The first phase of Divine: Dragon Commander asks the player to make a series of political policy decisions. Apparently, gay rights are a major concern in ancient Rivellon, figuring into their choices at several key moments.
The second policy decision the player is asked in the game is whether or not to allow gay marriages, after Counselor Oberon (who is married to a woman) puts forth legislation “that will make it possible for gay couples to be married.” Some of the Counselors argue against this. For example, the drawrf Falstaff refers to Oberon’s proposal as “poof nuptials,” and Yorrick, an animated skeleton condemns this “depraved ilk” for their “fornication”. A video of the advisors’ opinions is available here.
The player can decide to support or oppose Oberon’s legislation, which will affect their popularity with the elves, dwarves, and undead. It will also affect their relationship with their general, Scarlett. If the player chooses to allow gay marriages, they will also have an option later to decide whether gays can serve in the military, or whether to enact a sort of Don’t Ask; Don’t Tell policy.
The player has several other decisions related to homophobic events in the gameworld. The undead want to dismantle the sculpture of a famous artist who has recently come out of the closet, and an elven archduke kills anyone suspected of being gay. In both of these scenarios, the player has the option to intervene, and will lose or gain popularity with affected factions.
LGBTQ references in this game series:
Divine Divinity (2002): Sex Workers
Divinity: Dragon Commander (2013): Gay Marriage Policy Decision; Scarlett
Divinity: Original Sin (2014): Player Characters’ Affinity/Affection; The Star Crossed Lovers; Sex Workers (/“Sex” “Workers”)
Citations
- Bateluer. (2013, November 25). “Dragon Commander Gay Marriage.” Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tho9SC34Xkk
- Kaminski, Arek “Skan.” N.d. The Generals in Divinity: Dragon Commander Game Guide. Game Pressure. http://guides.gamepressure.com/divinitydragoncommander/guide.asp?ID=21184
- Max Ravenclaw. (2013). An Attempt at a Choice Guide. Divinity: Dragon Commander. Message board. GameFAQs. http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/673600-divinity-dragon-commander/67005711
- GabeZuhl. (2013, August 12). Divinity Dragon Commander – Welcome to the Ship of Strawmen!. The Escapist. http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.825050-Divinity-Dragon-Commander-Welcome-to-the-ship-of-strawmen
- Gragt (Crooked Bee). (2013, April 20). An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the RPG Codex to Larian Studios. RPG Codex. http://www.rpgcodex.net/content.php?id=8925
- Goodier, Zach. (2014, July 16). Divinity: Dragon Commander. Scully Nerd Reviews. http://scullynerdreviews.blogspot.com/2014/07/divinity-dragon-commander.html
- Max Ravenclaw. (2013). An Attempt at a Choice Guide. Divinity: Dragon Commander. Message board. GameFAQs. http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/673600-divinity-dragon-commander/67005711