During The Siege of Weisshaupt, one of Dragon Age: The Veilguard's most intense missions, the Rook and their party will battle their way to the War Room, where they are met with the First Warden and the most senior Grey Wardens talking strategy. As you'll be aware, so far the First Warden has not been inclined to listen to the Rook or their concerns. And, even as they are proved right, they continue to ignore the obvious. Something must be done, which leads Rook to a confrontation. Knock the First Warden out, or talk some sense into them.

This choice doesn't have a major impact on how the quest itself plays out, but it does cause significant ramifications for your party. This is one of the rare choices in the game that all seven party members react to, and each of them will greatly approve or disapprove of your course of action. While it doesn't undo the Hardened status, it can be a big boost (or offer a substantial setback) in your relationship to your team, especially if you're trying to advance a relationship with them.

Emmrich and Bellara greatly disapprove of punching the First Warden, and greatly approve of convincing them peacefully. Lucanis, Neve, Davrin, and Taash greatly approve of punching the First Warden however, and greatly disapprove of talking him round. Harding, clearly enamoured by anything Rook does and just happy to be out of the house, greatly approves either way. Therefore, by pure mathematics, you should punch the First Warden unless you want to romance Bellara or Emmrich. Even then, it doesn't block this route.

What Happens To The First Warden After You Knock Him Out?

If the First Warden is talked round, things are pretty easy. He agrees to the plan proposed by the other Wardens regarding the dragon trap, and sends Rook to lead the charge as a show of faith. Then, as the archdemon falls, he arrives to make the great Grey Warden sacrifice - the very same one that came at the climax of Dragon Age: Origins.

But if he's not around, Davrin has to make that sacrifice... kind of. While Davrin is brave enough to step forward, the First Warden emerges from the rubble just in time, and earns a moment of redemption by sacrificing himself... again, kind of. Not all goes to plan, as you'll see in our guide on how to defeat the Archdemon Razikale.