Dragon Age: Inquisition – Inner Circle Side Quests, Romance Guide

Romance Cassandra, Dorian or Iron Bull, and add Cole and Blackwall to your party!

With Dragon Age: Inquisition, most of the Inner Circle quests can be started in Haven or Skyhold depending how much you’ve progressed in the game. For the relationship quests, you need to be in very good favor with the individual you’re attempting to bed. That means talking to them after every mainline story quest when you head back to Haven or Skyhold and selecting the heart-shaped conversation choice every time it becomes available.

Recommended Videos

Unfinished Business

Description: Since the Seekers’ strange absence, some of their high-profile cases have been left unchecked. Help Cassandra hunt down the targets.
Starting NPC: Cassandra
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: +2,025 XP, +910 Influence, +2 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Take down Ser Rebenger Torn in the Ferelden Hinterlands
  • Take down Leo of Lucien Bay in the Western Approach
  • Take down Ser Hildebrandt in the Exalted Plains
  • Take down Jepler the Unbound in the Emerald Graves
  • Take down Gordon the Frank in the Emprise du Lion

Speak to Cassandra in Skyhold to begin this Inner Circle quest. All of the enemies are marked on the maps in their respective regions. You’ll have a search area to look around, but it won’t take long to find your target. All of them have additional enemies that must be taken down. The difficulty of each target scales with the region they’re located in. If you’re high enough level to take on most of the enemies in the region, you should have no problem with the quest target. Kill all five marks to complete the quest.

Promise of Destruction

Description: Cassandra has reason to believe that Corypheus is behind the disappearance of the Seekers of Truth, but she requires help to prove it.
Starting NPC: Cassandra
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: +1,025 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Investigate the disappearance of the Seekers
  • Travel to Caer Oswin
  • Explore the castle
  • Find Lord Seeker Lucius

Speak to Cassandra in Skyhold to begin this quest, then head to the war room and complete the Locate the Missing Seekers mission. Open the world map and head to the Castle of Caer Oswin. Move along the outer wall of the castle until you reach the door leading down to the dungeon. Take down the soldiers ahead and loot their bodies to find the dungeon key to the nearby door.

Engage the enemies in the courtyard ahead, then loot their bodies and head up the stairs to the north. Continue through the castle, taking out enemies as you go. Eventually you’ll find Daniel, someone that Cassandra knows and interacts with.

Make your way up toward the top of the castle to reach another courtyard. Follow the path to the next door to find Lucius, your next target. As with most battles, Lucius has a few friends with him. Kill the other enemies first, then turn your attention toward Lucius. He has strong defense against lightning and spirit-based attacks, so avoid using them if you can. Once Lucius is down, head back to Skyhold and speak with Cassandra to complete the quest.

Guilty Pleasures

Description: It seems Cassandra really likes Varric’s book Swords & Shields. And she’s caught up. And the book’s unfinished. See Varric about getting the last chapter for Cassandra.
Starting NPC: Cassandra
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: Cassandra’s approval

Quest Objectives:

  • Talk to Varric about Swords & Shields
  • Give Cassandra the latest chapter of Swords & Shields

Speak to Cassandra in Skyhold and she will talk about a book she’s reading. Eventually she’ll suggest that you speak with Varric in order to obtain the next book in the series. Head over to Varric’s position in Skyhold (marked on your map) and speak with him. You have to let him come with you when you deliver it to Cassandra or else you won’t be able to complete the quest. Return to Cassandra to finish the job and earn her approval.

The Ideal Romance

Description: When it comes to romance, Cassandra prefers the basics, someone who sweeps her off her feet with candles, poetry and flowers. Track down these things.
Starting NPC: Cassandra
Requirements: Male characters only. Complete the Guilty Pleasures quest, and be in Cassandra’s favor.
Reward: Cassandra’s Love, +128 XP, +80 Influence

Quest Objectives:

  • Talk to a vendor in Redcliffe about poetry books
  • Find the dwarven bookseller’s missing caravan
  • Talk to a gardener about flowers in Val Royeaux
  • Search the stores of Val Royeaux for some candles
  • Romance Cassandra with the candles, a poetry book, and flowers

Once you’ve gained enough approval from Cassandra, you can speak to her and she’ll mention how to properly court her. Head to the Hinterlands and up to Redcliffe to find the book vendor marked on the map. He’s been robbed, so follow the next waypoint to find the thieves. Kill them to obtain the book, then head to Val Royeaux. Speak with the gardener at the next waypoint, then look through the stores until you find candles. Return to Skyhold and speak with Cassandra again to make your way into her heart and her bed.

Measuring Veil

Description: Solas has learned of an artifact in the Hinterlands that he wishes to study.
Starting NPC: Solas
Requirements: None
Reward: Solas’s approval

Quest Objectives:

  • Travel to the Hinterlands with Solas
  • Locate the artifact
  • Use the artifact

You need to gain favor with Solas before you can get this quest from him. Once you’ve spoken to him enough and earned his trust, head to the Hinterlands and make your way to the East Road. Save the warrior engaged in battle just before you reach the ruins. After the battle, tell the warrior she can stay with you, then light the torch near the entrance and continue into the ruins.

Take down the enemies as you make your way toward the far end of the ruins to find the artifact. The warrior will also give you an Amulet of Power. This completes the quest.

What Lies Dormant

Description: N/A
Starting NPC: Measuring devices
Requirements: Solas must be in your party
Reward: Solas’s approval

Scattered throughout all of the regions in the game, you will come across quite a few measuring devices. If you pick one up and activate it while Solas is in your party, you will gain approval from him. Once you have found at least 10, head to Skyhold and complete the war table mission, Measure Veil Strength. Head to the Hinterlands and travel to the location marked on your map to find a high-level rift near Redcliffe Farms. Seal the rift to complete the quest.

All New, Faded for Her

Description: One of Solas’s old friends, a spirit, has been summoned against its will, and needs his help.
Starting NPC: Solas
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: +1,025 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Find the spirit with Solas in the Exalted Plains
  • Deal with the demon
  • Speak to Solas

Speak to Solas in Skyhold to begin this quest. Head to the Exalted Plains and make your way toward the waypoint near the Dalish camp. When you reach your destination, you’ll find a Pride Demon on the loose. However, instead of engaging the Pride Demon, after some conversation you realize you need to destroy the four summoning stones surrounding the enemy. After the pseudo-battle, deal with Solas, then return to Skyhold to find Solas near the entrance. Speak with him again to complete the quest.

Seeing Red

Description: Varric saw enough red lyrium in Kirkwall for one lifetime. Now it’s everywhere, and the worst of it “sings” like the shard that drove his brother mad. Varric would take no small pleasure in destroying those. Locate and destroy primeval red lyrium nodes.
Starting NPC: Varric
Requirements: None
Reward: +967 XP, +200 Influence, +2 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Find 12 primeval red lyrium deposits
  • Destroy the primeval red lyrium deposits

Speak with Varric in Haven to begin this quest. The locations of primeval red lyrium veins are marked on your map. They’re scattered across multiple regions, but once you’ve destroyed at least 12 of them this quest is complete. However, you can destroy more in order to earn additional favor with Varric.

Well, Shit

Description: Bianca was waiting in the Deep Roads. Travel underground to the center of the lyrium mining operation and shut it down.
Starting NPC: Varric
Requirements: Complete the mainline quest Here Lies the Abyss and unlock Skyhold
Reward: +1,025 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Enter Valammar
  • Open the locked door
  • Find a key for the second floor
  • Speak with Varric about all this

Speak with Varric in Skyhold to begin this quest, then head to the Hinterlands and make your way into Valammar. Make sure you’re fully stocked on potions before you enter, because if you leave for any reason all of the enemies respawn.

Follow the waypoint to the Halls of the Elders and take down the horde of enemies that await (as well as the slew of enemies between the entrance and the Halls of the Elders). Loot the room to find the key you need, then head back to Skyhold and speak with Varric again to complete the quest.

The Verchiel March

Description: Sera says there’s trouble in Verchiel. She’s asked for an Inquisition presence—a few troops to march through town—to spook the nobles into pushing her people around there.
Starting NPC: Sera
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold and have Sera as part of the Inquisition
Reward: +1,025 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Order a march through Verchiel
  • Return to the war table
  • Talk to Sera about the march
  • Travel to the stash location

Once Sera is a member of the Inquisition and available as a party member, speak with her at Skyhold until she discusses Verchiel. Head to the war room and complete the corresponding mission. When the mission is complete, speak with Sera in Skyhold again to travel to Verchiel and take down the enemies that attack shortly thereafter. If you wish to gain approval with Sera, let her kill her target in the conversation that follows, then speak with her again back at Skyhold to complete the quest.

A Woman Who Wants for Nothing

Description: Sera has gotten you a gift. What could you give in return?
Starting NPC: Sera
Requirements: Be in good favor with Sera
Reward: Sera’s approval

Quest Objectives:

  • Talk to everyone in your inner circle
  • Talk to Sera

Before you can begin a romance with Sera, you need to be in her good graces. That means selecting the heart-shaped conversation option whenever it’s available and letting her kill whoever she wants in The Verchiel March Inner Circle quest. Once you have enough favor with Sera, speak to her to begin this quest, as Sera presents you with a gift.

Speak to every other member of your inner circle in Skyhold (Verric, Iron Bull, etc.), then speak with Sera again to complete the quest.

Favors of the First Enchanter

Description: Vivienne wishes to undo the damage done to her beloved Circle of Magi and hopefully restore it to its former relevance. Recovering phylacteries and tomes lost with the fall of the circles will help.
Starting NPC: Vivienne
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: +286 XP, +120 Influence

Quest Objectives:

  • Find three Circle tomes
  • Find a Circle tome in the Hinterlands
  • Find a Circle tome in the Western Approach
  • Find a Circle tome in the Exalted Plains

Speak with Vivienne in Skyhold until she discusses the future of the Circle. Once she does, this quest begins. Include her in your party to gain her favor, then head out to collect the tomes. Head to the Hinterlands to find a tome north of the Crossroads as you take the main path toward Redcliffe in the north. The Western Approach tome is located near Nazaire’s Pass, by the Shimmer Stone Mine. Finally, the Exalted Plains tome is located in a dilapidated home in the Riel region. Collect all three to complete the quest.

Bring Me the Heart of Snow White

Description: Vivienne requires the heart of a wyvern to complete an alchemical formula. Though all wyvern hearts look more or less the same, she specified that it needs to be from a rare beast known as the snowy wyvern.
Starting NPC: Vivienne
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: +1,025 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Obtain the heart of a snowy wyvern from the Exalted Plains
  • Give Vivienne the heart of the snowy wyvern

Talk to Vivienne in Skyhold until she discusses the heat of the snowy wyvern. Once she does, head to Crow Fens in the Exalted Plains to find the beast you seek. Kill the wyvern and loot the body to obtain the heart, then speak with Vivienne two more times to complete the quest. If you show concern you will earn a great deal of favor with her.

The Lone Warden

Description: One of Leliana’s agents reported a man, calling himself Blackwall, dressed in full Grey Warden regalia and last seen traveling through the Ferelden Hinterlands. With so many Wardens disappearing in the wake of the Divine’s death, this Blackwall should be questioned.
Starting NPC: Leliana
Requirements: Travel to Val Royeaux at least once
Reward: Blackwall joins your party

Quest Objective:

  • Search for Blackwall in the Hinterlands

After you’ve completed the first task that brings you to Val Royeaux, head back to Haven and speak with Leliana to begin this quest. Head back to the Hinterlands to find Blackwell just west of Lake Luthias. Take out the enemies that attack shortly after you find Blackwall, then speak with him and allow him to join the Inquisition.

Memories of the Grey

Description: Blackwall possesses maps that chart old Warden camps and outposts throughout Ferelden and Orlais. The Wardens who abandoned these camps may have left behind artifacts of interest to Blackwall.
Starting NPC: Leliana
Requirements: Complete the Inner Circle quest, The Lone Warden
Reward: +503 XP, +270 Influence

Quest Objectives:

  • Find two Storm Coast artifacts
  • Find two Hinterlands artifacts
  • Find two Western Approach artifacts
  • Find two Fallow Mire artifacts
  • Find two Emprise du Lion artifacts

Once you have Blackwall as an available party member, speak with Leliana in Haven to begin this quest. You need to find 10 artifacts scattered across the realm. Make sure Blackwall is with you when you attempt to collect them. Almost all of the artifacts are clearly marked on the maps in each region and easy to find. However, the artifact found in the Fallow Mire Hargrave Keep requires the Deft Hands, Fine Tools Inquisition perk to reach. The quest in complete when you find all 10 artifacts.

Explanations

Description: There’s an old Warden outpost in the Storm Coast that Blackwall wants to visit. It seems important to him.
Starting NPC: Blackwall
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold and be in good favor with Blackwall
Reward: Blackwall’s Love, +128 XP, +80 Influence

Quest Objective:

  • Travel to the Storm Coast with Blackwall

Once you’ve gained enough favor with Blackwall by selecting the heart-shaped responses during conversations with him, speak with him one more time to begin this quest. He will attempt to draw a line between the two of you. Head to the Skyhold stables and speak with him there, then make your way to the Small Grove camp in Storm Coast.

Head south to the next waypoint on your map and search the human remains on the ground. Head back to Skyhold and speak with Blackwall one more time to begin a relationship with him and complete the quest.

Revelations

Description: Blackwall left the Inquisition. It appears to have something to do with the impending execution of a man named Mornay, one of the soldiers responsible for the Callier massacre.
Starting NPC: Blackwall
Requirements: Complete all of the Blackwall quests dealing with Adamant and Halamshiral
Reward: +1,934 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Attend Mornay’s execution
  • Speak to “Rainier” in his cell
  • Discuss the situation with Cullen
  • Optional: Order the advisors to find a way to release Rainier from prison
  • Judge Rainier at Skyhold

You can begin this quest with the aforementioned requirements, but to complete it, you need a power level of at least one. Go to Skyhold and speak with Blackwell after you’ve completed all of the quests dealing with Adamant and Halamshiral. After the conversation, Blackwell will go missing. Head to the Skyhold stables to speak with the Inquisition messenger, then make your way to Val Royeaux.

After a short cut-scene, speak with Blackwall in the Val Royeaux prison and speak with Cullen. Decide how you want to deal with Blackwall, then head back to Skyhold and begin the war table mission, Thom Rainier’s Fate (requires a power level of at least one). When the mission is complete, access the throne in Skyhold to pass judgment and complete the quest.

The Captain of the Chargers

Description: A Qunari warrior known as the Iron Bull is offering aid for the Inquisition from his mercenary company, the Bull’s Chargers.
Starting NPC: Krem
Requirements: Power Level 5+; Travel to Val Royeaux at least once
Reward: Iron Bull joins your party

Quest Objective:

  • Meet Iron Bull at the Storm Coast

After you completed the first task that brings you to Val Royeaux, head back to Haven and speak with Krem to begin this quest. Access the Storm Coast mission from the Haven war room table to make your way to the Storm Coast. From the starting camp, head northwest to find Iron Bull and his company battling against a handful of enemies. Kill any remaining enemies, then speak with Iron Bull to complete the quest and allow him to join the Inquisition.

Demands of the Qun

Description: The Ben-Hassrath have offered an alliance with the Inquisition. Accompany Iron Bull and his Chargers to meet with their contact in the Storm Coast.
Starting NPC: Iron Bull
Requirements: Be in good favor with Iron Bull
Reward: +1,025 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Head for the Storm Coast with Bull
  • Speak with Bull to begin the assault
  • Clear out the Venatori
  • Signal the dreadnought
  • Check on Bull back at Skyhold

Before you can begin this quest, you must be in good favor with Iron Bull. This requires you to speak with him enough times to hear about Seheron and have a group chat with the rest of his Chargers. If you have yet to reach this point, you can kill off some of the High Dragons, since they earn quite a bit of favor with Iron Bull so long as he’s in your party at the time.

Once you have enough favor with Iron Bull, speak with him at Skyhold and he’ll discuss the extension of the Ben-Hassrath’s offer to begin the quest. Accept the quest and make your way to the Storm Coast. Head to the waypoint on your map and speak with Iron Bull’s contact. Speak with Iron Bull again, then get ready for battle.

Take out the Venatori, then signal the dreadnought. At this point, you have to decide if you want to maintain an alliance with the Ben-Hassrath or become Tal-Vashoth. Determine how you would like to proceed, then head back to Skyhold and speak with Iron Bull one last time to complete the quest.

Tough Love

Description: According to the Qunari tradition, the gift of a dragon’s tooth, broken in two, is symbolic of a deep, emotional connection; also, Bull really likes dragons. A dragon tooth might be the perfect gift for him.
Starting NPC: Iron Bull
Requirements: Be in good favor with Iron Bull
Reward: Iron Bull’s Love, +128 XP, +80 Influence

Quest Objectives:

  • Slay a dragon and collect a tooth
  • Obtain one piece of obsidian
  • Requisition the Necklace of Kadan
  • Give Iron Bull the necklace

Before you can begin this quest, you must have completed every other Iron Bull Inner Circle quest and be in high favor with him. If you completed the Demands of the Qun quest, you should have enough favor to begin this quest. However, make sure that you select the heart-shaped option as often as possible during conversations with Iron Bull.

Once you have enough favor with Iron Bull, speak with him in Skyhold to initiate a cut-scene that unmistakably advances your relationship. Head back to Iron Bull’s normal location at Skyhold to speak with him again to confirm you would like a relationship. After another interesting cut-scene, speak with Iron Bull for a third time.

Ask Iron Bull if the relationship is serious to obtain the recipe for the Necklace of Kadan. You likely already have the necessary ingredients, but if you don’t, they can be found in the Hinterlands and almost every other location in the game. Head to the Inquisition crafting table in the room next to the tavern where you meet Iron Bull. Craft the necklace, then speak with Iron Bull yet again to complete the quest.

The Forgotten Boy

Description: After the dust settled, Cole was nowhere to be found. It’s hard to believe he isn’t hanging around somewhere in Skyhold.
Starting NPC: Cole
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: Cole joins your party

Quest Objective:

  • Look for Cole

Once you’ve made it to Skyhold, open your map and look for the waypoint marker related to the quest, The Forgotten Boy. When you reach the location speak with all parties involved in the argument, then speak with Cole to accept him as a member of the Inquisition.

Subjected to His Will

Description: Solas says that finding an Amulet of the Unbound will prevent Venatori mages from binding Cole.
Starting NPC: Cole
Requirements: Complete the main story quest, Here Lies the Abyss
Reward: +1,934 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Send scouts to investigate possible amulet locations
  • Give the amulet to Cole

Speak with Cole in Skyhold, then head to the war room table and undertake the corresponding mission that is now available. Once the mission is complete, you obtain the Amulet of the Unbound.  Head to the tavern in Skyhold and speak with Cole again, then speak with Solas in Skyhold. After a cut-scene, head to the Hinterlands and make your way to Redcliffe in the north. When you reach Redcliffe, you are tasked with making a decision on Cole’s future. This completes the quest.

Last Resort of Good Men

Description: Mother Giselle passed along the letter written by Dorian’s father. Dorian may wish to read it, but it may be best just to take him to the tavern to sort this out in person.
Starting NPC: Dorian
Requirements: Unlock Skyhold
Reward: +1,025 XP, +400 Influence, +3 Power Level

Quest Objectives:

  • Bring Dorian to the Gull & Lantern
  • Optional: Speak to Dorian about the letter

Speak with Dorian in Skyhold, then head to Redcliffe in the Hinterlands with Dorian in your party. Once you arrive at the waypoint, there’s a bit of conversation that completes this quest. If you’re playing a male character and wish to eventually have a romantic relationship with Dorian, help him speak with his father during this quest-ending conversation.

One Less Venatori

Description: They may come from the same place, but there’s a world of difference between the Venatori and most people from Tevinter. Dorian wants a particular group of Venatori mages dead.
Starting NPC: Dorian
Requirements: Complete the Inner Circle quest, The Last Resort of Good Men
Reward: Dorian’s approval

Quest Objective:

  • Kill three groups of Venatori with Dorian

Speak with Dorian in Skyhold to begin this quest. The three groups are marked on your map and fairly easy to find. Make sure Dorian is in your party when you engage the enemies to gain his favor. Defeat all three groups of enemies to complete the quest.

The Magister’s Birthright

Description: When Dorian went south, he did so with little in the way of coin and sold an amulet that proves his connection to House Pavus. A merchant from Val Royeaux named Ponchard de Lieux now has the amulet and apparently refuses to give it back to Dorian.
Starting NPC: Dorian
Requirements: You must be male and complete the Inner Circle quest, One Less Venatori
Reward: Dorian’s Love

Quest Objectives:

  • Pay Ponchard a visit
  • Make the necessary arrangements at the war table
  • Return to the war table
  • Give the amulet to Dorian
  • Speak with Dorian

You need to be in high favor with Dorian before you can begin this quest. If you followed our walkthrough for the previous two Dorian-related quests, you should be very close to the proper level of favor if you’re not already there. As always, it’s important to select the heart-shaped responses during conversations with Dorian to get closer to an eventual relationship.

Once you have enough favor with Dorian, speak to him in Skyhold. He tells you about a keepsake he was once forced to sell. Speak with Leliana and eventually she’ll also mention this to you. With a rogue in your party, head to Val Royeaux to find the merchant Ponchard. Speak with him and you have two paths you can take. If you have a rogue in your party you can intimidate him to get what you want. If you don’t have a rogue in your party head back to Skyhold.

Go to the war room table and assign an advisor to the mission that allows Ponchard into the League de Celestine to get everything you need to complete the quest and romance Dorian. Speak with Dorian again for additional romantic ventures.

Return to the Dragon Age: Inquisition Walkthrough.


Get amazingly detailed maps with all collectables labled plus how to influence character relationships in this 350+ page, 100% complete, official strategy guide.

Plus, the Collector’s Edition guide includes the following 3 digital in-game items – Mount, Ring, and Multiplayer Chest! Get your copy today!


Prima Games is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Steam’s Family Sharing Feature Just Got Even Better
Steam Family Featured
Read Article The Pokemon Company Just Revealed the Most Adorable Pokemon Cards Yet
Image of Hisuian Growlithe Pokemon Card.
Read Article This Final Fantasy 7 Abomination is the Creepiest Dragon’s Dogma 2 Character Creation
Screenshot of Cloud in Final Fantasy 7.
Related Content
Read Article Steam’s Family Sharing Feature Just Got Even Better
Steam Family Featured
Read Article The Pokemon Company Just Revealed the Most Adorable Pokemon Cards Yet
Image of Hisuian Growlithe Pokemon Card.
Read Article This Final Fantasy 7 Abomination is the Creepiest Dragon’s Dogma 2 Character Creation
Screenshot of Cloud in Final Fantasy 7.
Author
Bryan Dawson
Bryan Dawson has an extensive background in the gaming industry, having worked as a journalist for various publications for nearly 20 years and participating in a multitude of competitive fighting game events. He has authored over a dozen strategy guides for Prima Games, worked as a consultant on numerous gaming-related TV and web shows and was the Operations Manager for the fighting game division of the IGN Pro League.