Dragon Age: Inquisition is packed full of potential love interests for Inquisitors looking for a more intimate form of "companion". Some spoilers within.

I'm loving Dragon Age: Inquisition. The complexities of the plot; the branching story lines; the moral dilemmas; the constant juggle of companion priorities; the combat; the explore content.

The flirting.

I realised recently that my approach to Mass Effect and Dragon Age romances is very similar to how I go about it in real life: I have some pre-conceived notions of who I might like to do kisses with, and I sort of tailor myself (my character, my lifestyle) to enable that. But then I flirt wildly with absolutely everyone, and fall head over heels in love with the first person who takes the bait. I apologise to my long string of exes, but there it is.

I identified this pattern in my life some few months ago, which allowed me to hit a new record of not getting into disastrous relationships, but the mirroring of my Dragon Age experience only occurred to me when starting Inquisition recently.

With this in mind, I went off and really researched the romance options available this time around. I'm not going to be caught unawares this time! If love blooms on the battlefield, then so be it - but I refuse to let it bloom with someone completely inappropriate just because they have a cute smile and a can-do attitude.

Let's break down our options, shall we? I'll try to avoid any specific story or scene spoilers, but the character's sexualities and some personality aspects will be discussed, so don't read on if you want to discover these wonderful people for yourself.

Cassandra - male Inquisitor only

The first companion you recruit, Cassandra is a perfect tank who can also be developed into an excellent damage dealer or controller. Why wouldn't you want her in your party? Okay, she's pretty devout, and that can be a bit off-putting, and she does tend to rush into action without thinking, but her determination and focus can be very attractive. Plus, that accent - and who doesn't like a woman who can cut you in half?

If you flirt with Cassandra you'll notice she can laugh at herself; she's very easy to tease, and she doesn't mind when you do it, despite her jokes about putting you back in prison. She takes a compliment with modesty. If you're female and flirt with her anyway, she doesn't seem to mind - it won't go anywhere, but she'll humour you.

If you want to forge a strong bond with Cassandra you should be aware of her beliefs and respect them, but it's worth noting that she'll back you up even when it goes against the laws of her faith. As much as she may dislike any anti-Chantry sentiments you display, she'll warmly approve of your helping and protecting people.

If you decide to romance Cassandra, be prepared to wait a while for her to realise your intentions. In the meantime, enjoy her fluster. She has a hell of a temper on her, but a softer side awaits; did you know she loves romance novels?

Dorian - male Inquisitor

Dorian is the first purely gay male companion in the Dragon Age series, and he's so terrific that he's been very well received. Just look at this beautiful Reddit thread on the subject of straight men electing to romance Dorian with their Inquisitors.

"I find myself getting along with Dorian more and more. He's so witty and charming and the perfect guy for a bromance, and at first I honestly didn't know he wasn't straight until that side quest you do with him and his father," shellbullets wrote.

"I couldn't help but feel some more bro-love for him. Long story short, afterwards I told him he's a badass and we swapped some spit. I have no regrets."

The comments thread is full of up-voted replies of gamers sharing their own similar experiences, praising the Tevinter mage as one of the best characters of the game, or declaring they'll be rolling a male Inquisitor just to romance Dorian (I'm tempted; he's a hell of a good flirt).

Dorian has a lot of information to share regarding Tevinter, and has a strong streak of moral courage despite all his jokes.

Blackwall - female Inquisitor

I'm pretty sure Blackwall's name refers to the veil of hair that covers the vast majority of his face. You can recruit this lone wolf Grey Warden in the Hinterlands once you've completed a few quests, and can start flirting with him right off the bat; it's one of the ways you can convince him to join the Inquisition.

As Blackwall himself says, it's been a long time since a lady showed interest in him, so be pleasant and chatty and you'll soon see he returns your regard with interest. He's so easily ensnared that it's quite easy to break his heart a bit. Maybe you shouldn't treat him with the same playfulness you extend to other romances you don't intend to pursue?

If you get involved with Blackwall, be aware that he's more than the simple recruiter he appears to be. He has a past, and you will learn about it on your adventures.

Sera - female Inquisitor

Sera has a bad haircut, something your companions may comment on, and she looks like she could use a bit of sleep, but she's also one of the funniest companions you'll meet. Irreverent to the extreme, and rarely intimidated, Sera has a chip on her shoulder the size of the moon - but pretty good reasons for her biases. That she still wants to spend time with a toff like you speaks to your powers of diplomacy and natural charm - assuming you manage to summon some.

You can tell Sera likes you if she actively insults slightly less than everyone else. She offers fewer opportunities to flirt in early quests than Blackwall, but chat to her in her hidey-hole in the Haven tavern on the regular to get a feel for her political leanings and you'll soon see if she's a match for you.

A skilled rogue and natural leader, Sera is well-connected and a lot more clever than her superiors have given her credit for. Spend some time with her; you won't regret it.

The Iron Bull - everyone

A huge, barrel-chested Qunari, The Iron Bull doesn't look on love and romance the way humans do. Chat with him about Qunari culture and you'll learn the race looks at sex as a physical necessity, but not necessarily part of a deep friendship or romantic relationship. That is, until a certain charming Inquisitor breaks through his defences and kicks off a true passion.

Flirting with Iron Bull is somewhat unsatisfying at first, as he just rolls with it, apparently taking no notice - but if you persist, and show your worth with actions as well as words, the powerful warrior will begin to show a more tender side.

If you're not playing a Qunari yourself, you may be wondering about the practicalities of the physical side. And you'll have to keep wondering; BioWare draws a discreet curtain - or should I say duvet? - over the proceedings. However, don't think you're alone in your attraction; you can sometimes overhear people in Haven discussing the spy's charms.

Solas - female elves only

The foremost fade expert of our times isn't interested in men, dwarves, humans or Qunari, so only female elves have a shot at winning his heart, but you'll see this is more than just a preference. His gentle, restrained nature means winning his attention is a bit of a slow burn.

Solas is a scholar, so the way to his pants - or his friendship - is to show an interest in the subjects that interest him - which is pretty good relationship advice in general, really. You'll have the easiest time of it if you have sympathise with free mages, since he's an Apostate, but also with the Dalish. Small things, like taking flowers to a Dalish widower's shrine, will please him.

Your first mage is quite a serious chap, all up, so it doesn't do to treat his feelings callously.

Non-companion romances

Cullen: Female human or elf Inquisitors can chat up Cullen, the former Templar turned military advisor. He's quite fun to flirt with, as he has no idea how to handle it. His primary interests include building up the Inquisition's military force and wearing really fetching feather ensembles.

Josephine: There are plenty of opportunities to flirt with your ambassador, and if Leliana's stories are to be believed, Josephine is famous among her friends for her playful nature. The diplomat values what people can do more than their individual circumstances, so if you're smart, diplomatic and most importantly fun, you've got as good a chance as anyone of winning her attention and her heart.

People who will never bang you

There are opportunities to flirt with many other characters along the way, although only the options above will enter into a relationship of any kind with the Inquisitor. There are four central characters who just don't have the time for you and your notions. Varric has no interest in any one, being pretty much married to Bianca, his crossbow. You can try it on with Vivienne if you like, but she'll laugh at you, and point out there are no advantages for her. As for Leliana - well, she's got a lot on her plate right now, and Cole - have you met Cole yet? - doesn't have much interest in the pleasures of the flesh, shall we say.