The Deep Roads Expedition - p. 1 Dragon Age II Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Received from: Varric [Hightown]

Step 1: Preparing for the expedition

You will automatically receive this mission from Varric (M3, 5), who you will meet after completing the The Destruction of Lothering main quest and reaching [Hightown] for the first time. The task in this quest is to bring Bartrand 50 sovereigns. The dwarf can be found in [Hightown - Merchants' Guild] #1 (M3, 6) and if you go there before rising the funds, you will only have a short talk with him. The expedition is also connected with talking to Varric, who can be found during the A Business Discussion quest #2 (M15, 2). You will learn in order to ensure a safe trip, apart from the gold, you will also have to obtain a map of the Deep Roads.

Meeting Bartrand's requirements:

• 50 sovereigns needed to finance the expedition can be gained most of all by completing quests. Completing many of them carries a chance to earn a prize in gold. You can also sell items which won't be useful for anyone in team. Alternatively you can accept the proposition made by Dougal, which can be done during Friends in Low Places #1.
• In order to get the Deep Roads Map, you have to complete the Tranquility main quest. The Map will be given to you during the final conversation with Grey Warden Anders #2, after returning from the Order's building. I'd also recommend completing the secondary quest Questions and Answers, which will let you learn more from Varric on Bartrand and the expedition.

Step 2: Heading out for the Deep Roads expedition

If you have the required amount of sovereigns (private or received from Dougal) and the map, talk with Bartrand #1 and hand him all the items required to begin the expedition. In accordance with what the dwarf says, it's a good moment to finish other quests. It's very important, as after returning from Deep Roads you will advance to Act II and the unfinished quests will disappear from your journal, depriving you of the chance to finish them. If you're ready, talk with Bartrand again and confirm the will to head out (Varric has to be an active party member) #2.

After hearing out what Bartrand has to say (different options aren't important here), Leandra, the hero's mother, will appear in the shopping district. During the conversation you can confirm the will to take Bethany/Carver with you (upper right dialogue option) #1, refuse to give a straight answer (middle right dialogue option) or decide to leave Bethany/Carver in Kirkwall (lower right dialogue option). You will be also asked to choose the party members #2 which is important, as it will stay the same throughout the expedition. Note that Varric has to be taken obligatorily. You have a free choice regarding the other members.

Notice! If you want to learn what influence taking (or not) Bethany or Carver on the expedition will have, check the description of the last part of this quest.

After a few cutscene you will reach [Deep Roads] (M44, 1). Start off by expressing the will to find an alternative route around the blocked tunnel in one of three ways #1. Afterwards you will be accosted by Bodahn, who will ask you to find his lost son Sandal #2. Theoretically you could refuse (in such case you would save Bodahn during the exploration of Deep Roads), but in the end all the variant lead to the need of exploring the newly accessible location.

Step 3: Exploring the Deep Roads side corridors

Head east. For some time you won't meet any monster or run into any traps. Turn north and afterwards again to the east #1. Here you will bump into a group of Hurlocks and Hurlock Bolters #2. Eliminate the later ones first. Luckily the monsters are weak enough to not pose too much of a threat.

You have to keep in mind that after eliminating the first group, more monsters will appear. In this case also a bit stronger Hurlock Grunts #1 will appear, but overall it won't be hard. After the fight, go down the stairs #2. It's worth to look around for hidden items here. In fact it's true for the whole area.

Now head north and be ready to eliminate another group of Hurlocks and Hurlock Bolters #1. Now head east, opening a door on your way. After reaching the new location you will meet Hurlock Grunts, but you should start off by eliminating the Darkspawn Emissary accompanying them #2. Stay cautious, as the creature is capable of casting powerful spell and also teleporting.

Head further to the east. After a while you should reach a spot where you will be able to explore an area to the south #1. A couple chests can be found there, but upon reaching the small eastern room you will get attacked by Giant Spiders and Poisonous Spiders #2 (M44, 2).

It's not the end of problems, as after eliminating the standard spiders a very powerful Monstrous Spider will appear #1. Pay attention to the less armoured party members, as the monster likes to dash onto its victims. Quickly take of the Giant Spider accompanying him as well. If you don't want to fight him or if you already defeated him, choose the road leading east #2.

After a while turn to the north and get ready for Hurlock Bolters that will appear in the new room #1. Keep cautious, as in a bit Hurlock Grunts will appear behind your party. After the fight head north again #2 and eventually you will bump into Sandal (M44, 3).