Cassandra Pentaghast/Approval

Note: See the Approval (Inquisition) page for an explanation on point values

Recruitment

Cassandra joins the Inquisitor automatically during The Wrath of Heaven.

Cassandra's Disposition

The player can tell generally how Cassandra feels about the Inquisitor by engaging her in a "generic" conversation (i.e. a conversation where her greeting and farewell are not changed by any other factors such as a quest or cutscene).

Hostile (-75 to -5):

Cassandra will greet the Inquisitor with:

• "Go on, then."
• "What is it?"
• "Surely you have better things to do."

Cassandra will bid the Inquisitor farewell with "As you wish."

Neutral (-5 to 34):

Cassandra will greet the Inquisitor with:

• "Greetings."
• "Yes?"
• "Do you need something?"

Cassandra will bid the Inquisitor farewell with "Another time, then."

Warm (35 to 74):

Cassandra will still use the "Neutral" set of greetings, but may also add:

• "Hello again."
• "Is there anything you need?"
• "I trust all is well?"

Cassandra will bid the Inquisitor farewell with "Another time, then."

Friendly (75 to 125):

Cassandra will drop the "Neutral" greetings and will still use the "Warm" set of greetings, but may also add:

• "What do you need, my friend?"
• "It's good to see you."

Cassandra will bid the Inquisitor farewell with "Another time, then."

Note: If Cassandra is romanced, she will drop all standard greetings and will greet the inquisitor with "The sight of you warms the heart." and "You are quite distracting you know?"

Cutscenes

Prologue

It may be the key to stopping this, but there isn't much time.

• If I can help, I will. - Approves
• Will helping save me?
• Do I have a choice? - Disapproves

Drop your weapon. Now.

• (Mage only) - I don't need a staff. - Slightly Disapproves
• All right, I'll disarm. - Approves
• You need to trust me. - Disapproves
• I need this weapon!

How do you think we should proceed?

• Take the mountain path. - Slightly Disapproves
• Charge with the soldiers. - Approves

The Breach is stable, but it is still a threat. I will not ignore it.

• I did what I could. - Slightly Approves
• I'm still a suspect.
• You want my help. Again.

Providence. The Maker sent her/him to us in our darkest hour.

• I am not a "chosen one." - Slightly Disapproves
• What more do you want?
• Are you serious? - Slightly Disapproves
• Are you sure? - Slightly Approves (Non-human only)
• Blessed be the Maker. - Approves (Human only)
• You believe I'm innocent.

But we have no choice: we must act now. With you at our side.

• I want to help. - Slightly Approves
• This is rather strange.
• I agree. For now.

Did I do the right thing?

Haven only, first attempt to speak to her...

(Disgusted Noise.)

• (Romance) You're impressive. - Slightly Approves
• Are you all right?
• You need stronger dummies. - Slightly Approves
• Was that supposed to be me?

One day, they may write about me as a traitor, a madwoman, a fool. And they may be right.

• [Investigate.]

No approval changes

• You had to do it.
• It's too late to turn back.
• It was foolish. - Disapproves

I cannot afford to be so careless again.

• You had cause. - Approves
• Glad to hear it. - Slightly Approves
• No, you can't. - Slightly Disapproves

Her wording here will vary depending on whether or not the Herald has openly voiced an opinion on being the Herald of Andraste. All variations come down to a single question...

I'm curious. Do you even believe in the Maker?

• (Special) I believe in Elven gods. (Elf only)
• (Special) I'm Qunari, remember? (Qunari only)
• (Special) I'm a Dwarf, remember? (Dwarf only)
• Yes - Approves [WARNING: This will establish the Herald as faithful and prevent them from declaring the Inquisition for order or to do what's right at the end of In Your Heart Shall Burn.]
• No - Disapproves
• I don't know.

Return to Haven's Chantry.

Haven only, after Address the Chantry in Val Royeaux.

Cullen: It's a shame the templars have abandoned their senses as well as the capital.

No approval changes

Cullen: You think the mage rebellion is more united? It could be ten times worse!

• We should meet the mages. - Slightly Disapproves
• We should find the templars. - Slightly Approves
• You must choose soon. - Approves

Deal. With. It.

Haven only, after In Hushed Whispers OR Champions of the Just
A cutscene will play of Cassandra arguing with a mage or templar. That bit will vary, but her lines with The Inquisitor, The Inquisitor's lines and the dialogue choices are always the same. There is one romance option, but otherwise no choices cause any approval changes.

A toast to you.

Skyhold, requires an approval of [-30] or lower...

• You're drunk!

• A pathetic display - Greatly Disapproves
• What's wrong now? - Disapproves
• You're angry at me?

And I'm the one who raised you up.

• [If expressed belief] The Maker chose me, not you. - Disapproves
• [If did not express belief] I didn't ask for this.
• We don't need you. - Greatly Disapproves
• Yes, you did.
• I'm doing my best. - Slightly Approves

The fight with Varric

Skyhold, after speaking to Hawke...

Varric: You kidnapped me! You interrogated me! What did you expect?

• [Intervene.] -   Varric Approves
• [Stay out of it.] -  Varric Disapproves

If [Stay out of it.] is chosen...

Varric: Look at her! She's finally lost it!

• Stop this Fighting! - Slightly Disapproves
• This is funny. - Disapproves
• Leave me out of this. - Slightly Approves, Varric Slightly Disapproves

If [Intervene.] is chosen...

Cassandra: Hawke would have been at the Conclave! If anyone could have saved Most Holy...

• Cassandra, back off! - Disapproves
• Varric's not at fault. - Varric Approves
• Varric, you bastard. - Varric Greatly Disapproves
• What's done is done.

Cassandra: We all know whose side you're on Varric. It will never be the Inquisition's.

• We need to work together. - Varric Slightly Approves
• Varric's earned his place. - Disapproves, Varric Approves
• That's unfair Cassandra. - Disapproves, Varric Approves
• I'm well aware. - Approves, 2× Varric Disapproves

Varric leaves...

Cassandra: I am such a fool.

Q What if it had been different? (This will remove the romance option.))

• (Romance) I still like you. - Slightly Approves
• Don't blame yourself. - Approves
• We're all fools, Cassandra. - Approves
• We need to do better. - Disapproves

Swords & Shields

Skyhold, requires +35
Begins Guilty Pleasures

(Gasps.) I don't know what you're talking about!

No approval changes.

It's… one of Varric's tales. Swords & Shields. The latest chapter.

• You don't need to hide it. – Slightly Approves
• So you've read them all?
• Why waste your time? – Slightly Disapproves

Whatever you do, don't tell Varric.

• (Romance) I should read it. – Slightly Approves

Other options have no approval change.

Writing

Skyhold, after Here Lies the Abyss...

Writing does not come naturally to me, as I'm certain you can imagine.

• [Romance] Love poetry, I assume? - Slightly Approves

(other options have no approval change.)

I was there, I saw it with my own eyes. It must be recorded./ I wasn't there, but others were. Their accounts must be recorded.

• That could be used against us. - Slightly Disapproves
• That's a good idea. - Slightly Approves
• I don't care about historians. - Slightly Disapproves
• Just be careful. - No approval change.

Missing Seekers

Skyhold, after speaking to the Grey Warden in Crestwood, requires a certain level of positive approval.
Begins the war table operation Locate the Missing Seekers.

(Sighs.) I can keep staring at this, but I won't get any closer.

• Can I help? - Slightly Approves

(other options have no approval change.)

I've a growing suspicion Corypheus has imprisoned them.

• This is important to you. - Slightly Approves
• They might be his allies. - No approval change.
• Whats the point? - Slightly Disapproves

I was hoping we could speak privately.

After Promise of Destruction
Requires 75+ ^{[confirmation needed]} and flirting in the past
Happens also for a female Inquisitor
Starts or ends romance. Female Inquisitors are always turned down.

No approval changes ^{[confirmation needed] (for male Inquisitors)}

Note: This conversation ends in an area of Skyhold that is only accessible after completing a main plot quest. If that hasn't been done yet, the Inquisitor will be unable to reenter Skyhold's Main Hall by normal means – through a door. One solution is to use the map and travel; another would be to simply jump over the mural and on the roof, then down into the garden: remember, in Skyhold fall damage is disabled.

On Being Divine

Skyhold, after Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts...
Unlocks the war table mission Support Cassandra

Mother Giselle: Talk to her, Your Worship.

• Is she bothering you?
• Having fun? - Slightly Approves
• What's this about?

So now the Chantry bandies our names about without even asking us first.

Q Is that even possible? (repeat)

• (Special) Why am I not a candidate? (repeat)

• So refuse.
• Who cares about the Chantry? - Disapproves
• You'd be perfect. (Adds +5 for Cassandra in Divine Election.)

The Chantry should provide faith. Hope. Instead, it cannot veer from its course, even in the face of certain death.

Q Do you really feel that way? (repeat)

• The Chantry has failed. - Greatly Disapproves
• These are extreme times.
• So do better. - Approves

It needs to change. Perhaps I must be the one to change it.

[Special.]

• (Romance) I like your determination. (repeat) - Approves
• (Nobility Knowledge) I can help you become Divine. (ends conversation) - Approves (twice)

[Investigate.]

No approval changes

• We have other concerns. - Disapproves
• Maybe the Chantry should end. (Adds +1 for Leliana and -1 for Cassandra in Divine Election.) - Disapproves
• A new crusade for you?

After What Pride Had Wrought

No approval changes

Planning Troop Movements

Requires +75
Friendship cutscene

No approval changes

Prompted conversation

It occurs to me...

Haven or Skyhold

I'm... not sure. Where are you from?

Q You don't know? (repeat)

• [Tell her.]
• [Make something up.] (ends conversation) - Disapproves

Line varies depending on race

• I hated it. - Approves for a non-mage Trevelyan
• Eventually, perhaps.
• Home is wherever I am. - Slightly Approves
• None of your business. - Disapproves
• I'd go now, if I had a choice. - Slightly Disapproves

Something is troubling me...

Available immediately upon reaching Skyhold
Begins Unfinished Business

No one is dealing with these matters. I was hoping we might, before they get worse.

• Of course.
• It's not our job. - Slightly Disapproves
• We have a lot to do. - Disapproves

After choosing a Specialization

When the Inquisitor chooses the Necromancer specialization

No approval changes

When the Inquisitor chooses the Reaver specialization

No approval changes

[Investigate.]

Tell me about yourself.

Not entirely. I'm just curious as to your motivation. (low approval; threshold unknown)

• (Romance) I'd like us to be closer. - Slightly Disapproves
• Just being friendly - Approves
• Suspicious, aren't you? - Slightly Disapproves
• Just tell me.

There's... Not much to know. (high approval; +/- 29-30 approval)

• (Romance) Such modesty!
• I'm not trying to pry.
• That can't be true
• Just tell me something.

Cassandra: That's all there is to know, my lady/lord. (Codex Unlocked: The Seekers of Truth)

Q1 You're Nevarran royalty? (Codex Unlocked: The Pentaghasts; adds Q3 & Q4)

• Is that why you left Nevarra?
• So you're not on good terms.
• Others would be thankful. - Slightly Disapproves

Q2 Tell me about Nevarra (Codex Unlocked: Nevarra)

No approval changes

Q3 What happened to your brother?

Requires +35; if not enough she'll say she doesn't want to talk about it

No approval changes in first set of choices

It took many years to let go of my drive for vengeance.

• I understand. - Slightly Approves
• You blamed all mages?
• You didn't let it go. - Slightly Disapproves

Q4 You worked for the Divine?

• (Special) What is a Right Hand?

• (Special) You believed in her. (adds Q5)

Q5 How did you become Right Hand?

No approval changes in first set of choices

Yet I became the Right Hand, and they are forgotten.

Q What became of the mages? (repeat)

• (Romance) You're delightful. - Slightly Approves
• You're still a hero.
• Impressive!
• Typical of the Chantry.

Tell me about the Seekers.

Q1 But what are Seekers? (adds Q4)

• So you led the templars?
• They did a bad job - Slightly Disapproves
• Then who watched you?

• (Special) Could that be fixed?

Q2 Why did the Seekers rebel?

• (Special) You disagree?

• It was inevitable.
• Mages should be free. - Disapproves
• I agree with you. - Slightly Approves
• You care deeply about it.

Q3 How do you become a Seeker?

• (Special) What is the vigil?

• It does sound wonderful - Approves
• Was it magic?
• You were delirious. - Disapproves

Q4 What abilities do you have?

No approval changes

Let's talk about the Chantry.

No approval changes

So you're a romantic?

Skyhold, available after cutscene Swords & Shields...

It is passion. It is being swept away by the pursuit of an ideal. What is not to like about that?

• (Romance) I like that you like it. - Slightly Approves
• Nothing at all. - Slightly Approves
• It's just unexpected.
• You're wasting time. - Disapproves

Do you want to be Divine?

Skyhold, available after cutscene On Being Divine

Why should what I want matter?

No approval changes

So I look upon this as an opportunity.  I owe it to myself and all of Thedas to seek the Sunburst Throne.

• You'd make a good Divine. (Adds +5 for Cassandra in Divine Election.) - Approves
• Perhaps there's another way. (Adds -1 for Cassandra in Divine Election.) - Slightly Approves
• Forget the Chantry. (Adds -5 for Cassandra in Divine Election.) - Disapproves

[Special.]

The Tranquil Cure

After Promise of Destruction, requires Arcane Knowledge...

No approval changes

Unfinished Business

• Kill first target with her in the party - Approves
• Kill first target without her in the party - Approves

• Cassandra Greatly Approves each time a target is killed, if she is in the active party.
• Cassandra Approves each time a target is killed, if she is not in the active party.

In The Field

Approval changes only occur when Cassandra is in the active party unless otherwise noted. Other characters' approval changes can be seen compiled on the related quest pages.

Hinterlands

• Completing "Agrarian Apostate" - Slightly Approves
• Speaking to Sister Tanner in Redcliffe Village during "Business Arrangements":
  • (Special) "Cassandra?" - Slightly Approves
  • (Special) "Varric?" - Slightly Disapproves
  • (Special) "You degrade the Chantry." (Bugged! Do not use!) - Slightly Approves
• Completing "In the Elements" - Slightly Approves
• Speaking to Speaker Anais for the first time in front of Winterwatch Tower to begin "Praise the Herald of Andraste":
  • "I believe I was chosen." - Slightly Approves
• Recruiting Anais after completing "Praise the Herald of Andraste":
  • "Help the refugees." (Anais not recruited.) - Slightly Approves
  • "Spread word of the Inquisition." (Recruit Anais for Connections.) - Slightly Approves
• Speaking to Lord Berand in Winterwatch Tower for "Love Waits":
  • "Join the Inquisition." (Recruits Berand for Forces.) - Slightly Approves
• Completing "Shallow Breaths" - Slightly Approves
• Speaking to Hyndel after completion of "Shallow Breaths":
  • (Special) "Go to your family." - Slightly Approves
• Speaking to Ritts during the quest "Strange Bedfellows":
  • "This is a travesty." - Slightly Approves
• Recruiting Ritts upon completion of "Strange Bedfellows":
  • (Underworld Knowledge or Dwarven Inquisitor) No. You have potential. - Slightly Approves
• Recruiting Vale's Irregulars (see here for more information on this quest as it can be quite easy to miss):
  • "Recruit the skilled." (Recruit Vale's Irregulars for Forces.) - Approves (regardless of whether in the party or not)
  • "Grow our reputation." - Slightly Approves (regardless of whether in the party or not)

Crestwood

• Speaking to Mayor Gregory Dedrick for the first time during "Still Waters":
  • "Please, let me help you." - Slightly Approves
• Speaking to the two villagers in Red Horn Tavern during "Still Waters":
  • (Villager: We didn't know you were here, ser. Please don't tell anyone!) "I won't." - Slightly Disapproves
• Speaking to the Spirit in Old Crestwood to initiate "Burdens of Command":
  • (Special) "Cassandra?" - Slightly Approves
  • "I'll do it." (Accepting the quest.) - Slightly Approves
• Killing the nug family living in the Flooded Caves at the end of "Still Waters" - Slightly Disapproves

Exalted Plains

• Speaking to Emalien after returning Valorin's effects to complete "Someone to Lose":
  • "Teenagers are stupid." - Slightly Disapproves
  • "Blood magic." - Slightly Approves

Emprise du Lion

• Completing "Caged Confession" by giving the letter to Linette and choosing, "Louis killed your brother." - Slightly Approves
• Speaking to Mistress Poulin at the end of "Quarry Quandary":
  • "People died because of you." - Slightly Approves
  • "Practical." - Slightly Disapproves

DLCs

Jaws of Hakkon

• Accepting Runa's offer to be included in her prayer at the end of "Up and Away" - Slightly Disapproves
• Completing "The Loss of a Friend" by allowing Grandin to live - Disapproves
• Completing "The Loss of a Friend" by killing Grandin - Slightly Approves
• Recruiting Sigrid during "In Exile" - Slightly Disapproves

Trespasser

• Speaking to the Inquisitor's party before leaving the Darvaarad and pursuing the Viddasala through the Eluvian near the end of the Trespasser quest: 
  • (Solas Romance) "I have to save him." - Disapproves