why didn’t I know sooner? PC: Months? You didn’t think to tell me this sooner?

Cullen (human/Dalish female PC, has flirted): I should have. [9]

Cullen (male/dwarf/Qunari PC/has not flirted): Has it mattered? PC: I don’t know. Has it? [9]

7 - Confused: You seem fine. PC: You’ve never complained. Cullen: Why would I? I chose this. [9]

8 - Stoic: But why? PC: Why are you doing this? [9]

9 - Scene continues.

Cullen: After what happened in Kirkwall, I couldn’t… I will not be bound to the Order—or that life—any longer. Whatever the suffering, I accept it. But I would not put the Inquisition at risk. I have asked Cassandra to… watch me. If my ability to lead is compromised, I will be relieved from duty.

10 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Are you okay? [11]
General: I respect your decision. [12]
General: I’ll trust Cassandra. [13]
General: I don’t approve. [14]
General: Fine. Just do your job. [15]

11 - Investigate: Are you okay? PC: Are you in pain? Cullen: I can endure it. [back to 10]

12 - General: I respect your decision. PC (templar spec): If you’re concerned about my opinion, don’t be. I will respect your decision. PC (non-templar spec): Thank you for telling me. I respect what you’re doing. Cullen: Thank you, Inquisitor. [20]

13 - General: I’ll trust Cassandra. PC: Cassandra takes things as seriously as you do. If she has no problem with this, neither do I. Cullen: I thought you had a right to know. [20]

14 - General: I don’t approve. PC: You shouldn’t have done this in the first place. Cullen: I have to do this. What future can there be outside the Order if I don’t try? I believe in this Inquisition, but I would serve out of loyalty. Not blind obedience.

Dialogue options:

Special (templar spec): I’m not obedient. [16]
General: Sorry. I was quick to judge. [17]
General: There must be another way. [18]
General: This isn’t the best time. [19]

16 - Special (templar spec): I’m not obedient. PC: Do you think I serve the Inquisition out of obedience? Cullen: I speak only for myself. PC: Is it so different for you? [20] ㅤㅤ ㅤ 17 - General: Sorry. I was quick to judge. PC: I didn’t mean… I’m sorry, Cullen. I would have that as well. [20] ㅤㅤ ㅤ 18 - General: There must be another way. PC: But this? Risking your life, your sanity… it can’t be the only way. [20] ㅤㅤ ㅤ 19 - General: This isn’t the best time. PC: Cullen, this isn’t the time. [20]

15 - General: Fine. Just do your job. PC: You seem to have this well in hand. Cullen: I thought you had a right to know. [20]

20 - Scene continues.

Cullen: The Inquisition’s army must always take priority. Should anything happen… I will defer to Cassandra’s judgment.

A Game of Chess

Choice dependent dialogue:

Dorian recruited [1]
Dorian not recruited [2]

1 - Dorian recruited The PC approaches Dorian and Cullen, who are playing chess in the gardens.

Cullen: Gloat all you like. I have this one.

Dorian: Are you sassing me, Commander? I didn’t know you had it in you.

Cullen: Why do I even—Inquisitor.

Cullen moves to stand.

Dorian: Leaving, are you? Does this mean I win?

Dialogue options:

General: I didn’t mean to interrupt. [3]
General: Having fun? [4]
General: It’s just a game. [5]

3 - General: I didn’t mean to interrupt. PC: Please. Don’t stop on my account. Cullen: All right. Your move. [6]

4 - General: Having fun? PC: Are you two playing nice? Dorian: I’m always nice. [6]

5 - General: It’s just a game. PC: You’re taking this rather seriously. Dorian: He is, isn’t he? [6]

6 - Scene continues.

Dorian: You need to come to terms with my inevitable victory. You’ll feel much better.

Cullen: Really? Because I just won. And I feel fine.

Dorian: Don’t get smug. There will be no living with you. [11]

2 - Dorian not recruited The PC approaches Leliana and Cullen, who are playing chess in the gardens.

Cullen: That piece wasn’t there a moment ago.

Leliana: Such accusations, Commander.

Cullen: It doesn’t matter. I’ll win any—Inquisitor.

Cullen moves to stand.

Leliana: If you leave, I will consider it a forfeit.

General: I didn’t mean to interrupt. [7]
General: Having fun? [8]
General: It’s just a game. [9]

7 - General: I didn’t mean to interrupt. PC: Please. Don’t stop on my account. Leliana: You can witness my victory. [10]

8 - General: Having fun? PC: Are you two playing nice? Leliana: Of course. [10]

9 - General: It’s just a game. PC: You’re taking this rather seriously. [10]

10 - Scene continues.

Cullen: She’s upset I won our last game.

Leliana: That was luck. You cannot rely on it.

Cullen: I’m not. I have you in three because I’m good at this.

Leliana: Well played. I expect a rematch. [11]

11 - Scene continues.

Cullen: I should return to my duties as well… unless you would care for a game?

Dialogue options:

General: No, thank you. [12]
General: You’re on. [13]

12 - General: No, thank you. PC: I think I’ll pass. Cullen: Of course. Scene ends.

13 - General: You’re on. PC: Prepare the board, Commander.

Cullen: As a child, I played this with my sister. She would get this stuck-up grin whenever she won—which was all the time. My brother and I practiced together for weeks. The look on her face the day I finally won… Between serving with the templars and the Inquisition, I haven’t seen them in years. I wonder if she still plays.

14 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Tell me about your family. [15]
General: [Cheat.] [16]
General: [Let him win.] [17]
General: [Play fair.] [18]

15 - Investigate: Tell me about your family. PC: You have siblings? Cullen: Two sisters and a brother. PC: Where are they now? Cullen: They moved to South Reach after the Blight. I do not write them as often as I should. Ah, it’s my turn. [back to 14]

16 - General: [Cheat.] PC: You’re about to relive those childhood defeats. This game is mine. [19]

17 - General: [Let him win.] PC: You should keep in practice for when you see your sister again. [19]

18 - General: [Play fair.] PC: All right. Let’s see what you got. [19]

19 - Scene continues.

Cullen: This may be the longest we’ve gone without discussing the Inquisition—or related matters. To be honest, I appreciate the distraction.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: We should do this more often. [21]
Flirt (PC in another romance): We should do this more often. [22]
General: There’s no need for formality. [23]
General: Me, too. [24]
General: We’re focused. [25]

21 - Flirt: We should do this more often. PC: We should spend more time together. Cullen: I would like that. PC: Me, too. Cullen: You said that. Cullen pauses. Cullen: We should… finish our game. Right. My turn? [28]

22 - Flirt: We should do this more often. PC: We should spend more time together. Cullen: Would you not prefer [Blackwall/Bull/Josephine/Sera/Solas]’s company?

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I might prefer yours. [26]
General: Yes. Of course. [27]

26 - Flirt: I might prefer yours. PC: If things were different… Cullen: I cannot speak to that. [28] ㅤㅤ ㅤ 27 - General: Yes. Of course. PC: Of course. But you and I can be friends, I hope? Cullen: Friends. Yes, of course. [28]

23 - General: There’s no need for formality. PC: We’ve been through enough to drop the formalities and simply talk. Cullen: I suppose we have. [28]

24 - General: Me, too. PC: You can’t be serious all the time. Well, maybe you can. Cullen: (Laughs.) [28]

25 - General: We’re focused. PC: We both have work to do. There’s nothing wrong with focusing on it. Cullen: True. [28]

28 - Scene continues.

PC cheated Cullen: Well, I believe the game is mine. PC: Wait, what? Cullen: Dorian cheats at this as well. Cullen: Leliana uses the same cheats. Scene ends.

PC let him win Cullen: And this one’s mine. PC: It seems luck favored you today. Cullen (female PC, has flirted): So it has. Scene ends.

PC played fair Cullen: I believe this one is yours. Well played. Cullen (female PC, has flirted): We shall have to try again sometime. Scene ends.

Looking for the Commander

The PC enters Cullen’s office.

Runner: Inquisitor. If you’re looking for the commander, he’s gone to speak with Seeker Pentaghast.

Cullen and Cassandra are talking in the smithy.

Cassandra: You asked for my opinion, and I’ve given it. Why would you expect it to change?

Cullen: I expect you to keep your word. It’s relentless, I can’t—

Cassandra: You give yourself too little credit.

Cullen: If I’m unable to fulfill what vows I kept, then nothing good has come of this. Would you rather save fact than admit—

The PC enters.

Cullen (romanced): Forgive me. Cullen (not romanced): We will speak of this later.

Cullen leaves.

Cassandra: And people say I’m stubborn. This is ridiculous. Cullen told you that he’s no longer taking lyrium?

Dialogue options:

General: You were to watch him. [1]
General: He was determined. [2]
General: I think it’s brave. [3]
General: It’s foolish. [4]

1 - General: You were to watch him. PC: Yes—he trusted your judgment on the matter. Cassandra: (Sighs.) He was not interested in my judgment today. [5]

2 - General: He was determined. PC: It seemed very important to him. Cassandra: It’s not a decision to be made lightly. But now… [5]

3 - General: I think it’s brave. PC: Yes, and I respect his decision. Cassandra: As do I. Not that he’s willing to listen. [5]

4 - General: It’s foolish. PC: The whole thing is absurd. Cassandra: (Sighs.) He would agree with you. [5]

5 - Scene continues.

Cassandra: Cullen has asked that I recommend a replacement for him. I refused. It’s not necessary. Besides, it would destroy him. He’s come so far.

6 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: Why didn’t he tell me? [7] General (encouraged Cullen to continue lyrium): I knew this was a bad idea. [8] General: Can we change his mind? [9] General: Who do I listen to here? [10] General: Shouldn’t he decide? [11]

7 - Investigate: Why didn’t he tell me? PC: Why didn’t he come to me? Cassandra: We had an agreement long before you joined us. As a Seeker, I could evaluate the dangers.

Cassandra (PC romancing Cullen): And he wouldn’t want to… risk your disappointment. [12] Cassandra (templar spec PC): Perhaps he feared you wouldn’t understand. [12]

8 - General: I knew this was a bad idea. PC: I told him this was a bad idea. Cassandra: It seems he listened. Perhaps you’re right. [12]

9 - General: Can we change his mind? PC: Is there anything we can do to change his mind? Cassandra: If anyone could, it’s you. [12]

10 - General: Who do I listen to here? PC: Cassandra, did you refuse Cullen’s request because he’s wrong, or because you want him to be wrong? [12]

11 - General: Shouldn’t he decide? PC: Shouldn’t this be Cullen’s decision? [12]

12 - Scene continues.

Cassandra: Mages have made their suffering known, but templars never have. They are bound to the Order, mind and soul, with someone always holding their lyrium leash. Cullen has a chance to break that leash, to prove to himself—and anyone who would follow suit—that it’s possible.

Cassandra (templar spec PC): You may wish the same one day. Cassandra (non-templar PC): He can do this, I knew that when we met in Kirkwall. Talk to him. Decide if now is the time.

Crisis

Cullen in hunched over his desk, staring intensely at his lyrium philter. He throws is across the room.

Cullen: (Yells.)

The PC enters, and the box smashes into the doorway beside them

Cullen: Maker’s breath! I didn’t hear you enter, I—Forgive me.

Dialogue options:

General: Talk to me. [1]
General: At least you missed. [2]
General: I want an explanation. [3]

1 - General: Talk to me. PC: Cullen, if you need to talk… Cullen: You don’t have to— (Groans.) [4]

2 - General: At least you missed. PC: o long as you weren’t aiming at me. I’m sure the box had it coming. Cullen: I swear I didn’t know you were— (Groans.) [4]

3 - General: I want an explanation. PC: I thought you had everything under control. What’s going on? Cullen: It’s fine. I’ll— (Groans.) [4]

4 - Scene continues.

*Cullen staggers and leans on the corner of his desk.

Cullen encouraged to continue lyrium [5]
Cullen told not to continue lyrium [6]

5 - Cullen encouraged to continue lyrium Cullen: You were right. This was a mistake.

Dialogue options:

General: Are you okay? [9]
General: I’m not here to gloat. [7]
General: Will you listen now? [8]

7 - General: I’m not here to gloat. PC: I’m not here to say I told you so. Cullen: You may as well. [12] ㅤㅤ ㅤ 8 - General: Will you listen now? PC: Does that mean you’ll listen to me now? [12]

6 - Cullen told not to continue lyrium Cullen: I never meant for this to interfere.

Dialogue options:

General: Are you okay? [9]
General: I know that. [10]
General: So now what? [11]

9 - General: Are you okay? PC: Are you going to be all right? Cullen: Yes… I don’t know. [12] ㅤㅤ ㅤ 10 - General: I know that. PC: I believe you. Cullen: For whatever good it does. Promises mean nothing if I cannot keep them. [12] ㅤㅤ ㅤ 11 - General: So now what? PC: What do you intend to do? Cullen: Cassandra’s right: I should stay. I need to… I don’t know. [12]

12 - Scene continues.

Cullen walks over to the window behind his desk.

Cullen (PC asked about the Circle before): You asked what happened to Ferelden’s Circle. It was taken over by abominations. The templars—my friends—were slaughtered. Cullen (PC did not ask Cullen about the Circle): Did you know Ferelden’s Circle was taken over by abominations? I was there. The templars—my friends—were slaughtered.

Cullen: I was tortured. They tried to break my mind, and I—how can you be the same person after that? Still, I wanted to serve. They sent me to Kirkwall. I trusted my knight-commander, and for what? Her fear of mages ended in madness. Kirkwall’s Circle fell. Innocent people died in the streets. Can’t you see why I want nothing to do with that life?

Dialogue options:

General: I understand. [13]
General: You have bad timing. [14]
General: You’re taking too many risks. [15]

13 - General: I understand. PC: Of course I can. I— Cullen: Don’t! You should be questioning what I’ve done. [16]

14 - General: You have bad timing. PC: With everything that’s happened, you’ve picked a bad time to start over. Cullen: I should have seen that. [16]

15 - General: You’re taking too many risks. PC: Be that as it may, you put your health and your service to the Inquisition at risk. Cullen: I know. [16]

16 - Scene continues.

Cullen begins to pace.

Cullen: I thought this would be better—that I would regain some control over my life. But these thoughts won’t leave me… How many lives depend on our success? I swore myself to this cause… I will not give less to the Inquisition than I did the Chantry. I should be taking it!

He punches the bookshelf.

Cullen: I should be taking it.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I care about what you want. [17]
General: That would be best. [Cullen will start taking lyrium again.] [18]
General: Good. Just do your job. [Cullen will start taking lyrium again.] [19]
General: No lyrium. That’s an order. [Cullen will not take lyrium.] [20]
General: You don’t need lyrium. [Cullen will not take lyrium.] [21]

17 - Flirt: I care about what you want. PC: This doesn’t have to be about the Inquisition. Is this what you want? Cullen: (Exhales.) No. But… these memories have always haunted me—if they become worse, if I cannot endure this…

Dialogue options:

Don’t give up. [Cullen will not take lyrium.] [22]
Don’t risk it. Take lyrium. [Cullen will start taking lyrium again.] [23]

22 - Don’t give up. The PC puts their hand on his chest. PC: You can. Cullen: (Exhales.) All right. Scene ends.

23 - Don’t risk it. Take lyrium. The PC puts their hand on his chest. PC: I can’t watch you die. Please, Cullen. Take the lyrium. Cullen turns to the lyrium on his desk as the PC leaves. Cullen: There will be no further distractions. You have my word. He drinks the lyrium, and hangs his head. Scene ends.

18 - General: That would be best. PC; The Order doesn’t control you. Isn’t that enough? Cullen: I don’t— PC: Cullen, you’re in pain. This isn’t worth it. Cullen: Yes, Inquisitor. He returns to his desk. Cullen: There will be no further distractions. You have my word. He drinks the lyrium and the PC leaves. Scene ends.

19 - General: Good. Just do your job. PC: Good. Winning this war will taking everything we’ve got. Every soldier here has made sacrifices. Those soldiers need—no, they deserve you at your best. Is that clear? Cullen: Yes, Inquisitor. He returns to his desk. Cullen: There will be no further distractions. You have my word. He drinks the lyrium and the PC leaves. Scene ends.

20 - General: No lyrium. That’s an order. PC: So that’s it? Things get difficult, and you back down? Cullen: That’s not— PC: You’ve built an army. Are you capable of leading it? Cullen: Yes, Inquisitor. PC: Then carry on as you were. Without lyrium. Do you need that in writing? The PC clasps him on the shoulder. Cullen: That won’t be necessary. Scene ends.

21 - General: You don’t need lyrium. PC: You give enough, Cullen. I’m not asking you for more. The Inquisition can be your chance to start over—if you want it to be. Cullen: I don’t know if that’s possible. PC: It is. The PC clasps him on the shoulder. Cullen: (Exhales.) All right. Scene ends.

I Wanted to Thank You a

The PC finds Cullen on the battlements, looking over the mountains.

Cullen: I wanted to thank you… when you came to see me… if there’s anything… (Exhales.)

He rubs the back of his neck.

Cullen: This sounded much better in my head.

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: You’re feeling better. [2]
General: I’m glad I could help. [3]
General (before investigate): No need for thanks. [4]
General: Just be careful. [5]

2 - Investigate: You’re feeling better. PC: I trust you’re feeling better? Cullen: I… yes. PC: Is it always that bad? Cullen: The pain comes and goes. Sometimes I feel as if I’m back there… I should not have pushed myself so far that day.

Dialogue options:

General: Try to avoid that. [6]
[Back to 1]

6 - General: Try to avoid that. PC: Skyhold won’t fall apart if you take an hour for yourself now and then. Cullen: I’ll keep that in mind. [7]

3 - General: I’m glad I could help. PC: I’m just glad you’re all right. Cullen: I am. [7]

4 - General: No need for thanks. PC: I’ll take your word for it. Really, you don’t need to thank me. Cullen: No, I do. [7]

5 - General: Just be careful. PC: Just try to be more careful from now on. Cullen: Of course. [7]

7 - Scene continues.

Cullen: I’ve never told anyone what truly happened to me at Ferelden’s Circle. I was… not myself after that. I was angry. For years, that anger blinded me. I’m not proud of the man that made me.

Cullen (romanced mage PC): The way I saw mages… I’m not sure I would have cared about you, and the thought of that sickens me.

Cullen: Now I can put some distance between myself and everything that happened. It’s a start.

Dialogue options:

Flirt: I care about you. [8]
General: You’re too hard on yourself. [9]
General: It’s good to let go. [10]
General: You can’t ignore the past. [11]

8 - Flirt: I care about you. PC: For what it’s worth, I like who you are now. Cullen: Even after…? PC (in active romance): Cullen, I care about you. You’ve done nothing to change that. PC (not in an active romance with Cullen): I’m serious. Cullen: What about you? You have troubles of your own. [12]

9 - General: You’re too hard on yourself. PC: You’re a better person than you give yourself credit for. Cullen: I appreciate the thought, but I know who I am. Anyway, I meant to thank you, not trouble you further. You’ve enough to worry about. [12]

10 - General: It’s good to let go. PC: The past isn’t always pleasant. Sometimes you have to let go and move on. Cullen: I can’t forget what happened. But it led me here. I can make that mean something. Anyway, I meant to thank you, not trouble you further. You’ve enough to worry about. [12]

11 - General: You can’t ignore the past. PC: The man you were—you can’t pretend he never existed. Cullen: Not even if I wanted to. But I’m here now. I can make that mean something. Anyway, I meant to thank you, not trouble you further. You’ve enough to worry about. [12]

12 - Scene continues.

Cullen: How are you holding up?

Dialogue options:

General: I’m scared I’ll fail. [12]
General: I’ll be better when we win. [14]
General: My friends keep me grounded. [15]
General: Don’t concern yourself. [16]

12 - General: I’m scared I’ll fail. PC: Honestly, I’m terrified. So many people depend on us. On me. Corypheus is still out there. Cullen: We’ve made great strides. Do not doubt yourself—or the Inquisition—just yet. If there’s anything I can do, you have only to ask. [16]

13 - General: I’ll be better when we win. PC: I’ll feel better when we take down Corypheus. Cullen: As will I. He will not elude us forever. [16]

14 - General: My friends keep me grounded. PC: I’ve met good people here. Knowing they have my back—it helps. Cullen: You certainly keep interesting company. I suppose I do as well. [16]

15 - General: Don’t concern yourself. PC: I’m fine. Focus your concern on our soldiers. Cullen: Of course, Inquisitor. [16]

16 - Scene ends.

A New Sword b

The PC enters Cullen’s office, but he isn’t here. They find a note on his desk.

Commander, ㅤㅤ ㅤ The blacksmith laid out a fine selection in the smithy by the stables. To be viewed at your leisure. ㅤㅤ ㅤ Lieutenant Derring

The PC finds Cullen in the smithy.

PC: Need a new sword?

Cullen: I was thinking about it. I owe you an apology. When Cassandra sent you to speak to me… I should have handled myself better.

Dialogue options:

General: How are you? [1]
General: Is taking lyrium harder now? [2]
General: What’s done is done. [3]

1 - General: How are you? PC: There’s no need to apologize. How are you feeling? Cullen: I’m less exhausted. I hadn’t realized how draining those months had been.

2 - General: Is taking lyrium harder now? PC: Will you need time to… readjust to lyrium? Cullen: It’s like the weeks following my final vows. I’m more… aware of it.

Cullen (templar spec PC): I don’t need to tell you. Cullen (non-templar PC): That will fade.

3 - General: What’s done is done. PC: You were not yourself that day. Cullen: Perhaps not.

4 - Scene continues.

Cullen: The army has my full attention. I’ve informed Cassandra of the decision. Everything is as it should be.

Dialogue options:

General: I’m sorry about all this. [5]
General: I hope you find a sword. [6]
General: Is something wrong? [7]

7 - General: I’m sorry about all this. PC: Cullen, I’m sorry. I do think this was the right decision. Cullen: We all must do what’s best for the Inquisition.

8 - General: I hope you find a sword. PC: Well, good luck finding a sword. That one looks nice. Cullen: We have a fine armory, Inquisitor.

9 - General: Is something wrong? PC: So you’re fine? Cullen: The Inquisition’s templars are well armed. This won’t take long. PC: That’s not what I meant. Cullen: Everything’s fine, Inquisitor.

10 - Scene continues.

Cullen: I always wanted to be a templar, to protect people. After Ferelden, I served out of fear… and because I was compelled. I thought if I removed the part that kept me chained, I would find my own purpose again. There are templars who have been through worse. Once your sacrifices are made, is there no end? Are you leashed until the day you die, or lyrium takes your mind away?

Dialogue options:

You chose this life. [Cullen will keep taking lyrium.] [11]
We’ll find a safer way. After. [Cullen will keep taking lyrium for now.] [12]
I was wrong about the lyrium. [Cullen will stop taking lyrium.] [13]

11 - You chose this life. PC: Templars make sacrifices so they can serve the people. Isn’t that the life you’ve chosen?

Cullen (not romanced): It is. I will serve them by serving the Inquisition. Scene ends.

Cullen (romanced): Yes. And I should devote myself to that alone. I wasn’t the same after Ferelden. I tried putting that behind me. Clearly I don’t know how. Until that’s possible, I shouldn’t be with anyone.

Dialogue options:

General: Don’t say that. [14]
General: Then it’s over. [15]

14 - General: Don’t say that. PC: Cullen, please. Cullen: I’m sorry. The PC leaves. Relationship with Cullen ends.

15 - General: Then it’s over. PC: Then there’s nothing more to say. Cullen: So it would seem. The PC leaves. Relationship with Cullen ends.

12 - We’ll find a safer way. After. PC: You’re risking life and mind already. But there must be a safer way. When this war is over, we’ll look for it. I promise. Cullen: Another way, then. The PC leaves. Scene ends.

13 - I was wrong about the lyrium. PC: Then stop. Cullen: What? No, I need to focus on the Inquisition…

PC (templar spec PC): You will—but on your terms. No one else’s. PC (non-templar PC): Given what it means to you—to the templars—you have to try.

Cullen: All right. The PC leaves. Scene ends.

If the PC tries to talk to Cullen immediately after they break up Cullen: I need a moment. Could we speak another time?

Investigate: I Want To Know More About You

PC: May I ask you something?

Cullen (romanced): Always. Cullen (not romanced): Of course.

1 - Dialogue options:

Investigate: What will you do next? [2]
Investigate (Cullen continued lyrium): Are you against templars now? [3]
Investigate (Cullen did not continue lyrium): Are you against templars now? [4]
Investigate: What is it you regret? [5]
Investigate: Is your family all right? [6]
Investigate (male mage HoF): You knew the Hero of Ferelden? [7]
Investigate (female mage HoF): You knew the Hero of Ferelden? [8]
General: That was all. [9]

2 - Investigate: What will you do next? PC: The Inquisition won’t last forever. What will you do when this is over?

Cullen (romanced): If we are together, it hardly matters. Cullen (taking lyrium): I am bound to the Inquisition. I will serve until I am no longer needed. Cullen (not romanced, not taking lyrium): To be honest, I hadn’t given it much thought until recently. I’m not used to having so many… possibilities. [back to 1]

3 - Investigate: Are you against templars now? PC: You nearly gave up lyrium, your powers—all of it. Do you no longer think templars necessary?

Cullen (templar PC): I’ve cast no judgement on you, if that’s what you mean. Cullen (non-templar PC): That’s not—no, I don’t believe that.

Cullen: Magic ungoverned could tear the world apart. It’s doing so now. Templars are trained and able to confront such dangers.

Dialogue options:

Special: What’s the answer, then? [10]
[Back to 1]

10 - Special: What’s the answer, then? PC: What would you suggest? Cullen: Some call the Circle a prison—that can only breed resentment. Perhaps opportunities to work outside the Circle? A mixed military service, or healers’ clinics with templar support. Templars could remain vigilant, but it would feel less confined. [12]

4 - Investigate: Are you against templars now? PC: Do you think templars should cease to exist?

Cullen (templar PC): No. I may have left that life, but I know the good they do—and what you could accomplish. Cullen (non-templar PC): No. I may have chosen to leave that life, but I respect those who remain.

Cullen: Magic ungoverned could tear the world apart. It’s doing so now. Templars are trained and able to confront such dangers.

Dialogue options:

Special: What’s the answer, then? [11]
[Back to 1]

11 - Special: What’s the answer, then? PC: What would you suggest? Cullen: Some call the Circle a prison—that can only breed resentment. Perhaps opportunities to work outside the Circle? A mixed military service, or healers’ clinics with templar support. [12]

12 - Dialogue options:

Templar: I’ll lose my mind? [13]
General: Would your idea work? [14]
General: That’s not a bad idea. [15]
General: The Circles can still work. [16]
General: We don’t need templars at all. [17]

13 - Templar: I’ll lose my mind? PC: I’m going to lose my memories? Cullen: It’s possible. If you take lyrium for the rest of your life. I’ve seen it happen—mostly in older templars. They start to forget. Small things at first—a misplaced item, words to a song—but more fades away over time. I’m sorry, I… thought you knew.

Dialogue options:

Flirt (romanced): Would I forget you? [18]
[Back to 1]

18 - Flirt: Would I forget you? PC: Older templars… do they ever forget people? Loved ones? Cullen: I don’t know. Perhaps. PC: Oh.

14 - General: Would your idea work? PC: Do you think that could work? Would people accept it? Cullen: Mages would be watched, but could pursue interests outside the Circle—neither freedom nor prison. I don’t know. [back to 1]

15 - General: That’s not a bad idea. PC: I like the sound of that. Cullen: I’m not sure it’s the answer, but something needs to change. [back to 1]

16 - General: The Circles can still work. PC: The Circles may have faltered, but they were not without merit. That system should be restored, not abandoned. Cullen: The Circle may bring peace for a time, if only because people crave stability. But how long would it last? [back to 1]

17 - General: We don’t need templars at all. PC: Mages can take care of themselves. We don’t need templars. Cullen: When faced with the Breach, you chose to trust them. Those threatened by the Venatori appreciate our templar recruits. After everything they’ve contributed, would you dismiss their efforts so easily? Cullen: Tell that to the parents of a child who falls prey to possession. Mages cannot handle such threats alone. [back to 1]

5 - Investigate: What is it you regret? PC: You still regret the man you became after leaving Ferelden? Cullen: After the Fereldan Circle, I thought all mages were like the ones there. Knight-Commander Meredith’s methods were harsh, but they kept people safe.

Dialogue options:

Special: Meredith was wrong. [19]
[Back to 1]

19 - Special: Meredith was wrong. PC: You’ve said Meredith was unstable. Cullen: She was my knight-commander. I had no reason to distrust her. She wasn’t wrong about the blood mages in Kirkwall. Meredith encouraged my anger towards the mages. But there was only so far I would go, and she knew that too. I was her second in command, but she kept decisions from me—those I would question. I believed she was serving the city. I never thought to question her. Not until it was too late.

Dialogue options:

General: It wasn’t your fault. [20]
General: I hope I’m a better leader. [21]
General: People died for that. [22]

20 - General: It wasn’t your fault. PC: You can’t control everything. You stood up to her in the end. Cullen: If I hadn’t, would I be like her now? I wanted mages locked away as much as she did. I trusted they were treated reasonably well, but I should have done more. I should have looked into it. It is not yet enough. ㅤㅤ ㅤ 21 - General: I hope I’m a better leader. PC: I hope you find the Inquisition’s leadership more agreeable. ㅤㅤ ㅤ Cullen (romanced): (Laughs.) Forgive my lack of professional decorum, but very much so. Cullen (not romanced): I am confident you will see us through to the end. ㅤㅤ ㅤ 22 - General: People died for that. PC: Your fear of mages blinded you. Lives were lost for that. Cullen: A truth that haunts me. It is not yet enough. ㅤㅤ ㅤ 23 - Scene continues. ㅤㅤ ㅤ Cullen: The Inquisition is my chance to atone. I will not see it fail. [back to 1]

6 - Investigate: Is your family all right? PC: You’ve mentioned siblings. With everything that’s happening… do you know if they’re all right? Cullen: I’ve received word from my eldest sister. She was always good at tracking me down. South Reach has experienced the same chaos as everywhere else–my family is fine. Pray they remain so.

Dialogue options:

Special: “Tracking you down”? [24]

24 - Special: “Tracking you down”? PC: Your sister “tracked you down”? She didn’t know where you were? Cullen: I let her know I was in Haven. She assumed I survived. It’s not the first time. I may have neglected to tell her when I was transferred to Kirkwall. PC: Why? Cullen: I wasn’t in a good state. I wanted only to leave. I received an angry letter about my “disappearance” two years later. For all her reprimands, it was a relief to hear from someone who knew me before the Blight. [back to 1]

7 - Investigate: You knew the Hero of Ferelden? PC: If you don’t mind my asking, the Hero of Ferelden was a Circle mage—Did you know [them]? Cullen: I attended his Harrowing, actually. He was a talented mage. Considering he brought an end to the Blight, that goes without saying. [back to 1]

8 - Investigate : You knew the Hero of Ferelden? PC: If you don’t mind my asking, the Hero of Ferelden was a Circle mage—Did you know [them]? Cullen: I attended her Harrowing, actually. She was a lovely woman. PC: “Lovely”?

Cullen (romanced): There was some… youthful infatuation on my part. A feeling I had forsaken until recently. Cullen (not romanced): There was some youthful infatuation on my part. I found her… compelling.

Dialogue options:

Special (romanced): Nothing happened? [25]
[Back to 1]

25 - Special: Nothing happened? PC: You never acted on it? Cullen: She was one of my charges. Even if she felt the same, it would have been… inappropriate. I saw her once after she became a Warden. She freed the Tower during the Blight. I would be dead or mad if not for her. I was in a sorry state when she found me. The things I said were… unkind. Untoward. I regret them now. I wish she knew that. [back to 1]

9- General: That was all. PC: That’s all I wanted to know.

Cullen: Another time then. Cullen: I’m sure you have other matters to attend. Cullen: Should you require anything, I’ll be here.