Dragon Age 2 Magistrate's Orders Quest Guide And Decision Outcomes

The Magistrate's Orders quest in Dragon Age 2 provides players with one of the most morally complex decisions early in Act 1. Received from Magistrate Vanard outside the Chantry in Hightown after completing the Birthright quest, this assignment sends Hawke into abandoned ruins outside Kirkwall. What starts as a routine capture mission quickly evolves into a deep narrative dilemma involving systemic corruption and justice.

Starting the Quest and Exploring the Ruins

To acquire the quest, players must locate Magistrate Vanard near the world map exit by the Hightown Chantry steps. He asks Hawke to track down Kelder, an escaped criminal hiding in nearby ruins, under the explicit condition that he be brought back alive. Upon entering the Ruined Passage, Hawke encounters waves of hostile creatures, including spiders, corpses, and an Arcane Horror.

Discovering Kelder's Dark Truth

As Hawke delves deeper into the subterranean ruins, they meet an elven girl named Lia who reveals the horrifying nature of her captor. Kelder is not merely a political prisoner, but a disturbed serial killer targeting young elven children. When confronted, Kelder expresses no remorse and blames dark spirits for his atrocious actions.

Choosing Kelder's Fate and Companion Impact

At the climax of the quest, Hawke must decide whether to spare Kelder, execute him on the spot, or allow Fenris to execute him. Sparing Kelder yields financial rewards from his father, but causes significant rivalry with companions like Aveline, Isabela, and Merrill. Conversely, executing Kelder grants widespread approval across most party members who view his death as necessary justice.

Long-Term Consequences and Narrative Value

Returning to Magistrate Vanard completes the quest, though the ending varies based on Hawke's choices and dialogue responses. If Kelder was executed, Lia appears much later in Act 3 as a member of the Kirkwall City Guard to thank Hawke for doing the right thing. This quest highlights the moral ambiguity of Kirkwall's legal system, setting a strong narrative tone for the remainder of Dragon Age 2.