Sten/Approval

The dialogue options shown here are currently only partial lists and do not include every conversation option. The approval number shown represents the change in approval for that specific conversation option and not for the entire conversation. For the total change in approval add up each option you intend to select.

Lothering[]

Immediately after freeing Sten the following conversation is available only once:

1. Sten: Why are we stopping?

Never mind, let's keep moving. (Ends conversation)
I think we should talk for a moment.(to 2)
We're working together, I think I should get to know you. (to 2)
Let's just get a few things straight. (to 2)

2. Sten: There are darkspawn to be fought. Is this delay needful?

Never mind, let’s keep moving / True. Let’s go / We should get moving. (Ends conversation)
I need to know if i can trust you at my back. (to 3)
Are you all right? You were in that cage for weeks. (to 3) (+2).
What’s your hurry?. (to 3)

3: Sten: I am qunari. I have given my word to aid you. We are not people of idle promises. / You are concerned? No need. I am fit enough to fight.

We should get moving / Never mind, let’s keep moving / True. Let’s go. (Ends conversation)
I’ve never seen a qunari before. Tell me about your people. (to A)
You said you were in the army. (to B)
Why did you offer to help me? (Repeats branch without current phrase) Optional additional dialogues added to the branch in response to circular branches.

The darkspawn are your enemy? (added after “Why did you offer to help me?”) (Repeats branch without current phrase and “for the moment phrase”)
“For the moment?”. (added after “Why did you offer to help me?”) (Repeats branch without current phrase and “The darkspawn are your enemy?”)
A little hostile, aren’t we? (added after “Tell me about your people.”.) (Repeats branch without current phrase)
So this is you being calm and helpful? (added after “A little hostile, aren’t we?”.) (Repeats branch without current phrase)
You know what? just follow orders and you'll be fine. (Ends conversation) (added after “So this is you being calm and helpful?”.)
What do you mean by that? (added after “have you ever fought in a war? from B) (to 3.1)
So you must know your way around a battlefield, then. (added after “have you ever fought in a war? from B) (Repeats branch without current phrase)
Are you always this bad about answering questions? (added after “So you must know your way around a battlefield, then.) (Repeats branch without current phrase)

A. Sten: No.

Never mind, let’s keep moving. (Ends conversation)
No? Why not? (to 3)
Please? (to 3)
I wasn’t expecting that. (to 3)

B. Sten: I am

Have you ever fought in a war? (to 3)
What made you decide to become a soldier? (adds remaining options to 3)
Why would the qunari send soldiers here? (to C)

3.1 Sten: My people have been at war since the moment we set foot in the northern islands

We should get moving. (Ends conversation)
So the qunari don’t come from the islands? (to 3.1.1)
Naturally, the natives didn’t want to give up their land. (repeat branch without question)
Have you tried diplomacy? (to 3)
Who, Then? (repeat branch without question) (added after “Naturally, the natives didn’t want to give up their land.)
Why are you fighting the imperium? (added after “Who, Then? / Who are you fighting?”) (to 3)
What are Tal-Vashoth? (added after “Who, Then? / Who are you fighting?”) (to 3)

3.1.1 Sten: We do now

We should get moving. (Ends conversation)
Were did you come from before? (to 3.1.1.1)
Who are you fighting? (to 3.1)
Why would the qunari send soldiers here? (to C)

3.1.1.1 Sten: Somewhere else.

Never mind, let’s keep moving. (Ends conversation)
Can you be more specific? (to 3)
Are you always this bad about answering questions? (to 3)

C: Sten: The antaam are the eyes, hands, and mouth of the qunari. We are how my people know the world.

We should get moving. (Ends conversation)
Doesn’t that make your view of things a little skewed? (to c.1)
You didn’t answer my question. (repeat branch without question)/(to 3)
Have you ever fought in a war?. (to 3)
Are you always this stubborn? (to 3)

c.1: Sten: Compared to what?

Never mind, let’s keep moving. (Ends conversation)
Well … good question. (+2) (to 3)
You might learn more about people if you weren’t hostile. (to 3)
You only learn about people you conquer. (to 3)

"Yes?"

I have a question.
1. Why did you come to Ferelden?
  1. You came all the way for that? (-3)
  2. You don't like me much, do you? (-3)
  3. What was the question?
    1. Don't you have to report back, then? (as per 4.1 below)
    2. What's an arishok? (only appears once) (+3)
      1. Why does he care about the Blight?
        Um, it could destroy the world?
        
        Ferelden is my home. (-3)
        
        I'm a Grey Warden. It's my job. (+4)
        Don't you have to report back, then? (as per 4.1 below)
        
        Did you find the answer to his question?
        
        Fine, let's drop this for now.
      2. So he's your king?
        What do you have, then? (Goes to 3.1)
      3. Did you find the answer to his question?
    3. Why would the qunari care about the Blight? (Goes to 3.1.1)
  4. What was the answer?
    1. Don't you have to report back, then?
      1. So what are you still doing here, then?
      2. When are you going to do that?
      3. Well, I can see you're right on top of that. (-3)
        Why not? (-3)
        
        I'm sorry. (+4)
        
        Well, you can stay with us. (+12)
What were you doing in that cage?
1. That's not what I meant.
2. Very funny. (+7)
3. Do you have to be so literal?
4. Cute. You're the silent type, I see. (+7)
I wanted to discuss something you mentioned.
I think you should leave.
Let's go.

(Chance for infinite approval, on xbox360, pc, and ps3). Follow until "I'm a Grey Warden. It's my job." Then select "Did you find the answer to his question?” followed by "Why would the Qunari care about the Blight?" If you select "I'm a Grey Warden. It's my job,” you will get another +4 approval. Then select "Did you find the answer to his question?" again and repeat, with (+4) each time.)

Warm Approval[]

Sten: "You are not quite as callow as I thought. That is... unexpected."[]

Um... thanks, I guess.
Callow? You thought I was callow?
1. Why did I let you out of that cage again?
  1. Well, I find plenty of things puzzling about you, too.
    1. You like swords? Me too! (+2)
    2. I don't think you're that simple. (+4)
    3. True enough. (-3)
  2. I could put you back there. (+2)
  3. Do I even want to know what the other things are?
    1. I guessed as much.
2. I wanted to discuss something you mentioned. (See separate section below)
3. Let's go.
What is that supposed to mean?
1. Why would you expect me to have feathers?
2. I know what the word means.
  1. Why would you expect me to have feathers?
  2. I meant, why did you think I was callow?
    1. Why did I let you out of that cage again?
      1. Well, I find plenty of things puzzling about you, too.
        You like swords? Me too! (+2)
        
        I don't think you're that simple. (+4)
        
        True enough. (-3)
      2. I could put you back there. (+2)
      3. Do I even want to know what the other things are?
        I guessed as much.
3. Never mind, Sten.

So will you tell me now why you were caged?[]

Alternate: "Why were you imprisoned?" Alternate: "What were you doing in that cage?"

Exactly what happened?
What do you mean by "a weak mind?"
Are you saying you put yourself in that cage?

A

What happened to the other Qunari?
A few darkspawn beat you? That's pitiful. (-5)
That sounds like what happened to me at Ostagar. (+12)

B

You probably dropped it on the battlefield.
What did you do?
And you somehow thought the farmers killed your brothers?

C

And then?
Did the farmers know where it was?
1. Did you believe them?
2. So you killed them.
3. And then?
You killed them over a lost sword? (pcRepeat C)

D

It's only an object, Sten. You could get another sword.
That's terrible!
You panicked over a lost blade?

E

Couldn't you search for it?
Accidents happen.
1. Couldn't you search for it?
2. If you're that prone to panic, maybe you did desert. (-5)
3. How can your people possibly think that way?
If you're that prone to panic, maybe you did desert. (-5)
How can your people possibly think that way?

F

Where did you fight the darkspawn?
1. Don't worry, we'll find it. (initiates The Sword of the Beresaad) (+4)
2. Well, there's nothing we can do.
So that's it? You aren't going to do anything about it?
1. Where did you fight the darkspawn?
  1. Don't worry, we'll find it. (initiates The Sword of the Beresaad) (+4)
  2. Well, there's nothing we can do.
2. Well, there's nothing we can do.
Well, there's nothing we can do.

I have a question.[]

Do you find Ferelden very strange?

Note: After the first time this branch leads to a single option: "Actually, never mind.")

Don't the Qunari ever want to change their lot in life?
1. He might be happier.
  1. You don't think happiness is important?
  2. Duty can be forgotten. (-5)
  3. I suppose that's true. (+7)
2. Maybe he was meant to be a merchant.
  1. You think birth should determine your destiny?
    1. You don't think happiness is important?
    2. Duty can be forgotten. (-5)
    3. I suppose that's true. (+7)
  2. How do you find your purpose if you don't look for it? (+7)
  3. We spend our lives learning everything else, why not this?
    1. You don't think happiness is important?
    2. Duty can be forgotten. (-5)
    3. I suppose that's true. (+7)
3. But that makes the turtle stronger. (+4)
  1. You don't think happiness is important?
  2. Duty can be forgotten. (-5)
  3. I suppose that's true. (+7)
Is there anything you like about Ferelden?
1. Cookies? (+11)
  1. I'll keep that in mind.
2. The only thing you like about Ferelden is sweets? (+7)
  1. I'll keep that in mind.
3. I never would have thought you'd have a sweet tooth. (+7)
  1. I'll keep that in mind.
You sound a bit homesick.
1. You left out rotting garbage. (+4)
2. Dogs don't smell that bad. (-3)

What were you quoting earlier?

Note: This conversation can be triggered only if Sten ends first conversation about mages with "As a fish stranded by the tide knows the air or a drowning man knows the sea, so does a mage know magic.")

What is the Qun, exactly? (end) (+7)
And you have it memorized?
1. Not word-forword. (end) (-3)
2. Of course I do. (end) (+4)
3. Not really. (end) (-3)
Well, I'd know wisdom if I heard it. (end)

Camp (Sten-initiated conversations)[]

Sten: "The Blight--How will you end it?"[]

We have to fight the archdemon. (+2)
I thought we'd just ask the darkspawn to please leave. (-2)
Why do you ask? (-2)
1. Wait, you doubt I'm really a Warden?
2. What have you heard?
3. What does this have to do with anything?
  1. I'm new to the Wardens. (-1)
  2. What, you think you could do better? (+2)
  3. I'm not here to impress you. (+4) (appears to completely negate the -2 from "Why do you ask?" leaving net approval at +4 rather than +2)

Note: The following conversation is incomplete and does not show all possible approval changes. Those marked '(0)' or with negative/positive changes have been tested.

(Female:)

Sten: "I don't understand. You look like a woman."[]

What's not to understand about that? (+2)
I am a woman.
Are you flirting with me, Sten?
1. Why not?
2. That doesn't make any sense, Sten. (+2)
3. Grey Wardens can't be women?
  1. Well, I am confused now, anyway. (+2)
  2. Why can't I be a woman?
  3. Not precisely, no.
    1. That's not a very comprehensive list.
    2. That's not a universal truth. Some women fight. (+1)
    3. What if they don't want to be any of those things? (-1)
      1. They don't wish to be men.They wish to be women who fight.
      2. You think they can't be women, because women don't fight? (+2)
      3. None of this makes any sense, Sten. (+2)
        I'm a woman, and I'm fighting. (-2)
        
        We're going in circles here. (+1)
        
        Maybe we should just stop talking about this. (end)
        But a person can choose what to do. (end)
        
        Maybe we should stop talking about this. (end)

Friendly[]

Sten: "I have been mistaken."

What do you mean?
You only noticed this now?
I know.
1. What changed your mind?
2. Thank you.
3. I'm not really a soldier, you know.
4. Why not?
  1. You think the Qunari will invade Ferelden?
  2. What are you talking about?
  3. I hope I won't see you then, too.

"I wanted to discuss something you mentioned."[]

[in progress]

Note: Each dialogue in a topic unlocks the next one. Each topic is unlocked by a certain remark or party banter being triggered.

About mages[]

{has been unlocked by a comment Sten makes after entering the Apprentice Quarters or by banter with Wynne}

You said something earlier about mages?

A
- 1. Magic is more than tricks. (to B)
- 2. Why don't you have mages?
  - (Any option) (to B)
- 3. Beasts can't do magic.
  - 1. Mages are perfectly civilized people. (to B) (-3)
  - 2. Don't you think that view is a little harsh? (to C) (-3)
  - 3. Are you calling me a beast? (mage only)
    - 1. Moments when I am a beast, or moments where I'm not? (to B with 2) (+7)
    - 2. Are you sure you want to say that to my face? (to B)
    - 3. Maybe we should stop talking about this. (end) (-3)
  - 4. Maybe we should stop talking about this. (end) (-3)
B
- 1. Why have magic at all, if it's so evil? (end) (+7)
- 2. Magic's not entirely evil, you know. (to C)
- 3. Don't you think that's view is a little harsh? (to C) (-3)
- 4. Maybe we should stop talking about this. (end) (-3)
C
- 1. What do fish have to do with this? (end)
- 2. Everything is dangerous in excess. (end)
- 3. Knowledge is not as deadly as ignorance. (end) (+4)

What do you mean, your mages are beasts?

A
- 1. What's so terrible about magic? (to B)
- 2. You Qunari are remarkably closed-minded folk, aren't you? (to B) (-3)
- 3. That's hardly fair, Sten. (to B)
B
- 1. It's a subject of concern to me. (to C)
- 2. I'm a mage, Sten. (mage only) (to E)
- 3. I'm trying to figure you out.
  - (Any option) (end) (+7) (mages get (+4))
- 4. Because you're wrong. (to D) (-5)
C
- 1. And what is magic? (end)
- 2. What is that supposed to mean? (end)
- 3. What, did a mage kill your puppy or something? (end) (-5)
D
- 1. Ha Ha. Very funny. (end)
- 2. That was easy. (end) (-3)
- 3. I'm serious! (end) (-3)
E
- 1. Oh, that's comforting (end) (+7)
- 2. What, did a mage kill your puppy or something? (end) (-5)
- 3. What is that supposed to mean? (end)

Mages aren't as dangerous as you say.

A
- 1. This is an unusual case (if asked during the completion of the first part of The Arl of Redcliff, Broken Circle, or in the Brecilian Forest) (to C)
- 2. Not all mages turn to blood magic. (to B)
- 3. The Chantry still thinks magic is useful. (to C)
B
- 1. That's more words than I've ever heard you speak before. (end) (+7)
- 2. But bees don't know the consequences like mages do. (end)
- 3. What the Qunari do goes beyond caution though. (end) (-5)
- 4. I suppose you have a point. (end) (+7)
C
- 1. Where does all this venom come from? (end)
- 2. You can't condemn all mages for the mistakes of a few. (to B) (-3)
- 3. You can't have seen anything like this before. (end) (-3)

About human wisdom[]

{has been unlocked by a comment Sten makes after leaving the Redcliffe chantry}

What did you mean about human wisdom?

And I suppose you think the Qunari have found wisdom? (+6)
1. How are you supposed to find it, then? (+5)
2. So there's no real point in talking to you about this. (-5)
3. You need food, water, and shelter. Wisdom is optional. (-5)
What makes you think we haven't?
1. What do you mean by that? (+2)
  1. How are you supposed to find it, then? (+5)
  2. So there's no real point in talking to you about this. (-5)
  3. You need food, water, and shelter. Wisdom is optional. (-5)
2. I suppose you think the Qunari are better? (+2)
  1. How are you supposed to find it, then? (+5)
  2. So there's no real point in talking to you about this. (-5)
  3. You need food, water, and shelter. Wisdom is optional. (-5)
3. Fine, where do you find wisdom, then? (+6)
  1. How are you supposed to find it, then? (+5)
  2. So there's no real point in talking to you about this. (-5)
  3. You need food, water, and shelter. Wisdom is optional. (-5)
Where else would you find wisdom, if not the Chant? (+6)
1. How are you supposed to find it, then? (+5)
2. So there's no real point in talking to you about this. (-5)
3. You need food, water, and shelter. Wisdom is optional. (-5)
Don't Qunari have places of worship?
1. Then what do you know about wisdom?
2. I feel sorry for you, then. (-3)

There is some wisdom in the Chant, you know.

What do you have against the Chantry?
That's a good one, were you saving that up? (+4)
That's the whole point of the Chant.
1. The world needs help.
2. The Maker isn't a derelict.
3. What would you do, then?
4. True, we have to save ourselves. (+4)
  1. So what happened? (+4)
  2. What does that have to do with the Chant? (-4)
  3. Are you finished yet? (-7)
    1. People don't make the world, Sten.
    2. Sometimes you need faith in a higher power to change. (-3)
    3. I hope the villager slapped him.
    4. I suppose you have a point. (+4)

So what do you believe in, then?

What do you mean?
Enough with the cryptic comments. Just tell me.
You think the Qunari are coming to convert us?

About the Tal-Vashoth[]

Note: Unlocked by banter with Zevran, or remark upon entering the Brecilian Forest

What did you mean about fiends in Seheron?

That's cryptic. (+4)
Are they like the darkspawn, then?
Do you mean they're abominations?
1. So they're traitors? (+4)
2. What did they do?
3. Does that mean there are no darkspawn in Seheron?
  1. What's so terrible about them?
  2. That's harsh.
  3. What do they want?

Why do the Tal-Vashoth fight you?

It's not the same thing. Darkspawn aren't intelligent.
Don't the Tal-Vashoth give reasons?
There has to be an explanation.
1. To defend my people. (+4)
2. To get revenge. (-3)
3. Because I have to. (+4)
4. To prove myself. (-3)

Note: The following requires (Warm) approval

Maybe the Tal-Vashoth have a point.

A lot of what you've said about the Qunari sounds oppressive. (-3)
They want things to change.
You're a soldier, what do you care about casualties? (-10)
You don't think they have any justification?
1. Never mind.
2. You're back to being cryptic, I see.
3. I didn't mean to offend you by speaking of this. (+7)

About children[]

This section is incomplete and requires expansion.

Note: Unlocked passing by the children in front of Goldanna's house, Denerim Market District.

What was that about children?

They were playing.
That's not a real question, is it? (-3)
Don't tell me qunari children are always serious? (+7)
1. What do qunari children do, if they don't play?
2. You were a child once, you must remember it. (+7)
3. Qunari must lead very dull lives. (-3)
  1. They must play sometimes.
    1. They're children. It's what they do. (to A)
    2. Well... ah... good question. (to A) (+7)
    3. Every animal plays, Sten. (to A) (-3)
  2. What do they study?
  3. That's all they do?
    1. What do you mean, "their place in the world?" (to A)
    2. Qunari parents really treat their children this way? (to C)
    3. That explains a lot about you, Sten. (to A)

A

That's not what priests do. (to B)
Parents teach children to be adults, not priests. (to C)

B

Who "trains" qunari children? (to D)
Their parents, of course. (to C)

C

What do Qunari call people with children? (to D)
You must know what parents are. (to D) (-3)
Very funny, Sten. (return, without phrase) (-3)

D

So, only your priests have children?
Parents don't own children, they're the ones who birth them.
So, they're raised by priests, but they belong to everyone? (+7)

Why don't qunari raise their own children?

What's that supposed to mean?
Cute. (+7)
I'm serious.
1. Becoming a Grey Warden was a recent development. (to A)
2. Why would my people decide who I am? (to A)
3. I do know who and what I am. (to B) (+4)

A

No one can tell me who I am. I have to decide that myself.(to B)
Sten, that argument makes no sense. (return, without phrase - appears only if "Why would my people decide who I am?" is selected.)
I do know who and what I am. (to B) (+4)

B

We aren't finished with our preparations yet.
We have to deal with Loghain first.
What's your rush? (-3)
It is my task, but I'm not ready yet. (-3)
1. What do you want to do? Charge straight at the archdemon? (ends) (+7)
2. Trust me. (ends)
3. Well, whatever I do, you have to follow me. (ends) (-3)
4. No, can't say I have. (appears only if "B-3." is selected.) (ends) (+4)
5. "Sheer chance?" Thanks. (appears only if "B-1." is selected.) (ends) (+7)

Why do you let the tamassrans control your life?

Are you a slave?
You don't belong to them.
What does that mean?
1. That sounds terrible.
2. You never do anything just for yourself?
3. They made you, but they can't make decisions for you. (+4)

The Village of Haven[]

Occurs automatically upon entering Haven's "town square"
(note: It is likely that this conversation differs if Sten's approval is high enough)

"Interesting strategy. Tell me: Do you intend to keep going north until it becomes south, and attack the archdemon from the rear?"
- What are you talking about? (-3) (to 2)
- It’ll never see this coming. (+2)
  - You have a better idea?
  - Arl Eamon is ill. That’s why we’re here.
    - The Ashes can heal him. (to 2)
    - Can you think of another way? (to 2)
    - You already know this, Sten. (to 2)
  - This will help us to stop Loghain.
    - We can’t deal with the Blight while Loghain acts against us.
    - We need the army.
    - It’s just something I have to do.
      - He’s still powerful. (to 2)
      - He killed Duncan. (+2) (to 2)
      - I don’t fear him, I just need to stop him. (to 2)
  - We’re not “running away” from anything. (to 2)
  - What do you want, exactly? (to 2)
- This is necessary.
  - You have a better idea? (to 2)
  - Arl Eamon is ill. That’s why we’re here.
    - The Ashes can heal him. (to 2)
    - Can you think of another way? (to 2)
    - You already know this, Sten. (to 2)
  - What do you want, exactly? (to 2)
  - This isn’t frivolous! (to 2)
- Don’t argue with me right now, Sten. (-5)
  - You have a better idea? (to 2)
  - Arl Eamon is ill. That’s why we’re here.
    - The Ashes can heal him. (to 2)
    - Can you think of another way? (to 2)
    - You already know this, Sten. (to 2)
  - What do you want, exactly? (to 2)
  - There’s nothing aimless about this. (to 2)
"I will not simply follow in your shadow as you run from battle."
- You’re free to leave.
- (Persuade) I’m not running, Sten. (ends conversation if successful)
- (Intimidate) You’ve said your piece, now get back in line. (ends conversation if successful)
- Well, there’s nothing you can do about it. I’m in charge.
  - What? (leads to duel with Sten, then 3)
  - Just try it. (leads to duel with Sten, then 3)
  - You think anyone will follow you? (leads to duel with Sten, then 3)
"I was wrong. You are strong enough. What now?"
- Just get back in line, Sten. (+7)
- Leave now, and don’t return. (+7) Sten leaves
- That’s up to you. (+7)

(If you have high approval and have completed the personal quest The Sword of the Beresaad, the conversation goes like this.)

"Interesting strategy. Tell me: Do you intend to keep going north until it becomes south, and attack the archdemon from the rear?"
- What are you talking about? (-3) (to 2)
- It’ll never see this coming. (+2)
  - "Truly. It would surprise me if my enemy counter-attacked by running away and climbing a mountain."
    - You have a better idea? (to 2)
    - Arl Eamon is ill. That's why we're here.
    - This will help us to stop Loghain.
      - "And that is more important than the Blight?"
        We can’t deal with the Blight while Loghain acts against us.
        
        We need the army.
        
        It’s just something I have to do.
        He’s still powerful. (to 2)
        
        He killed Duncan. (+2) (to 2)
        
        I don’t fear him, I just need to stop him. (to 2)
    - We're not running away from anything. (to 2)
    - What do you want exactly?
- This is necessary.
  - "Is it? I see. I was mistaken, then. It seemed to me that we were climbing a mountain in the middle of nowhere on some frivolous whim of yours."
    - You have a better idea? (to 2)
    - Arl Eamon is ill. That's why we're here.
    - This will help us to stop Loghain.
      - "And that is more important than the blight?"
        We can’t deal with the Blight while Loghain acts against us.
        
        We need the army.
        
        It’s just something I have to do.
        He’s still powerful. (to 2)
        
        He killed Duncan. (+2) (to 2)
        
        I don’t fear him, I just need to stop him. (to 2)
    - We're not running away from anything. (to 2)
    - What do you want exactly?
- Don't argue with me right now, Sten.
"The archdemon is our goal. And we are heading away from it. To find the charred remnants of a dead woman. You haven't thought this through."
- You just have to trust me.
  - "It is not an issue of trust, kadan." (to 3)
- There's nothing else we can do. We have to try something.
  - "There is always another path." (to 3)
- This is a feint, Sten. Don't worry, I have a plan.
  - "It is, however, a wise plan?" (to 3)
- Consider this training for what's to come.
  - "There is only so much one can prepare, kadan. Eventually one must step forward and accept what comes." (to 3)
"I trust you with my life. But this is not my life at risk. It is our goal."
- This is something we have to do to reach our goal. (+2)
  - "I have spoken my mind. Let us waste no more time here."
- I haven't forgotten what's at stake. Ferelden is my home.
  - "Be careful, kadan. I have spoken my mind. Let us waste no more time here."
- I know. I don't intend to fail, Sten.
  - "Be careful, kadan. I have spoken my mind. Let us waste no more time here."

(Note: There may be a third set where you lose approval even if you follow the second set of dialogue.)

Given preferred gift[]

Sten's Sword[]

Note: See The Sword of the Beresaad

In addition to +15 approval for giving him Asala:

You're welcome, Sten. (+2)
What will you do now? (+2)
Now that you have your sword, shouldn't you report back? (+2)
1. Absolutely.
2. So you're staying, then?
  1. I'm glad to have you, Sten.
  2. I don't want you to follow me anymore. (Sten leaves)
3. You don't have to stay with us, Sten.
  1. Just making Sure.
  2. What I mean is, You should go home. (Sten leaves)
4. I think we'd do better without you, actually. (Sten leaves)

Quest Approval[]

The Golem In Honnleath[]

(+4) for refusing to make a deal with Kitty

(-3) for helping Kitty

A Village Under Siege[]

(-5) if you agree to help defend Redcliffe Village (although Sten can be persuaded that helping the village is a good idea, in which case

Sten approves (+2)).

(+4) if you refuse to help Redcliffe Village defend itself when Bann Teagan asks for aid.

(+2) if you force Berwick to defend Redcliffe Village.

Arl of Redcliffe[]

(-10) for saying that you need to think about who is going to enter the Fade

(-10) for getting help from the Circle of Magi to send someone into the Fade {( Doesn't appear on Xbox 360,)

(+4) if you suggest killing Connor

(+4) for killing Connor yourself with or without knocking Isolde out

(+7) Kill Jowan for his crimes.

Broken Circle[]

(-3) for killing the demon that has ensorcelled a templar (this can be avoided if the demon is attacked at the first chance and no discussion is had with it)

(The precise dialogue paths need research, "I have made my decision" isn't always an option.)
- If Sten is in the group when they find Cullen, he says the Mages are out of control and should all be killed. You might be able to persuade him otherwise, but still get Sten disapproves (-5); if you simply tell Sten you won't do it, then Sten disapproves (-15). If you pick the dialogue choice "I have made my decision" when it is first presented, Sten neither interferes nor loses approval, it seems he simply doesn't like you to change your mind or even debate the point after your initial pick. You may also avoid approval loss by choosing "We can't just kill them all" followed by "What do you propose we do?", "I do not fear maleficarum—they should fear me" and finally "Stay safe. It will be over soon." This way you avoid sounding like you are weighing the options and Sten will not chime in.

The Urn of Sacred Ashes[]

When reaching Haven and Sten is in the party, Sten will be dissatisfied with going to Haven and sees it as improperly addressing the Blight.

If you say that the Archdemon will never see it coming he says it would surprise him if his enemy counter-attacked by running away and climbing a mountain. If you say this will help to stop Loghain then he will eventually ask why you fear Loghain; if you say “he killed Duncan” then (+2)
- If you say this is a feint and you have a plan, or that he should consider this training for what’s to come, then no matter what else you say (+4)/ (+2) if Loghain wasn't mentioned and Sten accuses the Warden of not thinking it through in the previous dialogue.
If you tell him he’s free to leave, or that you’re in charge, then he tells you he’s taking command. No matter what you say he attacks.

If Sten attacks you the fight is one-on-one; the rest of your party do not participate. When you defeat Sten he says he was wrong and that you are strong enough.

(+7)

Wounded in the Forest[]

(+4) for bringing Deygan back to the Dalish Camp.

Unrest in the Alienage[]

(+4) if you allow Caladrius to escape with the elven slaves.

(+4) if you have Caladrius sacrifice the elven slaves using blood magic to strengthen the Warden.