Dragon Age II - Archaeologist Achievement/trophy Guide

"Archaeologist" - During each year in Kirkwall, discovered 3 secret messages from the Band of Three. This achievement is worth 50G for the Xbox 360 edition of the game and is a silver trophy for the PlayStation 3.

Despite the achievement/trophy only requiring 3 entries a year there are actually 4 in each Act so, once you have 3 of them you can just leave the last one if you prefer. If you leave the Act without picking up at least 3 of the messages then you void the achievement, all entries need to be picked up in a single playthrough and don't count across different characters.

These entries can be easily obtained by searching for the codex 'The Enigma of Kirkwall' around the surrounding area. To check around you you can hold down the redial button and look at the items highlighted in the area.

Act I

Entry 1: Gallows courtyard – Turn to an immediate right upon entering and go to the Northern most part of the area. The entry is hidden in a pile of rubble by a closed gate.

Entry 2: Viscount’s Keep – When collecting this entry the icon indicating it is there will not appear but, after collecting it, it will show up on screen. The entry is located on one of the two pictures that are separated by a red vase, on the right side of the desk, in Seneschal Bran’s office.

Entry 3: The Bone pit – After receiving the quest ‘The Bone Pit’ go to the location and find a piece of paper sticking out from under one of the rocks that blocks a pathway leading to the left. It is right beside the Elfroot and is at the southeast dead end.

Entry 4: The Alienage in Lowtown (at night). Beside Merill’s house in a small alcove, beside a manhole.

Act II

Entry 5- In the Kirkwall Chantry on the upper level, you’ll find the entry inside a book on top of a table near the fireplace. This is the same location as where you find ‘Chapter 1’ of a History of the Chantry during Act I.

Entry 6 – In the Quanari Compound in the Docks. Go up the stairs on the left to find it between the rocks on the ground.

Entry 7 – Gallows Dungeon – this dungeon can only be accessed during Anders’ Dissent companion quest. The entry is located in the northern dead end clearing, west of the exit just after the battle with Ser Alrik.

Entry 8 – Located in Darktown (day or night) under some rubble in the corner that’s closest to the west exit of the area. Just past the exit that’s close to the poison shop.

Act III

All entries are found during quests that are listed below.

Entry 9 – During Anders final companion quest ‘Justice’. You need to have completed Anders' companion quests in Act I and II to receive this quest. The entry is located in the Sewers in Darktown. Travel to the southern-most room and, prior to the stairs, look in the small alcove on the left to find the entry.

Entry 10 –During the quest ‘On the Loose’. The entry is inside the Templar Hall and is hidden on a torch to the right of a door in the room beside Meredith’s.

Entry 11 – During the quest ‘Gamlen’s Greatest Treasure’. The quest will take you to Smetty’s Fish Guttery at the Docks. The entry is inside the Fish Guttery, down the ramp and is the pile of rubble between the two boats.

Entry 12 – During the quest ‘The Last Straw’. This quest will end Act III so ensure it is the last thing you do before ending the game. The entry is located on the Docks, by the crates to the right of the statue, after fighting a pride demon and shades.