Dorian Romance

Dorian Romance is the slash ship between Dorian Pavus and The Inquisitor from the Dragon Age fandom.

Dragon Age: Inquisition
Sided with the mages = The Inquisitor will meet Dorian in Redcliffe when he meets up with Gereon Alexius to discuss recruiting mages for the Inquisition. Alexius' son, Felix, interrupts the meeting by pretending to be faint and falling into the Inquisitor's arms. He sneakily hands him a note, written by Dorian, asking him to go to the Chantry as they are in danger. They find Dorian fending off demons and he asks the Inquisitor to help him close the rift. Once it is closed, he introduces himself as a mage from Tevinter who was once mentored by Alexius. He tells the Inquisitor that Felix is ill, from the Blight, before explaining the situation at hand - Alexius has used time magic to claim the allegiance of the rebel mages before the Inquisition. Felix arrives and the two of them ask the Inquisitor to help them stop Alexius before he destroys the world. If the player decides to side with the mages, Dorian will show up at Haven to offer his support and goes with the Inquisitor to meet Alexius. The meeting goes wrong, however, and Alexius tries to use time magic against the Inquisitor but Dorian intercepts it, opening up a portal that sucks them both in. They awaken and are instantly forced into battle with two soldiers. After the fight, they realise they are still in Redcliffe castle, but it is overrun by red lyrium. Dorian figures out that Alexius sent them forward time. They venture through the castle to find the rest of the Inquisitor's companions, and find out they have been sent one year into the future. Their friends have all been corrupted by red lyrium and are on the brink of death. They eventually find Alexius in the throne room and defeat him. Dorian is upset that they had to kill his old mentor, and the Inquisitor promises him they will try and help Alexius once they get back to the present. With the help of their companions, who fight to fend off the Elder One, Alexius' master, Dorian casts a spell which sends him and the Inquisitor back to their time. The Inquisition arrests Alexius and the Inquisitor gets to decide whether to take the mages on as allies or prisoners. Dorian approves if he decides to take them on as allies. They return to Haven to discuss the recruitment of the mages, and Dorian expresses interest in joining the Inquisition. The Inquisitor can tell him he is glad Dorian is staying. He can speak to Dorian at Haven about his decision, telling him he wishes more mages were like him, to which Dorian replies there aren't many like him. If the Inquisitor sided with the templars, he will meet Dorian during In Your Heart Shall Burn. He will show up at Haven's gates, exhausted, to warn the Inquisitor that the mages are after him. If the Inquisitor met Dorian in Redcliffe before siding with the templars, he will explain what happened during In Hushed Whispers (the mage mission). If the didn't meet him in Redcliffe, Dorian will introduce himself and tell the Inquisitor all about Alexius. He is later seen in the Chantry, where he argues with Cullen and helps the Inquisitor come up with a plan to escape Haven. After Haven is destroyed, the Inquisition move to Skyhold. Dorian can be found in his alcove in the library. He recites the events of the fight and the Inquisitor listens to him, a dazed look on his face. Dorian notices this and asks if he's speaking too quickly, to which the Inquisitor replies he was distracted. If the Inquisitor sided with the templars, Dorian officially introduces himself and the Inquisitor tells him that what he did at Haven was brave. Dorian is upset to find out that Corypheus, the Elder One, is a magister from Tevinter, lamenting that it was his homeland that destroyed the world. The Inquisitor reassures him that he isn't responsible. He will express disappointment if the Inquisitor met with him in Redcliffe but didn't help defeat Alexius. Regardless, he will ask to join the Inquisition if he hasn't already been recruited. He reminds the Inquisitor that no one will thank him and calls him clever if he says he isn't doing this for praise. Dorian also congratulates him on officially being titled Inquisitor.
 * -|Sided with the templars =

Dorian receives a letter informing him of Felix's death. If the Inquisitor sided with the templars, he will state that Felix was murdered by the Venatori. If the Inquisitor sided with the mages, he will state that the blight finally caught up with Felix and killed him. He shares a fond memory of Felix and the Inquisitor can ask Dorian if he was dating Felix, which he denies. He encourages Dorian to live by Felix's example, who in turn tells the Inquisitor that Felix wasn't the only decent person in Thedas.

Mother Giselle informs the Inquisitor that she has been contacted by Dorian's father, Halward Pavus, via letter. He claims that he wishes to reconcile with his son and asks Mother Giselle to bring him to Redcliffe to meet with a family retainer. He requests that they keep the meeting secret from Dorian, but the Inquisitor has the choice to inform him. If he does, Dorian is grateful that the Inquisitor was honest with him. The Inquisitor asks him what the issue is between him and his family, to which he responds that they don't care for his choices because he refused to stay in Tevinter and marry a woman. The Inquisitor encourages him to talk to the retainer, and Dorian snaps at him before apologising. He promises not to let anything bad happen to Dorian and they travel to Redcliffe.

The family retainer turns out to be a smokescreen when they find Halward there instead. If he didn't tell Dorian about the letter, Halward promises that the Inquisitor didn't know he was going to be there. If the Inquisitor tries to leave, Dorian insists he stay. Dorian tells the Inquisitor that he's gay, to which the Inquisitor can react in different ways: "I had no idea" =
 * -| "I've done it." =
 * -|"I had a suspicion" =
 * -|"No women at all?" =
 * -|"Spare me the details" =

If the Inquisitor shares their own experiences, Halward will sigh and lament that he should've known that's what this was about. Dorian will defend the Inquisitor from the assumptions.

Dorian explains that his sexuality is an issue between him and his father because Tevinter families intermarry to create the perfect leader and that failures, such as himself, must be hidden. Dorian argues with his father about never having been what he wanted. Halward begs him to listen, but Dorian lashes out. He tells the Inquisition that his father taught him to hate blood magic and reveals that, when Dorian refused to play pretend and marry a woman, Halward tried to change him. Halward insists that he only wanted what was best for his son, but Dorian doesn't believe him.

The Inquisitor can encourage Dorian to stay and listen to what his father has to say, or to leave. If he stays, Halward expresses regret over betraying his son, asks for forgiveness, and the two reconcile. If he leaves, Dorian spends the rest of his life hating his father.

Back at Skyhold, Dorian either declares he won't forgive his father or admits he's unsure if he can, depending on if they left the meeting early or not. The Inquisitor asks if he's alright, to which he's says "no, not really". Dorian tells the Inquisitor that his father was going to do a blood ritual to alter his mind and make him acceptable, and that when he found out, he left Tevinter. He's hurt that his father even considered going through with it and says he wouldn't like the person he would be if he had. If the Inquisitor didn't tell Dorian about the letter, he apologises for the deceit and says he was just trying to help. Dorian thanks him for taking him to see his father, no matter the outcome, and asks what the Inquisitor thinks of him now after having witnessed it.

There are two alternate first kisses the Inquisitor can have with Dorian. The first one happens here if he flirts with him. Kiss =
 * -| No kiss =

The Inquisitor will find Dorian arguing with Mother Giselle, who is concerned about rumours she's heard of their relationship. She expresses worry over Dorian's intentions as a Tevinter mage, but the Inquisitor defends him and she apologises before leaving. If the Inquisitor has already kissed Dorian, the latter will ask if he really does have an undue influence over him. If they haven't kissed, Dorian will inform the Inquisitor that there are rumours they are intimate. The Inquisitor tells him it's not a bad assumption and, after some teasing, Dorian will kiss him.

Sometime later, Leliana will inform the Inquisitor of a "heated debate" Dorian was having with a merchant outside of Skyhold. The Inquisitor can either ask Dorian about it or simply take him to see the merchant at Val Royeaux. If he chooses to ask, Dorian will insist that he doesn't need the Inquisitor's help and that he can sort it out himself. The Inquisitor asks what the problem is, and Dorian explains that he sold his birthright when he left Tevinter, but has since come to regret the decision and is trying to get it back. Dorian states that he doesn't want to be like the rest of the Inquisition, asking him for favours left and right.

When the Inquisitor takes Dorian to see the merchant, he will be angry and, once again, declare that he doesn't want to be indebted to the Inquisitor. The merchant tries to bribe the Inquisitor in exchange for the amulet, wanting to join an organisation of wealthy noblemen in Orlais. The Inquisitor asks Dorian what he thinks he should do, who repeats that he can sort it out himself. The merchant suggests that Dorian accepts his friend's help. Dorian tries to explain that they're not friends but cuts himself off, receiving a look from the Inquisitor. If the Inquisitor is a Qunari, a human, or has been to the Winter Palace, he can intimidate the merchant into returning the amulet. Otherwise, the Inquisitor can either kill the merchant, agree to his bribe, or leave. If he agrees to the plan, Dorian is frustrated and walks away, not wanting to talk about it any further. If he leaves, the merchant keeps the amulet and Dorian is disappointed, but thanks the Inquisitor for his efforts. If he kills the merchant, Dorian greatly disapproves and is angry with the Inquisitor, sarcastically thanking him for his help.

Back at Skyhold, if the Inquisitor got the amulet back without bringing Dorian, he will be confused. The Inquisitor can ask about the birthright, and Dorian will state that, after seeing his father, he started to miss it and wanted it back. If the two reconciled, he will say that his father noticed it was gone. No matter how the Inquisitor got the amulet back, Dorian will explain that he doesn't want people to think he's using him. He compares himself to other members of the Inquisition who cosy up to the Inquisitor for favours, gifts and power, and insists he doesn't want to be like them. When the Inquisitor is surprised that he cares about the opinion of others, Dorian corrects him and states he cares about the opinion on their relationship, not on himself. Dorian apologises for the way he reacted and thanks the Inquisitor for getting his birthright back. He kisses the Inquisitor and promises he will repay him.

Dorian later tells the Inquisitor to go to his quarters as there is something waiting for him there. Once he arrives, Dorian will appear and proposition the Inquisitor. He states that, while he's enjoyed all their flirting, he wants to get down to business. He moves closer and seductively whispers down his ear "how bad does the Inquisitor want to be?"The Inquisitor turns to kiss him. Dorian tells him he likes playing hard to get, but now he's gotten. The two then have sex. Afterwards, the Inquisitor lays naked on the bed while Dorian makes idle chitchat about the decor in his quarters. When the Inquisitor notices Dorian is distracted by something, he will lie and say sex is distracting. He will eventually open up and confess to wanting more with the Inquisitor. Dorian tells him that he likes him more than he should. He states that, if the Inquisitor wanted to end things, it would be better to do it now. When the Inquisitor asks why that is, Dorian admits that walking away will be harder later on. When the Inquisitor tells him that he also wants more, Dorian will be surprised and say he didn't expect that. He explains that, in Tevinter, there are no serious relationships between two men and that you learn not to hope for more than just fun. The Inquisitor insists that there is more between them and they sleep together once more.

If the Inquisitor doesn't sleep with Dorian, he can ask to take things slowly. Dorian will be surprised and wonder what exactly the Inquisitor wants from him. He asks if he wants a relationship, to which the Inquisitor says he does. Dorian will be shocked and explain the same thing about his homeland, although worded differently. The Inquisitor tells him what they have is more than just fun and that he should always hope for more. Dorian says it's hard for him as he has never had this before. He eventually agrees but refuses to leave the Inquisitor's quarters without a kiss.

The Inquisitor can then talk to Dorian about their relationship. He will ask about their future and what will happen once Corypheus is defeated. Dorian will once again suggest they can go their separate ways if that's what the Inquisitor wants, but the latter will insist that he wants them to stay together. Dorian remarks that the Inquisitor is far too sentimental, and the Inquisitor says that Dorian brings it out in him. He will then admit that he has no idea what the future holds for them but is open to discussing it once the battle is over.

If the Inquisitor brings Dorian with him to Adamant, they will be trapped in the fade together. The Nightmare will snidely remark that he mistook Dorian for his father. Back at Skyhold, Dorian will be bitterly critiquing the Inquisition's library. When the Inquisitor asks him what's wrong, Dorian will admit he was scared watching the Inquisitor fall into the fade, thinking he'd never see him again. He says he can't believe any of them made it out alive, but that it's a miracle the Inquisitor did. The Inquisitor apologises for bringing him to Adamant, but Dorian says he's not sorry he was there because he thought he lost him.

If the Inquisitor didn't bring Dorian to the fade, he will still discuss it at Skyhold but will ask the Inquisitor more questions about what it was like. He will also say he's grateful the Inquisitor made it out alive. When The Inquisitor says he wishes he was with him, Dorian admits he's glad he wasn't.

At the Winter Palace, Dorian will reminisce about the soirees he attended in Tevinter. The Inquisitor asks him to save him a dance, and Dorian laughs at the scandal that would follow. Dorian joins the Inquisitor on the balcony at the end of the evening and asks him how he's feeling after everything. He then asks the Inquisitor to dance and, if he says yes, they share a romantic dance in private. If he rejects the dance, Dorian will ask if he wants him to leave, but the Inquisitor tells him to stay.

During What Pride Has Wrought, Dorian will advise the Inquisitor not to drink from the Well of Sorrows as he doesn't want to risk losing him. If the Inquisitor drinks from the Well, he will collapse and awaken to Dorian threatening to kill him if he doesn't survive it. Back at Skyhold, Dorian will talk to the Inquisitor about returning to Tevinter after they defeat Corypheus. He tells the Inquisitor that he's the one who inspired him to change things back home. He admits that he doesn't want to leave the Inquisitor, calling him 'amatus' for the first time. The Inquisitor offers to go with him, but Dorian insists it's something he must do alone. The Inquisitor tells him he needs him at his side, and Dorian teases him for using emotional blackmail. He promises to consider staying and reminds the Inquisitor that it's his fault for being so inspiring. If the Inquisitor supports Dorian's plan too quickly, he admits he thought the Inquisitor would care more about him leaving.

After the battle with Corypheus, Dorian will happily declare that it's incredible that they're both alive. Back at Skyhold, the Inquisitor greets the Council while Dorian watches with pride. During the party, Dorian blames the Inquisitor for everyone being nice to him now and the Inquisitor calls him a hero. Dorian tells him he's decided to stay with the Inquisition because he doesn't want to leave the Inquisitor. The Inquisitor thanks him for everything he's done and tells him he's glad he's staying.

After the party, Dorian catches the Inquisitor heading back to his quarters. He declares one quick conversation wasn't enough and struts over, pushing the Inquisitor through the door. Once they're in his quarters, Dorian tells the Inquisitor he's dull and that he hates him. The Inquisitor smirks, knowing what Dorian truly means, and heads out onto the balcony. Dorian follows, wrapping his arms around the Inquisitor's waist, and says he hopes their relationship ends soon. They stay there together and watch the sunrise.

If Dorian's approval gets too low before the battle with Corypheus, he will tell the Inquisitor he is going back to Tevinter. The Inquisitor can bring up their relationship, to which Dorian questions if there's even anything left between them. Dorian is disappointed as he thought their relationship was heading somewhere promising. He states that he will help fight Corypheus if the Inquisitor lets him but will leave after it's done. If the Inquisitor tells him to leave now, Dorian will laugh at the notion of them being a couple and admit he should have seen this coming. If the Inquisitor punches him, Dorian will bitterly state "so much for us." He will then leave the Inquisition forever.

Trespasser
Two years after the fall of Corypheus, the Inquisition return to the Winter Palace for the Exalted Council. Mother Giselle informs the Inquisitor that Tevinter have sent an ambassador, who turns out to be Dorian. She expresses regret about the way she treated Dorian and tells the Inquisitor she's glad he saw more clearly than she did. The Inquisitor finds Dorian speaking to Duke Cyril and he excuses himself as soon as he spots The Inquisitor approaching. It is revealed that they haven't seen each other in a month and Dorian greets him with a kiss. They share a brief conversation before parting ways.

Later, the Inquisitor approaches Dorian once again and finds him drinking with Varric, Sera, Cole and the Iron Bull. Varric congratulates Dorian on returning to the Imperium before realising the Inquisitor didn't know. He gathers everyone and makes a quick exit, leaving Iron Bull asleep on the floor. Dorian truthfully admits that he's returning to Tevinter for good after the Exalted Council. He explains that his father has been assasinated and that he must claim his seat in the Magisterium. The Inquisitor gives his condolences and tells Dorian he'll miss him. He offers to go with him, but Dorian declines. He promises the Inquisitor that they'll always be together, no matter how far apart they are. He gifts him a sending crystal so that they can talk while they're apart. He tells the Inquisitor that he's the man he loves and nothing can truly keep them apart, before taking his hand and kissing him.

The Inquisitor is confronted by Cassandra, who has been misinformed by Varric that he is planning on proposing to Dorian. She offers her support, despite Dorian being from Tevinter, before realising it was a joke. The Inquisitor admits he's thought about marriage and might want to get married someday.

As the Inquisitor's mark starts to kill him, Dorian is heartbroken and wishes there was something he could do to help. The Inquisitor tells him that, whatever happens, he wouldn't trade the years they've had for anything and that he loves him. Dorian holds back tears and says he knew the Inquisitor would break his heart.

When they find Solas, he removes the Inquisitor's arm and removes the mark, effectively saving his life. After disbanding or keeping the Inquisition together, the inner circle stand together on the balcony and watch the sky. One by one, they all walk away. Once everyone has left, Dorian returns to stand by the Inquisitor's side.

Epilogue
Dorian returns to Tevinter and takes his father's place in the Magesterium. He becomes a voice of resistance against corruption. He forms a group called the Lucerni to restore and redeem Tevinter.

"Magister Pavus's allies said that his greatest strength lay in the lover he left in the South, but still conversed with via message crystal. Some claimed to have seen the Inquisitor on the streets of Minrathous on rare occasions, sneaking into the heart of Tevinter to aid his amatus."

Fanon
Dorian is one of the most popular romances in Dragon Age Inquisition. Despite this, statistics show that players choose his romance less than other ones.

They currently have 4,285 works on AO3.

Fandom

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Trivia

 * Dorian can only be romanced by a male Inquisitor of any race. He is the first male exclusive romance in the series.
 * If the Inquisitor is human, Dorian will note that there's a likely chance they are distantly related, but assures him that they can still flirt.
 * Amatus is a term of endearment in Tevine, roughly translating to "loved" or "beloved".
 * During the final cutscene, when Dorian tells the Inquisitor he's dull, he hates him, and that he hopes their relationship ends soon, he actually means he loves him and he hopes they stay together forever.
 * If the Inquisitor chooses the Templar specialisation, Dorian will remark that he smells "attractive".
 * There is deleted dialogue in which Dorian could accuse the Inquisitor of being jealous of Felix if he asked if they were together: