Skyhold

With a new base of operations, the Inquisition is ready to make its mark on the world.

As the survivors of Haven and refugees from other regions file in through the gates of Skyhold, Cassandra engages you in a serious conversation. Both Cassandra and Leliana are convinced you should step up as the leader of the Inquisition. How will you respond to this honor?

Decision Point During the conversation with Cassandra and Leliana, you’re given the opportunity to declare what kind of leader you’ll be. You’re given several dialogue options, including some special options depending on your race and class. For instance, if playing as a non-human, you can make state how you’ll stand for all, reinforcing the Inquisition’s stance as an inclusive organization. Or if playing as a mage, you can choose to set an example for all mages. Pay close attention, because your choice can have a big impact on the approval of your party members. During an impromptu ceremony, Leliana hands over an ornate ceremonial sword while Cassandra, Cullen, and Josephine whip up support among the faithful in the courtyard. Cullen grants you the title of Inquisitor, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Approval: Inquisitor’s Resolve

Dialogue Option	Blackwall	Cassandra	Cole	Dorian	The Iron Bull	Sera	Solas	Varric	Vivienne
Servant of Faith	—		—		—			—
Fight for Order, not Faith	—		—	—	—		—		—
Because it’s Right		—	—	—					—
Corypheus Must Be Stopped		—	—				—	—	—
Do it for my own power			—		—				—
Lead them to vengeance	—		—	—					—
Special Dialogue Options
A Dwarf Will Stand for Us All	—	—	—	—	—		—	—	—
An Elf Will Stand for Us All	—	—	—	—	—			—	—
A Qunari Will Stand for Us All	—	—	—	—			—	—	—
Set An Example as a Mage	—	—	—		—		—	—

Throne Room

But there isn’t much time to celebrate. As Cullen, Leliana, and Josephine join you in Skyhold’s throne room, it’s clear this fortress must undergo major repairs before it can become a fitting headquarters for the Inquisition. While Cullen is doubtful Corypheus will attempt a direct attack on Skyhold, the Inquisition must be ready for anything. Leliana is concerned about the plot you uncovered to kill Empress Celene. The death of Celene could cause the chaos Corypheus needs to conquer southern Thedas. Varric joins the conversation, offering some help. He has an old friend who has crossed paths with Corypheus before. Agree to meet with Varric’s friend—he can be found on the battlements to the west. But before seeking out Varric’s friend, visit Josephine’s new workspace.

Josephine’s Concerns

Josephine has set up her office in the antechamber, just north of the throne room. She is deeply concerned about the threat to Empress Celene and feels this is a pressing matter for the Inquisition. If Empress Celene were to be assassinated, Josephine fears it would be a tipping point, causing all of Thedas to fall to Corypheus. Celene will be holding peace talks at Halamshiral under the guise of a grand masquerade ball. Josephine fears if there is an attempt on Celene’s life, it will occur at this event. But at the moment, the Inquisition isn’t influential enough to warn Empress Celene or acquire an invitation to the ball. Take this as your cue to gain more power. It will take 30 power to attend the ball, unlocking the Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts operation on the war table. In the meantime, turn your attention to meeting Varric’s friend.

The Champion of Kirkwall

Climb the western staircase to reach the top of the battlements, then begin a conversation with Varric. Here he introduces you to Hawke, the Champion of Kirkwall—and the hero of Dragon Age II. Hawke believes Corypheus is using his connection to the darkspawn to influence the Grey Wardens once more—this may explain the sudden disappearance of the Wardens. Hawke has a Warden friend in Crestwood. The identity of Hawke’s Warden ally differs depending on your customized world state imported from Dragon Age Keep. In the default game state the Warden ally is Stroud. But Loghain and Alistair are possibilities if you imported a world state. Whoever Hawke’s Warden friend is, they’re concerned about corruption within the ranks and have taken refuge in an old smuggler’s cave in Crestwood. Hawke suggests meeting him and his Warden friend in Crestwood to learn more about the status of the Grey Wardens. After talking to Hawke, the From the Ashes quest is complete.

Speak to Cassandra after the conversation with Hawke and prepare to intervene (or watch) as she goes after Varric. Cassandra’s explosive temper is on full display as she chases Varric, outraged he’s been hiding Hawke from her all this time. Try to smooth things over with both Cassandra and Varric—they both have good points. Whom will you support? Take some time exploring Skyhold before heading to the war room to plan the Inquisition’s next move.

Gaining Power

After speaking to Hawke and exploring Skyhold, take stock of the Inquisition’s power—you need eight power to unlock the Find the Warden operation on the war table, giving you access to Crestwood. If you’ve been completing side quests during your adventure, chances are you have enough power to make the next move. Otherwise, you’ll need to head out into the wilderness and obtain more power. You can obtain enough power by heading back to the Hinterlands and completing more quests. But there are also plenty of power-building opportunities in the Fallow Mire and Storm Coast. There are new locales now available on the war table, but as with the Fallow Mire and Storm Coast, it will cost you power to scout the Exalted Plains, Emerald Graves, Western Approach, and Emprise du Lion. So if you’re set on reaching Crestwood as soon as possible, stick to the Hinterlands when gathering power.

Recommended Quests

Exploring Skyhold

Before taking off for Crestwood, or any other locale, consider taking some time to get familiar with your new home. In its current state, only part of Skyhold can be explored—rubble and debris block certain passages and doorways. But there are still plenty of places to explore. Also, take a moment to speak to all of your party members. A few side quests introduce you to new areas in Skyhold.

Welcome to Skyhold

Quest Giver: N/A

Description: This new home for the Inquisition has a lot to offer. Take a look around.

Requirements: Available after entering Skyhold

Reward: 50 XP

Recommended Level: 6-8

Objectives:

Find the war room.

Find the blacksmith.

The new war room is down the hall from Josephine’s office in the antechamber. If you haven’t already, visit the war room and assign advisors to new missions. Remember to collect rewards from any completed missions.

Harritt has set up shop in the undercroft—enter the door directly south of the throne. This area contains all the blacksmith stations you became familiar with in Haven. It also contains tables where you can equip and craft potions. Use this opportunity to craft new armor, weapons, and upgrades.

Inquisition Trappings

Quest Giver: N/A

Description: Skyhold can be customized in a variety of ways to best reflect the style and priorities of the Inquisition.

Requirements: Available after entering Skyhold

Reward: None

Recommended Level: 6-8

Objectives:

Go to the undercroft.

While you’re in the undercroft, approach the Skyhold customization bench to plan out the design of the castle. From this menu you can select custom banners, beds, drapery, heraldry, decor, thrones, and windows. Some of these customization options are locked. You’ll need to acquire new items through exploration, and some objects can be purchased from merchants in Val Royeaux. These options affect merely the aesthetics of Skyhold and do not impact gameplay.

New Recruit: Cole

Whether you completed In Hushed Whispers or Champions of the Just, you must speak with Cole to keep him in the Inquisition. Look for Cole in the courtyard, as part of The Forgotten Boy side quest. Cassandra, Solas, and Vivienne discuss what to make of Cole—Vivienne wants him gone while Solas feels he could be helpful. Speak with Cole before making your decision—he’s busy tending to the wounded in the courtyard. If you extend an invitation to Cole, you gain immediate retroactive approval for any quests where you helped people, such as those for the refugees at the Crossroads in the Hinterlands. Unlike other party members, Cole doesn’t have to be present for you to gain or lose approval from him. As a member of the Inquisition Cole is available to join your party.

New Recruit: Dorian

If you completed Champions of the Just, you haven’t had many opportunities to speak to Dorian since he showed up at Haven’s main gate prior to the Venatori attack. Dorian has followed you here and resides in the library south of the throne room. Head upstairs and have a word with him. At this point you have the opportunity to thank Dorian for assisting the Inquisition back in Haven. You can also ask him to join the Inquisition. Like other companions, Dorian can then be selected as a party member during your future adventures.

The Arcanist At the war table, select the Acquire the Arcanist mission, located in north Ferelden. This mission requires no power and takes no time to complete. Afterward, visit the undercroft to meet Dagna. She allows you to craft your own runes. Using rune schematics and blank runes, you can now add runes to your weapons, improving their stats in various ways. Simply meeting Dagna grants you access to the Corrupting Rune schematic. For more information on crafting runes, reference the Crafting chapter.