Dragon Age Origins: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic RPG

Dragon Age Origins is a critically acclaimed role-playing game developed by BioWare and released in 2009. Set in the fictional world of Thedas, the game follows the story of a customizable character known as the Warden who must assemble a team of companions to fight against the darkspawn, a race of corrupted creatures threatening to overrun the world.

Gameplay

Dragon Age Origins is a single-player game with a focus on story and character development. Players create a Warden and select from various classes, races, and backgrounds. The game features a branching dialogue system that allows players to influence the story’s outcome through their choices. Combat is turn-based and involves managing a party of up to four characters.

Characters

Warden: The protagonist of the game, customizable in appearance, class, and background.

Alistair: A human templar who joins the Warden’s party early on.

Morrigan: A powerful mage from the Witch of the Wilds.

Leliana: An elven bard who becomes a valuable member of the Warden’s team.

Sten: A Qunari warrior who brings unique insights and combat skills to the party.

Combat

Combat in Dragon Age Origins is turn-based, with players taking control of each party member in sequence. Characters have access to a variety of abilities and spells, and combat is heavily influenced by their class and specialization. Players can also pause the action to plan their moves strategically.

Story

Dragon Age Origins’ story is rich and complex, with multiple branching paths and endings. The game explores themes of war, betrayal, and redemption as the Warden and their companions fight against the darkspawn and the Archdemon leading them.

Features

• Deep Character Customization: Create a unique Warden with customizable appearance, class, race, and background.
• Branching Dialogue System: Influence the story’s outcome through your choices in conversations.
• Turn-Based Combat: Engage in strategic turn-based combat with a variety of abilities and spells.
• Companion System: Recruit and develop a team of companions with unique personalities and abilities.
• Choices That Matter: Your decisions throughout the game shape the story and lead to multiple endings.

Dragon Age Origins Classes

Class	Specializations	Description
Warrior	Berserker, Templar, Champion	Physical damage dealers with a focus on melee combat.
Rogue	Dual Wielder, Assassin, Archer	Agile and versatile damage dealers with a range of skills.
Mage	Arcane Warrior, Blood Mage, Spirit Healer	Powerful spellcasters capable of casting a wide range of spells.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main goal of Dragon Age Origins?
A: To defeat the Archdemon leading the darkspawn and save the world of Thedas.

Q: How do I create a custom character?
A: Select the "New Game" option and customize your Warden’s appearance, class, race, and background.

Q: How do I pause the game during combat?
A: Press the "Spacebar" key to pause the action and plan your moves strategically.

Q: What is the best class to choose?
A: The choice of class depends on your preferred playstyle. Each class offers unique abilities and advantages.

Q: What are the different endings in Dragon Age Origins?
A: The game features multiple endings depending on your choices throughout the story, such as saving or sacrificing companions, allying with certain factions, or choosing different paths at key moments.

Reference Link

• Dragon Age Wiki (Dragon Age Origins)

Dragon Age 2

Dragon Age 2 is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare and released in 2011. It is the second installment in the Dragon Age series and a sequel to 2009’s Dragon Age: Origins. The game takes place in the Free Marches of Ferelden, ten years after the events of Origins. Players take on the role of Hawke, a warrior, mage, or rogue who arrives in Kirkwall after fleeing their war-torn homeland.

As Hawke, players must navigate the complex and dangerous world of Kirkwall, a city plagued by political strife, criminal gangs, and magical threats. They will assemble a party of companions, each with their unique skills and backstories, who will aid them on their journey. The game features a branching narrative system where the player’s choices and actions shape the story’s outcome.

Dragon Age 2 expands on Origins’ combat system, introducing a more dynamic and fast-paced gameplay experience. Players can control Hawke directly and issue commands to their companions in combat. The game also features a more detailed crafting system and a new specialization system that allows players to customize their characters’ abilities.

Dragon Age Inquisition

Dragon Age Inquisition is an action role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. It is a sequel to Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age II, and the third installment in the Dragon Age series. The story follows the Inquisitor, a player-created character who must lead the Inquisition against a demonic invasion of Thedas. The game features a large, open-world environment, multiple character classes, and a deep crafting system. Inquisition received critical acclaim upon release, with praise for its story, characters, and gameplay. It was also a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.

Dragon Age Setting

The Dragon Age series is set in the fictional continent of Thedas, a vast and diverse world with a rich history and mythology. Thedas is inhabited by a variety of races, including humans, elves, dwarves, and qunari. The world is also home to a wide variety of creatures, including dragons, griffons, and demons.

Thedas is a land of ancient ruins and forgotten lore. It is a place where magic is both feared and revered, and where the forces of good and evil are constantly at war. The Dragon Age series follows the story of a group of heroes who must band together to fight against the forces of darkness.

Thedas is a complex and fascinating world, with a rich history and mythology. It is a land of adventure and danger, and it is a place where anything is possible.

Dragon Age Characters

Dragon Age, a role-playing game series, features an extensive cast of characters who play pivotal roles in the game’s narrative. These characters are crafted with unique traits, motivations, and backstories that contribute to the game’s overall depth and immersion.

Some of the most notable characters in Dragon Age include:

• The Warden: The protagonist of Dragon Age: Origins, a customizable character who leads the Grey Wardens against the Blight.
• Alistair Theirin: A human warrior and possible companion in Origins, who struggles with his royal lineage and his duty to the Grey Wardens.
• Morrigan: A powerful sorceress and potential companion in Origins, known for her aloofness and enigmatic nature.
• Hawke: The protagonist of Dragon Age II, a customizable character who navigates the political turmoil and chaos in the city of Kirkwall.
• Varric Tethras: A dwarf warrior and companion in both Dragon Age II and Dragon Age: Inquisition, who serves as a narrator and storyteller.
• Cassandra Pentaghast: A human seeker and companion in Dragon Age: Inquisition, who is dedicated to the Chantry and the preservation of order.
• Solas: An elven apostate and companion in Inquisition, known for his enigmatic personality and controversial beliefs.
• Iron Bull: A Qunari mercenary and companion in Inquisition, who brings a warrior’s perspective and a unique sense of humor to the group.

Dragon Age Lore

The Dragon Age universe is a rich and complex world with a deep and intricate history. The lore of the Dragon Age universe is vast and detailed, with a rich tapestry of characters, factions, and events.

The Dragon Age universe is set in the world of Thedas, a continent that is home to a diverse array of cultures and races. The central conflict in the Dragon Age lore is the struggle between the forces of good and evil, as represented by the forces of the Chantry and the forces of the Darkspawn, respectively. The Chantry is a religious organization that worships the Maker, a benevolent god who created the world of Thedas. The Darkspawn are a race of corrupted creatures that are led by the Archdemon, a powerful demon that seeks to destroy the world of Thedas.

The Dragon Age lore is also filled with a rich cast of characters, including the Grey Wardens, a group of elite warriors who are dedicated to fighting the Darkspawn, and the Inquisitor, a powerful figure who is chosen by the Chantry to lead the fight against the Darkspawn. The Dragon Age lore is also filled with a variety of factions, including the Kingdom of Ferelden, the Empire of Orlais, and the Tevinter Imperium.

Dragon Age Classes

Dragon Age offers eight distinct classes:

• Warrior: Close-range combatants with a focus on durability and strength. Skills include the use of swords, axes, and maces.
• Rogue: Stealthy and agile characters specializing in ranged combat, lockpicking, and traps.
• Mage: Powerful magic users capable of wielding destructive and healing abilities.
• Inquisitor: A unique class introduced in Dragon Age: Inquisition, which combines elements of rogue, mage, and warrior.
• Reaver: A specialized warrior with a berserker-like playstyle, sacrificing defense for increased damage output.
• Templar: A warrior subclass dedicated to combating magic and demons.
• Arcane Archer: A rogue subclass that combines ranged combat with elemental magic.
• Necromancer: A mage subclass that specializes in manipulating the dead and summoning creatures from the beyond.

Dragon Age Races

Dragon Age features a diverse array of races, each with unique cultures, histories, and abilities:

• Humans: The most common race in Thedas, adaptable and versatile, with a rich history and a strong desire for power.
• Dwarves: Sturdily built and resourceful, they live underground in complex cities and possess a deep love for craftsmanship and tradition.
• Elves: Ancient and elegant, they were once a powerful nation, but now live in scattered tribes and face prejudice.
• Qunari: Massive and physically imposing, they follow a strict religious code and serve as formidable warriors.
• Tal-Vashoth: A nomadic people, they were once part of the Qunari but now reject its ideology and live as outcasts.
• Chasind: A fierce and proud barbarian tribe, they inhabit the mountainous regions of northern Thedas and are known for their skilled horsemanship.
• Avvar: A hardy and spiritual people, they live in the rugged Frostback Mountains and practice ancient rituals.
• Kossith: A enigmatic and reclusive race who live in the deserts of the Anderfels, known for their knowledge of magic and ancient artifacts.

Dragon Age Companions

Dragon Age companions are a diverse group of characters who join the player’s party throughout the series. They each have their own unique stories, motivations, and abilities, and they can play a significant role in shaping the player’s experience.

Some of the most popular companions include:

• Alistair Theirin: A human Warrior and the rightful heir to the throne of Ferelden.
• Morrigan: A powerful and enigmatic human Mage.
• Leliana: A skilled and loyal human Rogue.
• Wynne: A wise and respected human Mage.
• Shale: A golem created by the dwarves of Orzammar.
• Zevran Arainai: A deadly and charming elf Rogue.
• Sebastian Vael: A human Archer who is a member of the Qunari.
• Isabela: A human Rogue and pirate captain.
• Varric Tethras: A dwarf Rogue and writer.

Companions in Dragon Age are not just there to fight alongside the player. They also provide emotional support, offer advice, and help to shape the story. They can form close relationships with the player character, and their actions can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

Dragon Age Mods

Dragon Age mods enhance the gameplay and customization options for the Dragon Age series. These mods cover a wide range of aspects, including:

• Graphics and Environment: Improved textures, lighting, and new areas.
• Gameplay: New character classes, abilities, and quests.
• User Interface: Streamlined menus, customizable hotkeys, and more.
• Story and Lore: Extended storylines, new companions, and deeper immersion.
• Character Creation: Enhanced character customization options and new appearances.

Mods can be installed through community repositories like Nexus Mods or manually. They offer various levels of complexity, from simple texture replacements to major gameplay overhauls. Popular mods include those that improve spell effects, add new enemies, and provide deeper role-playing options.

Dragon Age Soundtrack

The Dragon Age soundtrack is a critically acclaimed collection of music composed for the Dragon Age video game series. The soundtrack features epic orchestral scores, haunting melodies, and evocative vocals that immerse players in the rich and fantastical world of Thedas.

The soundtrack has been praised for its soaring melodies, evocative atmospheres, and authentic medieval instrumentation. It has been compared to the musical styles of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and the Game of Thrones television series.

The Dragon Age soundtrack has been released on multiple albums, including:

• Dragon Age: Origins (2009)
• Dragon Age II (2011)
• Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014)
• Dragon Age: The Descent (2015)
• Dragon Age: Trespasser (2015)

Dragon Age Merchandise

The popular video game series Dragon Age has spawned a range of merchandise, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of Thedas. From collectibles to apparel and accessories, Dragon Age enthusiasts can find an array of items to commemorate their adventures.

Collectibles:

• Action figures of iconic characters such as Alistair, Morrigan, and the Inquisitor
• Plush toys featuring fan-favorite creatures like the mabari war hound and nugs
• Statues and busts depicting key moments and characters from the games

Apparel:

• T-shirts adorned with game logos, character art, and faction symbols
• Hoodies providing warmth and comfort while venturing into the wilds of Thedas
• Hats, scarves, and gloves showcasing the game’s distinct aesthetic

Accessories:

• Jewelry inspired by the game’s lore, such as necklaces with lyrium runes and earrings shaped like the Grey Wardens’ symbol
• Bags and backpacks adorned with dragon-themed designs
• Drinkware featuring character quotes and scenes from the games

Dragon Age Novels

The Dragon Age novels are a series of fantasy novels based on the Dragon Age video game franchise created by BioWare. The novels expand upon the lore and characters of the games, providing more depth and background to the world and its inhabitants.

Notable Dragon Age novels include:

• The Stolen Throne: Chronicles the events leading up to Dragon Age: Origins.
• Asunder: Explores the events that transpired between Dragon Age: Origins and Dragon Age II.
• The Masked Empire: Focuses on the Orlesian Empire and the events leading up to Dragon Age: Inquisition.
• The Last Court: Delves into the history and culture of the elven people.
• Tevinter Nights: A collection of short stories set in the Tevinter Imperium.

The novels are written by a variety of authors, including David Gaider, Patrick Weekes, and Mary Kirby, who have worked on the Dragon Age games. They offer a rich and engaging expansion to the world of Dragon Age, providing fans with additional insights into the characters, factions, and lore that make the video games so beloved.

Dragon Age Comic Books

The Dragon Age comic books are a series of comics set in the Dragon Age fantasy role-playing video game series. The comics expand on the lore and world of Dragon Age, and feature original stories and characters.

The first series, entitled "Dragon Age: Origins", was published by Dark Horse Comics in 2009 and adapts the story of the Dragon Age: Origins video game. The series follows the adventures of a group of heroes who band together to stop the Darkspawn, a horde of evil creatures that threaten to destroy the world.

The second series, entitled "Dragon Age: The Silent Grove", was published in 2011 and tells an original story set after the events of Dragon Age: Origins. The series follows a group of characters who must investigate a mysterious forest and its connection to the Darkspawn.

The third series, entitled "Dragon Age: Inquisition", was published in 2014 and adapts the story of the Dragon Age: Inquisition video game. The series follows the adventures of the Inquisitor, a powerful hero who must lead an Inquisition against a powerful demon threat.

The Dragon Age comic books have been praised for their engaging stories, well-developed characters, and beautiful artwork. They are a great way to experience the world of Dragon Age outside of the video games.

Dragon Age Tabletop Games

• Dragon Age: Origins (2009): A pen-and-paper RPG that serves as a prequel to the video game "Dragon Age: Origins." Players create custom characters and embark on epic quests in the world of Thedas.

• Dragon Age: The Sunless Citadel (2009): A standalone adventure module for Dragon Age: Origins that takes place in the Sunless Citadel dungeon. Players delve into a dark and dangerous realm to uncover its secrets.

• Dragon Age: Shadowrun Returns (2013): A digital role-playing game set in the world of Dragon Age. Players control a team of runners who undertake dangerous missions in the cyberpunk-inspired city of Hong Kong.

• Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014): A pen-and-paper RPG that expands on the events of the video game "Dragon Age: Inquisition." Players follow the Inquisitor as they lead the Inquisition against ancient threats.

• Dragon Age: Knights Errant (2021): A tabletop miniature game where players control squads of warriors, mages, and rogues in tactical battles. Players customize their armies and engage in epic skirmishes across the realm of Thedas.

Dragon Age Fan Art

Dragon Age fan art encompasses a diverse range of artistic interpretations inspired by the popular video game series. From vibrant character portraits to awe-inspiring landscapes, fans showcase their love for the franchise through a multitude of mediums, including digital painting, traditional sketching, and even cosplay. Common themes explored in fan art include the epic stories, unforgettable characters, and visually stunning environments that define the Dragon Age universe.

Dragon Age Cosplay

Dragon Age cosplay is a popular hobby for fans of the video game franchise. Cosplayers create costumes to represent their favorite characters from the games, ranging from the iconic Warden of Ferelden to the enigmatic Solas. Cosplay events provide opportunities for fans to showcase their creations and connect with others who share their passion for the Dragon Age universe.

The cosplay costumes often feature intricate details and elaborate props, reflecting the rich lore and diverse cultures of the game world. Cosplayers may use a variety of materials, including fabric, foam, and leather, to bring their characters to life. By embodying the characters they love, cosplayers immerse themselves in the Dragon Age experience and share their enthusiasm with the community.