Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Complete Walkthrough for “Spirit of the Dalish” Side Quest

Key Takeaways

1. Essential Preparation: Completing “Unfamiliar Sense” and bringing Bellara for enhanced approval can make this quest easier.
2. Precise Memento Locations: Discover the five Dalish mementos in Arlathan Forest, including encounters and hidden pathways.
3. Final Ritual Completion: Use special abilities to perform the Rite and complete the quest, unlocking key lore and rewards.

The “Spirit of the Dalish” is a compelling side quest in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, requiring players to explore the depths of Arlathan Forest and put the spirits of the Dalish clan to rest. This guide offers a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the quest to ensure you don’t miss any hidden items or storyline elements. Here’s how to complete this immersive side quest and uncover the fate of the Dalish elves in this haunting forest setting.

Preparation for “Spirit of the Dalish” Quest

Before embarking on this quest, it’s recommended to:

• Complete Harding’s Companion Quest, “Unfamiliar Sense”: This grants you the ability to move stones, a skill you’ll need during this side quest.
• Bring Bellara: If you’re pursuing a romance with Bellara, her presence during this mission will earn you additional approval.

Once you’re prepared, head to the Arlathan Forest area and locate the broken-down ship where the spirit of a female Dalish elf awaits.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Five Mementos

The primary objective of the quest is to locate five mementos scattered throughout Arlathan Forest. These items represent the memories of the Dalish elves, and collecting each memento allows you to proceed to the final rite.

Memento 1: The Wolf Statue Area

• Location: Near a large wolf statue, close to the broken-down ship.
• Instructions: Clear out the enemies in this area. Afterward, head to the ledge near the wolf statue to find the first memento next to a crushed corpse.

Memento 2: The Stony Grove

• Location: Near a group of statuettes that appear to be petrified people.
• Instructions: Look for mercenaries nearby, as they often guard this area. Climb up the ledge after dealing with the enemies, where you’ll find the second memento hidden among the stony figures.

Memento 3: The Rift by the Riverside

• Location: Near the river, beside a rift that will explode upon approaching.
• Instructions: Walk towards the rift, which will blast open, revealing a hidden cave. Inside, you’ll find the third memento lying on the cave floor.

Memento 4: The Shipwreck on the River

• Location: On a wrecked ship located mid-river.
• Instructions: Use Harding’s stone-moving skill to create a path across the river. Search the shipwreck to locate the fourth memento next to charred corpses.

Memento 5: The Broken Eluvian Mirror

• Location: Near a broken Eluvian mirror in the forest.
• Instructions: Find the Eluvian mirror, typically surrounded by ghostly white fog. The final memento rests beside the broken mirror, completing your collection.

Once you have gathered all five mementos, return to the elven spirit to advance to the next part of the quest.

Returning to the Spirit and Unlocking the Final Objective

After speaking with the spirit, head toward the dilapidated elven ruins located near the broken-down ship. Here, you’ll need to use Harding’s special ability to move a large rock blocking the entrance. Continue through the newly opened pathway until you reach an altar where the final steps of the quest will unfold.

Completing the Final Rite and Sealing the Spirits

With all five mementos collected, you’ll now have to perform a ritual to help put the spirit’s unrest to an end. Prepare for one last series of encounters as you near the altar.

Steps for Performing the Rite:

1. Combat Enemies: As you interact with the altar, waves of Shades and Sentinels will appear. Defeat them swiftly to proceed with the ritual.
2. Using Rook’s Eternal Hymn: Position Rook to activate the Resonant Slab and move it aside, allowing access to a hidden area.
3. Activating the Fade Portal: Once inside, locate a broken mechanism that can only be fixed with Bellara’s Tinker ability. Doing so will activate a Fade Portal above the Resonant Slab.
4. Entering the Portal: Climb up the newly accessible rocks and re-position the Resonant Slab to create a ledge that leads directly into the portal. Passing through this portal will finally conclude the ritual.

With the rite complete, the spirit can rest peacefully, and you’ll have successfully finished the “Spirit of the Dalish” quest. Alongside lore rewards, completing this quest unlocks new insights into the Dalish elves and their tragic tale within Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I need to complete “Unfamiliar Sense” before starting this quest?
Yes, completing “Unfamiliar Sense” provides you with the ability to move stones, which is necessary for certain parts of the “Spirit of the Dalish” quest.

Q2: Can I collect the mementos in any order?
Yes, while the guide provides a structured order, you’re free to collect the mementos in any sequence that suits your play style.

Q3: What abilities do Bellara and Rook bring to this quest?
Bellara’s Tinker ability is used to repair a mechanism, while Rook’s Eternal Hymn can move certain objects, both of which are essential for completing the final stages of the quest.

This guide covers all essential steps for completing “Spirit of the Dalish.” Following it will help you navigate through encounters, retrieve every memento, and successfully complete the rite, providing closure to the spirits of the Dalish in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.