Sex and Romance in Thedas - Focuses, Magic, and Goals

"Perhaps I'll practice my flattery for your next visit.  

With any luck, I'll become better at it."

ABILITY FOCUSES AND ROMANCE
See the Dragon Age core rulebook, page 56

Many focuses can be useful in the game of love.  Communication focuses cover many bases.  Bargaining can be used to broker a deal for sex as much as anything else.  Deception and disguise are tools for less scrupulous lovers.  Etiquette governs courtship rituals and Investigation can help when looking into the past of a love interest.  If there's a need to roll to see how well a tryst went, Performance might work (but so could Constitution: Stamina or Dexterity: Acrobatics).  Seduction is already a focus you can take to show your character's added proficiency at romantic overtures (and might work for actual performance, as well).

Constitution: Drinking could come into play (and a failed roll could levy penalties on sexual performance later on).  Cunning: Cultural Lore could also be used to figure out courtship expectations.  Evaluation can be the way a character figures out the most valuable marriage partner they can access.  Writing can go a long way in wooing someone or at least arranging a profitable marriage (which is common enough in Thedas' upper crust).  Dexterity: Calligraphy, Crafting, or Dueling can be ways to impress a potential mate.  Perception: Empathy might be crucial to figuring out what they really want.  Finally, Willpower: Self-Discipline might be needed to turn down advances and temptations.

SEX, BLOOD, AND MAGIC

See the Dragon Age core rulebook, page 110

But what about magic?  Isn't magic impressive, and couldn't it play a role in lovemaking?  The first thing to note is that most spells in Thedas are not of a soothing variety.  Creation spells can be used to heal and bolster lovers in combat (and maybe if things get a little rough in the bedroom).  Dream Sending is a powerful way to converse with or try to sway a loved one.  A number of spells can be used in less than savory ways, such as Sleep and Memory.

An optional rule could be: A mage can choose to start casting a spell but hold it back, so that only a bare spark goes through.  Likewise, a target can choose to hold still and receive it, giving up any resistance test.  Lesser spells that would normally cause damage, like Flame Blast, do not cause lasting damage or cost MP, but cause sensations associated with the magic's type.  A willing target can also submit to spells like Daze, Drain Life, Ensnare, Glyph of Paralysis, Hallucination, Paralysis for particular kicks and kinks, but these require MP and do not have minor effects.  

Though many shudder to think of it, blood mages use spells during sexual encounters whenever and however it suits them, especially if they have dedicated cultists or others who will gladly suffer for them.  Blood Sacrifice requires a willing target in the first place.  Some people enjoy being probed by Thought-Taking, and a few relish the torment of Wrack.  Any damage caused by blood magic remains and these spells cannot be held back except perhaps by the greatest mages - if they desire to go easy on anyone.

If a mage starts to sling spells at their lover in earnest, seeking to really harm them, their target needs to succeed at a Willpower: Courage vs. Magic: [focus of the type of spell being used] or Communication: Deception test.  If the target fails, they lose their ability to act in the first turn of combat due to the shock and dismay.  If the target is already weakened due to blood magic effects, they begin combat with that handicap.

Needless to say, sex games with magic are risky and few are willing to indulge.  Mages that are carefully watched by templars are thoroughly discouraged from such practices, and many mage teachers rail against them, as well.  But some templars have found that the electric thrill of a held back Arcane Bolt reminds them of what their dose of lyrium feels like.  Certain brothels offer special rooms that are guarded to ensure everyone's safety, but at a rather hefty price.  And apostates and Tevinter trained mages use their powers as they wish.

READY-TO-USE GOALS
See the Dragon Age core rulebook, page 138

BANG THE VICOUNT'S SON/DAUGHTER*

My character can't stand the Vicount's prissy ways and constant insults.  His grown children are not just attractive - they're the perfect way to get back at the old man.  And as a member of the watch, my character has more chances to get close to them and dirty up their pristine reputations the fun way.

Complexity: This is a simple goal, but could become complex, depending on how easy they are to seduce, whether my character decides to try for both of them, and how difficult it is to get some privacy.

Term: Short

Difficulty: Difficult

Type: Roleplaying, Combat

* Suggested by my partner in crime, Nate.

FIND A LOVER WHO CAN BE TRUSTED

My character doesn't care about marriage or setting up a household, but he wants a regular lover to call his own.  Someone he can return to and enjoy.  Since he's in a dangerous business, he needs someone who can be trusted - after being tested, of course.

Complexity: This is a complex goal, especially since he's a member of a criminal organization and high up enough to be a target.
Term: Long
Difficulty: Difficult
Type: Roleplaying, Combat

FIND MY OLD FLAME

My character once had a long-term lover who went through a lot with her but eventually left, mostly on good terms.  His home region has just started experiencing major strife and she wants to help return old favors, and see if the flame is still there.

Complexity: This is a simple goal, but could become complex, depending on what he wants me to do and what he's involved in now.
Term: Long
Difficulty: Average
Type: Exploration, Roleplaying (though Combat is likely)

FIND THE PERFECT TOKEN OF AFFECTION

My character wants to impress a suitor who is far above her station, with an eye toward future marriage - but she needs to find just the right gift to get his attention.  Since he already lives well, most normal things won't leave an impression, so she'll have to dig into his past, ask his friends, and leave no stone unturned.

Complexity: This is a simple goal, but could become complex, depending on what he really wants and how far she's willing to go to get it (and maybe him).
Term: Short
Difficulty: Average
Type: Roleplaying, Exploration (though Combat is likely)

RATIONALE

Why did I write this post and do the work above, even if I'm not sure I'll be using it in my upcoming game?  It's obviously a follow-up to my quick and dirty overview of sex in Thedas, yet I have no idea if my player will be interested in the details I have here.  But in my last post, I mentioned that the core rulebook didn't have much to offer in the way of references to sex, love, and mechanics.  That doesn't mean that the game can't provide such things, however.

I have a few key principles in roleplaying game design that I strive to follow.  One of the most important is what I call gameification.  Simply put, it means that elements described in a game's setting should be translated into the game's mechanics.  This is especially needed when an aspect comes up often or when it's likely to catch a player's interest.  Fully fleshed out examples can help players and GMs actually use the material (especially when they're strapped for time).  Samples also serve as models to help gamers when they want to create material of their own.  And for gamers like me, this kind of detail is part of what I paid for when I bought the book. 

Many folks shy away from gameifying anything related to love or sex for a barrel full of reasons, but I've been doing it for a long time.  Companies have even more to worry about due to the possibility of young players, conservative gamers, and unhappy parents.  It does not worry or discomfit me; on the contrary, I find it fun.  I have also received emails from many gamers over the years, thanking me for showing them such things.  I have no need to be graphic or gratuitous and each group will determine their own comfort level.  Whether I write for a company or as a fan, I am an adult making games for adults.  And I seek to provide more options and fewer mandates, in Dragon Age as well as any other game I enjoy.

Screen capture is from Dragon Age II and owned by BioWare.