Deciding Whether to Let Caladrius Go in Dragon Age: Origins
When faced with Caladrius, a powerful blood mage, in Dragon Age: Origins, the decision of what to do with him has significant implications for your Warden, your party's approval, and the overall narrative. There isn't a single "correct" answer, as the best choice depends on your priorities—whether you seek statistical advantages, specific companion approval, or a particular role-playing experience.
Ultimately, you have three primary choices regarding Caladrius:
- Let him go: Release him without further consequence or gain.
- Sacrifice him: Allow him to be sacrificed for a boon.
- Kill him: End his life directly.
The Implications of Letting Caladrius Go
Choosing to let Caladrius go means forgoing any immediate stat benefits but aligns with the preferences of many of your companions.
- Companion Reactions: While most of your companions generally disapprove of the alternative of sacrificing Caladrius, letting him go is often the path that avoids their strongest disapproval. However, it's worth noting that Morrigan specifically disapproves if you decline the offer to sacrifice him, implying she prefers or is at least indifferent to the sacrifice.
- No Direct Stat Gain: This option does not provide any direct statistical bonus for your Warden.
Alternative Choices and Their Consequences
To make an informed decision, consider the other available options:
Sacrificing Caladrius
If you choose to sacrifice Caladrius, your Warden receives a permanent statistical bonus.
- Warden Benefit: Sacrificing Caladrius grants your Warden +1 Constitution. This is a permanent increase to one of your core attributes, making your character more robust and increasing their health pool.
- Companion Reactions: This choice is met with significant disapproval from most of your companions, who view the act of blood sacrifice negatively. However, Sten, known for his pragmatic and unyielding nature, considers this a "prudent choice," and Morrigan will not disapprove (and may even approve, given her disapproval if you decline the sacrifice).
Killing Caladrius
The option to kill Caladrius is also available, providing a definitive end to his threat without engaging in blood magic.
- Companion Reactions: Similar to letting him go, killing him often avoids the severe disapproval associated with the sacrifice. Morrigan will still disapprove if you choose this option over the sacrifice.
- No Direct Stat Gain: This choice, like letting him go, does not offer a direct stat increase.
Comparative Analysis of Choices
Here's a summary of the outcomes to help you decide:
| Choice | Warden Benefit | Most Companion Reaction | Sten's Reaction | Morrigan's Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Let Caladrius Go | None | Neutral/Mild Approval | Neutral | Disapproves (of declining the sacrifice offer) |
| Sacrifice Caladrius | +1 Constitution | Strong Disapproval | Approves | Approves/Neutral (does not disapprove) |
| Kill Caladrius | None | Neutral/Mild Approval | Neutral | Disapproves (of declining the sacrifice offer) |
Making Your Decision
- For Stat Optimization: If maximizing your Warden's power is your priority, sacrificing Caladrius for the +1 Constitution is the most beneficial choice, especially if you can manage the resulting companion disapproval or if Sten and Morrigan's approval is more important to you.
- For Role-Playing & Companion Approval: If you prefer to play a morally upright Warden or wish to maintain high approval with the majority of your party, letting Caladrius go or killing him might be the preferred option. Be mindful of Morrigan's reaction if her approval is crucial for your playthrough.
Ultimately, the "best" choice is subjective and should align with your preferred playstyle and narrative arc for your Warden.
