Dragon Age 2 - Here be spoilers.

[Lantyssa]

See, I found the DW warrior loads more fun than the 2h warrior (although 2h warrior is HILAAAARIOUS in Awakenings).

DW Rogue stated like a Warrior is .

[Mazakiel]

Whoever the fuck is in charge of their account integration and login systems needs to be dragged out to the woods and shot.  Attempting to login to the Bioware Social Site to buy the DLC is now dropping me at a screen saying I'm logged in with my EA account, but that I need to create a new one. Oh, but it won't let me use my email address because it's 'already taken'.  Attempting to contact customer support about it drops me at a different login screen that asks for my info, and just keeps reloading whenever I attempt the login.  

Its horrible.  My DA dlc is now non functional, and it says my password is invalid.  However it will not accept a new password because:

1.  It has a bunch of bullshit password rules that re useless (you need a lowercase and uppercase letter, number and symbol,  ffs just let me use a long phrase, it is almost always more secure than a dumbass password I have to write down).

2.  Even when I follow all of the rules it labels my password as invalid!

Orgins absolutely sucks, and I am considering canceling some pre-orders because of it.

Edit:  Oh, and I can't get any help because I need to log in to access the technical support functions.  Clownshoes.

I've still not bothered to call them to get it sorted out.  One part so many other games to play right now with less time due to work, and one part they can go fuck themselves. 

[stray]

I have the same problem with their registeration system, where it doesn't accept my email address (saying it's already taken.. by virtue of being an EA member).

Fortunately, it hasn't locked me out of the game. Just can't fuck around with the social site or utilize any DLC that's specifically activated through there (like the Blood Dragon armor, I think?). Otherwise, it works.

I play on XBox btw, so it may be different. Bioware recognizes my email through there for some reason.

[koro]

One of these days I need to hunker down and actually finish a second playthrough of DA1. I've got Sjofn's DA2 hours sunk into Baldur's Gate 2, but for some reason I can just never decide what to play through DA1 with. The weird melee combat Benny Hill chases are probably the biggest roadblock to me playing a melee character, and I'm not sure I wanna do a mage again.

If you haven't played one, I think 2h warriors are kind of cool in DAO. They don't really come into their own until later, plus they're slower, but they make up for it in being the most interactive warrior type. Everything revolves around their actual skills and timing the swings, rather than autoattack like the dual wielder. It's not some dramatic boost of "fun combat", but relatively speaking, it's better. Dual wielding and Arcane Warrior are just boring, even if they tear everything apart. The 2hander also has a good mix of single target and AOE, unlike the sword+shield.

Playing a Shapeshifter Mage full time is different too. Most people seem to knock it, but it's pretty cool in the player character's hands.

A two-hander warrior was actually what I played last attempt. I could never decide what party members I wanted, whether to wear medium armor or heavier stuff, whether or not I was going to be a tank, etc.

It's one of my failings. I spend so much time fretting over these types of decisions.

[stray]

One of these days I need to hunker down and actually finish a second playthrough of DA1. I've got Sjofn's DA2 hours sunk into Baldur's Gate 2, but for some reason I can just never decide what to play through DA1 with. The weird melee combat Benny Hill chases are probably the biggest roadblock to me playing a melee character, and I'm not sure I wanna do a mage again.

If you haven't played one, I think 2h warriors are kind of cool in DAO. They don't really come into their own until later, plus they're slower, but they make up for it in being the most interactive warrior type. Everything revolves around their actual skills and timing the swings, rather than autoattack like the dual wielder. It's not some dramatic boost of "fun combat", but relatively speaking, it's better. Dual wielding and Arcane Warrior are just boring, even if they tear everything apart. The 2hander also has a good mix of single target and AOE, unlike the sword+shield.

Playing a Shapeshifter Mage full time is different too. Most people seem to knock it, but it's pretty cool in the player character's hands.

A two-hander warrior was actually what I played last attempt. I could never decide what party members I wanted, whether to wear medium armor or heavier stuff, whether or not I was going to be a tank, etc.

It's one of my failings. I spend so much time fretting over these types of decisions.

Heavy plate with stam reduction. Their usefulness lies in their active abilities, so you'll want to be spamming more than the other warriors. The Warden Commander and Wade's Dragonbone make the stam cost cheap.

Also, just boost the hell out of strength. You don't need to worry about Willpower at high level and with those armors.

They could be good tanks, but I think they're better off as offtanks and boss killers. They're better at this more than the dual wielding warriors imo. Indomitable keeps them from being knocked down.. dual wielders are on their ass a lot. It's a good skill if you were a tank, but also just to be on the side and staying in the fight.

[koro]

No agility at all?

[stray]

No agility at all?

Dexterity, you mean?

No. 2h weapon attack and power is all based off Strength. They're very straightforward like that. Dual wielders are the only warriors who really need it, in order to equip two full size weapons. Shield Warriors need it if they wish to boose their defense, instead of health.

[koro]

No agility at all?

Dexterity, you mean?

No. 2h weapon attack and power is all based off Strength. They're very straightforward like that. Dual wielders are the only warriors who really need it, in order to equip two full size weapons. Shield Warriors need it if they wish to boose their defense, instead of health.

Yeah, I meant Dexterity. Still have Elder Scrolls stat names in my head. I'll probably give it another go with another 2h Warrior and give it more of a try.

[stray]

Yeah, I meant Dexterity. Still have Elder Scrolls stat names in my head. I'll probably give it another go with another 2h Warrior and give it more of a try.

Have fun. Just a fair warning though.. it really isn't that fun at first.   Gets better around level 10 though.. which doesn't actually take long.

As for teams, a basic setup is fine.. a full time tank like Alistair or Shale, Leliana or Zev, Wynne or Morrigan healing. Or, you and Og can trade 2h tanking duties. Which would be ideal.. because he's the shit.

Just kill Sten.

[rk47]

Alistair pre-picked skills kinda suck, but if you let him work on the dex, str, etc to wear Heavy armor...he'll get there eventually.

Hell, a healer is pretty much automatic requirement + A rogue to pick locks. So it's pretty much standard generic party you're going for.
If you're in the mood for risk, drop Alistair and put Morrigan and another mage. Morrigan should focus on attack spells, while the other on heals while you get in there and start messing stuff up close.

[koro]

Well I'm on the PC, so Alistair's skills are just a respec potion away from being not shit.

[rk47]

And whatever you do, don't take a Reaver specialization.

 

[stray]

OTOH, it seems that Reaver is the best spec in DA2. Although, I'm not doing it atm. I kind of want to just make a basic Warrior like you get in Varric's exaggerated intro.


As for DAO, Champion is the only really valuable spec, especially with more melee in your group. Templar isn't bad for a 2nd one though.

[rk47]

I feel otherwise, Templar is an absolute must have if you are seriously thinking of raiding a mage infested room. Not because of the shitty skill sets or lousy bonuses, but simply due to armor requirement.
Spending only 48 gold on that Templar Set outside Orzammar will make you near invulnerable to spells. You can do some awesome stuff just running in and knocking those pesky mages down and chopping them to bits.

Pair them with Berserker for more damage later on, or go for Champion boring support.

[Ingmar]

I'm of the opinion that champion is usually the best one to take first. There are plenty of fights in the game where templar will have no real effect, whereas champion is always useful.

[stray]

I just bring a mage skilled Mana Clash if I need to kill mages.

I'm glad they took the idea out in DA2 though. It's cheap.

[rk47]

Kinda disagree on Templar bringing nothing to the table. Like I said, there's no active skill to be gained. Simply the amount of freedom this guy has in facing spellcasters. There's so many instance where I played non templars get fucked over by Crushing Prison and other mage spells that disables. Leaving him vulnerable in melee and other direct dmg spells. But with Two Hander's Unstoppable to stop physical stuns (Fuck you rogues) and Templar's anti-magic armor, the two hander can just walk around with impunity, dishing out pain with every strike. And sunder arm is a two hit skill - Sweet damage.


Also it makes it very much easier to kill ppl like him:

[Ingmar]

I didn't say brings nothing to the table - there are a fair number of fights in the game with no spellcasters involved, and being a templar basically does nothing for you in those. It comes down to whether you'd rather a 15% boost in 100% of the fights or a 30% boost in 50% of the fights, or whatever the numbers really are. I usually tend to prefer the generally strong to the narrowly very strong.

[Sjofn]

Just kill Sten.

Bite your tongue, Sten has the best line in the game.

[Reg]

What line is that?

[koro]

I assume the one about cookies.

[rk47]

Just kill Sten.

Bite your tongue, Sten has the best line in the game.

Agreed. I played a real violent fighter, and he agreed with me all the way. It was an eye-opening experience of his culture.
Killing him is a waste. Just kill Zhevran instead. Faggot elf deserve to die for trying to kill me.
I really can't follow video game logic 'He tried to kill me, I beat him, now he will join me, sharing weapons and gears in camp.'

Haha, fuck no. Die.

[Paelos]

I always kill the elves.

Wipe them out. All of them.

[stray]

I let Zev die half of the time too.

Sten can be funny, but "rp wise", I don't want to bend my back over a character like that. He's hard to justify even having around. To start, he's killed a family.. but I'm a grey warden and all that.. so I let it slide. Except, he's an ungrateful prick if you free him anyways. Second, he hints of one day returning to conquer Ferelden - and then brushes it off, doesn't want to talk about it. Unless I'm Dalish or Dwarf, my character should give a shit about that. Third, unless you kiss his ass into high approval, he challenges your skills and leadership. Finally, he challenges you to a dual and wants to take over the group. Fuck Sten.

If you were an evil character, you wouldn't get along with him either. Why would you want to be his redeemer? You're a commander of the grey wardens.. and a ferelden. Not a priest. And not someone who softens up just because he likes cookies.

Lol.. That was longer than I intended. I just don't think he's written in well.

[Sjofn]

The line I was talking about was when he snaps at you for bugging him to tell you about his people. He says, "People are not simple. They cannot be summarized for easy reference in the manner of: 'The elves are a lithe, pointy eared people who excel at poverty.'" Aside from the "lol elves," he has a good point to boot.

I've never had to bend over backwards to get Sten to like me (although I don't necessarily max his approval every time either). He killed a family, yes. My companions - even Leliana - don't like it, but they also see leaving the dude to die is a waste, and actually suggest you take him with you. So that's fine. Yeah, he doesn't immediately suck your dick for it, but that's because he was ready to die, and really according to his culture, he should be dead. He challenges you? That's fine. You challenge him right back and ... it earns his respect. You do not have to kiss his ass at all, and in fact sometimes when you do, it actually hurts your relationship, 'cause Sten ain't down with bullshit. Sten brushes off the invasion thing because it's just a vague plan, it's not his role to even think about, really, so he doesn't have much to tell you ... and honestly, I think the thought bothers him now, because he respects (or possibly likes) you and knows it'll suck if he has to fight you because the Qun demands it.

Part of why I like Sten is BECAUSE he is a challenge. I like my companions to have a mix of "immediately thinks you're the best" (Alistair/Leliana/Dog (hee)), "thinks you're alright but the jury is still kinda out" (Oghren/Zevran/Wynne to a degree), and "doesn't think you're all that" (Sten/Shale/Morrigan).

And Zevran is pure fuckin' love, fuck all you haters.    Not that I really blame people for killing him after the assassination attempt, but all my characters, even the table top ones, cannot just shank someone they've spoken more than three sentences to. Drives some of Ingmar's characters crazy. 

[stray]

I think if there was a book or a movie, the Warden would probably kill him once you get to Haven.

At least, for drama's sake.  I like the way it works out like that.. that you give someone a chance, and it goes to shit.

On another note, these kind of difficult choices should happen more really (which is kind of why I like DA2 a little bit more in some ways). Like, I think we should be forced to choose between killing Connor or using Blood Magic. Going to the Circle for rescue is a copout. Might as well not have any of these conflicts if there's always a workaround.

edit: I don't kill Zev after the attempt. I like keeping him around and roleplay my way through him.. and if he doesn't like my personality, he betrays me.

[Ingmar]

Dave Gaider has said the writers ended up regretting having the Circle option there for the Connor situation.

[Sjofn]

I have to assume the thinking was "well, it gives siding with the templars an actual consequence," since there was a way to do that without pissing off Wynne. But yeah, it would've been better without that third option.

[stray]

I have to assume the thinking was "well, it gives siding with the templars an actual consequence," since there was a way to do that without pissing off Wynne. But yeah, it would've been better without that third option.

Yeah, the Templar side is fine. It's just that there are no consequences for siding with the Circle. It's like the Happy Ending conclusion.

When I sided with Templars (as well as barely surviving the Redcliffe zombie attack, on a harder difficulty), everything felt so much more satisifying as far as story goes.. Redcliffe was in worse shape, and a little kid gets killed. It's all bittersweet, and felt like a real blight was taking place. That's how it should have been no matter what you did.

[Sjofn]

Yeah, the time I accidently triggered the MURDER A LITTLE BOY solution, I kept it, because it felt so good story-wise. Depressing as shit (and this was like ... my 9th playthrough or something), but good.

Sooooorta why I'm glad there is shitty outcome after shitty outcome in DA2, I guess. Thedas sucks, yo. 

[rk47]

Nah, it's just writer's obsession with grimdark.

DA 2 writing is a complete step backwards and they failed to even take player's input into account. It wasn't grim-dark, it's just 'Retarded ever After' ending we got in the end, no matter what choice our Hawke made. The writers just cast all those input aside and forced you to swallow it. Oh, don't forget to buy the DLC. I heard it has excellent narrative integration.

A golden statue, placed in your uncle's house in the slums right after you finish your refugee time skip.

Fuck you, Gaider.

[stray]

Nah, it's just writer's obsession with grimdark.

DA 2 writing is a complete step backwards and they failed to even take player's input into account. It wasn't grim-dark, it's just 'Retarded ever After' ending we got in the end, no matter what choice our Hawke made. The writers just cast all those input aside and forced you to swallow it. Oh, don't forget to buy the DLC. I heard it has excellent narrative integration.

A golden statue, placed in your uncle's house in the slums right after you finish your refugee time skip.

Fuck you, Gaider.

I was thinking this at first, but I do like that it acknowledges that you're not all powerful and world changing. Because that's bullshit. Fantasy or not. Not even our greatest heroes do that.. and often, they get their contributions distorted like Hawke's too.

Not that I'm excusing the lack of player agency. It (and the sequels) could use more. I'm just not outright hating it.. or considering DAO a bigger step forward.

[Sjofn]

There are roughly a zillion games where you Save the World mostly all by your heroic self, I am perfectly fine with one where you don't.

[stray]

There are roughly a zillion games where you Save the World mostly all by your heroic self, I am perfectly fine with one where you don't.

Besides, you get to do that with the Warden. It's a good contrast for Hawke, who's just a badass or apostate. Blights are said to usually last decades, and the Warden not only takes out the Archdemon within a year, she/he kills two other high dragons, an army of golems, the dwarf mafia, werewolves, zombies, and implants two kings. That's not even a badass. It's completely ridiculous.

[Rokal]

Sten can be funny, but "rp wise", I don't want to bend my back over a character like that.

The easiest way to win Sten's approval is to be a dick to him. He wants a strong leader for the group. If you don't take shit from him, he won't even challenge you, he'll just submit and think you're awesome.

Sten: "why did you do X? that was the wrong decision"
You: "I didn't ask for your opinion"
Sten: "Oh ok  "