The quest Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts in Dragon Age: Inquisition presents players with one of the most politically complex missions in the entire game. Taking place at the Winter Palace, the Inquisitor must navigate intrigue, court favor, and assassination plots to secure Orlais. Successfully resolving this main story quest requires balancing social maneuvering with careful tactical exploration behind closed doors.
Navigating Court Approval and Social Dynamics
Maintaining high Court Approval is essential while attending the grand ball at the Winter Palace. Actions such as arriving late to the ballroom or wandering around off-limits areas will drain your standing with the Orlesian nobility. Choosing fashionably subtle dialogue options during conversations allows you to preserve your reputation while gathering vital intelligence.
Eavesdropping on secrets, finding hidden caprice coins, and retrieving missing personal items help offset approval losses incurred during exploration. Players who wish to optimize their playthrough should check out this comprehensive Wicked Eyes And Wicked Hearts Walkthrough And Choice Guide for detailed strategies. Mastering these social interactions ensures you hold maximum leverage when major decisions arise.
Exploring Off-Limits Areas and Uncovering Clues
Venture beyond the Grand Ballroom into restricted zones like the Guest Wing, Servant's Quarters, and Royal Wing to gather critical evidence. Collecting Halla Statues scattered throughout the palace unlocks locked doors containing key secrets and quest items. Be vigilant when searching rooms, as finding cylinder seals or blackmail material drastically alters the narrative outcomes.
Time management is key when exploring restricted areas because your Court Approval steadily degrades while away from the party. Returning promptly whenever the palace bells chime prevents severe approval penalties from ruining your standing. Balancing thorough investigation with timely returns ensures you accumulate enough evidence on Empress Celene, Grand Duke Gaspard, and Ambassador Briala.
Exposing the Plot and Choosing the Ruler of Orlais
Near the climax of the mission, Grand Duchess Florianne is revealed as the mastermind behind the assassination attempt. Depending on your Court Approval rating, you can choose to confront her publicly or engage her in direct combat in the courtyard. Preventing the assassination keeps Empress Celene alive, though you can also allow the plot to succeed if you prefer a shift in leadership.
After neutralizing the immediate threat, the Inquisitor decides who will rule Orlais going forward. You can choose to support Empress Celene, place Grand Duke Gaspard on the throne, or elevate Ambassador Briala into a position of shadow power. Alternatively, with enough gathered blackmail evidence, you can force all three political leaders into a fragile truce that serves the Inquisition.
