History Heartwarming / DragonAgeOrigins

* And Alistair caps it off in the GrandFinale if he stays with the Warden until the end and you didn't TakeAThirdOption. If the Warden insists on sacrificing herself to kill [[BigBad the Archdemon]]...]]

* If the Warden dies in the final battle, Sten returns to his homeland and is asked by his leader if he found any worthy beings in his travels. He replies, "Only one."

* Should the Warden make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice]], Sten is the one to adopt the Dog. He really ''has'' been in Ferelden for too long.

* If you pursue a romance as a dwarf or elf, then when Alistair says "I love you" for the first time, the Warden can ask, "My being an dwarf/elf doesn't change anything?" He'll half-sigh, half-whisper, "''Of course'' not." Steve Valentine ''really'' earned his paycheck with that line delivery.

* Being a good-aligned character can have quite a few of these, if only because of the BlackAndGrayMorality of the setting. Ferelden is a ''dark'' setting, but through your actions, you ''can'' save the world and do good, just things for the people and the realm. Light shines brightest in the dark, and ''Dragon Age'' '''proves''' this. GoodFeelsGood.
* There's something to be said about listening to stories about the heroism of the Grey Wardens. Talking to people in the streets who revere them, hearing legends about them, and listening to Wynne's stories of them and what they stand for. In particular, Wynne's story about how the Wardens stood between the Blight and the kings of old, giving their blood to protect the people, is powerful. And then you take up that mantle and do the same, not just by defeating the Blight but by spreading justice, righting wrongs, and generally kicking the crap out of the darkness to bring light back to the world.

* Easy to miss since it is in the back alley, but there are two kids running around behind Alarith's shop. If you stop to talk to them they explain they're playing a game where they pretend to be human heroes and fight each other. When asked why they don't play as elven heroes, they say it's because they've never heard of an elven hero. So you can tell them the story of Talthas, a crafty and beautiful rogue who stole from the rich to give to the poor and hid treasure all over Thedas when she retired. The kids then start playing again, arguing over which one of them gets to be Talthas.

* During the origin, speaking with Ashalle (the Warden's ParentalSubstitute) at various points in the plot will reveal how much she cared for the character and underscores how close the clan really is. She'll even go so far as to say how she's SoProudOfYou.

* At the end of the Harrowing, the Pride demon will congratulate you on figuring out its plan. Is it possible the demon is showing ''pride'' in the Mage's forbearance? Given [[VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition Solas's]] explanation about the nature of spirits and demons, that Pride Demon probably was a Spirit of Wisdom, who congratulates you for being wise enough for noting the delusion and gives you final advice before leaving. In addition, spirits become what they're expected to be.

** A few choice ones include gaining free ale for the militia, finding extra bodies to defend the village, reuniting Bevin and Kaitlyn, and promising Owain you will find his daughter. During the ensuing battle, the Warden and his posse are able to tear into the flank of the undead assaulting the Chantry building (doubles as a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome), and killing a vast portion of the undead before they break into the second ranks. If you manage to save everyone, it's especially gratifying. HopeBringer indeed.

* If you remain faithful to Jowan, and do everything you can to help him, he will still be returned to the Circle of Mages to be Tranquilized. He will have fully atoned at that point, and as he's led off to the Tower, he says warmly, "Goodbye... friend." Keep in mind that he knows the next time you meet, he'll never be able to express any sort of emotion to you.

* A City Elf Warden can rescue their father from the Tevinter slavers, and receive a dagger which belonged to their mother (if they refused Vaughan's deal in the origin story).

* It's possible to make Jowan run away and elude capture, in which case the heartwarming moment comes later, when in a quest, you can find him defending a group of travelers and already repelling at least three other attacks. He might be a Blood Mage, but not someone who has lost his humanity. The Warden gets a line in "Jowan's Intention" which makes it even heartwarming if it comes from the Mage Warden. Finally their old friend has succeeded in doing something right and can make up for his past mistakes. (Sadly, because the quest is bugged and doesn't trigger for most players, the majority will not see this in-game.)

* This one is easy to miss, but in the beginning of the game there are two kids running around behind Alarith's shop. If you stop to talk to them they explain they're playing a game where they pretend to be human heroes and fight each other. When asked why they don't play as elven heroes, they say it's because they've never heard of an elven hero. So you can tell them the story of Talthas, a crafty and beautiful rogue who stole from the rich to give to the poor and hid treasure all over Thedas when she retired. The kids then start playing again, arguing over which one of them gets to be Talthas.
* After killing Vaughan for raping Shianni, the Warden and Soris escape with the girls back to the alienage.
** When the guards show up looking for the ones responsible, the Warden can step forward and take full responsibility, risking being tortured to death by the Arl of Denerim for doing so but saving Soris from the same fate. The guard captain even expresses respect.

** The gratitude that Soris shows you after Duncan recruits you into the Grey Wardens really drives the point home.

** And then if you double check on Shianni, she says this:

* During the Dalish Elf origin, speaking with Ashalle (the Warden's ParentalSubstitute) at various points in the plot will reveal how much she cared for the character and underscores how close the clan really is. She'll even go so far as to say how she's SoProudOfYou.

* The individual conversations you can have with Bryce and Eleanor as you make your way through the castle during the origin story are adorable, with each of them telling you how much they love you, how they trust you to take care of things while Bryce and Fergus are in Ostagar, and Bryce is even willing to entertain the notion of his younger child (even a daughter) joining the Grey Wardens when he comes home. Many players who favor the Human Noble origin over the others cite the beautiful relationships between the Cousland family members as a large part of the reason.

* At the end of the Mage's origin story harrowing comes, the Pride demon will congratulate you on figuring out its plan. Is it possible the demon is showing ''pride'' in the Mage's forbearance? Given [[VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition Solas's]] explanation about the nature of spirits and demons, that Pride Demon probably was a Spirit of Wisdom, who congratulates you for being wise enough for noting the delusion and gives you a final advice before leaving. In addition, spirits become what they're expected to be.

* During the siege of Redcliffe line, there are a few of said moments built in, particularly once you hear crying of the children in the Chantry and the story laid out by various residents of the village.

* It's possible to make Jowan run away and elude capture, in which case the heartwarming moment comes later, when in a (currently bugged) quest, you can find him defending a group of travelers and has already repelled at least three other attacks. He might be a Blood Mage, but not someone who has lost his humanity. The Warden gets a line in "Jowan's Intention" which makes it even heartwarming if it comes from the Mage Warden. Finally their old friend has succeeded in doing something right and can make up for his past mistakes. (Sadly, because the quest is bugged and doesn't trigger for most players, the majority will not see this in-game.)

* If you managed to save both Connor and Lady Isolde, the previously hysterical Isolde will warmly thank you for saving her family. If you made her promise you a reward she will then offer you a [[AncestralWeapon staff that belonged to her grandfather]]. You can accept it... or you can tell her to KeepTheReward and give it to Connor when he is older. She will smile and promise to do so, and then thank you again. Wynne and Leliana approves. Aww...

* It overlaps with being a TearJerker, but Niall's final farewell in the Fade is a heartwarming moment. After being trapped in the Fade and failing to save the Circle, Niall is understandably feeling a bit depressed about the fact that he's going to die alone. You can try to reassure him that he isn't alone, but he'll throw it back in your face. "Right, some complete stranger is going to be my sole companion for the rest of my short, pathetic life." By acquiring new forms and killing the demons imprisoning you, however, you can give him some hope. And when you defeat the Sloth Demon, he will tell you that he cannot leave the Fade as his body is dying. However, he does not fear death, and he can rest easy knowing that you will save the Circle. You can tell him that he did all he could and respond positively when he wonders if his mother would be proud of him. And in the end, his final words are quite touching:

** You can offer to convince her father to take Zerlinda back home. Upon returning to her with the good news, she can scarcely believe it. There's also her father's reaction. At first he's dismissive of "the casteless whore claiming to have been his daughter," but after a rather easy Persuasion check, he breaks down and, on the verge of tears, almost begs the Warden to tell Zerlinda to come home, and that her parents are waiting for her.

* The quest "An Admirable Topsider" tells of Willem Trialmont, an elf that came down to the Deep Roads to fight along the dwarves against the darkswawn. The dwarves were distrustful at first, but came to respect him in time and, when he finally fell in battle, considered him one of their own and gave him a full burial with honors. Here's the epitaph they've written for him:

* During the Urn Of Sacred Ashes quest, bringing the right party combination to the Gauntlet and admitting that you do feel guilt over what happened in your character's origin in response to the Guardian's question can result in your companions all telling you that what happened is not your fault and not to blame yourself. It's sweet enough having just one of them do that, but having all your party members rounding up to comfort you one after another is both unexpected and incredibly touching. Even Oghren of all people does it, in his own way.
* Much is already said about the Warden's meeting with the Gauntlet spirit, but the amulet you receive, Reflection, offers a Moment of Heartwarming of its own. No matter whose spirit you met or whatever became of them, your memory of them lives on and gently pushes you forward in your moments of doubt:

* One particular example of the Warden meeting a ghost of someone dear to them during the Gauntlet is when a Human Noble Warden meets their father, and he tells you [[SoProudOfYou how very proud of you he is]], he tells the Warden to stop blaming themselves as it wasn't their fault, those ManlyTears.

* Should the Warden be captured after rescuing Anora, your companions will make various remarks about how upset they are. They are only that upset because they have grown to see the Warden as friend, and in some cases more than that.
* A City Elf Warden rescuing their father from the Tevinter slavers and later receiving a dagger which belonged to their mother.

* Reuniting with Gorim in Denerim as a Dwarf Noble Warden is very heartwarming, especially if you do so after completing Orzammar. After getting treated like crap and being called exile, kinslayer, etc. by the other dwarves it's a breath of fresh air to finally meet a dwarf, especially an old friend, who treats you warmly and calls you by your family name (since you were stripped of it in the origin story after being framed for killing your prince brother). Not only that, but Gorim has a letter for you from your late father and your family shield that you worked so hard to recover right before getting framed and exiled. The letter itself is another level of heartwarming, as your father has realized his error and deeply regrets exiling his son/daughter. He apologizes and tells you that he wouldn't blame you if you never forgave him. Finally, seeing your best friend making a life for himself outside of Orzammar (in spite of what had happened) and being happily married with a child on the way is the icing on the cake.

* Before heading off to slay the Archdemon once and for all, every single companion, one after another, gives you a little farewell speech, together with heartwarming music. This is already almost unbearably sweet. And then you storm past the rows of cheering soldiers with the game's heroic leitmotif in full force...
* A simple one comes as the chosen party races from Denerim's gates to find and kill the Archdemon. The only path you can take leads you past dozens of Arl Eamon's troops, and as one they raise their fists and roar their support for you, some even calling out [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome awesome]] lines. It's especially touching when you consider how far the Grey Wardens have fallen in Ferelden, and that they've been slandered as traitors and regicides by Teyrn Loghain for months. These men and women know that you're their hero, and damned if they'll let you face near-certain death without letting you know it.

* A Dalish Elf Warden who survives the fight with the Archdemon can ask for, and be granted, a homeland for the Dalish Elves. Ashalle, who's there to congratulate you, is almost in tears that she'll be able to do something so simple as to build a ''house'' on land that's her own, forever.
* If you play a Human Noble and live through the battle, you find out Fergus is alive after all this time, and the Couslands aren't all gone. Fergus is overjoyed to find his younger sibling still alive, and amazed by the fact they're the hero of Ferelden that saved the country from the darkspawn. Even if he's depressed by the fact his son and wife died at hands of Arl Howe, the hero can confirm the Arl's death by their hands and express sorrow for their nephew and sister-in-law's deaths. Fergus then ends by saying how proud he is of his little brother/sister and [[SoProudOfYou how proud their father would be]].

* Sten and Shale hit it off remarkably well, especially considering the borderline antagonistic conversations they have with everyone else. Sten expresses impressive respect for Shale's abilities, and Shale responds in kind, admitting that she admires Sten's combat prowess (as well as his musculature...) - something she does for no one else in the party save, potentially, the Warden. And for Sten's part, he actually refers to Shale as ''kadan'' - just like he does the Warden.

* Alistair giving the female PC a rose he picked in Lothering.

* And Alistair caps it off in the GrandFinale if he stays with the Warden until the end and you didn't TakeAThirdOption. Then, if the Warden insists on sacrificing herself to kill [[BigBad the Archdemon]]...]]

* Just before approaching Redcliffe for the first time,:

** Yet another alternative, if a female Warden has already initiated the RomanceSidequest.

* If the Warden convinces Alistair to sleep with her before he proposes it, he eventually tells her he loves her, and that "you're the first woman I've spent the night with, and if I have it my way, you'll be the last."

* The Epilogue reveals that if the Female Human Noble becomes Queen and rules alongside Alistair, during their official tour of Ferelden, the people quickly come to adore their new royal couple, partly because ''everyone'' can see how much Alistair is completely besotted by his new bride.
* If you pursue a Romance as an Elf or Dwarf, then when Alistair says "I love you" for the first time, if the Warden asks, "My being an elf/dwarf doesn't change anything?" He'll half-sigh, half-whisper, "''Of course'' not." Steve Valentine ''really'' earned his paycheck with that line delivery.

* Everything about the Dog, from the way he rolls in the grass when you pet him to his bonding with Sten. Especially at the end, if you decide to not take him with you - the way he whines, and you can just hear it in his voice that he knows you'll get in trouble without him, but he'll stay here to make sure ''nothing'' will get past him.

* Meeting Dog at Ostagar as a non-Human Noble is extraordinarily heartwarming because you save his life when he's very sick from darkpsawn taint and grieving over the death of his master, he's aware that you're the one who saved him, and he's so grateful that he re-imprints on you, which is ''very'' very difficult since most Mabari feel UndyingLoyalty to their first masters (usually spending their remaining lives in TheMourningAfter, occasionally suffering DeathByDespair). What's more, he escaped the carnage at Ostagar while still sick and ran across a darkspawn-infested countryside [[IWillFindYou all just to find you]], because he still remembers that you saved him and loves you so much that he literally braves darkspawn just to be by your side. If that doesn't melt your heart, what will? Even your very first encounter with him as a Non-Human Noble is heartwarming. You're told that he's gravely ill and needs to be muzzled since it makes him aggressive. When you first encounter him, he growls and looks at you warily. You half-expect him to lunge, but instead he whimpers and lets you harness him. As the game likes to state [[BrokenRecord over and over]], anyone who tries to handle a Mabari that they're not imprinted on risks losing an arm, so it means so much that he trusted you, a non-imprinted stranger, to handle him when he's in so much pain and feels so weak.
* For the Human Noble, meanwhile, the relationship is very different, and heartwarming on a whole other level. Dog has been the Human Noble's treasured pet and companion for years when the game begins, so they already love one another devotedly. Then comes that horrible night... Castle Cousland is sacked, its occupants are brutally murdered, and Dog becomes the only other survivor of the carnage. The Warden doesn't learn until the very end of the game that Fergus is alive, so as far as they're aware, ''Dog is all they have left.'' It's both CMOH material and a walking ball of TearJerker.

* Another example comes if you complete Leliana's personal quest (preferably by killing Marjolaine). In your first conversation, Leliana will confess that she feels herself "slipping." This is your opportunity to harden her personality or to convince her that she's a good person. If you choose the latter, she will later thank you. During a third conversation about Marjolaine, you can comment to Leliana that you hope to be as special to her as Marjolaine was.

* The song Leliana sings after the completion of the "Nature of the Beast" quest (''In Uthenara'', an elven song traditionally sung at funerals) and her explanation of why it means so much to her. She explains that an elven woman taught the song to her as a child after her mother died to comfort her and taught her that death was not something to be hated or feared, merely a transition from one life to another. Double the feels if you're playing as a Human Noble or a City Elf Warden. If Leliana isn't your LoveInterest, but your friend, the wording is different but still very moving, as Leliana clearly regards you as the reason she has found the strength to keep going.

* Leliana in ''general'' is this, especially when she [[VideogameCaringPotential compliments you for being a good person]].

** The epilogue of ''Awakening'' says that the Warden has reunited with a certain "red-haired bard" and is still out there with her, looking for adventure, having never returned to the duties of Warden-Commander.
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', it is revealed that the Warden effectively dumped her (possibly not quite of their own volition, as the matter of their disappearance is left intentionally vague). However, being, well, herself, Leliana manages to turn even ''that'' into a CMOH: as of the ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' ending, she is [[IWillFindYou still searching for them]] across all of Thedas (regardless of whether you pursued romance with her or not). In fact, it's her official job now, it seems. In her other cameo, she implies that she knows where the Warden is if you romanced her, so it is up in the air. However, that cameo takes place at a time different from the end of the game, so she may have known at that point, but later lost track of them.

*** If you don't romance her but are her beloved friend. If the new player character inquires about her relationship with the Warden, her tone is warm as she describes their friendship. It's especially the case for a non-romanced female, of whom Leliana says, "She's probably the only person I trust completely." Given the bard's history, giving someone her complete trust is a massive compliment.

* If you have Loghain as a party member, you can ask him about his daughter. See the way he beams with pride in her, as any father would, even if she was chiefly responsible for his defeat at the Landsmeet. In fact, in your first conversation with him, you can get a massive +40 Approval from him - the biggest jump in any game - and part of it is by asking him what ''he'' wants. He's shocked that you'd ask him, but gives a long speech about driving the darkspawn and enemies out of Ferelden forever, while mourning the fact that his war room is empty. Both a BadassBoast and a TearJerker at the same time. It's even more powerful when you've read the prequel novels and understand that, until then, no one has ever really asked him that question, nor has he ever been able to really choose what he wants. Loghain was born and raised under the occupation, forced to work for the Orlesians who didn't care about him or any other Fereldan, then thrust into a rebellion when he and his father were forced to flee. And even when Maric made him a teyrn, he was forced to let go of the woman he loved for the greater good. And the game is a whole different chapter on its own.
* If you've befriended him, and you don't take him with you to face the Archdemon, he'll puzzle as to why he's not being sacrificed. One of the possible dialogue options:

* Giving Morrigan the mirror available from that lyrium-addled dwarven merchant in Orzammar. It's identical to the mirror that Morrigan had stolen as a child, and which Flemeth smashed to teach her a lesson. You can give Morrigan gifts of jewelry throughout the game, but she will be really caught off guard by the mirror. She confesses that no one has ever given her a gift like this without expecting something in return and asks how she should repay you. Stress that it's a gift; her voice actually wavers as she thanks you, as though she were choking back tears.

* If the Warden is male and ''not'' already Morrigan's love interest, post-personal quest, she will ask if there is any possibility of being more than friends with her. If your character is already in love with Zevran or Leliana, and you answer that you've thought about it, or that there was a possibility, she'll respond with great dignity and surprising warmth. "Except... there is another." There's something very touching about the supposedly spiteful and selfish Morrigan quietly accepting that she can't have what she wants, [[IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy and not even attempting to take the PC from his existing partner.]]

* If the Warden is female and have a high approval with Morrigan, she will, in one conversation, refer to her not only as a friend but as a sister, and may start calling the Warden that at the beginning of each conversation with her.

* If the Warden is male, she comments that she didn't even think it was possible to be friends with a man, that they could only be lovers. She still values the friendship, and it's still very heartwarming.
* If you romance someone else besides her, she may make a comment to you about you and your partner, which you can respond to as being in love. But unlike other conversations, she is not being snarky or commenting that falling in love is a weakness. She just makes a friendly comment and even says she trusts you know what you are doing. If anything, it almost sounds like she is worried for you. This, coming from Morrigan, is very heartwarming.
* If the Warden is female and romancing ''Alistair'', this is especially heartwarming, since Morrigan and Alistair genuinely loathe one another - but Morrigan is willing to concede that he must be providing something that her friend evidently needs. (She's also very amused if you tell her he's good in the sack.)
* Getting her approval rating while in a relationship with her makes her reluctant to have sex with the Warden - both because of WhatIsThisThingYouCallLove and her ulterior motives coming into conflict with how she now feels.
* If you're a female with a high approval rating and went along with her plan by getting Alistair or Loghain to sleep with her, then it's just as heartwarming and heartrending to see her call you the only friend she's ever had, and tell you goodbye while she's very obviously holding back rivers of tears over having to leave you. If a female PC asks her why she wants to do the ritual, she admits that she just doesn't want to see you die. Especially heartwarming coming from a non-romanced character, and really underscores how much she values the friendship.
* Also Morrigan's goodbye when you split your party when defending Denerim (presumably only if you went with her plan, and have enough approval but aren't romancing her). It's made all the more heartbreaking by the knowledge that this is likely [[ButNowIMustGo the last time you will ever see her]].

* If you were more than friends, you have another option and the conversation itself is a bit deeper. Morrigan explains that while she regrets how she had to leave, it needed to be done. If you tell her you want to go with her into the mirror, she warns you that you have no idea what lays on the other side but you can tell her you don't care - you just want to be with her "no matter what." She relents and calls you "My love", having finally given up on her "love is a weakness/a complication/not for us" mentality she's stuck to throughout your whole romance path. You then embrace with a BigDamnKiss and enter the mirror side by side, and she will '''not''' stop smiling during the rest of the cinematic.

* Choosing to leave Oghren in defense of the gate at the final battle. Especially if you have maxed out approval. He realizes how far he's fallen from the great warrior he used to be to the raving drunk he was when you met him, and he shows that your friendship helped pull him out of that ditch.

* If you've talked to him a great deal and encouraged him, bolstering your approval rating with him and earning his trust, there comes a point where he converses with you with his helmet on. He tells you, from behind the helmet, that he thinks of you like family. He can't face you without his helmet because ''he's overcome by his emotions''. Oghren, despite the arguably limited screentime he gets as compared to the other companions, can genuinely grow to love the Warden.

* Shale gives you one if you side with Caridin, do Shale's sidequest, and get a high approval rating with the golem. The golem, for the only time in the game, refers to the Warden as something other than "it".

* Shale can decide to become mortal again, after spending the entire game bemoaning them as useless, fleshy, squishy things, due to the Warden showing her that mortals can prove to be just as tough as a ''Golem'' if they want to be. What really make that conversation so heartwarming is her small admission that if the Warden should ever see a small Dwarven woman in the crowd, nervous about being squished, that will be ''her''. Shale's openly admitting her own fear and trepidation at becoming mortal again, but ''still'' wants to try because of your example. And in one epilogue, she ''succeeds''. Even better -- a dwarven Inquisitor is from House Cadash -- Shayle is ''related'' to them!
* One example that might be unintentional, but still feels sweet regardless. When Shale starts liking the Warden, she will have a dialogue with them where she tries to reconcile this new liking with her misanthropy by asking if the Warden was born from some "superior genetic material". If the Warden is an Elf, her answer, while probably not ''intended'' to be so, comes up as a sweet TakeThat to humans' racism toward elves:

* One that's only seen if you read the tie-in novel ''Asunder'', which takes place after the events of the second game. Shale is seen, with Leliana, mourning the death of Wynne. Considering her early disdain for 'fleshy beings', it's truly touching to see that she has grown fond, not only of the Warden, but some of the other companions as well, fond enough to experience sorrow at the loss.

* Sten gets one as well, when the stiff, carefully spoken giant breaks his own strong social taboos to compliment the Warden. "I will not look for you on the battlefield," which is all the more heartwarming (from two angles!) when one thinks about it.
* When you get his sword back, and tell him you still need him in the party, he [[NotSoStoic suddenly cracks a warm smile]] and simply says, "Then lead the way." Like any praise from Sten, this moment is amazing.

* Also, just one word: ''Kadan.'' Every time he uses that word as a greeting, you will feel a little warm. ''Kadan'', in the Qunari tongue, literally means "where the heart lies." It adds an impressive amount of weight to this; in one word, Sten is telling you that he values you as a friend and leader and one he holds close to his heart.

* A marvelously understated one occurs in an early conversation with Sten about why he came to Ferelden. When he tells the Warden that he cannot go home, the Warden can respond, "Well, you can stay here with us." His response is a simple "...thank you." The actual weight of his response, however, comes immediately afterward: "Sten Approves (+15)." [[note]]This is one of the biggest approval bonuses you can get in the ''entire game'' from a single conversation, which should say everything that needs to be said about how much that one statement means to Sten.[[/note]]
* Another understated one, if you choose Sten to lead the party holding the gates at Denerim. He smiles, and says something like, "As it should be." It's basically the big Qunari's way of saying, "Don't worry. I've got your back."

* One is only heartwarming if you're playing a second time, and know Wynne has a spirit of the Fade keeping her alive. She openly ponders what makes an abomination and probes you for your opinion. If you're playing again, you now realize if you tell her that abominations are how one ''acts'', and not how one ''is'', you're making her feel good again because you're basically telling her without knowing it that she's not an abomination just because she has a Fade spirit in her.
* During the conversation with Wynne when she reveals the Spirit of Faith is the only thing keeping her alive at this point - before she reveals her regret, she mentions that if she goes down, she'll just get right back up again, which leads into this conversation.

* Upon starting a romance (it doesn't matter which), Wynne will comment on how she's unsure if becoming romantically involved with someone is the best thing to do considering your duties as a Warden. However, if you treat your love interest right and maintain a good approval with them, Wynne will eventually recant and admit that you two are good for each other. She'll even defend your relationship with ''Morrigan'' to the rest of the party should romance become love. When Alistair believes Morrigan will be a bad influence on the Warden, Wynne replies that there's also the chance that the Warden will prove to be a ''good'' influence [[LoveRedeems on her]].

* The entire Zevran romance is much deeper and more heartwarming than one would think upon meeting him. Zevran might flirt with everyone he encounters, but once things start progressing between him and the PC, he asks for their clear consent at every stage of the relationship and backs down without any hesitation in case they don't want to take things any further. If you're romancing anyone else at the same time, he urges you to consider their feelings when asking you to choose between them and appears to expect to be the one being turned down in the end. Should you actually progress to the Love stage of the romance, he does require some time and soul-searching to get through the confusion, but manages to do so and ultimately proposes to the PC in a fashion. Even Wynne ultimately admits that the elf seems different while near his lover and that the relationship is a positive influence on both of them. Like Leliana says, there is more to Zevran than meets the eye, and finding out a lot of it requires attention and patience.
* Telling Zevran that you want him to choose his own path after killing Taliesin.

* He actually ''turns down'' the PC's offer of sex afterwards, [[LadyKillerInLove because he finally realizes he's in love with them]] and he's confused by it not being just another fling. (Though if you talk him through his feelings, he'll resume visiting you in your tent.) The rest of the romance is ''made'' of this trope.

* Especially the sadly deleted "in love" dialogue before the VeryDefinitelyFinalDungeon:

* If Zevran is in love with you, and you choose not to bring him with you to slay the Archdemon, it goes into serious TearJerker territory, especially if you choose Ultimate Sacrifice. When you tell him you love him, his face breaks down and he sighs sadly, "...cruel to the end." If the Warden dies, Zevran is still in mourning ''seven years later'' in ''Dragon Age II''.
* If Zevran is in love with you, and you survive, you get the option to take him with you on your travels.
** You get that option regardless of whether or not you romanced him. There's something heartwarming about him and the Warden being PlatonicLifePartners.
** Is an ''Origins'' game is imported into ''Dragon Age II'' where he's romanced and the Warden is alive, he'll actually turn down sex with Isabela because he's now committed to them. (Sadly bugged but can be restored via mods in the [=PC=] version)

* After killing Vaughan for raping Shianni, the Warden and Soris escape with the girls back to the alienage. When the guards show up looking for the ones responsible, the Warden can step forward and take full responsibility, risking being tortured to death by the Arl of Denerim for doing so but saving Soris from the same fate. The guard captain even expresses respect.

* At the end of the Mage's origin story harrowing comes, the Pride demon will congratulate you on figuring out its plan. Is it possible the demon is showing ''pride'' in the Mage's forbearance?

** Given [[VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition Solas's]] explanation about the nature of spirits and demons, that Pride Demon probably was a Spirit of Wisdom, who congratulates you for being wise enough for noting the delusion and gives you a final advice before leaving. In addition, spirits become what they're expected to be.

* During the siege of Redcliffe line, there are a few of said moments built in, particularly once you hear crying of the children in the Chantry and the story laid out by various residents of the village. A few choice ones include gaining free ale for the militia, finding extra bodies to defend the village, reuniting Bevin and Kaitlyn, and promising Owain you will find his daughter. During the ensuing battle, the Warden and his posse are able to tear into the flank of the undead assaulting the Chantry building (doubles as a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome), and killing a vast portion of the undead before they break into the second ranks. If you manage to save everyone, it's especially gratifying. HopeBringer indeed.

** It's possible to make him run away and elude capture, in which case the heartwarming moment comes later, when in a (currently bugged) quest, you can find him defending a group of travelers and has already repelled at least three other attacks. He might be a Blood Mage, but not someone who has lost his humanity.
** The Warden gets a line in "Jowan's Intention" which makes it even heartwarming if it comes from the Mage Warden. Finally their old friend has succeeded in doing something right and can make up for his past mistakes. (Sadly, because the quest is bugged and doesn't trigger for most players, the majority will not see this in-game.)

* A good-aligned character will probably do [[NotQuiteTheRightThing more harm than good]] in Orzammar, but there is one example where that doesn't prove to be the case. In Dust Town, you can meet with a dwarven woman, Zerlinda, whose son is casteless. Because of this, she was told by her father to abandon the child in the Deep Roads to either starve or be eaten by darkspawn. She refused and is now reduced to begging. You can offer to convince her father to take Zerlinda back home. Upon returning to her with the good news, she can scarcely believe it.

** There's also her father's reaction. At first he's dismissive of "the casteless whore claiming to have been his daughter," but after a rather easy Persuasion check, he breaks down and, on the verge of tears, almost begs the Warden to tell Zerlinda to come home, and that her parents are waiting for her.

* A quiet, subtle one happens in the Deep Roads. You can find Ruck, a dwarf who has gone quite insane. When you track him to his home/lair, he gibbers at you frantically about how he had to resort to eating darkspawn corpses to survive. It's why he is the way he is. He then says you know what he's talking about, as he can sense the darkspawn corruption in you. One of your optional responses is "I'm a Grey Warden, it's not quite the same." He tilts his head, then replies in a reverent tone, "Grey, like the Stone. Guardian against the darkness." Dwarves revere the Stone around them, and they reserve their highest compliments to be comparisons to it. He basically calls you a savior sent by the Ancestors to protect everyone, even if you've been a bastard the entire game up to that point.
** Also, if your Warden is female, he will call her "pretty lady" and compare her to the streams of lyrium found in the Deep Roads: a substance most races consider more valuable than gold.

* Just before approaching Redcliffe for the first time, after Alistair has spilled the beans about his father being King Maric:

* Alistair's speech at the [[GrandFinale finale]] wraps up simply and poignantly. It's especially heartwarming if you romance him or take his friendship track to the full. Given he's been with you since nearly the beginning of the game, it's particularly touching.

** In the scene before the final battle, if you don't take him with you, the Dog's concern is expressed thusly:

* Meeting Dog at Ostagar as a non-Human Noble is extraordinarily heartwarming because you save his life when he's very sick from darkpsawn taint and grieving over the death of his master, he's aware that you're the one who saved him, and he's so grateful that he re-imprints on you, which is ''very'' very difficult since most Mabari feel UndyingLoyalty to their first masters (usually spending their remaining lives in TheMourningAfter, occasionally suffering DeathByDespair).
** What's more, he escaped the carnage at Ostagar while still sick and ran across a darkspawn-infested countryside [[IWillFindYou all just to find you]], because he still remembers that you saved him and loves you so much that he literally braves darkspawn just to be by your side. If that doesn't melt your heart, what will?
** Even your very first encounter with him as a Non-Human Noble is heartwarming. You're told that he's gravely ill and needs to be muzzled since it makes him aggressive. When you first encounter him, he growls and looks at you warily. You half-expect him to lunge, but instead he whimpers and lets you harness him. As the game likes to state [[BrokenRecord over and over]], anyone who tries to handle a Mabari that they're not imprinted on risks losing an arm, so it means so much that he trusted you, a non-imprinted stranger, to handle him when he's in so much pain and feels so weak.

* The song Leliana sings after the completion of the "Nature of the Beast" quest (''In Uthenara'', an elven song traditionally sung at funerals) and her explanation of why it means so much to her. She explains that an elven woman taught the song to her as a child after her mother died to comfort her and taught her that death was not something to be hated or feared, merely a transition from one life to another. Double the feels if you're playing as a Human Noble or a City Elf Warden.

** If Leliana isn't your LoveInterest, but your friend, the wording is different but still very moving, as Leliana clearly regards you as the reason she has found the strength to keep going.

* If you pursued a romance with Leliana, the epilogue of ''Awakening'' says that the Warden has reunited with a certain "red-haired bard" and is still out there with her, looking for adventure, having never returned to the duties of Warden-Commander. If this kind of happiness is not the greatest reward for the Hero of Ferelden, I don't know what is.
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', it is revealed that the Warden effectively dumped her (possibly not quite of their own volition, as the matter of their disappearance is left intentionally vague). However, being, well, herself, Leliana manages to turn even ''that'' into a CMOH: as of the ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' ending, she is [[IWillFindYou still searching for them]] across all of Thedas (regardless of whether you pursued romance with her or not). In fact, it's her official job now, it seems.
*** In her other cameo, she implies that she knows where the Warden is if you romanced her, so it is up in the air. However, that cameo takes place at a time different from the end of the game, so she may have known at that point, but later lost track of them.
*** Becomes even more heartwarming in ''Inquisition''. The only reason the Warden left in the first place was to cure the Calling so they can grow old together with Leliana.
*** She's also a heartwarmer in ''Inquisition'' if you don't romance her but are her beloved friend. If the new player character inquires about her relationship with the Warden, her tone is warm as she describes their friendship. It's especially the case for a non-romanced female, of whom Leliana says, "She's probably the only person I trust completely." Given the bard's history, giving someone her complete trust is a massive compliment.

* If you have Loghain as a party member, you can ask him about his daughter. See the way he beams with pride in her, as any father would, even if she was chiefly responsible for his defeat at the Landsmeet.
** In fact, in your first conversation with him, you can get a massive +40 Approval from him - the biggest jump in any game - and part of it is by asking him what ''he'' wants. He's shocked that you'd ask him, but gives a long speech about driving the darkspawn and enemies out of Ferelden forever, while mourning the fact that his war room is empty. Both a BadassBoast and a TearJerker at the same time.
*** It's even more powerful when you've read the prequel novels and understand that, until then, no one has ever really asked him that question, nor has he ever been able to really choose what he wants. Loghain was born and raised under the occupation, forced to work for the Orlesians who didn't care about him or any other Fereldan, then thrust into a rebellion when he and his father were forced to flee. And even when Maric made him a teyrn, he was forced to let go of the woman he loved for the greater good. And the game is a whole different chapter on its own.
** If you've befriended him, and you don't take him with you to face the Archdemon, he'll puzzle as to why he's not being sacrificed. One of the possible dialogue options:

** When you ask Loghain about Maric, he says one thing that captures their friendship perfectly:

** If the Warden is male, she comments that she didn't even think it was possible to be friends with a man, that they could only be lovers. She still values the friendship, and it's still very heartwarming.
** If you romance someone else besides her, she may make a comment to you about you and your partner, which you can respond to as being in love. But unlike other conversations, she is not being snarky or commenting that falling in love is a weakness. She just makes a friendly comment and even says she trusts you know what you are doing. If anything, it almost sounds like she is worried for you. This, coming from Morrigan, is very heartwarming.
*** If the Warden is female and romancing ''Alistair'', this is especially heartwarming, since Morrigan and Alistair genuinely loathe one another - but Morrigan is willing to concede that he must be providing something that her friend evidently needs. (She's also very amused if you tell her he's good in the sack.)
* Some of the conversations during her romance can be a mix of this and Funny, as the pair can become SickeninglySweethearts entirely too well.
** Getting her approval rating while in a relationship with her makes her reluctant to have sex with the Warden - both because of WhatIsThisThingYouCallLove and her ulterior motives coming into conflict with how she now feels.
* If you're a female with a high approval rating and went along with her plan by getting Alistair or Loghain to sleep with her, then it's just as heartwarming and heartrending to see her call you the only friend she's ever had, and tell you goodbye while she's very obviously holding back rivers of tears over having to leave you.
** Not to mention that, if a female PC asks her why she wants to do the ritual, she admits that she just doesn't want to see you die. Especially heartwarming coming from a non-romanced character, and really underscores how much she values the friendship.

* The end of the romanced version.

** In ''Witch Hunt'', if you kept the ring, she mentions it.
* And lastly, when you are asked what you are going to do during the post-FinalBattle scene, one of the options (right next to "help rule Ferelden", "rebuild TheOrder", and "save the world again") is that [[IWillFindYou you'll find Morrigan]].
** And in the ''Witch Hunt'' {{DLC}}, you do. It becomes another Heartwarming Moment:

** Of course, if you were more than friends, you have another option and the conversation itself is a bit deeper. Morrigan explains that while she regrets how she had to leave, it needed to be done. If you tell her you want to go with her into the mirror, she warns you that you have no idea what lays on the other side but you can tell her you don't care - you just want to be with her "no matter what." She relents and calls you "My love", having finally given up on her "love is a weakness/a complication/not for us" mentality she's stuck to throughout your whole romance path. You then embrace with a BigDamnKiss and enter the mirror side by side, and she will '''not''' stop smiling during the rest of the cinematic.

* In ''Witch Hunt'', Ariane reveals that a male Warden who romanced Morrigan often absent-mindedly plays with the ring that she gave him when he thinks no one is looking. Despite his [[ImplausibleDeniability claims]] that this does ''not'' mean they are married, it's clear that absolutely ''[[EveryoneCanSeeIt no one]]'' is buying it!
** Later, Morrigan admits that she lingered at the Eluvian because she sensed the Warden was coming via the ring, sounding very close to tears with the realization that even after a year apart, the Warden is ''still'' wearing it.

** His line when you do take him with you is also a BadassBoast and CMOH combined.

** Even before this, if you've talked to him a great deal and encouraged him, bolstering your approval rating with him and earning his trust, there comes a point where he converses with you with his helmet on. He tells you, from behind the helmet, that he thinks of you like family. He can't face you without his helmet because ''he's overcome by his emotions''. Oghren, despite the arguably limited screentime he gets as compared to the other companions, can genuinely grow to love the Warden.

* Shale can decide to become mortal again, after spending the entire game bemoaning them as useless, fleshy, squishy things, due to the Warden showing her that mortals can prove to be just as tough as a ''Golem'' if they want to be. What really make that conversation so heartwarming is her small admission that if the Warden should ever see a small Dwarven woman in the crowd, nervous about being squished, that will be ''her''. Shale's openly admitting her own fear and trepidation at becoming mortal again, but ''still'' wants to try because of your example.
** And in one epilogue, she ''succeeds''.
** Even better -- a dwarven Inquisitor is from House Cadash -- Shayle is ''related'' to them!

* When Leliana sings the elven song "In Uthenara" at the conclusion of the Dalish quest, when the camera pans to Sten, the qunari solemnly looks down at his chest, completely caught up in the song. This troper almost expected to see a tear roll down his cheek.
** A later party banter between him and Leliana indicates that he does seem to have a respect for her singing talents; he questions her about a song she was singing on the road. When she asks if he wants her to stop, he replies that he never said that, he was only curious what the song was about.

* Upon starting a romance (it doesn't matter which), Wynne will comment on how she's unsure if becoming romantically involved with someone is the best thing to do considering your duties as a Warden. However, if you treat your love interest right and maintain a good approval with them, Wynne will eventually recant and admit that you two are good for each other.
** She'll even defend your relationship with ''Morrigan'' to the rest of the party should romance become love.
** Likewise, when Alistair believes Morrigan will be a bad influence on the Warden, Wynne replies that there's also the chance that the Warden will prove to be a ''good'' influence [[LoveRedeems on her]].

* If Zevran is in love with you, and you choose not to bring him with you to slay the Archdemon, it goes into serious TearJerker territory, especially if you choose Ultimate Sacrifice. When you tell him you love him, his face breaks down and he sighs sadly, "...cruel to the end."
** If the Warden dies, Zevran is still in mourning ''seven years later'' in ''Dragon Age II''.

-->'''Morrigan''': [[{{Tsundere}} I... you should not be so...]] you have no idea what might happen in the days to come, to make such promises...

!! Circle Mage Origin

* At the end of the Mage's origin story harrowing comes, the Pride demon will congratulate you on figuring out its plan. Is it possible the demon is showing ''pride'' in the Mage's forbearance?
-->'''Pride Demon''': Simple killing is a ''warrior's job''. The real dangers of the Fade are preconceptions... careless trust... ''pride''. Keep your wits about you, mage. True tests... never end.
** Given [[VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition Solas's]] explanation about the nature of spirits and demons, that Pride Demon probably was a Spirit of Wisdom, who congratulates you for being wise enough for noting the delusion and give you a final advice before left away. In addition, spirits become what they're expected to be.

During the Dalish Elf origin, speaking with Ashalle (the Warden's ParentalSubstitute) at various points in the plot will reveal how much she cared for the character and underscores how close the clan really is. She'll even go so far as to say how she's SoProudOfYou.

* Try giving Morrigan the mirror available from that lyrium-addled dwarven merchant in Orzammar. It's identical to the mirror that Morrigan had stolen as a child, and which Flemeth smashed to teach her a lesson. You can give Morrigan gifts of jewelry throughout the game, but she will be really caught off guard by the mirror. She confesses that no one has ever given her a gift like this without expecting something in return and asks how she should repay you. Stress that it's a gift; her voice actually wavers as she thanks you, as though she were choking back tears.

* If you pursue a Romance as an Elf or Dwarf, then when Alistair says "I love you" for the first time, if the Warden asks, "Even though I'm not human?" He'll half-sigh, half-whisper, "''Of course'' not." Steve Valentine ''really'' earned his paycheck with that line delivery.