Companion’s Reactions to the Inquisitor having PTSD
Cassandra: In her time among the Templars, the Inquisitor definitely isn’t the first one suffering from the past that she has seen. In fact, if she was being completely honest with herself, she would have to admit that she has some of her own. When she notices the Inquisitor zoning out or seeming to have flashbacks, Cassandra makes sure to position herself close by, being sure to note if the Inquisitor is having issues being touched or not. If needed, Cassandra will place a hand on their arm, just to let them know she is there if they need her. If Romanced: When she notices the Inquisitor struggling, she will softly pull them aside (where the others cant hear her, of course) and she will recite some of her or the Inquisitor’s favorite poetry, or quotes from a favorite book. Something that she knows will help get their mind away from those memories, and into the present, with her.
Varric: He spent enough time around Hawke, Fenris, and Anders to be able to easily spot when someone is having issues. If it’s problem with noise, he will politely excuse himself with a joke, and hook his arm into the Inquisitor’s to lead them away from the noise. If it’s a memory issue, he makes sure to try and distract them with some of his more friendly stories and jokes, while making sure to steer anyone else in the opposite direction, at least until he can see in the Inquisitor’s eyes that they are back in the present.
Solas: Many trips into the fade, into other’s pasts, (and his own, if he’s being truthful) have given him many, many years of experience, and many years of watching others struggle with their past just as much as Solas struggles with his own. He will catch the Inquisitor on their own and offer them a calming tea that he has perfected over the years; it helps with both the anxiety from the past memories, and it also helps with the nightmares. Not that they dont happen as often, but so that they dont remember them as much. If Romanced: He makes sure to always patrol their dreams, being the protective wolf that drives off all the nightmares that come to chase away the sleep of his love. He also makes sure to always be nearby in battle situations, just to make sure he can cast barrier on them if he notices that they seem to be zoning out at all.
Sera: She may not always understand it, but one thing she does understand is when it’s time for some of her ice breaking humor! She’s got jokes galore, pranks she pulls out of thin air, and she becomes amazing at coming up with random songs on the spot (Usually with the help of Varric) that always manage to get the Inquisitor smiling and laughing, instead of getting frozen. If Romanced: She makes sure to check in beforehand, but her favorite form of getting the Inquisitor out of being stuck are giant, flying hugs! Because you cant be sad if you have a handful of giggling, tickling, elven girlfriend, right?
Vivienne: While she doesn’t usually have the patience for people freezing up, she seems to have made an exception for the Inquisitor. Her voice lowers into a softer, more relaxing tone, and she just talks to the Inquisitor, about anything and everything. Stories from her being in the Circle, her experiences being a Grand Enchanter. Somehow it seems to work, distracting the Inquisitor just enough that their anxiety levels come down and their breathing levels out. Vivienne always gets just the smallest proud smile afterwards, although she would deny it to her final breath.
Blackwall: If anyone understands the PTSD, it’s Blackwall. He still suffers from his own, so it activates his protective instinct because he doesnt want the Inquisitor to suffer like he suffers. He’s always asking them if they are alright, always staying close to their side while they are out in battle, and he always tries to find some time to sit down with them at the fireplace and explain to them some of his own more traumatizing moments. He knows it might not help a lot, but even having someone there who just understands can be helpful; it would have been for him. If Romanced: Nothing seems to calm the Inquisitor down quite like his big old bear hugs. He rocks them back to sleep after nightmares, reassuring them that he is there to protect them, and he isn’t planning on going anywhere.
Cole: He always seems to know when the Inquisitor is about to have a flashback, and he pops in to help ease the memories, to make them less intense so that the Inquisitor isn’t suffering as much. He and Solas have become masters at monitoring the Inquisitor’s dreams, to make sure that they can start the day on some good, deep sleep, instead of being riddled. And all it takes is a soft, gentle touch from Cole to help the Inquisitor take a deep, calm breath, to reorient themselves.
Dorian: Dorian immediately delves into the library, reading up on any and every bit of information he can on pstd and what he can do to help the Inquisitor. He may not always be the best at it, but when he comes to the Inquisitor with an entire armful of books, demanding that they allow him to help because how they handle things in Tevinter is “Of course more successful than this dog ridden country”, it brings the biggest smile to the Inquisitor’s face and makes them feel so cared about and loved. If Romanced: Dorian develops a magical necklace, one for the Inquisitor and one for himself, so that it alerts him whenever the Inquisitor’s anxiety and stress is getting too high. This way, no matter what is happening, Dorian knows when his Amatus needs help, and he can always rush to their side.
Iron Bull: He is always noticing things, so it didnt come as a surprise to him to learn about the Inquisitor having ptsd. Most of the Chargers actually have it, so he pulls them aside and bluntly lets them know that look, they aren’t alone. They’re all a little bit messed up, but that doesnt mean they have to be messed up alone. Bull makes sure to keep an eye out for them, knows when to cover for them, and he knows when to put a hand on their back to gently bring them back to the present. If Romanced: He almost always has some physical contact with them, whether he is holding their hand, brushing arms against each other, or legs touching while they sit together. At night, he holds them tight, reminding them how much he loves them, and how much he admires them and how strong they are, and he is always there to rock his Kadan in his arms after they have had a nightmare.
Josephine: She tries her hardest to not put the Inquisitor into any social situations that might aggravate their PTSD, doing her best to handle the things that she can, or getting the help of Cullen or Leliana so she doesnt have to involve the Inquisitor in problem situations. If Romanced: She always makes time to bring the Inquisitor into their Quarters, with a nice fire going, and she sits with them, stroking their hair and softly humming some of her favorite songs from Antiva. During the day, she always makes sure to softly take the Inquisitor’s hand to give a reassuring squeeze, so they know that even if they are both busy, Josephine is always thinking about them.
Cullen: He struggles with PTSD of his won, quite regularly, so he understands and empathizes with the Inquisitor. He invites them to training in the mornings, but only one on one, that way they aren’t having to struggle with their PTSD with anyone else around and can focus on sparring in a safe and controlled situation. If Romanced: He always offers that if they ever need someone to talk with, he is always there. And during the night, the comfort each other through their nightmares, being two souls lost at sea, but still having each other, and never being alone.
Leliana: She works with Dorian and Josephine, finding new ways from different areas of how to help cope with PTSD and Anxiety. She gets different kinds of teas for the Inquisitor to try, new spells and meditation for Solas to recommend, and she talks with many types of healers and mages. It’s her way of looking out for the Inquisitor, the silent protector in the shadows. She also creates the Nug Room; a room full of nugs where anyone can go in and pet the nugs to relax!!
