Dragon Age Inquisition Wicked Eyes And Wicked Hearts Complete Quest Guide
Navigating the grand Winter Palace in Halamshiral during the mission Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts is one of the most intricate challenges in Dragon Age Inquisition. Players must balance delicate political maneuvering with covert exploration while maintaining high Court Approval among Orlesian nobles. Mastering this quest requires a strategic approach to dialogue, timed exploration, and uncovering vital blackmail evidence against key political figures.
Managing Court Approval and Social Expectations
Court Approval acts as a continuous meter that dictates how the Orlesian nobility perceives the Inquisitor throughout the grand ball. Staying away from public areas for too long gradually drains approval points, while returning promptly when the bells chime rewards you with social standing. Choosing neutral or tactful responses during conversations ensures your reputation remains intact while gathering critical information.
Interacting with key figures in the ballroom and completing minor tasks around the courtyard provides an early boost to your overall standing. Engaging in high-stakes conversations, such as dancing with Grand Duchess Florianne, requires carefully chosen dialogue options that reveal secrets without giving away your own intentions. Maintaining a high court approval above 85 unlocks unique resolution options near the conclusion of the storyline.
Exploring Off-Limit Areas for Critical Secrets
Stepping outside the public halls takes you into restricted zones where you can collect crucial blackmail evidence. Searching the Guest Wing, Grand Library, and Royal Apartments reveals hidden documents, scandal letters, and missing items essential for political leverage. Keep an eye out for Halla Statues scattered across the estate, as they unlock locked doors containing rare loot and pivotal quest items like the Elven Locket.
Timing your excursions properly is vital so that you do not incur heavy approval penalties for missing formal announcements. Using your search radar constantly helps highlight hidden coin collectibles, secret whispering spots, and key items. Gathering comprehensive evidence against Empress Celene, Grand Duke Gaspard, and Ambassador Briala gives you full control over the political fate of Orlais.
Confronting Florianne and Shaping the Political Future
The climax of the quest centers around stopping the assassination plot against Empress Celene. If your Court Approval is high enough, you can publicly confront the villain before any blood is spilled in the ballroom. Otherwise, you will be forced into a direct combat encounter in the palace courtyard against Grand Duchess Florianne and her Venatori forces.
After resolving the immediate threat, the Inquisitor must decide who will lead the empire moving forward. Depending on the evidence gathered, you can support Celene, empower Gaspard, rule through Briala, or force all three leaders into a fragile public truce. Each decision carries long-term consequences for the Inquisition and the broader story progression.