Claudio ambushes King Alistair of Ferelden, Isabela and Varric Tethras after they break into the Archive of the Crows and unwittingly set off the alarm. Before he attacks, he realizes who Alistair is, and the two appear to be acquainted. Alistair says that he had to know the information was correct. Claudio asks whether Alistair is convinced now and mentions a Crow-run prison called Velabanchel. Alistair responds positively. Claudio lets Alistair and his companions go, but warns that he can't aid Alistair further. It is later revealed that Alistair was looking for King Maric. Zevran put Alistair in touch with Claudio, and Claudio sent Alistair evidence that Maric had been captured by the Crows.

When they leave the Tellari swamps, the trio are attacked by Claudio and his men. Claudio explains that he is not on Crow business; his master wants Alistair. Alistair surrenders, on the condition that Isabela and Varric are allowed to go free. Claudio complies, dragging Alistair away.

He converses with a bound Alistair in his tent, and prepares to reveal who his patron - the one who ordered Alistair's kidnap - is, along with the fate of Maric Theirin. Before he can finish, Varric and Isabela storm his camp, killing his men. Isabela engages Claudio in a duel, and the two argue over Isabela's late husband, Luis. Claudio bests Isabela, and prepares to kill her, but she cuts off his sword hand, slits his throat and stabs him in the heart before he has the chance.