An area of Kirkwall that is derelict and destitute, Darktown is a den of iniquity, where only the most pitiable souls dwell. They say it is only a step up from the Elven Alienage, but at least the Alienage isn't polluted with chokedamp that covers the streets in a toxic fog.
Background[]
Undercity heraldry
Darktown was once a mine controlled by the Tevinter Imperium. Once exhausted, the mineshafts were extended under the city to dispose of sewage from Kirkwall's overcrowded population of slaves.
Unsurprisingly, the tunnels became a refuge for those fleeing captivity. A similar trend continues today. The "Undercity," as some call it, is home to the diseased, the insane, to criminals, and even the dead—unwanted corpses are often discarded here by murderers and lazy undertakers.
Darktown's slums makes Lowtown look pleasant in comparison. The foul miasma known as chokedamp clogs and swells in every corner of the Darktown, creating a poisonous mist. Its sewers are a dangerous place. The walls are damp, slick, and coated with phosphorescent lichen. The sewer is a maze, and one foolish enough to enter is not likely to be heard from again.
—From In Pursuit of Knowledge: The Travels of a Chantry Scholar, by Brother Genitivi
—From Codex entry: Kirkwall - DarktownBuilt in the underground and sewers of Kirkwall, many Fereldan refugees fled into Darktown in desperation, after finding the gates of Kirkwall firmly shut due to the overflow of refugees fleeing the Fifth Blight.
Darktown is a hive of crime, with many criminal bases there. This is due to the non-existence of guards in the sewers, due to either Darktown being an unrecognised district, or purely because it is considered a lost cause. The dwarven Carta had a strong presence in Darktown following their elimination in Orzammar during the Blight. Slavers also prowl Darktown, likely searching for easy prey too feeble to fight back.
Disease is also widespread in Darktown, and its afflicted denizens either depend on the kindness of learned strangers to heal them, or simply wait as the disease spreads, lacking the funds to buy medicine.
Places[]
Map of the area
Anders' Clinic- Sanctuary (Act 1)
- Darktown: Emeric's Investigation (Act 2)
- Brekker's Hideaway (Act 2)
- Forgotten Lair (Act 2)
- Sewer Passage (Act 3)
Quests[]
Act 1[]
- Enemies Among Us
- Wayward Son
- The Remains of Sister Plinth
- Redblossom Special
- Lyrium-Laced Bilge Hoop
- Grimoire of the Apprentice
Act 2[]
Act 3[]
Resources[]
Act 1[]
- Deathroot - on the south end of the map near the entrance to the sewers.
- Deathroot - in the Sanctuary during the quest Enemies Among Us, on the right, past the first group of shades.
Act 2[]
- Deathroot - next to the stairs in the bit before Anders's Clinic.
Act 3[]
- Deathroot - on the south end past the giant wheel.
Codex entries[]
Notes[]
- Anders will join Hawke, as an NPC ally, against all enemy confrontations that occur in Darktown if he is not in the active party; and will attempt to lure enemies towards his clinic.