Here Lies The Abyss Or Wicked Eyes First

Okay, fellow Dragon Age fanatics! Let's talk about a *serious* dilemma. You're playing Dragon Age: Inquisition, things are heating up, and suddenly you're staring down *two* major quests: "Here Lies the Abyss" and "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts." Which do you tackle first? Does it even *matter*?

Well, grab your elfroot tea (or your preferred potion of choice) and let's dive in. There's no single "right" answer, but exploring the options is half the fun, right?

The Dilemma: Duty Calls (Twice!)

Imagine you're trying to decide between binging *Game of Thrones* or *The Witcher*. Both are epic, both demand your attention, and both involve characters you'll probably end up emotionally attached to (and then horribly sad when something bad happens to them). "Here Lies the Abyss" and "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts" are kind of like that.

"Here Lies the Abyss" is all about diving into the Fade, facing some seriously dark stuff, and making a tough decision about a certain Grey Warden. Think of it as the brooding, gothic horror option. We're talking demons, nightmares, and confronting inner darkness.

"Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts," on the other hand, throws you headfirst into Orlesian high society. Picture it as a meticulously crafted social thriller. We're talking political intrigue, scandalous whispers, and the pressure of navigating a court where one wrong step could mean *everything*.

Why Does the Order Matter? (Maybe it Doesn’t!)

So, why all the fuss about which quest to do first? It boils down to a few key things: pacing, character development, and the overall narrative flow. Think of it like choosing the order of songs on your favorite album. Can you skip around? Sure. But does it hit differently if you listen to it in a specific sequence?

Doing "Here Lies the Abyss" first can crank up the tension *big time*. You've just battled through a nightmare scenario, and you're probably feeling a little shaken. Then, BAM! You're thrust into the opulent world of Orlais, where everyone's smiling but nobody's trustworthy. The contrast is *stark*. It emphasizes just how messed up the world is, and how many different fronts the Inquisition is fighting on.

But...playing "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts" first has its advantages too! Imagine this: You successfully navigate the treacherous court, maybe even resolve some political tensions. You're feeling all sophisticated and accomplished. Then, you plunge into the Abyss, and suddenly all that fancy courtly stuff seems… utterly meaningless in the face of existential dread and demon hordes. It's a humbling experience, to say the least.

Character Dynamics: Who Benefits?

Here's a crucial element: your companions! The order you do these quests can subtly (or not-so-subtly) impact their reactions and development. For example, think about how your choice in "Here Lies the Abyss" can impact a certain Warden…and then consider how *that* might affect their behavior in the Orlesian court. It's all interconnected!

Some players argue that doing "Here Lies the Abyss" first allows for more natural character progression. The emotional weight of that quest can really shape how your companions interact with the political machinations of Orlais. Others feel that the Orlesian quest provides valuable context for understanding the broader political landscape, which then makes the stakes of "Here Lies the Abyss" feel even higher.

The Cool Factor: Weighing the Options

Ultimately, the best order depends on what *you* find cool. Do you prefer a story that builds slowly, with increasing levels of intensity? Or do you like a narrative that throws you curveballs and constantly subverts your expectations?

If you're a fan of dark, gritty stories with a heavy dose of emotional drama, "Here Lies the Abyss" might be the perfect appetizer. If you're more into political intrigue, social maneuvering, and a touch of scandal, "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts" could be your opening gambit.

Honestly, there’s no wrong answer! This is your Inquisitor's journey. Experiment! Replay! Embrace the chaos! Just be prepared to make some tough choices (and maybe shed a few tears along the way).

So, what's your preference? Abyss first, or Wicked Eyes? Let me know in the comments!