Best Served Cold - p. 1 Dragon Age II Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

The quest giver: reading a note at the writing desk [Hightown - Hawke Estate]

Step 1: Go to the meeting to the Templar Hall

You can start this quest after completing the main quest - On the loose, so after you've found all apostates and reported back to Knight-Commander Meredith. Go to the [Hightown - Hawke Estate] location and read a note entitled Best Served Cold #1 at the writing desk (M14, 12). You're asked to meet Orsin or Knight-Commander Meredith in order to discuss some important matter. Leave the estate and use the already well-known passage leading to the [Gallows Courtyard - Templar Hall] location #2 (M33, 13).

After reaching the place, once again head to the western part of templar chambers. If this quest was given to you by Meredith, then you should know where to find her (M87, 2). First Enchanter Orsino's headquarters is located in the southern chamber #1 (M87, 3). When you agree to assist in resolving the dispute, you'll be sent to investigate a secret meeting of mages and templars #2.

Step 2: Investigate a secret meeting of mages and templars

Leave the Gallows Courtyard and go to the [Hightown] location during the night. Being there head to northern part of the estate district #1. After reaching the destination (M4, 18), you'll see a short cut-scene with all meeting participants #2. When it is over, you have to get rid of all of them.

Step 3: Kill all meeting participants

Shortly after the fight begins, I suggest focusing your attention on Circle mages #1 and killing them first. Note that only one of them has a slightly longer health bar, so eliminating them should be easy. But be aware, while next wave of opponents will join the fight shortly. When it happens, kill the mages #2 first too.

After eliminating all mages you can focus you attention on regular templars #1. Leave the templar lieutenant #2 for a "dessert" and that's because he is very tough and elimination of him takes some time. After winning the battle examine his body and collect the conspirator's notes. These readings will point you to the conspirators' recruitment post located in Docks.

Step 4: Go to the conspirators' recruitment post

Leave the Hightown and confirm that you want to go the [Docks] location during the night. Being there head to the western warehouse district and find the door (M20, 16) leading to the [Docks - Secret Meeting Place] #1 (M91, 1). Once you're inside you can look around a little. Note, that using eastern #2 or northern (M91, 2) door leads to a new cut-scene.

Step 5: Deal with the conspirators

There are again no dialog options this time, and after a short conversation #1 you'll have to attack a new group of mages and templars. As first target you should take an enchanter who commands mages and casts very powerful spells #2.

After killing an enchanter, order your warriors to kill weaker Circle mages #1 and templars. Your rouge should take care of the surrounding traps #2, especially that this battle is not easy to win and can last long.

Unfortunately you have to expect new waves of opponents who will appear mostly on upper balconies #1. I suggest taking care of them, while templar archers and Circle mages are not willing to fight hand-to-hand. Also look out for templar hunters who will join the fight with one of the following enemy waves #2 and attack them as soon as they revels theirs positions.

Same as with previous battle, leave the templar lieutenant for the very end, because he is very tough #1. After winning the battle, the next cut-scene begins and you will talk to Keran #2 or another templar (M91, 3).

You'll learn two important things from your interlocutor. One thing is that conspirators held a hostage and second - a templar named Thrask is their leader. Now you can act in three ways #1:

• let templar go (upper right dialog option)
• tell templar that you'll pass him to colleagues (middle right dialog option): it won't happen because your interlocutor will flee
• kill templar (bottom right dialog option): you won't have to fight him and the whole situation will be displayed in a short cut-scene #2

Whatever option you choose, your next task will be to reach the conspirators' base, which is located at the Wounded Coast. But before you leave the warehouse, examine the bodies - you can find the valuable Three Wolf Boon ring among others. There is also a chest on the first floor where you can find armor upgrade for Anders #1. On the ground floor there is a chest (M91, 4) with a gift #2 inside - this will activate a side quest.

Unlocked companion quest: Fenris: Blade of Mercy