Dragon Age: Inquisition - Crestwood: A Comprehensive Guide to the Desolate Hinterlands

As you embark on your epic journey in Dragon Age: Inquisition, the desolate and war-torn region of Crestwood awaits you. This sprawling land is home to a rich tapestry of history, hidden secrets, and formidable challenges. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to navigate Crestwood's treacherous landscapes and uncover its secrets.

Overview

Crestwood lies southeast of the Inquisition's headquarters at Skyhold. Once a thriving hub of agriculture and trade, it has now fallen into ruin after years of warfare. As a newly appointed Inquisitor, you must venture into Crestwood to recruit the Avvar tribes, forge alliances, and reclaim the region from the Red Templars and other threats.

Notable Features

• Abandoned Mansion: A once-magnificent estate now haunted by spirits and plagued by sorrow.
• Ancient Ruins: Remnants of an ancient civilization, these ruins hold secrets of bygone eras.
• Bloodstone Keep: A strategic stronghold held by the Red Templars, it plays a pivotal role in Crestwood's fate.
• Fetid Pools: A diseased swamp that is home to monstrous creatures and cursed relics.
• Griffon Wing Keep: A fortress held by the Avvar tribes, it serves as their stronghold and a place of refuge.

Walkthrough

Upon entering Crestwood, you will encounter a desolate landscape ravaged by conflict. As you explore, you will encounter various quests, puzzles, and challenges.

Main Quests

• In Hushed Whispers: Investigate the Abandoned Mansion and uncover its tragic past.
• Reclaiming Crestwood: Rally the Avvar tribes and confront the Red Templars at Bloodstone Keep.
• Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts: Delve into the Fetid Pools and confront the demonic presence within.

Side Quests

• Lost in Shadows: Locate and rescue lost villagers from the perils of Crestwood.
• Amulet of Andraste: Retrieve a sacred relic from the ruins of an ancient temple.
• The Lost Boy: Find and reunite a young boy with his family.
• Uncharted Territory: Explore the unmapped regions of Crestwood and uncover hidden treasures.

Tips and Tricks

• Utilize Stealth: Many areas in Crestwood are heavily patrolled by enemies. Stealth can help you avoid detection and gain an advantage in combat.
• Collect Resources: Crestwood is rich in resources, such as stone, iron, and herbs. Collect them regularly to upgrade your weapons and armor.
• Establish Landmarks: Set up landmarks to navigate the vast and unfamiliar terrain of Crestwood. This will prevent you from getting lost and save you time.
• Form Alliances: The Avvar tribes are a valuable ally in Crestwood. Establish good relations with them and they will provide support in battle.
• Be Prepared for the Cursed: The Fetid Pools is a cursed area filled with poisonous gases and dangerous spirits. Prepare your party with protective gear and dispel curses before venturing in.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Captivating Storyline: Crestwood's main quests and side quests offer engaging narratives that delve into the region's history and struggles.
• Diverse Landscape: The region's varied terrain offers a wide range of exploration and combat opportunities.
• Challenging Enemies: Crestwood's enemies are formidable and require careful planning and execution to defeat.
• Rich Lore: Crestwood is steeped in lore and ancient secrets, providing a glimpse into Thedas's past.

Cons:

• Limited Fast Travel: Fast travel points are scarce in Crestwood, which can make exploration and backtracking tedious.
• Difficulty Spikes: Some areas of Crestwood, such as the Fetid Pools, can be extremely difficult, particularly for under-leveled parties.
• Resource Scarcity: Certain resources, such as leystone crystals, are rare in Crestwood, which can limit your crafting options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I start the Crestwood questline?
   - You can initiate the Crestwood questline by speaking to Commander Cullen in Skyhold.
2. Which companion can I recruit in Crestwood?
   - Blackwall, the former Grey Warden, can be recruited as a companion in Crestwood.
3. Where can I find the key to the Abandoned Mansion?
   - The key to the Abandoned Mansion is hidden in a barrel near the entrance.
4. How do I defeat the boss in the Fetid Pools?
   - To defeat the boss in the Fetid Pools, you must first dispel the curses on the area and then use fire attacks to damage it.
5. What is the significance of the amulet of Andraste?
   - The amulet of Andraste is a sacred relic that is said to possess divine power.
6. How do I unlock the achievements for Crestwood?
   - There are several achievements that can be unlocked in Crestwood, including completing all quests, finding all landmarks, and defeating the boss in the Fetid Pools.

Conclusion

Crestwood is a pivotal region in Dragon Age: Inquisition, offering a captivating storyline, diverse landscapes, and formidable challenges. By utilizing the knowledge and strategies outlined in this guide, you will be well-equipped to navigate the perils of Crestwood, uncover its secrets, and reclaim it from the grasp of evil. Embark on your journey into this desolate hinterland and experience the epic battles, rich lore, and unforgettable characters that await you in Crestwood.

Appendix

Table 1: Crestwood Resources

Table 2: Crestwood Enemies

Table 3: Crestwood Allies

Table 4: Crestwood Landmarks