The Destruction of Lothering - p. 1 Dragon Age II Guide
Last update: 11 May 2016
Received from: Mother [Blightlands]
Step 1: Passing through the Blightlands
The quest will begin with a conversation with Leandra, Bethany and Carver #1 (M1, 1). Your first task will be to pass the lands to avoid the Darkspawns. Note that Bethany and Carver became members of your team, so you will be able to control them. Start exploring the area. Nearby the starting point you will come across dead refugees #2. It's always worth to check the bodies of the dead, as you can find more or less valuable items.
You soon will be attacked by a big group of Hurlocks #1. As your characters are no longer as strong, you will have to keep your eyes open. I'd suggest pausing the game often and giving direct orders to the team members. After the fight, the main hero will gain a level. The easiest way of leveling up is to press ESC and going into the proper section #2. Note that you can distribute the stat points and unlock a new, chosen ability. It's worth to remember about levelling up your team members and doing it every time an arrow icon appears by their avatars.
Choose the only possible path and talk with your team on getting to Kirkwall #1. Right after the conversation you will be attacked by enemies, this time including the slightly stronger Hurlock Grunts #2.
Step 2: Helping Aveline and Wesley
Soon enough a new cutscene will start, showing two characters defending from darkspawns - Aveline Vallen and her husband, sir Wesley #1. Go help them #2 (M1, 2), but keep in mind that you don't have to worry about them dying prematurely. Attack the Hurlocks.
After the fight you will have a talk with Aveline and Wesley. Note that you can ask them additional questions by choosing the additional dialogue option #1. Choosing one of the three main ones will influence the relations with the team members:
- middle dialogue option (wings icon): +10 to friendship with Bethany
- middle dialogue option (mask icon): +5 to friendship with Carver and +10 to friendship with Bethany
- lower dialogue option (fist icon): +15 to friendship with Bethany and +5 to friendship with Carver
Eventually Aveline will join your team. Wesley will stay an inactive character just like Leandra (the hero's mother). You can head south #2.
Step 3: Moving on through the Blightlands
Stay alerted, as you will be soon attacked by a group of Hurlocks #1. The monsters will income from two sides (including the already secured area), so look after the less-armoured members of your team. After the fight search the area for another dead refugee and head south-east. The next team will include a few Hurlock Bolters #2 (M1, 3). Be sure to send at least one warrior to get rid of the beasts standing on high ground.
After eliminating all the monsters, look around for another dead refugee and look around where the bolters were standing and you will find rubble #1. Searching it will result in gaining, inter alia, a valuable ring. Go south-east and on your way to will come across one more dead refugee. After getting to a big area, new monster will appear in the distance #2 (M1, 4).
During this specific battle, your priority should be to kill the Emissary Apprentice #1 as soon as possible. Additionally at least one warrior should take care of eliminating the bolters #2. Look after the health of the team members, but try to refrain from using any potions as they will come in handy in just a while.
Don't leave your mages unattended, as at some point Hurlocks will come from the already investigated part of the path #1. After the fight, you can take a look around to find two dead refugees, a note on Korcari Wilds and a chest #2. Opening it requires a rogue, so if your hero doesn't have such class (the other team members are a warrior and a mage) you won't be able to do anything. To cheer you up, I may add that the chest doesn't contain any unique items.
You can no follow the path leading onto the nearby hill #1 (M1, 5). Save your game before getting there, as you're in for a difficult fight. The already known Ogre will soon enter the scene #2. Defeating the beast will be much harder than last time, especially considering that the beast will start off by mortally wounding one of your team members. If the main hero is a warrior or a rogue, Carver will die. In case you're playing as a mage, it will be Bethany.