Dragon Age: Origins.

[AndreaDraco]

I've decided to put Dragon Age on hold. My new machine, whose specifics I will post tomorrow in a different thread, should be here in a week and then I'll be able to play it with all the graphics stuffs maxed out and without having to worry about a lag so severe that it can lead to a crush (it happened to me twice). Plus, I'll be able to replay everything from the beginning and do all the nice side-quests

I've chosen the moral choice in the Dalish quest to stop. Man, such an hard decision to make. OK, I'm an elf. OK, Zevran is an elf. OK, elves are wonderful... But can't I really say that the werewolves are totally wrong? No, I can't. And this is what I love about the game.

Meanwhile, since I can't stop playing, I've decided to test the other origins and I've started with the Human Noble one. Now, I really think that the Mage origin is pretty great, and intense, and dramatic... but the Human Noble one is just SO GREAT! I mean

I physically angry with Howe. That sly bastard better not cross my path or to him I will definitely show no mercy. When I found Oriana and Oren slayed in their rooms, I was really, really pissed and I was literally waving my fist against the screen.

And of course, the biggest spoiler ever, just for Tawmis.

Abandon All Hope was a fantastic episode. I was crying and sobbing when Ellen decide to stay with Jo till the last moment, and when we discovered that the colt was useless (even if I did see it coming), I really abandoned hope -- right now, I can't see any other solution, beside letting Michael "riding" Dean. Unless, of course, God doesn't show up I've heard rumors that there might be a sixth season, but given that the mythology is clearly heading toward an awesome finale, I can't imagine what Eric Kripke would do with a sixth season -- but if they go back to do some hunting (like in 'The Real Ghostbusters', another awesome episode, don't you think?), I'd indeed be happy!

[Maiandra]

You guys are being so diligent with the spoiler warnings and I appreciate it. I've only finished Lothering and I'm in the middle of Redcliffe, so I haven't even got to the mage's circle yet.

Meanwhile, since I can't stop playing, I've decided to test the other origins and I've started with the Human Noble one. Now, I really think that the Mage origin is pretty great, and intense, and dramatic... but the Human Noble one is just SO GREAT! I mean

I completely agree, Andrea. Even though it was pretty short, it was quite emotional in a number of ways. That's why I didn't understand why others complained about it. The warm dynamic with your family was really good and it made Howe's betrayal feel so much worse. I especially liked the bit between your parents at the end, and how your mother insists on staying with your father! Now that's devotion.

As for party members:

I love the dog. He's adorable. He's so dog-like and I love his "conversations" with the other party members!
Morrigan is an interesting character and I like her in some ways, but she is a little too mercenary at times.
Allistair is great as well. Although he can be a little biased because of his Templar background, he's terribly witty and a decent sort.
I also have Leliana and Sten, but I haven't spent much time with them as companions. I at least like that Leliana isn't afraid to have her own spiritual views that don't always agree with the chantry (despite being part of it).

[AndreaDraco]

I completely agree, Andrea. Even though it was pretty short, it was quite emotional in a number of ways. That's why I didn't understand why others complained about it. The warm dynamic with your family was really good and it made Howe's betrayal feel so much worse. I especially liked the bit between your parents at the end, and how your mother insists on staying with your father! Now that's devotion.

Exactly, that was a really powerful scene that topped an already powerful opening:

In that brief thirty minutes I grew attached to every character, from the scribe Aldous (his history lesson was a great gimmick to introduce players to the setting) to Dairren/Iona. And I found that it was great that they introduced not one, but two romance options only in the prologue. What really won me over, though, as I said, was the scene with Oriana and the little Oren...

I also have Leliana and Sten, but I haven't spent much time with them as companions. I at least like that Leliana isn't afraid to have her own spiritual views that don't always agree with the chantry

My problem with Sten is that, while roleplaying during dialogues, I always loose disposition with him, since I continuously make choices that are right for my character and completely wrong for the qunari. Well, his bad

As an advice, both to Maia and Tawmis, if you have a spare hour or two, play the Mage origin: it's perhaps a bit long, but it is extremely satisfying and, if you're into the political/religious sub-plot of the game, it's the most fun!

[DeadPoolX]

I'm playing a Mage and the back story is pretty damn interesting. I don't have much to compare it to as I haven't tried the Human Noble, City Elf or either of the Dwarven origins. Overall, I like the idea that spellcasters are heavily policed . I've always thought it was weird when wizards could cast whatever they wanted with little-to-no repercussions.

Based upon Maia's recommendation, I took the "cold" line of spells first. I've found Cone of Cold is difficult to use (mostly because my party members seem to be retarded), but Winter's Grasp works really well. I've also taken Drain Life, which has been useful several times now.

I'm currently looking into Weakness and Paralyze, plus the other primal spells (fire, earth, electricity). I won't bother with any healing spells, especially when I can grab health from enemies and I can let another party member deal with healing everyone.

I don't know which specialzation I'll take later on. Arcane Warrior sounds the best right now.

I was originally interested in Blood Mage, but after witnessing certain events in the game AND realizing the spells are only so-so, I'll probably pass on it. Shape shifting doesn't hold much appeal for me and the only benefit to Spirit Healer is the ability to resurrect and cure injuries (which admittedly puts it way ahead of Blood Mage or Shapeshifter).

After the test to become a Gray Warden (I don't remember what it was called), I stripped my two temporary party members of their gear. I figured, "Why not? It's free weapons and armor!" Plus it was really funny to see them run around in their underwear. The cutscene where Duncan stabs that guy is hilarious, mostly because you can tell the game expected him to have armor on.

I don't know if anyone else has played a Mage, but the first mission was quite interesting. It involved a friend of yours named Jowen. Some chick there (who wasn't a magic user) told him he was going to be made a tranquil instead of going through the wizard test (I can't remember the name of this one either). The reason for this is that there were rumors of Jowen being a Blood Mage. Anyway, Jowen and the chick want to escape and you can help them or spy on them for the First Enchanter. I did the latter, although I initially felt very guilty. My thoughts immediately changed as Jowen revealed he was a Blood Mage when confronted by Templars. Interestingly enough, the chick didn't know and was shocked to find out.

[Datadog]

I'm only up to just past the Ritual, and I'm still giggling at how I had my human noble running around in her underwear with her blood-covered dog and nobody in the castle did so much as give them a second glance.

Also, every character should be the dog.

[AndreaDraco]

Based upon Maia's recommendation, I took the "cold" line of spells first. I've found Cone of Cold is difficult to use (mostly because my party members seem to be retarded), but Winter's Grasp works really well. I've also taken Drain Life, which has been useful several times now.

This is a mistake I intend to correct as soon as I restart the game on the new PC. I took the Fire and Electricity chains, but after seeing another character using the Cold chain, I indeed realized that that one is best, at least based on my usual gameplay. Anyway, don't forget to up also the Mage chain, because Arcane Mastery is extremely useful (it increases the power of all your spells).

I don't know which specialzation I'll take later on. Arcane Warrior sounds the best right now.

Arcane Warrior is useful if you plan to get your character in melee a lot, since it gives your dexterity and armor bonuses. As far as specializations go, I found that Spirit Healer works best, especially if you, like me, like a Mage who deals a lot of damage thanks to his Primal chains, because in that case Spirit Healer nicely complements your offensive prowess.

However, later on, you'll get a chance to have Wynne joining your party and she is a powerful Spirit Healer. In the case that you like to have her around, maybe Arcane Warrior is indeed better

After the test to become a Gray Warden (I don't remember what it was called)[...]

The Joining

I don't know if anyone else has played a Mage, but the first mission was quite interesting.

It was indeed very interesting, especially from a moral perspective. Oh, and the final test is called The Harrowing.

I sided with Jowan, since my Elf Mage strongly dislike the Chantry and the Templars, and believe that mages should be free of their oppression. I defended Jowan thoroughly, even when we got caught, and I despised Lucy (or Lily? I can't remember) for being a bigoted coward and not siding with her love

[Tawmis]

My problem with Sten is that, while roleplaying during dialogues, I always loose disposition with him, since I continuously make choices that are right for my character and completely wrong for the qunari. Well, his bad

As an advice, both to Maia and Tawmis, if you have a spare hour or two, play the Mage origin: it's perhaps a bit long, but it is extremely satisfying and, if you're into the political/religious sub-plot of the game, it's the most fun!

If your interest is to raise standing with Sten - give him the GIFTS you find in various places. This will open more dialogue windows eventually. For example, my main interest (er, well aside from the main quest of course, ahem) is bedding Morrigan. So every gift I find, I give it to her. (Some will trigger cut scenes and give you a healthy bonus of favoritism!) So now I have many more options when speaking with Morrigan rather than the "You know, you're kind of a bitch" option that was originally given to me. Also now Alistair and Wynne constantly comment about "have you noticed the way he looks at her?" type dialogues when I am walking around.

I'm playing a Mage and the back story is pretty damn interesting. I don't have much to compare it to as I haven't tried the Human Noble, City Elf or either of the Dwarven origins. Overall, I like the idea that spellcasters are heavily policed . I've always thought it was weird when wizards could cast whatever they wanted with little-to-no repercussions.

Ironically in my D&D campaigns; Human Mages always have a chance of becoming corrupted by Magic, because they're not magical by nature. Only Elves are. So I have something similar in most of my gaming worlds; always have. Seeing someone like Gandalf in my world would be EXTREMELY rare, as he is quite powerful and quite old (so if the sheer power of Magic doesn't corrupt you; by the time you're older, it will).

It's an idea I have long enjoyed.

Based upon Maia's recommendation, I took the "cold" line of spells first. I've found Cone of Cold is difficult to use (mostly because my party members seem to be retarded), but Winter's Grasp works really well. I've also taken Drain Life, which has been useful several times now.

COLD spells will SAVE YOUR LIFE. I am not kidding. In the other thread I make mention of the Blizzard Spell... (The Grease spell could also do the same trick I discovered... and can be useful because apparently if you cast a fire spell on it - it will actually ignite! I have not tried this yet however...)

I won't bother with any healing spells, especially when I can grab health from enemies and I can let another party member deal with healing everyone.

I would recommend having SOMEONE be your healer; probably like Wynne. Because if you are going to rely on Health Potions you can buy and/or loot from enemies and chests... You're going to be sorely disappointed. There's going to be fights where your healer (Wynne) if you have her, will run low on mana and having that potion handy will save you... but if you're going to rely strictly on potions... then the game is going to be very, very difficult in some places...

I was originally interested in Blood Mage, but after witnessing certain events in the game AND realizing the spells are only so-so, I'll probably pass on it. Shape shifting doesn't hold much appeal for me and the only benefit to Spirit Healer is the ability to resurrect and cure injuries (which admittedly puts it way ahead of Blood Mage or Shapeshifter).

Well, some, as I am sure you know, have to be unlocked - like the Blood Mage... which takes... some sacrifices...

After the test to become a Gray Warden (I don't remember what it was called), I stripped my two temporary party members of their gear. I figured, "Why not? It's free weapons and armor!"

Actually that was some good thinking...!

I don't know if anyone else has played a Mage, but the first mission was quite interesting. It involved a friend of yours named Jowen. Some chick there (who wasn't a magic user) told him he was going to be made a tranquil instead of going through the wizard test (I can't remember the name of this one either). The reason for this is that there were rumors of Jowen being a Blood Mage. Anyway, Jowen and the chick want to escape and you can help them or spy on them for the First Enchanter. I did the latter, although I initially felt very guilty. My thoughts immediately changed as Jowen revealed he was a Blood Mage when confronted by Templars. Interestingly enough, the chick didn't know and was shocked to find out.

[/quote]

I recommend playing the Mage because...
You will see Jowan again!

I'm only up to just past the Ritual, and I'm still giggling at how I had my human noble running around in her underwear with her blood-covered dog and nobody in the castle did so much as give them a second glance.
Also, every character should be the dog.

Playing the female then?

I sided with Jowan, since my Elf Mage strongly dislike the Chantry and the Templars, and believe that mages should be free of their oppression. I defended Jowan thoroughly, even when we got caught, and I despised Lucy (or Lily? I can't remember) for being a bigoted coward and not siding with her love

It'd be difficult... because it'd be like finding out, after being in love, that the person you love and adore is a worshipper of Satan basically...

[AndreaDraco]

It'd be difficult... because it'd be like finding out, after being in love, that the person you love and adore is a worshipper of Satan basically...

Well, not exactly.

Jowan did what he did because he was scared of the Rite of Tranquillity, because he feared that the Templars would have stripped him of everything, his memories, his emotions, his soul, all in the name of a (sort of) racist ideal that Mage are dangerous and should be exterminated rather than advised. It was the system that made him in what he became, but he never used his blood power to harm anyone, at least until the Templars and the First Enchanter threatened him and his love. Mind you, I'm not saying that his actions are justifiable, but he's not entirely condemnable either, and certainly he didn't deserved to be betrayed by the person he cared the most about only because he resorted to rather extreme measures to preserve their love

The mere fact that there is such moral ambiguity in just one Origin story, which is only a tiny fraction of the entire game, is a testament of how great Dragon Age is.

Oh, and speaking of moral ambiguity... (Major spoilers about a world-plot below; don't read unless you've already completed the Brecilian Forest)

I'm really interested to know with which faction did you choose to side? The werewolves or the Dalish? I decidedly sided with the Dalish. What they did was despicable, for sure, but what Humans did to them wasn't even more horrifying?

[Maiandra]

If your interest is to raise standing with Sten - give him the GIFTS you find in various places.

Even if it's the slobbery ball of yarn that my dog found?

Can you give the gifts to anyone? I've accumulated a ton of gifts so far and only one or two actually mention specific party members in their description. If certain gifts are for certain people, then someone in the party is a boozer, because I have found so many different types of alcohol that are labelled as "gift".

[Tawmis]

If your interest is to raise standing with Sten - give him the GIFTS you find in various places.

Even if it's the slobbery ball of yarn that my dog found?

Can you give the gifts to anyone? I've accumulated a ton of gifts so far and only one or two actually mention specific party members in their description. If certain gifts are for certain people, then someone in the party is a boozer, because I have found so many different types of alcohol that are labelled as "gift".

Certain gifts can only be given to certain characters. Usually those specific ones will trigger a small cut scene. But otherwise, yes.

Every merchant I find I buy all their gifts from them (that I can afford) just to improve my standing with Morrigan...

[Datadog]

Playing the female then?

And it just gets better. The character I created accidentally turned out to look exactly like Liliana. So now I've got red-headed twins running around slaying monsters.

[Tawmis]

Playing the female then?

And it just gets better. The character I created accidentally turned out to look exactly like Liliana. So now I've got red-headed twins running around slaying monsters.

You could make it far more twisted... Liliana swings both ways if you know what I mean, for the romantic story arc ....

[AndreaDraco]

I can't stand Leliana. So I can't imagine two of them running around

[AndreaDraco]

I'm really looking forward this add-on, more than the other two for sure. I really like Ostagar in the original game and it's epic atmosphere of last holdfast against the Darkspawn, something à la Minas Tirith against the armies of Mordor.

[Datadog]

They make a cute couple, really. One's always talking about how much she loves God, and the other likes to scream bloody vengeance when she's disemboweling her enemies.