The Emerald Graves -- The Knights' Tomb?

Cory has his cronies ransacking elven ruins. We're not supposed to know what for, but it seems likely they are looking for more info on either how the orb works, how to otherwise get into the Fade or, as the notes regarding the Dirthamen runes say, a power source. That we don't find any of that in the ruins we explore is kind of beside the point since we do find out a lot more about the elves and their history.

It's unfortunate the Even Ground trial only elevates enemy levels. It would be awesome if it also improved random loot levels too. But, I guess that's what crafting is for.

Yeah ... I could see why a lot of people may be disappointed with the dungeon crawls in DAI. Apart from the Cradle of Sulevin, Still Waters and, well, the entire first half of Descent, the dungeons in DAI seem to be missing something. They look great, and as an explorer that's all I really need to keep me happy, but I can understand why the lack of a big payoff at the end might leave things feeling unsatisfying. At least they usually have a big semi-boss battle at the end, that's always fun. I thought the build up in Dirthamen in particular was well done.

A valid point. Archeologists are never sure what they'll find. All great discoveries seem to be accidents! We can take it that Cory is just an old Tevinter forever seeking out elven arcane secrets.

I mean I think it could just be me but this is one of the reasons I like Dragon Age so much. And even better then Mass Effect. Discovering history and 'true history' is such a huge part of the narrative and since I am, or at least was, a history buff, I eat quests like this up. This is the reason I loved the Hissing Wastes so much, and Descent, and especially Trespasser. And especially given the contents of the revelation shows an interesting maturity on the part of BioWare writers that I am not sure a lot of companies would be willing to match. What we learned about Red Crossing was so important and showed that it was a giant tragedy. Why I always give the book to the Elves, because the Dalish hold onto this false historical chip on their shoulder and if there is going to be any healing between human and elf the elves have to learn it, and sure enough, when I do, the Dalish are willing to comemorate the event.