Frostback Basin Walkthrough Dragon Age: Inquisition
How to find Frostback Basin
Frostback Basin Location will be available after purchase Jaws of Hakkon DLC. This is level 20+ location, but the difficulty of Frostback Basin should scale to the average level of your party, its set when you first enter location.
Install DLC on your platform - visit suitable for your platform shop (Origin for PC, Xbox Store for Xbox One and Xbox 360, PlayStation Store for PS4 and PS3)
In game, you have to be log in to your store account, for PC log in to Dragon Age Servers to update game content.
Reach Skyhold. Check War Table for Investigate Frostback Basin Operation (cost:8). Complete it and get there.
Entering Frostback Basin
Throughout history, few have dared explore the Frostback Basin. Ancient Tevinter ruins lie overgrown by thick forest, their purpose here forgotten. Rare expeditions in ages past returned with little information-or did not return at all. The exception is the Avvar, who have long travelled the basin and, in more recent generations, established a hold along its steep mountain cliffs.
Halvor often arrives around Wintersend, but given the recent weather, I hadn't looked for him. Which is why his voice across the market took me by surprise:
"Lowlander! I was owed a drink on my next visit. And supper. Unless you were getting out of your wager?"
Maybe I was trying to get out of the bet, but I happily paid the bill at the inn that night. I asked Halvor where he'd last traveled, and he said he'd been trading with an Avvar hold in Frostback Basin. Then he raised an eyebrow at the look on my face. So I described the stories Uncle told us as children, where brave expeditions get lost in places like the Western Approach, Nahashin Marshes... Frostback Basin. He laughed and admitted it could be a cruel place. He described thick forests-greater than any I've seen, I'm certain-and darkened swamps. His rule for traveling there seemed to boil down to "be wary and alert... because everything can kill you." The wildlife is violent, the cliffs are steep, and you must be mindful of the gods' wishes (here meaning his Avvar gods). Of course, the hunting's good, the trade fair, and the Avvar hold impressive.
"But do people really disappear in the forest?" I asked.
"Few lowlanders come through. Not sure how many leave after." The last was a joke, but I won't be visiting that hold any time soon.
Letter from a Fereldan merchant to his cousin in Highever
Frostback Basin - location description
The ancient and the modern co-exist in the highlands of Emprise du Lion, where relics of the lost elven nation are scattered among bustling human villages. These hills are home to the village of Sahrnia, known throughout Orlais for its quarry, which produces azure granite of remarkable quality.
My dearest Josephine,
The hills of Emprise du Lion are in peril. A maidservant recently returned from visiting an uncle in Sahrnia spoke of gruff, helmeted men about the village's quarry, and the appearance of strange red crystals in the fields close by. I suspected red lyrium and sent men to investigate, but the bridges leading to the area had all been destroyed - the red templars' handiwork, I wager.
If we do not act quickly, all of the highlands may be lost.
I wish I bore fairer tidings, my dear. My warmest regards to your family. I pray for the quelling of these winter winds of chaos, that we may meet again in springtime.
Your truest friend and ally, Edouard Desjardins
Operation: Investigate Frostback Basin
To Ambassador Josephine Montilyet, Thank you so much for your earlier correspondence. I confess it's been difficult to get those in Orlais to take this discovery seriously in light of recent events, but I am positive that scouting the Frostback Basin will yield historic discoveries beneficial to both the academic field and the Inquisition. As a staunch supporter, I am honored to be working in such great company on this historic occasion.
Yours, most sincerely, Professor Bram Kenric, University of Orlais
COLLECTION: Regions in Frostback Basin There are 22 regions
COLLECTION: Shards in Frostback Basin There are 12 shards
COLLECTION: Landmarks in Frostback Basin There are 10 landmarks
01 Basin Floor Camp
NPC: Harding
QUEST: The Basin Beckons
Now that the Inquisition has established a presence in Frostback Basin, Professor Kenric has a lead on Inquisitor Ameridan, and Scout Harding can outline potential risks in the region. Speak with Professor Kenric.
QUEST: Lead the Charge
The Jaws of Hakkon are attacking Inquisition soldiers. Fight with Inquisition soldiers against the Jaws of Hakkon. Go to [48]
QUEST: Avvar Allies
Making contact with the Avvar hold to the east could provide the Inquisition with useful allies. Find the Avvar Hold
QUEST: Rift in the Floor
An active Fade rift has been spotted in the Basin Floor. Close rift.
QUEST: Holding Frostback Basin
Establish 6 camps to hold Frostback Basin and support Inquisition activity in the region.
Later in game, talk to Harding, before you enter Ancient Culvert [52]
QUEST: The Loss of a Friend
Grandin, an Inquisition scout, has disappeared in Frostback Basin. Grandin's friend was recently murdered and Scout Harding is concerned about Grandin's safety.
02 Rift in the Floor
For Rift in the Floor Quest
03 Zone Entrance / Exit
04 Research Outpost
NPC: Professor Bram Kenric for The Basin Beckons Quest
QUEST: What Yet Lingers
A mysterious island in Frostback Basin may yield clues to the region's past. Find a way to get to the island.
QUEST: Worthy of Publication
Kenric's research assistant, Colette, left to survey Tevinter ruins. Her findings could offer historical insight into the Basin's past. Find Colette
ITEM: A baffled Note
ITEM: A neatly Penned Note
ITEM: Property of Colette
ITEM: A Letter to Harding Codex
ITEM: Inquisitor Ameridan Codex
ITEM: Questions of Accuracy
After visiting Lady's Rest Island
QUEST: On Ameridian's Trail
A spirit - in the guise of Inquisitor Ameridan's lover, Telana - revealed that Ameridan traveled upriver.
05 Basin Floor Astrarium
Constellation: Visus
06 Monster Lair
Monster: Fade-Touched Lurker and fiew companions. It is for A Father's Name Quest from [28]. There are 4 loot spots there and Veilfire
07 Hidden Cave
Go up the ledge and you'll find a hidden cave.
08 River Camp
09 Mouth of Echoes
ITEM: At What Cost
ITEM: A Memory Saved
10 Shattered Wall
Two small Hakkon camps near
11 Hryngnar's Lair
Monster: Ice Giant
12
ITEM: Journal of the Giant Watcher
13 Boathouse
NPC: Fisherman Arvid for What Yet Lingers Quest
He wants you to go and find Avvar Leader to the East. Talk to Svarah Sun-Hair at [13], and return to Arvid. Then take Boat at [43]
14 Ocularum
Picking up shards in Frostback Basin you can activate The Mystery of Winter Quest
QUEST: The Mystery of Winter
An unnatural but strangely familiar cold emanates from a locked door within Frostback Basin. Unlock The Door.
ITEM: Leather-Bound Hakkonite Journal Codex
15 Swampside Camp
QUEST: Rifts Along the River 2 Rifts
16
ITEM: Mysteries of the Frostback Basin Codex
17
Monster: Fade-Touched Gurgut, good loot on the ground there. It is for A Father's Name Quest from [28].
18
NPC: Colette for Worthy of Publication Quest
Coletter ask you to meet her at The Tevinter Ruins
19 Blood-Stained Shrine
20 Stone-Bear Hold
Talking to villagers in Stone-Bear Hold you will get a chance for two oerations. They will rise aproval for you.
OPERATION: Send Relicts of Tyrdda Bright-Ax Run this operation on War Table in Skyhold
The Avvar of Stone-Bear Hold greatly respect Tyrdda Bright-Ax, the legendary founder of the Avvar. An earlier search located the spot where many of Tyrdda Bright-Ax's possessions were left (her body of course had been destroyed in accordance with how the Avvar deal with their dead). While her weapon (apparently a mage's staff rather than an ax) may no longer be available, Stone-Bear Hold would likely appreciate other relics found at the site.
- Josephine
OPERATION: Send Skywatcher to Stone-Bear Hold Run this operation on War Table in Skyhold
Skywatcher, the Avvar healer we encountered in the Fallow Mire, is evidently respected across many holds as a wise and practical man. He has expressed an interest in seeing Stone-Bear Hold. Having him pay the hold a visit on behalf of the Inquisition might garner more respect with them.
- Josephine
21 Stone-Bear Hold Leader
NPC: Svarah Sun-Hair for What Yet Lingers Quest and Avvar Allies Quest
QUEST: Guests of the Hold
Though guest status has been granted, it will take some effort for Stone-Bear Hold to view the Inquisition as a trusted friend. Guests of the Hold Quest force you to gain aproval in Stone-Bear Hold, you have to finish 5 quests:
- Up and Away Quest (31)
- Storvacker Caged
- A Father's Name
- It Remains to Be Seen
- Hakkon's Trials
Last step in this quest "Impress The Hold" will be possible after killing main enemy in Frostback Basin - Dragon Hakkon Wintersbreath, and it will be one of last tasks here.
QUEST: Storvacker Caged
The Avvar hold-beast has vanished. Thane Svarah Sun-Hair cannot in good conscience fight the Jaws of Hakkon until the bear is returned. Speak with Avvar villagers to find out where the bear might be.
ITEM: Thane Svarah Sun-Hair Codex
Shop
For Storvacker Caged Quest after (37), talk to Svarah Sun-Hair.
After removing the magic barrier at [34]
QUEST: Ameridan's End
After killing Dragon, and finishing Storvacker Caged Quest. You can Accquire bear as Inquisition Agent
OPERATION: Too Grizzly To Bear.
22 Meat Shop
ITEM: Sketches Found in a Meat Shop
23
Shop with Skyhold personalizations.
NPC: Trader Heldim
24
NPC: The Augur
For It Remains to be Seen Quest (36) talk to Augur, pick Veilfire, and go to [28]
After you meet and talk to Sigrid Gulsdotten [50], speak with Augur about Sigrid. Then go to Ritual Site [51]
25
NPC: Finn
NPC: Master of the Hunt
For Storvacker Caged Quest aks him about bear.
ITEM: The Naming of Stone-Bear Hold Codex
26 In Fear of Hryngnar
NPC: Trainer Arrken
ITEM: An Offering For The Arena
QUEST: Hakkon's Trials
The Avvar measure a warrior's worth by their skill in arena combat. Completing Hakkon's trials could increase the Inquisition's reputation in the hold.
To finish Hakkon's Trials you have to complete Requisition an offering to bring to the arena. Use 2 x Everite and 2 x Silverite on Requisition Table in Inquisition Camp.
Give offering to Trainer Arrken and go to [30]
27 Weapon Shop
Crafting Stations
28
NPC: Gyda Myrdotten
QUEST: A Father's Name
A woman prepares bodies for sky burial at Stone-Bear Hold. Caldan Enversen's body should receive special rites; however, his son failed to complete them. As guests of the hold, the Inquisition may present the required offering as a gift. Speak with the Huntmaster [25].
You have to kill 3 Fade-Touched Creatures. They are at [06], [17] and [59]. Then return to Finn [25]
For Storvacker Caged Quest, after (24), using Veilfire look for runes on the walls. And go back to Augur [24]
ITEM: The Death Codex
ITEM: The Mourning Codex
ITEM: The Return Codex
29 Stone-Bear Hold
NPC: Skald Fullna
ITEM: Two Marked In Battle Codex - Talk to Fullna
30 Arena Grounds
You can enter here during Hakkon's Trials Quest [26]
There will come 3 waves of enemies. Then return to Arena Master
31
After visiting Stone-Bear Hold and talt to Svarah Sun-Hair, you will meet Linna here.
NPC: Linna
QUEST: Up and Away this quest is for gain aproval from Stone-Bear Hold.
An Avvar fisher cannot find her cousin, Runa. She believes Runa went climbing in the hills. Hopefully Runa has not met with any harm. Follow the Trial to find Runa
Go from [30] pass [31a], [31b], [31c], [31d] to [32], each time search for clue. (look for secret)
32
NPC: Runa for Up and Away Quest
Defend Runa, speak to her and observe the prayer. (+1 Magic as a Mage)
33Cliffside Path Astrarium
Constellation: Belenas
34Fortress Gates
They are magicaly closed now. You will open it finishing On Ameridian's Trail Quest.
35The Frozen Gate
36Human Bones Artifact
QUEST: It Remains to be Seen Pickup Artifacts, there are 5 of them around. When you find all go to Augur 24
The Jaws of Hakkon have used human bones in some sort of magic ritual. Learning more about this magic could offer insight into their intent.
37Abandoned Jail
For Storvacker Caged Quest (21)
Outside and inside Hakkonite guards. When you attack inside, reinforcements will come.
Two massive doors on left and right can be opened by rogue and contain Loot.
Four steel grating (without center) also can be opened by Rogue, they contain some loot and codex.
ITEM: Secret Prisoners pf Tevinter Codex
Center one are, bear inside. Use Lever to open it. Do not be afraid of bear :)
NPC: Storvacker Lead bear outside.
Outside, there will be trap waiting for you. Kill Hakkonites, bear will help you fight.
After the fight Bear will go alone.
38Cliffside Camp
ITEM: Soldier's Note
39Nigel's Point
40Nigel's Point
NPC: Colette for Worthy of Publication Quest, after visiting (18)
OPERATION: An Appeal To The Shaperate Run this operation on War Table in Skyhold
While historical documents shed light on Orinna's time as Inquisitor Ameridan's companion, little is known of her early life in Orzammar. The Orzammar Shaperate contains an immeasurable wealth of knowledge pertaining to the thaig's past. Professor Kenric has made several requests to study their records, all of which were denied. As an ally of the Inquisition, Orzammar may be more willing to answer a petition from Skyhold.
ITEM: The Hunt of the Fell Wolf Codex
ITEM: Colette's Notes Codex
There are two chests with loot here. First on ground level in corridor to the right. Second at top of the tower, jump the wall and climb leader
There are two more items to examine at courtyard.
Closed doors in a corridor, you cant open them, its exit from The Old Temple, you will use it later in game.
41Canyon Camp
ITEM: From a Mage's Journal Codex
42 Lift Up/Down
43 Boat
Boat for What Yet Lingers Quest. You need to talk to Fisherman Arvid [13] to take it. It will take you to mysterious island.
44 Lady's Rest Island
ITEM: Letter Found near Many Corpses
45 Fade Rift
Open Rift and talk to ghost. Take Loot.
ITEM: Aegis of the Rift New Inquisitor Ability
Use this ability to turn The Veil itself into a magical shield that deflects enemy projectiles. It can be upgraded in the Inquisitor ability tree.
ITEM: Ameridian's Orders
ITEM: Ancient Document Protected in a Scroll Case Codex
ITEM: Unfallen Shack Codex
Right after you exit Shack enemies will come, kill them.
46 The Stone Giants
47 Cursed Treasure
Do not pick gold or at last save game first
ITEM: Ballad of the Murderer's Gold Codex
After visiting Lady's Rest Island go back to Professor Bram Kenric [04] to finish What Yet Lingers Quest
48 Soldiers fighting Hakkons
Fight Hakkons for Lead the Charge Quest [01]
NPC: Lieutenant Farrow
QUEST: Jawbreaker
Lieutenant Farrow has reports of Hakkonite camps along the river. Their hostile presence prevents the resupply of Inquisition encampments and makes travel through the region dangerous.
49 Ocularum
50
NPC: Sigrid The Exile
QUEST: In Exile
Sigrid Gulsdotten exiled herself from Stone-Bear Hold. Though Sigrid refuses to explain why, it may still be possible to discover the reason.
Talk to Sigrid and go to Augur [24]
After examining Ritual Site [51], talk to Sigrid.
Sigrid Gulsdotten can be Inquisition Agent
51 Ritual Site
This place is for In Exile Quest, come here after you talk to Augur [24] about Sigrid. You have to find here 4 secrets, after that return to Sigrid [50]
52 Ancient Culvert
Before you enter Ancient Culvert go to Harding [01] and talk to her for The Loss of a Friend Quest
NPC: Scout Grandin
Talk to Grandin, kill him and go back to Harding [01] to finish quest.
53 Start of Trail of Carnage
For The Loss of a Friend Quest (01). Follow Trail and look for secrets. It will lead you to Ancient Culvert (52)
54 Ridgeline Camp
ITEM: Ameridan and the Mage
55 Arboreal Fort
Landmark is upstairs on footbridge
56 Western Riverbank Astrarium
Constellation: Fulmenos
57 Astrarium Cave
After solving all 3 Astrarium puzzles, a cave will be revaled. Its on ground level.
58 The Mystery of the Winter Cave
You need to find all shards using Ocularums and then open doors. Loot inside.
Cold Resistance +12
ITEM: Geldauran's Claim Codex
59 Monster Lair
Monster: Fade-Touched Spider. It is for A Father's Name Quest from [28].
60 Entrance to The Old Drains
61 Razikale's Reach
Kill enemies, search courtyard (2 items) and select "Wait for Professor Kenric" he will open doors.
62 Razikale's Reach Puzzles
Two locked doors on left and right are optional and can be opened with pressplates puzzle in center.
After puzzles, go upstairs.
63 Magic Barrier
You can open this barrier using Veilfire. Veilfire its near, take wooden walkway to find it.
Dispel barrier and enter room. Using Veilfire activate two power sources inside. To to the walls and Pull switch to activate a trail marker.
Follow Trail and activate all Markers, they will guide you to Fortress Gates [34]
After removing the magic barrier at [34] go to Svarah Sun-Hair [21] and tell her you are ready for Attack the Jaws Hakkon.
64
ITEM: Secret of the Rockspit Codex
65
Assault The Gate. Fight all enemies till you find entrance to The Old Temple.
66 The Old Temple
67 Exit only from The Old Temple
68 Dragon Hakkon Wintersbreath
Dragon will be here after you exit from The Old Temple Location.
After killing dragon go to Svarah Sun-Hair [21] to finish Guests of the Hold Quest.
69
ITEM: From the Journal of Havard-Pierre D'Amortisan
ITEM: Field Notes
ITEM: Torn Pages
NPC: Havard-Pierre D'Amortisan he will come here after finishing main quests in Frostback Basin
QUEST: Beasts at Bay
Inquisition soldiers face delays setting up camps due to interference from the local wildlife. Baron Henri-Pierre d'Amortisan believes his herb wards may keep the beasts at bay.
Place Wards
NPC: Dunwich
QUEST: The Nox Morta
Baron Henri-Pierre d'Amortisan and his scribe, Dunwich, are searching for the Nox Morta. With assistance, they may be able to prove the existence of this mysterious creature.
70 Nox Morta
For The Nox Morta Quest.
Veil Quartz Deposit Locations
You need Veilfire torch to gather Veil Quartz.
71 Veil Quartz
Easy to gather, Veilfire is near.
72 Veil Quartz
Hard to get, you will have to jump like kangaroo.
ncG1vNJzZmifkaKybrnAqapnm5%2BifIWNqGh9q6ejqa%2Bir8pmeZqrmaN7or%2FP