Joining the Grey Wardens

Joining the Grey Wardens is the first quest of the post-origins story and will be given by Duncan on arrival in Ostagar.

Background
After arriving in Ostagar, Duncan informs you that, in order to become a Grey Warden, it is necessary to go through a Joining ritual. As a first step, he wants you to find Alistair, another Grey Warden, somewhere in Ostagar and return to Duncan at his fire near the gate leading to the Korcari Wilds.

To watch the video on "Joining the Grey Wardens" click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQtin6a6sNU

To also watch the video on "Tainted Blood" click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOS_OYtzM8I

Explore Ostagar
There are a number of things to do in Ostagar.
 * The Hungry Deserter: This quest can be done either before or after joining up with Alistair, but if you do it after then you have an opportunity to affect Alistair's approval (see side quest article for details).
 * The Mabari Hound: If you are not a human noble, talk to the Kennel Master to start this side quest.
 * Codex: There are a number of codex entries to collect, including:
 * Speak to the Tranquil mage to obtain Codex Entry: The Tranquil. He'll also talk to you about crafting and augmenting weapons.
 * Speak to the Ash Warrior Leader to obtain Codex Entry: The Legend of Luthias Dwarfson
 * Speak to Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir to obtain Codex Entry: King Maric Theirin
 * You also have the chance to meet a particular mage here who will be very familiar later...
 * You can also meet the other Grey Warden recruits here: Daveth and Jory. Daveth has been spying and knows a bit about the mission ahead.  Jory isn't thrilled about having to fight as it caused him to have to leave his wife back home.
 * After first seeing him talking to the Ash Warrior Leader, you can track down Pick the Elven Messenger and, if you are persuasive enough, convince him to give you Ser Garlen's Sword. Pick moves around, but will first head to Loghain's tent.
 * Trade with the Quartermaster to clear your inventory and purchase your first Backpack.

Find Alistair

 * Locate Alistair in the northeast area, speaking with a mage.
 * After he has joined your party, you can ask Alistair about various topics, such as the Grey Wardens, the Blight, the coming battle and Duncan. You can gain some approval by being complimentary about Duncan.

Return to Duncan

 * After Alistair has joined you and you have done enough exploring in Ostagar, head south to the fire to meet with Duncan.
 * If you haven't yet met Daveth or Jory, Alistair will now introduce them.

Result

 * You receive ~100 XP when you locate Alistair.
 * When you return to Duncan, you receive two new quests, Tainted Blood and The Grey Wardens' Cache - you will now be heading to the Korcari Wilds.