How to Successfully Romance Mercedes in Dragon’s Dogma
To successfully romance Mercedes in Dragon’s Dogma, you must follow specific steps before pivotal moments in the storyline.
- Timing is Key: Mercedes must be romanced before the quest Pride Before a Fall; otherwise, she will disappear from the game until New Game Plus.
- Raising Affinity: After the duel with Julien, it is possible to raise her affinity by gifting her Cloudwine or an Arisen’s Bond. Gift her Cloudwine, her favorite item, after allowing her to take the lead in her quest and fighting the duel. This will lock her as your romance. Aim for the pink aura around her to ensure max affinity.
- Meeting Mercedes: She can be found in the Duke’s Demesne after the quest Off With Its Head. If all enlisted men survived the Griffin quest, she expresses gratitude, stating, ‘All of the men are safe? Truly, they owe you a debt, ser. As do I. I regret I have nothing to give you, but swear upon my name I shall repay you, Arisen.’
- Unique Bond: Unlike most other characters, Mercedes does not react to a weapon drawn in front of her. She shares a unique bond with the Arisen, observing, ‘I well know that no effort I might spend could e’er make me fit to aid you, Arisen. I am fit to believe in you, and wait.’
- Her Aspirations: During her interactions, Mercedes demonstrates her yearning to be seen as a capable leader, stating, ‘I cannot call them into this world as you do, though, nor make traveling companions of them.’ This reflects her desire for respect and recognition as a knight.
- Final Confrontation: Regardless of the duel’s outcome, Mercedes is crestfallen after the confrontations and plans to leave for Hearthstone to gather aid for Gransys. If Julien is slain but then revived with a Wakestone, he admits defeat and voluntarily returns to the Duke’s Demesne.
- Final Preparations: Ensure that you complete all companion quests before her final quest. To make Mercedes your Beloved, she needs to be the last person you talk to with the highest affinity. Be careful not to let any other NPC raise their affinity after completing Pride Before a Fall.
- Quest Acquisition: This quest becomes available after completing both Trial and Tribulations and Griffin’s Bane. Obtain the quest by speaking with Aldous and selecting “Assist Ser Mercedes”. After accepting the quest from Aldous, exit the castle and talk to Mercedes at the front gate to the Noble Quarter.
Understanding Mercedes’ Affinity System and Gift Preferences
Understanding the Affinity System in Dragon’s Dogma:
Affinity is the measure of a person’s affection or friendship towards the Arisen. You can raise your affinity with people by giving them items or completing the quests they ask of you. Conversely, performing actions that people dislike will decrease their affinity for you. Affinity rises and lowers throughout the game based on the Arisen’s interactions with other inhabitants.
The simplest way to raise affinity is by giving gifts. Every person has presents of choice; gifting such an item raises affinity faster. Additionally, good friends will call out to the Arisen in the street, greeting them in a friendly manner. An effective way to increase a person’s fondness is completing quests specifically for them. In general, completing a character’s quest line will maximize or greatly raise their affinity. Favored gifts raise affinity by twice as much as normal gifts.
Maximum affinity can be gained through the gift of the Arisen’s Bond. This is a special item made from the Ancient Tablet in the quest “The Dragon’s Tongue.” High affinity may open up new escort quests for minor characters and make high-quality merchandise available from merchants. The affinity system can be somewhat frustrating; however, following a few simple guidelines will enable you to romance the character of your choice. Affinity can lower shop prices, unlock quests, and even lead to close bonds and marriage to a lucky NPC.
Mercedes’ Affinity:
- Mercedes is an important character in the main storyline, first found in the Encampment.
- Her affinity can be rushed to Beloved status by giving her Cloudwine.
- Upon reaching Gran Soren, she will stay in the Duke’s Demesne.
- Your last opportunity to adjust her affinity is during the quest “Pride Before the Fall.”
- For Mercedes to become the Arisen’s Beloved, she must be romanced before “Pride Before a Fall,” or she will disappear from the game until New Game Plus.
- However, after the duel with Julien, it is possible to raise her affinity by gifting her Cloudwine or an Arisen’s Bond.
- The best thing you can do is give her an Arisen’s Bond, which will instantly max out her affinity.
- Moreover, gifting Liquid Effluviums to anyone you had frequent contact with will reset them to 0 affinity on the spot.
- To not lose Mercedes’ affinity, you must make the right choice in her quest at Windbluff Tower.
- Additionally, if affinity drops to the point where the NPC actively dislikes you, they will run from you.
Exploring Mercedes’ Role and Return in Dragon’s Dogma’s Narrative
Mercedes Martin is one of the NPCs that players can potentially marry in Dragon’s Dogma. The romance in the game is described as very shallow. Players can accumulate affinity points with various NPCs, including Mercedes, to build a relationship. The game allows players to pursue romantic interests with several characters, making it a unique aspect of the narrative.
To ensure Mercedes becomes the Arisen’s Beloved, she must be romanced before the quest Pride Before a Fall, or she will disappear from the game until New Game Plus. However, after the duel with Julien, it is possible to raise her affinity by gifting her Cloudwine or an Arisen’s Bond.
It is worth noting that several key characters are more likely to become beloved, as their questlines tend to maximize affinity if completed. These characters include Selene, Quina, Aelinore, Madeleine, Mercedes Martin, Reynard, Julien, and Valmiro.
- While you can romance any NPC in the game with gifts, characters usually disappear after completing their story arcs.
- Almost anyone in Dragon’s Dogma can become your beloved, including the tiny jester with an even tinier mustache, Mercedes Martin being among the options.
- Flirting can help; it’s easy to max out her affinity, and specific gifts can boost your relationship with her.
For individuals who are unsure about the Quest ‘Pride Before a Fall’, it’s important to consider the implications of romancing Mercedes. Some players may not prioritize obtaining either weapon or the shield associated with that quest.
