Fools Gold (Optional)

Your guide to completing the optional 'Fools Gold' quest in Dragon Age II Act II. Learn how to find Yevhen, navigate the Deep Roads, and save Merin and Iwan.

Alright, let's tackle the optional quest 'Fools Gold' in Dragon Age II. First things first, you'll need to have either recruited Nathaniel Howe in Dragon Age: Origins or chosen the 'Hero of Ferelden' background when you started this game. If you've met that requirement, head over to Hightown and look for Yevhen. He's usually hanging out in the northeast part of the city. Chat with him and agree to help his sons, and that'll kick off the 'Fool's Gold' quest.

Now, you'll need to leave Kirkwall and head into the Deep Roads. Yeah, I know, back to that familiar, gloomy place. Just follow the path ahead, and you'll run into some Darkspawn. Take care of them, then keep pushing forward until you find some rubble blocking your way. Just past that, to the east, you'll find Emrys. He'll beg you to save his brother, Merin. Head south from there to deal with some Spiders. Once they're dealt with, loot the pile of bones to the east – you might find the Sash of the Tirashan in there.

Save Merin

After that, make your way north. You'll find Darkspawn Emissaries giving Merin a hard time. Fight them off and make sure Merin gets home safe. Then, continue north, looting any piles of bones you see along the way. You'll eventually find Iwan's body. Loot it – you're looking for the Golem Control Rod. Keep following the path, loot another pile of bones, and then head east. You'll come across a Golem. Use the control rod you just found on it. You should probably go back and check on Merin, but unfortunately, he didn't make it.

Save Iwan

Head north again and help Iwan fend off some weaker Darkspawn. After the fight, you'll get another Golem Control Rod. Use this one on the Golem to the east. Make sure to dismantle any other Golems you encounter as you head north and then west. There, you'll face a Darkspawn Emissary and an Ogre. Loot the pile of bones nearby, and then head north. You should find a treasure cache, the Lyrium-Laced Bilge Hoop, some rubble, and a chest. Loot it all!