The
release date of BioWare's Dragon Age: Origins is just over a month
away and gamers around the globe can't wait. Whether you're itching to
play it on a PC or console (PS3 owners will have to wait a couple of
extra weeks), one thing is for certain. The class you choose will play
an important role in how you view yourself within the world of Thedas.
As you level your character up, you'll have the opportunity to unlock
specializations within your chosen class which will in turn open up
even more abilities. Not all the details we would want to know have
been released yet, but here's what we know so far.




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The Mage



Intense training and discipline make up the foundation of a mage.
Without either one, the magic would rule the mage, rather than the
other way around. The mages of Thedas are distrusted by many and feared
by nearly all. All mages wishing to pursue studies of more powerful
magics must undergo a mysterious ritual called The Harrowing. Those
that choose to follow the paths of magic and gain control of the forces
within them make valuable allies and fearsome enemies.



Restrictions:
Due
to their natural resistance to magic, dwarves are
unable to cast spells. Because of this, dwarves cannot be mages.




Class
Benefits:
+5 Magic, +4
Willpower, +1 Cunning



Specializations:
Shapeshifter, Spirit Healer




The
Shapeshifter



Despite what the Circle of Magi would like to believe, the art of
shifting one's form is very much alive. Passed down from generation to
generation, the skill of changing into animal form has survived the
ages. Shapeshifters must master one form at a time. Bears, wildcats,
spiders, and birds are the most common forms taken, while legend states
that some shifters have been known to take on more fantastical forms.
The mastery of their own bodies provides the Shapeshifter with some
added protection, even in their human forms.



Specializations
Bonus:
+2
Constitution, +1 Armor


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The
Spirit Healer



Details concerning the Spirit Master are currently scarce, but rumors
abound about the powers this specialization will allow the mage that
chooses it. Will they be able to cast protective shields over their
comrades, heal their wounds, or perhaps even rescue their friends from
the cold hands of death? Only time will tell.


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The Rogue



Able to pick the sturdiest of locks and spot insidious traps, the rogue
is an invaluable asset to any party. And if you want to be able to
explore every nook and cranny of the game, you're going to need one
with you at all times, for you never know when their unique skills will
come in handy. They may not be the best choice for your frontline
defense, but they're deadly adversaries when allowed to sneak up on an
opponent.



Class
Benefits:
+4 Dexterity, +2
Willpower, +4 Cunning



Specializations:
Assassin, Bard




The
Assassin



Masters of stealth and poisons, the assassin is the living embodiment
of death incarnate. No one ever said life is fair, and neither are
these silent and efficient killers. Poisons are their weapon of choice
and in the trained hands of these hitmen, they are used to devastating
effect. Born out of a need to remove a despicable noble from lands to
the north of Treviso, an order of monks from the Chantry used the herbs
grown in the gardens of their abbey to concoct a potion to be rid of
him. Over the course of time, the knowledge they gleaned from those
plants and more has brought many a man to an early demise, including
those of the nobility.



Specializations
Bonus:
+2 Dexterity, +2.5%
Critical Chance


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The
Bard



It's said that music soothes the soul of the most savage beast. That
may be true, but only if it comes from the talented hands of a bard.
Their musical talents go far beyond merely entertaining the nobility
for which they most often play. They are able to bring out the best in
their comrades, pushing them on to greater heights and skill than they
knew possible, while at the same time destroying the morale of the
enemies surrounding them. Plying their trade from town to town, bards
are also often spies for nobles of their own, trading secrets between
kingdoms. It's a dangerous game, but the nobles of the lands cant
resist it, and by the time they discover their nightly entertainment
has been provided by a true bard rather than a traveling minstrel, it's
often far too late.



Specializations
Bonus:
+2 Willpower, +1
Cunning






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The Warrior



Every game needs a true tank and the warrior fits that role perfectly.
Designed to both dish out and absorb massive amounts of damage, the
warrior is the perfect companion to any adventurer. Their stalwart
nature and skill with weapons and armor has saved the hide of their
comrades more times than anyone could count. Masters of tactics and
strategy, no party can afford to be without one.



Class
Benefits:
+4 Strength, +3
Dexterity, +3 Constitution



Specializations:
Berserker, Templar




The
Berserker



The berserker is happiest when buried knee deep in the blood and guts
of his fallen foes. Traditional warriors preach that giving in to anger
is giving an advantage to your foe.
Passed down from the dwarves, the
skills of the berserker rely on giving in to the pure rage and fear of
the battlefield and turning it back upon your enemies. There is little
more fearsome in the world of Thedas than a raging berserker. Much like
a tiger, it's best to use a three pronged blade against them, for if
you stab them in the heart with a sword, a berserker will continue to
run up the blade to kill you.



Specialization
Bonus:
+2 Strength, +10
Health


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The
Templar



Templars are the feared servants of the Chantry, charged with
controlling magic and its use. While many view them as the most pious
of warriors, the Chantry chooses candidates more for their skill in
battle and unwavering loyalty than the strength of their moral core.
Driven by their religious fervor, they are incredibly focused warriors.
Once they have
been assigned a duty by the Chantry, nothing will stop
them in their pursuit of completing that task. Able to resist and
dispel magic, the Templars are incredibly effective foes against the
forces of magic.



Specialization
Bonus:
+2 Magic, +3 Mental
Resistance


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To read the latest guides, news, and features you can visit our Dragon Age: Origins Game Page.

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

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