Choosing the Divine in Dragon Age: Inquisition is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make during the game. The Divine serves as the spiritual leader of Thedas, shaping the future of the Chantry and influencing the game’s political and religious landscape. As players navigate this decision, the question arises: who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition? This guide will explore the choices available, the consequences of each, and factors to consider when making your decision.
The Candidates for Divine
In Dragon Age: Inquisition, there are three potential candidates for the position of Divine: Cassandra Pentaghast, Leliana, and Vivienne. Each character has distinct philosophies and visions for the future of Thedas. Understanding their personalities and priorities is crucial when deciding who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition.
Cassandra Pentaghast
Cassandra, a loyal Seeker of Truth, values tradition and structure. She envisions a reformed but stable Chantry, holding onto core beliefs while addressing some of its flaws. If Cassandra becomes the Divine, she pushes for a balance between tradition and reform, maintaining the Chantry’s authority while softening its rigid stance on mages and other marginalized groups.
Leliana
Known as the Nightingale, Leliana offers a more progressive and radical approach. She seeks to revolutionize the Chantry, advocating for inclusivity and dismantling oppressive structures. Her leadership would bring sweeping changes, including greater freedom for mages and a focus on social justice. However, her methods can vary depending on how the player influences her character throughout the game.
Vivienne
Vivienne, also known as Madame de Fer, is a mage and a staunch believer in order and control. As the Divine, she champions a conservative approach, emphasizing the Chantry’s traditional values while ensuring the mages remain under strict regulation. Her leadership style is pragmatic but can come across as authoritarian.
How the Election Works
The decision of who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition is influenced by various in-game actions. Accumulating points for each candidate determines the outcome of the election. These points are earned through dialogue choices, completing specific missions, and influencing others’ opinions about each candidate.
If two candidates have the same number of points, the game resolves the tie based on a priority system:
- Vivienne takes precedence over both Leliana and Cassandra.
- Leliana takes precedence over Cassandra.
This priority system ensures that even ties are resolved, but understanding the mechanics is essential if you aim for a specific outcome.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Choosing who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition should reflect your vision for Thedas and align with your role-playing goals.
1. Your Perspective on the Chantry’s Role
If you believe the Chantry should remain a pillar of stability while addressing its flaws, Cassandra is a logical choice. Her balanced approach ensures continuity with moderate reform. Leliana’s progressive vision might resonate more if you desire sweeping changes and inclusivity. On the other hand, if you prioritize order and authority, Vivienne’s leadership could align with your goals.
2. The Treatment of Mages
The question of mage freedom is central to the game’s story. Cassandra offers a middle-ground approach, allowing some freedom while maintaining safeguards. Leliana advocates for complete mage independence and dismantling restrictions. Vivienne, however, enforces tight control, keeping mages firmly under Chantry’s authority.
3. Player Influence on Leliana’s Character
Leliana’s personality and methods can be shaped by player choices throughout the game. Encouraging her softer, compassionate side leads to a more empathetic leadership style. Conversely, allowing her ruthless tendencies to dominate results in a harsher, more authoritarian Divine.
4. Political Ramifications
Each candidate’s rise to power impacts Thedas differently. Cassandra’s leadership stabilizes the Chantry but may alienate radical factions. Leliana’s revolution garners support from mages and marginalized groups but risks alienating traditionalists. Vivienne’s conservative approach reinforces the status quo but could spark rebellion among those who seek change.
The Consequences of Each Choice
The long-term consequences of who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition ripple through Thedas, affecting the Chantry and the political landscape. Let’s delve into what happens under each leader.
Cassandra Pentaghast’s Chantry
If Cassandra becomes the Divine, the Chantry undergoes moderate reforms. She abolishes the Templar Order as a separate entity, incorporating its members into the broader structure of the Chantry. Mages gain greater autonomy, though safeguards remain in place to prevent abuse of power. Her leadership fosters stability but may fail to address the concerns of those seeking radical change.
Leliana’s Chantry
Leliana’s Chantry is a beacon of inclusivity and reform. Under her leadership, the Chantry renounces oppressive practices and embraces diversity. Mages gain complete freedom, and the institution becomes more democratic. However, her radical changes risk destabilizing traditionalist factions, potentially leading to conflict.
Vivienne’s Chantry
Vivienne’s Chantry is a bastion of order and tradition. She reinforces the Chantry’s authority and ensures mages are tightly regulated. Her leadership style is pragmatic and authoritarian, maintaining peace through control. However, her approach alienates those who seek greater freedom and reform, potentially igniting resistance among mages and progressive groups.
Role-Playing Implications
Choosing who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition is not just about the immediate consequences—it’s also a deeply personal decision that reflects your Inquisitor’s values and vision. Role-playing as a traditionalist might naturally lead you to support Cassandra or Vivienne, while a more progressive Inquisitor might champion Leliana.
Additionally, your relationship with each candidate can influence your decision. Supporting a character you’ve grown close to or whose values align with your Inquisitor’s can make the choice feel more meaningful.
How to Ensure Your Choice Wins
To ensure your preferred candidate becomes the Divine, focus on actions that earn them points. For example, completing certain War Table missions, selecting specific dialogue options, and influencing other characters’ opinions can shift the outcome in your favor.
To make Leliana the Divine, encourage her softer side through dialogue choices. To secure Cassandra’s election, emphasize stability and tradition. For Vivienne, support her pragmatic views and prioritize actions that reinforce order.
Wrapping Up: Who to Pick as the Divine in Inquisition?
The decision of who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition is one of the most significant choices in the game, shaping the future of Thedas and reflecting your Inquisitor’s values. Whether you choose Cassandra, Leliana, or Vivienne, each leader brings unique strengths and challenges to the role of Divine.
Cassandra offers stability and moderate reform, appealing to those who value balance. Leliana’s revolutionary vision resonates with players seeking inclusivity and justice. Vivienne’s conservative leadership prioritizes order and tradition, ensuring control at the expense of freedom.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, and the consequences of your decision will ripple through the world of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Consider your goals, the Inquisitor’s values, and the future you envision for Thedas as you decide who to pick as the Divine in Inquisition.