In the realm of Dragon Age: Inquisition, decorative gems play a crucial role not only in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your Skyhold stronghold but also in attracting desirable agents and maintaining your companions' spirits. Acquiring these gems, however, can sometimes feel like a quest in itself. In this post, we will delve into the various locations where these gems can be found, how to efficiently gather them, and why they matter so much in your journey.
Why Decorative Gems Matter
Before we explore where to find these gems, understanding their significance in Dragon Age: Inquisition is essential:
- Improve Skyhold's Appearance: Decorative gems can be used to beautify Skyhold, making it feel more like a home and reflecting your achievements in the game.
- Attract Agents: Certain agents will only consider joining your Inquisition if specific rooms in Skyhold are enhanced with these gems.
- Morale Boost: Your companions appreciate a well-decorated Skyhold, which can influence their approval ratings and their interactions with you.
Locations to Find Decorative Gems
1. Looting from Enemies
Enemies, particularly bandits, demons, and sometimes even spiders, can drop decorative gems upon defeat. Here are some notable locations:
- Hinterlands: Explore ruins like the Crossroads and Grand Forest Villa. Defeating bandits often yields basic gems.
- Storm Coast: Bandit camps around the coast can be lucrative for gems.
- Fallow Mire: Although it's a grim place, loot from undead can include some rare gems.
2. Treasure Chests
Many treasure chests scattered around the game world contain decorative gems:
- The Hinterlands: Chests in Redcliffe Village often have common and uncommon gems.
- Emprise du Lion: Look for chests in abandoned forts and watchtowers.
- Western Approach: Investigate the old Tevinter ruins for valuable gem finds.
🎮 Note: Always keep an eye out for locked chests; with the right rogue skills, you can unlock these and gain access to potentially better loot.
3. The War Table
The War Table can be used to send your advisers on missions that can yield decorative gems:
| Mission | Adviser | Gems |
|---|---|---|
| Investigate the Avvar | Josephine | Uncommon gems |
| Scouting in the Graves | Scout Harding | Common gems |
| Lucien’s Return | Leliana | Rare gems |
4. Trading with Merchants
Merchants throughout Thedas might stock gems, although this is less common:
- Val Royeaux: The merchants here sometimes carry rare gems.
- Haven: Early in the game, look for a merchant in Haven.
- Skyhold: Once you’ve established your base, the merchants in Skyhold can offer decorative gems for trade.
5. Crafting Materials
When dismantling or crafting armor, weapons, or jewelry, there’s a chance to obtain decorative gems as materials:
- Masterworks: Sometimes, rare materials can be turned into gems.
- Found Items: Gems can occasionally be crafted from items found in the wild or as quest rewards.
Effective Strategies for Gathering Decorative Gems
Here are some strategies to ensure you're never short on decorative gems:
- Loot All Containers: Even seemingly mundane containers like boxes or pots can contain gems.
- Complete War Table Missions: Focus on missions with an emphasis on exploration or treasure hunting.
- Defeat Bandits: Prioritize bandit camps and their loot drops, as they tend to carry these gems.
- Invest in Crafting: Improve your crafting skills and dismantle items with potential gem crafting benefits.
🎮 Note: Remember that while the acquisition of gems is important, the game's primary narrative should not be neglected for too long.
In conclusion, decorative gems in Dragon Age: Inquisition add both functional and aesthetic value to your experience. They're scattered throughout Thedas, and knowing where to look can streamline your gem gathering. From defeating bandits in the Hinterlands to unlocking treasure chests in Emprise du Lion, your journey to beautify Skyhold is filled with opportunities. Engage in war table missions, trade with merchants, and leverage your crafting skills to ensure you have plenty of gems to adorn your castle. Remember, while these gems enhance your stronghold's appeal, the real gem is the journey and the story you unfold as the Inquisitor.
What are the different types of decorative gems in Dragon Age: Inquisition?
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There are three primary categories of decorative gems in Dragon Age: Inquisition: Common, Uncommon, and Rare. Common gems are relatively easy to find, while Uncommon and Rare gems are less frequent and provide greater aesthetic and functional benefits.
Can I buy decorative gems from merchants?
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Yes, merchants in Val Royeaux, Haven, and Skyhold occasionally sell decorative gems, though they can be quite expensive compared to finding them through exploration or looting.
Do I need decorative gems to attract specific agents to Skyhold?
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Yes, some agents are more inclined to join if you have a well-decorated Skyhold. Gherlen, for instance, requires the Treasury to be enhanced with gems to even consider joining.
