The video game Dragon Age: Inquisition utilizes a sophisticated system of tarot cards to visually represent the internal states, narrative arcs, and emotional journeys of its companion characters. While traditionally rooted in esoteric practices, the game adapts the imagery and symbolism of the Major and Minor Arcana to reflect character development, relationship dynamics, and pivotal story choices. This approach offers a unique lens through which to view the psychological and spiritual evolution of characters such as Dorian Pavus, Sera, Varric Tethras, and The Iron Bull. By analyzing these cards, one can gain deeper insight into the themes of vulnerability, transformation, and the overcoming of obstacles that define the narrative of the Inquisition.
Dorian Pavus: The Journey from Magician to Chariot
Dorian Pavus, a mage from the Tevinter Imperium, possesses a complex character arc that is clearly delineated through three distinct tarot cards: the Magician, the Page of Cups, and the Chariot. These cards trace his evolution from a resourceful but guarded individual to an emotionally open partner and finally to a man of decisive action.
The Magician: Resource and Perception
Upon joining the Inquisition, Dorian is represented by the Magician, a Major Arcana card ruled by Mercury and the element of air. This card signifies skill, resourcefulness, and the power to manifest one's will in the material world. It is a fitting representation of Dorian’s value to the Inquisition; he arrives of his own volition, bringing extensive knowledge of Tevinter politics, history, and magic. The Magician reflects his determination and the unique assets he offers to the cause.
However, the reversed meaning of the Magician—deceit, lack of energy, or poor communication—is also relevant to Dorian’s initial reception. Because he is from Tevinter, a nation often demonized by the rest of Thedas, he faces immediate suspicion. Some within the Inquisition view him as potentially untrustworthy. Furthermore, his appreciation for luxury and refined living could be interpreted as a form of "lack of energy" or a reluctance to engage in the harsh realities of the world, though this is a surface-level judgment that his deeper journey contradicts.
Visually, this card is described as being dominated by white and light-grey tones, symbolizing Dorian’s self-perception as a "good Tevinter mage" and a reformer. The imagery often includes a radiant yellow halo, emphasizing his heroic intentions. Notably, the presence of a black snake in the background serves as a stark contrast, representing the corruption of Tevinter that is nonetheless part of his heritage and the very thing he seeks to change.
The Page of Cups: Emotional Vulnerability and Idealism
Following the resolution of his personal companion quest, Dorian’s card changes to the Page of Cups. This card belongs to the Minor Arcana and is associated with the suit of Cups, which governs emotions, intuition, and relationships. The Page represents curiosity, new beginnings, and creative opportunity.
For Dorian, this shift signifies a crucial emotional breakthrough. After confronting the painful legacy of his family and the societal expectations that nearly led his father to use blood magic to "cure" him of his sexuality, Dorian is able to put the past behind him. The Page of Cups indicates his newfound ability to focus on future possibilities rather than past trauma. It symbolizes his idealism—his belief that Tevinter can be reformed and that good exists within his country worth nurturing.
When reversed, the Page of Cups can indicate emotional vulnerability or self-doubt. This potential is present in Dorian’s narrative; if the Inquisitor fails to support him during his personal quest or if the relationship sours, he may retreat into these negative states. However, in a positive trajectory, the card reflects his openness to emotional connection and his willingness to nurture hope.
The Chariot: Willpower and Long-Distance Love
The culmination of Dorian’s romantic arc is represented by the Chariot. This Major Arcana card is ruled by water and the moon, symbolizing willpower, confidence, ambition, and the ability to overcome obstacles through determination. The Chariot is a card of movement and forward momentum.
In the context of romance, Dorian’s relationship requires him to embrace vulnerability, which for a proud and guarded man is a significant obstacle to overcome. The Chariot signifies that the romance encourages him to move forward with confidence. It represents the strength of the bond formed between Dorian and the Inquisitor, a connection solidified by mutual commitment beyond flirtation or physical intimacy.
The imagery of the romance card is notably sweet and direct: Dorian is depicted offering a flower to the player. This gesture contrasts with the more abstract symbolism of his other cards, grounding his romantic feelings in a simple, sincere act of affection.
The theme of movement inherent in the Chariot also foreshadows Dorian’s fate post-Trespasser. He returns to Tevinter to be a man of action and change, confident in his direction. This creates a long-distance dynamic for the romance, an obstacle that the Chariot suggests they have the willpower to conquer. The card serves as a testament to the enduring nature of their commitment despite physical separation.
Sera: The Mischievous Rogue
Sera, an elven archer with a disdain for "elfy" traditions and a strong connection to the common folk, is represented by a tarot card that captures her essence perfectly. Her card depicts her upside-down with a relaxed smile, poised for mischief and pranks. This imagery aligns with her abilities as a rogue and her impulsive nature.
Romancing Sera is described as a challenging endeavor. Her rejection of elven culture creates friction with elven Inquisitors, and her impulsiveness can make the relationship volatile. However, her card suggests a sense of ease and authenticity when she is comfortable. The effort required to win her trust is framed as worthwhile because of her genuine care for society's marginalized. The card’s playful and uninhibited posture mirrors her desire to upend the status quo and bring levity to the serious world of the Inquisition. Her ultimate inclusion in marriage during the Trespasser DLC confirms that beneath the pranks lies a deep, committed bond.
Varric Tethras: The Restoration of Joy
Varric Tethras, the charismatic dwarf and storyteller, experiences a significant emotional shift reflected in his tarot card. During the "Here Lies The Abyss" quest, which involves tragic and sorrowful outcomes, Varric’s card changes to appear "incredibly morose and sad." This visual shift mirrors his grief and the heavy burden he carries.
However, after completing his personal quest, his card transforms again to show him sitting back, playing with cards, and returning to his usual jovial self. This restoration is a visual reward for the player and a narrative marker of Varric’s resilience. As one of the few consistently optimistic companions in the Dragon Age series, seeing him regain his cheer is a significant moment for fans. The tarot system effectively captures this arc of sorrow followed by healing, emphasizing the importance of personal quests in restoring emotional balance.
The Iron Bull: Loyalty and Consequence
The Iron Bull, a mercenary leader of the Chargers, offers a stark example of how player choice directly alters tarot imagery. During his personal quest, the Inquisitor faces a binary choice: sacrifice the Chargers to satisfy the Qun (the strict code of the Qunari) or save them and become Tal-Vashoth (outcasts from the Qun).
If the Chargers are saved, Iron Bull’s tarot card changes to depict him gazing down at bloodied warriors. This imagery signifies his new loyalty to his chosen family over the Qun. It represents a rejection of rigid dogma in favor of personal bonds and freedom. The bloodied warriors symbolize the violence of the choice but also the strength of the connection he has forged with the Chargers and the Inquisition. The card becomes a permanent testament to this defining moment of identity and allegiance.
Conclusion
The tarot cards in Dragon Age: Inquisition serve as more than mere aesthetic choices; they are a narrative device that encapsulates the complex emotional and psychological journeys of the companions. Through the progression of Dorian Pavus from the resourceful Magician to the vulnerable Page of Cups and finally the determined Chariot, the game explores themes of idealism, emotional healing, and the will to overcome obstacles. Similarly, the cards of Sera, Varric, and The Iron Bull reflect their unique personalities, their responses to trauma, and the consequences of loyalty. By integrating the symbolism of traditional tarot, the game provides players with a deeper, more visual understanding of character growth, highlighting the transformative power of relationships and the importance of navigating life's challenges with intention and heart.