Pathfinder: Kingmaker - Valerie Romance Guide & Tips
Are you seeking to navigate the intricate web of relationships within the Pathfinder: Kingmaker CRPG? Embarking on a romance in this game requires careful consideration of character alignment, dialogue choices, and quest completion, making each connection a unique and engaging journey.
The world of Golarion, brought to life in Pathfinder: Kingmaker, offers a tapestry of potential relationships, with several companions offering unique romantic paths. Valerie, the stoic and beautiful warrior, is a particularly intriguing character to pursue romantically. Her story is interwoven with her past, her sense of duty, and her struggle with faith, making her a compelling option for players seeking a deeper connection.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Character Name | Valerie |
| Race | Human |
| Class | Fighter (Tower Shield Specialist) |
| Alignment | Lawful Neutral |
| Origin | Brevoy |
| Key Relationships | Former Paladin of Shelyn, Exiled from Shelyn's Temple |
| Romance Options | Player Character |
| Romance Requirements | High Approval rating, specific dialogue choices, and quest completion |
| Known For | Exceptional beauty, dedication to duty, complex personality |
| Official Website Link | Pathfinder: Kingmaker Official Website |
In the world of Pathfinder: Kingmaker, the romance options are not simply a matter of selecting dialogue options; they are tied to the intricate mechanics of companion approval. Companions react to your choices, both large and small. Choosing to act in accordance with Valerie's Lawful Neutral alignment, for example, is crucial to progressing her romance arc. This means making decisions that align with her values, killing bandits and monsters, and acting as a gentleman, rather than a rogue. This approach will gradually increase her "approval" counter, which ultimately impacts the availability of romance scenes and the ending you'll experience with her.
The game features a hidden approval counter for all romanceable characters. This counter goes up or down based on the choices you make, and the actions you take while that companion is in your party. It's not always obvious exactly what affects this counter. However, paying close attention to your companions' reactions to your decisions, and to any direct expressions of approval or disapproval, provides insight into how each character views your actions.
Specific events and quests trigger scenes in the romance. Valerie's storyline is intertwined with her history as a failed paladin of Shelyn and her inherent beauty. The game acknowledges this in several of her romance scenarios. Your character can express interest in her, and more than that, you must actively show it through your actions. If you make her happy, she will return in kind. This might involve defending her honor, supporting her decisions, or showing that you care about her past.
One of the early pivotal moments for Valerie's romance is related to a duel, where you have the opportunity to act based on what is right and wrong. This can be seen as a test of your characters alignment and, therefore, a test of whether you're compatible.
Be mindful of alignment restrictions in the game. While there are no hard alignment restrictions, the game makes it harder to succeed if your choices regularly clash with a companions values. As an example, a Chaotic Evil character would likely have a hard time building a positive relationship with Valerie. However, if you're playing a Lawful Evil character, her romance is entirely possible. It's a matter of playing the long game, and making the right choices, at the right time.
The progress of the romance is also tied into the overall campaign. The game takes place over a long period. After a relationship is established, you will have intimate moments with your chosen partner.
When embarking on a romance, it is crucial to understand the game's structure. Events are triggered by dialogues. Many are determined by the overall approval rating. Making choices that Valerie approves of is essential.
The game has a few very special moments. You can show support for her in difficult situations. Offering to acquire a sword that reminds her of her childhood, or helping her with her past in general.
As you progress through the game, you'll encounter various quests that impact your relationships with your companions. One such quest, "Judgment of the Gods," will have you interact with Valerie. Make sure that you bring her along when you decide to take part in the quest.
There is the potential for the "Judgment of the Gods" quest to impact your romance. The player can go to the temple of Shelyn with Valerie in the party and then attack the priests and paladins.
It's important to remember that dialogue choices can increase or decrease the affection level. Cues are initiated by answers and cues, not lists. Orange lines are shown/selected only once. Yellow lines are shown/selected only once per dialogue session.
The romance options are not limited to Valerie. Octavia, Kalikke, Kanerah, and Nyrissa also offer unique romantic paths. The tiefling sisters and "secret romances" also add layers to the experience.
While many players enjoy the various romance options, some find Valerie's romance a bit "underwhelming" compared to others. It is a matter of personal taste and what you want from the game. The quality of the romance is related to how you roleplay and the type of character that you have created.
When you are playing Pathfinder: Kingmaker it is important to know that you can't romance Octavia and Valerie simultaneously. You'll have to choose between them. As an example, you can romance Valerie while still pursuing other romantic avenues.
If you find yourself struggling to progress the romance or are unsure how to trigger certain events, you can consider using the "Bag of Tricks" mod to alter the approval counter. Using this tool you can adjust the counter to see the dialogue and scenes you may have missed. However, it is recommended to use it to learn what you may have missed.
Be aware of potential pitfalls. Failing to make the right choices will lock you out of the romance. For example, choosing to kill a particular character can have significant consequences. Choosing to kill the paladin will result in a very different experience.
The game is complex. When trying to pursue a romance, bringing the person you seek to romance with you and doing things they approve of is one of the keys to succeeding.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker is a journey. The romances you choose will change the game for you. Careful consideration of your choices will determine the trajectory of the game. Remember to enjoy the journey and make choices that feel right.
