"I can show you what I have in mind."
One thing I have continually enjoyed about Dragon Age characters is that they are people with sexual dimensions. They are not just warriors or rogues or mages. They do not stick to combat and exploring, with few other interests. They are not PG-13 heroes, and the games treat players like adult gamers who can handle more dimensions in the characters they encounter. As a tabletop player, sex has been a natural aspect in my games from the start, and will continue to be an element in the future - so I am thrilled when I find games that will go there.
The Dragon Age core book has some signs of the way sex and romance might become part of the story, but only a few. There's a hint in the Roleplaying Stut options, as well as a nod to love in the Ready-to-Use Goals. Lust is acknowledged as a possible complication, but only just. I admit to some mild disappointment, but the book does have more of a heroic bent in its writing and is understandably more focused on setting up the means for a tabletop experience. It can also rely on the source material to fill in the gaps, because the video games interweave sex throughout.
This doesn't mean that it takes over or gets boring. Some characters have sexual histories that they talk about; others have histories that you discover as they get to know you (and vice versa).
"It wasn't always like this. We were in love once. She defied her parents to marry me."
Some characters flirt at times, depending on their temperament, and the flirting doesn't have to go anywhere; it's just part of their charm.
"You're in luck! I am always willing to talk about myself to beautiful women."
Attraction can actually lead to intercourse and relationships, but it doesn't have to, and getting physical doesn't mean that it's serious.
"Wait. You're not thinking of bringing *feelings* into this, are you?"
A few characters aren't really up for being tied down (yes, you can take that as a pun; it's that kind of game).
"Sweetheart, I'm not letting anyone lock me up, you included."
Brothels are not unheard of, either. There are elopements, love children scattered around, regrets about people characters feel they should have stayed with, widows, remarriages, and so on.
The main character can engage in romance or pass it by, and if they do get into it, they will deal with sexual orientation and jealousy (and other realistic considerations). If they stick to friendships and rivalries they don't lose out, so it isn't forced on players at any point. Only a few NPCs are driven by lust over other desires and it never really gets graphic. But the best part is that sex doesn't become a one-note wonder. Plenty of relationships go wrong in various ways but love and loyalty are possible, if hard won and relatively rare.
Many layers and dynamics are available because of being willing to open this one door to see where it leads. I've been writing about sex in gaming for over a decade because of how rich the rewards can be. In the end, I hope this encourages others to try it out when they play Dragon Age tabletop. My choice is a foregone conclusion.
"It isn't always up to you. Love can be pretty persistent."
All screen captures are from Dragon Age 2 and owned by BioWare.
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