Venturing through the vast and treacherous expanse of Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader offers more than just cosmic exploration and strategic combat. For those seeking deeper connections amidst the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, the game presents the intriguing possibility of romancing companions. While your primary mission is to expand the God-Emperor’s dominion, forging personal bonds can offer a unique layer of engagement and respite from the perils of the Koronus Expanse.
As the Rogue Trader story unfolds, a diverse cast of allies becomes available for recruitment. Although not every companion is open to romantic pursuits, a select few offer the chance to develop intimate relationships, unlocking special scenes and personal narratives as you deepen your bond with them. However, unlike some RPGs, romance in Rogue Trader is woven into a tapestry of suspicion and political machinations, requiring careful navigation of dialogue and a keen understanding of each character’s beliefs and motivations.
This guide will illuminate the path to romance within Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader, focusing specifically on Cassia Orsellio, and also detailing the other available romance options. We will explore the nuances of courtship in this universe and provide insights into how to win the hearts of your chosen companions.
Rogue Trader’s Romantic Companions: Who is Available?
Throughout your journey in Rogue Trader, you will encounter and recruit various companions to your retinue. While the full extent of romanceable characters is still being uncovered, we currently know of five companions who are open to romantic relationships:
- Cassia Orsellio: A Navigator of immense power and noble lineage.
- Heinrix van Calox: A stern and enigmatic Interrogator of the Inquisition.
- Jae Heydari: A charismatic and resourceful independent trader.
- Yrliet Lanaevyss: A mysterious and aloof Aeldari Ranger.
- Marazhai Aezyrraesh: A complex and hedonistic Drukhari warrior.
Understanding Romance in Rogue Trader: More Than Just Flirting
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Romance in Rogue Trader diverges significantly from the overt and often explicit romantic interactions seen in games like Baldur’s Gate 3. The universe of Rogue Trader is steeped in intrigue, where trust is a rare commodity and relationships are often veiled in formality and suspicion. Therefore, initiating and progressing romances requires a more subtle approach.
The key to successful romance in Rogue Trader lies in meticulously examining each dialogue option. Pay close attention to the nuances of language and consider the character’s personality, beliefs, and affiliations. Opt for dialogue choices that resonate with their values and demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding them as individuals.
It is also crucial to understand that romantic progression cannot be forced or rushed. Rogue Trader does not offer frequent opportunities for explicitly romantic dialogue. After expressing initial romantic interest, you may need to wait for opportune moments for further interaction. Intimate scenes and deeper romantic developments are often triggered organically as you progress through the game, frequently occurring during warp jumps or as personal events initiated by your romantic interest. These moments of intimacy are often presented as private conversations or unexpected encounters within your voidship.
Can You Pursue Multiple Romances in Rogue Trader?
For those with a penchant for variety, Rogue Trader does allow for multiple simultaneous romances. The primary constraint is character-specific gender preferences. While some companions are open to relationships regardless of your Rogue Trader’s gender, others have distinct preferences. While you might be able to flirt with characters outside their preference, it may not lead to a fully realized romantic relationship.
With these considerations in mind, let’s delve into the specifics of romancing each character, starting with a detailed Cassia Romance Guide.
Cassia Romance Guide: Winning the Navigator’s Heart
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Cassia Orsellio, the enigmatic Navigator, is often the first romance option players encounter. You can recruit her early in Chapter 1 by completing the quest “Secrets of the Navis Nobilite,” which is part of the broader questline “Looking for Trouble.” During this quest, your objective is to persuade Cassia to join your voidship crew. Regardless of your chosen method of persuasion, she will ultimately agree to join.
After recruiting Cassia and progressing through a scene involving a ritual discussion, the opportunity to initiate romance arises. Once aboard your voidship, locate Cassia in the southern area of the ship’s deck and engage in conversation.
To begin a romance with Cassia, it is essential to play as a male Rogue Trader. Then, carefully select the following dialogue options in sequence:
- “Tell me about yourself.”
- “Sorry, Cassia, but I would like to know more about you personally, not your family.”
- “Your third eye — do you always conceal it?”
- “You are beautiful, Cassia. Do not let anyone or anything convince you otherwise.”
- “I would not dare to make fun of a lady’s feelings, especially not one who has captivated me since I first set eyes on her.”
Upon completing these dialogue choices, and if you select the option “Why don’t we talk about something else?”, you will return to the initial dialogue menu. A new option will appear: “Let’s talk about us, shall we?”. This signifies the establishment of a romantic relationship with Cassia.
Heinrix Romance Guide: Intrigue with the Interrogator
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Heinrix van Calox, the intense Interrogator, can be encountered in Chapter 1 during the quest “Gleam of the Final Dawn.” Within the monastery setting of this quest, explore the initial rooms to locate Heinrix. It’s important to note that Heinrix will only enter a romantic relationship with a female Rogue Trader.
Following the battle against Aurora, select the subsequent dialogue options to progress towards romance:
- [Lore (Xenos)] [Inspect the control panel damaged by Aurora]
- Continue
- Continue
- [Dogmatic] “Heinrix, take a look over here. Is this by any chance what you are looking for?”
Successfully passing the Lore (Xenos) check in the first option is crucial to unlock the fourth dialogue line. After this conversation concludes, return to your voidship. A scene will trigger where Heinrix initiates a conversation with you.
In this subsequent conversation, choose the following dialogue options:
- “Thank you. The Inquisition’s generosity is greatly appreciated.”
- “Conversing with you is no less disconcerting for me, Master van Calox.”
- “You misunderstand me. I am not unnerved by your status, but by you personally.”
Jae Romance Guide: Courting the Charismatic Trader
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Jae Heydari, the flamboyant and well-connected trader, becomes available for recruitment in Chapter 2. Notably, Jae can be romanced by both male and female Rogue Traders. To unlock Jae as a companion, you must first complete the quests “Persona Non Grata” and “Wanted on Footfall.” Certain dialogue choices within these quests are vital for securing her companionship and the possibility of romance.
During the “Persona Non Grata” quest, select these dialogue options:
- “What do you need help with?”
- “I suspect that Vladaym wants to keep the cargo out of your hands. And I want to put him in his place.”
In the “Wanted on Footfall” quest, after the battle, choose the following dialogue options:
- “Jae Heydari, the owner of this cargo, is presently under my protection — under a Rogue Trader’s protection. Tell your master that he should think twice before crossing her from now on.”
- Continue.
- “A Rogue Trader could use someone with your talents and connections, Jae. I would like to see you in my retinue.”
- “I wish we could forget decorum entirely in each other’s presence…”
Once Jae joins your crew, locate her on the voidship bridge. Initiate conversation and select these dialogue options:
- “Was there some business you wished to discuss?”
- Continue.
- “A truly wonderful gift. I accept it with gratitude.”
- “Go on.”
- “That sounds simple enough. I will help you.”
After this initial conversation, return to the voidship bridge and speak with her again. Use the following dialogue options to further the romance:
- “You don’t look like a typical smuggler.”
- “Why did you choose to come to the Koronus Expanse?”
- “How did you escape from Efreet?”
- “Judging by your implants, you’ve had quite a few close shaves over the years.”
- “Thank you for sharing this.”
- “You must forgive my prying, but has the esteemed princess’s heart been claimed by some lucky fellow?”
- “I enjoy being with you. I would like us to spend more time together.”
- “I do not see you as a toy. I just like you…”
- [Drop to one knee] “My dazzling one, can I trust that you hold in your heart at least the smallest drop of regard for me?”
- “I am inviting you to dinner. Over some decent wine. I’m sure we shall find a fertile topic of conversation.”
Following these choices, a new dialogue option, “We need to discuss what is going on between us,” will become available when speaking to Jae, solidifying your romantic relationship.
Yrliet Romance Guide: Patience and Understanding with the Aeldari
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Yrliet Lanaevyss, the enigmatic Aeldari Ranger, presents one of the most challenging romances. Her xenos nature means that dialogue choices that might work with other companions could jeopardize your chances with her. Furthermore, her expressions of affection are subtle, making it easy to misinterpret interactions. However, Yrliet is one of the few romanceable companions who is open to both male and female Rogue Traders.
Successfully romancing Yrliet hinges on navigating the initial conversations correctly. After recruiting her in Chapter 2, speak with her on the voidship bridge. When discussing ‘She Who Thirsts’, choose the dialogue option: “The Chaos Gods are the enemies of the Imperium, which means they are my enemies. You can be sure of that.” This will earn Yrliet’s respect, a crucial first step.
The next key step is completing the quest “Aeldari in Distress.” During warp jumps within this quest, Yrliet will initiate conversations. During one of these brief dialogues, select these options:
- “My people have behaved contemptibly, and I apologise for it.”
- “I shall speak to my subjects. You will not be bothered again.”
Later, speak to her again on the voidship bridge. Choose the dialogue option starting with: “I have been mulling over our conversation, and I can understand why you do not like people.”
As you progress through “Aeldari in Distress,” Yrliet will engage in further conversations between travels. Respond with the following dialogue options:
- “You have my complete attention.”
- [Close your eyes, empty your mind, and speak the word] “Li-lae-than…”
- “I think I’m beginning to understand.”
- “Thank you for telling me how you see the world.”
- “I also see something greater in the world around me, something deeper than the outer guise of things.”
- “I see the suffering of those around me, and it compels me to act.”
- “To me you are a foreign yet beguiling world, Yrliet. I hope that one day I will come to know you. And on that day, my own world will become much deeper.”
With a foundation of understanding established, subsequent conversations with Yrliet will delve deeper into her perspective and your evolving relationship. Yrliet’s romance is less about physical intimacy and more about intellectual and emotional connection.
In Chapter 3, a significant event occurs concerning Yrliet. To maintain the romance, it is crucial to forgive Yrliet during this event.
Marazhai Romance Guide: Embracing the Drukhari’s Desires
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Marazhai Aezyrraesh, the intriguing Drukhari warrior, presents the most unconventional romance option. Building a relationship with Marazhai requires a willingness to accept his often-unorthodox desires and nature. Marazhai is romanceable by both male and female Rogue Traders. The path to his affections begins immediately after he joins your group in Chapter 3, following the arena fight.
After Marazhai joins your retinue, the quest “Suspicious Absence” will begin. Travel to the Pit to progress this quest. When speaking with Ulfar and Argenta, select the dialogue option: “I did not save Marazhai’s life so you could take matters into your own hands! Put your weapons away, all of you!”.
Following this scene, a private conversation with Marazhai will commence. Choose the following dialogue options:
- “What do you need?”
- “Very well. Should we encounter Yremeryss at any point, I shall allow you to deal the final blow.”
- [Look at what the plate was covering]
- “Your armour is held on with hooks that dig into your body?”
- [Nod wordlessly]
Upon returning to your voidship and initiating a warp jump after Marazhai’s recruitment, Vox Master Vigdis will alert you to an emergency on the officers’ deck. Select the option “I am going to the officers’ deck immediately” to begin the “Soulless” mission. Locate Marazhai and attempt to bring him to his senses. When he responds, choose the dialogue option “Marazhai! Behind you!”. This will trigger a battle. It is vital to keep Marazhai alive during this encounter.
After defeating the enemies, a new conversation will start. Choose these options:
- “Marazhai, are you sure you have regained your senses?”
- “Your presence is causing me a great deal of grid, xenos.”
- “I shall grant you hunting grounds, Marazhai. A bay on the lower decks. You can do whatever your heart desires down there, but you are not to leave its bounds during warp jumps.”
Conclude this conversation and speak with Marazhai again on the voidship bridge to complete the quest.
After several warp jumps, Marazhai will appear in your office, alluding to a promise he made. In this conversation, select these dialogue options:
- “What do you mean by ‘feast’?”
- “Please, Marazhai, be my guide.”
Following these choices, you will unlock access to intimate scenes with Marazhai, embarking on a romance that is as intense as it is unconventional.
Embarking on romances in Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader adds a compelling personal dimension to your cosmic journey. Whether you are drawn to the noble Cassia, the stern Heinrix, the charming Jae, the enigmatic Yrliet, or the intense Marazhai, each romance offers a unique narrative and enriches your experience in the grim darkness of the far future. Choose your paramours wisely, and may your romantic endeavors be as successful as your Rogue Trader ambitions.
