This is a complete walkthrough for Taash's companion quest, Lair of the Dragon King, in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. See this guide for quest information, unlock requirements, objectives, and major decisions!

◀︎ Previous Quest	Next Quest ▶︎
Slaying the Fangscorcher	Words of Fire

Lair of the Dragon King Overview

Lair of the Dragon King
Location	Rivain Coast
Rewards	・3500 XP ・100 Lords of Fortune Strength ・Golden Casque ・Dragonfire Catalyst ・Dragon Tooth/ Dragon Scales/ Dragon Bone ・Increased bond with current companions
Description
When the Dragon King's attacks hit close to home, Taash must face him in a final, fiery showdown.

Lair of the Dragon King Objectives

Meet Taash in Rivain

Use the Map to Go to Shathann's Home

Decision
Taash: He was here. I caught his scent. He took her.
Choice	Consequence
We'll get your mother back.	Taash approves
He's a dead man walking.	Taash approves
Cutter? Why him?	No approval changes

Open the map and select Shathann's Home near the Rivain Coast marker. A cutscene will occur immediately after entering the location, with Taash discovering that Cutter has kidnapped Shathann. The quest will continue in Rivain Coast as soon as the cutscene and party selection screen ends.

Rescue Shathann

Pick Up Shathann's Trail

Head towards the quest marker in the Winding Shoreline by the shores. Use the ability wheel to examine the boat.

Follow Shathann's Trail

1	Clifftops
2	Warden Castle
3	Tide Flats

Continue north and defeat the Antaam, then talk to Taash to unlock the path towards the Clifftops.

Head towards the Warden Castle to find a bridge that leads to a previously inaccessible area, the Ravine Descent. Defeat the Antaam and have Taash melt the blockade to enter the Tide Flats. Speak to Isabela north of the area to continue the quest.

Enter the Volcano

Cimb up the ladder and cross the wooden beam and platforms on the right to arrive at a ruined castle. Head southwest and up the wooden platform, then follow the path to enter the castle. Traverse the worn path upwards to reach the exit, then head right to cross another wooden beam.

Use the series of beams left of the platform to climb upwards, then head east and up the castle and fight a horde of Antaam. Climb the ladder in the northern corner of the area to enter a volcanic zone.

Find Shathann

Descend towards the Cave Floor then head to the nearest stone stairs on the left. Follow the path until you reach an Antaam marker, then jump down the wooden platform on the right. Continue following the path until you enter the Lava Cave.

Defeat Cutter

A boss fight with Cutter will occur upon entering the Lava Cave. He will continuously teleport around the area, conjure smokescreens, and parry attacks. Defeat him to continue the quest, as well as acquire a weapon drop.

Find a Way Past the Barricade

Turn right and melt the crystals with Taash, then jump across the wooden platform. Head east, down the platform and across the beam, to arrive at a launcher. Activate it to destroy the barricade and enter the area to continue.

Defeat the Antaam and head upwards to arrive at an opening. A cutscene involving the Dragon King, Shathann, Taash, and Rook will occur.

Confront the Dragon King

Decision
Dragon King: And with your lifeblood, Ghilan'nain can create an army of adaari for me. Our fire will burn this land pure!
Choice	Consequence
Let us out and live.	No approval changes
Your plan is what?	No approval changes
Prove how strong you are.	Taash approves

After the cutscene, head downstairs and open the gate to create a path towards the Lair of the Dragon King. Follow the quest marker to arrive at the castle, with Antaam waiting by the entrance. Players may feel free to ignore them and head inside the lair, opening a treasure chest and restocking on potions along the way.

Rivain Coast Treasure Chests

Avenge Shathann

How to Beat Kaltenzahn

Dragon Attacks
Swipe	Does a quick swipe with either its front or rear legs, depending on your position.
Headbutt	Quickly snaps its jaws as if taunting before lunging forward to try and slam down its head on you.
Body Slam	Flies up and briefly charges before brining itself down with force, affecting a large area
Breath Attack	Has a Cold breath. Launches three ice projectiles in succession.
Tail Swipe	Swings its body in a 180-degree arc to try and hit you with its tail.
Charge	Briefly winds up before charging at you in a straight line.
Gust	Flaps its wings vigorously, creating gusts of wind that can deal damage and cause knock down.
The Tail Swipe and Cold Breath are the only attacks you can normally block, unless you're playing the Champion Specialization with Inspiring Guard.

Kaltenzahn has a similar moveset from the other High Dragons, apart from its distinct Gust move. It resists Cold damage but is vulnerable to Fire, allowing Taash to deal higher damage against it.

Weakpoints constantly shift between its front legs, hind legs, and its head as the fight continues. When staggered, Kaltenzahn will not be susceptible to takedowns, but will be knocked down and have a weakpoint on its heart that receives significantly higher damage.

All 8 High Dragon Locations

Taash Achieves Hero of the Veilguard

Comfort Taash

Decision
Taash: Yeah.
Choice	Consequence
I'm sorry.	No approval changes
She died at peace.	No approval changes.
She had other plans.	Taash approves

Advice Taash

Decision
Taash: Yeah.
Choice	Consequence
What did she want for you?	You've convinced Taash that she should embrace being Rivaini.
What was she?	You've convinced Taash that they should learn more about being Qunari.

A major choice will occur depending on the advice Rook will give to Taash. Either choice will grant Taash the Hero of the Veilguard status, in addition to unlocking their Veilguard Skill and acquiring a set of Legendary Armor.

Note that the skill unlocked and armor acquired will differ depending on the choice selected.

Should Taash Embrace Rivaini Culture or Qunari Heritage?

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Related Guides

All Quests List

All Quest Guides

Quest Guides
Main Quests	Companion Quests	Faction and Region Quests
Best Side Quests	-	-

List of All Taash Companion Quests

All Taash Companion Quests
Fire On the Sands	Slaying the Fangscorcher	Lair of the Dragon King
Words of Fire