Dragon Age lore spoke often of Orlais, but it wasn't until Inquisition that players finally got to visit the Empire and see how steeped in its people are in the Grand Game. After uncovering the Elder One's plot to assassinate Empress Celene -- an act that would throw Orlais into chaos -- the Inquisition arranged a meeting with the Empress herself at a ball held in Halamshiral at the Winter Palace. Navigating peace negotiations between Empress Celene and her cousin, the Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons, isn't easy, as the approval of the entire court weighs heavily on the available outcomes.
To make matters more complicated, the Empress' former lover has plans of her own that, if carried out, could affect Orlais in ways no one would ever see coming. Acquiring court approval through various acts and conversations is essential to success, but not every race in Thedas receives the same attentions and intrigue. To start, "Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts" can be unlocked at the War Table for 30 power points.
Upon arriving, the Inquisitor has their first meeting with Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons, who informs them that he believes Briala plans to sabotage negotiations. After this conversation, head inside, where guests are milling about the exterior garden. There are opportunities to begin raising court approval, which factors heavily into the available outcomes later in the quest.
A non-mage human noble begins with the highest approval (+40). Meanwhile, human mages, Elves and Dwarves begin with an instant -10, and Qunari starts out at -15. Keep an eye on your court approval as, if it reaches zero, the Inquisition will be thrown out, resulting in a failure.
An easy +10 approval can be earned by speaking to the noblewoman who lost her ring and offering it to find it for her. Refusing nets an instant -5. Along with this side-quest, there are several others around the ball, both inside and out, that can raise or lower court approval. After exploring the exterior and tending to any side-quest business, head to the doors and enter the vestibule.
Inside the vestibule, there are a few more side-quests, plus conversations with Cullen and squadmembers before entering the ballroom for introductions. At this point, the Inquisitor will walk across the floor, with their chosen party and advisors. Afterwards, the Inquisitor arrives beside Duke Gaspard and his niece Grand Duchess Florianne de Chalons to have their first meeting with the Empress. Responses here garner further court approval or disapproval.
After meeting the Empress, Leliana will ask to speak with the Inquisitor. Mingle with guests for various approval options and search out any side-quest items in the ballroom before heading back out into the vestibule to meet with Leliana. She will mention a mage who's charmed the Empress, and the Inquisitor can point out Gaspard's accusations regarding Briala. Both lead to further investigation in the guest wing. There is a timer between appearances in the ballroom, and missing the final bell before returning to the ball will signal disapproval.
This section involves acquiring three items. These can be obtained in any order, but a soon as the third is retrieved, there will be a limited amount of time to return to the ballroom, so move quickly. The doors to the Grand Library in the vestibule are locked, so the Inquisitor will have to find another way inside. Head to the guest wing, where there are various side-quests to pursue, including an eavesdropping point that will reveal some pertinent information.
Afterwards, head up to the balcony where Duke Germain was earlier met and pick up the Cylinder Seal needed to proceed. Another Elven servant can be eavesdropped on, or spoken to directly if the Inquisitor is an Elf, to reveal that something is amiss in the servant's quarters.
Return to the guest wing and head into the guest gardens. Celene's ladies-in-waiting approach to deliver a message from the Empress. After mingling and eavesdropping, head to the lattice, climb up into the next area and use a Halla statue to open the Upper Garden Door. There is a chest with some loot and the necessary "Negotiations" item for the main quest. Head back outside and turn left to enter the Grand Library to retrieve the "Letter" item. Once this is picked up, the race back to the ballroom begins.
Before heading back into the ballroom, Celene's court magical advisor Morrigan intervenes to meet with the Inquisitor. Speak with her, then head inside to mingle and tend to any side-quests before leaving to investigate the servant's quarters and grand apartments. Enter the door to the servant's quarters and take a moment to equip everyone's arms and armor before proceeding, as there is combat ahead. Investigate the area to discover a corpse, then proceed back toward the fountain where the body of an emissary from the Council of Heralds is found.
Three Venatori agents descend on the party. Take them out and head north, then east to go up the stairs and into the grand apartments. Explore the apartments, accessing the Empress' vault if possible to find an Elven locket. Then, face any remaining Venatori and the Harlequin, who does not want the Inquisitor to return to the ball. After taking them out, head back to the ball to launch a cutscene with Briala.
Returning to the ballroom launches a dance with Florianne, during which the Inquisitor can garner some court approval through witty responses. At the end of the dance, Florianne suggests investigating the Royal Wing, which is the next exploration point. The trophy room contains an item that can be used to blackmail Gaspard, so grab it and head to the Royal Wing.
There are three blackmail points in the Royal Wing, one for Briala, Gaspard and Empress Celene. Explore the area to locate them, then head toward the doors opposite the balcony to spring Florianne's trap. She reveals her affiliation with Corypheus before leaving the party to face an open Fade rift. Take care of the demons, then speak to the man there. He may be convinced to testify against Gaspard and join the Inquisition.
Returning to the ballroom launches a cutscene exposing Florianne's betrayal. If your court approval is high enough, Florianne can be confronted and detained without a battle. If not, she will reveal her treachery, possibly killing the Empress before leading the Inquisitor on a chase into a final boss battle outside. Once she's been defeated, it's up to the Inquisitor to determine the fate of the Orlesian throne and cementing their decision with the revelation of any scandals uncovered while searching for clues.
Options include allowing Celene to continue ruling alone, fostering a reunion between Celene and Briala so they might rule together, Gaspard ruling alone, Gaspard and Briala ruling together or exposing everyone's scandal to force a public truce. Regardless of the overall outcome, Orlais will be stabilized and able to aid the Inquisition in their efforts against Corypheus. Additionally, Morrigan will be sent to join the Inquisition as an advisor and found in the courtyard at Skyhold.
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