Dragon Age Awakening The Lost Dragon Bones
The Dragon Age universe, particularly the expansion Dragon Age: Awakening, features numerous side quests that enrich the game’s lore and provide tangible rewards. Among these, the quest line concerning the “Lost Dragon Bones” stands out for its exploration of the darkspawn and the lingering presence of dragons within the world. This article details the process of completing this quest, highlighting key locations, enemies, and decisions that shape the outcome.
Initiating the Quest
The quest "Lost Dragon Bones" begins in the Vigil's Keep, the Warden Commander's base of operations in Awakening. Interaction with Herold, a guard stationed within the keep, is crucial. He is found near the entrance, and engaging in conversation with him will unlock the quest. Herold explains that he has heard rumors of dragon bones being unearthed in the Amaranthine countryside. The quest prompt will appear in the journal once the dialogue is concluded.
Locating the First Dragon Bone
The initial clue provided by Herold directs the Warden Commander towards the Amaranthine countryside. This area is accessible from the Vigil's Keep world map. Upon entering the countryside, exploration is key. The first dragon bone is not readily apparent. It is located within a specific encounter area, triggered by approaching a group of darkspawn. These darkspawn are generally of lower level at the beginning of the expansion, but caution is advised, particularly at higher difficulty settings.
Once the darkspawn are defeated, a thorough search of the immediate area is required. The dragon bone itself is a small, interactable object that blends into the environment. It might be near a rock formation or partially buried in the dirt. Clicking on it will add the "Dragon Bone" item to the inventory and update the quest log with the next step.
The Dungeons of the Stone Quarter
The second dragon bone lies within the Dungeons of the Stone Quarter, located within Amaranthine. Accessing the Dungeons requires progressing through the main storyline of Awakening to the point where the Stone Quarter is explorable. Once inside, the Dungeons are found as a specific section of the Stone Quarter map. The Dungeons themselves are linear and relatively easy to navigate.
Unlike the first bone, the second one is guarded by a more significant enemy: a group of Genlock Emissaries and their minions. Genlock Emissaries are spellcasters capable of dealing substantial elemental damage, so preparing for this encounter is crucial. Using resistance potions or equipping party members with appropriate gear will mitigate the damage received. Focus fire on the Emissaries to eliminate their threat quickly. After defeating the darkspawn, the second dragon bone will be located nearby, often on or near a makeshift altar or within a small alcove.
Kal'Hirol and the Final Bone
The third and final dragon bone is found within Kal'Hirol, a dwarven thaig also unlocked through the main storyline progression in Amaranthine. Kal'Hirol presents a more challenging environment, with multiple paths and hidden areas. The dragon bone is located deep within the thaig, guarded by a formidable foe: a Hurlock Alpha and a large contingent of darkspawn.
The Hurlock Alpha is a melee-focused enemy with high health and damage output. Crowd control abilities, such as stuns or paralysis, are highly effective against it. Focus on weakening the Alpha first, while utilizing party members to manage the surrounding darkspawn. After defeating the Hurlock Alpha and its minions, the final dragon bone will be found nearby, often within a small chamber or near a destroyed dwarven structure. Be cautious, as traps are common in Kal'Hirol and can inflict significant damage.
Returning to Vigil's Keep
Once all three dragon bones are collected, return to Vigil's Keep. Speak to Herold once more. He will express his gratitude for recovering the bones and offer a reward. The reward is typically a piece of armor or a weapon, often of good quality but not exceptionally rare. The primary benefit of completing this quest is the experience gained and the satisfaction of resolving a side story within the game's world.
Beyond the Reward: Understanding the Lore
While the material reward for the "Lost Dragon Bones" quest might not be game-breaking, the quest itself provides insight into the world of Dragon Age. The presence of dragon bones in these locations hints at past battles and the pervasive influence of dragons, even in their absence. It underscores the ongoing conflict between the races of Thedas and the darkspawn, who seek to corrupt and destroy everything in their path. Furthermore, the rumors that Herold hears suggest a network of information within the common folk, hinting that even seemingly insignificant characters can provide valuable information.
Practical Insights: Observation and Diligence
The "Lost Dragon Bones" quest exemplifies the importance of observation and diligence in both gaming and everyday life.
Observation: In the game, simply following the main quest marker will not uncover the dragon bones. The Warden Commander must actively explore the environment, interact with NPCs, and pay attention to details. Similarly, in everyday life, actively observing surroundings and people can lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities.
Diligence: Even after receiving the initial clue, the quest requires effort and persistence. Searching through multiple locations, defeating enemies, and overcoming challenges are all necessary steps. Likewise, achieving goals in real life requires consistent effort and a willingness to persevere through obstacles.
The quest encourages players to go beyond the surface level and delve deeper into the world, much like seeking knowledge and understanding in the real world. The reward, while modest, is a testament to the value of exploration and perseverance. By actively engaging with the world around us, we can uncover hidden treasures and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of life.
