Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Emmrich Quest Endings: Bring Manfred Back or Become a Lich

Key Takeaways:

1. Choose Wisely Between Power and Friendship: The choice to revive Manfred or embrace lichdom defines Emmrich’s character path immortality with power or life with a close companion.
2. Each Decision Unlocks Unique Abilities: Choosing to bring back Manfred or allowing Emmrich to become a lich offers distinct skill sets that impact gameplay style significantly.
3. Storyline Impact: Both choices lead to poignant story outcomes, but they will affect the emotional connection and the storyline depth in your adventure.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Emmrich Volkarin’s journey as a necromancer presents players with a heart-wrenching decision: should Emmrich pursue his ultimate dream of lichdom, or sacrifice it all to bring his undead companion, Manfred, back to life? This choice unfolds as Emmrich, with Rook’s guidance, stands at a crossroads in his quest, balancing ambition against loyalty. Each path has its own set of rewards and consequences, both emotionally and in terms of character development. Let’s dive into the specifics of each outcome to help you decide which fate suits Emmrich’s journey best.

Become a Lich: Will and Testament Quest Ending

In the path of lichdom, Emmrich embraces his long-desired goal, transforming himself into a being outside mortality. This choice to become a lich brings immense power but comes at a cost Manfred’s eternal rest. Rook, Emmrich’s trusted companion, encourages him to consider the magnitude of this decision. If players choose this route, Emmrich follows through with a ritual that forever changes him.

Upon completing the lich transformation, Emmrich gains the following abilities:

• Veilguard Skill – Death’s Caress: Emmrich’s abilities now inflict necrosis on enemies, increasing party affliction damage by 25%.
• Heroic Armor – Lich’s Vestige: This armor amplifies Emmrich’s damage output, giving him a 131% bonus on ability damage. It also triggers a powerful necrotic attack when detonating a sundered enemy.

Outcome and Storyline Impact

As a lich, Emmrich achieves immortality, transcending the boundaries of life and death. This transformation, though powerful, is bittersweet as Manfred, Emmrich’s loyal companion, remains gone forever. Emmrich reflects on the weight of this choice, acknowledging the moments he would have shared with Manfred but ultimately committing to his destiny as a guardian of the Veil.

Choosing lichdom allows Emmrich to wield considerable power, augmenting his necromancer skills and making him a formidable figure. This choice can appeal to players who prioritize gameplay advantages, as the necrotic damage bonuses and powerful skills can significantly boost the party’s effectiveness in battle.

Bring Manfred Back: Heir to the Dead Quest Ending

Alternatively, players can guide Emmrich to a path of sacrifice, relinquishing his chance at lichdom to revive his fallen friend. This route, though it denies him immortality, allows him to resurrect Manfred. In this outcome, Emmrich calls upon the Necropolis guardian spirits, Keepsake of Ages and Farsighted Curio, to assist in the ritual to bring Manfred back.

Upon Manfred’s revival, Emmrich forgoes lichdom, and the following abilities are unlocked:

• Veilguard Skill – Life’s Embrace: This skill boosts the party’s damage output by 50% when Emmrich’s health is low, giving an edge in tough battles.
• Heroic Armor – Graven’s Vestments: This armor causes detonation to deal 50% health damage while Emmrich is low on health. It also grants him brief invulnerability at low health levels.

Outcome and Storyline Impact

Choosing to revive Manfred gives players a more emotionally rich ending, where Emmrich, though mortal, gains a meaningful bond with his revived companion. Manfred, now imbued with magic, becomes Emmrich’s apprentice, donning a new overcoat symbolizing his role. The two return to the Lighthouse with Rook, where Emmrich shares moments of contentment, feeling at peace with his choice despite occasional reflections on what lichdom could have brought.

This choice is ideal for players who prefer a more narrative-driven path, valuing the emotional depth of the story over sheer power. It also adds a unique dynamic to the game, as Emmrich and Manfred navigate their roles in the Veilguard together, making this ending feel more intimate and fulfilling.

Choosing Between Bringing Manfred Back or Becoming a Lich

Each outcome provides distinct advantages, but the decision ultimately boils down to what resonates more with the player’s vision for Emmrich’s character. Should he achieve his life’s goal and wield the power of a lich, or should he cherish the companionship of Manfred, keeping him grounded in humanity?

1. Choosing to Become a Lich: This choice aligns with players focused on maximizing Emmrich’s offensive abilities. With boosted necrotic powers, Emmrich becomes a more efficient necromancer, offering substantial support in combat.
2. Choosing to Bring Manfred Back: This ending adds a layer of personal connection and enhances the storyline’s depth. Manfred’s return creates a mentor-apprentice relationship that brings warmth and camaraderie to the Veilguard, ideal for those who prefer a rich narrative arc.

Ultimately, both paths allow Emmrich to stay true to his principles, whether he ascends to a place of eternal power or chooses loyalty and companionship over personal gain.

FAQ

1. Can Emmrich become a lich without losing Manfred?

• No, the game sets a hard line on Emmrich’s choice. To become a lich, he must let Manfred rest permanently, while reviving Manfred means he can never achieve lichdom.

2. What are the gameplay benefits of each choice?

• If Emmrich becomes a lich, he gains skills focused on necrotic damage and enhancing party affliction damage. Reviving Manfred offers boosts related to low health, increasing damage output and giving brief invulnerability.

3. Does reviving Manfred affect Emmrich’s story in other ways?

• Yes, reviving Manfred leads to a new storyline where Emmrich takes on a mentor role. Manfred, as his apprentice, brings a warm, fulfilling dynamic to the story and adds layers to Emmrich’s character development.

4. What motivates Emmrich to pursue lichdom?

• Emmrich views lichdom as his life’s work and a way to transcend mortality. It’s an ambition he’s harboured for years, symbolizing his desire to master death itself.

5. How does the ending choice affect the overall story arc?

• Both choices culminate in a powerful ending, but the choice affects Emmrich’s character and the emotional tone of the story. Becoming a lich highlights ambition, while reviving Manfred emphasizes loyalty and friendship.

6. Can Emmrich still look human if he becomes a lich?

• Yes, Emmrich can maintain his human appearance through a glamour, allowing him to interact with others without looking visibly undead.

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Emmrich’s quest to become a lich or to resurrect Manfred offers players a nuanced, emotional choice. Whether you choose power and immortality or loyalty and friendship, Emmrich’s journey leaves a lasting impact, making your decision all the more meaningful.