In the realm of Dragon Age: Inquisition, Skyhold is not just your headquarters but also a canvas for personalization, reflecting your leadership style and influence over the Inquisition. While most players know how to change the decor of the main hall, there are five unique spots in Skyhold that often go unnoticed, where you can leave your mark in subtle yet impactful ways. Let's explore these spots and how you can decorate them to enhance your gaming experience.
1. The Throne Room Foyer
Just before you reach the main Throne Room, there’s a foyer that often goes unnoticed:
- Change the Banner: The banner behind your throne can be swapped for the flag of your nation or a banner representing the Inquisition.
- Decorative Armors: Place armors of fallen enemies or display the armor of heroes from past Dragon Age games.
- Carpet Color: Swap out the red carpet for one that matches your Inquisitor’s colors or your allied forces.
Table: Banner Options for Throne Room Foyer
| Banner | Implication |
|---|---|
| Orlais Banner | Emphasizes your alliance with the Empress or hints at political maneuvers. |
| Free Marches Flag | Shows support for common folk or mercenaries. |
| Qunari Banner | Signifies your respect or fear of the Qunari, perhaps hinting at negotiations or treaties. |
2. Herald’s Rest - The Tavern
The tavern in Skyhold, Herald’s Rest, is the heart of the Inquisition’s social interactions:
- Personalize the Bar: Choose if the bar is stocked with wine from Antiva or local ale from Ferelden.
- Decorate the Walls: Replace the generic paintings with portraits of your favorite characters or scenes from your adventures.
- The Drunken Chanter: Customize the Chanter’s performance to sing songs about your party or even a beloved companion.
🎺 Note: Remember that decor changes in the tavern are mostly cosmetic and don’t influence companion approval ratings directly.
3. Undercroft - The Lab
The Undercroft, where you craft and research, can reflect your Inquisitor’s scholarly interests:
- Display Unique Artifacts: Showcase rare artifacts collected from your journeys, from ancient elven relics to Tevinter scrolls.
- Tome Shelves: Set up shelves lined with ancient books on magic, history, or darkspawn to signify your Inquisitor’s intellect.
- Change the Light Source: Adjust the lighting from industrial to magical, giving the lab an arcane ambiance.
4. The Garden
The garden at Skyhold offers a serene space for contemplation and personalization:
- Plant Life: Replace the generic plants with those from your homeland or plants tied to your culture or religion.
- Fountains and Statues: Install statues or fountains that honor companions, historical figures, or your deity.
- Pathways and Gazebos: Customize the pathways and add a gazebo for a personal touch.
5. Your Personal Quarters
As the centerpiece of your personal space, your quarters should reflect your journey and identity:
- Windows: Choose the view outside your window, either a star-filled sky or a view of Thedas, symbolizing your focus.
- Companion Gifts: Place gifts from your companions around your room to show your bond with them.
- Bedding and Decor: Match the colors and motifs to those of your Inquisitor’s nationality or culture.
📚 Note: Keep in mind that while these decorations are cosmetic, they do reflect your Inquisitor’s history and personal story.
Personalizing these unique spots in Skyhold not only enhances the atmosphere of your base but also provides subtle storytelling elements, reflecting your choices and influences in the world of Thedas. Your fortress becomes a testament to your legacy, not just a functional stronghold. In conclusion, while the grand scale of Skyhold often overshadows these nooks, they are integral in making Skyhold not just a base of operations but a home that tells the tale of your Inquisition, leaving a lasting impression on every character who visits or dwells within its walls.
Can Skyhold’s decoration affect my relationships with companions?
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While most decorations are cosmetic, certain changes in Skyhold, like personalized gifts or statuary, can reflect your companion’s culture or history, potentially deepening your bond, though not directly impacting approval ratings.
Can I change Skyhold decorations multiple times?
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Yes, you can alter decorations at any time after you’ve unlocked the options through influence or quests, allowing you to tailor Skyhold to suit your current mood or story arc.
What’s the significance of the gazebo in the garden?
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The gazebo provides a private area for your Inquisitor to reflect, meditate, or even have a romantic encounter, making it a symbol of peace within the chaos of the Inquisition’s battles.
How do I find unique artifacts for my Undercroft?
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Unique artifacts can be found during your travels, through loot or specific quests, often tied to the lore or historical events in Thedas. Look for hidden or hard-to-reach areas to uncover these treasures.
