Finding Nathaniel Dragon Age II Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

The quest giver: Delila Howe [Hightown]

Step 1: Talk to Delila Howe

Note! This quest is available only if you've chosen an option the Martyr or No Compromise during the creation of your hero in the Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening tab! You can obtain this quest from Delila Howe, who can be met in Hightown (M3, 30) during the day. You'll find her near the stairs leading to the estates district #1. During a conversation Delila will ask you to find and bring back Nathaniel Howe, who went with a group of travelers on a trip to Deep Roads. At the end of this conversation you'll be able to decide #2 whether you agree to help her or temporarily refuse it, but in both cases this quest will be added to your journal.

Step 2: Find Nathaniel

You can leave Hightown now and being on the world map select a trip to the [Deep Roads] #1 location. After reaching the destination (M44, 15), head north and then east and you should see Nathaniel fighting hurlocks and hurlock bolters #2 (M44, 16).

You should of course join the battle, killing hostile bolters #1 first. Unfortunately new group of monsters will appear here after a while, but defeating them shouldn't be a problem for you. After winning the battle you'll have to talk to Nathaniel shortly. You can ask him about other travelers #2 but regardless of the dialog options you choose, you both go forth on the lookout for the rest of expedition.

Step 3: Reach the rest of survivors

Nathaniel will join you but he is inactive character of course. Head north and then turn to the east. Get ready to eliminate a new group of darkspawns #1. Winning this fight shouldn't be difficult. Go further east. Go up the stairs and turn to the north - you'll meet Temmerin Glavonak #2 (M44, 17). He will inform you about traps based on the gunpowder set in this area. You'll also learn that members of Nathaniel's expedition managed to go even further.

Head north. When you see and ogre and a group of hurlock in the distance, do not attack them immediately, but use a nearby lever #1. After detonating one of the barrels proceed to attack monsters. Your priority is of course an ogre - try to kill him as fast as possible #2. You can use surrounding obstacles there which will stop this beast from murderous charges.

After winning the battle head north and then go down the western stairs #1. You can witness here one of two cut-scenes (M44, 11). If you've saved Carver's or Bethany's life with help of Grey Wardens during your first, great expedition to the Deep Roads, then you'll meet your brother or sister now. Otherwise Nathaniel will acknowledge that no one survived #2. Regardless of the cut-scene you will have to fight a very difficult battle.

Step 4: Defeat darkspawns

Darkspawns will attack you from three different sides - from the east, north (a small room) and west. Initially try to fight a "standard" battle #1, but as soon as you notice the first ogre pull one of the nearby levers in a right moment causing an explosion and inflicting serious injuries to the ogre #2.

You have to reckon with the fact that in the later phase of the battle two EXTRA ogres will join the fight #1. This means that you have to fight simultaneously three such beasts. If possible eliminate these monsters one after another, watching out for their charges and using nearby pillars to hide your party members behind them #2.

You have to fight as long as you eliminate all darkspawn, which results in a short conversation scene with Nathaniel. Note, that you've received a long sword Bringer of Silence. Before leaving this location look around, because in one of the chests #1 you can find a shield Wardwall and armor upgrade for Varric. Then head west. Open one more chest #2 and this time you'll find Aurvar's Prize. Now you can leave this location (M44, 18).