In the expansive world ofDragon Age: Inquisition, players encounter a multitude of side quests that offer depth to the game’s lore and meaningful interactions with the world around them. One such quest is Conscientious Objector, a seemingly minor mission tucked away in the Hinterlands that carries thematic weight and interesting gameplay elements. Though not central to the main storyline, this quest adds layers to the narrative by illustrating the complexities of war, personal belief, and survival in a world torn apart by chaos. For players seeking to explore every corner of the game, understanding how to complete the Conscientious Objector quest is both rewarding and enlightening.
Where to Find the Conscientious Objector Quest
Location: The Hinterlands
The Conscientious Objector quest can be found in the Hinterlands, one of the first major open-world areas players explore after reaching Haven. The region is filled with side quests, resource collection, and combat opportunities. However, tucked into the northeastern corner of the map is a cabin where the quest begins. Players must travel to the area near the Upper Lake Camp and head east through the forested trail, keeping an eye out for an isolated house on the hill.
Upon approaching the cabin, players will find it appears abandoned. Inside the house, there are signs of recent activity, including bedrolls and food supplies. Interacting with a letter on the table or a note on the wall triggers the quest and provides context about the cabin’s former inhabitant a man who chose not to participate in the conflict ravaging the land.
Who is the Conscientious Objector?
A Man of Peace in a World at War
The man referred to in the quest is a former soldier or farmer (the game remains ambiguous) who decided to remove himself from the fighting. Through written notes left behind, it becomes clear he refused to take up arms for either the mages or the templars. This decision leads him to abandon society and seek isolation in the Hinterlands, far from the front lines and ideological battles.
This character’s choice introduces philosophical themes into the game: Can one truly remain neutral in times of war? Is abstaining from conflict a cowardly act or a brave stand against violence? These questions linger as players follow the trail of this pacifist figure, making the quest memorable not just for its objectives but for its moral undertones.
Objectives and Walkthrough
Following the Trail
After reading the note in the cabin, players are tasked with tracking the conscientious objector. The trail involves following clues scattered around the nearby forest and surrounding hills. Each clue includes items like footprints, discarded belongings, or more notes written by the man himself.
- First clue: Just outside the cabin, a set of footprints lead into the woods.
- Second clue: A bloodstain or torn clothing found on a rock near the path heading northeast.
- Third clue: Another note pinned to a tree, explaining the man’s desperation and desire to avoid violence.
Each clue adds more context to his story and deepens the emotional connection. As players proceed, it becomes clear that he is being pursued possibly by bandits, templars, or other hostile forces. The final clue eventually leads to his fate.
The Ending of the Quest
There are two potential outcomes depending on when and how the player reaches the final location:
- Outcome 1: The objector is already dead, killed by hostile forces. You’ll find his body next to his final note, lamenting the futility of peace in a violent world. This ending is tragic and underscores the cost of nonviolence in a chaotic setting.
- Outcome 2: In rarer cases, players might find the man still alive but surrounded by enemies. If you defeat them quickly enough, you can save him. He thanks the Inquisitor and disappears into the forest, his ultimate fate unknown.
Whichever ending you receive, completing the quest grants a moderate amount of Power, Influence, and experience points. Though the rewards are modest, the quest’s real value lies in the emotional narrative and deeper insight into Thedas’ war-torn world.
Impact on Gameplay and Lore
Roleplaying Opportunities
For players who enjoy roleplaying their Inquisitor as morally principled or pacifist, this quest offers a rare moment of alignment. Choosing to help the objector (or avenging him) reinforces character consistency, especially if your Inquisitor is driven by ideals rather than politics. Even those playing more pragmatic or aggressive characters might find this quest thought-provoking, offering a break from the game’s many combat-heavy missions.
World-Building and Immersion
Conscientious Objector is a perfect example of how Bioware uses side quests to build immersive lore. Instead of simple fetch quests or enemy camps, this story-driven objective helps paint a fuller picture of what it means to live in Thedas during a time of war. The fact that the objector’s name is never revealed adds to the mystery and universal nature of his struggle he could be anyone, and his choice represents the unspoken perspectives of countless others caught in the conflict.
Tips for Completing the Quest Efficiently
Recommended Level
The enemies encountered during the quest are not particularly strong, but because the area can contain wandering foes or random events, it’s best to be at least level 4-6. Bring a balanced party with both melee and ranged damage options to handle any potential threats.
Exploration and Companion Dialogue
Bringing companions with distinct worldviews like Cassandra, Solas, or Varric can enrich the experience. While the quest itself doesn’t have voiced companion dialogue tied to it, having thoughtful characters in your party enhances the moral significance of the journey.
Fast Travel Points
Use the Upper Lake Camp as your main travel base. From there, it’s a short ride to the cabin and surrounding areas. Setting custom markers can also help avoid getting lost in the woods while tracking clues.
The Conscientious Objector quest inDragon Age: Inquisitionstands out not for its difficulty or rewards, but for its emotional impact and philosophical depth. It’s a quiet tale in a game filled with grand battles and political struggles, reminding players that not every hero wields a sword. Sometimes, choosing not to fight is its own kind of bravery. For completionists and roleplayers alike, it’s a side quest well worth the time and reflection.