Home PRIMA Ofcial Game Guide Written by Mike Searle Prima Games An Imprint of Random House, Inc. 3000 Lava Ridge Court, Suite 100 The Prima Games logo is a registered trademark of Random Roseville, CA 95661 House, Inc., registered in the United States and other www.primagames.com countries. Primagames.com is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc., registered in the United States. Prima Games is an imprint of Random House, Inc. Special Thanks © 2009 Electronic Arts Inc. EA and EA logo are trademarks or Prima would like to thank Mark Darrah, Mike registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other Laidlaw, Matt Atwood, Chris Corfe, Erik Einsie- countries. All Rights Reserved. BioWare, BioWare logo, Dragon Age del, Kevin Loh, Adriana Lopez, Fernando Melo, and Dragon Age logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of EA and the entire BioWare Dragon Age: Origins de- International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. All other trademarks are the velopment team for all of their tireless support and property of their respective owners. assistance in making this guide (and such a fan- tastic game!). Prima would also like to thank Paul No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by “Sedd” Giacomotto, Brandon “Wasup” Olafsson, any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, and Asha “Copyeditor Extraordinaire” Johnson for or by any information storage or retrieval system without written all of their support throughout the project. permission from Electronic Arts Inc. Product Manager: Todd Manning Associate Product Manager: Sean Scheuble Copyeditor: Asha Johnson About the Author Design & Layout: Bryan Neff & Jody Seltzer Mike Searle remembers playing Manufacturing: Suzanne Goodwin & Stephanie Sanchez the simple yet addictive Missile eProduction: Cody Zimmer Command, and the days of Atari Adventure, where your square Please be advised that the ESRB Ratings icons, “EC,” “E,” “E10+,” hero could end up in a hollow “T,” “M,” “AO,” and “RP” are trademarks owned by the Entertainment dragon stomach. His desire to Software Association, and may only be used with their permission and play computer games into the wee hours of the authority. For information regarding whether a product has been rated by morning really took hold when his parents made the ESRB, please visit www.esrb.org. For permission to use the Ratings him play outside, instead of on the console, so icons, please contact the ESA at esrblicenseinfo.com. the frst chance he got, he bought a PC to play the Ultima series, Doom, and countless others. Important: Mike started working with Prima Games in 2002 Prima Games has made every effort to determine that the information and has written more than 30 strategy guides, contained in this book is accurate. However, the publisher makes no including Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows warranty, either expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, effectiveness, or of Angmar, Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis, completeness of the material in this book; nor does the publisher assume Dark Messiah: Might and Magic, Pirates of liability for damages, either incidental or consequential, that may result the Burning Sea, and several guides in the Tom from using the information in this book. The publisher cannot provide Clancy’s Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell series. any additional information or support regarding gameplay, hints and He can’t wait for thought technology, so game strategies, or problems with hardware or software. Such questions should controls can catch up with his brain and stop all be directed to the support numbers provided by the game and/or device that needless in-game dying. At least, that’s what manufacturers as set forth in their documentation. Some game tricks he keeps telling himself about his FPS kill ratio. require precise timing and may require repeated attempts before the We want to hear from you! E-mail comments and desired result is achieved. feedback to Home PRIMA Ofcial Game Guide Contents How to Use This Guide ................6 Magi ................................................................ 19 Combat Roles ......................................67 Basics ...............................................8 The Classes .................................. 20 Tank ................................................................68 Key Terms ..............................................8 Leveling ............................................... 20 Healer ..............................................................68 Experience and Leveling .................... 9 Skills .................................................... 20 Mage DPS .......................................................68 Your Health .......................................... 10 SCtoeearlciniogn ........................................................... 21 RMaenlege dD DPSP .S.. ...................................................698 Races and Classes ................................11 Trap-Making.................................................. 21 Confgurations and Engagement .... 69 Races ................................................................ 11 Survival ........................................................... 21 Tactics .................................................. 71 Classes ............................................................. 11 Herbalism ....................................................... 21 Warrior (Tank) ...............................................72 S aknildls ,S Tpeacleianltisz,a tions........................... 12 Poison-Making .............................................. 21 Mage (Healer) .................................................72 Skills ................................................................ 12 Combat Training ........................................... 21 Rogue (DPS)....................................................73 Talents and Spells ......................................... 12 Combat Tactics .............................................. 21 Mage (DPS) .....................................................73 Specializations ............................................... 12 NPC Crafters .................................................. 21 Companions.................................. 74 Items ..................................................... 12 Choosing Skills ..............................................22 Understanding Companions ............ 74 Combat ................................................. 12 The Warrior .........................................23 Approval Ratings .......................................... 74 Mobs ............................................................... 13 Strengths and Weaknesses ..........................24 Gifts ................................................................. 75 Threat ............................................................. 13 Attributes .......................................................24 Companion Quests ....................................... 75 Tactics ............................................................. 13 Skills ................................................................25 Romance ......................................................... 75 Talents ............................................................26 Plot Abilities .................................................. 75 The Map ............................................... 14 Specializations ............................................... 31 Crisis Moments ............................................. 75 The Codex ............................................ 14 Gear .................................................................33 Alistair ..................................................76 Decisions, Decisions .......................... 14 Party Responsibilities ..................................33 Combat Advice ..............................................76 Character Generation .................. 15 Model Characters ..........................................34 Romance .........................................................76 Gender and Race ................................. 15 The Mage .......................................... 38 Crisis Moment ...............................................76 Class ...................................................... 16 Strengths and Weaknesses ..........................39 Dialogue Choices ........................................... 77 Warrior............................................................ 16 Attributes .......................................................39 Personal Quest ............................................... 77 Mage ................................................................ 16 Skills ................................................................40 Gifts ................................................................. 77 Rogue .............................................................. 16 Spells ............................................................... 41 Leliana ..................................................78 Specializations..................................... 16 Specializations ...............................................46 Combat Advice ..............................................78 Warrior............................................................ 16 Gear .................................................................47 Dialogue Choices ...........................................78 Mage .................................................................17 Party Responsibilities ..................................48 Personal Quest ...............................................78 Rogue ...............................................................17 Model Characters ..........................................48 Crisis Moment ...............................................78 Appearance and Voice ........................ 17 The Rogue ........................................ 53 Romance .........................................................79 Attributes ............................................. 18 Strengths and Weaknesses ..........................54 Gifts .................................................................79 Strength .......................................................... 18 Attributes .......................................................54 Morrigan ............................................. 80 Dexterity ......................................................... 18 Skills ................................................................ 55 Combat Advice ..............................................80 Willpower ....................................................... 18 Talents ............................................................ 55 Dialogue Choices ...........................................80 Magic ............................................................... 18 Specializations ...............................................60 Personal Quest ...............................................80 Cunning .......................................................... 18 Gear ................................................................. 61 Crisis Moment ...............................................80 Constitution ................................................... 18 Party Responsibilities ..................................62 Romance ......................................................... 81 Origin Stories ...................................... 19 Model Characters ..........................................62 Gifts ................................................................. 81 Dwarf Commoner ......................................... 19 The Party .......................................66 Oghren ..................................................82 Dwarf Noble ................................................... 19 Buddy Basics ...................................... 66 Combat Advice ..............................................82 City Elf ............................................................ 19 Group Dynamics ................................ 66 Personal Quest ...............................................82 Dalish Elf ........................................................ 19 Dealing with Threat ...........................67 Dialogue Choices ...........................................83 Human Noble ................................................ 19 Healing .................................................67 Gifts .................................................................83 2 Home Crisis Moment ...............................................83 Isabela ...................................................95 Archdemon ........................................ 145 Shale ......................................................84 Flemeth (continued) .............................. 95 Ash Wraith ........................................ 145 New Golem Talents ......................................84 King Endrin Aeducan (continued) ....96 Bear ..................................................... 145 Personal Quest ...............................................85 Keeper Zathrian ................................. 96 Bronto ................................................. 146 Gear .................................................................85 King Cailan Theirin .......................... 96 Broodmother ..................................... 146 Crisis Moment ...............................................85 King Endrin Aeducan ....................... 96 Corpse ................................................. 146 Gifts .................................................................85 Knight-Commander Greagoir ......... 96 Deepstalker ........................................ 146 Wynne ..................................................86 Kolgrim ............................................... 96 Desire Demon ................................... 147 Combat Advice ..............................................86 Loghain Mac Tir .................................97 Dragon ................................................ 147 Dialogue Choices ...........................................87 Personal Quest ...............................................87 Lord Pyral Harrowmont ....................97 Drake ................................................... 148 Gifts .................................................................87 Marjolaine ............................................97 Genlock ............................................... 148 Crisis Moment ...............................................87 Queen Anora ........................................97 Ghoul .................................................. 148 Zevran ...................................................88 Ser Cauthrien ......................................97 Golem .................................................. 148 Combat Advice ..............................................88 Taliesin .................................................98 Halla .................................................... 149 Gifts .................................................................88 Trian .....................................................98 Hurlock ............................................... 149 Crisis Moments .............................................88 Valendrian ...........................................98 Mabari War Hound .......................... 149 Dialogue Choices ...........................................89 Vaughan ...............................................98 Nug ...................................................... 150 Romance .........................................................89 Weylon ..................................................98 Ogre ..................................................... 150 Dog ....................................................... 90 Combat Advice ..............................................90 Equipment .........................................99 Pride Demon ..................................... 150 Equipment .....................................................90 Weapon and Armor Materials ......... 99 Rage Demon ...................................... 150 Dialogue Choices ...........................................90 Vendor Shopping ............................... 99 Rat ....................................................... 150 Gifts .................................................................90 Backpacks .......................................................99 Revenant .............................................151 Loghain Mac Tir ................................. 91 Manuals ..........................................................99 Shade ...................................................151 Combat Advice .............................................. 91 Merchant Vendor Lists .............................. 100 Shriek ...................................................151 Dialogue Choices ........................................... 91 Tomes ............................................................ 100 Skeleton ...............................................151 Gifts ................................................................. 91 Grandmaster Runes ................................... 100 Sloth Demon ...................................... 152 Sten ...................................................... 92 Weapons ..............................................112 Spider .................................................. 152 Combat Advice ..............................................92 Weapon Tiers .................................. 112 Werewolf ............................................ 152 Dialogue Choices ...........................................92 Unique Weapons .......................................... 114 Wild Sylvan ........................................ 153 Personal Quest ...............................................92 Armor ..................................................118 Wisp .................................................... 153 Gifts .................................................................92 Armor Tiers .................................... 118 Crisis Moment ...............................................92 Wolf ..................................................... 153 Unique Armor ............................................. 120 Supporting Cast ...........................93 Walkthrough ............................... 154 Accessories......................................... 128 Arl Eamon Guerrin.............................93 Tour of Ferelden ......................... 154 Rune Enchanting .............................. 130 Arl Rendon Howe ...............................93 Essential Locations .......................... 154 Runes ............................................. 130 Arlessa Isolde ......................................93 Ostagar ...........................................................154 Crafting ................................................131 Lothering .......................................................154 Bann Teagan Guerrin ........................93 Crafting Recipes ........................................... 131 Circle Tower ..................................................154 Branka ..................................................94 Usable Items ...................................... 136 Redclife .........................................................154 Beraht ...................................................94 Gifts ..................................................... 138 Denerim .........................................................154 Bhelen Aeducan ..................................94 Downloadable Content Items ......... 140 Urn of Sacred Ashes ...................................154 Brother Ferdinand Genitivi ..............94 Stone Prisoner Items (DLC only) ............... 141 Orzammar ......................................................155 Caladrius ..............................................94 Warden’s Keep Items (DLC only)................ 141 Brecilian Forest ............................................155 Connor Guerrin ..................................94 Shale’s Gifts (DLC only) ............................... 141 Landsmeet and Final Battle .......................155 Shale’s Crystals (DLC only) ......................... 142 Duncan .................................................95 How to Use the Walkthrough ......... 155 First Enchanter Irving .......................95 The Bestiary ............................... 144 Map ................................................................155 Flemeth ................................................95 Abomination ..................................... 145 Runthrough ...................................................155 Arcane Horror ................................... 145 Cheatsheet .....................................................155 Guardian (Urn of Sacred Ashes) .......95 Walkthrough Text ........................................155 3 primagames.com PRIMA Ofcial Game Guide Ferelden Map .................................... 156 The Fade (Weisshaupt) ................................211 Anvil of the Void .........................................259 The Raw Fade .............................................. 212 A King Is Crowned .....................................260 Dwarf Commoner Origin ................ 158 Home ..............................................................158 Darkspawn Invasion .................................. 213 Nature of the Beast ........................... 261 Dust Town .....................................................158 Burning Tower ............................................ 216 Dalish Camp ................................................ 261 Commons ..................................................... 159 Mage Asunder ............................................. 218 West Brecilian Forest .................................262 Proving Grounds ......................................... 160 Templar’s Nightmare ..................................220 East Brecilian Forest ..................................264 Beraht’s Hideout ........................................... 161 A Nightmare (Freeing Your Followers) ....222 Elven Ruins: Upper Level .........................265 The Inner Sanctum .....................................222 Elven Ruins: Lower Level .........................267 Dwarf Noble Origin .......................... 163 The Circle Tower (Fourth Floor: Lair of the Werewolves ..............................268 Orzammar Royal Palace ............................. 163 After Fade) ..................................................223 Diamond Quarter ........................................ 165 The Landsmeet .................................270 The Harrowing Chamber ..........................224 Proving Grounds ......................................... 166 Calling for the Landsmeet ......................... 270 Arl of Redclife ................................. 226 Ruined Thaig ............................................... 166 Arl of Denerim’s Estate: Exterior. ............. 271 Redclife Village (Day) .................................226 Orzammar Prison ........................................ 168 Arl of Denerim’s Estate: Interior ...............272 Redclife Village (Night) .............................228 Outskirts ....................................................... 169 Arl of Denerim’s Estate: Dungeon ............273 Redclife Village (Basement) .....................229 The Rescue ................................................... 275 City Elf Origin ....................................170 Redclife Castle (First Floor)......................230 Fort Drakon ..................................................276 Home ..............................................................170 Redclife Castle (Courtyard) ....................... 231 Back at the Estate .......................................278 Elven Alienage ..............................................170 Redclife Castle (Return to the Elven Alienage .............................................279 Arl of Denerim’s Estate (Exterior) ............. 172 First Floor) .................................................232 Alienage Aftermath ..................................... 281 Arl of Denerim’s Estate (Interior) ...............173 Redclife Castle (Second Floor) .................233 The Landsmeet ...........................................282 Ending ........................................................... 174 Redclife Castle (The Fade) ........................234 Dalish Elf Origin ................................175 To Save Arl Eamon .....................................235 The Final Onslaught ........................283 Redclife Village (Destroyed) .....................283 Forest Clearing ............................................. 175 Urn of Sacred Ashes .........................236 Redclife Castle Courtyard .........................284 Elven Ruins .................................................. 175 Denerim Market District ...........................236 Redclife Battle Plans .................................285 Dalish Elf Camp ...........................................176 Village of Haven ..........................................237 Morrigan’s Ritual .........................................285 Return to the Forest Clearing ....................178 Ruined Temple ............................................238 City Gates .....................................................286 Return to the Elven Ruins .........................178 Wyrmling Lair .............................................240 Denerim Market District (Destroyed) ......287 Return to Dalish Elf Camp .........................179 Mountaintop ................................................243 Elven Alienage (Destroyed) ........................288 Mage Origin ....................................... 180 The Gauntlet ................................................243 Hold the Gates .............................................289 The Harrowing ............................................ 180 Saving Arl Eamon .......................................245 Palace District ..............................................289 The Circle Tower ......................................... 182 Paragon of Her Kind ....................... 246 Fort Drakon .................................................. 291 The Repository ............................................ 184 Frostback Mountains .................................246 Warden’s Keep ...................................297 Human Noble Origin ........................ 187 Orzammar Commons .................................247 Soldier’s Peak ...............................................297 Castle Cousland by Day ...............................187 Siding with Lord Harrowmont ................248 First Floor ....................................................298 Castle Cousland by Night .......................... 189 Harrowmont’s Estate ..............................248 Second Floor ................................................299 Proving Grounds .....................................248 Ostagar .................................................191 Avernus’s Tower ..........................................300 Tapster’s Tavern ......................................248 King’s Camp .................................................. 191 Avernus vs. Sophia ..................................... 301 Harrowmont’s Estate ..............................248 Korcari Wilds. .............................................. 192 Closing the Veil ........................................... 301 Siding with Prince Bhelen ........................249 Return to King’s Camp ............................... 193 Warden’s Keep .............................................. 301 Chamber of the Assembly ......................249 Tower of Ishal .............................................. 195 Diamond Quarter ....................................249 The Stone Prisoner ......................... 302 Flemeth’s Hut ................................................197 Tapster’s Tavern ......................................249 Village of Honnleath ..................................302 Lothering............................................ 198 Deep Roads: Aeducan Thaig .................249 Wilhelm’s Cellar ...........................................303 Lothering ...................................................... 198 Chamber of the Assembly ......................250 Cadash Thaig ...............................................305 Broken Circle .....................................205 Royal Estate .............................................250 Side Quests ..................................308 Lake Calenhad Docks .................................205 Dust Town .................................................... 251 Blackstone Irregulars .......................308 The Circle Tower (First Floor) ..................206 Carta Hideout ..............................................252 A Change in Leadership ............................308 The Circle Tower (Second Floor) ..............207 Caridin’s Cross .............................................253 Dereliction of Duty .....................................308 The Circle Tower (Third Floor) ................208 Ortan Thaig ..................................................255 Grease the Wheels ......................................308 The Circle Tower (Fourth Floor) ...............209 The Dead Trenches .....................................256 4 Notices of Death ..........................................308 “K” Quests .....................................................320 Lost in the Castle ........................................330 Restocking the Guild ..................................308 “D” Quests ..................................................... 321 The Maker’s Shield .....................................330 Scraping the Barrel .....................................308 Korcari Wilds .................................... 321 A Missing Child ..........................................330 Brecilian Forest ................................ 309 A Pinch of Ashes ......................................... 321 Spy! ................................................................330 Cammen’s Lament .......................................309 Last Will and Testament............................ 321 Stif Drink to Dull the Pain........................330 Elora’s Halla .................................................309 The Missionary ...........................................322 Wide Open World ............................. 331 Elven Ritual .................................................309 Signs of the Chasind ..................................322 The Black Vials ........................................... 331 Lost to the Curse .........................................309 The Mages’ Collective .......................323 Dominance ................................................... 331 Mage’s Treasure ........................................... 310 A Gift of Silence (or Justice Unbound ...................................................... 331 Must be Served) .........................................323 Panowen ....................................................... 310 Ancient History ........................................... 331 Blood of Warning........................................323 Rare Ironbark ............................................... 310 Warden’s Keep (DLC Only) ............... 331 Careless Accusations ..................................323 Shade Campsite ........................................... 310 Random Encounters .................332 Defending the Collective ............................323 Wounded in the Forest............................... 310 World Encounters .............................332 Have You Seen Me? ....................................323 Chanter’s Board ..................................311 Brothers and Sons ......................................332 Herbal Magic ...............................................323 Back Alley Justice .........................................311 Caravan Down .............................................332 Notice of Termination ................................324 Brothers and Sons .......................................311 Desperate Haven .........................................332 Places of Power ............................................324 Caravan Down ..............................................311 Jowan’s Intention .........................................333 The Scrolls of Banastor ..............................324 Desperate Haven ..........................................311 Loghain’s Push .............................................333 Thy Brother’s Killer ....................................324 Fazzil’s Request .............................................311 Plot Encounters ................................333 Origin Stories ....................................324 Jowan’s Intentions ........................................311 Darkspawn Ambush! ..................................333 The Mabari Hound .....................................325 Loghain’s Push ............................................. 312 The Dog ........................................................333 Missing in Action ....................................... 312 Orzammar ..........................................325 Harassed from the Past ..............................333 Skin Deep ..................................................... 312 A Lost Nug ...................................................325 The Long Road............................................333 Unintended Consequences ....................... 312 A Mother’s Hope..........................................325 Low Road .....................................................333 An Unlikely Scholar ....................................325 The Circle of Magi ............................ 312 Random Encounters ........................334 Asunder ........................................................325 Circles Within Circles ................................ 312 Axe in the Stump ........................................334 Caged in Stone .............................................326 Desire and Need .......................................... 312 Bandits .........................................................334 Casteless Ambush .......................................326 Extracurricular Studies .............................. 313 Demons ........................................................334 The Chant in the Deeps .............................326 Five Pages, Four Mages .............................. 313 Demons 2 .....................................................334 The Dead Caste ...........................................326 Friends of Red Jenny .................................. 313 Dwarven Army ............................................334 The Drifter’s Cache .....................................326 Irving’s Mistake ........................................... 313 Elven Army ..................................................334 Exotic Methods ...........................................326 Malefcarum Regrets .................................. 313 Elves and Werewolves................................334 The Gangue Shade ......................................327 Promises of Pride ........................................ 313 Mages ............................................................334 The Golem Registry ....................................327 The Spot ....................................................... 313 One Ring .......................................................334 Jammer’s Stash.............................................327 Summoning Sciences ................................. 314 Orzammar Rebels ........................................334 The Key to the City .....................................327 Watchguard of the Reaching ..................... 314 Redclife Army .............................................334 Lost to the Memories .................................327 Denerim ............................................. 314 Spiders ..........................................................334 Of Noble Birth .............................................327 Slim Couldry’s Quests..................................315 Stealing Payback ..........................................334 Political Attacks ...........................................328 Drake Scale Armor ...................................... 316 Super Metal (DLC Only) .............................335 Precious Metals ...........................................328 Dragon Scale Armor ....................................317 Surprising the Bandits ...............................335 Proving After Dark ......................................328 Forgotten Verses ..........................................317 Templars .......................................................335 The Shaper’s Life .........................................328 Hearing Voices..............................................317 Traveling Merchant ....................................335 Stalata Negat ................................................328 Honor Bound ...............................................317 Twisted Beasts ............................................335 Thief in the House of Learning ................328 The Last Request .........................................317 Werewolf Army ...........................................335 Topsider’s Honor .........................................328 Lost Templar.................................................317 Werewolves ..................................................335 Unintended Breakthrough ........................329 Sergeant Kylon’s Quests .............................. 318 Wild Sylvans ................................................335 Zerlinda’s Woe .............................................329 Something Wicked ...................................... 318 Wolves ...........................................................335 Party Camp ........................................329 Tortured Noble ............................................ 318 Achievements and Trophies ...336 Restocking the Camp .................................329 Antivan Crows Quests ................................ 319 PC Achievements ..............................336 Redclife .............................................329 Favors for Certain Interested Parties ........................... 320 The Dwarven Veteran ................................329 Console Achievements .....................338 Correspondence Interruptus ....................320 Every Little Bit Helps .................................330 5 primagames.com Home PRIMA Ofcial Game Guide How to Use This Guide Throw out your notions of unicorns and esteemed elves: Dragon Age™: Origins is about to enlighten you with a new take on dark fantasy. Every sight and sound, companion and creature, immerses you in the magical world of Ferelden, where you choose the honorable, harrowing, and epic path of the Grey Warden on a nearly impossible task of ending the teeming and terrible Blight. With a game so massive, you need a guide bulging with advice, stats, maps, and expert tips to master your adventuring experience, and it’s all here... Basics The Party Learn how to Chaotic free- navigate the for-alls will see world of Ferelden you to an early and explore grave. We show important game you the dos and terms such don’ts of party as experience combat, and the points, leveling, best engagement races, classes, strategies for solo skills, talents, creatures, big and more. Suit up for combat with some fundamental strategy mobs, boss fghts, and ambushes. Comb through this chapter and tips. and you’ll master group dynamics, threat, combat roles, engagement strategies, and tactics, among many other things. Character Generation Companions Which race and class do you Get into the want to play? minds of Unlike other your trusted games, your companions, choice affects from what your origin story specialization and how you they can teach interact with you to what gifts certain characters will get them throughout Ferelden. Your choices regarding race, class, special- into bed with izations, attributes, and origin story will make a big impact on you. Find out how to unlock them all for your party and how the events in your individual game experience. to make each the ultimate combatant. Companions covered include: Alistair (warrior), Dog (Mabari Classes pet, war dog), Leliana (rogue), Loghain Mac Tir (warrior after the Landsmeet only), Morrigan (mage), Oghren (warrior), Shale A Grey Warden (golem available via downloadable content), Sten (warrior), can train in Wynne (mage), and Zevran Arainai (rogue). the talents of a warrior or Supporting Cast rogue, or tap into the spells of a Will Queen mage. All three Anora rule? Can can decimate First Enchanter darkspawn; Irving survive the it’s just about perils befallen whether you want to have fun smashing hurlocks with sword the Circle Tower? and shield, slashing out of the shadows with twin daggers, or Should Lord torching possessed corpses with freballs. Master all three with Harrowmont be our special leveling class guides that include specs on a tank, trusted? Ferelden melee DPS, ranged DPS, healer, mage DPS, scout, and more. isn’t just about you and your companions; hundreds of lively NPCs interact with you and shape this age’s future. Take a peek in this chapter at the most important faces around the land. 6 Home How to Use This Guide How twH How wtUs ehsis wUHGuHiow t H How tUseHhHow tUsoUeH Howw tUsehiGuHdHUow tUsehH How tUsHeHow tUsehiUHGHow tUs ehHe How tUsewhtiwGudHmHow tUtstehiGudmPw ti Equipment Side Quests You may walk To score naked through some fames to touch extra loot or the Urn of Sacred uncover more Ashes, the holiest of Ferelden’s of artifacts in secrets, seek Ferelden, but out the side your birthday quests spread suit won’t get across the land you far anywhere from Denerim else. Gear up with complete specs on all weapons, armor, to Orzammar, many hosted by special organizations such as accessories, gifts, runes, crafting and usable items, and more. the Mages’ Collective, Blackstone Irregulars, and Chanter’s Board. This chapter preps you on quest locations, destinations, The Bestiary rewards, and a quick walkthrough of how to complete each quest. In the dankest tombs you’ll Random Encounters slice through the Traveling across rotting fesh of the countryside walking corpses, isn’t always a or tame a dragon stroll in the on the loftiest park. You may mountaintop. encounter a stray Monsters thrive demon, hurlock, in Ferelden and or werewolf. Our threaten the kingdom, and it’s not just the darkspawn invasion handy random you have to worry about. From abominations to hurlocks to encounter werewolves, uncover all the secrets of these nasty denizens in runthrough lists all the encounters, triggers, important plot our complete Bestiary chapter. points, and strategy tips on how to come out on top. Walkthroughs Achievements & Trophies Everything you Who doesn’t wanted to know have fun about your collecting titles? Grey Warden Get the scoop quests is here, on the storyline including super- unlocks, plus detailed maps, what you have runthroughs to do to achieve of every major combat titles encounter, (infict 250 boss strategies, treasure locations, and even where to fnd damage in a single hit, yet?), and other fun feats such as Denerim’s hidden assassins’ guild. romancing companions, mastering spell blocks, setting traps, and exploring every area of the game. 7 primagames.com Home PRIMA Ofcial Game Guide Basics Welcome to the world of Dragon Age: Origins! Our job is to 0udD keep you alive and to maximize your playing experience, so Stop! We know you’re anxious to dive right into tips and hints on with that in mind, we’re going to run through the basics in this gameplay, but you should really read your Dragon Age: Origins chapter. Master the essential concepts and ground rules frst, manual frst. The manual provides a great introduction to the then add layers of strategy and tactics to your favorite class basics. Come back here when you understand the game controls, and Ferelden will be safe from darkspawn until the last Grey user interface, menu options, etc. We won’t go anywhere. Warden takes his fnal breath. Key Terms Here are some of the key terms that the game and this guide will use while discussing various play styles and tactics. Familiarize yourself with these so you’re up on the lingo. AoE: “Area of Effect.” A talent or spell that affects a radius, not Debuff: A skill or ability that delivers a negative effect for a just a single target. AoE spells and attacks damage multiple prolonged time. targets at once and can help greatly against large groups of Defense Stat: Increases the chance of dodging or parrying enemies. Keep in mind that you may hit multiple targets, physical attacks. but you also may draw additional threat and possibly nullify Dexterity: Dexterity is the measure of agility, refexes, and existing effects on the targeted enemies. balance. Higher dexterity improves a character’s chances 0udD to hit, makes the character more likely to dodge incoming Depending on your game’s diffculty setting, AoE spells and blows, and contributes to the damage dealt by piercing attacks from your party may or may not cause friendly fre weapons such as bows or crossbows. Archery and dual- damage to your party. We assume friendly fre damage as a weapon fghting styles demand high dexterity to master, factor in our guide’s strategy. making this attribute a favorite for rogues. DLC: Abbreviation for “downloadable content.” Armor Stat: Reduces damage done to a character from physical DoT: “Damage over time.” Talents or spells that deal initial attacks. A weapon’s armor penetration score directly damage and then additional damage every few seconds for a counteracts the opponent’s armor rating. set amount of time. Attack Stat: Increases the likelihood of successfully landing DPS: “Damage per second.” A stat that factors in the speed physical attacks. and power of a weapon to gauge its average damage every second. DPS is also used as a generic reference to damage Buff: A talent or spell that delivers a positive effect for a and dealing damage. prolonged time. DPSer: A character whose primary role in the group is to deal Camp: To remain in one spot in order to kill a specifc NPC or damage. monster, or trigger a certain event. Electrical Resistance: Measures resistance or vulnerability Cold Resistance: Measures resistance or vulnerability to to electricity-based attacks against the character. Electrical cold-based attacks against the character. Cold damage is damage is reduced (if green) or increased (if red) by this reduced (if green) or increased (if red) by this percentage. percentage. Constitution: Constitution represents health and resilience. Fatigue: Wearing armor causes fatigue, which is a percentage Higher constitution directly increases the amount of damage increase of the basic mana or stamina cost to activate a spell a character can take before falling on the battlefeld. or talent. Crit: Short for “critical chance” or “critical strike chance.” Follower: A companion who travels with you on your quests. Cunning: Cunning determines how well a character learns and There can only be four people in your party at one time: the reasons. Most skills, such as Herbalism or Combat Tactics, main (player) character, and up to three followers. The rest require a quick mind to master—and an observant eye can stay back at party camp and level as you level. more easily fnd weaknesses in enemy armor. Rogues beneft Fire Resistance: Measures resistance or vulnerability to most from this statistic, as many of their class talents and fre-based attacks against the character. Fire damage is special attacks rely on subtlety or reading the target, not raw reduced (if green) or increased (if red) by this percentage. strength. Health: How much damage a character can sustain without Damage Stat: The equipped weapon’s potential damage against falling in battle. A character whose health is completely an unarmored opponent, adjusted for the speed of the depleted may sustain an injury. weapon. 8 Home Key Terms - Experience and Leveling How twH How wtUs ehsis wUHGuHiow t H How tUseHhHow tUsoUeH Howw tUsehiGuHdHUow tUsehH How tUsHeHow tUsehiUHGHow tUs ehHe How tUsewhtiwGudHmHow tUtstehiGudmPw ti Injuries: When one of your party members has fallen in Spirit Resistance: Measures resistance or vulnerability combat, he or she may sustain a serious injury. These to spirit-based attacks against the character. Spirit injuries cause penalties that can only be cured with an damage is reduced (if green) or increased (if red) by injury kit or certain high-level spells. this percentage. Loot: Another term for treasure or rewards. Stamina: Physical energy consumed when using talents or Magic: In the general sense, it’s energies beyond the material skills. world. In a stat sense, magic is the measure of a character’s Strength: Strength measures a character’s physical prowess, natural affnity for the arcane. This attribute is crucial for and directly affects the damage a character deals in physical mages, because it directly increases a character’s spellpower combat. It also contributes to the accuracy of melee attacks. score, which determines the potency of all spells. The magic High strength is essential for warriors, in particular if they attribute also determines how effective potions, poultices, wish to wield two-handed weapons, and is nearly as critical and salves are for all classes. for rogues. Mana: Magical energy consumed when casting spells. Tank: A character who draws threat well and holds a mob’s Mental Resistance: Measures the character’s ability to resist attention. An “off-tank” is a secondary character who mental effects such as a sleep spell. holds the attention of the second strongest mob. Warriors generally tank the best, especially due to their “Weapon and Mob: A group of enemies. Shield” talent tree. Nature Resistance: Measures resistance or vulnerability to Taunt: To enrage a mob so that it focuses its threat and nature-based attacks against the character (like poisoning). attention on you. Nature damage is reduced (if green) or increased (if red) by this percentage. Threat: Sometimes referred to as “aggro” or “aggression” of a mob. The game ranks threat based on your actions, generally NPC: “Non-player Character.” Any character in the game not in revolving around the amount of damage or healing you do. your party. The more threat you generate, the greater the chance that a Party: A group of characters who adventure together, limited monster will attack you. to four. You can always return to party camp to recruit other Willpower: Willpower represents a character’s determination followers. and mental fortitude. With high willpower, mages can cast PC: Abbreviation for “Player Character.” more spells thanks to a deeper mana pool. For warriors Physical Resistance: Measures the character’s ability to resist and rogues, willpower grants more stamina for combat physical effects such as being knocked down. techniques and special attacks. Pull: To draw an enemy toward you, usually to avoid engaging Wipe: A term for the death of everyone in the party. other enemies as well. XP: Stands for “experience points.” Experience marks your Root: To freeze an enemy in place with a special talent or spell. progress as you level up in your class. Spawn Point: A spot where the game generates a mob. Experience and Leveling Everyone loves to level. The thrill of watching your warrior, mage, or rogue gain levels and earn new skills comes second only to slaying darkspawn in a heroic last stand. Your followers also gain experience (XP) at roughly the same rate that you do. Don’t worry about the followers you leave back at camp; they progress at the same rate as the rest of your party. If you leave Morrigan home at level 8, travel around on a few adventures, and return at level 12, she won’t still be stuck at level 8. She will most likely be level 12, or close to it. Each class gains levels at the same rate and gains the same points to spend, although each class will spend those points very differently. For every level you gain, you gain three attribute points and one talent point. Mages and warriors get one skill point every three levels, while rogues get a skill point every two levels. You gain specialization points at levels 7 and 14. Points are precious, so spend them wisely. Don’t be caught with a level 20 warrior who has only the frst couple of abilities in many chains. His or her contribution to the party will be limited and you don’t get a second chance at spending these points. 9 primagames.com Home PRIMA Ofcial Game Guide Level Chart Character XP Required to Total Character XP Required to Total Level Gain a Level Current XP Level Gain a Level Current XP 1 2,000 0 11 7,000 49500 2 2,500 4,500 12 7,500 57,000 3 3,000 7,500 13 8,000 65,000 4 3,500 11,000 14 8,500 73,500 5 4,000 15,000 15 9,000 82,500 6 4,500 19,500 16 9,500 92,000 7 5,000 24,500 17 10,000 102,000 8 5,500 30,000 18 10,500 112,500 9 6,000 36,000 19 11,000 123,500 10 6,500 42,500 20 11,500 135,000 Your Health Obviously, staying alive is your frst priority whenever you’re out adventuring. Those with high constitution scores will have more health, and thus take a lot more hits before perishing. Warriors generally want high health to stay on their feet, despite being the punching bags for enemies. Rogues may have high health, depending on how much they like to mix it up in combat. Mages usually concentrate on less-physical attributes and may be more fragile in the midst of swinging swords and smashing clubs. Your best ally against loss of health is a healer. A simple Heal spell can do wonders, and Group Heal keeps everyone up in a fght. Health poultices serve the same purpose. Judge how much damage you’ve taken and use the appropriate level poultice: lesser if your health is still above 50 percent, regular if your health dips below 50 percent, and greater when you’re knocking on death’s door. If you do drop in battle, you won’t lose the game unless all your party members fall as well. In a fght where you fall, but your allies manage to win the day, you will climb back to your feet after the battle. Check this character for wounds. A persistent injury penalizes you according to the following chart: Injuries Injury Name Penalty To Injury Name Penalty To Bleeding Health Regeneration Deafened Defense Broken Bone Dexterity Gaping Wound Maximum Health Concussion Magic Head Trauma Willpower Coughing Blood Fatigue Open Wound Nature Resistance Cracked Skull Cunning Torn Jugular Constitution Crushed Arm Damage Wrenched Limb Attack Speed Damaged Eye Attack 10