Dragon Age 2 presents players with various intricate narratives that test the morality and resolve of the Champion of Kirkwall. Among the most memorable optional adventures in Act 2 is the hunt for the malevolent dark grimoires scattered across the Free Marches. Navigating this magical threat effectively ensures that your party secures substantial rewards while preventing ancient blood magic from tearing the city apart from the shadows.
Initiating the Hunt in Kirkwall
The journey begins after completing your initial investigations during the second major act of the game. Players will receive a mysterious letter at the Hawke Estate or interact with an NPC named Idunna if she survived earlier chapters. This initial contact triggers the need to track down several evil tomes of dark lore that are currently corrupting the local populace.
Before venturing out, players should ensure their active combat party is fully prepared for heavy magical resistance. The entities defending these dark materials utilize powerful defensive barriers and area-of-effect spells that can quickly overwhelm an unprepared squad. Securing a balanced team with robust crowd control abilities will make the upcoming encounters much more manageable.
Locating the Scattered Fell Grimoires
The hunt requires players to thoroughly explore both the urban districts of Kirkwall and the perilous wilderness outside the city walls. One notable book is tucked away within the Chantry building during nighttime hours, requiring a quiet infiltration to avoid local authorities. Another dark volume resides deep within the Abandoned Thaig, surrounded by hostile constructs and darkspawn remnants.
Additionally, players must travel to the Bone Pit and the Wounded Coast to uncover the remaining hidden hiding spots. Each separate location forces a confrontation with powerful demonic guardians that emerge as soon as you approach the altar. Clear the surrounding chambers completely before interacting with the objects to ensure your party does not get flanked mid-battle.
The Final Choice and Rewards
Upon finding each individual text, Hawke faces a critical narrative choice that impacts party approval and final rewards. Players can choose to read the text to gain a permanent attribute point, though this action heavily upsets companion characters like Aveline. Alternatively, destroying the books immediately clears the corruption and paths the way toward the ultimate confrontation with the entity known as Xebenkeck.
If you choose to eradicate the evil, tracking down the final tome opens the gateway to the Pit of Bone. Defeating the powerful desire demon inside this final lair yields top-tier equipment and valuable crafting resources. Balancing your moral stance against the tempting stat boosts allows you to shape the narrative legacy of your Champion perfectly.