An Unexpected Engagement is a romance-specific advisor quest for Josephine in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Acquisition[]
Must have talked with Josephine about Antiva. It is not possible to get this quest before. The Inquisitor must have romanced Josephine, naturally, and done the Heraldry from a Herald quest.
You need to have finished the main plot Here Lies the Abyss or Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts for the cutscene to trigger.
Walkthrough[]
When the player walks into Josephine's office, a cutscene starts. She tells the Inquisitor that her parents --being unaware of the romantic situation between you -- have arranged for her to be engaged to a nobleman from her childhood and that she cannot engage in romantic activities until this is resolved. After the cutscene, the next time you speak with her, she will mention a way out of the engagement: if the Inquisitor challenges Otranto to a duel and wins. Josephine objects to the idea, fearing for your safety. After this dialogue, the war table mission Challenge Josephine's Fiancé to a Duel will become available. Once completed, a messenger appears in Skyhold's courtyard to inform the Inquisitor that Otranto is happy to duel in Val Royeaux.
While speaking with Josephine, a second war table mission can be triggered: Gather Information on Lord Otranto. This mission is optional, but completing it will unlock an additional dialogue option during the fight.
The Inquisitor may now travel to Val Royeaux to duel Otranto in a cutscene (transcript). Shortly, Josephine interrupts the duel, angry that the Inquisitor would risk their life. The player can now choose between declaring their love for Josephine, or allowing Lord Otranto to marry her.
If you opt to continue the romance, Josephine kisses the Inquisitor. Lord Otranto accepts defeat, having thought that they were simply having "an affair of passion," but admitting he cannot stand in the way of true love. The Inquisitor and Josephine return to Skyhold, and a cutscene will play as they cuddle by the fire.
Should you instead decide to break off the romance, Josephine refuses to marry either of her suitors and storms away in disgust. Otranto suggests declaring the duel a draw, at which point the Inquisitor can either agree or decide to continue the fight.
Results[]
Officially in a relationship with Josephine.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of Dragon Age: Inquisition, particularly the intricate and captivating romance arcs within the game, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the nuances embedded in the narrative. Having delved extensively into the lore and gameplay mechanics, I stand prepared to dissect and elucidate the details of the "An Unexpected Engagement" quest, a romance-specific advisor quest for Josephine in Dragon Age: Inquisition.
The acquisition of this quest demands meticulous attention to the storyline. To unlock "An Unexpected Engagement," one must engage in conversations with Josephine about Antiva. The timing is crucial; the quest cannot be obtained prematurely. The Inquisitor must have kindled a romance with Josephine, a natural progression in the narrative. Additionally, completion of the "Heraldry from a Herald" quest is a prerequisite.
Moving forward, a pivotal point in the main plot must be reached, specifically after finishing the main quests "Here Lies the Abyss" or "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts." This sets the stage for the cutscene triggering the quest.
Upon entering Josephine's office, a cutscene ensues, revealing the unexpected engagement. Her parents, oblivious to the romantic entanglement between the Inquisitor and Josephine, have arranged for her to be engaged to a nobleman from her past. The twist lies in the fact that romantic activities are off-limits until this situation is resolved.
The subsequent walkthrough involves a dialogue with Josephine, where she proposes a daring solution. To break off the engagement, the Inquisitor must challenge Otranto, Josephine's betrothed, to a duel and emerge victorious. This proposition is met with Josephine's objections, fearing for the Inquisitor's safety. A war table mission, "Challenge Josephine's Fiancé to a Duel," becomes available for completion.
Following the completion of the mission, a messenger appears in Skyhold's courtyard, notifying the Inquisitor that Otranto is ready to duel in Val Royeaux. Simultaneously, a second war table mission, "Gather Information on Lord Otranto," presents itself as optional. Completing this mission unlocks an additional dialogue option during the impending duel.
The climax unfolds in Val Royeaux, as the Inquisitor engages in a dramatic duel with Otranto. A cutscene ensues, with Josephine interrupting the duel, expressing anger at the Inquisitor's apparent recklessness. At this juncture, the player faces a pivotal choice: declare love for Josephine or permit Lord Otranto to proceed with the marriage.
Opting to continue the romance leads to a poignant moment where Josephine kisses the Inquisitor, while Lord Otranto gracefully accepts defeat, acknowledging the authenticity of the love between the Inquisitor and Josephine. The couple returns to Skyhold, culminating in a heartwarming cutscene by the fire.
Alternatively, choosing to end the romance results in Josephine rejecting both suitors and storming away in displeasure. Otranto suggests declaring the duel a draw, presenting the Inquisitor with a choice to agree or persist with the fight.
In the end, the results of this quest are clear — the Inquisitor is officially in a relationship with Josephine, marking a significant milestone in the game's narrative. The intricate interplay of choices and consequences woven into the quest showcases the depth and richness of Dragon Age: Inquisition's storytelling, captivating players with its emotional and immersive experience.
