Romancing Merrill in Dragon Age II is a rewarding experience that blends emotional storytelling with impactful decisions, accessible to both male and female Hawke players. Whether pursuing a friendship or rivalry romance path, success depends on key dialogue choices, loyalty quests, and how you handle moral conflicts around blood magic and elven lore. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to romance Merrill in DA2, including romance requirements, companion dynamics, character development, and quest consequences—ensuring you foster a deep, meaningful bond with Merrill across all acts of the game.
Meeting Merrill
Merrill is first encountered during Act 1 of Dragon Age II, specifically in the companion quest "A New Path." To begin the process of recruiting her, the player must agree to help the Dalish elf Fenarel, who asks Hawke to speak with the Keeper of the Dalish clan near Sundermount. This initiates the questline that leads to meeting Merrill.
Upon traveling to Sundermount, Hawke meets Merrill, who is introduced as the Dalish clan’s First — a position akin to an apprentice to the Keeper. It quickly becomes evident that she is deeply interested in elven lore and ancient magic, including the controversial use of blood magic, which often causes tension within the group and the wider narrative.
During this initial encounter, Merrill requests Hawke's help to reach an Eluvian — an ancient and shattered elven mirror — which she believes she can restore. Her motivations, although well-intentioned, are often questioned due to the dangerous nature of the magic involved.
Recruiting Merrill
Merrill officially joins Hawke’s party at the end of the "A New Path" quest. After assisting her in reaching the Eluvian and confronting a demon within the cave near Sundermount, Merrill chooses to leave her clan behind and travel to Kirkwall with Hawke. This decision causes friction with her Keeper and severs her ties with the Dalish, emphasizing her isolation and the personal cost of her pursuits.
Once in Kirkwall, Merrill takes up residence in the alienage in Lowtown. From this point forward, she becomes a fully available companion character, complete with her own questline, dialogue options, and potential for friendship, rivalry, or romance depending on the player's choices.
Key Notes on Recruitment
- Quest Name: "A New Path"
- Location: Sundermount (Dalish Camp & Mountain Cave)
- Required Act: Act 1
- Recruitment Conditions: Complete the quest with Merrill and agree to let her join your party
- Permanent Residence: Lowtown Alienage in Kirkwall
Early Interactions and Party Dynamics
Merrill’s recruitment significantly impacts party dynamics. She is a powerful mage specializing in blood magic and nature spells, which can be controversial among other companions. Characters like Fenris and Anders may express strong disapproval of her methods, leading to rivalry points if not handled carefully.
Early interactions with Merrill also set the tone for her development. She is naïve, curious, and deeply devoted to her cultural roots, yet her willingness to use dangerous magic creates moral dilemmas for the player. Choosing supportive or critical dialogue options during these early moments will shift your relationship toward either friendship or rivalry, both of which can lead to a unique and meaningful narrative.
Understanding Merrill’s background and motivations from the beginning is crucial for influencing her personal arc and determining how she will evolve throughout the game.
Building the Relationship
Building a strong relationship with Merrill in Dragon Age II involves a combination of thoughtful dialogue choices, completing her companion quests, and navigating the game's unique friendship and rivalry system. Whether pursuing a romantic path or aiming for a deep platonic bond, understanding her personality, values, and motivations is crucial.
Understanding Merrill's Personality
Merrill is a curious, idealistic, and socially awkward Dalish elf who often struggles to reconcile her beliefs with the actions of those around her. Her interest in ancient elven artifacts and blood magic makes her an outlier among the Dalish and a source of concern for some companions. To build a strong bond with her, players need to approach her with empathy and respect for her cultural background and intellectual pursuits.
Dialogue Choices and Morality
Merrill responds positively to compassionate and supportive dialogue, especially when the player character (Hawke) shows genuine interest in her work and respects her decisions. She values honesty but may become upset with confrontational or dismissive responses. Some key strategies for strengthening the relationship include:
- Supporting her use of ancient Elvhen knowledge, even when controversial.
- Defending her from criticism by other companions, particularly Fenris and Anders.
- Choosing diplomatic or understanding responses in moral dilemmas.
Companion Quests
Merrill’s personal quests are essential in deepening the relationship:
- Mirror Image: This quest introduces Merrill’s quest to restore an ancient Eluvian mirror. Supporting her in this endeavor builds trust and friendship.
- Honoring the Fallen: Engaging with this optional quest further establishes your commitment to her personal journey.
- A New Path: As a key loyalty quest in Act 3, your choices here greatly impact your relationship status and Merrill’s future.
Completing these quests while maintaining a consistent stance on her beliefs will either strengthen a friendship or develop a rivalry, both of which can lead to romance if handled correctly.
Friendship vs. Rivalry
The Dragon Age II relationship system allows both friendship and rivalry paths to evolve into strong bonds. Merrill can be romanced under either dynamic, but the tone of the relationship changes:
- Friendship Romance: Emphasizes mutual understanding, emotional support, and a shared vision for the future.
- Rivalry Romance: Focuses on passionate disagreements and a more conflicted, intense relationship dynamic.
Choosing a consistent path and avoiding fluctuating between friendliness and antagonism will help maintain relationship stability.
Gift Giving
Gifts play a minor role in Dragon Age II, but Merrill has one unique gift — the Sylvanwood Ring. Found during the “Mirror Image” quest, giving this to her provides a significant relationship boost and unlocks unique dialogue. While not essential to romance, it enhances character development and deepens emotional connections.
Handling Conflict with Other Companions
Merrill often finds herself at odds with other party members, especially those who are wary of blood magic. Navigating these conflicts without alienating her is key to maintaining a strong bond. Defending her choices or diplomatically calming tensions can prevent disapproval and strengthen her trust in Hawke.
Romance Progression
If pursuing a romantic relationship, players should:
- Flirt during key dialogue opportunities, especially in early Acts.
- Choose the “Let’s be together” option after completing her loyalty quest.
- Visit her home in Lowtown to trigger romantic cutscenes and deepen the relationship.
After committing, the romance progresses with unique scenes and dialogue, culminating in a strong, emotionally rich partnership that influences Merrill’s fate in the game’s final act.
Consequences of Relationship Choices
The outcome of your relationship with Merrill can influence her future and the game’s ending. A positive relationship may lead to her surviving the final battle with renewed hope, while a strained or antagonistic relationship can result in tragic consequences. These dynamics highlight the narrative weight of building or damaging the bond with her throughout the story.
Romance Requirements
Romancing Merrill in Dragon Age II is a rewarding narrative experience that offers deep character insight and emotional depth. However, to successfully initiate and maintain a romantic relationship with her, players must meet specific requirements and make carefully considered choices throughout the game.
Eligibility
Merrill is a romance option for Hawke regardless of gender. Both male and female Hawke characters can pursue a romantic relationship with her, making the romance arc inclusive and accessible to all players.
Recruitment and Early Interaction
To begin Merrill’s romance, she must first be recruited during the Act 1 companion quest “Long Way Home.” After joining the party, players should actively engage with her in conversations, complete her personal quests, and choose responses that reflect empathy, curiosity, and support for her endeavors. Avoid aggressive or overly critical dialogue choices early on, especially concerning her use of blood magic or her interest in the Eluvian.
Friendship vs. Rivalry Paths
Merrill’s romance is compatible with both the Friendship and Rivalry paths. However, each path affects the tone and nature of the relationship:
- Friendship Path: Focuses on mutual respect and emotional support. Choose dialogue options that show kindness, patience, and interest in Dalish culture.
- Rivalry Path: Can develop into a romance through passionate opposition and emotional tension. This path often involves challenging her beliefs but still showing personal care.
Regardless of the path chosen, maintaining a high enough relationship score is essential. Use gifts, complete her quests, and make conversation choices that align with your chosen path to ensure the relationship develops.
Key Dialogue Choices
There are several critical moments where dialogue choices will affect the romance progression:
- Post-Act 1 Conversations: After completing her companion quest “Mirror Image” in Act 2, speak with Merrill in her home to express romantic interest. Selecting flirtatious or supportive dialogue at this point is crucial.
- Initiating the Romance: When presented with the option to express deeper feelings, choose the “I want to be with you” line or similar romantic dialogue.
- The Romance Scene: If the relationship is strong enough, Merrill will invite Hawke to her home. Accepting this invitation and making the right dialogue choices will lead to a romance cutscene.
Locking in the Romance
The romance becomes locked once the romantic cutscene has occurred and Merrill refers to Hawke as her partner. After this point, breaking off the relationship would require direct and deliberate dialogue choices to end it.
Relationship Conflicts
Players should be cautious during her Act 3 personal quest, “A New Path.” Disapproving of her actions too harshly or choosing to destroy the Eluvian without considering her feelings can damage the relationship. To maintain the romance, it’s important to balance moral conviction with empathy for her perspective.
Final Outcome
If the romance is maintained through the end of the game, Merrill’s final moments with Hawke will reflect the strength of their bond. In the aftermath of the game’s climax, Merrill may express grief, hope, or loyalty depending on choices made throughout the narrative, including whether Hawke sides with the mages or templars.
References
- BioWare. Dragon Age II. Electronic Arts, 2011.
- Dragon Age Wiki. “Merrill/Romance.” https://dragonage.fandom.com/wiki/Merrill/Romance
- Prima Games. Dragon Age II Official Strategy Guide. Prima Publishing, 2011.
- Codex entries and in-game dialogue from Dragon Age II.
Romance Development
Romancing Merrill in Dragon Age II offers players a unique and emotionally rich storyline that explores themes of innocence, obsession, and cultural conflict. As a romanceable companion for both male and female Hawkes, Merrill's romance is accessible regardless of gender, making her one of the inclusive options in the game.
Romance Requirements
To initiate and progress Merrill's romance, players must first build a strong relationship through either friendship or rivalry. However, the romance tends to develop more naturally through the friendship path, as Merrill responds more positively to supportive and empathetic dialogue choices. Here are the key requirements:
- Recruit Merrill during the Act I quest “Long Way Home.”
- Achieve a high friendship or rivalry score by engaging in companion conversations and making choices that align with or challenge her worldview.
- Avoid romancing other companions simultaneously, as committing to another romance will lock Merrill out as a romance option.
- Complete her personal quests, which are essential to advancing the relationship.
The first opportunity to express romantic interest occurs during Act II, after completing her companion quest “Mirror Image.” Players must choose flirtatious dialogue options and accept when she invites Hawke to visit her home.
Key Dialogue Choices
Throughout the game, certain dialogue options increase romance potential. Look for the heart icon, which signals romantic interest. Choosing these responses during key interactions can deepen the relationship. Important moments include:
- In her home in Lowtown, where you can flirt and discuss her mirror project.
- During companion banter, where supporting her ideals or gently questioning her actions can increase affection.
- When she expresses doubt or guilt, offering reassurance rather than judgment strengthens the bond.
Players should also be aware of critical dialogue during her personal quests. For example, in “Mirror Image,” encouraging her to follow her passions and showing understanding of her motives will lead to a more trusting relationship.
Romance-Specific Scenes
If the relationship progresses successfully, players will unlock unique romance scenes, including:
- A private romantic cutscene in Merrill’s home, which occurs after committing to the relationship.
- Special dialogue during key quests, where Merrill will reference the relationship or express affection.
- Changes in post-battle banter, reflecting the developing bond between Hawke and Merrill.
These scenes not only deepen the emotional connection but also offer insights into Merrill’s internal struggles and desires.
Relationship Outcomes
The romance with Merrill can conclude in several ways, depending on the player's choices throughout the game:
- Continued romance through to the end of the game, if the relationship is maintained and no major betrayals occur.
- Breakup or estrangement, especially if Hawke strongly opposes Merrill’s actions regarding the Eluvian or fails to support her during her companion quest “A New Path.”
- Bittersweet loyalty, where even if the romance remains intact, Merrill may feel misunderstood or conflicted based on Hawke’s choices.
Supporting Merrill during her darkest moments, particularly in Act III, ensures the most positive romance outcome. However, her storyline remains complex, and romantic involvement does not guarantee a happy ending unless the player carefully navigates the moral and emotional challenges she presents.
Unique Aspects of Merrill’s Romance
Unlike other romance options, Merrill’s romance delves deeply into her cultural dislocation and her obsession with ancient elven artifacts. Romancing her allows for a more intimate understanding of her motivations and the burden of her choices. Her innocence, awkwardness, and fierce determination combine to create a layered and compelling romantic arc for players willing to invest in her journey.
Tips and Recommendations
Build a Strong Relationship Early
To successfully romance Merrill in Dragon Age II, it’s important to begin building your relationship with her early in the game. She can be recruited during the Act 1 quest "Long Way Home." From this point, make an effort to include her in your party regularly, especially during quests involving mages, spirits, or elven culture, as these topics often generate approval opportunities.
Choose dialogue options that are compassionate, curious, and respectful of her Dalish heritage and magical practices. Avoid judgmental or aggressive responses, especially when discussing blood magic or her connection to the Eluvian. Merrill values understanding and empathy more than blind heroics.
Maximize Approval Through Gifts and Dialogue
Merrill has a unique approval system that influences her romance path. Gifts can provide significant boosts to her approval rating. Her most notable gift is the "Sylvanwood Ring," which can be found in Act 2 during the "Mirror Image" companion quest. Giving Merrill this gift not only increases her approval but also triggers a special scene that deepens her relationship with Hawke.
During conversations, prioritize responses that show support for her goals, even if you personally disagree with her methods. Merrill appreciates loyalty and a willingness to see the world through her eyes, even when it conflicts with the views of others in the party.
Choose the Right Romance Dialogue Options
Romancing Merrill is possible regardless of Hawke’s gender, but players must be attentive to specific dialogue cues. After completing her Act 2 companion quest, "Mirror Image," a romance option will become available. Select flirty or affectionate dialogue whenever prompted. These choices are usually marked with a heart icon.
Eventually, Merrill will visit Hawke’s estate, where you can choose to begin a romantic relationship. Accepting her feelings here is essential to lock in the romance. Be sure to continue choosing supportive and kind dialogue to maintain the relationship through Act 3.
Consider the Friendship vs. Rivalry Path
Merrill’s romance can be pursued through either the friendship or rivalry path, but each path leads to different dynamics in the relationship. A friendship romance results in a more emotionally supportive and trusting connection, while a rivalry romance introduces tension and conflict—but still with romantic undertones.
To pursue a rivalry romance, challenge Merrill’s views respectfully, particularly on her use of blood magic and obsession with the Eluvian. However, maintain affection during personal moments to keep the romantic connection strong. Whichever path you choose, consistency is key.
Be Prepared for Consequences in Act 3
Merrill’s personal quest, "A New Path," in Act 3, is pivotal to her character arc and your relationship. The outcomes of this quest can significantly impact Merrill’s emotional state and the future of your romance. Support her emotionally, but be cautious about how much you enable her decisions regarding the Eluvian and the demon.
Your choices here may affect Merrill's fate in the final battle and whether she remains with Hawke. A high approval rating and a successful romantic relationship increase the likelihood that she survives and stays loyal to Hawke at the game’s conclusion.
Manage Party Reactions Carefully
Merrill’s choices and background often put her at odds with other companions, particularly Fenris, Anders, and Sebastian. To maintain harmony, consider rotating party members or mediating disputes through dialogue. While Merrill appreciates your defense, she also respects when Hawke maintains peace among the group.
Choosing dialogue that balances loyalty to Merrill with understanding toward others can help avoid losing companion approval from the rest of the party.
Use Merrill Effectively in Combat
As a mage specializing in blood magic and spirit abilities, Merrill is a powerful damage dealer and support character. Equip her with staves and armor that boost willpower, magic, and health regeneration. Keep her at a safe distance from frontline combatants and utilize her crowd-control abilities during larger battles.
Her unique skill tree, including spells like "Wrath of the Elvhen," makes her ideal for taking down groups of enemies quickly. However, manage her health carefully, as some of her abilities consume her own HP instead of mana.
Save Often Before Key Decisions
Since Merrill’s storyline involves controversial choices and potential party conflict, it’s wise to save frequently before major dialogue sequences, quest decisions, or companion missions. This precaution gives players the flexibility to explore different outcomes or avoid unintended consequences that might derail the romance or alter Merrill’s fate.
Reference Materials
- Dragon Age II Official Game Guide by Prima Games
- BioWare Forums and Developer Diaries
- In-game Codex entries: "Merrill," "The Eluvian," "The Dalish Elves"
- Player databases such as the Dragon Age Wiki and Reddit’s r/dragonage community
- Companion dialogue trees and approval charts from community-verified sources
By following these tips and referencing trusted sources, players can ensure a successful romance with Merrill and gain deeper insight into one of Dragon Age II’s most complex and emotionally rich characters.
Romancing Merrill in Dragon Age II offers players a heartfelt, complex journey filled with emotional highs, dramatic choices, and cultural tension. Whether you're drawn to her innocence or driven by empathy for her cause, maintaining a steady relationship path—from recruitment to her final moments—ensures both narrative reward and character growth. Ready to dive deeper into Merrill’s story? Start by aligning your actions, words, and heart with hers throughout every act of the game.
