In Dragon Age: Inquisition, one of the most compelling character arcs belongs to Commander Cullen Rutherford. Once a devout templar, Cullen faces a deeply personal decision regarding his continued use of lyrium, the potent and addictive substance that grants templars their abilities. His struggle with addiction, duty, and personal growth makes his choice a defining moment in the game.
For players who follow Cullen’s story, the choice to make him continue or quit lyrium is more than just a gameplay decision—it’s a morally complex moment that impacts his character development, romance options, and even the outcome of the game’s narrative.
Understanding Lyrium and Templars
What is Lyrium?
Lyrium is a mystical mineral in Dragon Age, widely used by mages and templars alike. For templars, lyrium enhances their abilities to resist and control magic, making them the ideal enforcers of the Chantry’s rule over mages. However, continued use of lyrium leads to severe addiction, mental deterioration, and eventual death if suddenly stopped.
Cullen’s History with Lyrium
Cullen, formerly a templar, has relied on lyrium for years. Serving at the Circle of Magi in Ferelden, he survived the horrors of the mage uprising, which left him deeply traumatized. Later, as an advisor to the Inquisition, he struggles with the aftereffects of his addiction while leading the organization’s military forces.
When faced with the opportunity to either continue taking lyrium or endure withdrawal, Cullen’s decision impacts both his character arc and the emotional depth of the game.
The Two Paths: Cullen Choice with Lyrium
Option 1: Cullen Continues Taking Lyrium
If the Inquisitor convinces Cullen to remain on lyrium, he continues to benefit from its effects, maintaining enhanced focus and strength in battle. However, this comes at a cost.
Consequences of this Choice:
Short-term stability: Cullen remains fully functional and in control, leading the Inquisition’s military without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Increased health risks: Continued use means he will eventually face the irreversible effects of lyrium addiction.
Limited personal growth: Cullen remains tied to the Templar Order’s influence, never fully breaking free from his past.
Romantic impact: If romanced by a female Inquisitor, Cullen appears more distant, and their relationship lacks the depth of his withdrawal storyline.
Option 2: Cullen Quits Lyrium
If encouraged to quit lyrium, Cullen embarks on a difficult but powerful journey of self-recovery. He faces intense withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, headaches, and hallucinations, but ultimately emerges stronger and more independent.
Consequences of this Choice:
Improved mental clarity: Over time, Cullen becomes more emotionally stable and open, breaking free from the grip of addiction.
Physical struggles: Withdrawal symptoms make him physically weaker for a while, requiring immense resilience to overcome.
Greater personal growth: Cullen gains a new sense of identity outside the templar order, embracing his role as a leader on his own terms.
Deeper romance (if pursued): A romanced Inquisitor who supports him through this transition sees a more vulnerable, human side of him.
Which Choice is the Best?
While there is no definitive “right” answer, quitting lyrium is often considered the more meaningful and rewarding choice. It allows Cullen to grow beyond his past, symbolizing hope, recovery, and breaking free from a system that once controlled him. Players who choose this path witness a more fulfilling character transformation, making it one of the most emotional decisions in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
