The Watchguard of the Reaching is an intriguing unmarked side quest in Dragon Age: Origins that takes players through hidden lore and subtle environmental puzzles. Set within the towering halls of the Circle Tower, this quest rewards diligent exploration and careful reading of collected texts. Completing its steps allows players to acquire powerful equipment while uncovering additional backstories regarding the Circle of Magi.
Starting the Quest in the Circle Tower
To begin this quest, players must travel to Lake Calenhad Docks and enter the Circle Tower during the main story campaign. The location spans multiple floors of the tower, starting primarily in the Apprentice Quarters. Players must keep an eye out for scattered Apprentice Notes left behind by former students.
Gathering any of these notes will unlock or update the relevant codex entry needed to progress the objective. Finding all notes requires searching through rooms on the Apprentice Quarters, Senior Mage Quarters, and the Great Hall. Thorough exploration of bookshelves and containers is essential before moving further up the tower.
Collecting the Apprentice Notes
The primary objective during the first phase is gathering six distinct notes scattered across three levels. Two notes rest within footlockers in the dormitory areas of the first floor. Another note lies near the summoning font on the same floor, while others are hidden on upper levels.
On the second and third floors, players must carefully check piles of books and long tables in common areas. Reading these notes reveals a cryptic story alongside specific instructions for a ritual sequence. Missing even a single note prevents the player from successfully interacting with the required statues later on.
Performing the Statue Interaction Ritual
Once all notes are collected, the player must travel to the Great Hall to interact with specific statues in exact order. The ritual requires touching the statue holding a bowl first, followed by the statue holding a sword pointed upward, then the sword pointed downward, and finally the statue holding a shield in the central room.
Unlike standard quests, the game does not provide explicit quest markers or confirmation prompts after touching each statue. If performed correctly, the final statue interaction triggers a quest update instructing the Warden to proceed to the main hall's central statue. Interacting with this statue releases the protective seal guarding the basement door on the first floor.
Defeating Shah Wyrd for Unique Rewards
After cleansing or resolving the crisis within the Circle Tower, players should return to the first floor near the entrance where Wynne was encountered. Located nearby is a door leading to the lower levels that was previously sealed. Interacting with this door spawns a powerful sloth demon named Shah Wyrd.
Defeating Shah Wyrd completes the Watchguard of the Reaching quest and yields significant rewards. The demon drops Yusaris, a powerful silverite two-handed sword that deals extra damage against dragons. This weapon serves as an excellent upgrade for warrior companions like Sten or Oghren during mid-game encounters.
