Wicked Eyes And Wicked Hearts Guide
Navigating the complex political landscape of Orlais in Dragon Age: Inquisition requires more than just martial prowess. The Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts main quest shifts the focus from battlefield combat to the intricate, dangerous web of the imperial court. Players must carefully balance court approval, tactical espionage, and heavy narrative choices to determine the ultimate fate of Empress Celene and the Orlesian Empire.
Mastering Court Approval and Etiquette
Entering the Winter Palace places the Inquisitor under the intense scrutiny of the Orlesian nobility, measured strictly by the Court Approval mechanic. Starting values depend entirely on your character's race and class combinations, meaning elven or mage characters face an immediate uphill battle. Maintaining a high score requires dynamic interactions, perfect timing during conversations, and adhering strictly to traditional ballroom customs.
Losing too much approval results in an immediate ejection from the peace talks and a premature end to your diplomatic efforts. Courtiers will actively gossip about your behavior, rewarding witty or fashionably ambiguous dialogue choices while punishing direct aggression. Navigating the grand ballroom with poise ensures that your faction retains the political leverage required to influence the final verdict.
Exploring Secrets and Halla Statues
Beyond the glittering ballroom lies a maze of restricted libraries, private gardens, and hidden vaults containing vital blackmail material. Players must explore these dark corridors to uncover hidden secrets that expose the true motivations of the political players. Gathering whispered conversations and forgotten ledgers allows you to manipulate the final court positions to your advantage.
To access the most secure quarters within the palace, players must actively track down elusive ornamental Halla Statues scattered across the property. These limited resources act as mechanical keys to unlock private chambers holding unique treasure or game-changing evidence. Managing your supply of statues carefully is critical, as you cannot unlock every single door in a single playthrough.
The Critical Faction Leader Choices
The climax of the winter ball forces the Inquisitor to make monumental diplomatic decisions regarding the leadership of Orlais. You can choose to support Empress Celene, align with her rebellious cousin Grand Duke Gaspard, or empower the elven diplomat Briala. Each option carries distinct narrative consequences that ripple across the entire continent and change your strategic alliances.
Balanced dialogue options allow players to force a public truce or expose assassination plots before the court. Your ultimate decision shapes the military strength available to the Inquisition for upcoming conflicts. Weighing the moral and practical implications of each leader ensures that your chosen political landscape matches your overall vision for the game world.