Building relationships with characters in RPGs adds a vital layer to the experience, and this holds true for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. This guide explains which companions can be pursued romantically and how to pursue those relationships in the game.
In Rogue Trader, each crew member is distinctive and carries their own views on the events that unfold. As players deepen friendships with one character, others may drift apart. Skilled players quickly discover ways to manage multiple romantic interests over time, though ultimately a single choice must be made.
In any case, the worldview system matters most. There are three directions to consider: schismatic, dogmatic, or heretical. The worldview is visible in the hero menu, allowing quick comparisons with a preferred romantic partner. A successful romance generally requires shared worldview, or at least compatible outlooks; choosing Chaos with a heretical path makes romance nearly impossible. This path naturally suits solo play.
Romantic routes exhibit subtle tonal differences in dialogue, making them identifiable. Not every character responds the same way to flirtation or light-hearted remarks. Some relationships benefit from a friendly approach and clear boundaries rather than overt innuendo.
The third key element for a meaningful relationship is completing personal quests. These should be pursued promptly to strengthen the bond.
Note: Of ten potential assistants, a romance can be built with five maximum.
Who can you romance in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
The five romance options are grouped by preference. Some characters care about gender, while others are more flexible.
Male rogues only:
- Cassia Orsellio.
Female rogues only:
- Hendriks van Kalox.
Regardless of gender:
- Jay Heydari;
- Irliet Lanewiss;
- Marazhai Ezirraesh.
While the roster may not seem expansive, the variety ensures there is a match for many players.
How to build a romantic relationship with Cassia Orsellio
Cassia joins the Rogue Trader early, serving as navigator and officer. She appears soon after the story begins, and the first chapter includes the Secrets puzzle in the Navis Nobilite laboratory. Beyond utility, Cassia is a person to connect with on a personal level.
Meeting Cassia for the first time is straightforward. During the early quest, convince a crew member to board the ship. She will accept either outcome. When a new crew member can be spoken to, approach with care: Cassia worries about professional changes, so keeping her morale high and validating her appearance matters.
The initial friendly reply should be, “You are beautiful no matter what.” From there, the romance unfolds more intuitively. Support Cassia’s ideas and listen during decisions. In the second act, when a direct option appears, consider dialog lines such as:
- Tell me something about yourself.
- Sorry, Cassia, but I would like to know more about you personally, not about your family.
- Your third eye: do you always hide it?
- You are beautiful, Cassia. Don’t let anything or anyone convince you otherwise.
- I would not dare to ridicule the feelings of a lady, especially one who has fascinated me since I first saw her.
In combat, Cassia proves invaluable with officer skills that bolster allies and target enemies from a distance.
How to build a romantic relationship with Heinrichs from Kalox
Heinrichs hails from a noble family, so an affair with a female hero is particularly engaging. He joins in the first chapter after solving the Electrodynamic Monastery and the First Galvanic Hymn. Heinrichs embodies a dogmatic worldview, so responses that align with that view are essential.
Romance can progress after a private conversation option appears. Choose the line: “I know how to play regicide. Maybe we can talk about the match every now and then.”
Progress also requires a personal quest. Once on the estate, seize the moment for a kiss. The Merchant should take the initiative; stop Heinrichs from leaving the building to proceed.
After meeting Aurora, pay attention to dialogue cues with Heinrichs:
- Examine the control panel damaged by Aurora.
- Get on.
- Get on.
- Hendriks, look here. Is this by any chance what you’re looking for?
A cutscene follows on the ship where Heinrichs may discuss the situation. Possible lines include:
- Thank you. The generosity of the Inquisition is greatly appreciated.
- Talking to you confuses me just as much, Master of Calox.
- You didn’t understand correctly. It’s not your status that makes me nervous, it’s you personally.
When faced with a choice to give or discard an artifact, the outcome is not the sole determinant. Tone matters; physical closeness is welcome. In combat, this companion uses psyker abilities.
How to build a romantic relationship with Jay Heydari
Jay is one of the easier characters to romance. Her morals can be blunt, and she enjoys flirting. A smuggler by trade, she balances legality and illegality with ease. Jay appears in the second chapter after completing the quest Persona non grata and agreeing to return the cargo.
Speak to her on the ship’s bridge. Generally, no heavy lifting is required:
- Was there anything you wanted to discuss?
- Get on.
- A truly wonderful gift. I accept it with gratitude.
- Get on.
- It sounds simple enough. I will help you.
If possible, choose the line: “Dear princess? Did some lucky guy steal the heart?” After that, flirt when dialogue options permit. After completing the Dargonus quest chain, inform the Supreme Factotum Janris Dunrok that a planet will be given to Jay. A grand gift gets noticed, but small gifts also work: a dress, a weapon, or a ship. If everything aligns, you will see: “We need to talk about what’s going on between us.” Say this to seal the romance.
How to Romance Irliet Lanewiss
Irliet presents a greater challenge. An Eldar ranger, she tends to view people with caution. She is encountered in chapter two in the world of Janus. After recruitment, speak with her aboard the ship and declare, “The Chaos Gods are the enemies of the Imperium, and that means they are my enemies. You can count on that.”
You should avoid overt flirting with Irliet. Earn her respect instead, as this increases success chances. Be patient, listen when she discusses Eldar and human differences, and never interrupt her meditation.
Complete the Aeldari in Trouble mission, where the Eldar initiate dialogue. Choose replies such as:
- My people were contemptuous and for that I apologize.
- I’m going to talk to my subjects. It won’t bother you anymore.
A successful romance with Irliet leans toward restraint: avoid kissing, and limit physical contact to a touch on the hand. In the third act, be patient, forgive her transgressions, and protect her when the time comes to pursue the goal.
How to romance Marazhai Ezirraesh
The final name on the list is Marazhai Drukhari. This bond is intriguing because the team often looks unfavorably on the companion. Ezirraesh appears later, in the third chapter. Complete the arena battle and start the Suspicious Absence mission. In a dialogue with Ulfar and Argenta, say, “I didn’t save Marajai’s life so you could take matters into your own hands!” Put away all weapons.
The next dialogue is with Marazhai alone. To begin, select:
- What do you need?
- Very good. If we ever encounter Iremeriss, I will allow you to deal the final blow.
- Look what was on the plate.
- Is your armor held by hooks that dig into your body?
- Nods silently.
Move to another room location and talk to Maraj again: “I’ll go to the officers’ deck immediately.” Start the quest Soulless. The satellite must be put on alert: “Marazja! Behind you!” A battle ensues where saving Ezirraesh is crucial. Afterward, speak with him:
- Marazhai, are you sure you’ve come to your senses?
- Your presence worries me greatly, xenos.
- I will give you hunting grounds, Marazhai. Bay on the lower decks. Down there you can do whatever your heart desires, but you may not leave its confines during warp jumps.
Alternate responses can also be favored: either you endure or you die. Complete the quest and revisit the situation with Maraj. When the companion approaches the Merchant, respond with:
- What do you mean by “party”?
- Please, Marazhai, be my guide.
With that, the romance is officially established.