Dragon Age: Origins.

[AndreaDraco]

There is definitely something strange going on. Do you have the latest patch installed? The only specialization issue I know of concerns the Xbox version of the game, and this is not clearly the case. I even found an on-going discussion about a similar issue over at the Wikia, but no solution given. The only thing I can suggest is to post in the official forum, or to download something like the Respec Mod -- but posting is probably better, so that you can figure out the problem and solve it properly.

A question: do you have Warden's Keep and/or The Stone Prisoner installed? If so, can you talk to Shale? Can you travel to Soldier's Peek? Is there the gold icon of Soldier's Peek on the map? If you have these two DLCs but the icons are not there and/or you can't talk to Shale, chances are that the spec problems may be tied to your profile timing out while loading a DLC content. If that's the case, I can provide a - albeit long and convoluted - solution to the problem.

[Maiandra]

Wait. What? You didn't even have the option to DO IT?
Whoa. I hadn't seen that.

Nope. I assumed that, like every other major decision in the game, it would let me pick right at the end. If it came down to him or me I was going to pick me, but when I told him I wouldn't let him do it, he just said "What makes you think you have a choice?" (In a rather romantically gallant way), then just did it himself. Or, I tried to tell him it was crazy, then he said "This is the only sane thing I've done in my life" and again didn't give me a chance to stop him. I was rather shocked at the time that I wasn't able to stop him. I suppose that was the point.

The only way I can stop him is by not taking him with me to fight the arch-demon, which didn't seem necessary or right at the time, or by taking Morrigan up on her offer. They really make it hard for a female character romancing Allistair. :/

The only way to resolve positively the Alistair romance is to allow him to sleep with Morrigan in Redcliffe, and - if you try to convince him to do so - you will have plenty of roleplaying options in the dialogue, so you may want to try it out.

I realised that, but I didn't really care for Morrigan's "Let me have sex with the man you love in a dark ritual so I can be mother to a dead god and cause unknown havoc in the world, or I'll ditch you when you need me most" approach. Call me crazy, but I had thought her and my character were actually friends as much as they could be. I guess I shouldn't have been too surprised, considering how mercenary she was. I couldn't bring myself to accept her offer, but I certainly thought that I would at least get to decide to be the one to die at the end.

I'm just not an "the ends justify the means" kind of person and neither is my character, but I may see if I can bring myself to try that ending. I just wish they didn't rub it in so much by showing the scene with the two of them together.

Besides, I don't like making Allistair's decisions for him. Part of the reason I didn't like this thing with Morrigan was the same reason I didn't make Allistair be king or have him marry my character. The game makes it seem like you're basically deciding everything for him if you chose those options

... if I'm not mistaken - you can ask even the other ones to go with them in their travels. So I think that if you want you can go with Leliana to Orlais. I also guess that, after Marjolaine, you didn't hardened Leliana (was she wearing a robe at the end? Or a leather armor?), otherwise she wouldn't go to Orlais and stay with the Warden

She told me she had to do it alone, but that she's see me when she got back. (Yes, she was wearing a dress instead of her armour.) I didn't try to accompany the others, since I wasn't that interested in them and the only ones my character would have been close with were pretty much gone. The only good personal note about the ending is that my character's brother, Fergus, was there and apparently fine. I had the option to go back to Highever with him and rebuild the family home.

[DeadPoolX]

Thanks for the help, Andrea, but I finally figured out what the problem was.

Maia and I use the same DA account. Different characters, but all tied to the one account. She's played a Rogue and has unlocked both Duelist and Ranger. Because of this, my game "knew" those specializations and therefore had no need to acquire them. That's why I couldn't find anything at the camp.

Pretty funny, if you ask me. I guess most people wouldn't have this problem -- unless, of course, they're sharing an account like Maia and I do.

Oh and I did choose Arcane Warrior and I'll probably pick Spirit Healer next. So far, I love the AC specialization! I'm wearing heavy duty armor, I've got a great sword and shield, plus a fantastic staff. I switch between the staff and sword/shield during battle.

I don't know why so many people say an AC won't have much mana to spend. I haven't had that problem yet. Of course, I also have a lot of items that support my stats, too. That probably helps.

[AndreaDraco]

Glad that you solved the problem!

And while you're at it, check out the new Awakening Mage Specialization (spoiler free, of course): The Battlemage! I already love it

[DeadPoolX]

Yeah, I've heard about that, but you can't bring a lot of your gear over with you. I probably won't even play it anyway.

[AndreaDraco]

Yeah, I've heard about that, but you can't bring a lot of your gear over with you. I probably won't even play it anyway.

You can't bring over only the DLC items, which aren't usually even the best one can find in Origins. But then, I'll know for sure that I'll play Awakening as soon as it gets out

[Tawmis]

Yeah, I've heard about that, but you can't bring a lot of your gear over with you. I probably won't even play it anyway.

You can't bring over only the DLC items, which aren't usually even the best one can find in Origins. But then, I'll know for sure that I'll play Awakening as soon as it gets out

Amen.

[AndreaDraco]

I'm currently playing Hadryan Cousland, a fine warrior and primary tank of my party, which is now - I just began the Broken Circle quest - composed by Hadryan, Leliana, Wynne and Morrigan. I'm having fun roleplaying the character, but I'm finding the Warrior class a bit disappointing after Mages (the best) and Rogues (which are both fun and incredibly useful), since many talents are passive (the various masteries) or sustained (the various defenses), and they lack the visual polish Mages' spell and Rogues' fighting talents have. Moreover, I guess that playing as a tank isn't really my style, because, during combats, I found myself using Morrigan and Wynne more than Hadryan. In fact, I'm also thinking of switching to the Two-Handed School, which I found not only more compelling from a visual perspective but also more entertaining to play. I planned this build and I should have free room for a Two-Handed chain. Has anyone tried it? Is it good? Or I should go for Archery (another school I never dabbled in)?

Anyway, I've also started another mage, a female this time. I'm trying to build her as a pure crowd-control mage with only one spell of direct damage (Rock Fist) and many healing spells.

And I'm roleplaying her as bit of a martyr, so it should come to no surprise that I'm planning for her to sacrifice herself for the Ferelden

Now that many of us have played the game (or are currently running it past the beginning point), I have a few questions:

1. Favorite companion?
2. Favorite non-companion NPC?
3. Favorite location?
4. Favorite enemy?
5. Least favorite companion?
6. Least favorite non-companion NPC?
7. Least favorite location?
8. Least favorite location?

[Tawmis]

1. Favorite companion?
Alistair - if I had to be honest. He won me over from the moment you meet Morrigan and he says, "Yes, Swooping IS bad..."

2. Favorite non-companion NPC?
King Calian. I loved his character. Despite knowing his fate.

3. Favorite location?
Probably Denerim. There's so much there.

4. Least favorite location?
The Deep Roads. That thing went on forever. But more so you pick up SO MUCH STUFF - and without merchants to pawn stuff on - you literally lose the potential for so much coin to be made.

5. Favorite enemy?
Brood Mother. That thing gave me nightmares!

6. Least favorite companion?
Sten, and this is only because I never got to know him.

7. Least favorite non-companion NPC?
Probably Anora. She was just a pain. I wanted to slap her.

[AndreaDraco]

And since I haven't yet provided an answer for my own questions, here they are!

1. Favorite companion?

Definitely Zevran, of course. And Shale is a close second. I find both of them really deep and their background is simply outstanding. Zevran, in particular, once you get the time to really know him, is incredible: his love and loyalty for the Warden is awe-inspiring.

Alistair and Oghren would be my third and fourth choice

2. Favorite non-companion NPC?

It's a tie between Jowan, Senior Enchanter Sweeney and Niall. Truth be told, though, I like every character from the Mage Origin and even Avernus (from Warden's Keep). Even the dastardly evil Caladrius is intriguing with his mellifluous manners and vicious attitude, and the same can be said for Zathrian.

Sister Theohild gets an honorable mention for her peculiar and hilarious version of the Chant of Light

3. Favorite location?

The Circle of Magi Tower at Lake Calenhad, both the opulent, rich and warm-lit version of the Mage Origin and the twisted, haunting one of Broken Circle. I find the tower fascinating and mysterious, eerie, mystical and these qualities always make me eager to visit and revisit the Circle.

Oh, and the Dalish Camp in the Brecilian Forest has some stunning scenery! In fact, the lake shore near the Hallas is the meast beautiful, peaceful and charming place in all Ferelden!

4. Favorite enemy?

Another tie, this time between the High Dragon and Sloth.

5. Least favorite companion?

I have no doubt: Morrigan. Truth be told, I like every companion: I find them all well-written, well-rounded, believable and interesting, but Morrigan is certainly the one I like the least, since I can often barely stand her confronting attitude and her rudeness toward other party members. She has certain redeeming qualities, but they are very, very, very well hidden.

6. Least favorite non-companion NPC?

Prince Bhelen and Lord Harrowmont deserve a tie. They are both corrupted and petty, not to mention insensitive and way too demanding.

7. Least favorite location?

I like them all, but I probably have to say the Korcari Wilds.

8. Least favorite enemy?

The Spirit Apparatus. I found this combat pretty boring, and a tad too long and convoluted for my taste.

PS: I know Tawmis, but I found our forum way more practical However, since this thread is about Dragon Age as a whole, I suggest opening another thread, so maybe even Maia, DPX and Datadog can read your fic

[Maiandra]

First I'll just say that I haven't played through more than once so I haven't had a chance to get to know all of the companions equally. That obviously influences my opinions here to some extent, since I will normally like those that I get to interact with in greater detail.

1. Favorite companion?
I'd have to say Allistair. Not only is he kind and funny, but he's adorable in the Romance.
Leliana would be a close second for me, because she's a kind character and is able to become close friends with your character, even if you don't romance her. I think they did a great job in developing her dialogues to give them a warm, friendly feel.

2. Favorite non-companion NPC?
None of the NPCs really stand out that much for me over the others. However, since it happened later in the game, Slim Couldry was one that I liked a fair amount. They so rarely show an honorable thief in games that I appreciated his personality and values a great deal.

3. Favorite location?
The Brecelian Forest. I like outdoor, natural settings and I liked the sort of mysterious, ethereal feeling there.

4. Favorite enemy?
I don't know if I have a favourite enemy. Enemies are usually an annoyance to me, since I have to fight them. However, I'd say I got the most satisfaction from defeating Arl Howe because of what he did in my origin story (human noble). In that case, revenge was sweet. I didn't feel the least bit bad or merciful towards him.

5. Least favorite companion?
There weren't any I didn't like and I didn't get to experience all of them in equal depth, but probably Sten, so far, since his personality is a bit rigid to empathise with.

6. Least favorite non-companion NPC?
There were certainly a few I didn't like, but I'd probabaly pick Arlessa Isolde of Redcliffe. She was a clingy, hand-wringer that made poor decisions and had rather petty and unjustified hatreds. She needs to get some self-confidence, among other things. The only good thing I can say about her is that she did seem to care deeply for her family.

Am I the only one that wondered if she and Teagan had something going on?

7. Least favorite location?
The deep roads. Without a doubt! I hate dungeon crawls and that was an unecessarily painful one.

8. Least favorite enemy?
Gaxkang. He was like the demi-lich in Baldur's Gate 2! That was terrible! I had flashbacks. Thankfully, I was able to find some online strategies to help me out so it didn't take quite as long as the demi-lich. Plus, his entire quest seemed kind of pointless. He is now known as Gaxkang the Terrible in my mind.

I would actually like to play through again to choose some different paths and get to know some other companions. I purposely left out Zevran the first time so that I'd have something completely new the second time around and it sounds like that will be worth it.

However, first I need to try some alternate endings and replay the ending I had for my current character, since I found a mod that fixes all the broken dialgoue issues I had with Allistair near the end.

I also found a mod that has better hair (to use on my second play though)! Thank goodness. Now if only I can figure out how to install it...

[Datadog]

1. Favorite companion?
Aside from my red-headed lesbian lover/twin sister? Alistair. Truth is, about a few hours into the game, I was thinking of dropping him the first chance I got, and going with an all-Angels team, where I'm Charlie. But eventually, I got a kick out of how much Alistair seemed to squirm whenever I did something chaotic, and I decided to keep him on as Bosley. I didn't even bother chatting with him or getting to know him - it was a lot funnier imagining him as this anonymous guy on my team who keeps getting volunteered for all kinds of important plot events. The highlight of my game was when "I like to watch you squirm" came up as a dialogue option around him. His reactions were always priceless.

2. Favorite non-companion NPC?
Considering how well everyone can keep a straight face when I walk up to them in my underwear covered in blood, I think they've all earned that title.

3. Favorite location?
The camp, complete with make-out sessions and stupid pet tricks.

4. Favorite enemy?
Wynne and Leliana when they freaked out over me dumping the dragon's blood into the Sacred Ashes. They kicked my butt, so I reloaded and did it the right way. Still, it was good for a laugh.

5. Least favorite companion?
Zevran. I totally forgot he was with us. When his buddies showed up and tried to re-enlist him, I was all like "It's your choice, Zevran," and then the jerk tried to kill us. So I ran him through with my lightning sword, and we carried on as if nothing happened. More marshmallows around the fire for us, I guess.

6. Least favorite non-companion NPC?
That one werewolf who keeps begging for death, and nothing I can do can save her. She's such a buzzkill.

7. Least favorite location?
The Deep Roads map. Every time I saw a new location appear on it, I died a little more inside.

8. Least favorite enemy?
Gaaaaaahhhh... what's-her-face with the Golems drove me completely insane.

[AndreaDraco]

5. Least favorite companion?
Zevran. I totally forgot he was with us. When his buddies showed up and tried to re-enlist him, I was all like "It's your choice, Zevran," and then the jerk tried to kill us. So I ran him through with my lightning sword, and we carried on as if nothing happened. More marshmallows around the fire for us, I guess.

Am I the only one that wondered if she and Teagan had something going on?

Well, she seems pretty sincere about her affection for Arl Eamon, but I too had the impression that she had a fling with Teagan.

However, first I need to try some alternate endings and replay the ending I had for my current character, since I found a mod that fixes all the broken dialgoue issues I had with Allistair near the end.

I also found a mod that has better hair (to use on my second play though)! Thank goodness. Now if only I can figure out how to install it...

I recommend you to use this Mod Manager which is very easy and simplifies the process a lot.

[DeadPoolX]

NOTE: I haven't finished the game yet, so my answers reflect only how far I've reached.

1. Favorite companion?
I'd say Leliana. I'm partially biased because my character is in a romance with her, but aside from that, she's a very upbeat and fun person to be around. Plus she's great to have in a fight -- her long-range attacks can be devastating. She gets even better if she has the Ranger specialization as her summoned animals can actually do a lot of damage to the enemy.

If I had to choose a second character, I'd go with Zevran. He's hilarious, plus he knows how to really annoy the other characters (especially Wynn).

2. Favorite non-companion NPC?
Wade and Jowan.

Wade's so enthusiastic that he makes me laugh. He also creates some damn good armor.

I liked Jowan as well, since he made some (major) mistakes, but was willing to face the consequences.

3. Favorite location?
Denerim, as there's more to do and I don't get lost as I did in the Mage's Tower and the Brecilian Forest.

4. Favorite enemy?
Kolgrim. He was a dangerous nutjob, but that only made kicking his butt even better.

5. Least favorite companion?
I'd say Sten. He has no personality at all.

6. Least favorite non-companion NPC?
I have two: Zathrian and Goldanna.

Zathrian was a pompous ass and Goldanna was a bitch. I could understand WHY they were that way, but that still didn't make me like them.

7. Least favorite location?
It's a toss up between the Fade and the Bracelian Forest. The former was just plain annoying while the latter was beyond difficult to navigate.

8. Least favorite enemy?
The Sloth demon. He kept changing forms so often that the entire battle became tedious.

[DeadPoolX]

There's a website called Dragon Age Nexus and it's full of interesting modifications to DA. Some of them are designed really well while others are simply stupid or make people god-like.

These are the mods I like best:

• Extra Dog Slot

Does exactly what it says. This allows you to always have fifth slot reserved for the dog. So if you wanted to bring your dog, but felt one of the four original slots were best filled with other party members, you can now change that.

• Alistair dialog patch

This fixes the dialogue errors for the Human Female Noble if she's in a relationship with Alistair. It also helps other characters (regardless of class, relationship, background or gender), so it's a good mod to have around. Obviously, it's most important for the Human Female Noble, however.

• Stamina Potion Recipe Mod

I feel as if this should've been in the game. There are health and lyrium (mana) potions, so why not stamina potions? Most characters run around of stamina rather quickly in battle, especially if they have any sustainable turned on.

• Arcane Warrior Weapon Drawn Casting

There's a sword called "Spellweaver" that's supposed to allow the Arcane Warrior to cast spells while wielding it. The sword doesn't work due to a broken script. This mod fixes that.

• Endgame Dialogue and Epilogue Slide Fixes

This fix is for dialogue centered around Leliana and Zevran. Endings are also slightly modified.