Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Complete Walkthrough for the An Academic Interest Quest

Key Takeaways:

1. Complete the main quest Something Wrong in the Wetlands first, as it’s a prerequisite to unlock An Academic Interest.
2. Solve multiple crystal puzzles in Gaspin Manor to unlock new areas and progress toward the final boss, Consuming Obsession.
3. Strategically utilize your party’s abilities, especially Neve’s time-manipulating spells, to overcome tough battles and avoid AoE damage.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the side quest An Academic Interest offers a mix of intricate puzzles and a powerful final boss. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing it, from locating the quest to earning all rewards.

Quest Activation: Finding Bastian in Lavendel

To start the An Academic Interest quest, players need to complete the main quest Something Wrong in the Wetlands. Once completed, locate Bastian in the southern part of Lavendel. Bastian introduces the problem a curse afflicting the nearby village, which only your character can lift. Accepting the quest will guide you to Gaspin Manor, where Venatori forces and their dark magic are intensifying the curse.

How to Reach Gaspin Manor

Your first destination is the Hossberg Wetlands, specifically the Old Crossroads area. Follow the quest marker through the Cavernous Tunnels until you reach the Venatori-held location of Gaspin Manor. Here begins a series of puzzles centered around breaking crystals, each protected by magical barriers.

Crystal Puzzle #1: Entry Barrier

Upon arrival at Gaspin Manor, a Venatori barrier crystal blocks your way. Don’t engage directly with this crystal it’s shielded and will damage you. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Enter the small cave to the right, where you’ll find a vulnerable crystal.
2. Destroy this initial crystal to weaken nearby crystals.
3. Continue destroying crystals as they become exposed until the barrier drops, granting you entry to Gaspin Manor.

Gaspin Manor: First Room Crystal Puzzle

Inside the manor’s first room, you’ll encounter a large central crystal with three floating crystals around it. Deal with the Venatori enemies first, then solve the puzzle in the following order:

1. Activate the crystal on the leftmost side near the stairs.
2. Interact with the adjacent crystal to the right of the first one.
3. Finish by interacting with the crystal atop the central structure.

Tip: Don’t leave the floating crystals unattended, as they respawn and explode, dealing significant AoE (area of effect) damage.

Second Crystal Puzzle: The Hall Sequence

Moving forward, you’ll enter a hall with an invincible central crystal surrounded by more vulnerable ones. To break the barrier, destroy the crystals in this order:

1. Start with the crystal to the left of the stairs.
2. Next, break the crystal directly ahead.
3. Move to the right bridge and destroy the crystal there.
4. Finally, destroy the crystal along the path leading to the small bridge.

After completing this sequence, proceed to the courtyard filled with Venatori fighters.

Courtyard Crystal Puzzle

In the courtyard, clear out the Venatori warriors before attempting the puzzle. The courtyard crystals should be destroyed in the following order:

1. First, destroy the crystal to the left of the water fountain.
2. Next, break the crystal directly above the fountain.
3. Head up the stairs behind the fountain and destroy the crystal at the back.
4. Destroy the crystal in front of the previous one.
5. Finally, break the crystal at the base of the stairs.
6. Return to your starting position and destroy the last crystal on the right side of the fountain.

After the courtyard is clear, head to a small room beneath a platform. Destroy the crystal inside, then break the wooden obstacles on the right to reveal a blocked path you’ll need later.

The Path to the Final Boss: Consuming Obsession

Continue through the opened path, breaking crystals until you reach a small archway blocked by a blue barrier. Once you bypass it, prepare for the final battle with Consuming Obsession, a powerful boss that utilizes a variety of devastating attacks.

Final Boss Attacks and Strategies

• Lightning Strikes: The boss lifts its hand to call down multiple lightning strikes. Dodge swiftly to avoid heavy damage.
• Close-Range AoE: The boss releases an AoE attack if you get too close. Maintain a safe medium range.
• Ranged Magical Slashes: If you’re at a distance, the boss will fire magical slashes, which inflict significant damage.

Recommended Strategy: Bring Neve into your party. Her Blizzard or Time Slow spells will slow down the boss, giving you time to regroup, heal, or dodge critical attacks. Make use of the healing potions scattered around the cellar to sustain your health.

Once Consuming Obsession is defeated, gather any loot and read the note on the ground to gain additional lore.

Quest Completion and Rewards

After defeating the boss, return to Bastian in Lavendel to complete the quest and claim your rewards:

• 300 Gold
• 5 Fade-Touched Ore
• 100 Mourn Watch Strength
• 100 Grey Wardens Strength
• Improved bond with your party members

Successfully completing An Academic Interest grants valuable loot, bolsters faction strength, and enhances camaraderie with your team members.

Tips for Breaking Venatori Crystals

The Venatori crystals play a critical role in the quest, with each crystal offering a different effect when destroyed. Be cautious of AoE damage, and try to stay at a distance when breaking crystals. Many crystals emit red tendrils, which guide you along the right path. Follow the tendrils to stay on track and minimize confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I unlock the An Academic Interest quest?
A: First, complete the main quest Something Wrong in the Wetlands. Afterward, locate Bastian in Lavendel to unlock An Academic Interest.

Q: What’s the best party setup for this quest?
A: Bring Neve to cast Blizzard or Time Slow for managing crowds and boss fights. High AoE damage characters also help clear Venatori faster.

Q: How do I avoid crystal AoE explosions?
A: Destroy crystals from a distance or follow the red tendril path to break crystals in a specific sequence, minimizing exposure to explosions.

Q: What are the final rewards for An Academic Interest?
A: Rewards include 300 Gold, 5 Fade-Touched Ore, 100 Mourn Watch Strength, 100 Grey Wardens Strength, and improved bonds with your party members.