A Murder of Crows - p. 1 Dragon Age II Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

The quest giver: Nuncio [Hightown]

Step 1: Talk to Nuncio

You can receive this quest from Nuncio, who can be met in south-eastern part of the Hightown, near the entrance to the Blooming Rose #1 (M3, 26). During a conversation you'll be asked to track down antivan assassin, who currently hides among Dalish elves. At the end of a conversation you can agree to help #2 or refuse to do it, what leads to end of this quest.

Step 2: Find the assassin

You can go now to the [Sundermount - Dalish Camp] location. You could talk to Terath there #1 but he would send you directly to Variel #2 (M25, 17). She'll tell you that the assassin, who doesn't want to expose Dalish elves to danger, told them to inform everyone about his location. You'll be directed to the nearby cave.

Step 3: Explore the assassin's hideout

You can now leave the camp and take a path leading to the north-west #1. Be careful because on your way you can be attacked by hurlock bolters accompanied by an ogre #2 (M25, 18). Do not try to return to the camp, because elves won't help you in eliminating monsters. Fortunately, the ogre is less resilient than previously met same-looking beasts.

After defeating opponents, go to the north-east. After a few moments you'll have to face other enemies - this time these are wasp spiders #1. I suggest attacking them one by one. After winning the battle head towards an entrance to the cave (M25, 14) leading to the [Sundermount - Mountain Cave] #2 (M82, 1) location.

Head north. Be very careful because after you use the stairs you'll be attacked by a group of poisonous spiders and giant spiders #1. Watch out for your mages and archers, because some of spiders may appear behind then, near the entrance to the cave. After winning this fight, examine a pile of bones #2, finding an armor upgrade for Isabela.

Now choose the northern passage. In the next room you'll have to bypass treacherous tiles (flames appear when you press them) and disarm a trigger trap #1. Head now west #2 and then go down the stairs. Save your game before entering the main cave.

Step 4: Defeat varterral

A fight with monster named varterral #1 (M82, 2) awaits you. If you've completed the quest Mirror Image related to Merrill in earlier stage of game, you should already know this beast. Otherwise it is probably your first encounter with the varterral. Send you warriors and rogues to attack the monster directly #2, but keep your mages in a safe distance.

Keeping your weaker party members away from the monster is preferable because varterral, like for example ogres, stomps from time to time #1, which knocks out nearby characters and deal them some damages. Do not place your warriors behind the monster because they might be easily slowed down. There will be no reinforcements in this fight so focus your attacks on varterral until he is dead #2, healing your party members if needed.