If you’re in the mood for something eerie, Dragon Age: The Veilguard offers a variety of chilling quests, including the House of the Dead. Emmrich and his skeletal assistant, Manfred, are on a mission to locate a rogue necromancer hidden inside a vast haunted mansion, and they’ll need your assistance to confront the dangers lurking there.
Venture into the haunted estate and enter the mansion to begin your quest, but don’t hesitate to explore outdoors first. There’s an optional boss you can face in a nearby mausoleum before heading inside. Just be prepared — once inside, you’ll encounter numerous spine-tingling skeletons waiting to give you a scare.
Emmrich is a necessary companion for this quest, so you’ll have an open slot for another companion of your choice.
How to Find the Rogue Necromancer
For those eager to spend more time with Emmrich, the House of the Dead presents the perfect opportunity to enjoy a thrilling journey through a haunted mansion.
Although this quest doesn’t focus on romance, you’ll get plenty of chances to appreciate Emmrich’s company as you both work to liberate trapped spirits while gearing up for an intense confrontation.
Your adventure kicks off at Blackthorne Manor after a brief cutscene with Emmrich, as you step into the courtyard.
Move toward and enter the mansion through the front door, then follow your marker to the Grand Foyer and head up the stairs on your right.
Continue following your marker down the hallway to the Blackthorne Library, where your objective will update, indicating you need to look for signs of necromancer activity.
Drop down and approach the door adorned with glowing green seals on either side.
How to Open the Blackthorne Library Door
Emmrich will suggest that you head southwest and northeast based on the direction the Hand of Glory points.
From the door, take a left into the Abandoned Study.
Follow the stairs up to the Northeast Wing until you reach the Master Bedroom, where you’ll encounter a tortured green skeleton.
After some dialogue, you’ll face several Frenzied Shades (weak to Cold, resistant to Necrotic damage).
Once you defeat them, Emmrich will release the trapped spirit in the room and urge you to find the others.
Return to the Blackthorne Library and backtrack to the other side of the Grand Foyer to enter the doorway leading to the Upper Halls.
Pass the Ruined Balcony and step into the Guest Room, where you’ll find a second tortured spirit for Emmrich to liberate.
This time, you must defeat a gathering of Devouring Shades to assist Emmrich in freeing this spirit.
Once this spirit is freed, head back to the Blackthorne Library, where you can unlock the previously sealed door to reveal a portal to The Fade.
Inside The Fade, you will find a door that requires you to deliver a wisp to the receptacle next to the door to open it.
Follow the concealed path on the right to the wisp, then place it in the receptacle to unlock the door.
Proceed along the path and eliminate any Darkspawn you encounter, following your marker down a slope and up a ledge until you trigger a cutscene.
At this point, you’ll meet Johanna Hezenkoss, the rogue necromancer and an acquaintance of Emmrich.
Johanna will taunt you before vanishing, leaving you to deal with a swarm of enemies, including Despair Demons (weak to Fire and resistant to Cold damage).
After defeating the enemies, try to free the final spirit with Emmrich.
Unfortunately, Johanna has captured the spirit’s essence in a lantern before escaping, so you must leave The Fade and pursue Johanna Hezenkoss.
How to Escape The Fade
Follow the marker until you discover a candle nearby. Emmrich will comment on it and ask you to collect more candles to aid in escaping The Fade.
Find a second candle held by a statue in the eastern part of the area, grab it, and take both candles to the marked pedestals.
Emmrich will construct a bridge allowing you to reach the portal and escape The Fade.
Confront Johanna
Upon returning to the mansion, you’ll hear Johanna’s voice, yet she won’t be visible.
Head straight to the Main Hall, following your marker, and enjoy the ensuing cutscene.
After Johanna’s speech and her subsequent escape, you’ll have to fight Rampant Ego, a modified Pride Demon accompanied by a group of Lesser Pride Demons.
Pride Demons and Rampant Ego are both weak to Necrotic damage and resistant to Electric damage.
Be cautious not to get cornered, and prioritize targeting your enemies’ weaknesses to keep them at bay.
Concentrate on Rampant Ego’s shield and prevent it from fully recharging.
As soon as all the enemies are defeated, you’ll have time to explore the area and can chat with Emmrich when you’re ready.
What Rewards Do You Get from House of the Dead?
Once you’ve wrapped up your conversation with Emmrich, you will complete the House of the Dead quest and receive the following rewards:
- 3,000 XP
- Increased bonds with both companions who accompany you
Use this quest to strengthen your relationship with your favorite companions alongside Emmrich, enhancing your connections in the game.