The Last Straw - p. 8 Dragon Age II Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Inside the eastern room you will come across Templars and mages possessed by Desire Demons #1. Try to eliminate the demon as fast as possible and move to the other enemies afterwards #2. The first to die should be the mages, especially that they have a few blood magic users amongst them.

Head west and turn north again. In the corridor you will meet Sandal #1 (M87, 6). I'd very much recommend using his services, getting rid of unnecessary items and buying new healing potions. You can also ask Sandal to enchant items and use the stash. Once you settle everything, head west #2.

Right after entering the last room you will be attacked by Shades and while at start there will be just Shades, three Rage Demons will appear in a bit #1. Remember about attacking them one by one and look after the health of your party members. After eliminating all the monsters, open the northern door #2 (M87, 5), which will take you to [The Gallows - Gallows Prison]. Once again, I'd recommend saving your game here!!

After reaching the new location you will be joined by Meredith and you will both meet First Enchanter Orsino #1 (M92, 1). Curiously, if Bethany supported him before, you will be able to convince her to you side now #2. You'd have to mention Quentin's responsibility for the death of the hero's mother and that Orsino knew what he was up to.

A very important cutscene. The First Enchanter will decide to use blood magic #1 and change into an enormous beast #2. Unfortunately the beast won't only attack the Templars, but everyone around. As a result you will have to defeat him in direct combat, which won't be easy.

It's worth to mention that you will be accompanied by characters not in your party, including Meredith #1. Unfortunately it won't make the battle much easier. Start attacking the boss at once #2.

You have to keep cautious, as Orsino will not only perform efficient direct attacks, but also use blood magic, grabbing random characters and sucking out their life #1. Unfortunately it cannot be avoided and all you can do is make sure that everyone has enough health points and heal immediately after they get free again. Fight until Orsino loses nearly all of his health #2.

The boss will undergo a transformation, changing from a large and slow beast into a small and very agile one #1. Corpses will also keep appearing #2, both warriors and archers.

You have to reckon with Orsino jumping from one place to another #1, however he's the ones you should focus your attacks on. The corpses don't need to be attacked at all costs #2. You should focus on eliminating them only if you get surrounded by a big group or when Orsino disappear for a longer period of time.

It's VERY important to look for Pride Abominations. If you notice such a monster #1, take care of him immediately. You can't let them cast their powerful spells, as they can easily kill your party members #2.

Keep attacking Orsino in his jumpy form until he loses almost all of his health #1. It will lead to another metamorphosis, back to the well-known large beast #2. Not much will change, so you will still have to take care of your party's health and heal fast if anyone gets caught by the boss.

Depriving Orsino of health completely will start a cutscene showing his death #1. If Bethany is still alive, you will have to deice her fait now #2. The possible options are:

• Defending Bethany (upper right dialogue option): Bethany won't die and will be able to join the party
• Wanting Bethany to die (lower right dialogue option): Meredith will execute her