How to Solve the Puzzles in the Mage Tower in "Dragon Age: Origins"

When the mage tower, called the Circle Tower, is accessed during the “Broken Circle” quest in "Dragon Age: Origins," there are two puzzle quests available. These quests are not required; however, they yield both treasure and experience. To access these quests, you must retrieve the required codices that are located on the first floor of the Circle Tower. These codices are called “Summoning Sciences” and “Watchguard of the Reaching“. The “Summoning Sciences” codex can be gained by touching the summoning font in the library or by finding either half of the torn textbook in the library. Obtain the “Watchguard of the Reaching” codex by finding any of the apprentice notes located in the apprentice quarters.

“Summoning Sciences” Part 1

Approach the summoning font in the second section of the library and select it.

Return to the first section of the library and go to the bookshelf on the right side. Select the Tome of Spirit Personages, which is located on the second to last shelf of the bookshelf.

Approach the bright area on the floor of the first section of the library. This is called “Summoning the First”. Select this area. A spirit hog will appear, fall over and drop a garnet.

“Summoning Sciences” Part 2

Approach the summoning font in the second section of the library and select it.

Go to the third section of the library. Approach the book “Rodercoms Uncommon Calling,” which is located on a bookshelf to the right on the second to last shelf. Select “Rodercoms Uncommon Calling.”

Return to the first section of the library. Proceed to the back of this section and select the statue Magus Gorvish.

Return to the second section of the library. Approach the bright area on the floor, which is called “Summoning the Second.” Select the area, and Trickster Whim will appear. For players using the PC version, this character can be pickpocketed; however, it is not possible to pickpocket this character if using either of the console versions.

“Summoning Sciences” Part 3

Approach the summoning font in the second section of the library and select it.

Go to the third section of the library. Close to the back wall is a bookshelf that contains the book “Elvorn’s Grande Bestiary.” Select the book, which is located on the second-to-last show.

Return to the first section of the library. Located in the middle of this section is a long table. Select the area of the table called “Common Table Carving Spot.”

Return to the third section of the library. Located on the floor is the book “Spiritorum Etherialis.” Select the book.

Return to the first section of the library. Proceed to the back of this section and select the statue Magus Gorvish.

Go to the bookshelf in this same section that is close to “Summoning the First.” Select the “Novice Phylactery,” which is located on the second-to-last shelf.

Return to the third section of the library. Approach the bright area on the floor, which is called “Summoning the Third.” Select the area and a Fade Rifter will appear. Defeat the Fade Rifter and retrieve the Charged Mitts, which are mage gloves that grant electricity damage.

“Summoning Sciences” Part 4

Approach the summoning font in the second section of the library and select it.

Return to first section of the library and go to the bookshelf on the right side. Select the "Tome of Spirit Personages," which is located on the second-to-last shelf of the bookshelf.

Go to the third section of the library. Approach the book “Rodercoms Uncommon Calling,” which is located on a bookshelf to the right on the second to last shelf. Select “Rodercoms Uncommon Calling.”

Return to the first section of the library. Proceed to the back of this section and select the statue Magus Gorvish.

Go to the third section of the library. Close to the back wall is a bookshelf that contains the book “Elvorn’s Grande Bestiary.” Select the book, which is located on the second-to-last show.

Return to the first section of the library. Located in the middle of this section is a long table. Select the area of the table called “Common Table Carving Spot.”

Return to the third section of the library. Located on the floor is the book “Spiritorum Etherialis.” Select the book.

Return to the first section of the library. Proceed to the back of this section and select the statue “Magus Gorvish.”

Go to the bookshelf in this same section that is close to “Summoning the First.” Select the “Novice Phylactery,” located on the second-to-last shelf.

Proceed past the third section of the library into the next room. Walk around the back of the bookshelves on the left. There will be a bright area on the floor called “Summoning the Fourth”. Select the area and Arl Foreshadow will appear. In all game versions, Arl Foreshadow may be pickpocketed.

"Watchguard of the Reaching" Part 1

Go to the common room on the third floor of the Circle Tower.

Approach the statue holding the bowl. Select the statue.

Approach the statue whose sword is facing upward. Select the statue.

Approach the statue whose sword is facing downward. Select the statue.

Proceed to the last room of the third floor. This room will contain the stairs to the fourth floor. Approach the statue that is holding a shield. Select the statue. While there is no confirmation that this part of the process is complete, you will now be able to proceed to the second part of this quest.

"Watchguard of the Reaching" Part 2

Return to the first floor of the circle tower and proceed to the room where the character Wynne was acquired or battled.

Head down the stairs and approach the door labeled “basement.” Select the door.The rage demon, Shah Wyrd, will appear.

Battle Shah Wyrd to complete this quest.