The War Table

When the war council convenes, its members gather around the war table, displaying a massive map of southern Thedas. This is where the Inquisition can apply its power across Orlais and Ferelden by conducting operations. You can assign the three advisors to perform operations anywhere there’s a marker on the map. Highlight the various markers to browse the available operations. Initially, there are only a handful of operations on the map, but as your Inquisition grows, more operations are unlocked, requiring you to carefully consider the allocation of your advisors. There are two types of operations available on the war table: scouting operations and missions.

Scouting Operations

Completing scouting operations unlocks new locales to explore. But you’ll need power. All scouting operations have a cost associated with them, requiring a specific amount of power. Power is obtained by completing critical path plots, establishing camps, closing Fade rifts, capturing keeps, finding all landmarks in a locale, or by defeating high dragons. Once you have acquired some power, select a scouting operation on the war table, often marked by a dagger. Here you’ll see the cost associated with the scouting operation and choose an advisor to oversee it. Unlike missions, scouting operations do not occupy an advisor’s time—they’re completed instantaneously. Even if an advisor is already busy conducting a mission, he or she can still perform a scouting operation without interruption.

Missions

Running the Inquisition becomes increasingly complex as the organization grows. As Inquisitor, you can’t be everywhere at once. Fortunately, the advisors (and their agents) are available to conduct missions on their own—you just have to assign them. Missions expand the story of the Inquisition’s adventures and earn rewards. Take time to read the details of each available mission and determine the best advisor for the job. Josephine is a diplomat and relies on connections and influence to complete her tasks. Leliana is a spymaster and utilizes her network of agents to collect information. Cullen, a former templar, leads the Inquisition’s army and relies on displays of force. Each mission shows how much time it takes for an advisor to complete the task. Some missions take only a few minutes, while others take hours. The advisor who can complete the mission quickest is usually the best suited for the job.

Mission Reports and Rewards

When a mission is complete a notification appears on-screen. Return to the war table and select the mission marker on the map to receive a report—the marker flashes when a report is available. The report details the outcome of the mission and lists any rewards received. Rewards can include gold, influence, equipment, or even approval for certain party members. And the reward you receive may differ depending on the advisor you assigned. You must collect reports from the war table in order for the associated rewards to be applied. Sometimes completing missions unlocks new, follow-up missions on the war table. Like rewards, these follow-up missions won’t appear until the previous report is collected. So scan the war table regularly to ensure you’re not missing any reports.