One of the biggest conflicts used to set up Dragon Age Inquisition is the dichotomy between Mages and their keepers, the Templars. Magic is feared and preached against by the primary religious force of Thedas: the Chantry. They employ the Templars, an order of knights, who are trained to suppress magical power and, if needed, kill the Mages wielding it. The Templars keep the Mages in towers, where they must learn to control their powers or be stripped of them. By the start of Dragon Age Inquisition, the Mages wage war with the Templars for their freedom. The Inquisition must choose who to side with. What does this lead to? There are mild spoilers ahead.
Alternative Quests
The starting point of Dragon Age Inquisition is the destruction of a summit where Mages and Templars sought to try and bring an end to their conflict. Almost everyone present was killed, and left behind was a giant rift in the sky pouring out demons. The protagonist can close the giant rift, known as the Breach, but needs help. The Mages could empower the mark in the protagonist’s hand that closes smaller rifts while the Templars could instead weaken the Breach itself. Either must be recruited as allies, but it is unlikely the heroes will be able to get them both to agree to work together. As you explore, a choice must be made over who is better to pursue.
Each of these two factions features a unique recruitment quest, during which dramatic details are revealed. The factions must be saved, partly from themselves and partly from the game’s greater antagonist. Each quest will introduce a new party member and tease details of the rest of the plot waiting for the player. Afterward, the heroes proceed with their plan to seal the Breach and get into more trouble. The party member the player didn’t meet will show up and the story will progress much the same regardless of which path you choose. Does it truly matter which you pick, given this fact?
What Changes
The faction you do not recruit is turned into the villains of your second half. Those who side with the Mages must deal with the Red Templars, while Templar allies deal with the Venatori. Or, rather, they primarily deal with that faction. Both groups of villains prove important enemies in the latter two-thirds of the game, regardless of what you do. However, the leader of the enemy faction who rivals yours will become a personal thorn in your side. Your allied faction will also inhabit your new base quite openly, with the ability to customize it to better use them. However, the choice proves to have very little mechanical benefits in the future.
Your choice will be referenced for much of the game. Different characters will like what you did, or find your choice a poor one. To keep all your party members as allies, you will need to work hard to befriend those who dislike your decision. Minor story moments in War Table missions will reference your choice, and you may get the occasional unique option for judging your enemies. These are minor stories, entirely text-driven, but they add a bit of flair and context. Unfortunately, we have been told what choices are carrying over into Dragon Age The Veilguard and this choice is not one of them. Take that as you will.
Final Thoughts
Dragon Age Inquisition is an excellent game that has new eyes on it as fans await its follow-up. The Mage and Templar decision was a big deal for those who had played the previous two installments. This conflict felt extremely important to Thedas as a whole, and making that choice meant a lot for players. Previous characters like the Hero of Ferelden or Hawke, who appears again in Dragon Age Inquisition, would have a lot to say about what the Inquisitor did. While we may not see the effects of these choices bear fruit in Dragon Age The Veilguard, I’m hopeful the future of the Dragon Age franchise will not entirely forget about the importance of this moment.
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