Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Harding’s Journey and The Waiting Stone Quest Walkthrough

Key Takeaways:

1. Harding’s Transformation: Dive into Harding’s evolving powers, her quest for understanding, and her critical role in uniting new team members.
2. Kal-Sharok Exploration: Discover hidden treasures, navigate the Deep Roads, and master unique mechanics like Harding’s Stone Song ability.
3. Overcoming Challenges: Learn strategies for defeating darkspawn hordes, dismantling blight barriers, and conquering the Wrath of Stone boss.

Unravelling Harding’s Powers and Her Quest for Answers

In Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Harding embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with newfound powers that connect her to the mysterious Stone. As she seeks allies for her team, her personal mission centers on uncovering the meaning behind these abilities. The quest titled “The Waiting Stone” is a pivotal moment in Harding’s story, taking her deep into the ancient thaig of Kal-Sharok.

Introduction to Kal-Sharok: A Hidden World Beneath the Surface

Kal-Sharok, a forgotten dwarven thaig, extends a rare invitation to Harding, acknowledging her unique connection to the Stone. This opens the second major chapter in her companion questline. The journey begins on the Deep Roads destination of the world map, plunging players into an underground maze filled with treasures, battles, and mysteries.

Navigating Kal-Sharok: Treasure Troves and Challenges

While Kal-Sharok’s path is mostly linear, thorough exploration rewards you with Mementos, unique items, and valuable gear. Let’s break down each segment of your adventure.

1. Descent into the Ancient Mineshaft

The journey starts in the Ancient Mineshaft. Here, you’ll encounter deepstalkers led by a Frenzied Deepstalker Pack-Leader. After defeating them, check the chest they drop for a rare rune. As you approach the elevator, look for opportunities to use Harding’s Stone Song ability to access hidden treasures.

• Pro Tip: Use the ladder on the western platform to locate a Timelost Hoard chest with a unique item.

2. The Kal-Sharok Outpost

After the elevator ride, the Kal-Sharok Outpost awaits. More deepstalkers lurk outside the gates, but instead of rushing inside, explore a balcony east of the doors. Harding’s Stone Song creates a platform leading to a large chest. Inside the thaig, follow Stalgard, your guide, while keeping an eye out for Mementos.

• Hidden Mementos:
  • Past the main door, turn right to find one near a cot.
  • Climb the stairs to discover another Memento between tents.

The Waiting Stone: Unveiling the Blighted Door

The heart of the quest lies in Halde Vaskar, a Reclamation Site crawling with darkspawn. Stalgard guides you to a massive, blight-covered door. Your task is to locate and destroy the blight boils fueling its growth.

3. Clearing the Blight Barriers

The blight is spread across two paths: left and right. Each path leads to a blight tower that must be destroyed. Let’s tackle them one by one:

Left Route:

• Destroy a blight boil on the southwest wall.
• Use Stone Song to move a block and expose a second boil.
• Extend another block to jump across sluices and destroy the first tower.

Right Route:

• Two boils hide behind wooden barricades on the west and east walls.
• A third boil blocks a Stone Song-activated block leading to crane platforms and the second tower.
• Combat Tip: Each tower is guarded by darkspawn, including ghouls, Hurlock Blighters, and a Frenzied Ogre. Focus on the boils and prioritize enemies as needed.

Facing the Wrath of Stone: A Boss Battle Guide

After dismantling both towers, return to the now-cleared door to proceed. Inside, you’ll encounter the Wrath of Stone, a formidable boss that challenges your strategic prowess.

Wrath of Stone’s Abilities:

• Flying Leap: Deals massive area damage.
• Nova Blast: Creates a damaging shockwave.
• Cone Smash: Targets enemies in front of it.
• Survival Tips:
  • Stay close to Wrath to avoid its cone attack, but be ready to dodge its AoEs.
  • Inflict Bleed effects for damage over time, especially during its vanishing phases.
  • Focus on Wrath, letting your companions handle the deepstalkers that spawn mid-fight.

Victory rewards you with XP and an armor upgrade for Harding.

The Lyrium Sanctum: Secrets Beyond the Blight

On the far side of the battle lies the Lyrium Sanctum. This serene area contains collectibles:

• A Memento on a balcony to the left of the golem statues.
• Another Memento near a stone bench in the statue hallway.
• A small chest inside a gazebo.

Conclude your journey by interacting with the Oracle statue, which reveals critical insights into Harding’s powers. Afterward, return to the Lighthouse for a reflective moment with Harding.

Building Bonds with Harding

During the quest, your dialogue choices can strengthen your bond with Harding. Choose responses like “Screw them” and “I don’t know but I’m here” to build camaraderie. Dwarven players can deepen the connection by emphasizing shared kinship with Kal-Sharok.

FAQs

Q1: What is Harding’s Stone Song ability?
Stone Song is a unique power allowing Harding to manipulate stone blocks, creating pathways and revealing hidden treasures.

Q2: How do I beat the Wrath of Stone?
Focus on Bleed-inflicting attacks and dodge its AoEs. Keep your companions busy with deepstalkers while you deal damage to the boss.

Q3: Are there significant collectibles in Kal-Sharok?
Yes, explore thoroughly to find Mementos and rare chests, especially near platforms and hidden paths.