BRECILLIAN FOREST

The Dalish elves are being destroyed by a virulent disease which is turning them all into werewolves. The clan keeper, Zathrian, asks for your assistance in ridding them of the curse. He requests that you find the first werewolf, Witherfang, and return with his heart to end the curse destroying his people. The quest takes you through the Brecilian Forest to track down the lead werewolf.

Note: Dalish Elf Wardens will have some significant changes in dialogue during this quest. Also, if Dog is present in your active party, it will growl at Zathrian at the beginning of the dialogue, and Zathrian will express his distaste for canines.

Walkthrough

When the Warden travels to the Brecilian Outskirts, they will be greeted by Mithra Dalish elf leading a patrol.

Keeper Zathrian

Lanaya

Mithra

After a brief exchange (nothing to be gained by withholding the truth in this dialogue; let her know you have business with her leader, and that you are a Grey Warden), she will lead the Warden to Keeper Zathrian in the Dalish Camp (Dalish Camp Map, L1)

He explains that the Dalish elves currently cannot honor the ancient treaties because many of their hunters have been afflicted after they were ambushed by werewolves since they entered this part of the forest.

Zathrian will explain that the lycanthropy spreads like a disease but is linked to its original source: a wolf known as Witherfang and that, with the beast's heart, he may be able to find a cure, which will enable them to join the Warden in the fight against the Blight. The Warden can also ask for a reward in exchange for their help; if the Warden sides with the elves and doesn't cure the werewolves Zathrian will give them Griffon's Beak.

Zathrian will also share a few parting tips, for example: Watch for the white wolves, and promptly directs you to his apprentice Lanaya (Dalish Camp Map, L1) and the clan storyteller Sarel (Dalish Camp Map, L2). If pressed about equipment, he will have Varathorn (Dalish Camp Map, L33) set aside some supplies for you (if you do not ask Zathrian this you can still loot the chest behind Varathorn's wagon and get the same supplies). You can also pick up the Side Quest Rare Ironbark from Varathorn as well. As you progress through the quest, you can consult Zathrian concerning any new developments.

Sarel

Varathorn

Note: If Dog is in the party when you first arrive at the Dalish Camp then when the conversation is over Mabari Dominance is active even though you have not examined the Landmark Tent behind Zathrian yet.

The Warden should explore the camp before moving on, to grab the side quests, codex entries, and some spare loot. One locked chest, right next to Zathrian, will trigger angry reactions from the elves if you ignore Lanaya's warnings. The other locked chests can be freely opened however.

  • If fighting werewolves later, have Dog in the party. Against a party full of people the werewolves will use Overwhelm and kill everyone very quickly. Dog is immune to this ability. For this reason, along with many others, Dog makes a great addition to the party.

  • Varathorn is notable because of his infinite supply of herbs, and the Manual: Shapeshifter he sells.

  • If one kills Zathrian using cone of cold spells etc. then you may not be able to side with the werewolves or Zathrian at the end, meaning you must kill him during later dialogue in the quest. This means Lanaya will become the Keeper.