The merchants found throughout Thedas in Dragon Age: The Veilguard vary widely in what they sell, but none can compare to the extensive inventory of The Black Emporium located in Dock Town. However, players must progress in the game to access this merchant, meaning they can’t grab some valuable loot until they advance far enough. You can initiate the quest to access The Black Emporium once you reach the end of Act 2, and there are a few different ways to do this.
The Black Emporium is a hidden shop that you cannot enter until after it has been unlocked. In contrast to other merchants, this vendor does not have a reputation level, which means everything in the shop’s inventory becomes available the moment you step inside. Additionally, you can only use Etheric Remnants to make purchases here, so it’s a good idea to gather some extra Remnants before you visit.
Unlocking The Black Emporium
Speak to the Caretaker or Locate the Mysterious Messenger
Before you can embark on The Black Emporium side quest, you’ll first need to complete either “The Cobbled Swan Case” or both “Bloodbath” and “The Cauldron” after the fall of Weisshaupt. “The Cobbled Swan Case” is a quest focused on Neve, while “Bloodbath” involves Lucanis and “The Cauldron” is centered around Devrin. I personally enjoyed the Devrin quest, which added depth to his character and posed some intriguing moral dilemmas.
To unlock the Emporium, you only need to complete either “The Cobbled Swan Case” or the combination of “Bloodbath” and “The Cauldron.” The quest you did not complete will still be available after unlocking the Emporium.
After finishing whichever quest you choose, return to the Lighthouse. You should see a quest notification outside the Caretaker’s Workshop, indicating that Xenon the Antiquarian is waiting for you in Dock Town. If you overlook the Caretaker’s cue, don’t worry; there’s another way to start the quest.
The quest prompt can also be found at Glandivalis Square in Dock Town. Once you arrive, keep an eye out for a crow-headed figure known as the “Shadow Messenger.” This Messenger will guide you to The Black Emporium, which is just a quick stroll away.
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Locating The Black Emporium
Head to Dock Town and Follow the Markers
Unlike some of the more intricate quests in Veilguard, to complete this one, you simply need to go to Dock Town, utilize the nearest beacon to the quest marker, and walk over to the shop. There are no complicated switches, no wards to bypass, and no puzzles to solve, which caught me off guard at first. Just use the Beacon in the main open area of Dock Town.
When you arrive, the quest will automatically conclude, and you’ll unlock the achievement titled “A Most Esteemed Purveyor“. While the shop itself may not have much beyond its vast inventory, there is a Candlehop available for you to collect. Take some time to explore the impressive items that Xenon the Antiquarian has for sale.
The Inventory of The Black Emporium
Unique Items and Great Upgrades
Each merchant in Veilguard only carries items suitable for your specific class, meaning the inventory at The Black Emporium will be tailored to the character you are playing. When I played as a Qunari mage, I found mage gear along with specific Vitaars in my shop’s inventory. If you are playing a Warrior or Rogue, expect to find gear that corresponds to your class, reflecting the same rarity as the items available in my shop.
Vitaars are a unique type of headwear specific to Qunari characters, which adds to the appeal of choosing a Qunari as your character.
In summary, The Black Emporium offers a Unique piece of gear with minimal effort, making it a worthwhile destination for your character. As previously mentioned, the shop only accepts Etheric Remnants, which are somewhat less plentiful than gold. Additionally, the shop features a variety of Momentos if you’re interested in enhancing your Caretaker’s Workshop or adding decor to your personal quarters back at the Lighthouse.
Moreover, The Black Emporium provides a special gift for a companion, aiding in your romance progression with Harding. Given that Etheric Remnants are scarcer than other resources, it’s essential to be selective about your purchases. Overall, The Black Emporium is an excellent place to improve your favorite gear or acquire a Unique item in Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
