Unmasking the Conspirator

The quest to unmask the conspirator at the heart of Orlesian politics is a pivotal moment in Dragon Age: Inquisition, deeply influencing the future of the nation and its relationship with your burgeoning organization. This intricate mission, primarily unfolding during the "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts" main quest, demands sharp observation, diplomatic finesse, and strategic decision-making. Your objective is to expose the true architect behind the assassination attempts and political machinations threatening Empress Celene, while simultaneously navigating the treacherous waters of the Orlesian court.

The quest begins with your arrival at the Winter Palace, a grand masquerade ball teeming with nobles, secrets, and potential enemies. Your primary goal here is to gather enough evidence to identify the conspirator. This involves exploring the palace, eavesdropping on conversations, finding hidden documents, and engaging in strategic dialogue with key figures.

Navigating the Winter Palace: Court Approval and Secrets

A unique mechanic during the Winter Palace questline is Court Approval. This meter, displayed on your screen, represents how well you are adhering to Orlesian court etiquette. Starting at 100, it decreases if you perform actions deemed uncouth (e.g., running in restricted areas, failing dialogue checks, being caught in unauthorized zones) and increases by finding secrets or successfully navigating social interactions. Maintaining high Court Approval is crucial, as it unlocks certain dialogue options, grants access to restricted areas, and can even influence the availability of certain outcomes. Conversely, letting it drop too low can lead to immediate failure of the quest or a forced combat encounter.

As you explore, prioritize finding Secrets and Caprice Coins. Secrets (represented by glowing interactable objects or successful eavesdropping) provide valuable information and boost your Court Approval. Caprice Coins can be spent at specific locations to gain influence or unlock shortcuts, further aiding your investigation.

Identifying the Conspirator

Through your investigations, you will uncover evidence pointing towards one of three primary figures as the orchestrator of the chaos: Empress Celene, Grand Duke Gaspard, or Briala, the elven spymaster. The evidence you gather will either directly implicate one of them or provide enough circumstantial proof to make a compelling case. The quest culminates in a grand assembly where you must present your findings and accuse the true culprit.

The Orlesian Throne: Three Main Outcomes

The choices you make throughout "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts," particularly your final accusation and subsequent dialogue, determine the future leadership of Orlais. There are three primary outcomes for the Orlesian throne, each with significant political ramifications for the Inquisition and Thedas:

Empress Celene Rules Alone: This outcome sees Celene retain her throne, having successfully navigated the political turmoil. This is generally achieved by exposing Gaspard or Briala as the conspirator and ensuring Celene's safety and political standing. This often leads to a more stable, albeit still politically complex, Orlais, with Celene's intelligence and diplomatic skills at the helm.
Grand Duke Gaspard Rules Alone: If you successfully expose Celene or Briala, or if you actively support Gaspard's claim, he can ascend to the throne. Gaspard is a military man, and his rule typically signifies a more martial and aggressive Orlais. This outcome might be favored by players who prefer a strong, decisive leader, but it can also lead to increased tensions with other nations.
Celene and Briala Rule Together (Alliance): This is arguably the most complex and often considered the "best" outcome by many players, as it offers a chance for reconciliation and a more progressive future for Orlais. To achieve this, you must gather enough evidence to implicate Gaspard, but also uncover the full extent of Briala's involvement and then broker a peace between Celene and Briala. This requires specific dialogue choices and ensuring both parties are willing to negotiate. This alliance promises a more unified Orlais, with Celene's political acumen and Briala's influence among the elves working in concert, potentially improving the lives of elves within the empire.

Potential Combat Encounter

Regardless of who you accuse, there is a high probability of a final combat encounter. The conspirator, or their agents, will not go down without a fight. Be prepared for a skirmish against various enemies, which could include Chevaliers, assassins, or even Venatori agents, depending on the true nature of the conspiracy you uncover. Ensure your party is well-equipped and your abilities are ready. This fight typically takes place in a confined area within the palace, so crowd control and single-target damage are often effective strategies.

Strategic Tips and Common Pitfalls

Explore Thoroughly: Don't rush through the palace. Many secrets and opportunities to gain Court Approval are hidden in plain sight or behind locked doors (requiring a rogue with high cunning).
Manage Court Approval: Keep an eye on your Court Approval meter. If it drops too low, head to the garden or other designated areas to restore it by finding secrets or engaging in positive interactions.
Dialogue Choices Matter: Pay close attention to dialogue options. Some choices can significantly impact your Court Approval or steer the outcome towards a specific ruler.
Save Frequently: This quest has many branching paths and critical decisions. Save often, especially before major accusations or dialogue sequences, to allow for experimentation with different outcomes.
Bring a Rogue: A rogue with high cunning is invaluable for unlocking doors and finding hidden passages, which often contain crucial evidence or Caprice Coins.
Understand the Motivations: Each potential ruler has their own motivations and history. Understanding these can help you anticipate their reactions and make more informed choices.

By carefully navigating the political landscape of the Winter Palace, gathering sufficient evidence, and making informed decisions, you can successfully unmask the conspirator and shape the destiny of Orlais, solidifying the Inquisition's influence in the process.