Dragon Age: Origins gameplay and discussion thread.

[FactionHeir]

Thanks for the info frog, any information on whether they'll be fixing the effects staying on dead bodies? (i.e. ice, paralysis etc)
Reason being if you have a high magic mage (say 60+ like Morrigan in my game) and kill an enemy with ice/paralysis on, their corpse won't give loot until the spell wears off and if its a plot related body, the quest won't update/continue until that happens. Especially annoying in some sections where the next wave of enemies only appears after the current wave is dead.

[frogbeastegg]

Also true, but I think it's part of a larger problem with most RPG's. The game world and NPC interactions don't track your character's progress from a kid fresh off the farm, to a demigod by the end of the game.

Other RPGs didn't promise better, that's why it's irksome in DA:O. They said that your choice of origin will influence the way you experience the world and have repercussions throughout the game. That's supposed to be the whole attraction of the origin system.

I am definitely finding that my city elf is getting a much more tailored experience. Humans calling him knife ears or other degrading names, sneering at him for being a racial inferior, or patronising him as an elf who is working hard to better himself and be almost as good as a human.

Thanks for the info frog, any information on whether they'll be fixing the effects staying on dead bodies? (i.e. ice, paralysis etc)

Not sure. Xbox and PC have different patches and schedules. There's been 1 PC patch already and nothing for the xbox; I haven't seen any confirmation that they're looking into any of the minor yet annoying issues with the console version.

[Zenicetus]

I am definitely finding that my city elf is getting a much more tailored experience. Humans calling him knife ears or other degrading names, sneering at him for being a racial inferior, or patronising him as an elf who is working hard to better himself and be almost as good as a human.

Weird, I don't get much of that with my elf mage. Mostly he's just addressed as "Warden" with a degree of deference from most NPC's. I wonder if there are some alignment triggers there, since I'm playing this as a mostly neutral character leaning a bit towards the good or unselfish side when it comes to the major plot choices.

Are you playing your city elf with evil/selfish dialog choices? Or maybe it's tied to the non-Mage origin story for elves?

[Greyblades]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I just found sandal (the enchanter dwarf) in a tower near the end of the game bloodied and surrounded by piles of darks spawn. Blimey if he did that I wonder if I can recruit him into my party.

[Monk]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I just found sandal (the enchanter dwarf) in a tower near the end of the game bloodied and surrounded by piles of darks spawn. Blimey if he did that I wonder if I can recruit him into my party.

That was a rather amusing moment, I thought.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"Sandal! What in the world happened here?"
"ENCHANTMENT!"

[Greyblades]

I don't think I'll ever look at him in the same light again.

[seireikhaan]

That was a rather amusing moment, I thought.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

"Sandal! What in the world happened here?"
"ENCHANTMENT!"

I was a bit horrified when I first saw him there. I was genuinely scared that something terrible was going to happen. Plus, my first instinct was "Where's daddy...?" I thought there was going to be another betrayal.

[Krusader]

Other RPGs didn't promise better, that's why it's irksome in DA:O. They said that your choice of origin will influence the way you experience the world and have repercussions throughout the game. That's supposed to be the whole attraction of the origin system.

Been playing Dalish Elf for a bit and I see no anti-Elven reactions so far, compared to what I'd expect from pre-release info. Also, apart from a templar taking notice of Morrigan in Lothering, I haven't seen anyone reacting negatively to me having an apostate in my party. Although it was refreshing seeing people in Lothering reacting somewhat negatively to me having Sten in party.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I also did not pick up Blood magic abilities from Warden's Keep DLC, as I thought that would come back to haunt me (due to blood magic being diabolical). And reading about people playing Mages who face no negativity when going Blood Mage specialization, well it detracts from the whole experience so to say. I expected that Blood Magic would be powerful, but that you'd face problems with Chantry & Templars/Alistair if you used it.

Lyrics?

It's become my favourite moment in the game as yet...They could've used it for something more momentous, but, anyhow, it's very nice, and atmospheric; The way they show the companions one by one.

No idea on lyrics. I liked how it showed the other companions, but I found Leliana's mouth to not synch well with the words. They could have done that part better in my opinion.
---

And regarding Sandal...I had vivid mental images of him bashing darkspawn with enchanting tools while gleefully yelling "Enchantment!!" Although I wondered where Bodahn went off to and actually looked around the corpses to see if he was among them.

[frogbeastegg]

I'm still in the grey warden quest area after the origin section. Part of the attitude came from Cailen with his patronising, ignorant comments about the alienages and his "Jolly good show, an elf trying to be a real warrior!" attitude. I didn't get that as a Dalish elf; in that origin he garbled on about their ancient traditions and honour in a respectful manner.

You know the bits of conversation you can overhear from NPCs? There's been the odd line like that too; random soldiers walking about and muttering things behind my back. From the comments here it looks like I shouldn't expect this to continue into the other areas :sigh:

I think Dalish elves get a bit more respect. They've got the mystical semi-legendary woodland folk thing going for them. City elves are one step above slaves, even the Dalish hold them in mild contempt as folk who surrendered their birthright to save thier skins.

Are you playing your city elf with evil/selfish dialog choices?

I'm no good at playing evil characters, I end up feeling guilty. My character's pragmatic and rather blunt in dialogue. I'll help but I don't want the 6 hour story and there'd better be a reward ... unless you're being oppressed by humans in which case I'm there for free. If the humans think this elf is going to bleed for their benefit then they're sadly mistaken.

Landsmeet and the ending will be fun.

Or maybe it's tied to the non-Mage origin story for elves?

The mage will take precedence over the elf. Origin -> race.

[Kekvit Irae]

Personally, I find the Mage origin to be very excellent. It ties directly into what happened at Redcliff Castle, and teaches you that

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

the only one you can trust in the game is yourself.

I consider the Mage origin in my top three origin stories, next to Dwarf Noble (oh lawdy, I do loves me some political intrigue), and the City Elf (racial segregation and social class differences... among other things).

I consider the Human Noble to be the worst of the bunch that I've played (haven't done the Dwarf Commoner or Dalish Elf origins yet).

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Get betrayed in the middle of the night and kill your way out of the castle. BOOOORING. At least it makes up for it with an alternate ending choice.

In my Mage playthrough, I became a total jerk. I chose all the "bad" allies, but in doing so

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Leliana, Shale, and Wynne all went hostile and I had to put them down like the rabid dogs that they were. Except for Shale, they will not be missed.

[Mailman653]

I have to say, listening to what the Guardian had to say was quite interesting, I'm looking forward to my next playthrough with different characters.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Has anyone defated the dragon thats outside? I gave it a go and got squashed pretty quick, I think ranged attacks are the way to go. I don't really need to fight it anymore since I got the ashes, but it looks like quite the challenge, I wonder if you get anything for defeating it.

[Kekvit Irae]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Has anyone defated the dragon thats outside? I gave it a go and got squashed pretty quick, I think ranged attacks are the way to go. I don't really need to fight it anymore since I got the ashes, but it looks like quite the challenge, I wonder if you get anything for defeating it.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Use a tank (preferably Alistair or Shale) that has Threaten on, and three ranged specialists (MC with bow or staff, Wynne, and Morrigan are my preferred group). Make sure that one or more of your mages have Force Shield and plenty of lyrium potions. Have your tank run in with Threaten on, and grab the attention of the dragon. Once you do, cast Force Shield on your tank. If you don't, your tank is vulnerable to the instant-kill attack by the dragon. Have your ranged specialists fire on the dragon (make sure your mages don't have any damage-dealing tactics, or you'll burn mana that's more needed for Force Shield). Once Force Shield is down, cast it again. If one of your mages (read: Morrigan) has Cone of Cold, use it. It will paralyze the dragon for a few seconds. Keep doing all of this until it is down, and you'll be able to get your reward: dragon scales (turn into Wade's Emporium for a very nice set of dragonbone armor) and an achievement.

[FactionHeir]

Dragon:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Have a warrior with shield wall and lots of healing potions. After a while the dragon goes down really.
Make sure you are always at least at 90% health, that way his grab attack won't kill you.
That is of course you have a decent level by the time you fight it. I did with 17-18.
My own party died instantly pretty much but my warrior 1v1'd it pretty easily.

Just finished all the origin stories. Pretty interesting overall, but human noble is still my favorite followed by dwarf noble and dalish elf (mainly for the dialogue). Mage and the other 3 weren't all that bad either. City elf just seemed to have endless fighting in it...

[Monk]

Dragon:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Have a warrior with shield wall and lots of healing potions. After a while the dragon goes down really.
Make sure you are always at least at 90% health, that way his grab attack won't kill you.
That is of course you have a decent level by the time you fight it. I did with 17-18.
My own party died instantly pretty much but my warrior 1v1'd it pretty easily.

Just finished all the origin stories. Pretty interesting overall, but human noble is still my favorite followed by dwarf noble and dalish elf (mainly for the dialogue). Mage and the other 3 weren't all that bad either. City elf just seemed to have endless fighting in it...

I feel the same way about Dalish , but to each their own.

Nearing the end of my second playthrough.. have to say I am severely disappointed this go around.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Major plot spoilers on Denerim, the Landsmeet, Queen Anora and the potential ending of the game.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Ever since my first go through, the point where you rescue Anora really hooked me in. Her betrayal really made me wanna gut her, I just risked my hide, killed the Arl and sprung her - then gave her a chance to show Loghain's commander that her boss was into some crazy stuff and she betrays me!

As Zevron so elegantly put it in this go through "I'm still waiting for a reason not to slit her throat and dump her body in the river. I've yet to hear it, by the way." Even after I told her I'm not supporting her (as i did last time) She just gave me frowny face and said she'd back Alistair if it must come to that. Of course.. I have my doubts and fully expect her to betray me at the Landsmeet. I am.. sorely itching to give this woman what she truly deserves, but the game is just not letting me do so. Like it's standing there wagging its finger disapprovingly.

Can anyone tell me if I'm gonna have the chance to kill her? Please say yes.

[Crandaeolon]

Re: High Dragon

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Use a tank (preferably Alistair or Shale) that has Threaten on, and three ranged specialists (MC with bow or staff, Wynne, and Morrigan are my preferred group). Make sure that one or more of your mages have Force Shield and plenty of lyrium potions. Have your tank run in with Threaten on, and grab the attention of the dragon. Once you do, cast Force Shield on your tank. If you don't, your tank is vulnerable to the instant-kill attack by the dragon. Have your ranged specialists fire on the dragon (make sure your mages don't have any damage-dealing tactics, or you'll burn mana that's more needed for Force Shield). Once Force Shield is down, cast it again. If one of your mages (read: Morrigan) has Cone of Cold, use it. It will paralyze the dragon for a few seconds. Keep doing all of this until it is down, and you'll be able to get your reward: dragon scales (turn into Wade's Emporium for a very nice set of dragonbone armor) and an achievement.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I did the dragon with pretty much this exact strategy, although I couldn't keep the dragon's attention on Alistair all the time. Occasionally it would disengage and attack one of the damage dealers and I had to switch control and manually run the damage dealer out of harm's way, or cast Force Shield on him/her. Force Shielding the dragon is also a good move if you need a breather. Also, the dragon's grab attack isn't insta-kill; you can still Force Shield and save the target while the dragon is tossing it around.

My party was at level 10-11 when I did this, it was very very painful and took like half a dozen retries.

[Monk]

Second play-through finished, City Elf and Human Noble origins have been taken to the epilogue. I elected, after reading a spoiler earlier in the thread, to not take Alistair with me in the final battle.

Spoilers, Final battle, ect. Ending of the game. You know the drill.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The last time I did this I accepted Morrigan's offer, this time I refused and made Alistair in charge of the rear-guard so he couldn't hog the glory and kill himself. Honestly I didn't do it cuz i wanted my warden to die, I just didn't want that Anora getting the throne back when he died. I took Shale (tank) Wynne and Leliana with me to the roof for the final battle and had my elf make the ultimate sacrifice. The ending that followed was... somehow much more complete and satisfying than making the deal and living.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Very dramatic, father made into a noble, Elves getting equal stake in society, all because of my warden's sacrifice who is getting a grand tomb erected for her at the fortress outside of Fereldan. (the main Warden HQ, i forget the name.) I even got a statue.

Now. What origin to play this time?

[Beskar]

Personally, I find the Mage origin to be very excellent. It ties directly into what happened at Redcliff Castle, and teaches you that

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

the only one you can trust in the game is yourself.

I consider the Mage origin in my top three origin stories, next to Dwarf Noble (oh lawdy, I do loves me some political intrigue), and the City Elf (racial segregation and social class differences... among other things).

I consider the Human Noble to be the worst of the bunch that I've played (haven't done the Dwarf Commoner or Dalish Elf origins yet).

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Get betrayed in the middle of the night and kill your way out of the castle. BOOOORING. At least it makes up for it with an alternate ending choice.

In my Mage playthrough, I became a total jerk. I chose all the "bad" allies, but in doing so

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Leliana, Shale, and Wynne all went hostile and I had to put them down like the rabid dogs that they were. Except for Shale, they will not be missed.

(spoilers for the mage origin - froggy)

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I didn't go along with Jowan, I grassed them up to the First Enchanter, rofl.