The Western Approach

Upon your arrival in the Western Approach, Harding confirms Grey Warden activity in the area. But her scouts have not been able to get close enough to see what the Wardens are doing—sandstorms and the hostile wildlife have been a challenge. Despite the harsh conditions, Harding’s scouts have intercepted a message from a Venatori courier. The message can be found on a table to the east, by the requisition table—it appears the Venatori are searching for something in a nearby mine. After speaking to Harding, talk to the requisition officer to receive a requisition quest for the Western Approach. Next, begin your long journey to the Tevinter tower where Hawke and Stroud are waiting. Close the Fade rift along the road to the west as you exit the Lost Spring Canyon camp—closing Fade rifts here nets you two power each.

Tevinter Ritual Tower

Hawke and Stroud greet you at the entrance of this ancient Tevinter ruin. Stroud fears the Wardens have already begun the blood magic ritual. As you approach, a Grey Warden is killed by one of his brothers as part of the ritual, summoning a rage demon. Magister Erimond, a Tevinter mage, is attempting to teach the Wardens how to bind and control demons—along with the rage demon, they’ve also taken a few shades under their control. Stroud is outraged by this, but he is incapable of getting through to his fellow Wardens—Corypheus has already claimed their minds. Erimond reveals this was all part of Corypheus’s sinister plan—raise a demon army for Corypheus and slay the Wardens in the Deep Roads.

When Erimond attempts to control you through magical manipulation of the Anchor, the Inquisitor fights back, sending a surge of energy back in Erimond’s direction. Panicked by the Inquisitor’s counter, Erimond flees while ordering the demons and compromised Wardens to attack. Deal with the rage demon first, preferably using cold-based attacks to chill and freeze it while methodically chipping away at its health. There are also a couple of Warden spellbinders among the group—they’re vulnerable to fire-based attacks. But watch for the icy glyphs they place around themselves—these are ice mines. Watch your step, or simply eliminate these enemies with ranged attacks.

Following the battle, Stroud notes the direction Erimond fled. There’s an abandoned Warden fortress in that direction called Adamant. Hawke and Stroud will scout Adamant to confirm the other Wardens are there and then meet you back in Skyhold.

Gaining Power

Before returning to Skyhold, take some time exploring the Western Approach. Staging an attack on Adamant won’t be easy, and you’ll need to accumulate 20 power to unlock the operation on the war table. Closing Fade rifts is a worthwhile activity, since each sealed rift earns you two power. There is also a Venatori-held keep to the east—capturing it nets you two power. When you’ve acquired at least 20 power, return to Skyhold to plan your attack on Adamant.

Recommended Quests