I'm playing a Dwarf Noble warrior and have been using for quite some time the Drake Dragon Scale Heavy Armor; is this armor the best set of armor one can have in DA without any DLC?

I also have in my inventory the Diligence and Juggernaut armor sets but the Drake Dragon Scale Heavy Armor set provides a very good AC and special abilities.

How is the Templar Commander Armor? Where do you find the Templar gloves and boots? I have not seen the gloves or boot for the Templar armor set through any of my play through. Or at least I don't recall seeing any.

As for 2 handed weapons I know the Star Sword is the best 2 Handed weapon in DA with all the DLCs, but what is the best 2 handed weapon in DA without any DLCs? Is it the 2 Handed Sword found in the mage tower, the 2 handed sword found in Ozzamar, or is it the 2 handed Axe? I haven't seen any good 2 Handed Mualers other than the one found in the RtO DLC.

Big heavy armours? Legion of the Dead Armour is really cool, especially for a Dwarf. Am I the only one who feels it is stupid that the same armour can be worn by a Qunari, an elf or a Dwarf? At least Arcanum had that part right.

The Templar Commander Set can be found in the Circle Tower. It's easy to miss a few pieces if you're not thorough.

Without the DLCs I'd tend to favour Yusaris, the blade you get in the Circle Tower after defeating Shah Wyrd. I haven't played a two handed fighter as a main character yet so I usually only use Sten with his own sword (I've been using Nug Crusher from RTO with Oghren in my last playthrough).

Munchkin Blender I don't think you have the PC version yet? There are some very cool item mods available for free on the Nexus and the Bioware website.

Big heavy armours? Legion of the Dead Armour is really cool, especially for a Dwarf. Am I the only one who feels it is stupid that the same armour can be worn by a Qunari, an elf or a Dwarf? At least Arcanum had that part right.

The Templar Commander Set can be found in the Circle Tower. It's easy to miss a few pieces if you're not thorough.

Without the DLCs I'd tend to favour Yusaris, the blade you get in the Circle Tower after defeating Shah Wyrd. I haven't played a two handed fighter as a main character yet so I usually only use Sten with his own sword (I've been using Nug Crusher from RTO with Oghren in my last playthrough).

Munchkin Blender I don't think you have the PC version yet? There are some very cool item mods available for free on the Nexus and the Bioware website.

How do you get the boots and gloves? I always can get the Helm and Armor but never the boots and gloves. How do you get them.

On a side note I forgot to mention that if you play a Dalish Elf you can get one of the better mage armors very early in the game...

How do you get the boots and gloves? I always can get the Helm and Armor but never the boots and gloves. How do you get them.

On a side note I forgot to mention that if you play a Dalish Elf you can get one of the better mage armors very early in the game...

I don't remember exactly, I think you can get pieces from looting fallen templars. I recall I got a piece fighting the thralled templars before running into the Sloth demon.

I don't remember the Dalish origin loot that well. Do you mean the Chasind armour?

I really like the Jester's Robes from the Wonder of Thedas for Mages (looks ok but the bonus is helpful in order to keep a mage alive).

I don't remember exactly, I think you can get pieces from looting fallen templars. I recall I got a piece fighting the thralled templars before running into the Sloth demon.

I don't remember the Dalish origin loot that well. Do you mean the Chasind armour?

I really like the Jester's Robes from the Wonder of Thedas for Mages (looks ok but the bonus is helpful in order to keep a mage alive).

It is the Tevintar Robes from the Dalish Wizard that travels with you. If you were to buy the Tevintar mage robes they cost you 4-5 gold pieces. I uncloth all of the companions I pick up along the way unless they are going to stick around.

Speaking of the Dalish; they start off with the best warrior/rogue equipment because the armors provides a bonus to Dex and Defense.

One more thing; for the Awakening does any of the DLC content transfers over?

It is the Tevintar Robes from the Dalish Wizard that travels with you. If you were to buy the Tevintar mage robes they cost you 4-5 gold pieces. I uncloth all of the companions I pick up along the way unless they are going to stick around.

Speaking of the Dalish; they start off with the best warrior/rogue equipment because the armors provides a bonus to Dex and Defense.

One more thing; for the Awakening does any of the DLC content transfers over?

Good point. Actually you don't necessarily have to undress all followers (I've noticed that at some points like the Joining you get the possessions of all your late followers) but it is a rather good idea to keep it for cash or for another mage. Good thinking.

Good point too about the Dalish armour by the way. ;)

Regarding DLC content, the DLC stuff and the promotional content (like the Lucky Ring) don't transfer. There is a mod that does just that but I haven't tested it yet.

The funny thing is that the mod items I've tried get transferred...

It's one of the things Bioware didn't get right (on purpose it seems).

Another thing that annoys me to no end is that you have to forget your old reflexes that served you so well in BG and other games in which you could have a look at an NPC and think that the stuff they were wearing or their weapons would look awfully nice on your PC. I still have a hard time coping with the silly DA loot system.

Good point. Actually you don't necessarily have to undress all followers (I've noticed that at some points like the Joining you get the possessions of all your late followers) but it is a rather good idea to keep it for cash or for another mage. Good thinking.

Good point too about the Dalish armour by the way. ;)

Regarding DLC content, the DLC stuff and the promotional content (like the Lucky Ring) don't transfer. There is a mod that does just that but I haven't tested it yet.

The funny thing is that the mod items I've tried get transferred...

It's one of the things Bioware didn't get right (on purpose it seems).

Another thing that annoys me to no end is that you have to forget your old reflexes that served you so well in BG and other games in which you could have a look at an NPC and think that the stuff they were wearing or their weapons would look awfully nice on your PC. I still have a hard time coping with the silly DA loot system.

It isn't all that bad though.

I did find out what the best 2handed Weapon is in DAO without mods. It is a Dragonbane Mauler that can be purchased from Gorim after the landmeets. It adds +5 damge and other stuff. It is actually the best 2 handed weapon in DAO and DA Awakening. Hmm...Just like the Rose Thorn is the best Dagger in DAO and DA Awakening.

As for armor; the best is the Legion Armor because it adds +3 to damage. So my Dwarf Noble Templar warrior wearing the Legion Armor will have a +8 in damage total before any other bonus or runes. Not bad if you ask me.

I'm a big fan of the Legion Armour, it looks fantastic for a Dwarf.

It is a Dragonbane Mauler that can be purchased from Gorim after the landmeets. It adds +5 damge and other stuff. It is actually the best 2 handed weapon in DAO and DA Awakening. Hmm...Just like the Rose Thorn is the best Dagger in DAO and DA Awakening.

That's why the Improved Atmosphere mod component that rebalances items is cool. It gives some good alternatives to the "best" items (which are invariably the same not matter what). Variety is nice.

Dwarf Noble Templar looks like an original combination. I bet he is one of a kind, I've never run into a Dwarf Templar NPC. Templars have some incredibly useful abilities.

On a side note, DLC items from RtO do transfer to Awakening. My one rogue, who had both of Duncan's blades equipped had them with her in Awakening. Odd thing is though, she was a dual wielder and they had her start off with a bow - had to do a quick pause during the 1st battle scene to switch her weapons back to sword/dagger. It's also kind of funny, when you realize you forgot to put Cailan's helm on Alistair, that you have only one piece of his armor, the helm, with you when you start Awakening... pthbbbbt on me! hehe

BTW, Evon the Great's Mail (which is like the warrior counterpart to Reaper's Vestments) can form a set with Wade's Superior Dragonscale armor. It's widely believed to be one of the best sets in the game for a skill-spamming warrior (but if you auto-attack, Legion of the Dead might be best) up until you get the new sets in Awakenings.
It's also a favorite among Arcane Warriors.

Two-hand weapon-wise I'm partial to Nugcrusher or the Chasind Hammer (the one Gorim sells, iirc). I also had a two-hand axe favorite, I think it was the one Kolgrim was using.

That's interesting CelticDream.

(which is like the warrior counterpart to Reaper's Vestments)

I don't know why but I always thing "Jester" instead of "Reaper" seriously...

On a side note, DLC items from RtO do transfer to Awakening. My one rogue, who had both of Duncan's blades equipped had them with her in Awakening. Odd thing is though, she was a dual wielder and they had her start off with a bow - had to do a quick pause during the 1st battle scene to switch her weapons back to sword/dagger. It's also kind of funny, when you realize you forgot to put Cailan's helm on Alistair, that you have only one piece of his armor, the helm, with you when you start Awakening... pthbbbbt on me! hehe

Are you playing on PS3, XBox or PC?

I'm playing DAO on PC. I've heard from other people though that DLC from RtO transfers to Awakening no matter what platform. Hopefully that's true but I do know that it works on PC.

That's good to know, I've had some trouble with Warden's Keep stuff. I really miss the power of blood abilities (good thing I only took these with my bad guy).

Anyway regarding armours, Munchkin have you considered the Armour of the Divine Will? It's Templar only and offers a 20% bonus to magic resistance.

I haven't tried to maximize magic resistance but it seems to me that a Dwarf would be perfect for that (with a few Dweomer Runes).

Wouldn't the Knight Commander plate make more sense if I'm going for more MR in DAO since my dwarf is a templar?

Wouldn't the Knight Commander plate make more sense if I'm going for more MR in DAO since my dwarf is a templar?

I just checked on the Wiki, you have a point. It's far superior. I've started a two handed weapon specialist (Human Noble as I got bored with my Dwarf Noble after completing Orzammar) it's not the perfect build for Magic Resistance but I may give it a try since there is nothing like resisting spell effects in a fight.

I used to go for elemental damage runes but other runes have their uses. It seems to me that having several paralyzing runes gives you more chances for the effect to trigger (apparently it does not stack but it's tested several times thus increasing the chances).

I just checked on the Wiki, you have a point. It's far superior. I've started a two handed weapon specialist (Human Noble as I got bored with my Dwarf Noble after completing Orzammar) it's not the perfect build for Magic Resistance but I may give it a try since there is nothing like resisting spell effects in a fight.

I used to go for elemental damage runes but other runes have their uses. It seems to me that having several paralyzing runes gives you more chances for the effect to trigger (apparently it does not stack but it's tested several times thus increasing the chances).

I'm not sure what MR protect my Dwarf Noble has for protection right now. I just started using the juggernaut armor along with the spell ward, the ring you can buy in Ozzarmar and the key to the city. The dwarf PC barely get hit.

I have slowly been increasing my character's Magic and Will. I'm going to continue to do that.

A quick question about specializations in DA Awakening. Do you get a total of 3 specializations in DA Awakening for the main character or two? If it is 3 than I'm not sure what other specialization I would make my PC...

A quick question about specializations in DA Awakening. Do you get a total of 3 specializations in DA Awakening for the main character or two? If it is 3 than I'm not sure what other specialization I would make my PC...

Once you hit level 20 or 22 (can't remember right off the top of my head) you can choose a third specialization. There are new ones that came out with Awakening, such as Spirit Warrior and Guardian, for warriors.

This link (http://greywardens.com/2010/04/dragon-age-awakening-a-warriors-touch/), on the Greywardens site, gives a good description of both specs, as well as the pro's & cons of each. Hope it helps.

A quick question about specializations in DA Awakening. Do you get a total of 3 specializations in DA Awakening for the main character or two? If it is 3 than I'm not sure what other specialization I would make my PC...

It's three specializations. I think the Rogue new specs are awesome btw.

Once you hit level 20 or 22

Iirc it's 21. ;)

But don't take my word for it, my memory is not what it used to be.

It's three specializations. I think the Rogue new specs are awesome btw.

Omg I just adore the new rogue specs... and just the abilities themselves... I love Rain of Arrows for my archer and, can't remember the name of it right now, but the ability where, as a rogue, you can bounce between multiple targets and go stabby stabby :D


Iirc it's 21. ;)

But don't take my word for it, my memory is not what it used to be.

Ok, then we know it's somewhere between level 20-22 that you get #3 :lol: One of us is right, doesn't matter who it is, but somewhere around there is when you're eligible for that 3rd specialization lol

Ok, then we know it's somewhere between level 20-22 that you get #3 :lol: One of us is right, doesn't matter who it is, but somewhere around there is when you're eligible for that 3rd specialization lol

The trouble is that the character I imported in Awakening was well into that level range. :D

Omg I just adore the new rogue specs... and just the abilities themselves... I love Rain of Arrows for my archer and, can't remember the name of it right now, but the ability where, as a rogue, you can bounce between multiple targets and go stabby stabby :D

I don't want to hijack Munchkin Blender's thread but I think that Rogues got the best of Awakening. Both specializations are just awesome. Although I would never take the Legionnaire Scout specialization with a non-Dwarf character. ;)

Btw I think you're referring to Shadow Striking. I have to complete DAO with my Rogue to get to enjoy all those new abilities.

I haven't tested the Archery tree yet but it sure looks like it'll make Archery a valid alternative to the melee lines.

I've given Unending Flurry a try though and it is absolutely monstrous.

The trouble is that the character I imported in Awakening was well into that level range. :D

So was mine...:o That's why I can't remember.

Btw, Munchkin, sorry if we hijacked your thread! I really hope the link I gave you in regards to the Guardian and Spirit Warrior specializations helps! :)

Edit - looked up the rogue tree and the talent I was going for is a pure rogue talent - Flicker. "The rogue's deadly speed is unmatched. Within a targeted area, the rogue disappears in a blur, sprinting from target to target to backstab each of them."

Edit - looked up the rogue tree and the talent I was going for is a pure rogue talent - Flicker. "The rogue's deadly speed is unmatched. Within a targeted area, the rogue disappears in a blur, sprinting from target to target to backstab each of them."

I was drooling when I first saw its description but the requirements are steep... To get Flicker you need a level 26 Rogue with 52 points in Dexterity... :whoa:

It's the main reason why I'm giving up on my finely honed Cunning based Rogue build. :(

In any case, I don't see Munchkin's Dwarf as a Spirit Warrior. Dwarves are not linked to the Fade so it wouldn't make a lot of sense but I'm pretty sure the Guardian specialization would fit a Dwarf template rather nicely. ;)

I was drooling when I first saw its description but the requirements are steep... To get Flicker you need a level 26 Rogue with 52 points in Dexterity... :whoa:

It's the main reason why I'm giving up on my finely honed Cunning based Rogue build. :(

In any case, I don't see Munchkin's Dwarf as a Spirit Warrior. Dwarves are not linked to the Fade so it wouldn't make a lot of sense but I'm pretty sure the Guardian specialization would fit a Dwarf template rather nicely. ;)

As far as Flicker - first time I played Awakening, I didn't get it until near the end and so didn't get too much time to play with it... 2nd runthrough I used a PC who was well above the normal end-game level in Origins, modded her a bit more for Awakening, so she had it from nearly the beginning... oh it's so heavenly a talent :D

And I have to agree with you in regards to SW not quite fitting a dwarf templar - but then again, think about it - dwarves are supposed to be lyrium immune in a way already due to lyrium mining so being a templar already doesn't quite fit what a dwarf would be... and I think SW fits rather nicely with its abilities when paired up with those of a templar when you think of Willpower and such... but for someone who wants to go a bit more traditional and fit more with what a dwarf would be, then yes, Guardian would be the better choice.

And I have to agree with you in regards to SW not quite fitting a dwarf templar - but then again, think about it - dwarves are supposed to be lyrium immune in a way already due to lyrium mining so being a templar already doesn't quite fit what a dwarf would be... and I think SW fits rather nicely with its abilities when paired up with those of a templar when you think of Willpower and such... but for someone who wants to go a bit more traditional and fit more with what a dwarf would be, then yes, Guardian would be the better choice.

I thought Munchkin's character became a Templar because he had a man crush for Alistair. :p

It doesn't really matter anyway since the game is devised in a way that allows non traditional characters (and that is a good thing). If we think about it that way it makes the character very special and unique, the only Dwarf who has been able in all recorded time to harness the secrets of lyrium despite being immune to its effects. So yeah, why not after all?

Just go for it Munchkin, you have my support. :grin:

Now I need to come up with some kind of explanation for a City Elf Rogue who'd take the Legionnaire Scout specialization. Wish me luck. ;)

I thought Munchkin's character became a Templar because he had a man crush for Alistair. :p

It doesn't really matter anyway since the game is devised in a way that allows non traditional characters (and that is a good thing). If we think about it that way it makes the character very special and unique, the only Dwarf who has been able in all recorded time to harness the secrets of lyrium despite being immune to its effects. So yeah, why not after all?

Just go for it Munchkin, you have my support. :grin:

Now I need to come up with some kind of explanation for a City Elf Rogue who'd take the Legionnaire Scout specialization. Wish me luck. ;)

The dwarf PC has absolutely no man crush on Alister. He hated Alister until recently; Alister met his sister and she treated him like crap. After that Alister has grown up and is no longer a cry baby. After Alister and the PC had a talk and Alister helped the PC learn the Templar ways to fend off the darkspawn mages that were doing serious damage to the PC.


Don’t forget you don’t need lyrium to use the Templar power; lyrium just increases the effect of the Templar powers. Alister never used lyrium.

Don’t forget you don’t need lyrium to use the Templar power; lyrium just increases the effect of the Templar powers. Alister never used lyrium.

That's correct.

So what are your plans for your Dwarf in Awakening? Which specialization are you going to choose? ;)

That's correct.

So what are your plans for your Dwarf in Awakening? Which specialization are you going to choose? ;)

I'm not sure; maybe he will become a Spirit Warrior; who knows...

I'm not sure; maybe he will become a Spirit Warrior; who knows...

Despite my former reservations it could be a fun game to play. Like CD posted Templar + Spirit Warrior look rather nice together.

Despite my former reservations it could be a fun game to play. Like CD posted Templar + Spirit Warrior look rather nice together.

He might just be a bersker as well because Orgen is growing on him; after nothing wrong with two dwarf's in the party...

He might just be a bersker as well because Orgen is growing on him; after nothing wrong with two dwarf's in the party...

You're going to just love Awakening then. My favourite Awakening NPC is a Dwarf. I won't post more because I don't want to spoil your fun once you get there.;)

You're going to just love Awakening then. My favourite Awakening NPC is a Dwarf. I won't post more because I don't want to spoil your fun once you get there.;)

I did play Awakening on its release date for about 2 hours total. I tested the Orelian origin and played the Dwarf Noble I'm using now for about 10-15 minutes. I decided to wait until I finish Origins to see how much info does carry over into the expansion.

After I complete my Dwarf Noble origin I still have to complete a Dwarf Commoner, Dalish Elf, and Elf Commoner origin. I will also replay the Human Noble and Mage origin as well. I want three of the six origins completed on each of the PS3 I have...

I did play Awakening on its release date for about 2 hours total. I tested the Orelian origin and played the Dwarf Noble I'm using now for about 10-15 minutes. I decided to wait until I finish Origins to see how much info does carry over into the expansion.

After I complete my Dwarf Noble origin I still have to complete a Dwarf Commoner, Dalish Elf, and Elf Commoner origin. I will also replay the Human Noble and Mage origin as well. I want three of the six origins completed on each of the PS3 I have...

I haven't completed Awakening myself although I did spend some time playing it. I've decided to start over and build a new character that would fit and benefit from all the Awakening stuff.

It seems to me that you're going to be very busy playing DAO. But who am I kidding... I'm pretty busy myself: I've got many unfinished games (the chronic restarter syndrome hit me hard after my first playthrough) and three different games at the moment (Elf Mage, Human Warrior and City Elf Rogue). I need to complete my Mage game first.

I haven't completed Awakening myself although I did spend some time playing it. I've decided to start over and build a new character that would fit and benefit from all the Awakening stuff.

It seems to me that you're going to be very busy playing DAO. But who am I kidding... I'm pretty busy myself: I've got many unfinished games (the chronic restarter syndrome hit me hard after my first playthrough) and three different games at the moment (Elf Mage, Human Warrior and City Elf Rogue). I need to complete my Mage game first.

I've already beaten DAO three or is it four times. I ended up deleting all of my saved game where I finished the game. This time I don't plan on doing that. I want to complete each origin and have 3 of the origins on each of the PS3 I own.

I have to say that after playing all 6 origins now I like how each has their own issue to resolve. Of them all the Dalish makes the most sense given that the PC will die if he does not do the joining. The funny thing is that the joining will only extend a person life to up 30 years vs. going insane and dying sooner.

My second favorite origin is a tie between the Dwarf Commoner and Elf Commoner.

My forth favorite is the Mage origin if you betray Jowan because becoming a GW is a reward for your efforts in assisting the circle.

My fifth is the Dwarf Noble

My least favorite is the human origin

All are good but the Dalish makes the most sense for the PC to become a GW.



I find being a warrior to more challenging than a rogue or wizard. The only part I like about the warrior is they have an easier time equipping the armor thanks to their higher STR. Other than that; I prefer the special abilities of the rogue or the mage spells.

Warrior is not necessarily that challenging. A Warrior can take a beating when a Rogue needs more micromanagement to backstab and stay alive. The Mage is probably the easiest.

My favourite are Rogues but Warriors are not that dumb to play with. Talents make them more interesting than a simple point and click.

All origins are pretty much "join us or die" the Dalish is different in the sense that Duncan offers a way out whereas in other origins he rescues the main character but can be seen as forcing him or her to become a GW recruit.

I already pointed out in another thread that the Mage gets a lot from becoming a GW. A Mage gets to be free from the prison that the Circle Tower represents. That much account to something. What are the other possibilites? Becoming an Apostate and be chased by Templars?

The Dwarves and the City Elf have nothing to lose, without Duncan they'd die.

The Human Noble doesn't have such good reasons to become a GW. If anything that would prevent him or her from avenging himself or herself.

Best Armor and Weapon to carry over to the Awakening are...

Best Armor: Calin's Armor if you have it as Dragonbone. If this full set is able to be used in Awakening it provides an Armor protection of 41 and has only a fatigue value of 9% or less.

Other Armor options: Dwarf Legionare and Wade Heavy Dragonbone armor sets are the next best options.

2 Handed Weapon: Chasid Mauler after the Trademeets

Other 2H Weapons: Any of the legendary swords

Best Shields: Auduncan Shield or Calin's shield

Best 1handed Weapons: There is quite a bit here that could be used. I like going with the full Calin set.

My Dwarf Noble is at the final fight. He is very close to completing the game. After that I will take on Awakening.

I have to say that Morrigan as an Arcane Warrior is awesome especially after I modified her tatics. I ended up using her after I lost Alister and before I told her there would be no child she was the tank and heavy damage dealer when I returned to Red Cliff castle.

My next play through I'm going to be a Healer/Arcane Warrior mage. What armor set besides Calin's is good for a mage in armor. I was thinking jauggernaut, Wade Heavy Armor, etc...

Good suggestions Munchkin Blender. I tend to use mod items now because there are som incredibly cool looking armours (the Tower of Ivory is incredible in that regard).

I'm not sure if that is worth considering but what about the items that the Arcane Warrior drops in the temple of the Urn? The place where you get all the Drake scales. Like I said I haven't paid much attention to vanilla armours lately but I remember a rather sturdy set in that part of the game (Heavy Cultist something, not the Ceremonial armours either).

Regarding two handed weapons, what about Nug Crusher and Ser Cauthrien's sword? Or the axe you get from Kolgrim's corpse?

I really like the way these weapons look.

Good suggestions Munchkin Blender. I tend to use mod items now because there are som incredibly cool looking armours (the Tower of Ivory is incredible in that regard).

I'm not sure if that is worth considering but what about the items that the Arcane Warrior drops in the temple of the Urn? The place where you get all the Drake scales. Like I said I haven't paid much attention to vanilla armours lately but I remember a rather sturdy set in that part of the game (Heavy Cultist something, not the Ceremonial armours either).

Regarding two handed weapons, what about Nug Crusher and Ser Cauthrien's sword? Or the axe you get from Kolgrim's corpse?

I really like the way these weapons look.

The Chasid Mauler from Gorim after you start the Landsmeet is the best weapon to by pass armor protection and is one of the more damaging weapons in the game. It also has some decent abilities along with 3 slots that I currently have filled up with Fire, Electrical, and Frost Grandmaster runes. My main character does anywhere from 75-100 points of regular damage plus an additional 5-15+ points of elemental damage.

The best pure damaging weapon in the game is the 2H Starsword. I was doing 100+ for a standard hit and around 200 for a critial hit. Since the starsword cannot be transferred to DA Awakening I sold it right after the Landsmeet and now am using the Chasid maul.

As for the other weapons they don't really compare to the Chasid maul because it has a +5 damage along with other special abilities. It is also the most expensive weapon (not staff) in the game. Any 2H dragonbone sword will do more damage on unarmored or a weak armored opponent but when the opponenet is heavily armored the sword damage is greatly reduced.

The Nug Crusher if Dragonbone does not have the special abilities or +5 damage that the Chasid Mauler has and that is why it takes second to the Chasid mualer for all the maulers in the game.

As for the Axe you pick up from doing the scared ash quest it is the best axe in the game but it doesn't even compare to the Chasid Mauler.

I believe the only other 2H weapon besides the star sword that comes close to the Chasid Mauler is the Meteor Sword (not the Starsword) but as I said above that swords loose out their effectiveness when facing heavy armored foes.

I have never heard or seen any cultist armor throughout my play throughs. Is that an add on?

What I like about Calin's armor is there is little to no fatigue penalty. I believe a mage wearing it has a bit more fatigue than a warrior thanks to the warrior talent but it isn't much more than that of the warrior. Not only that but it also provides the best AC in the game at 41. If you add in the rock armor spell that the AW can use the AW would be able to produce the highest AC in the game.

As for other equipment I have belt from the mage tower, the necklace from the merchant at camp, the ring that give 20% resistance for the various elemental damage from Denerim and the last ring is the life giver ring from Ozzamar.

My PC will be very nicely equipped when he get into Awakening. I just hope they don't down grade Calin's equipment to red steel on me when I start awakening.

Good post Munchkin Blender. I'll bear that in mind when I'll play my two handed weapon specialist.

I use Improved Atmosphere and it adds some items and makes many items more useful so you get more acceptable variants (it makes some items much more useful by increasing their power but it evens out if you only use the best items, the way it works you get more better items) and with improved difficulty the game is still interesting.

I don't think that Cailan's armour is going to be downgraded in any way when you'll import it in Awakening. That sounds very unlikely.

Have you got a chance to try the Axameter in game? I only got it once, it's a very nice and very rare one handed axe.

Good post Munchkin Blender. I'll bear that in mind when I'll play my two handed weapon specialist.

I use Improved Atmosphere and it adds some items and makes many items more useful so you get more acceptable variants (it makes some items much more useful by increasing their power but it evens out if you only use the best items, the way it works you get more better items) and with improved difficulty the game is still interesting.

I don't think that Cailan's armour is going to be downgraded in any way when you'll import it in Awakening. That sounds very unlikely.

Have you got a chance to try the Axameter in game? I only got it once, it's a very nice and very rare one handed axe.

Is that the Axe sold by the Merchant in camp? If so Alister was using it before I told him Loghain is going to stick around a bit; a promise I made to his daughter. And my character doesn't break promises; at least in this play through I didn't have to kill Alister.

Is that the Axe sold by the Merchant in camp? If so Alister was using it before I told him Loghain is going to stick around a bit; a promise I made to his daughter. And my character doesn't break promises; at least in this play through I didn't have to kill Alister.

No, unless I'm mistaken you're thinking about the Veshialle. The Axameter can be obtained from a very rare random encounter (+2 Damage, +10 Critical Damage, Lucky, +4 Damage vs. Dragons).

Munchkin - Cailan's armor stays the same when you hit Awakening. It doesn't get downgraded at all.

I noticed that you said you have the Fire and Lightening Grandmaster runes equipped. At some point in Awakening, if you switch weapons, make sure to unequip them because there are 'side quests' you can take on, given to you by Master Wade, to get some very nice armor and weapons that he will make, and those are two of the items he'll need for item creation.

As far as Arcane Warrior armor, I would highly suggest taking a look at the Ivory Tower mod - not only does it look cool (as Cara said), but the stats are very nice and it comes with the armor and the weapon/shield set as well, if memory serves. If not, there's a separate download on the same page for the weapons and shield. Every arcane warrior I've had has used that set.

As far as Arcane Warrior armor, I would highly suggest taking a look at the Ivory Tower mod - not only does it look cool (as Cara said), but the stats are very nice and it comes with the armor and the weapon/shield set as well, if memory serves. If not, there's a separate download on the same page for the weapons and shield. Every arcane warrior I've had has used that set.

The weapons should be with the main file (by the way there is a shield but there are two blades for dual wielding purposes).

But isn't Munchkin Blender playing on the PS3? :hmm:

The weapons should be with the main file (by the way there is a shield but there are two blades for dual wielding purposes).

But isn't Munchkin Blender playing on the PS3? :hmm:

Oh you could be right... ack! lol

Well my suggestion still stands, however, with Awakening and making sure he uses the Fire and Lightening Grandmaster runes for the items that Master Wade can create for him.

Oh you could be right... ack! lol

Well my suggestion still stands, however, with Awakening and making sure he uses the Fire and Lightening Grandmaster runes for the items that Master Wade can create for him.

I'm glad and mad at the same becaue I'm playing DAO on the PS3. I'm glad because the game interface works very well with a control; however, mad because Bioware and EA have not properly fixed all the BUGS with the console games it is maddening especially when you consider Rogues skills in DA Awakening are DEX based and DEX based rouges in DAO and DA Awakening are not the best type of builds.

I'm glad and mad at the same becaue I'm playing DAO on the PS3. I'm glad because the game interface works very well with a control; however, mad because Bioware and EA have not properly fixed all the BUGS with the console games it is maddening especially when you consider Rogues skills in DA Awakening are DEX based and DEX based rouges in DAO and DA Awakening are not the best type of builds.

That sucks since there is no way to get a good Rogue in Awakening without putting at least 50 points in Dexterity and if the game doesn't take these points into account it must feel a lot like wasting them. :rolleyes:

By the way, you may find that amusing, but I use a gamepad to play the game on the PC. It's more comfortable that way and I don't have to be glued to my screen. Pads are not supported so I use Xpadder. It works like a charm.

That sucks since there is no way to get a good Rogue in Awakening without putting at least 50 points in Dexterity and if the game doesn't take these points into account it must feel a lot like wasting them. :rolleyes:

By the way, you may find that amusing, but I use a gamepad to play the game on the PC. It's more comfortable that way and I don't have to be glued to my screen. Pads are not supported so I use Xpadder. It works like a charm.

I'm surprise pads are not supported.

Yeah it does suck. Most people who own the consoles don't bother with DA Awakening because Bioware hasn't fixed the biggest BUG; the DEX bug. I mean that bug has been fixed now for quite some time on the PC. You figured when they updated the consoles for DA Awakening they would have also fix the main bugs that the game still had.

I guess the consoles gamers are not important to their gaming plans. I wonder what % of sold DAO and DA Awakening are XBox or PS3?

If you haven't noticed by now you can tell I'm not too happy at all with Bioware and their lack of support for the consoles. I'm looking forward to DA2 but I may not buy it because of how crappy support is for DAO. If I do buy DA2 it will be when it becomes part of PS3 legend games.

I understand that the console offers some ease of use but when I think about mods I've got many reasons to stick with a PC version no matter what. The lack of proper patching on Bioware's part for the console version is just shameful.

I understand that the console offers some ease of use but when I think about mods I've got many reasons to stick with a PC version no matter what. The lack of proper patching on Bioware's part for the console version is just shameful.

Yeah. As far as mods I'm not that big on them; never really have been though they do bring more to a game than no mods.

Yeah. As far as mods I'm not that big on them; never really have been though they do bring more to a game than no mods.

I can understand that, some mods can cause major issues, so far I didn't have any problem with mods and DAO (which is nice given the number of mods I use).

There are some mods I couldn't play without, for instance very simple mods like White Teeth or Circle Be Gone (the circles really annoyed me). Others like Improved Atmosphere and the better UI are just too good and I can't see myself going back to an unmodded game.

I can understand that, some mods can cause major issues, so far I didn't have any problem with mods and DAO (which is nice given the number of mods I use).

There are some mods I couldn't play without, for instance very simple mods like White Teeth or Circle Be Gone (the circles really annoyed me). Others like Improved Atmosphere and the better UI are just too good and I can't see myself going back to an unmodded game.

I don't get the white teeth mod; if you think about the game and the century the game would be in no one would actually have white teeth. That mod to me makes no sense. In fact it would be cooler if a there was a mod named toothless, which randomly removes on tooth from the characters.

In fact it would be cooler if a there was a mod named toothless, which randomly removes on tooth from the characters.

You can do that with the toolset. I get the "realism" argument but let's be honest, who would care about a toothless Morrigan or Leliana? :D

What is the best heavy armor in Awakening in a unmodded game?

What is the best shield and 1 handed sword in a unmodded game?

What is the best 2handed weapon in a unmodded game?

Ok, looks like I'm going to have to get the ball rolling again on my PC that I just started in Awakening. I don't remember stats off hand, but I can tell you that what Wade makes with the Heartwood and other materials you can find throughout the game, if you get him the 'ingredients' he asks for, they can be quite powerful. And depending on what you ask him to make with it, you can end up with armor, swords, bows, shields, etc. Until I get back in there, found this on one of the Wiki pages
Wade will craft special items for the Warden if provided new "fantastical" materials such as eldest dragonbone, heartwood, and golem shell and found this link (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_items_available_in_Dragon_Age:_Origins_-_Awakening) from the same Wiki that has a good number of items listed - though not all of them due to the mass amounts of new items that were introduced in this expansion. I know the Heartwood is found off of a named elite in the Wending Woods and the eldest dragonbone is from the Blackmarsh (think it's a drop from the Queen of the Blackmarsh - a dragon). Just remember to keep the grand master flame and lightening runes because those are two of the 'ingredients' needed for two of the three "fantastical" materials you can present to Wade. Hope this helps a bit!

Ok, looks like I'm going to have to get the ball rolling again on my PC that I just started in Awakening. I don't remember stats off hand, but I can tell you that what Wade makes with the Heartwood and other materials you can find throughout the game, if you get him the 'ingredients' he asks for, they can be quite powerful. And depending on what you ask him to make with it, you can end up with armor, swords, bows, shields, etc. Until I get back in there, found this on one of the Wiki pages
and found this link (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_items_available_in_Dragon_Age:_Origins_-_Awakening) from the same Wiki that has a good number of items listed - though not all of them due to the mass amounts of new items that were introduced in this expansion. I know the Heartwood is found off of a named elite in the Wending Woods and the eldest dragonbone is from the Blackmarsh (think it's a drop from the Queen of the Blackmarsh - a dragon). Just remember to keep the grand master flame and lightening runes because those are two of the 'ingredients' needed for two of the three "fantastical" materials you can present to Wade. Hope this helps a bit!

I already have the shield.

I'm using the Sentinal Armor right now; I like the way it looks on my Dwarf PC. What is the best 1handed sword. That is all I'm missing right now.

As for the rune stones; how to you craft them? What material do you need?

I already have the shield.

I'm using the Sentinal Armor right now; I like the way it looks on my Dwarf PC. What is the best 1handed sword. That is all I'm missing right now.

As for the rune stones; how to you craft them? What material do you need?

Those I got in DAO - I think it was you who said you already had the lightening and fire rune I mentioned equipped on a blade somewhere... I made sure to carry them over because I really haven't touched runecrafting yet. Hell, I don't even know if those are available to craft, to be honest.

Those I got in DAO - I think it was you who said you already had the lightening and fire rune I mentioned equipped on a blade somewhere... I made sure to carry them over because I really haven't touched runecrafting yet. Hell, I don't even know if those are available to craft, to be honest.

I have acquired two things that allow me to craft a paragon runes; what are those. Are the paragon runes above the Grand Master runes? If so, what is the difference or are a paragon rune the amor equal to the grand master rune used in a weapon?

I have to comment on DAO Awakening; it isn't all that bad. I just don't like the beginning part of the game where you are instantly throwin into a fight. There is no real conversation with your companions like in DAO, which I miss. And it is a bunch more fighting than I really like to see. I enjoyed the movies and the interaction that DAO offered that is severly lacking in DAO Awakening.

As for the upgrading the Vigil Keep...

I found the granite for the walls and noticed that it was upgraded.

I found two different ores for Wade to make armors in caves. Was I first suppose to get the iron ore from the merchant or is that for something elese?

Paragon is the highest tier of runes. Take a look at the wiki page for Armor Runes (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Armor_Runes) and Weapon Runes (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Weapon_Runes).

The Pure Iron you can buy from the merchant is not used in upgrading the keep, but for an entirely different quest. More specifically this (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Golem%27s_Might) quest.

Paragon is the highest tier of runes. Take a look at the wiki page for Armor Runes (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Armor_Runes) and Weapon Runes (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Weapon_Runes).

The Pure Iron you can buy from the merchant is not used in upgrading the keep, but for an entirely different quest. More specifically this (http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Golem%27s_Might) quest.

How do you upgrade the keep...

I found the granite. I found two different ores for the armors/weapons for the soliders. Is there anything else?

There should still be one more ore to find. There's Iron ore from Kal'Hirol, Veridium from Vigil's keep basement, and silverite from the silverite mine.

How do you upgrade the keep...

To upgrade the keep, talk to the dwarf near the courtyard exit and let him know you've found the granite. He'll ask you for men to keep his men safe, give them to him, and then the next time you come back to Vigil's Keep after running around, you should see a much nicer looking courtyard and the buildings looking much sturdier than they had before.

There should still be one more ore to find. There's Iron ore from Kal'Hirol, Veridium from Vigil's keep basement, and silverite from the silverite mine.

Where is Kal'Hirol so I can find the Iron Ore; that is the only one I'm missing.

Kal'hirol is underneath Knotwood Hills. Colbert in Amarathine will mark it on your map (he's just outside the entrance).

Kal'hirol is underneath Knotwood Hills. Colbert in Amarathine will mark it on your map (he's just outside the entrance).

Haven't been there yet. That is why I don't have it.

I understand that the console offers some ease of use but when I think about mods I've got many reasons to stick with a PC version no matter what. The lack of proper patching on Bioware's part for the console version is just shameful.

I have to say after reviewing this post this is no longer the case. It is now up to Sony to certify the patch so I can continue on with my DAO games. Or start all new ones as some of the bugs won't be fixed unless you start a new game.

I don't get the white teeth mod; if you think about the game and the century the game would be in no one would actually have white teeth. That mod to me makes no sense. In fact it would be cooler if a there was a mod named toothless, which randomly removes on tooth from the characters.

Actually as far back as Roman times people would brush their teeth with piss, because the (amonia?) in your pee. I believe it was Cicero that wrote a commentary on the rich with white teeth and how much pee they had to drink to get it so white :-P.

So if you use the white teeth mod, I would avoid a romance!

Actually as far back as Roman times people would brush their teeth with piss, because the (amonia?) in your pee. I believe it was Cicero that wrote a commentary on the rich with white teeth and how much pee they had to drink to get it so white :-P.

So if you use the white teeth mod, I would avoid a romance!

Nothing like kissing a potty mouth...

Good point. Actually you don't necessarily have to undress all followers (I've noticed that at some points like the Joining you get the possessions of all your late followers) but it is a rather good idea to keep it for cash or for another mage. Good thinking.

Good point too about the Dalish armour by the way. ;)

Regarding DLC content, the DLC stuff and the promotional content (like the Lucky Ring) don't transfer. There is a mod that does just that but I haven't tested it yet.

The funny thing is that the mod items I've tried get transferred...

It's one of the things Bioware didn't get right (on purpose it seems).

Another thing that annoys me to no end is that you have to forget your old reflexes that served you so well in BG and other games in which you could have a look at an NPC and think that the stuff they were wearing or their weapons would look awfully nice on your PC. I still have a hard time coping with the silly DA loot system.
Yes, I do this as well. I have even lost items by forgetting as it does not always give everything. There must be some kind of 'roll for it' with a chance it won't go to inventory. I lost my DLC sash this way because I had it on Davish.

So, Now I always unrobe everyone in the party after the fighting is over and before the final scene. Great way to get things the auto-unequip would not give you like the Tevinter Robes as they did not belong to you and the character did not die.