Natalie: A Life or Death Choice in Dragon Age: Inquisition

Who is Natalie? Unraveling the Context

Dragon Age: Inquisition, the sprawling epic from BioWare, is renowned for its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and, perhaps most importantly, its weighty decisions. Players, as the Inquisitor, are constantly faced with choices that ripple through the narrative, shaping the fate of Thedas and the lives of its inhabitants. One such pivotal moment, fraught with moral ambiguity and strategic implications, centers around the character of Natalie. The Inquisitor must decide: Natalie kill her or let her go inquisition? This seemingly simple question unravels a complex web of loyalties, dangers, and ethical considerations. This article delves into the arguments for each path, examines the consequences of the player’s decision, and explores the profound impact on the game’s overall narrative and player experience. Prepare for spoilers as we unpack the intricacies of this unforgettable encounter.

Natalie isn’t a central character plastered on the promotional material. She is someone you encounter deeper into your Inquisition experience. She surfaces within the web of the Venatori plot, a group of mage zealots who use red lyrium to open a rift for Corypheus’s arrival. Natalie, in this web, isn’t at the top, but also isn’t simply a pawn. She seems to be in the middle, knowing what she is doing and the danger that involves. The Inquisitor encounters her as a prisoner, and the circumstances leading to the Inquisitor’s judgment are shrouded in secrecy and deceit. The truth is hard to discern, with various claims and counter-claims swirling around her supposed allegiance and involvement in the Venatori’s dark rituals. She insists she was manipulated or that she was trying to stop the Venatori from the inside.

Immediately after your choice, the consequences unfold. If you choose to execute Natalie, the immediate threat she poses is extinguished. If you choose to let her go, she is released back into the world. Whether she will be a thorn on your side or an ally from afar remains unknown. The Inquisition is left to grapple with its own decision: Did they enact justice, or did they unleash a potential danger?

Arguments for Execution: A Justified End?

The decision to execute Natalie, though seemingly harsh, can be justified through several lines of reasoning, each reflecting a different perspective on justice, security, and the greater good.

One compelling argument rests on the principle of the “greater good.” If Natalie poses a demonstrable threat to the Inquisition or the wider world, eliminating her could be seen as a necessary evil. If the Inquisitor believes Natalie is deeply entrenched within the Venatori, or that she possesses knowledge that could be used to harm innocent people, her execution may be considered a pre-emptive measure to prevent future atrocities. This aligns with a utilitarian ethical framework, where the morally correct action is the one that maximizes overall happiness and minimizes suffering. Even if Natalie claims to be forced or manipulated, the Inquisitor must weigh this claim against the potential consequences of letting her go free to potentially cause harm to thousands.

Further bolstering the case for execution is the concept of justice and retribution. If Natalie has actively participated in the Venatori’s crimes, she may deserve to be punished for her actions. The Inquisition, as a force for order and justice, could be seen as having a responsibility to hold her accountable for her role in the conflict. This perspective emphasizes the importance of punishing wrongdoing and deterring others from similar acts. The argument goes that it shows the Inquisition to be a force that takes criminal action seriously. It also provides closure to those that Natalie hurt.

From a purely strategic perspective, executing Natalie could provide the Inquisition with tangible advantages. It could eliminate a potential source of weakness or vulnerability, and send a clear message to the Inquisition’s enemies that treachery will not be tolerated. Killing her could disrupt Venatori plans or prevent them from gaining access to valuable information she may possess. If the Inquisitor lacks the resources or trust to effectively monitor Natalie, execution might appear as the safest option.

Arguments for Freedom: A Chance for Redemption?

Conversely, choosing to spare Natalie’s life opens the door to a completely different set of possibilities and moral considerations. The decision to show mercy can be rooted in a belief in the inherent worth of human life and the potential for redemption.

One of the strongest arguments for letting Natalie go is the concept of mercy and compassion. Even if she has committed wrongdoing, some argue that she deserves a second chance. Perhaps she was forced into her situation, or perhaps she can be reformed and contribute to the greater good in the future. Showing mercy can be seen as a sign of strength and compassion, and it can help to break the cycle of violence and retribution. This aligns with a more deontological ethical framework, which emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their past actions.

Moreover, Natalie could prove to be a valuable source of intelligence. Even if she is not willing to cooperate immediately, she may possess knowledge about the Venatori’s plans, resources, or leadership that could be crucial to the Inquisition’s efforts. Letting her go under surveillance, or even attempting to win her over to the Inquisition’s side, could provide the Inquisitor with a significant strategic advantage. The possibility of turning a former enemy into an ally should not be dismissed lightly. It is also possible to utilize her as a double agent to infiltrate the Venatori.

While more far-fetched, there is a chance she can be recruited into the Inquisition. Turning an enemy can lead to some unlikely but helpful allies. It shows the Inquisition to be a force of redemption.

Finally, the Inquisitor must consider the moral implications of taking a life. Does killing Natalie make the Inquisition no better than the Venatori, who readily resort to violence and cruelty? Does it erode the Inquisition’s moral standing and undermine its claim to be a force for good? Choosing to spare Natalie’s life can be seen as a way to uphold the Inquisition’s values and demonstrate its commitment to justice and compassion.

Consequences and Narrative Impact: Ripples in Time

The choice to kill Natalie or let her go does not exist in a vacuum. It has both immediate and long-term consequences that can significantly impact the game’s narrative and the player’s overall experience.

Immediately after the decision, the Inquisitor will likely face reactions from their companions. Some companions may support the decision, while others may disapprove, potentially leading to conflict and affecting the Inquisitor’s relationship with them. The Inquisition’s reputation could also be affected, with some factions viewing the decision as a sign of strength or weakness, depending on their values and priorities. Resource gain or loss may also occur depending on Natalie’s allegiances.

The long-term consequences of the decision are less immediate but potentially more profound. Natalie may reappear later in the game, either as an ally or an enemy, depending on the Inquisitor’s choice and her own actions. The decision could also influence future events or relationships, as other characters react to the Inquisitor’s actions and form their own judgments.

The decision’s overall impact is felt most strongly by the player. This moment tests their moral compass, forcing them to confront difficult questions about justice, mercy, and the nature of leadership. The choice of “Natalie kill her or let her go inquisition” isn’t just a strategic gameplay element but an invitation to reflect on the kind of leader the player wants to be and the values they want the Inquisition to represent. It is moments like these that make Dragon Age: Inquisition such a compelling and immersive experience.

Conclusion: A Moral Labyrinth

The question of what to do with Natalie perfectly encapsulates the moral complexities that define Dragon Age: Inquisition. There is no easy answer, no objectively “right” choice. Both executing her and setting her free have valid justifications and potential consequences. The decision hinges on the Inquisitor’s values, their assessment of the available information, and their willingness to accept the risks and rewards associated with each path.

The arguments for killing Natalie center around the need for security, justice, and strategic advantage, while the arguments for letting her go emphasize mercy, compassion, and the potential for redemption. The ultimate decision lies with the player, who must grapple with these conflicting values and weigh the potential consequences for the Inquisition and the world of Thedas.

The “Natalie kill her or let her go inquisition” dilemma serves as a powerful reminder that choices in Dragon Age: Inquisition are not simply about winning battles or acquiring power; they are about shaping the narrative, defining the Inquisitor’s character, and leaving a lasting impact on the world. This specific moment, and others like it, make Dragon Age: Inquisition more than just a game. It is an experience that resonates long after the credits roll. In the end, does the choice you make define you, or do the circumstances you’re in?