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<!--- Several sentence lead section with bolded mention of '''article name'''. --->
  
 
'''Best Served Cold''' is an Act 3 [[Main quests (Dragon Age II)|main quest]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]''.
  
'''Best Served Cold''' is an Act 3 [[Main quests (Dragon Age II)|main quest]] in ''[[Dragon Age II]]''.
   
 
== Acquisition ==
  
== Acquisition ==
  ⚫
Best Served Cold is received via a [[Letter: Best Served Cold | letter]] from [[Orsino|First Enchanter Orsino]] after finding the three mages for Knight-Commander Meredith. If [[Hawke]] sided with the Templars at the beginning of Act 3, this quest will alternatively be received from Knight-Commander Meredith.
−
<!-- How you get the quest -->
  
  +
⚫
Best Served Cold is received via a [[Letter: Best Served Cold | letter]] from [[Orsino|First Enchanter Orsino]] after finding the three mages for Knight-Commander Meredith. If you sided with the Templars at the beginning of Act 3, this quest will alternatively be received from Knight-Commander Meredith.
  
  +
== Walkthrough ==
  ⚫
[[File:Hightown_meeting.jpg|thumb|220px|The midnight [[Hightown]] Meeting]]
  +
=== Templar Hall ===
  +
Go to the Gallows and then to the Templar Hall. Talk to Orsino or Meredith, depending on who sent the [[Letter: Best Served Cold|letter]].
  +
  +
When talking to Meredith, if you say "How does this involve me?" at the first conversation choice then you skip the second conversation choice, meaning you cannot investigate and find out why Meredith hates mages.
   
 
When accepting the quest from Orsino, choosing the Diplomatic options results in:
  
When accepting the quest from Orsino, choosing the Diplomatic options results in:
⚫
:{{Approval2|Aveline|+5}}
  
 
:{{Approval2|Anders|+10}}
  
:{{Approval2|Anders|+10}}
  ⚫
:{{Approval2|Aveline|+5}}
 
The aggressive options results in:
  
The aggressive options results in:
 
:{{Approval2|Anders|-10}}
  
:{{Approval2|Anders|-10}}
  ⚫
:{{Approval2|Aveline|-5}}
−
[[Category:Dragon Age II main quests]]
  
   
−
== Walkthrough ==
 +
=== Hightown ===
  ⚫
After Hawke gets the quest, go to [[Hightown]] at night and head to the Hightown estates neighborhood.
−
<!--- How do you do it. --->
  
⚫
[[File:Hightown_meeting.jpg|thumb|220px|The midnight [[Hightown]] Meeting]]
  
⚫
After you get the quest, go to [[Hightown]] at night and head to the Hightown estates neighborhood.
  
   
−
There, a battle will automatically begin when you enter the area near to where you need to be. You'll need to defeat a group of Templars and 5-6 Mages to beat them all. Afterwards loot the bodies to find a [[Codex entry: A Torn Note|note]] that will instruct you to head to the Docks (and an armor upgrade for [[Sebastian Vael|Sebastian]]).
+
There, a battle with a group of Templars and 5-6 Mages will automatically begin when the party enters the area near to where Hawke need to be. Afterwards, loot the bodies to find a [[Codex entry: A Torn Note|note]] that will instruct Hawke to head to the Docks (and an armor upgrade for [[Sebastian Vael|Sebastian]]).
 
[[File:Docks_meeting.jpg|thumb|220px|The meeting at the [[Docks]]]]
  
[[File:Docks_meeting.jpg|thumb|220px|The meeting at the [[Docks]]]]
⚫
Go to the Docks and follow the arrow to your destination. You may encounter one or several groups of Slave Hunters, otherwise head into the Warehouse. Once there open the door and you'll encounter another cut-scene before you have to battle another group of Templars and Mages. There are two standard traps (requiring 20 cunning to disarm) in the main room, one on the eastern side and one on the western side.
  
   
  ⚫
=== Docks ===
⚫
There is an armor upgrade for [[Anders]] in the Warehouse and a gift for [[Fenris]].
 
  +
Go to the Docks and follow the arrow to the destination.
   
  +
=== Secret Meeting Place ===
⚫
[[Keran]] may be here if he lived and is with the Templars; he will tell you that someone close to you has been kidnapped by the rebels and that they have been taken to a hideout on the Wounded Coast. At this point you have the choice of:
  
  ⚫
There will be another cut-scene before Hawke has to battle another group of Templars and Mages. There are two Standard-ranked traps (requiring 20 Cunning to disarm) in the main room, one on the eastern side and one on the western side.
⚫
*Letting Keran go:
  
−
:{{Approval2|Aveline|-10}}
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|+10}}
  
⚫
*Turning him in to the Knight-Commander:
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Merrill|-10}}
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Varric|-5}}
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Aveline|+5}}
  
−
*Killing him; if you have Merrill in your party and you choose to kill him, she'll disapprove, saying that he is not responsible:
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Merrill|-5}}
  
−
If Sebastian is in your party, he protests that Keran merely got in over his head, something that doesn't merit death. Choosing to kill him results in:
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|-10}}.
 
⚫
''Note: If it's your love interest that is supposed to be taken, Keran will describe them- however you will still be able to select them and go to the Wounded Coast.''
  
   
  +
There are at least two Templar Hunters and a Lieutenant alongside an Elite-ranked Enchanter in this fight.
⚫
Loot the area, there is a complex (30 cunning, 150xp) chest to the right of the entrance and the Blade of Mercy. Exit to the Docks and head to the Wounded Coast. Take the low path and head south towards the Ruins. Fight a small group of Templars and Mages on the way. A cut-scene will then occur where [[Samson]] will approach you; state the mages must be stopped:
  
   
  ⚫
There is an armor upgrade for [[Anders]] in the Warehouse and a [[Blade of Mercy (gift)|gift]] for [[Fenris]].
⚫
:{{Approval2|Anders|-10}}
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Merrill|-15}}
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Fenris|+10}}
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}
  
   
  ⚫
[[Keran]] will be here in templar plate regardless of the resolution of [[Enemies Among Us]]; he will tell Hawke that someone close to them has been kidnapped by the rebels and that they have been taken to a hideout on the Wounded Coast. At this point Hawke has the choice of:
⚫
After the scene continue down the path until you reach the main group of Templars/Mages. They are being led by the templar [[Thrask]], who will implore you to side with them against Meredith. Behind him, whoever was taken hostage will be lying on the ground, unconscious. Choosing the aggressive option when speaking to Grace nets:
  
  ⚫
* Letting Keran go:
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|-5}}
  
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Aveline|-10}}
−
Or the diplomatic response gives the following, if you speak in support of the mages:
  
−
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}
 +
** {{Approval2|Sebastian|+10}}
  ⚫
* Turning him in to the Knight-Commander:
⚫
:{{Approval2|Fenris|-10}}
  
−
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|-5}}
 +
** {{Approval2|Merrill|-10}}
−
:{{Approval2|Anders|+10}}
 +
** {{Approval2|Varric|-5}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Aveline|+10}}
  +
* Killing him:
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Merrill|-5}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Sebastian|-10}}
  ⚫
{{Note|If it's Hawke's love interest that is supposed to be taken, Keran will describe them. However they will still be able to be selected and taken to the Wounded Coast.}}
   
  +
If Hawke agrees with his views on Meredith, then he will automatically be allowed to leave.
⚫
Whether you sent her to the Circle, or let her go during the quest [[Act of Mercy]], one of Thrask's companions will be the apostate mage [[Grace]]; she will call for the hostage to be killed and then turn on Hawke, killing Thrask in the process. Note that choosing the aggressive option when speaking to Grace nets:
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|-5}}
  
−
Or the diplomatic response gives:
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}
  
⚫
During this battle, Grace herself is easily taken down, but becomes a Pride Abomination upon death. After the battle, Samson will return with [[Cullen]]. As with Keran earlier in this quest, you will have the opportunity to decide the fate of [[Alain]] and [[Samson]].
  
   
  +
Loot the area, there is a Complex-ranked chest (30 Cunning, 150xp) to the right of the entrance and the Blade of Mercy.
⚫
== Result ==
  
−
<!-- Final plot result of quest. Delete this heading if none. -->
  
   
  +
=== The Wounded Coast ===
⚫
After the fight talk to Cullen to decide the fate of the surrendering mages and rogue templars. Knight-Captain Cullen will permit Samson to become a Templar again if Hawke requests that he give him another chance. Hawke can also ask Cullen to be merciful to Alain and the other mages who are arrested.
  
  ⚫
Head to the Wounded Coast. Take the low path and head south towards the Ruins. Fight a small group of Templars and Mages on the way. A cut-scene will then occur where [[Samson]] will approach Hawke.
  +
* Hawke states that they want to help the Mages.
  +
** {{Approval2|Anders|+10}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Fenris|-10}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Merrill|+10}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Sebastian|-5}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Varric|+10}}
  +
* Hawke states that the mages must be stopped:
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Anders|-10}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Fenris|+10}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Merrill|-15}}
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}
   
  ⚫
After the scene continue down the path until the party reaches the main group of Templars/Mages. They are being led by the templar [[Thrask]], who will implore Hawke to side with them against Meredith. Behind him, whoever was taken hostage will be lying on the ground, unconscious.
⚫
Note: [[Mage Hunter and Arcane Defender]] Achievement:
  
⚫
This is your final chance to side with either the Templars or Mages. During your conversation with Cullen:
  
⚫
(Side with Templar) Say "Alain was working with Grace." and select "Give Samson another chance." Or Say "Kill them all". (Side with mage) Say merciful to Alain and others. The achievement will not pop up until you report back to either Meredith/Orsino to end the Quest (providing you have sided with the same faction 4 times previously).
  
   
  +
"Release your hostage!":
−
When you talk to Samson and defend the mages, you get:
  
−
:{{Approval2|Varric|+10}}
 +
* {{Approval2|Merrill|+5}}
  +
"I don't support Meredith.":
⚫
:{{Approval2|Merrill|+10}}
  
−
:{{Approval2|Fenris|-10}}
 +
* {{Approval2|Merrill|-5}}
  ⚫
Whether she was sent to the Circle, or let her go during the quest [[Act of Mercy]], [[Grace]] will call for the hostage to be killed and then turn on Hawke. When speaking to Grace:
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|-5}}
  
  +
* diplomatic response: :{{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}.
−
Or go against the mages for:
  
−
:{{Approval2|Fenris|+10}}
 +
* humorous aggressive response: {{Approval2|Sebastian|-5}}.
  +
⚫
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}
  
  +
Grace order Alain to kill the hostage; if you choose the diplomatic or humorous response then he will refuse to do it.
  +
  +
Grace kills Thrask and then attacks you.
  +
  ⚫
During this battle, Grace herself is easily taken down, but becomes a Pride Abomination upon death. After the battle, Samson will return with [[Cullen]]. As with Keran earlier in this quest, Hawke will have the opportunity to decide the fate of [[Alain]] and [[Samson]].
  +
  ⚫
After the fight, talk with Cullen to decide the fate of the surrendering mages and rogue templars. Cullen will permit Samson to become a Templar again if Hawke requests that he give him another chance. Hawke can also ask Cullen to be merciful to Alain and the other mages who are arrested.
  +
  ⚫
Note: [[Mage Hunter and Arcane Defender]] Achievement:
  ⚫
This is the final chance to side with either the Templars or Mages. During the conversation with Cullen:
  +
*(Side with the templars) Say "He's one of Grace's." and then either "Give Samson another chance." or "Kill them all".
  +
*(Side with the mages) Say "Don't hurt Alain." and "Be merciful."
  ⚫
The achievement will not pop up until Hawke reports back to either Meredith/Orsino to end the Quest, providing they have sided with the same faction 4 times previously.
   
  +
Cullen says to take Alain in for questioning.
−
When you speak in defense of the mages with Cullen:
  
  +
* "Don't hurt Alain.":
⚫
:{{Approval2|Aveline|+10}}
  
−
:{{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}
 +
** {{Approval2|Sebastian|+5}}.
  +
* "He's one of Grace's.":
−
If you tell Cullen Alain was working with Grace and to kill Alain:
  
−
:{{Approval2|Aveline|-10}}
 +
** {{Approval2|Aveline|-10}}.
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Merrill|-10}}.
 
{{Note|Cullen will make reference to his experience in Ferelden's Circle Tower.}}
  
{{Note|Cullen will make reference to his experience in Ferelden's Circle Tower.}}
⚫
If you tell Cullen to kill all the mages, he will kill Samson as well on the grounds that if he knew so much about the conspiracy he must be part of it. This option will net you
  
⚫
:{{Approval2|Varric|-10}}
  
   
  +
Cullen asks if you have any recommendation for him to bring to Meredith:
⚫
Once you return to the [[Gallows Courtyard]], you may speak to Cullen to discover how your recommendation decided the fate of the surviving conspirators.
  
  +
* "Be merciful." This would save the lives of the mages as Meredith will simply lock them in the Gallows while the templars involved in the conspiracy lose their pay instead.
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Aveline|+10}}.
  +
** {{Approval2|Merrill|+10}}.
  +
* "Give Samson another chance." Cullen says he will look into Samson rejoining the Templars:
  +
** {{Approval2|Aveline|+10}}.
  ⚫
* "Kill them all." Cullen will kill Samson as well on the grounds that if he knew so much about the conspiracy he must be part of it.
  +
** {{Approval2|Merrill|-15}}.
  ⚫
** {{Approval2|Varric|-10}}.
  +
** If Anders is in the party, surprisingly he says nothing at this.
   
  +
{{Note|If Hawke's romance partner was the hostage, and you had them join the party before coming to The Wounded Coast, then they leave the party now.}}
  +
  +
=== Gallows ===
  ⚫
On return to the [[Gallows Courtyard]], speaking to Cullen will discover how Hawke's recommendation decided the fate of the surviving conspirators, but this step is not required.
  +
  +
== Result ==
 
Return to Orsino/Meredith to complete the quest.
  
Return to Orsino/Meredith to complete the quest.
   
  +
* Talking to Orsino:
−
If you tell Meredith that she is paranoid:
  
  +
** If Hawke says that Meredith was not involved:
⚫
:{{Approval2|Aveline|+5}}
  
  ⚫
*** {{Approval2|Anders|-5}}
⚫
Or if you tell her that Orsino is blameless and name names:
  
  +
** If Hawke says that Meredith must be stopped:
⚫
:{{Approval2|Anders|-5}}
  
−
:{{Approval2|Aveline|-5}}
 +
*** {{Approval2|Anders|+5}}
  +
* Talking to Meredith:
⚫
{{Note|If you got this quest from Meredith, you can investigate at this point to learn some rather interesting things about her.}}
  
  +
** "You're paranoid.":
  ⚫
*** {{Approval2|Aveline|+5}}
  +
*** Meredith will not give Hawke the [[Hearth Shield]].
  +
** "I'll name names." (whether you said "Orsino is blameless." or not):
  ⚫
*** {{Approval2|Anders|-5}}
  ⚫
*** {{Approval2|Sebastian|-10}}
  +
*** Meredith gives Hawke the Hearth Shield.
  ⚫
** "Orsino is blameless", and "I'll name names.":
  +
*** {{Approval2|Aveline|-5}}
  +
*** Meredith gives Hawke the Hearth Shield.
  +
** "You must let this go."
  ⚫
*** {{Approval2|Anders|+5}}
   
  ⚫
{{Note|If Hawke got this quest from Meredith then they may be able to investigate at this point to learn some rather interesting things about her.}}
−
If you tell her that Orsino is blameless and that she must let it go, you receive the Hearth Shield.
  
   
−
Afterwards, if you return to Hawke's Estate, you will find a letter from either Meredith or Orsino that pertains to the quest [[The Last Straw]]. Note that once you read this letter from Meredith/Orsino, you can no longer return to the Gallows without triggering the endgame. Do not read the letter until you are certain that you no longer need anything else from the Gallows.
 +
Afterwards, if Hawke returns to their estate, they will find a letter from either Meredith or Orsino that pertains to the quest [[The Last Straw]]. Note that once this letter from Meredith/Orsino is read, Hawke can no longer return to the Gallows without triggering the endgame. To indefinitely postpone that and still be able to read messages at home, Hawke can finish the quest except for returning to the Gallows and thus no message will appear at home.
   
−
==Hostage==
 +
== Hostage ==
−
Bethany/Carver will be kidnapped if they are alive. It does not matter if they are with the Mages/Templars or the Grey Wardens.
 +
Bethany/Carver will be kidnapped if they are alive. It does not matter if they are with the Mages, Templars or the Grey Wardens.
   
−
If Bethany/Carver is dead, then your love interest will be kidnapped. However, they will only be taken if they are not in your party when you travel to the Wounded Coast.
 +
If Bethany/Carver is dead, then Hawke's love interest will be kidnapped. However, they will only be taken if they are not in their party when they travel to the Wounded Coast.
   
−
If Bethany/Carver is dead and your love interest is in your party (or you don't have one), the companion with the highest friendship score who is not in your party at the time will be kidnapped.
 +
If Bethany/Carver is dead, the love interest is in the party, or there is no love interest, the companion with the highest friendship score who is not in the party at the time will be kidnapped.
   
 
Sebastian cannot be taken as a hostage.
  
Sebastian cannot be taken as a hostage.
   
 
== Rewards ==
  
== Rewards ==
−
*{{:Hood of the Champion|style=iconmini}} (Mage) or{{clrl}}{{:Helm of the Champion (Rogue)|style=iconmini}} (Rogue) or{{clrl}}{{:Helm of the Champion (Warrior)|style=iconmini}} (Warrior){{clrl}} - looted from Grace
 +
* {{:Hood of the Champion|style=iconmini}} (Mage) or{{clrl}}{{:Helm of the Champion (Rogue)|style=iconmini}} (Rogue) or{{clrl}}{{:Helm of the Champion (Warrior)|style=iconmini}} (Warrior){{clrl}} - looted from Grace
−
*{{:The Tiger's Tail|style=iconmini}} - looted from Grace{{clrl}}
 +
* {{:The Tiger's Tail|style=iconmini}} - looted from Grace{{clrl}}
−
*{{:Protection of the Faith|style=iconmini}} (armor upgrade for [[Sebastian]] found at Hightown estate encounter){{clrl}}
 +
* {{:Protection of the Faith|style=iconmini}} (armor upgrade for [[Sebastian]] found at Hightown estate encounter){{clrl}}
−
*{{:Sigil of the Mage Underground|style=iconmini}} (armor upgrade for [[Anders]] found in the Dock's warehouse)
 +
* {{:Sigil of the Mage Underground|style=iconmini}} (armor upgrade for [[Anders]] found in the Dock's warehouse)
 
* [[Three Wolf Boon]] (found after the fight on one of the corpses in the Dock's warehouse)
  
* [[Three Wolf Boon]] (found after the fight on one of the corpses in the Dock's warehouse)
  ⚫
* {{:Blade of Mercy|style=iconmini}} (a gift for [[Fenris]])
−
{{clrl}}
  
⚫
*{{:Blade of Mercy|style=iconmini}} (a gift for [[Fenris]]){{clrl}}
  
 
* 1200 XP (quest completion)
  
* 1200 XP (quest completion)
−
*{{:Cumberland Circle Robes|style=iconmini}} from Orsino
 +
* {{:Cumberland Circle Robes|style=iconmini}} from Orsino
 
or
  
or
−
*{{:Hearth Shield|style=iconmini}} from Meredith
 +
* {{:Hearth Shield|style=iconmini}} from Meredith (only if you didn't call her mad or paranoid at the end of the quest)
−  
−
{{Note|You must either agree to name names or tell Meredith she must let the matter go. If you tell her she is mad she will not grant you the Hearth Shield.}}
  
   
 
== Bugs ==
  
== Bugs ==
−
*When encountering the mages in Hightown (night) the corpse you are supposed to loot might disappear. Loading an earlier save is the only way to proceed with this quest.
 +
* When encountering the mages in Hightown (night) the corpse that is supposed to be looted might disappear. Loading an earlier save is the only way to proceed with this quest.
−
*After encountering the mages in the warehouse at the Docks (night), return to Hawke's estate and leave. Even if Isabela is kidnapped, you will still be able to select her for your party. If you bring her to the Wounded Coast, this leads to an amusing scene where there are two Isabelas. One unconscious on the ground and the other fighting.
 +
* After encountering the mages in the warehouse at the Docks (night), return to Hawke's estate and leave. Even if Isabela or Fenris were kidnapped, Hawke will still be able to select them for the party. If Hawke brings them to the Wounded Coast, this leads to an amusing scene where there are two Fenrises or Isabelas: one unconscious on the ground and the other fighting.
  ⚫
* If Bethany or Carver joined the Grey Wardens and is kidnapped, she/he may appear wearing their Circle outfit/Templar outfit instead of their Warden Uniform. This is a graphic-only effect and does not affect/change game decisions (Confirmed on all consoles).
−
*If Anders is kidnapped, you may still be able to use him in your party.
  
  ⚫
* If Keran was forced out of the Templars at the end of [[Enemies Among Us]], he will still be one of the Templar Conspirators. The dialogue will be the same regardless of the earlier decision.
⚫
*If Bethany or Carver joined the Grey Wardens and is kidnapped, she/he may appear wearing their Circle outfit/Templar outfit instead of their Warden Uniform. Graphic based only, does not affect/change game decisions (Confirmed on all consoles).
  
⚫
*If Keran was forced out of the Templars at the end of Enemies Within, he will still be one of the Templar Conspirators. The dialogue will be the same regardless of the earlier decision.
  
 
** On {{platforms|pc}} 1.03, this is not the case; Keran states he cannot stand by idly in good conscience despite having been discharged.
  
** On {{platforms|pc}} 1.03, this is not the case; Keran states he cannot stand by idly in good conscience despite having been discharged.
  +
** If completing the quest for Meredith, if Hawke names names, they will refer to Keran as a templar, even if he was dismissed from the Order. If completing the quest for Orsino and he was allowed to leave, however, a dismissed Keran will stand outside the Hanged Man for the rest of the game wearing leather hides, stating he is glad to not be part of the order right now.
−
*If Samson is made a Templar again, he will still appear in Lowtown(night) begging.
 +
* If Samson is made a Templar again, he will still appear in Lowtown(night) begging.
−
*If Death Syphon is active, it is possible that Grace's corpse will disappear and therefore not be able to be looted.
 +
* If Death Syphon is active, it is possible that Grace's corpse will disappear and therefore not be able to be looted.
  +
* When exiting the warehouse, the marker on the door says "Lowtown" but in fact exits to the docks where Hawke entered.
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
  ⚫
* The name of the quest takes its name from the common expression dating from at least "Don Quixote" <ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=ogm0c8mYtQUC&pg=PT576#v=onepage&q&f=false A Dictionary of Proverbs]</ref> that "revenge is a dish best served cold".
−  
  +
* If Hawke chooses not to side with either Meredith or Orsino in the beginning of Act 3, it appears that the quest is given based on how a character responds to Meredith at the end of On The Loose. (Confirmed for Xbox 360)
⚫
* The name of the quest takes its name from the common expression dating from at least "Don Quixote" [http://books.google.com/books?id=ogm0c8mYtQUC&pg=PT576#v=onepage&q&f=false] that revenge is best served cold.
  
  +
* Cullen will kill Samson if told to kill all the Mages. However, there is no option for this in the Dragon Age Keep. Thus, regardless of this choice in Dragon Age II, Samson will always be alive in Dragon Age Inquisition.
   
 
== Gallery ==
  
== Gallery ==
  ⚫
<gallery>
−  
⚫
<gallery widths="170">
  
 
BSC 1.jpg|[[Samson]] arrives with Knight-Captain [[Cullen]] and other templars at the [[Wounded Coast]]
  
BSC 1.jpg|[[Samson]] arrives with Knight-Captain [[Cullen]] and other templars at the [[Wounded Coast]]
 
BSC 2.jpg
  
BSC 2.jpg
 
</gallery>
  
</gallery>
  +
  +
== References ==
  +
<references />
 
[[Category:Dragon Age II main quests]]
  
[[Category:Dragon Age II main quests]]

Revision as of 04:24, 16 June 2020

Best Served Cold is an Act 3 main quest in Dragon Age II.

Acquisition

Best Served Cold is received via a letter from First Enchanter Orsino after finding the three mages for Knight-Commander Meredith. If Hawke sided with the Templars at the beginning of Act 3, this quest will alternatively be received from Knight-Commander Meredith.

Walkthrough

Hightown meeting

The midnight Hightown Meeting

Templar Hall

Go to the Gallows and then to the Templar Hall. Talk to Orsino or Meredith, depending on who sent the letter.

When talking to Meredith, if you say "How does this involve me?" at the first conversation choice then you skip the second conversation choice, meaning you cannot investigate and find out why Meredith hates mages.

When accepting the quest from Orsino, choosing the Diplomatic options results in:

Friendship Anders: friendship (+10)
Friendship Aveline: friendship (+5)

The aggressive options results in:

Rivalry Anders: rivalry (+10)
Rivalry Aveline: rivalry (+5)

Hightown

After Hawke gets the quest, go to Hightown at night and head to the Hightown estates neighborhood.

There, a battle with a group of Templars and 5-6 Mages will automatically begin when the party enters the area near to where Hawke need to be. Afterwards, loot the bodies to find a note that will instruct Hawke to head to the Docks (and an armor upgrade for Sebastian).

Docks meeting

The meeting at the Docks

Docks

Go to the Docks and follow the arrow to the destination.

Secret Meeting Place

There will be another cut-scene before Hawke has to battle another group of Templars and Mages. There are two Standard-ranked traps (requiring 20 Cunning to disarm) in the main room, one on the eastern side and one on the western side.

There are at least two Templar Hunters and a Lieutenant alongside an Elite-ranked Enchanter in this fight.

There is an armor upgrade for Anders in the Warehouse and a gift for Fenris.

Keran will be here in templar plate regardless of the resolution of Enemies Among Us; he will tell Hawke that someone close to them has been kidnapped by the rebels and that they have been taken to a hideout on the Wounded Coast. At this point Hawke has the choice of:

  • Letting Keran go:
    • Rivalry Aveline: rivalry (+10)
    • Friendship Sebastian: friendship (+10)
  • Turning him in to the Knight-Commander:
    • Rivalry Merrill: rivalry (+10)
    • Rivalry Varric: rivalry (+5)
    • Friendship Aveline: friendship (+10)
  • Killing him:
    • Rivalry Merrill: rivalry (+5)
    • Rivalry Sebastian: rivalry (+10)
Note: If it's Hawke's love interest that is supposed to be taken, Keran will describe them. However they will still be able to be selected and taken to the Wounded Coast.

If Hawke agrees with his views on Meredith, then he will automatically be allowed to leave.

Loot the area, there is a Complex-ranked chest (30 Cunning, 150xp) to the right of the entrance and the Blade of Mercy.

The Wounded Coast

Head to the Wounded Coast. Take the low path and head south towards the Ruins. Fight a small group of Templars and Mages on the way. A cut-scene will then occur where Samson will approach Hawke.

  • Hawke states that they want to help the Mages.
    • Friendship Anders: friendship (+10)
    • Rivalry Fenris: rivalry (+10)
    • Friendship Merrill: friendship (+10)
    • Rivalry Sebastian: rivalry (+5)
    • Friendship Varric: friendship (+10)
  • Hawke states that the mages must be stopped:
    • Rivalry Anders: rivalry (+10)
    • Friendship Fenris: friendship (+10)
    • Rivalry Merrill: rivalry (+15)
    • Friendship Sebastian: friendship (+5)

After the scene continue down the path until the party reaches the main group of Templars/Mages. They are being led by the templar Thrask, who will implore Hawke to side with them against Meredith. Behind him, whoever was taken hostage will be lying on the ground, unconscious.

"Release your hostage!":

  • Friendship Merrill: friendship (+5)

"I don't support Meredith.":

  • Rivalry Merrill: rivalry (+5)

Whether she was sent to the Circle, or let her go during the quest Act of Mercy, Grace will call for the hostage to be killed and then turn on Hawke. When speaking to Grace:

  • diplomatic response: :Friendship Sebastian: friendship (+5).
  • humorous aggressive response: Rivalry Sebastian: rivalry (+5).

Grace order Alain to kill the hostage; if you choose the diplomatic or humorous response then he will refuse to do it.

Grace kills Thrask and then attacks you.

During this battle, Grace herself is easily taken down, but becomes a Pride Abomination upon death. After the battle, Samson will return with Cullen. As with Keran earlier in this quest, Hawke will have the opportunity to decide the fate of Alain and Samson.

After the fight, talk with Cullen to decide the fate of the surrendering mages and rogue templars. Cullen will permit Samson to become a Templar again if Hawke requests that he give him another chance. Hawke can also ask Cullen to be merciful to Alain and the other mages who are arrested.

Note: Mage Hunter and Arcane Defender Achievement: This is the final chance to side with either the Templars or Mages. During the conversation with Cullen:

  • (Side with the templars) Say "He's one of Grace's." and then either "Give Samson another chance." or "Kill them all".
  • (Side with the mages) Say "Don't hurt Alain." and "Be merciful."

The achievement will not pop up until Hawke reports back to either Meredith/Orsino to end the Quest, providing they have sided with the same faction 4 times previously.

Cullen says to take Alain in for questioning.

  • "Don't hurt Alain.":
    • Friendship Sebastian: friendship (+5).
  • "He's one of Grace's.":
    • Rivalry Aveline: rivalry (+10).
    • Rivalry Merrill: rivalry (+10).
Note: Cullen will make reference to his experience in Ferelden's Circle Tower.

Cullen asks if you have any recommendation for him to bring to Meredith:

  • "Be merciful." This would save the lives of the mages as Meredith will simply lock them in the Gallows while the templars involved in the conspiracy lose their pay instead.
    • Friendship Aveline: friendship (+10).
    • Friendship Merrill: friendship (+10).
  • "Give Samson another chance." Cullen says he will look into Samson rejoining the Templars:
    • Friendship Aveline: friendship (+10).
  • "Kill them all." Cullen will kill Samson as well on the grounds that if he knew so much about the conspiracy he must be part of it.
    • Rivalry Merrill: rivalry (+15).
    • Rivalry Varric: rivalry (+10).
    • If Anders is in the party, surprisingly he says nothing at this.
Note: If Hawke's romance partner was the hostage, and you had them join the party before coming to The Wounded Coast, then they leave the party now.

Gallows

On return to the Gallows Courtyard, speaking to Cullen will discover how Hawke's recommendation decided the fate of the surviving conspirators, but this step is not required.

Result

Return to Orsino/Meredith to complete the quest.

  • Talking to Orsino:
    • If Hawke says that Meredith was not involved:
      • Rivalry Anders: rivalry (+5)
    • If Hawke says that Meredith must be stopped:
      • Friendship Anders: friendship (+5)
  • Talking to Meredith:
    • "You're paranoid.":
      • Friendship Aveline: friendship (+5)
      • Meredith will not give Hawke the Hearth Shield.
    • "I'll name names." (whether you said "Orsino is blameless." or not):
      • Rivalry Anders: rivalry (+5)
      • Rivalry Sebastian: rivalry (+10)
      • Meredith gives Hawke the Hearth Shield.
    • "Orsino is blameless", and "I'll name names.":
      • Rivalry Aveline: rivalry (+5)
      • Meredith gives Hawke the Hearth Shield.
    • "You must let this go."
      • Friendship Anders: friendship (+5)
Note: If Hawke got this quest from Meredith then they may be able to investigate at this point to learn some rather interesting things about her.

Afterwards, if Hawke returns to their estate, they will find a letter from either Meredith or Orsino that pertains to the quest The Last Straw. Note that once this letter from Meredith/Orsino is read, Hawke can no longer return to the Gallows without triggering the endgame. To indefinitely postpone that and still be able to read messages at home, Hawke can finish the quest except for returning to the Gallows and thus no message will appear at home.

Hostage

Bethany/Carver will be kidnapped if they are alive. It does not matter if they are with the Mages, Templars or the Grey Wardens.

If Bethany/Carver is dead, then Hawke's love interest will be kidnapped. However, they will only be taken if they are not in their party when they travel to the Wounded Coast.

If Bethany/Carver is dead, the love interest is in the party, or there is no love interest, the companion with the highest friendship score who is not in the party at the time will be kidnapped.

Sebastian cannot be taken as a hostage.

Rewards

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(a gift for Fenris)

or

  • Hearth Shield Hearth Shield from Meredith (only if you didn't call her mad or paranoid at the end of the quest)

Bugs

  • When encountering the mages in Hightown (night) the corpse that is supposed to be looted might disappear. Loading an earlier save is the only way to proceed with this quest.
  • After encountering the mages in the warehouse at the Docks (night), return to Hawke's estate and leave. Even if Isabela or Fenris were kidnapped, Hawke will still be able to select them for the party. If Hawke brings them to the Wounded Coast, this leads to an amusing scene where there are two Fenrises or Isabelas: one unconscious on the ground and the other fighting.
  • If Bethany or Carver joined the Grey Wardens and is kidnapped, she/he may appear wearing their Circle outfit/Templar outfit instead of their Warden Uniform. This is a graphic-only effect and does not affect/change game decisions (Confirmed on all consoles).
  • If Keran was forced out of the Templars at the end of Enemies Among Us, he will still be one of the Templar Conspirators. The dialogue will be the same regardless of the earlier decision.
    • On pcpc 1.03, this is not the case; Keran states he cannot stand by idly in good conscience despite having been discharged.
    • If completing the quest for Meredith, if Hawke names names, they will refer to Keran as a templar, even if he was dismissed from the Order. If completing the quest for Orsino and he was allowed to leave, however, a dismissed Keran will stand outside the Hanged Man for the rest of the game wearing leather hides, stating he is glad to not be part of the order right now.
  • If Samson is made a Templar again, he will still appear in Lowtown(night) begging.
  • If Death Syphon is active, it is possible that Grace's corpse will disappear and therefore not be able to be looted.
  • When exiting the warehouse, the marker on the door says "Lowtown" but in fact exits to the docks where Hawke entered.

Notes

  • The name of the quest takes its name from the common expression dating from at least "Don Quixote" [1] that "revenge is a dish best served cold".
  • If Hawke chooses not to side with either Meredith or Orsino in the beginning of Act 3, it appears that the quest is given based on how a character responds to Meredith at the end of On The Loose. (Confirmed for Xbox 360)
  • Cullen will kill Samson if told to kill all the Mages. However, there is no option for this in the Dragon Age Keep. Thus, regardless of this choice in Dragon Age II, Samson will always be alive in Dragon Age Inquisition.

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ A Dictionary of Proverbs
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