Dragon Age: The Veilguard introduces a new character, the Gentleman Necromancer Emmrich Volkarin, to the game. Players can recruit him after completing either the ‘On Blighted Wings’ or ‘On Deadly Wings’ quest, depending on whether Traviso or Minrathous was sacrificed.
While some may find his love for graveyards and his advanced age a bit strange, his romance arc is one of the most heartwarming in the game. If you’re eager to romance him, there are many opportunities to earn his approval right from the start. Here’s how you can win him over.
How to Recruit Emmrich
After finishing the ‘On Blighted Wings’ or ‘On Deadly Wings’ quest, you will need to look for a Dragon Hunter and Necromancer. This will prompt two new quests in your journal, leading to the recruitment of both Taash and Emmrich. Emmrich’s quest, titled ‘Where the Dead Must Go,’ takes you to the Necropolis, where you’ll help him eliminate a group of Venatori. Once that’s completed, head back to the Lighthouse and enter his room. After a brief cutscene, you’ll then be able to take Emmrich on future quests.
While it’s not essential to romance him as a Mourn Watch Rook, doing so can enhance your gameplay experience, providing unique interactions and dialogue. This advice applies to every party member: forming a romantic bond with a character from their relevant faction can be beneficial.
Emmrich Romance Quests and Events
Here is a summary of the quests and interactions that help you recruit and strengthen your relationship with Emmrich:
| Quest/Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Where the Dead Must Go (Quest) | Emmrich is successfully recruited. |
| Meeting Manfred (Conversation) | You meet Emmrich’s skeletal assistant. |
| Walking the Graves (Quest) | Enjoy a tea date with Emmrich after rituals. |
| Discussion in the Lighthouse Library | Support Emmrich’s idea for Bellara’s break. |
| Getting to Know Emmrich (Conversation) | Express enjoyment of his company when he reveals his homesickness. |
| House of the Dead (Quest) | Consoling Emmrich about Hezenkoss’s fate. |
| Conversation about the Fade | Show that your interest in Emmrich is genuine. |
| Interaction in Emmrich’s Room with Harding | Suggest that Emmrich should relax on the camping trip. |
| Discussion with Taash in Emmrich’s Room | Encourage an exchange of interests. |
| Arrangements (Quest) | Choose to commit to Emmrich while visiting his parents’ graves. |
| The Flame Eternal (Outing) | Share a romantic dinner in Necropolis Halls. |
| The Sacrifice of Souls (Quest) | Help Emmrich choose between becoming a lich or resurrecting Manfred. |
| Pre-Isle of the Gods Discussion | Discuss concerns about mortality, leading to a confrontation. |
| Pre-Last Gambit Conversation | Experience the final intimate scene in the Necropolis. |
How to Quickly Boost Your Bond Level with Emmrich
To quickly increase your bond with Emmrich, consider making him a regular member of your party. Completing quests together will gradually raise your bond. During conversations, always select the heart option when it appears. Rook can sometimes be a little awkward, but Emmrich won’t mind.
When returning to the Lighthouse, check for a chat marker above Emmrich’s head. If he has a quest, an exclamation mark will indicate that, too.
Note: If you choose to ignore Emmrich’s side quests, you won’t be able to romantically pursue him or make him a Hero of the Veilguard. Each faction in the game has side quests that can enhance their influence, including those for the Mourn Watch. For extra approval from Emmrich, take him along while completing these quests.
Emmrich Gift Location
In Dragon Age, giving gifts to companions can strengthen your relationship with them. You can find Emmrich’s gift at the same location where you recruit him. Speak to Vorgoth in the Necropolis to purchase the Haunted Statuette. It costs 60 gold and ten flawless crystals. Once you have it, travel back to the Lighthouse to give it to Emmrich, completing the quest ‘Fit for a Necromancer.’
Dialogue Options and Key Choices
Each companion in the game has specific dialogue choices that impact their approval. Emmrich appreciates polite interactions. For example, in the Weisshaupt quest, choosing to reason with the First Warden instead of knocking him out will earn you his respect.
You can also gain his approval by showing interest in discussions about death or respecting the deceased. During Emmrich’s personal quest ‘Walking the Graves,’ if you acknowledge a wisp that approaches you, he will be pleased. Conversely, telling it to move along will disappoint him.
In summary, simply being kind to Emmrich will help you gain his favor.
How to Commit to Your Romance Choice
You can flirt with multiple characters in the game without causing jealousy until you decide to commit. This moment comes during Emmrich’s personal quest, ‘Arrangements.’ At the quest’s conclusion, Emmrich will take you to his parents’ graves. Choose one of the positive responses, such as "Pleasure to meet you" or "Uh, hello," then select the heart option, "Never lonely," to officially commit to him.
Note: After this commitment, you will no longer see heart options for other companions.
Should You Allow Emmrich to Become a Lich?
In his personal quest, ‘The Sacrifice of Souls,’ you will face the decision of letting Emmrich maintain his mortality or become a lich. You can continue the romance regardless of your choice, but both options affect Emmrich’s demeanor and the tone of your relationship.
If Emmrich becomes a lich, he will be more expressive about his feelings, while if he remains mortal, he may be insecure due to the age difference between you two. In both scenarios, an argument arises before a critical moment in the storyline—if he’s a lich, he worries about your safety in upcoming battles; if he’s mortal, he fears dying before you do.
