Navigating the Winter Palace
Upon entering the Winter Palace courtyard after speaking with Mother Giselle, interact with companions to trigger cutscenes and catch up on events. Locate the ambassadors of Orlais and Ferelden on the eastern side of the courtyard. The Exalted Council begins, but an incident cuts it short. Follow the Qunari warrior's blood trail eastward using the search function to a trellis, then climb to an open window to enter the building.
Before entering the Palace, consider setting the Difficulty to Nightmare and turning on the Trial – Fair-Weather Friends indefinitely until reaching the Winter Palace during the Main Quest – Wicked Eyes & Wicked Hearts to unlock the Trial of the Lovers Achievement. This Trial can be turned on or off at will later.
An achievement can be unlocked by entering combat, using the Tactical Camera to stop time, switching to Solas to use his Winter’s Grasp Ability on an enemy, then switching to Varric to use his Long Shot Ability. The enemy will Freeze then Shatter if done correctly.
Fade Rift #9: This Fade Rift is found inside Winterwatch Tower, southwest of the Dwarfson’s Pass Camp. Speak with Speaker Anais to be tasked with sealing the Rift. Enter Winterwatch Cave and close the Fade Rift, which summons Lesser Terrors.
Agent #2 – Lord Berand: Lord Berand is also at Winterwatch Tower. If the Side Quest – Love Waits was completed, tell Berand to join the Inquisition. Other dialogue options will void him as an Agent.
Eavesdrop #1 (0): Before entering the Palace gates, take the stairs up to the left and interact with a couple. Lean against the nearby flower sill to Eavesdrop on them.
Conversation #3 – Josephine (0): Upon entering the Palace, Josephine will speak with you. This dialogue has no Approval impact.