Way of the Artificer is a side quest in Dragon Age: Inquisition. It is one of three potential quests which a rogue Inquisitor can complete to obtain a specialization.
Construct the proper tools, study the methods to use them, and Three-Eyes will reveal the secrets of the trap-laying Artificer specialization. Collect spines from alpha quillbacks at Nazaire's Pass, the Canyons, and near Old Prison Road in the Western Approach. Readings can be found among the belongings of followers who share this discipline. Or, if unavailable, among the wares of the book merchant in Val Royeaux.
Acquisition
This quest is not available until you complete From the Ashes and reach Skyhold. The war table operation, Specializations for the Inquisitor, will appear when you leave Skyhold for the first time and return. Completing the operation unlocks specialization quests.
Three potential trainers, one for each specialization, will arrive at Skyhold to teach a rogue Inquisitor a specialization (unlike in previous games, only one can be learned). To access this quest, talk to the Artificer trainer, Three-Eyes.
Walkthrough
You must craft Custom Precision Tools for this quest.
Precision tools, personal to each artificer. Poor implements mean poor creations, and that cannot be allowed on the battlefield. Quality invested here is the difference between being a threat to the enemy, or a danger to oneself.
The following materials are required:
The writing is available either on the table next to Varric in Skyhold, or from the book merchant in Val Royeaux. Reading it unlocks Codex entry: Way of the Artificer.
Alpha Quillback Spines are found at Giant's Staircase, Nazaire's Pass, The Canyons, and near Old Prison Road in the Western Approach. It is also randomly sold by Master Taniel in the Exalted Plains if you have The Short List Inquisition perk.
Obsidian is found in Crestwood, Exalted Plains and Hinterlands or obtained from the repeatable war table operation Crestwood Resources with Cullen or Josephine.
Craft the tools at any requisition table and return to Three-Eyes to complete the quest and learn the Artificer specialization.
Notes
- All three specialization quests can be active at the same time; however, only one specialization can be chosen.
Bugs
- There are three alpha Quillbacks, however, they do not always drop quills. Conversely, non-Alphas sometimes drop them so obtaining the quills is mostly a matter of running back and forth between the Craggy Pass Camp and Nazaire's Pass Camp, with some fast travels occasionally to get the map to reset.