Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition

Blackwall

Assist Blackwall in Dragon Age: Inquisition with his personal quest. Understand the stoic Grey Warden's past and the oath he swore to maximize his impact.

Blackwall: The Burden of the Warden

Blackwall, a hulking and stoic Grey Warden, is a steadfast companion whose gruff exterior hides a deep well of regret and a complicated past. His journey within the Inquisition is marked by a significant personal quest that delves into the very foundations of his identity and the oath he swore. Understanding and completing this quest is vital for maximizing his loyalty and unlocking his full potential as a party member.

Blackwall's Personal Quest: Rainier's Release

Blackwall's personal quest, "Rainier's Release: An Alternative," is a pivotal moment in his character arc. This operation becomes available after a certain point in the main story, typically after the Inquisitor has established Skyhold and Blackwall has been with the Inquisition for some time. It requires 1 Power to initiate and is categorized under Secrets, taking approximately 5 minutes to complete via the war table.

The Quest Unfolds: A Ghost from the Past

Upon initiating the operation, the Inquisitor will be tasked with investigating a situation involving a former comrade of Blackwall's, a man named Rainier. The core of the quest involves confronting a difficult truth about Blackwall's past actions as a Grey Warden. He was involved in a mission that went terribly wrong, leading to the deaths of innocent people, including Rainier's family.

The Moral Choice: Justice or Mercy?

The central conflict of "Rainier's Release: An Alternative" presents the Inquisitor with a stark moral choice. Blackwall himself is conflicted, wrestling with his guilt and the consequences of his past. The options presented will likely revolve around how to deal with the aftermath of the mission and any surviving individuals connected to it. The specific choices can vary slightly, but they generally boil down to:

  • Upholding the Warden's Duty (and potentially enacting harsh justice): This path might involve adhering strictly to Grey Warden protocols, even if it means severe consequences for those involved or their families. It could be seen as the "correct" but morally ambiguous choice from a purely duty-bound perspective.
  • Showing Mercy and Seeking a Different Path: This option leans towards compassion and finding a way to mitigate the damage caused by Blackwall's past actions, potentially offering a chance for redemption or a less brutal resolution.

Consequences of the Choice:

  • Loyalty Impact: The choice made directly affects Blackwall's loyalty to the Inquisitor. A choice that aligns with his desire for atonement or a more merciful outcome will generally increase his loyalty. Conversely, a choice that feels like a betrayal of his past or a dismissal of his guilt might decrease it.
  • Dialogue and Character Development: The outcome of this quest significantly influences Blackwall's dialogue and his overall demeanor. A higher loyalty score will unlock more personal conversations, revealing deeper insights into his character and his struggle for redemption.
  • Potential for Future Interactions: Depending on the choice, there might be subtle ripple effects or future dialogue options that acknowledge the path taken.

Walkthrough and Strategy for "Rainier's Release: An Alternative"

This operation is resolved at the war table. There are no combat encounters or exploration required within the game world for this specific operation. The player's role is to select the appropriate agent or advisor to send on the mission, and then make the crucial moral decision presented to them. The key is to understand Blackwall's internal struggle and choose the option that best reflects the kind of Inquisitor you wish to be, while also considering Blackwall's personal journey towards peace.

Operations Relevant to Blackwall's Loyalty and Development

While "Rainier's Release" is Blackwall's primary personal quest, several other operations, though not directly tied to his loyalty score, contribute to the overall narrative and the Inquisition's efforts, which Blackwall, as a Warden, would be invested in. It's important to distinguish between operations that directly impact his loyalty and those that are general Inquisition business.

Operations Directly Impacting Blackwall's Loyalty:

  • Rainier's Release: An Alternative: (As detailed above) This is the sole operation that directly influences Blackwall's loyalty score through a significant moral choice.

Operations Relevant to the Inquisition's Efforts (Indirectly Related to Blackwall's Interests):

These operations, while not directly affecting Blackwall's loyalty percentage, are part of the larger war effort that a Grey Warden would be concerned with. Completing them can lead to narrative developments or resources that indirectly benefit the Inquisition and, by extension, Blackwall's mission.

  • Reports of Darkspawn Activity:
    • Time: 15 minutes
    • Cost: None (Requires clearing bandits from the Storm Coast)
    • Prerequisites: Bandits cleared from the Storm Coast.
    • Category: Forces
    • Rewards: Contributes to the Inquisition's Forces.

    Strategy: This operation is straightforward. Ensure the Storm Coast is free of bandit threats before dispatching an agent.

  • Rumors of Maleficarum:
    • Time: 15 minutes
    • Cost: None
    • Prerequisites: Completion of the "Setback" operation.
    • Category: Forces
    • Rewards: 1 Corrupting Rune.

    Strategy: This operation is a good source of valuable runes for enchanting weapons and armor. Ensure "Setback" is completed first.

  • Rescue the Spy:
    • Time: 20 minutes
    • Cost: None
    • Prerequisites: Reaching Skyhold.
    • Category: Secrets
    • Influence Reward: 30 Influence (additional 60 Influence upon completion).

    Strategy: A standard operation for gaining Influence, which is crucial for unlocking new war table missions and perks.

  • Restore Judicael's Crossing:
    • Time: Varies (typically longer than 5 minutes)
    • Cost: 10 Power
    • Prerequisites: Emprise du Lion landmark.
    • Category: Forces/Territory
    • Rewards: Control of a strategic location, potential troop bonuses.

    Strategy: This is a significant territorial operation. While not directly tied to Blackwall, securing key locations like Judicael's Crossing is vital for the Inquisition's long-term security, a concern any Grey Warden would share.

  • Rumors of the Sulevin Blade:
    • Time: Varies (typically longer than 5 minutes)
    • Cost: 10 Power
    • Prerequisites: Finding a specific journal in the Hinterlands.
    • Category: Secrets/Lore
    • Rewards: Access to a powerful artifact, the Sulevin Blade.

    Strategy: This operation is tied to acquiring a legendary weapon. While not directly Blackwall-focused, the acquisition of powerful artifacts can be of interest to any warrior or lore-seeker within the Inquisition.

By engaging with "Rainier's Release: An Alternative" and understanding the broader context of the Inquisition's operations, You can fully appreciate Blackwall's character and strengthen his bond with the Inquisitor, making him an even more invaluable ally.