The Act of Mercy quest in Dragon Age 2 presents players with one of the most compelling moral dilemmas in the game's first act. Triggered by a letter received at Gamlen's house after completing Wayward Son, this main plot mission asks Hawke to mediate a tense standoff between fugitive mages and searching Templars. Understanding the choices involved helps players navigate party approval while securing the best rewards for their playthrough.
Starting the Mission and Reaching the Cavern
To initiate this quest, check the writing desk in Gamlen's house to read the letter sent by Ser Thrask. Head to the Wounded Coast approach, where you will meet Ser Thrask requesting your assistance in resolving an apostate crisis peacefully. He asks you to speak with a group of runaway Starkhaven mages hiding inside the cavern before a more hostile squad arrives.
Upon entering the Runaway's Cavern, prepare for combat as you encounter blood mages led by Decimus. Decimus refuses to surrender and immediately attacks, forcing your party into a sudden fight. Focus your high-damage attacks on Decimus early to eliminate his spellcasting threat quickly.
Dealing with Grace and the Starkhaven Mages
After defeating Decimus, Grace steps forward to explain the situation of the remaining Starkhaven apostates. She urges Hawke to kill Ser Thrask to protect their secret location permanently. You can agree to help her, promise to trick the Templars, or outright refuse her demand.
Choosing how to respond significantly affects party approval across your active companions. For example, offering to trick the Templars grants approval from companions like Anders, Aveline, and Varric. Deciding to eliminate Thrask results in severe approval penalties from more lawful party members.
Confronting Ser Karras Outside
Once you exit the cave system, Ser Karras and his squad of Templars arrive to confront Hawke. If you decided to protect the mages, you can use Varric or a humorous dialogue option to convince Karras that the apostates are dead. Successfully deceiving Karras allows the mages to escape safely without further bloodshed.
If you fail the persuasion or choose to support the Templars, a combat encounter against Ser Karras will trigger. Defeating his forces yields unique equipment such as the Dragon Hunter's Hauberk and extra experience points. Choosing to hand the mages over peacefully will satisfy pro-Templar companions but changes future questlines in Act 2.
Rewards and Long-Term Consequences
Completing the Act of Mercy quest unlocks distinct follow-up missions depending on your ultimate choice. Helping the mages escape grants access to Search and Rescue or The Underground Railroad in Act 2. Conversely, aiding the Templars unlocks the Bounty Hunter quest instead.
In addition to narrative impacts, players receive substantial experience points and monetary rewards upon completion. Grace may also present Hawke with the Chanters' Staff if the apostates are allowed to flee freely. Weighing party approval gains against long-term storyline paths ensures a satisfying resolution for your Hawke.
