Hidden lore is a game technique that gives instant replay value. The key to hidden lore is that it has to build the story and improve it with insight into characters and important events. BioWare perfected this writing skill in the Dragon Age series by using dialogue with romanced characters. If you’re looking for more insight into the world of Dragon Age, here are the best romance options to consider. If you have not played the Dragon Age series, read with caution. This article contains spoilers.
Cassandra
Cassandra first appears in Dragon Age 2 as a member of the Seekers sent to question Varric Tethris over the Champion. She becomes a romanceable character in Dragon Age: Inquisition to a male Inquisitor. During your talks with Cassandra, she reveals one of the more disturbing pieces of hidden lore in the game. The Rite of Tranquility is reversible. She knows this because the rite was used on her and later reversed. This one missing piece of lore has changed the views on mages, the rebellion, and even Anders for many. It’s a shocking reveal.
Merrill
Merril is the whimsical and often adorable Dalish Elf who appears in Dragon Age 2. She is set to become the next Seeker, the name given to the leader of a Dalish tribe. When romancing Merrill, she will tell you the story of The Betrayal. It seems like any other urban legend you would hear, except this one is about the Dread Wolf. It appears minor until you begin playing Dragon Age: Inquisition and hear Solas, the Dread Wolf himself, tell you nearly the same story as Merrill. This dialogue is triggered by talking to Merril in her home for the New Path quest.
Solas
Solas is introduced in Dragon Age: Inquisition as an elven mage apostate. He is working with the Inquisition to help close the rifts. It’s unclear why he is doing this and what his real background is. However, in the DLC Trespasser, you find out the real reason. Solas not only reveals he is the Dread Wolf from Dragon Age 2 and Merrill’s urban legend, but he also explains how the story you play has evolved. He details how the veil was created and breathes new life into the lore of the entire series.
The lore unlocked in these romances may not seem significant at the time. However, as you play the games, you’ll start to see it gives you new insight into the events of the Dragon Age universe. Some of these insights may change the game view for you entirely. Ideally, you should try these romances out and discover the lore to prepare for what’s to come in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
