The Cobbled Swan Case is a significant mission in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Your first task is to reach Dock Town, where you will meet the Threads community. They require your assistance to rescue their leader, Makal Damas, who has been captured by the Venatori. You’ll need to fight through their forces, save the Thread prisoners, and ultimately free Damas.
Throughout the marketplace, you’ll discover hidden treasure chests. This guide will detail everything you need to know about Damas’ situation by the end of The Cobbled Swan Case quest. Let’s get started.
Meet Neve At The Threads’ Hideout
When you arrive in Dock Town, follow the waypoint to meet Neve outside the Threads’ hideout, specifically at the Side Alley Bridge. Speak with Elek Tavor and Cida Ciconia to gain insights into the abduction of their leader, Makal Damas. Unsurprisingly, the Venatori are responsible for the kidnapping. You’ll also learn that Damas is being kept captive in the Thread Market, which is your next destination. Don’t forget to pick up the Codex Entry from the nearby room before you leave.
Neve is essential for this quest, meaning you can only select one other companion to join you.
As you get ready, venture outside and trace the objective marker to find the Thread Market blocked by the Venatori. To advance, you’ll need to defeat several Venatori Cultists. They shouldn’t be too challenging at this stage. Don’t forget to use Charged Attacks to break their shields. Once you take care of them, proceed into the Thread Market.
Once you step into the market, you’ll notice the Venatori using Blood Magic to control the Threads. To break their hold, you must defeat the Venatori Mages in that area. There are also some Treasure Chests around, which we’ll explore later.
Make your way to the far end of the market to take out the Venatori and destroy the red crystals. This will remove the barrier leading to a door where Damas is being held. But instead of rushing there, take some time to search the area for valuable rewards.
First Chest
The first treasure chest is located inside the area with the green symbol on the main street. Pull the lever to enter and use Neve’s Frost Binding ability to unlock the door. Climb the ladder to reach another lever that operates two gates at once. Solving this mini puzzle is crucial.
You will see that pulling the lever causes one gate to close while the other opens. To reach the treasure, though, you need both gates open. Open the first gate, use Neve’s Frost Binding on the second gate, and then pull the lever so that both gates close. After that, drop down to release the Frost Binding, and interact with the lever to open them both.
Before progressing, turn around and look through the broken wall to use Neve’s Unbind Wards to dispel the blue barrier. Afterward, head over to the main street again to retrieve the Dream-Inspired Statue Memento.
Next, head to collect Shadow’s Grasp. Use the Lyrium Dagger on a nearby Gaatlok Barrel to explode it and break down the wall next to it. Dropping into the newly opened area will lead you to the Spellbound Longsword from the Treasure Chest and the Thread Payment Records Memento.
Second Chest
The second treasure chest is found on the opposite side of this area, right next to the blue symbol. To access it, climb the nearby ladder and use Neve’s Frost Binding ability through the hole in the wall. After that, pull the lever to uncover the Skirmisher’s Round inside the chest.
Third Chest
The final chest is on your left, just before reaching Damas. Unlike the previous two, this one does not require solving a puzzle to access it.
How To Defeat Makal Damas
Walk through the door to face Damas, who is under Aelia’s control. After a brief cutscene, you must defeat the Possessed Damas. He is vulnerable to Frost while immune to Fire. With Neve on your team, using her Icebreaker and Blizzard abilities will deal substantial damage.
Damas is very agile and can move quickly throughout the arena. Nonetheless, this fight is fairly straightforward and should not pose much trouble if you can exploit his weaknesses effectively. Once you’ve taken him down, a cutscene will occur where you will make a decision:
|
Choice |
Outcome |
|---|---|
|
Deal. Bataris Threatens lives. |
Neve Approves. |
|
No. We’ll find a better way. |
Neve Disapproves. |
Regardless of your choice, you’ll return to the Lighthouse for a discussion with Neve. After the conversation, you will earn 2,500 XP, receive the Old News Clipping for Neve, gain 400 Gold, +100 Shadow Dragons Strength, and strengthen your bond with Neve, Davrin, and your chosen companion.