Side Quests

“Find and Deliver” Side Quests

Sundermount

Two tiny find-and-deliver tasks aside, there are no quests that lead you to explore the full Sundermount area in Act 2. However, those who travel the winding path to its upper reaches will find it a fair source of XP and loot. There are also crafting resources to find.

• There is a Monstrous Spider just inside the Caverns, supported by smaller spiders. After a second arachnid attack, the final area by the exit to upper Sundermount features two unusually hardy Corpses and a Skeleton Archer. Collect the Ream-Rot Knife from the nearby sack to begin the side quest of the same name.

• Back outside, and closer to the peak, collect the Mighty Offense Potion recipe from a pile of bones a short walk west from the cave. On arrival at the graveyard you will encounter the Crazed Loner and a variety of undead. This is complicated by the later arrival of two Shadow Assassins and an Arcane Horror. The Crazed Loner drops an item called The Eyes of Azure Jamos; collect this to begin the side quest of the same name.

• Higher up the mountain, a pack of Dragonlings attacks. The reason for this sudden switch in local denizens becomes apparent when you reach the top to encounter a Mature Dragon. If you’ve been following advice set out by our Strategy & Analysis chapter, a mage armed with a cold-infused staff and the Elemental Weapons spell activated will shorten this battle considerably.

• Collect the Silver-Threaded Dalish Embroidery item (an armor upgrade for Merrill) before you head back down the slope. There is a final ambush by a Revenant and an Arcane Horror as you approach the Sundermount Caverns.

Forbidden Knowledge

Start Location:

• Hawke Estate

Requirements:

• If you spared Idunna’s life during Enemies Among Us, this quest is formally introduced by a letter at the Writing Desk.

• If Idunna died, you can start it by interacting with an Evil Tome in the Chantry or Viscount’s Keep.

Walkthrough:

• It may be placed in the side quest category, but completing Forbidden Knowledge is an undertaking that eclipses many main plot quests in terms of size and reward. Tarohne’s letter informs Hawke of books (known as Evil Tomes) that can be found in and around Kirkwall. When you find these, you are presented with three options:

• Destroy the book: Choose this option for every book you find, with no exceptions. This is the only way to see the quest through to its conclusion.

• Read the book: If you accept the book’s deal, you will gain two free attribute points. This option is only available with a single Tome: for those that remain, only the “destroy” or “take” options are offered – thus preventing you from completing the quest. (You can claim these attribute points later, so don’t feel at all tempted to accept them now.)

• Take the book: Ignore this option – it offers no rewards.

• Regardless of your choice, interacting with each Tome leads to a fight with a group of enemies.

• There are two Evil Tomes in Kirkwall, and three in the Free Marches. The latter Tomes are potentially much harder to obtain.

• Collecting the Tome in the Chantry spawns a Desire Demon and Abominations.

• An Arcane Horror and Abominations will spawn when you interact with the Tome in the Viscount’s Keep.

• The first of the “hidden” Evil Tomes is found on a map named, simply, Cave. The entrance is on the far east side of the Bone Pit. There are no enemies to fight beforehand: you can just stroll over to the book and do with it what you will. A Desire Demon and a handful of undead will appear to remonstrate afterwards.

• The second Evil Tome is located in the Dank Cave, an unmarked dungeon in the Wounded Coast. This can be found by heading west from the main area entrance, then taking the first path that leads south (excluding dead-ends). You’ll see the entrance on your left. You may scoff at the small group of spiders just inside, but the opponent that follows should curb your mirth: a full-grown Dragon. Naturally, cold and constant incapacitation are called for here. You can collect a quite phenomenal cache of treasure once its fires have been quenched, and, of course, pick up the Tome. This spawns a Revenant, Abominations and Corpses.

• The fifth and final Evil Tome is situated in the Abandoned Thaig. This is accessed via the Recently Opened Passage entrance situated next to the western Sundermount exit.

• This dungeon is packed with Stone Golems, undead, and Fade creatures of all varieties. The room to the west of the entrance is a dead-end, but features the oppressive combination of a Stone Golem and a Revenant – the target of priority – in addition to other troops. The important thing here is to avoid a situation where your party is divided between battles in the corridor and room itself.

• The room to the north features a similar battle, but adds a Rage Demon. Direct your aggression at the deadly Revenant first, ideally while keeping the flaming Assassin quiet with Cone of Cold and Winter’s Grasp. Through the east door, interact with “South-Song” Gerralt’s Corpse to start a side quest.

• The confrontation in the central room is epic, with waves of ever more powerful Fade creatures joining the engagement as it develops. The Desire Demon, Revenant and Arcane Horror are all opponents that you should eliminate with great haste. Even on the normal difficulty setting, some players may find this battle maddeningly difficult. The solution is to order your party to hold position in the room to the west, then lure your opponents back through in discrete groups.

• The Nexus Golem is a special merchant who sells a few very interesting items.

• Interacting with the Evil Tome will spawn a Revenant supported by Corpses.

• If you selected any option other than “Destroy the book”, this is the end of the line. If all five books have been pulped, however, the quest will be updated. Ensure that you have a rogue in your party, then travel to Darktown and take the Evil Pit entrance.

• Inside the Forgotten Lair, pull the Disarming Switch then fight the Stone Golem. The door to the east is locked, which is where your rogue steps in. Have them lead the way in the corridor beyond to disarm the numerous traps; order the rest of your party to hold their position to avoid them being drawn forward by the handful of enemies you fight here.

• At the waypoint, prepare your party then collect the Fell Grimoire. This presents the same options as the other Tomes.

• Destroy the book offers no additional reward.

• Read the book gives you two attribute points.

• Take the book allows you to obtain the Book of Forbidden Lore junk item. As this is sold for a little less than a single sovereign, it’s safe to surmise that it’s better to opt for the stat boost.

• At this point, Xebenkeck and three Rage Demons will attack. Xebenkeck is a Desire Demon, weak against nature and electricity elements (but immune to spirit damage on Nightmare difficulty). She imbues her allies with magic resistance, so do everything within your power to slay her quickly. Later in the battle, a Revenant, more Rage Demons and assorted Abominations join the melee. This is the time to refresh your party with Stamina Draughts and Lyrium Potions, then pummel your amassed opponents with a barrage of every AoE attack you can muster. Focus on the Revenant until it falls, and the final hurdle of any significance is over.

• Collect the (quite remarkable) selection of loot from the room, then leave via the nearby exit to bring this astonishingly rewarding side quest to a close.

Sketchy on the Details

Start Location:

• Hightown

Requirements:

• Accept the quest from the Chanter’s Board.
  

Walkthrough:

• There are five groups of assailants that must be killed to complete this quest.

• Hightown (Night): The Denerim Avengers can be found on the steps leading to the Viscount’s Keep.

• Lowtown: The Antivan Assassins are located close to the elven alienage entrance during daylight hours.

• The Gallows: A Qunari Death Squad awaits in the far south of the area, just east of Solivitus.

• The Hanged Man (Night): The Rivaini Legendary Beard group is found south of Varric’s quarters.

• Darktown: A band of Carta assailants awaits in the south of the district.

• With all factions dead and buried, head to the Docks at night to meet with Sketch and receive your reward.

The Lost Patrol

Start Location:

• The Docks

Requirements:

• You must have gained a modicum of respect through your dealings with the Arishok during Act 1 (see Blackpowder Courtesy, page 72).

• Speak to the Qunari just inside the main Docks entrance.

Walkthrough:

Head to the Wounded Coast and take the path that leads southwest from the area entrance. When you reach the waypoint marker, an Abomination and a handful of Shades will attack. Kill them.
Report to the Qunari in the Docks to end this quest. However, you may first wish to continue to the southernmost area of the Wounded Coast to complete the Raiders on the Cliffs quest – see page 79.

Honoring the Fallen

Start Location:

• Sundermount

Requirements:

• Accept Merrill’s companion quest, Mirror Image, then speak to Keeper Marethari with the elf in your party.

The Underground Railroad

Start Location:

• Hawke Estate

Requirements:

• You must have satisfied certain story requirements during Act 1 (see Search and Rescue and How to Frame a Templar).

• Accept the letter from the Writing Desk.

• Visit Mistress Selby at the Docks during the day.

Consequences:
Unlocks Mistress Selby’s Board – a source of quests. If you fulfilled the requirements in Act 1, Search and Rescue and How to Frame a Templar will be available immediately.

Search and Rescue

Start Location:

• The Docks

Requirements:

• Only available if you chose to let Grace and her fellow apostates go free at the conclusion of Act of Mercy in Act 1.

• Accept the quest from Mistress Selby’s Board – see The Underground Railroad for details.

Walkthrough:

• Visit the Wounded Coast and head to the Bounty Hunter Getaway entrance.

• Collect the Harlot’s Blush Flower just in front of the cave entrance. This is required for the Herbalist’s Tasks secondary quest.

• Inside the Bounty Hunter Getaway, dispatch the first two groups of enemies. The battle that follows features a handful of Bounty Hunter Assassins and a Bounty Hunter Commander. There is a particularly nasty trap just inside the room, so have a rogue take point and disarm it before combat begins. You may find it efficient to have your party make a stand on the raised area on the east side of the cavern.

• Speak to the Captured Apostate. Don’t neglect to explore the room east of her position – there’s a reasonable cache of treasures inside. Return to Mistress Selby to claim your reward.

The Midnight Meeting

Start Location:

• Hawke Estate

Requirements:

• You must have killed Ser Karras during the Act of Mercy quest in Act 1.

• After completing Blackpowder Courtesy, accept the letter that arrives at the Writing Desk.

Walkthrough:

• Travel to Hightown at night and approach the templars in the Merchant’s Guild area. Your dialogue choice doesn’t matter; they will attack regardless.

• Focus your party’s aggression on the Templar Lieutenant: if you can kill her quickly, the rest of the battle will be much easier. Templar Archers and Hunters join the altercation after a short time, so it’s better to deprive all hostiles of her beneficial presence.

Bounty Hunter

Start Location:

• Hightown

Requirements:

• Only available if Grace and her fellow apostates were returned to the Circle of Magi at the conclusion of Act of Mercy.

• Accept the quest from the Chanter’s Board.

Walkthrough:

• Jake the Black is located in Darktown. After speaking to him, he summons Shades and a Rage Demon before transforming into a resilient Pride Abomination – a trick duplicated by all primary targets in this quest.

• Innley of Starkhaven can be found at the top of Sundermount. He will summon assorted Fade creatures. A second wave includes a Desire Demon. If you activate this quest before defeating the Mature Dragon on top of Sundermount (see page 87), Innley replaces this optional adversary (and the Dragonlings on the path) on your first visit. If you wish to fight these, head back to the Sundermount Caverns, then revisit the upper area.

• Heborah de Soliere can be found at the Wounded Coast. After summoning a company of undead to defend himself (including a Revenant), he will make his transformation into a Pride Abomination.

A Debt in the Family

Start Location:

• The Gallows

Requirements:

• Keran must have been expelled from the Order of the Templars after the events of Enemies Among Us.

• Speak to Templar Recruit Margitte.

Walkthrough:

• Travel to the Docks at night and approach Senestra. She and her henchmen will attack with no provocation. This small quest ends after the last hostile has been killed.

The Fixer

Start Location:

• Hawke Estate

Requirements:

• In Offered and Lost, you must have advised Viscount Dumar to burn the tortured Qunari.

• Accept the letter at the Writing Desk.

Walkthrough:

• This quest challenges you to locate and dispose of corpses. On arrival at the first two locations, you have a choice of either helping without comment, or attacking the murderers at the scene of the crime. If you opt for a fight, there is no way to complete the quest, though the enemies you slay in the Docks and Lowtown do drop a couple of fine items. If you decide to help, the next step is to dispose of the evidence at the waypoint marker.

• The first body is located in the Docks (Night). Enter the Habormaster’s Office and speak to one of the Street Thugs. The next body is in Lowtown (Night). Speak to the Street Thug in the Residential District. The third corpse is found in the southwest end of Darktown. Simply collect and dispose of the body.

• Finally, travel to the Wounded Coast: this stage is only available if you have offloaded all three corpses so far. The final body is in the far southwest of the map. The Street Thugs there will attack immediately.

• Collect the final body and convey it to the Disposal Point, then return to Hawke Estate to claim your reward.

How to Frame a Templar

Start Location:

• The Docks

Requirements:

• You must have persuaded Cullen to retain Keran’s services at the end of the Enemies Among Us quest.

• Accept the quest from Mistress Selby’s Board – see The Underground Railroad for details.

Walkthrough:

• Travel to The Hanged Man during daylight hours and speak with Ser Roderick. Pick any one of the available lies to cast aspersions on your victim, then head to the Gallows. Listen to the Harbormaster’s Assistant, then interact with the Delivery Order. Choose to write in Conrad’s name, then deliver the letter to the nearby Dockworker.

• Return to Mistress Selby. The letter that arrives at her board will explain the consequences of your actions.

Elves at Large

Start Location:

• Hightown

Requirements:

• Feynriel must have been sent to the Circle at the conclusion of the Wayward Son quest.

• Accept the quest from the Hightown Chanter’s Board.

Walkthrough:

• Travel to the Wounded Coast and speak to the Mercenary Captain. You have three options to choose from:

• The “Mages need training” and “We share the bounty, then” responses both lead you to fight alongside the mercenaries. There are blood mages here so having companions who can enable you to brutalize all present with a barrage of AoE attacks will be of service. The Blood Mage Controller and Blood Mage Hypnotist are the most dangerous of the opponents you face, and should bear the full brunt of your aggression.

• Choose the “Let the elves go” option to fight the mercenaries instead. This leads to a slightly lower final reward, but potentially better loot drops.

Ladies’ Lights Out

Start Location:

• Hightown (Night)

Requirements:

• Fight the Invisible Sisters in Hightown until a pop-up message appears. Repeat visits may be required.

Walkthrough:

• Though usually very weak, Invisible Sisters armed with dual daggers will exhibit Assassin-type behaviors. This gang has no ranged fighters when encountered on the streets; it’s very melee-focused, which makes them vulnerable to AoE attacks.

• Once the quest formally begins, enter the Suspicious House. Ensure that all party members enter the main room, then set about killing the initial group of Invisible Sisters. Their leader, “Gracious” Gillian Winger, is actually an archer. She’s not astonishingly tough, so try to dispose of her at an early stage in the fight. Ensure that you kill every last gang member to receive the quest completion notification, then return to Hightown.

Consequences:

• As a reminder: if all nine gangs are eliminated across the three Acts, you can claim a special reward.

Hometown Breed

Start Location:

• Lowtown (Night)

Requirements:

• Kill Dog Lords gang members (and their attack hounds) in Lowtown at night until a pop-up message appears. Repeat visits may be required.

Walkthrough:

• The Dog Lords have a mix of archers and melee fighters in their ranks, supported by ferocious Mabari. Less physically robust mages should be mindful of the danger that their archers can represent in numbers – but then, you should be entirely familiar with this by now.

• Once the notification appears, enter the Decrepit Alley. The gang leader (the wonderfully named Cor “The Bastard” Blimey) is an archer, so you’ll want to silence him straight away. Hold position on the stairs to clear only the Dog Lords that detect you immediately, then push forward into the area to face the rest. Once the last hounds and handlers fall, leave via the marked exit.

The Lowdown

Start Location:

• Docks (Night)
  

Requirements:

• Enter the Docks at night and kill Undercut Thrifters until a pop-up message appears. Repeat visits may be required.

Walkthrough:

• As with the Invisible Sisters, certain Undercut Thrifters have very low health but exhibit Assassin behaviors. They also have no ranged fighters.

• Once your labors on the streets unlock the hideout, enter the Run Down Alley to fight the gang leader: “Kanky” Hammertoe. Dispatch him quickly to avoid the nuisance value of his backstabs (and propensity for disappearing) while you devastate his cohorts. Explore the area to locate any stragglers, then depart once the quest is marked as complete.

Premium Content

THE EXILED PRINCE

START LOCATION:

• Hightown

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must have access to this Premium Content quest. For further details, visit dragonage.com/da2/addons.

WALKTHROUGH:

• This is less “quest” per se and more of a formal introduction to Sebastian. Approach the waypoint marker close to the Chantry in Hightown to trigger a cutscene. Once this ends, approach the Chanter’s Board and accept the Duty companion quest to wrap up The Exiled Prince.

CONSEQUENCES:

• Unlocks Sebastian Vael as a potential companion in Act 2 and his related quests. The first of these, Duty, is available immediately.

The Black Emporium

REQUIREMENTS:

• You must have access to this Premium Content quest. For further details, visit dragonage.com/da2/addons. Read the letter at Gamlen’s House to receive a formal invitation to the Black Emporium.

WALKTHROUGH:

• Simply enter the Black Emporium via the main Kirkwall map to complete this quest. Again, like The Exiled Prince, it’s merely an exercise in guiding you to a particular location.

• The Black Emporium features several Codex entries, two shops that contain interesting items (many of which will be wildly beyond your financial reach) and, of greater import on your first visit, a collectible marked Discarded Weapons and Armor. This contains free equipment that will give your character a considerable boost during the early stages of Act 1. We suggest that you outfit Hawke with items suitable for your chosen class, keep weapons that you don’t need for companions (future or present), then sell unneeded armor at one of the stores to generate funds.

• The Mirror of Transformation can be used to change Hawke’s appearance, thumbnail portrait or name. Using it may cause your character to remove their current headgear, so be sure to reequip it before you head out.