Offered and Lost - p. 2 Dragon Age II Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
Step 6, Option A: Supporting Ser Varnell and the other fanatics
If up until now you used to be hostile towards Qunari and choose aggressive dialogue options, you will have a chance to support Varnell. To do it, you would have to choose the lower left dialogue option #1. Lack of such option means that you weren't aggressive enough towards Qunari and other characters. After choosing this dialogue option, the hero will use a knife to eliminate one of the Qunaris #2, leading to a fight with the rest.
Petrice will run away right before the fight, so you will be on your own. Start attacking the first Qunari group #1. Sir Varnell will help you, but that's not too much a relief considering the Qunari strength. Be ready for a next group to appear #2, consisting, inter alia, of Karashoks and Ashaads. Also try to quickly kill the commanding Sten.
The last, third group, should appear beside the corridor you used to get here #1. In the last part of the battle you should most of all look for the Saarebas #2, eliminating him when only it's possible. Continue fighting until all the Qunaris are dead. After the fight you will have a short conversation with Ser Varnell, however the dialogue choices won't have a big influence. Further description can be found in Step 7.
Step 6, Option B: Opposing Ser Varnell and the other fanatics
If you weren't able or didn't want to support Ser Varnell and the other fanatics, Ser Varnell will eliminate the Qunari #2 irrespectively of the dialogue options chosen #1 #2 and you will be forced to fight him and his followers.
Unfortunately Petrice will run away right before the fight, so you will be on your own. Of course start by attacking Ser Varnell #1, as he's able to affect the others. Only after he dies should you move on to attacking the fanatics #2. They should die rather quickly, but nevertheless you shouldn't ignore their large number.
During the fight with the fanatics you should especially focus on those equipped with bows. Also be ready for a few more groups to appear during the fight, also nearby the path you used to get here #1 and beside the stairs in the distance #2. The further description can be found in Step 7.
Step 7: Talking with Viscount Dumar
After you defeat the Qunaris of Fanatics, a cutscene with Viscount Dumar who will appear to assess the situation will start #1. In the end you will be able to act in two ways #2:
- Suggest burning the Qunari bodies to hide the fact they were tortured (upper right dialogue option)
- Recognize that burning the bodies is senseless, as Arishok will find out about everything anyway (lower right dialogue option)
Irrespectively of the chosen option you will receive 3 sovereigns and a new main quest connected with Qunaris will appear in your journal. While you're here, it's worth to examine Ser Varnell's corpse to collect a great shield - River's Wave. Additionally you can check the crate beside the exit (M70, 3) to activate an additional quest. It's also worth to return to the Chantry to talk with Petrice and to the Qunari camp to have an optional conversation with Arishok.
Main quest unlocked: All That Remains
Companion quest unlocked: Shield of the Knight Herself