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The Descent is the main quest in the The Descent DLC for Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Earthquakes in the Deep Roads are threatening to collapse lyrium mines and cut off supply of the essential mineral to the surface.

Acquisition

Complete Disaster in the Deep Roads by traveling to the Storm Coast Fissure.

Objectives

Walkthrough

Storm Coast Fissure

After speaking with Lead Scout Harding, take the elevator down into the Fissure proper, where the Inquisitor will be greeted by Shaper Valta, whom can be questioned about the situation. After this Valta will join the party as a Temporary Companion. Head north through the fissure, claiming the Landmark on the left along the way. At the entrance to the Deep Roads, the quest A Warm Welcome will activate as an Ogre alpha charges the party. See that quest guide for details.

After the Ogre Alpha has been dealt with, loot the remains and head into the Deep Roads then take a right to find the Legion of the Dead regiment. Renn and the Legionnaires will assist the party in this battle. The Inquisitor must defend the seal for the tunnel from the horde of encroaching Darkspawn until the seal gauge is filled. The first wave of Darkspawn consist of 4 Genlocks which will attack at melee range, a Hurlock which uses sword and shield and two Hurlock archers. Throughout this battle area of effect attacks, particularly Mark of the Rift can be useful to regain control of the field if the darkspawn are about to overrun the defenders. Darkspawn will continue to spawn from a side tunnel on the left and the main tunnel seal entrance. Bringing a mage or two with Barrier will be a great help here both for keeping the party alive but also the legionnaires which help even the number of combatants and divide the darkspawn's attention. Pull of the Abyss can also be useful here for helping keep the darkspawn in a vulernable position.

The Descent Quest Image 1

Detonating the lyrium charges

Once the seal gauge gets to about 40%, additional Hurlocks and Hurloch archers will approach from the back right of the tunnel. At about 50-60% a Hurlock alpha will approach from the main seal entrance. Make the Hurlock Alpha a priority target and focus your attacks on it until it falls, as it will otherwise swiftly knock down most of the party. A second Hurlock Alpha will follow not long after. Once they are slain, this should bring the seal gauge to 100%. Activate both of the Lyrium charges by the door to seal the tunnel. After this withdraw to the main chamber and take cover, picking up any loot the darkspawn dropped on the way out as this sub-tunnel will be blocked off by the explosion afterwards. Establish the camp using the marker in the north east section of the chamber to advance.

After speaking with Renn and Valta, Renn will join as a temporary companion. Various crafting facilities are now available at this camp as well as the Expedition table. Once everything has been taken from the area, head through the north-west door and take the elevator down to continue the quest.

Darkspawn Warrens

From the elevator, head through the corridor out onto the main road, a trio of Shrieks and two hurlock archers will attack from the north. Shrieks can use stealth to ambush companions and attack extremely quickly so be wary. Abilities such as War Cry can be useful for keeping Shrieks focused on heavily armoured characters who withstand the damage. After disposing of the darkspawn, open the barrier door at the end of the hall and advance into down the corridor. The Rune-Warded Gate at the bottom of the stairs blocks the way forward and several of the gears for the mechanism are missing and so must be recovered. Fortunately the gear is conveniently placed just to the right of the gate. Attach the gear and open the gate.

Continue down the hallway to reach a chamber with a large statue of a Paragon in the center. A Hurlock waits with its back to the door while two hurlock archers, another hurlock and a hurlock alpha patrol the opposite side of the chamber. The hurlock by the entrance can be easily ambushed and disposed of quickly. After this, diverting the hurlock alpha and melee hurlock with one companion while disposing of the archers before regrouping to dispose of the last two darkspawn can help secure the chamber quickly and easily.

Continue past the cave in and take the door on the left to reach a large stairwell guarded by a pair of Genlock Alpha. Genlock Alpha rely on their large tower shields for both defense and attack, using a knockback to stun and damage the party while also using throwing axes to attack from afar. Fighting both Alphas at once can be challenging, so luring one Alpha away using War Cry can help mitigate this. Using one companion to draw the Genlock Alpha's attention, while the other companions attack from behind can be an effective way to by-pass the shield. After securing the stairwell, advance through the far door.

The Descent Quest Image 2

The Dead Legionnaires

Five Corrupted spiders will emerge from the shadows and attack from around the corner. Use the same tactics for them as with usual spider enemies. Through the door at the end of corridor, is the entrance to a large balconey which overlooks Heidrun Thaig. The open area allows for ease of movement however there are also a considerable number of darkspawn here. An Ogre will attack from the center of the platform while two Hurlock Archers will attack from range on the right side of the platform. The ogre can be dealt with using the same tactics as the Ogre Alpha from earlier, however it has less health and defense.

After the battle begins, Genlocks will continually join the battle from the north eastern exit until the Ogre falls, so be aware of darkspawn re-enforcements.

Once the platform is secure, examine the corpses of the dead Legionnaires and then head along the north-east walkway to find the elevator down into Heidrun Thaig. There is a Supply Cache by the elevator to restock potions.

Note: It may not be possible to examine the corpses, activating the expedition near the balconey edge and triggering the dialogue between Renn and Valta should fix this.

Ruins of Heidrun Thaig

Another Supply Cache can be found at the far end of the walkway directly north of where the elevator disembarks. Head directly ahead and take the door on the right to enter an auditorium. Upon entry, several Corpses and corpse archers will rise out of the water to attack. Once the corpses are disposed of, take the center hallway to access the nearby cavern. Take the left cave to come around on the opposite side of the Auditorium. A trio of Hurlock warriors and a Hurlock archer are on guard at the cavern mouth. After this, climb down the slope and continue straight ahead to reach a second auditorium. Four Shrieks and an Emissary are occupying the auditorium. The same tactics will work for the shrieks, however a large amount of rubble clutters this auditorium which can make maneuvering difficult. Luring the darkspawn to the entrance can help make this fight easier. Dispose of the emissary first to prevent it from casting barrier to support the shrieks. Head straight ahead and follow the road forward, taking the collapsed path down to the far end and turning right. Four Hurlock Archers are lurking at the doorway on the far left. Advance close to them quickly to eliminate their advantage of range. Once they're dealt with, prepare to head through the door behind them. Several scorched ancient gears are needed to open door however do not open the door until the whole party is at full health and are properly equipped for an extremely lengthy battle, because beyond the next door lies the main darkspawn nest.

Forgotten Caverns

Bastion of the Pure

The Wellspring

Rewards

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