Demands of the Qun - p. 4 Dragon Age II Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Step 7, Option A: Defeating Arishok in a honourable fight

This option is much harder to unlock as it has some requirements. You would have to impress Arishok enough during all the previous conversations. The easiest way to do that is choosing the aggressive dialogue options, marked with the fist icon. The alternative way is having Fenris in the party, as he would come out with the proposition of a duel himself. In both cases the game will let you make a choice #1 between fighting one on one (upper right dialogue option) and attempting a battle with all the present characters (lower right dialogue option). If you agree for a duel, you will control only the hero in a fight against Arishok #2.

The fight is easiest with a mage or a rogue preferring ranged attacks. In such a case you will be able to freeze or paralyse in different ways #1, which will let you perform attacks #2. You of course have to consider that his health will be depleting very slowly. You can of course cut the duration of this fight by using potions to increase the frequency at which you're able to use skills and spells.

Dodging Arishok's attacks is a very important case, as they will cause large damage. Especially be sure to dodge his deadly charges #1. A good method in such a case is hiding behind the local pillars #2. You have to keep fighting until Arishok loses the whole health bar.

Step 7, Option B: Defeating all the Qunaris

This option is the default one and if you haven't impressed Arishok and won't use Fenris' reaction, it will be also the only possible. It's worth to mention that the game will allow you to resign from fighting (option A) if only you will choose the lower right dialogue option during the conversation with Arishok #1. Be ready for a really big fight #2, in which apart from Arishok you will also have to defeat his minions.

The basic information you should have is that killing Arishok will end the battle. Don't hope to defeat him fast, as the Qunari leader will successfully defend. Right after the fight begins you should eliminate the nearest Qunaris #1 #2, which will allow you to reduce the enemy's numerical superiority.

As you clear out the area a bit, start attacking the nearby Saarebases #1 #2. Just like before, it's worth to attack the mages from a distance, forcing them to teleport and hoping for them to appear on the ground floor. Keep an eye on your party's health, mana and stamina throughout the whole fight. In case you will need to, use potions and spells to revive the fallen party members.

Start attacking Arishok #1 only once most of the Qunaris are dead and only the weakest units remain. I'd recommend slowing down, paralyzing or freezing in any possible ways and also dodging his very treacherous attack in which he impales your party members, making them completely defenceless #2.

If Arishok surrounds himself with the well-knows protective barrier #1, it's a sign that you still haven't eliminated enough Qunaris. In such situations you should attack the other enemies and wait until damaging Arishok is possible again. As I have already mentioned, you need to fight him until his health drops to zero #2.

Step 8: Final issues

Irrespectively of whether you defeated Arishok in a duel or won the whole battle, you will watch a cutscene during which the Qunari leader will die #1 and the action will jump 3 years forward. At the champion of Kirkwall, you will be chosen to mitigate a new conflict #2. First Enchanter Orsino is aiming to deprive Meredith of her authority in Kirkwall.

A new cutscene will take place in [Hightown - Hightown Plaza] (M3, 22). It's worth to ask the series of additional questions #1 to both sides. In the end you will be able to declare your support to either of the sides or express dissatisfaction of both of them #2. However the choice of dialogues won't have a large influence here. Grand Cleric Elthina will also join in, but so breakthrough will be caused by that.

Note that you have advanced to Act III and obtained two precious items - Gauntlets of the Champion and the Sataareth sword. In your journal, apart from the main quest, a lot of side quests will appear as well.

Main quest unlocked: The Last Straw

Companion quest unlocked: A Talking To

Companion quest unlocked: The Storm and What Came Before It

Companion quest unlocked: Check on Anders

Companion quest unlocked: Champions and Captains

Companion quest unlocked: Speak to Fenris

Companion quest unlocked: Isabela's Regret

Companion quest unlocked: A New Path

Secondary quest unlocked: Visit Gamlen