Dragon Age Wiki
Register
Dragon Age Wiki
(→‎Trivia: cleanup)
(standardizing text)
(20 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
|style = {{{style|}}}
 
|style = {{{style|}}}
 
|name = Cullen Rutherford
 
|name = Cullen Rutherford
|image = Cullen Profile 2a.png
+
|image = <gallery>
 
CullenPortrait412.jpg|Origins
  +
Cullen03.jpg|Dragon Age II
  +
Cullen Profile 2a.png|Inquisition
  +
</gallery>
 
|px = 270px
 
|px = 270px
|title = Templar<small>(formerly)</small><br> Knight-Captain <small>(As of 9:31 Dragon)</small><br> [[Knight-Commander]] <small> (As of 9:37 Dragon, conditional<ref name="bbatye">[http://r2smuse.tumblr.com/post/104921383869/soo-cullens-writer-says-he-is-not-always Brianne Battye via twitter.]</ref>) </small> <br> Commander <small> (As of 9:41 Dragon) </small> <br>
+
|title = Templar <small>(formerly)</small><br> Knight-Captain of [[Kirkwall]] <small>(As of 9:31 Dragon)</small><br> [[Knight-Commander]] of Kirkwall <small> (As of 9:37 Dragon, conditional<ref name="bbatye">{{Twitter|author=Brianne Battye|url=https://twitter.com/bbattye/status/542854283666800640}}</ref>) </small> <br> Commander of the [[Inquisition]] <small> (As of 9:41 Dragon) </small> <br>
 
|class = [[Warrior]]
 
|class = [[Warrior]]
 
|affiliation = [[Templar Order]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Inquisition]]
 
|affiliation = [[Templar Order]] <small>(formerly)</small> <br> [[Inquisition]]
Line 13: Line 17:
 
|race = [[Human]]
 
|race = [[Human]]
 
|quests = [[Perseverance]] <br> [[Before the Dawn]] <br> [[Happier Times]]
 
|quests = [[Perseverance]] <br> [[Before the Dawn]] <br> [[Happier Times]]
|family = Branson <small>(brother)<ref>{{Cite wot2|226}}</ref></small> <br> Mia <small>(sister)<ref>[[Codex entry: Cullen]]</ref></small><br> Rosalie <small>(sister)<ref>{{Cite wot2|223}}</ref></small><br>Unnamed son of Branson <small>(nephew)<ref>Conversation between [[the Inquisitor]] and Cullen at the [[Winter Palace]] during ''[[Trespasser]]''</ref></small><br> [[The Inquisitor]] <small> (wife) (conditional) </small>
+
|family = Branson <small>(brother)<ref>{{Cite wot2|226}}</ref></small> <br> Mia <small>(sister)<ref>[[Codex entry: Cullen]]</ref></small><br> Rosalie <small>(sister)<ref name=wot223>{{Cite wot2|223}}</ref></small><br>Unnamed son of Branson <small>(nephew)<ref>Conversation between [[the Inquisitor]] and Cullen at the [[Winter Palace]] during ''[[Trespasser]]''</ref></small><br> [[The Inquisitor]] <small> (wife) (conditional) </small>
 
|voice = [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0254862/ Greg Ellis]
 
|voice = [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0254862/ Greg Ellis]
 
|appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[The Darkspawn Chronicles]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]
 
|appearances = [[Dragon Age: Origins]] <br> [[The Darkspawn Chronicles]] <br> [[Dragon Age II]] <br> [[Heroes of Dragon Age]] <br> [[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]
 
}}</onlyinclude>
 
}}</onlyinclude>
   
'''Cullen Stanton Rutherford''' (born in approximately 9:11 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]]<ref>Cullen was approximately 19 when the [[Fifth Blight]] began in 9:30. {{cite wot2|223-224}}</ref><ref>He is "roughly thirty" in 9:41. [https://twitter.com/bbattye/status/539844575594954752 Brianne Battye via twitter.]</ref>) is a [[Ferelden|Fereldan]] [[Templar Order|templar]].
+
'''Cullen Stanton Rutherford''' (born in approximately 9:11 [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon]]<ref>Cullen was approximately 19 when the [[Fifth Blight]] began in 9:30. {{cite wot2|223-224}}</ref><ref>He is "roughly thirty" in 9:41. {{Twitter|author=Brianne Battye|url=https://twitter.com/bbattye/status/539844575594954752}}</ref>) is a [[Ferelden|Fereldan]] [[Templar Order|templar]].
 
 
In ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]'', Cullen acts as the [[The Inquisitor|Inquisitor]]'s military adviser, and is a potential [[Romance (Inquisition)|romance]] option for female [[Human]] and [[Elf]] Inquisitors.
+
In ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]'', Cullen acts as the [[The Inquisitor|Inquisitor]]'s military adviser, and is a [[Romance (Inquisition)|romance]] option for a female [[human]] and [[elf]] Inquisitor.
   
 
== Background ==
 
== Background ==
Born in the [[Ferelden|Fereldan]] village of [[Honnleath]], Cullen was the second eldest child of four.<ref>{{Cite wot2|223}}</ref> Mia was his elder sister, his brother Branson was younger, and his sister Rosalie was the youngest of them all. He was eight years old when he told his brother and sisters that he would become a [[Templar Order|Templar]]. Though his siblings took the proclamation playfully, Cullen's intentions did not waver. He started visiting the local chantry in Honnleath, asking the templars there to teach him anything they could. Honnleath had only a few templars, but they humored the boy and taught him basic sword techniques.
+
Born in the [[Ferelden|Fereldan]] village of [[Honnleath]], Cullen was the second eldest child of four.<ref name=wot223 /> Mia was his elder sister, his brother Branson was younger, and his sister Rosalie was the youngest of them all. He was eight years old when he told his brother and sisters that he would become a [[Templar Order|Templar]]. Though his siblings took the proclamation playfully, Cullen's intentions did not waver. He started visiting the local chantry in Honnleath, asking the templars there to teach him anything they could. Honnleath had only a few templars, but they humored the boy and taught him basic sword techniques.
   
From a young age, Cullen had a strong desire to enter a profession that helped people, and he refused to be swayed from the path he had chosen. Despite his siblings' initial teasing, Mia became Cullen's greatest supporter, insisting that the others help Cullen train. When he was thirteen years old, a visiting knight-captain took notice of Cullen's hard work and offered him the chance of formal training. His parents agreed to the request, as the Templar Order was known to be a respectable and honorable profession, and they wanted to give their son the opportunity to have a life he would be happy with.
+
From a young age, Cullen had a strong desire to enter a profession that helped people, and he refused to be swayed from the path he had chosen. Despite his siblings' initial teasing, Mia became Cullen's greatest supporter, insisting that the others help Cullen train. When he was thirteen years old, a visiting knight-captain took notice of Cullen's hard work and offered him the chance of formal training. His parents agreed to the request, as the Templar Order was known to be a respectable and honorable profession, and they wanted to give their son the opportunity to have a life that would make him happy.
   
 
As most Templar recruits were taken in at a young age, Cullen, at the age of thirteen, was considerably older than the other recruits and less prepared than some. But any concerns of him falling behind his peers were quickly dispelled. Finding that the training was everything that he had imagined it would be, Cullen quickly caught up to the other recruits, matching them in their expertise. When the time came to take his final vows at the age of eighteen, Cullen was eager to pledge his life in service to the [[Maker]] and take the [[lyrium]] that would bind him to the Order. He finally achieved his childhood dream to become a Templar when he was assigned to the [[Circle]] Tower at [[Circle Tower|Kinloch Hold]], under Knight-Commander [[Greagoir]].<ref>{{Cite wot2|223-224}}</ref>
 
As most Templar recruits were taken in at a young age, Cullen, at the age of thirteen, was considerably older than the other recruits and less prepared than some. But any concerns of him falling behind his peers were quickly dispelled. Finding that the training was everything that he had imagined it would be, Cullen quickly caught up to the other recruits, matching them in their expertise. When the time came to take his final vows at the age of eighteen, Cullen was eager to pledge his life in service to the [[Maker]] and take the [[lyrium]] that would bind him to the Order. He finally achieved his childhood dream to become a Templar when he was assigned to the [[Circle]] Tower at [[Circle Tower|Kinloch Hold]], under Knight-Commander [[Greagoir]].<ref>{{Cite wot2|223-224}}</ref>
Line 36: Line 40:
 
During the [[Magi Origin]], Cullen is the templar assigned to execute the Magi if they were to fail their [[The Harrowing (quest)|Harrowing]] and become an [[abomination]]. It is later revealed that he had feelings for a female mage and hated the idea of having to be the one to kill her. If the Warden tries to pursue relations with Cullen, he ends up becoming extremely nervous and runs away with the excuse of attending other duties.
 
During the [[Magi Origin]], Cullen is the templar assigned to execute the Magi if they were to fail their [[The Harrowing (quest)|Harrowing]] and become an [[abomination]]. It is later revealed that he had feelings for a female mage and hated the idea of having to be the one to kill her. If the Warden tries to pursue relations with Cullen, he ends up becoming extremely nervous and runs away with the excuse of attending other duties.
   
 
[[File:NPC-CullenWitnessesTheHarrowing.png|thumb|220px|Cullen witnesses the [[Harrowing]]]]
[[File:CullenPortrait412.jpg|thumb|150px|]]
 
   
 
Cullen will be found once again as the last surviving templar in the upper levels of the Circle Tower during the [[Broken Circle]] quest. When the Warden meets him trapped inside a magical prison (conjured by [[Uldred]]), he tries to dismiss the Warden as another illusion which points out that is how Uldred saw fit to torture the templars he had captured. If the Warden is a female mage, Cullen will reveal his infatuation with her.
 
Cullen will be found once again as the last surviving templar in the upper levels of the Circle Tower during the [[Broken Circle]] quest. When the Warden meets him trapped inside a magical prison (conjured by [[Uldred]]), he tries to dismiss the Warden as another illusion which points out that is how Uldred saw fit to torture the templars he had captured. If the Warden is a female mage, Cullen will reveal his infatuation with her.
Line 60: Line 64:
 
Cullen was sent by Knight-Commander Greagoir to the Circle in [[Kirkwall]], where he was promoted to Knight-Captain and second-in-command to Knight-Commander [[Meredith Stannard|Meredith]]. He eventually encountered and became a recurring associate of [[Hawke]], the [[Codex entry: Mantle of the Champion|Champion]] of Kirkwall.
 
Cullen was sent by Knight-Commander Greagoir to the Circle in [[Kirkwall]], where he was promoted to Knight-Captain and second-in-command to Knight-Commander [[Meredith Stannard|Meredith]]. He eventually encountered and became a recurring associate of [[Hawke]], the [[Codex entry: Mantle of the Champion|Champion]] of Kirkwall.
   
[[File:Cullen03.jpg|thumb|]]
+
[[File:BSC 2.jpg|thumb|right|200px|]]
   
 
Cullen's view on mages and magic have developed since his service under Greagoir. As a templar, Cullen accepts his duty to monitor the Circle of Magi and bring apostates to the Circle. As the story progresses, Cullen will confess to Hawke that Meredith is leading the Kirkwall Templar Order down a path he does not support. Cullen maintains that the Templar Order's purpose is not only to protect the population from magic, but also to protect the mages that the templars are sworn to oversee. As a result he begins to have doubts about his loyalty to Meredith versus his loyalty to the Templar Order.
 
Cullen's view on mages and magic have developed since his service under Greagoir. As a templar, Cullen accepts his duty to monitor the Circle of Magi and bring apostates to the Circle. As the story progresses, Cullen will confess to Hawke that Meredith is leading the Kirkwall Templar Order down a path he does not support. Cullen maintains that the Templar Order's purpose is not only to protect the population from magic, but also to protect the mages that the templars are sworn to oversee. As a result he begins to have doubts about his loyalty to Meredith versus his loyalty to the Templar Order.
Line 68: Line 72:
 
Cullen and the other templars attack the [[Gallows]] after Meredith invokes the [[Right of Annulment]]. If Hawke sides with the templars, they will be asked to decide the fate of 3 mages who surrender. If Hawke asks Cullen for an opinion, Cullen questions the necessity of annulling the Kirkwall Circle. He says the situation in Ferelden was much more dire and even then they saved some of the mages. In response, Meredith asks Cullen if he will take responsibility if it is proven that their prisoners are blood mages, Cullen answers that he believes that is what being a templar is about.
 
Cullen and the other templars attack the [[Gallows]] after Meredith invokes the [[Right of Annulment]]. If Hawke sides with the templars, they will be asked to decide the fate of 3 mages who surrender. If Hawke asks Cullen for an opinion, Cullen questions the necessity of annulling the Kirkwall Circle. He says the situation in Ferelden was much more dire and even then they saved some of the mages. In response, Meredith asks Cullen if he will take responsibility if it is proven that their prisoners are blood mages, Cullen answers that he believes that is what being a templar is about.
   
[[File:Go-through-me.jpg|thumb|180px|Cullen challenges Meredith.]]
+
[[File:Go-through-me.jpg|thumb|220px|Cullen challenges Meredith.]]
   
 
During the final confrontation with Meredith, Cullen orders her to step down when she orders Hawke to be executed, stating that they had agreed only to arrest the Champion. Meredith will accuse him and the surviving templars of being [[blood mage]] thralls and then attack. Cullen will fight alongside Hawke.
 
During the final confrontation with Meredith, Cullen orders her to step down when she orders Hawke to be executed, stating that they had agreed only to arrest the Champion. Meredith will accuse him and the surviving templars of being [[blood mage]] thralls and then attack. Cullen will fight alongside Hawke.
   
If Hawke sides with the mages, Cullen will stand down after Meredith's defeat and allow Hawke to leave the city peacefully. Should Hawke side with the templars however, Cullen and the surviving templars kneel before Hawke after Meredith's defeat, earning the respect of the templars, and winning Hawke the position of Viscount.
+
If Hawke sides with the mages, Cullen will stand down after Meredith's defeat and allow Hawke to leave the city peacefully. Should Hawke side with the templars, however, Cullen and the surviving templars kneel before Hawke after Meredith's defeat, showing that Hawke has earned their respect. This leads to Hawke being awarded the position of Viscount.
 
}}
 
}}
   
Line 78: Line 82:
 
{{SpoilerDAI|
 
{{SpoilerDAI|
 
[[File:Cullen tarot.png|thumb|150px|Cullen tarot card]]
 
[[File:Cullen tarot.png|thumb|150px|Cullen tarot card]]
Following the [[Kirkwall Rebellion]], Cullen rallied what remained of the city's templars and restored order. Seeing his potential, [[Cassandra Pentaghast]] recruited him into the Inquisition, granting him the rank of Commander.<ref>[http://www.dragonage.com/#!/en_US/characters/humans/cullen Cullen official profile]</ref> He now leads the military arm of the organization and serves as the tactical advisor to [[the Inquisitor]].<ref>[http://www.dragonage.com/#!/en_US/news/character-profile-cullen Character Profile: Cullen]</ref>
+
Following the [[Kirkwall Rebellion]], Cullen rallied what remained of the city's templars and restored order. Seeing his potential, [[Cassandra Pentaghast]] recruited him into the Inquisition, granting him the rank of Commander. He now leads the military arm of the organization and serves as the tactical advisor to [[the Inquisitor]].<ref>[https://www.ea.com/games/dragon-age/dragon-age-inquisition/characters/cullen Character Profile: Cullen]</ref>
   
When asked about his feelings about mages, he states that he has seen the suffering that magic can inflict and has treated mages with distrust because of it in the past - sometimes without cause. He admits that it was unworthy of him and says that he will try not to do so in the future. However, he still thinks that mages should be checked with safeguards to protect people - including the mages. Though he disagrees with the Templar Order's actions, he sympathizes with the Order's frustrations of having their work taken for granted.
+
When asked about his feelings about mages, he states that he has seen the suffering that magic can inflict and has treated mages with distrust because of it in the past - sometimes without cause. He admits that it was unworthy of him and says that he will try not to do so in the future. However, he still thinks that mages should be checked with safeguards to protect people - including the mages. Though he disagrees with the Templar Order's actions, he sympathizes with the Order's frustrations of having their work taken for granted by the Chantry.
   
As the war council assembles, Cassandra and [[Leliana]] suggest approaching the rebel mages for help with [[the Breach]]. Cullen disagrees, suggesting recruiting the templars instead, fearing that pouring too much magic into the Inquisitor's mark may destroy them all.
+
As the war council assembles, Cassandra and [[Leliana]] suggest approaching the rebel mages for help with [[the Breach]]. Cullen disagrees, maintaining that it would be better to recruit the templars instead, fearing that pouring too much magic into the Inquisitor's mark may destroy them all.
   
After the Inquisitor seals the Breach with the aid of either the mages or templars, Haven comes under attack by [[Corypheus]]. Cullen leads the defense but ultimately they are slowly outmatched. Cullen suggests using the remaining trebuchets to cause an avalanche to bury Haven, and the Inquisition along with it, until [[Chancellor Roderick]] reveals a secret pathway for them to escape. Cullen organizes the evacuation while the Inquisitor distracts Corypheus and his dragon. Once everyone is clear, he sends up a signal via fire arrow to let the Inquisitor know that the others are safe, at which point the Inquisitor triggers the destruction of Haven. The Inquisitor escapes and regroups with the Inquisition. Once they set up camp, Cullen argues with the rest of the war council on what to do, but tempers are calmed as [[Mother Giselle]] sings a hymn for the faithful.
+
After the Inquisitor seals the Breach with the aid of either the mages or templars, Haven comes under attack by [[Corypheus]]. Cullen leads the defense but ultimately they are slowly outmatched and trapped by the enemy. Cullen suggests using the remaining trebuchets to cause an avalanche to bury Haven, and the Inquisition and their enemies along with it, until [[Chancellor Roderick]] reveals a secret pathway for them to escape. Cullen organizes the evacuation while the Inquisitor distracts Corypheus and his dragon. Once everyone is clear, he sends up a signal via fire arrow to let the Inquisitor know that the others are safe, at which point the Inquisitor triggers the destruction of Haven. The Inquisitor escapes and regroups with the Inquisition. Once they set up camp, Cullen argues with the rest of the war council on what to do, but tempers are calmed as [[Mother Giselle]] sings a hymn for the faithful.
   
 
The Inquisitor soon leads the Inquisition to [[Skyhold]] to set up their base of operations. Cullen rallies the warriors and others present to accept the Inquisitor as the official leader of the Inquisition.
 
The Inquisitor soon leads the Inquisition to [[Skyhold]] to set up their base of operations. Cullen rallies the warriors and others present to accept the Inquisitor as the official leader of the Inquisition.
Line 97: Line 101:
 
=== ''Trespasser'' ===
 
=== ''Trespasser'' ===
 
{{SpoilerDAIT|
 
{{SpoilerDAIT|
Cullen returns during the events of the 'Trespasser' DLC, set two years after Corypheus' defeat. Cullen commands the Inquisitor's honor guard and rides with the Inquisitor as they approach the [[Winter Palace]]. He is later seen adopting a [[Mabari]] cast aside ostensibly by its [[Orlais|Orlesian]] master.
+
Cullen returns during the events of the ''[[Trespasser]]'' [[Downloadable content (Inquisition)|DLC]], set two years after Corypheus' defeat. Cullen commands the Inquisitor's honor guard and rides with the Inquisitor as they approach the [[Winter Palace]]. He is later seen adopting a [[Mabari]] cast aside ostensibly by its [[Orlais|Orlesian]] master.
 
====If the Inquistion Disbanded:====
 
   
 
==== If the Inquisition Disbanded ====
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen not taking Lyrium, Inquisitor romances Cullen|}}Cullen and the Inquisitor retire to private life together (with Cullen's new Mabari) in Ferelden. They "continued doing good works on their own terms" and visit Cullen's family.
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen not taking Lyrium, Inquisitor romances Cullen|}}Cullen and the Inquisitor retire to private life together (with Cullen's new Mabari) in Ferelden. They "continued doing good works on their own terms" and visit Cullen's family.
   
Line 107: Line 110:
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen takes Lyrium, not romanced|}} Later on, Scout Harding finds him living as a beggar on the streets of Val Chevin. He is in the last stages of Lyrium madness. It is suggested that she ended his suffering, either by giving him coin to get more Lyrium or by providing him a quick death.
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen takes Lyrium, not romanced|}} Later on, Scout Harding finds him living as a beggar on the streets of Val Chevin. He is in the last stages of Lyrium madness. It is suggested that she ended his suffering, either by giving him coin to get more Lyrium or by providing him a quick death.
   
====If the Inquistion Continues:====
+
==== If the Inquisition Continues ====
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen not taking Lyrium, Inquisitor romances Cullen|}}Cullen and the Inquisitor continue to guide the Inquistion.They "continued doing good works on their own terms" and visit Cullen's family.
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen not taking Lyrium, Inquisitor romances Cullen|}}Cullen and the Inquisitor continue to guide the Inquistion.They "continued doing good works on their own terms" and visit Cullen's family.
   
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen doesn't take Lyrium/was promised to find a solution later, not romanced|}}Cullen continued to serve as commander. He also established means for taking care of Templars who want to quit Lyrium or have lost their minds.
 
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen doesn't take Lyrium/was promised to find a solution later, not romanced|}}Cullen continued to serve as commander. He also established means for taking care of Templars who want to quit Lyrium or have lost their minds.
   
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen takes Lyrium, not romanced|}}Cullen abruptly retires from the Inquisition and disappears. Cullen loses his mind to Lyrium and becomes a beggar on the streets.}}
+
*{{CodexConditionalParagraph|Cullen takes Lyrium, not romanced|}}Cullen abruptly retires from the Inquisition and disappears. Cullen loses his mind to Lyrium and becomes a beggar on the streets. He is found by Scout Harding and is either given coin or a quick death.}}
   
 
==Romance==
 
==Romance==
Line 118: Line 121:
 
Cullen is a potential [[Romance (Inquisition)|romance]] option for a female [[The Inquisitor|Inquisitor]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]'', although only for humans or elves. He is also one of the few romance options whose romance can be initiated before the completion of his personal quest.
 
Cullen is a potential [[Romance (Inquisition)|romance]] option for a female [[The Inquisitor|Inquisitor]] in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]'', although only for humans or elves. He is also one of the few romance options whose romance can be initiated before the completion of his personal quest.
   
His romance can be initiated shortly after the Inquisitor arrives at [[Skyhold]]. Provided one is playing as a female human or elf, a short conversation with Cullen in the courtyard can be had as he is attempting to marshal his troops, during which he pledges to the Inquisitor that he will never allow another crippling defeat such as Haven to occur again. Later, the female Inquisitor can initiate a romance with Cullen by asking if he has "time to talk". They take a stroll out onto the battlements, during which the Inquisitor confesses her feelings towards him. Provided that the Inquisitor fits Cullen's specifications (female and human/elf), the feelings are mutual and they share their first kiss. Cullen says later that he'd been wanting to kiss the Inquisitor "longer than he should admit". Throughout the rest of the game, the Inquisitor will have several cutscenes and unique conversations with Cullen if the romance option was selected.
+
His romance can be initiated shortly after the Inquisitor arrives at [[Skyhold]], but he can be flirted with while at Haven. Provided one is playing as a female human or elf, a short conversation with Cullen in the courtyard can be had as he is attempting to marshal his troops, during which he pledges to the Inquisitor that he will never allow another crippling defeat such as Haven to occur again. Later, the female Inquisitor can initiate a romance with Cullen by asking if he has "time to talk". They take a stroll out onto the battlements, during which the Inquisitor confesses her feelings towards him. Provided that the Inquisitor fits Cullen's specifications (female and human/elf), the feelings are mutual and they share their first kiss. Cullen says later that he'd been wanting to kiss the Inquisitor "longer than he should admit". Throughout the rest of the game, the Inquisitor will have several cutscenes and unique conversations with Cullen if the romance option was selected.
   
 
If you are romancing him during Perseverance or after the quest, Cullen will call it off or refuse to enter a relationship if you told him to go back onto lyrium. In a discussion about the sacrifices required in a Templar lifestyle, he justifies the breakup by saying, "I wasn't the same after Ferelden. I tried putting that behind me and clearly I don't know how. Until that's possible, I shouldn't be with anyone." You can still romance him, however, if you tell him you'll find a better way later for him to break his addiction.
 
If you are romancing him during Perseverance or after the quest, Cullen will call it off or refuse to enter a relationship if you told him to go back onto lyrium. In a discussion about the sacrifices required in a Templar lifestyle, he justifies the breakup by saying, "I wasn't the same after Ferelden. I tried putting that behind me and clearly I don't know how. Until that's possible, I shouldn't be with anyone." You can still romance him, however, if you tell him you'll find a better way later for him to break his addiction.
   
{{Note|In ''[[Dragon Age Keep]]'' the player can select Cullen as the Inquisitor's romance even if the Keep option to encourage Cullen to take lyrium is selected. However in-game Cullen always breaks up with the Inquisitor if he is ordered to take lyrium without a promise to quit it once the war is over.}}
+
{{Note|In ''[[Dragon Age Keep]]'' the player can select Cullen as the Inquisitor's romance even if the Keep option to encourage Cullen to take lyrium is selected. However, in-game Cullen always breaks up with the Inquisitor if he is ordered to take lyrium without a promise to quit it once the war is over.}}
   
 
After a mage Inquisitor encourages Cullen to continue to refuse lyrium, he can express regret for his attitudes in the previous game and state that, "The way that I saw mages...I'm not sure I would have cared about you. And the thought of that sickens me." If a mage Inquisitor encouraged Cullen to go back onto lyrium, he will be much more prickly to the mage Inquisitor when asked if he would choose her over his duty in the event he'd have to slay her should she be corrupted- insinuating he would put his duty as a templar over his feelings for the Inquisitor.
 
After a mage Inquisitor encourages Cullen to continue to refuse lyrium, he can express regret for his attitudes in the previous game and state that, "The way that I saw mages...I'm not sure I would have cared about you. And the thought of that sickens me." If a mage Inquisitor encouraged Cullen to go back onto lyrium, he will be much more prickly to the mage Inquisitor when asked if he would choose her over his duty in the event he'd have to slay her should she be corrupted- insinuating he would put his duty as a templar over his feelings for the Inquisitor.
 
[[File:Cullen's-token-Happier-Times.png|thumb|220x220px|Cullen's Lucky Coin]]
 
[[File:Cullen's-token-Happier-Times.png|thumb|220x220px|Cullen's Lucky Coin]]
Later on, Cullen will ask the Inquisitor if she'd like to accompany him while dealing with some business in Ferelden, accepting will take you to a lake. Cullen will tell you that he used to come here as a child to get away from his siblings and the last time he was here was the day he left for Templar training, saying that his brother gave him a coin, saying it was lucky, which he has kept. He will then ask the Inquisitor to indulge him and give the coin to them. The Inquisitor may either accept the gift or ask him to keep it. Neither option will affect the romance.
+
Later on, Cullen will ask the Inquisitor if she'd like to accompany him while dealing with some business in Ferelden, accepting will take you to a lake. Cullen will tell you that he used to come here as a child to get away from his siblings and the last time he was here was the day he left for Templar training, saying that his brother gave him a [[Cullen's Lucky Coin|coin]], saying it was lucky, which he has kept. He will then ask the Inquisitor to indulge him and give the coin to them. The Inquisitor may either accept the gift or ask him to keep it. Neither option will affect the romance.
   
As with all other romanceable characters, if the Inquisitor romances Cullen, two Orlesian nobles in the throne room will comment on the romance at each progression.{{SpoilerDAIT|During the Exalted Council, Cullen will ask the Inquisitor to marry him. The Inquisitor can agree, or tell Cullen the couple doesn't need marriage.
+
As with all other romanceable characters, if the Inquisitor romances Cullen, two Orlesian nobles in the throne room will comment on the romance at each progression.{{SpoilerDAIT|During the [[Exalted Council]], Cullen will ask the Inquisitor to marry him. The Inquisitor can agree, or tell Cullen the couple doesn't need marriage.
   
If the Inquisitor is an elf, they have the option to ask to say elvish vows in the ceremony, to which Cullen agrees. The elvish vows the Inquisitor reads are, "Sylaise enaste var aravel. Lama, ara las mir lath. Bellanaris." See the Elven Language talk page for speculations on the translation.
+
If the Inquisitor is an elf, they have the option to ask to say elvish vows in the ceremony, to which Cullen agrees. The elvish vows the Inquisitor reads are, "Sylaise enaste var aravel. Lama, ara las mir lath. Bellanaris." See the [[Talk:Elven language#Elvish Vows|Elven language talk page]] for speculations on the translation.
 
 
 
If the Inquisitor is human, only Cullen says vows during the ceremony cutscene.
 
If the Inquisitor is human, only Cullen says vows during the ceremony cutscene.
Line 156: Line 159:
 
{{See also|War table/Dialogue}}
 
{{See also|War table/Dialogue}}
 
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins'' ===
 
=== ''Dragon Age: Origins'' ===
  +
[[File:CullenWOT2.png|thumb|right|220px|Concept art of Cullen in ''[[Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 2]]'']]
 
* "Maker turn his gaze on you. I hope your compassion hasn't doomed us all."
 
* "Maker turn his gaze on you. I hope your compassion hasn't doomed us all."
   
Line 182: Line 186:
 
[[File:Promotional Cullen.jpg|thumb|250px|Promotional image of Advisor Cullen in ''Heroes of Dragon Age'']]
 
[[File:Promotional Cullen.jpg|thumb|250px|Promotional image of Advisor Cullen in ''Heroes of Dragon Age'']]
 
* Cullen was written by [[Sheryl Chee]] in ''Origins''<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|date=January 7, 2010|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105103926/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/43582-writers-of-dragon-age/page-6?p=570159|title=Writers of Dragon Age|access=May 28, 2015}}</ref>, [[Jennifer Hepler]] in ''Dragon Age: II''<ref>{{BWF|author=Jennifer Hepler|date=March 14, 2011|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412174630/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/183173-andrastes-flaming-pants-anders-spoilers/page-8|title=Andrastes flaming pants, Anders! (Spoilers)|access=May 28, 2015}} </ref>, and Brianne Battye in ''Dragon Age: Inquisition''.<ref>[http://blog.bioware.com/2014/12/12/the-sound-and-the-fury-what-we-listened-to-while-writing-dragon-age-inquisition/ The Sound and the Fury: What we listened to while writing Dragon Age: Inquisition]</ref>
 
* Cullen was written by [[Sheryl Chee]] in ''Origins''<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|date=January 7, 2010|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105103926/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/43582-writers-of-dragon-age/page-6?p=570159|title=Writers of Dragon Age|access=May 28, 2015}}</ref>, [[Jennifer Hepler]] in ''Dragon Age: II''<ref>{{BWF|author=Jennifer Hepler|date=March 14, 2011|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412174630/http://forum.bioware.com/topic/183173-andrastes-flaming-pants-anders-spoilers/page-8|title=Andrastes flaming pants, Anders! (Spoilers)|access=May 28, 2015}} </ref>, and Brianne Battye in ''Dragon Age: Inquisition''.<ref>[http://blog.bioware.com/2014/12/12/the-sound-and-the-fury-what-we-listened-to-while-writing-dragon-age-inquisition/ The Sound and the Fury: What we listened to while writing Dragon Age: Inquisition]</ref>
* Originally, Cullen wasn't a romance option for ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'', but according to [[Mike Laidlaw]], BioWare changed his role as a love interest when they extended the game's development for a year.<ref>{{BWF|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910020202/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/512958-romances-in-dragon-age-inquisition/|author=[[Mike Laidlaw]]|title=Romances in Dragon Age Inquisition}}</ref>
+
* Originally, Cullen wasn't a romance option for ''Dragon Age: Inquisition'', but according to [[Mike Laidlaw]], BioWare changed his role as a love interest when they extended the game's development by a year.<ref>{{BWF|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910020202/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/512958-romances-in-dragon-age-inquisition/|author=[[Mike Laidlaw]]|title=Romances in Dragon Age Inquisition}}</ref>
 
* If the imported ''Origins'' story featured a [[Human]] [[Magi Origin|Mage]] [[The Warden|Warden]], Cullen will refer to them in the beginning of ''Dragon Age II'' Act 2, e.g. ''"I knew an Amell once. She was a special woman. Never met her like again."'' in the case of a female Warden and ''"There was an Amell in the Ferelden Circle, he left before Uldred attacked and came back to save us all."'' in the case of a male Warden.
 
* If the imported ''Origins'' story featured a [[Human]] [[Magi Origin|Mage]] [[The Warden|Warden]], Cullen will refer to them in the beginning of ''Dragon Age II'' Act 2, e.g. ''"I knew an Amell once. She was a special woman. Never met her like again."'' in the case of a female Warden and ''"There was an Amell in the Ferelden Circle, he left before Uldred attacked and came back to save us all."'' in the case of a male Warden.
 
* If the imported ''Origins'' save is a female [[Magi Origin|Mage]] [[The Warden|Warden]], his ''Dragon Age II'' [[Codex entry: Knight-Captain Cullen|Codex]] makes a reference to his feelings for the Warden while they were at the Circle Tower. If Leliana romanced a female Mage Warden in ''Origins'' and Cullen is not being romanced by the Inquisitor, he will try to ask Leliana about the Warden during War Table banter.
 
* If the imported ''Origins'' save is a female [[Magi Origin|Mage]] [[The Warden|Warden]], his ''Dragon Age II'' [[Codex entry: Knight-Captain Cullen|Codex]] makes a reference to his feelings for the Warden while they were at the Circle Tower. If Leliana romanced a female Mage Warden in ''Origins'' and Cullen is not being romanced by the Inquisitor, he will try to ask Leliana about the Warden during War Table banter.
Line 199: Line 203:
 
== Gallery ==
 
== Gallery ==
 
<gallery widths="199" captionalign="center">
 
<gallery widths="199" captionalign="center">
  +
Cullen's Prison.jpg|Cullen's prison
NPC-CullenWitnessesTheHarrowing.png|Cullen and another templar witness the Mage Warden's Harrowing
 
 
BSC 1.jpg|With [[Samson]]
 
BSC 1.jpg|With [[Samson]]
 
Cullen with lion helm.jpg|Cullen in his full armor
 
Cullen with lion helm.jpg|Cullen in his full armor
Line 224: Line 228:
   
 
[[pl:Cullen Rutherford]]
 
[[pl:Cullen Rutherford]]
  +
[[fr:Cullen]]
 
[[Category:Characters]]
 
[[Category:Characters]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins characters]]
 
[[Category:Dragon Age: Origins characters]]

Revision as of 20:53, 26 February 2020

“No one ever listens, not until it's far too late.”


Cullen Stanton Rutherford (born in approximately 9:11 Dragon[6][7]) is a Fereldan templar.

In Dragon Age: Inquisition, Cullen acts as the Inquisitor's military adviser, and is a romance option for a female human and elf Inquisitor.

Background

Born in the Fereldan village of Honnleath, Cullen was the second eldest child of four.[4] Mia was his elder sister, his brother Branson was younger, and his sister Rosalie was the youngest of them all. He was eight years old when he told his brother and sisters that he would become a Templar. Though his siblings took the proclamation playfully, Cullen's intentions did not waver. He started visiting the local chantry in Honnleath, asking the templars there to teach him anything they could. Honnleath had only a few templars, but they humored the boy and taught him basic sword techniques.

From a young age, Cullen had a strong desire to enter a profession that helped people, and he refused to be swayed from the path he had chosen. Despite his siblings' initial teasing, Mia became Cullen's greatest supporter, insisting that the others help Cullen train. When he was thirteen years old, a visiting knight-captain took notice of Cullen's hard work and offered him the chance of formal training. His parents agreed to the request, as the Templar Order was known to be a respectable and honorable profession, and they wanted to give their son the opportunity to have a life that would make him happy.

As most Templar recruits were taken in at a young age, Cullen, at the age of thirteen, was considerably older than the other recruits and less prepared than some. But any concerns of him falling behind his peers were quickly dispelled. Finding that the training was everything that he had imagined it would be, Cullen quickly caught up to the other recruits, matching them in their expertise. When the time came to take his final vows at the age of eighteen, Cullen was eager to pledge his life in service to the Maker and take the lyrium that would bind him to the Order. He finally achieved his childhood dream to become a Templar when he was assigned to the Circle Tower at Kinloch Hold, under Knight-Commander Greagoir.[8]

When the Blight came over the land, Cullen's family was forced to flee to South Reach. His mother and father did not survive.

Involvement

Dragon Age: Origins


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Origins.


During the Magi Origin, Cullen is the templar assigned to execute the Magi if they were to fail their Harrowing and become an abomination. It is later revealed that he had feelings for a female mage and hated the idea of having to be the one to kill her. If the Warden tries to pursue relations with Cullen, he ends up becoming extremely nervous and runs away with the excuse of attending other duties.

NPC-CullenWitnessesTheHarrowing

Cullen witnesses the Harrowing

Cullen will be found once again as the last surviving templar in the upper levels of the Circle Tower during the Broken Circle quest. When the Warden meets him trapped inside a magical prison (conjured by Uldred), he tries to dismiss the Warden as another illusion which points out that is how Uldred saw fit to torture the templars he had captured. If the Warden is a female mage, Cullen will reveal his infatuation with her.

Once Cullen has calmed down, he will try to convince the Warden to kill all the mages in the Harrowing Chamber, not just Uldred and the abominations, as he fears they may be blood mages in hiding.

If the Warden does not side with him, then he will try one last ditch effort to get the mages killed by complaining to Knight-Commander Greagoir, however Greagoir values Irving's word more. When siding with Cullen, the Warden will have the chance to agree with Cullen's complaint to Greagoir, which in turn even leads Irving to agreeing as well. In this event, the mages are all put under the watch of Cullen until something can be decided to do with them.

There are several rumors about Cullen's fate after the Fifth Blight, which may be revealed if the Warden was a mage or if they sided with him during the outbreak of abominations in the Circle Tower. If the Warden sided with Cullen, or was a mage who did not grant the Circle Tower autonomy, then the rumors say that Cullen will eventually become Knight-Commander of the Circle Tower after Greagoir retires, watching over the magi with a much more strict and cruel regime than even Greagoir had. If the Warden was a mage and did not side with Cullen, and gives the tower autonomy, the templar endures festering mental scars from his experience in the tower. This leads to an eventual mental breakdown during which he kills three mage apprentices before fleeing. These rumors are later revealed to be fictional.


Witch Hunt


This section contains spoilers for:
Witch Hunt.


If the Warden was a female mage, Cullen can be mentioned by gossiping mages at the Tower. They say that, following the events of Broken Circle, he was sent by Greagoir to the chantry at Greenfell until he "leveled out."


The Darkspawn Chronicles


This section contains spoilers for:
Darkspawn Chronicles.


Cullen is encountered during the Slay the Healer quest where he will fight alongside Knight-Commander Greagoir, Wynne and a few templars in the Denerim Market District. He must be slain to gain access to the Denerim Alienage.


Dragon Age II


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age II.


Cullen was sent by Knight-Commander Greagoir to the Circle in Kirkwall, where he was promoted to Knight-Captain and second-in-command to Knight-Commander Meredith. He eventually encountered and became a recurring associate of Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall.

BSC 2

Cullen's view on mages and magic have developed since his service under Greagoir. As a templar, Cullen accepts his duty to monitor the Circle of Magi and bring apostates to the Circle. As the story progresses, Cullen will confess to Hawke that Meredith is leading the Kirkwall Templar Order down a path he does not support. Cullen maintains that the Templar Order's purpose is not only to protect the population from magic, but also to protect the mages that the templars are sworn to oversee. As a result he begins to have doubts about his loyalty to Meredith versus his loyalty to the Templar Order.

Hawke first meets Cullen while Cullen is on an investigation and is interrogating a templar recruit about other recruits who have been recently disappearing. Later, if a non-mage Hawke does not take Bethany to the Deep Roads, it is Cullen who takes Bethany to the Circle. After Hawke's encounter with Ser Alrik, Cullen will admit that Alrik's "Tranquil Solution" had been discussed among the templars, and there are no plans to go through with it. Saying that the Harrowing has served them well enough and that it'll be up to the mages, if they push the templars to more stringent measures. He avoids saying if he supports it or not, by discussing the merits of the Rite of Tranquility and that there is an argument to be made about applying it more widely.[9] Cullen alerts Hawke to the accusations against Aveline and participates in the resolution of the short-lived conspiracy to oust Knight-Commander Meredith.

Cullen and the other templars attack the Gallows after Meredith invokes the Right of Annulment. If Hawke sides with the templars, they will be asked to decide the fate of 3 mages who surrender. If Hawke asks Cullen for an opinion, Cullen questions the necessity of annulling the Kirkwall Circle. He says the situation in Ferelden was much more dire and even then they saved some of the mages. In response, Meredith asks Cullen if he will take responsibility if it is proven that their prisoners are blood mages, Cullen answers that he believes that is what being a templar is about.

Go-through-me

Cullen challenges Meredith.

During the final confrontation with Meredith, Cullen orders her to step down when she orders Hawke to be executed, stating that they had agreed only to arrest the Champion. Meredith will accuse him and the surviving templars of being blood mage thralls and then attack. Cullen will fight alongside Hawke.

If Hawke sides with the mages, Cullen will stand down after Meredith's defeat and allow Hawke to leave the city peacefully. Should Hawke side with the templars, however, Cullen and the surviving templars kneel before Hawke after Meredith's defeat, showing that Hawke has earned their respect. This leads to Hawke being awarded the position of Viscount.


Dragon Age: Inquisition


This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.


Cullen tarot

Cullen tarot card

Following the Kirkwall Rebellion, Cullen rallied what remained of the city's templars and restored order. Seeing his potential, Cassandra Pentaghast recruited him into the Inquisition, granting him the rank of Commander. He now leads the military arm of the organization and serves as the tactical advisor to the Inquisitor.[10]

When asked about his feelings about mages, he states that he has seen the suffering that magic can inflict and has treated mages with distrust because of it in the past - sometimes without cause. He admits that it was unworthy of him and says that he will try not to do so in the future. However, he still thinks that mages should be checked with safeguards to protect people - including the mages. Though he disagrees with the Templar Order's actions, he sympathizes with the Order's frustrations of having their work taken for granted by the Chantry.

As the war council assembles, Cassandra and Leliana suggest approaching the rebel mages for help with the Breach. Cullen disagrees, maintaining that it would be better to recruit the templars instead, fearing that pouring too much magic into the Inquisitor's mark may destroy them all.

After the Inquisitor seals the Breach with the aid of either the mages or templars, Haven comes under attack by Corypheus. Cullen leads the defense but ultimately they are slowly outmatched and trapped by the enemy. Cullen suggests using the remaining trebuchets to cause an avalanche to bury Haven, and the Inquisition and their enemies along with it, until Chancellor Roderick reveals a secret pathway for them to escape. Cullen organizes the evacuation while the Inquisitor distracts Corypheus and his dragon. Once everyone is clear, he sends up a signal via fire arrow to let the Inquisitor know that the others are safe, at which point the Inquisitor triggers the destruction of Haven. The Inquisitor escapes and regroups with the Inquisition. Once they set up camp, Cullen argues with the rest of the war council on what to do, but tempers are calmed as Mother Giselle sings a hymn for the faithful.

The Inquisitor soon leads the Inquisition to Skyhold to set up their base of operations. Cullen rallies the warriors and others present to accept the Inquisitor as the official leader of the Inquisition.

Cullen brandishing sword
Inquisitor recruits the Mages:

Cullen will inform the Inquisitor that the Red Templars are being led by General Samson, a man he has personal history with. If the Inquisitor follows Cullen's advice to investigate Samson, the Inquisition will raid a quarry full of the Red Templars' red lyrium supplies and Cullen will personally aid in the raid over the Shrine of Dumat- Samson's headquarters. Cullen will be present when Samson is brought before the Inquisitor to be judged.

Cullen later struggles with lyrium withdrawal. He first reveals that he has an agreement with Cassandra to remove him from duty should he prove a liability, and he can later be found arguing with Cassandra to choose a replacement for him because he is doubting his ability to command. The Inquisitor then has the option to either encourage him to fight his addiction or to go back on lyrium.


Trespasser


This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.


Cullen returns during the events of the Trespasser DLC, set two years after Corypheus' defeat. Cullen commands the Inquisitor's honor guard and rides with the Inquisitor as they approach the Winter Palace. He is later seen adopting a Mabari cast aside ostensibly by its Orlesian master.

If the Inquisition Disbanded

  • Cullen not taking Lyrium, Inquisitor romances Cullen:
    Cullen and the Inquisitor retire to private life together (with Cullen's new Mabari) in Ferelden. They "continued doing good works on their own terms" and visit Cullen's family.
  • Cullen not taking Lyrium, not romanced:
    Cullen retires from active service. Divine Victoria grants him land and he establishes a sanctuary/rehab for former Templars. He promises to pick up the sword if his friends ever need him.
  • Cullen takes Lyrium, not romanced:
    Later on, Scout Harding finds him living as a beggar on the streets of Val Chevin. He is in the last stages of Lyrium madness. It is suggested that she ended his suffering, either by giving him coin to get more Lyrium or by providing him a quick death.

If the Inquisition Continues

  • Cullen not taking Lyrium, Inquisitor romances Cullen:
    Cullen and the Inquisitor continue to guide the Inquistion.They "continued doing good works on their own terms" and visit Cullen's family.
  • Cullen doesn't take Lyrium/was promised to find a solution later, not romanced:
    Cullen continued to serve as commander. He also established means for taking care of Templars who want to quit Lyrium or have lost their minds.
  • Cullen takes Lyrium, not romanced:
    Cullen abruptly retires from the Inquisition and disappears. Cullen loses his mind to Lyrium and becomes a beggar on the streets. He is found by Scout Harding and is either given coin or a quick death.


Romance

Cullen is a potential romance option for a female Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, although only for humans or elves. He is also one of the few romance options whose romance can be initiated before the completion of his personal quest.

His romance can be initiated shortly after the Inquisitor arrives at Skyhold, but he can be flirted with while at Haven. Provided one is playing as a female human or elf, a short conversation with Cullen in the courtyard can be had as he is attempting to marshal his troops, during which he pledges to the Inquisitor that he will never allow another crippling defeat such as Haven to occur again. Later, the female Inquisitor can initiate a romance with Cullen by asking if he has "time to talk". They take a stroll out onto the battlements, during which the Inquisitor confesses her feelings towards him. Provided that the Inquisitor fits Cullen's specifications (female and human/elf), the feelings are mutual and they share their first kiss. Cullen says later that he'd been wanting to kiss the Inquisitor "longer than he should admit". Throughout the rest of the game, the Inquisitor will have several cutscenes and unique conversations with Cullen if the romance option was selected.

If you are romancing him during Perseverance or after the quest, Cullen will call it off or refuse to enter a relationship if you told him to go back onto lyrium. In a discussion about the sacrifices required in a Templar lifestyle, he justifies the breakup by saying, "I wasn't the same after Ferelden. I tried putting that behind me and clearly I don't know how. Until that's possible, I shouldn't be with anyone." You can still romance him, however, if you tell him you'll find a better way later for him to break his addiction.

Note: In Dragon Age Keep the player can select Cullen as the Inquisitor's romance even if the Keep option to encourage Cullen to take lyrium is selected. However, in-game Cullen always breaks up with the Inquisitor if he is ordered to take lyrium without a promise to quit it once the war is over.

After a mage Inquisitor encourages Cullen to continue to refuse lyrium, he can express regret for his attitudes in the previous game and state that, "The way that I saw mages...I'm not sure I would have cared about you. And the thought of that sickens me." If a mage Inquisitor encouraged Cullen to go back onto lyrium, he will be much more prickly to the mage Inquisitor when asked if he would choose her over his duty in the event he'd have to slay her should she be corrupted- insinuating he would put his duty as a templar over his feelings for the Inquisitor.

Cullen's-token-Happier-Times

Cullen's Lucky Coin

Later on, Cullen will ask the Inquisitor if she'd like to accompany him while dealing with some business in Ferelden, accepting will take you to a lake. Cullen will tell you that he used to come here as a child to get away from his siblings and the last time he was here was the day he left for Templar training, saying that his brother gave him a coin, saying it was lucky, which he has kept. He will then ask the Inquisitor to indulge him and give the coin to them. The Inquisitor may either accept the gift or ask him to keep it. Neither option will affect the romance.

As with all other romanceable characters, if the Inquisitor romances Cullen, two Orlesian nobles in the throne room will comment on the romance at each progression.


This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.


During the Exalted Council, Cullen will ask the Inquisitor to marry him. The Inquisitor can agree, or tell Cullen the couple doesn't need marriage.

If the Inquisitor is an elf, they have the option to ask to say elvish vows in the ceremony, to which Cullen agrees. The elvish vows the Inquisitor reads are, "Sylaise enaste var aravel. Lama, ara las mir lath. Bellanaris." See the Elven language talk page for speculations on the translation.

If the Inquisitor is human, only Cullen says vows during the ceremony cutscene.

Mother Giselle marries the Inquisitor and Cullen.


Quests

Dragon Age: Origins

A Mage of the Circle A Mage of the Circle

Broken Circle Broken Circle

Slay the Healer Slay the Healer

Dragon Age II

Enemies Among Us Enemies Among Us

Favor and Fault Favor and Fault

Best Served Cold Best Served Cold

The Last Straw The Last Straw

Dragon Age: Inquisition

Before the Dawn Before the Dawn

Perseverance Perseverance

Happier Times Happier Times

Quotes

See also: War table/Dialogue

Dragon Age: Origins

CullenWOT2

Concept art of Cullen in Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 2

  • "Maker turn his gaze on you. I hope your compassion hasn't doomed us all."

Dragon Age II

  • (To Hawke, Enemies Among Us, Act I) "I was at the Circle Tower in Ferelden during the Blight. I saw firsthand how templars' trust and leniency can be rewarded. I still have nightmares of Uldred's depravities."
  • (To Hawke, Enemies Among Us, Act I) "Mages cannot be treated like people. They are not like you and me. They are weapons. They have the power to light a city on fire in a fit of pique."
  • (To Hawke, Enemies Among Us, Act I) "There is a vigil before templars take their arms, but the gravest danger they face is falling asleep."
  • (To Hawke, Act I) "The image of the poor, chained apprentice is a powerful one. And one the mages are more than willing to exploit."

Dragon Age: Inquisition

CullenOfficial
  • "Kirkwall's Circle fell. Innocent people died in the streets. Can't you see why I want nothing to do with that life?"
  • "Inquisition! With the Herald! For your lives! For all of us!"
  • "Once your sacrifices are made, is there no end? Are you leashed until the day you die, or lyrium takes your mind away?"
  • (Informal reports) Creating Inquisition footholds outside Skyhold has strengthened our reputation. People view us as a stabilizing force. We've received a number of recruits eager to pledge themselves to our cause.

This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: Inquisition.


  • Cullen: Many of our recruits viewed the Grey Wardens as heroes.
Pre-Revelations:
  • Cullen: Blackwall's presence is helpful. Knowing there's one Warden immune to corruption has given people hope.
  • Cullen: Corypheus's grasp is not inescapable.
  • Cullen: To see how far they've fallen... it's disheartening.


Trivia

Promotional Cullen

Promotional image of Advisor Cullen in Heroes of Dragon Age

  • Cullen was written by Sheryl Chee in Origins[11], Jennifer Hepler in Dragon Age: II[12], and Brianne Battye in Dragon Age: Inquisition.[13]
  • Originally, Cullen wasn't a romance option for Dragon Age: Inquisition, but according to Mike Laidlaw, BioWare changed his role as a love interest when they extended the game's development by a year.[14]
  • If the imported Origins story featured a Human Mage Warden, Cullen will refer to them in the beginning of Dragon Age II Act 2, e.g. "I knew an Amell once. She was a special woman. Never met her like again." in the case of a female Warden and "There was an Amell in the Ferelden Circle, he left before Uldred attacked and came back to save us all." in the case of a male Warden.
  • If the imported Origins save is a female Mage Warden, his Dragon Age II Codex makes a reference to his feelings for the Warden while they were at the Circle Tower. If Leliana romanced a female Mage Warden in Origins and Cullen is not being romanced by the Inquisitor, he will try to ask Leliana about the Warden during War Table banter.
  • Cullen shared quarters with Samson when he was transferred to Kirkwall. He thought Samson was a "decent man" at the time.
  • If Hawke sided with the Templars during the Kirkwall Rebellion, Cullen was promoted to Knight-Commander of Kirkwall. Otherwise, he remained Knight-Captain,[1] even though he was the de facto commander in Kirkwall. However, at the Winter Palace during Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts, the herald will announce Cullen as "former Knight-Commander of Kirkwall", regardless of his actual title.[1]
  • Cullen enjoys a chess-like game, and often played against his sister as a child.
  • One of the banters between Cullen and Josephine at the War Table includes Cullen musing that he should "calibrate" the trebuchets, to which Josephine groaningly replies, "Again? How many times will you be doing that?" This is likely a reference to Garrus Vakarian, a character from Bioware's Mass Effect series, who spends arguably too much time calibrating the guns on the Normandy.
  • Cullen's lion helmet was only featured in the Enemy of Thedas trailer in order to cover an animation glitch with Cullen's mouth.[15] It is not featured in-game, but is included in his character kit.
  • Cullen is mentioned a few times by the characters in the multiplayer mode of Inquisition. The Alchemist observes that he "smells like elderflower and oakmoss."[16]
  • According to war table banter, Cullen styles his hair, although he denies such claims.

Bugs

  • In Inquisition, an Inquisition agent in Cullen's office in Skyhold will tell the Inquisitor that Cullen has gone to speak with Cassandra. However, if the Inquisitor has completed Sera's unmarked "prank" quest prior to this conversation, the Inquisitor might not be able to interact with this agent. This will render it impossible to find Cullen (which is otherwise accomplished by clicking on Cassandra), and he will never return to his office. Any further interaction with him becomes impossible, as does the completion of his questline (Supposedly fixed with Patch 6, though there are still reports of the bug occurring after the patch).

Gallery

Codex entries

Codex entry: Knight-Captain Cullen Codex entry: Knight-Captain Cullen

Codex entry: Cullen Codex entry: Cullen

Codex entry: Cullen and the Last Few Years Codex entry: Cullen and the Last Few Years

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Twitter icon Brianne Battye. https://twitter.com/bbattye/status/542854283666800640 . Twitter.
  2. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 226
  3. Codex entry: Cullen
  4. 4.0 4.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 223
  5. Conversation between the Inquisitor and Cullen at the Winter Palace during Trespasser
  6. Cullen was approximately 19 when the Fifth Blight began in 9:30. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 223-224
  7. He is "roughly thirty" in 9:41. Twitter icon Brianne Battye. https://twitter.com/bbattye/status/539844575594954752 . Twitter.
  8. Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, pp. 223-224
  9. Asking Cullen at the Gallows
  10. Character Profile: Cullen
  11. BSN David Gaider (January 7, 2010). "Writers of Dragon Age" . The BioWare Forum. Retrieved on May 28, 2015.
  12. BSN Jennifer Hepler (March 14, 2011). "Andrastes flaming pants, Anders! (Spoilers)" . The BioWare Forum. Retrieved on May 28, 2015.
  13. The Sound and the Fury: What we listened to while writing Dragon Age: Inquisition
  14. BSN Mike Laidlaw"Romances in Dragon Age Inquisition" . The BioWare Forum.
  15. Making Dragon Age - from PAX South, January 2015
  16. Party banter spreadsheet