A powerful set of medium armor for Arcane Warriors, and a custom ironbark-themed Universal Dye Kit tint. Now a quest reward! Show
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Author notesThis author has not provided any additional notes regarding file permissions File creditsThe custom tint file contained in this mod was created with nezroy's Online Tint Creator, and requires their Universal Dye Kit mod. Donation Points systemThis mod is not opted-in to receive Donation Points Changelogs
New 10 May 2020 - Version 2.0: Added m2da override file so that the armor set will now be given as a reward for completing the Arcane Warrior Quest. The uti names have been changed for less potential confusion with other mods. Long ago, there was an order of elven mages who trained in the techniques known as Dirth'ena Enasalin: the knowledge that led to victory. This set of ironbark armor belonged to such an Arcane Warrior, and now it belongs to the Warden. This mod adds a set of medium armor for Arcane Warriors: the Dirth'ena Enasalin Armor, Gauntlets, and Boots, with stats aimed at boosting magic and mana regeneration, and a set bonus reducing fatigue and adding defense. The concept is that it was the armor of the ancient elf who teaches the Arcane Warrior specialization, so it appears in-game as a reward for the Arcane Warrior quest. The armor uses vanilla game models, so there will be no item variation conflicts with other mods, and a custom Universal Dye Kit tint is included so that the armor appears to be made of ironbark. As you can see you have high HP, large defense and armor. You have maximum elemental, mental and physical resistances. Not only this, but you will have numerous spells to deal with multiple situations. You can also think of this as Dragon Age origin mage build, however, with some warrior characteristics. So let us start! Contents
Early Game up to level 7-9You have a few important decisions to make in the early game that help you maximize how well your build will go through the Dragon Age world. Character creationWhen creating your character here is what I suggest:
Early game ability pointsI suggest investing ability points all into Magic. It may be difficult at the start of the game if you are playing on Nightmare, but later on, the payoff is huge:
Early game spellsMy main recommendation is that all Arcane Warrior builds should use Glyphs: Glyph of Paralysis and Glyph of Repulsion combo. The result is Paralysis Explosion. It will AOE paralyze all the enemies (but it also works on allies if they are nearby due to friendly fire) This way you will have an easy way to crowd control the battles early in the game, which is usually the most difficult part of the game for many. After that I also recommend:
Miasma will have the AOE effect of slowing and weakening down the enemies. It will help in two cases:
Did you forget about Skills?For skills, I definitely recommend maximizing Coercion to level 4. It will unlock many opportunities for new quest paths, more gold rewards, and XP. Everything to maximize your playthrough. Then concentrate on Combat Training and get maximum investment. It adds passive bonuses to attack and defense. Moreover, you will be less likely to have your spells canceled by enemy attacks. Get a few points into Tactics if you will want your character to be smart when you are not managing him. Progressing through the gameYou are free to choose whatever way you want to progress through the story. However, for the maximum value I recommend these priorities:
If you have Arcane Warrior already, you can do Brecilian Forest whenever you like. Get the specialization as early as you can that will probably be at levels 7-9. Once you have it you are ready to go to the next section. So let’s move to the juicy parts Dual Wielding Mage BuildThis build uses everything that is available to him to maximize its physical damage. Only sustainable abilities and passives matter here. Active spells, well... There will not be enough MP for them. AttributesThese are the attributes that I recommend investing into:
Second SpecializationI recommend taking Spirit Healer as second mage specialization You will not use its spells, but you will get additional combat HP regeneration and additional magic for more damage and spellpower TalentsIn this section, I will go through the talents that you should get. This is a list of spells that will explain which ones of them should be taken Creation Tree This tree provides more support and crowd control spells that help you on the battlefield Heroic Offense, Heroic Aura, Heroic Defense, and Haste – you will want these talents for Haste specifically. It will increase your attack speed Spellwisp is optional Primal Tree Flame Blast and Flaming Weapons – Flaming weapons work well against undead and Dark Spawn. Rock Armor – this will give you sustained increased armor Arcane Warrior tree This tree will be unlocked after you get Arcane Warrior specialization Combat Magic, Aura of Might, Shimmering Shield, Fade Shroud – main arcane warrior abilities. Shimmering Shield will maximize your resistances. Spirit tree You will skip most of the spells in this tree, unfortunately, as you will not have much MP to use them. Mind Blast, Force Field, Telekinetic Weapons – works well against armored opponents or those that are strong against fire. Use this or Flaming weapons. Mage tree The base tree for mages. Arcane Shield – as you will not use any spells get this sustainable for more defense. Optional: Staff Focus, Arcane Mastery (for an increase in spellpower for Flaming Weapons) You will have some points left. Based on my experience, I found that the talents mentioned above are the main ones. You will not be able to cast many spells due to low mana. EquipmentWeapons ItemDetailsThe EdgeHas two rune slots and also provides the largest bonus to damage out of all daggers The Rose’s ThornQuite expensive but excellent dagger all around, boosting critical rate, critical damage, dexterity – all things that you need Duncan’s DaggerLarge boost to dexterity, great against dragon fights due to bonus damage. Armor My general recommendation is to use the Legion of the Dead armor set. ItemDetailsArmor of the LegionPart of the Legion of the Dead armor set The Felon’s CoatBoosts dexterity, increasing your damage. However, you will be a bit more squishy with light armor Warden Commander ArmorYou can get this armor early in the game, gives defensive and offensive boosts Helm ItemDetailsHelm of HonnleathBest helm in the game obtained with the Stone Prisoner DLC Helm of the RedA decent Heavy Helmet, that provides +1 to dexterity. Free Scout Arming CapThis is light helmet, so you will lose some armor, but it gives +2 to dexterity Gloves As previously recommend go for Legion of the Dead set pieces ItemDetailsGloves of the LegionPart of the Legion of the Dead armor set Cailan’s GauntletsA bit worse option, however, use it if you do not have the above set Boots ItemDetailsBoots of the LegionPart of the Legion of the Dead armor set Cadash StompersGives a boost to critical chance and dexterity, but comes with the drawback of attracting more hostility Silverhammer’s TackmastersGives +2 to dexterity but has low armor Amulets ItemDetailsThe High Regard of House DaceGreat amulet as it gives increased critical chance. But to obtain it you need to finish The Golems of Amgarrak DLC Pearl of the AnointedThe second best amulet gives +1 to all attributes Heart of WitherfangProvides +1 to magic Belts ItemDetailsAndruil’s BlessingThe best belt available all around Cinch of Skillful ManeuveringYou will need to finish Witch Hunt DLC to unlock this accessory Guildmaster’s BeltProvides cunning, so not the best choice
Rings ItemDetailsKey to the CityOne of the best rings in the game. It gives +2 to all attributes. Can be obtained in Orzammar The Lucky StoneGives +1 to all attributes Ring of the WarriorGives +2 to dexterity for increased damage Keeper’s Ring+1 to dexterity, boosting your attack and damage TacticsThe recommended tactics mainly revolve around activating all the required sustained abilities. You will not use many or any spells (maybe one or two at the start of the fight). Otherwise, you just need a good tank in the group and you are free to lash out with damage. The good thing is that you do not need to get behind enemy backs as you do not do backstabs. Blood Mage Tank BuildI would say this build is the most overpowered. You will have no equals. This type of Arcane Warrior uses spells, can act as a tank, and can easily survive most of the encounters alone. So let’s dig in AttributesDexterity – As you will be using your weapon to hit enemies you need to have a decent attack. For this, a minor investment in dexterity is needed. It will all depend on your items, buffs, enemies, etc. but investing one point every two levels should be enough. Magic – the main attribute that you must put all your points into. It will boost the main spells that you will use constantly Second SpecializationThe cornerstone of this build is Blood Mage mage specialization Unfortunately, you will only get it at level 14. Due to this, it is mandatory to save 3 spell points before reaching level 14. You will need to get a Blood Wound as soon as it becomes available. TalentsAn important mechanic you need to know is that some spells need you to sheath your weapon if it is not a stave. Check this list for spells that can be cast without sheathing weapons Due most of the talents are chosen to not be limited by this drawback Arcane Warrior treeThis tree will provide you with ability to tank as a mage Get all the talents. They will maximize your resistance, damage, and armor. Blood Mage treeIt is mandatory to get: Blood Magic, Blood Sacrifice and Blood Wound. Blood Control is optional after you get the spells mentioned below. Blood Wound will be your main spell to crowd control and deal damage. Primal treeYou will only need one spell from this tree: Rock armor - for more armor as you will be a tanking Spirit treeMind Blast, Force Field, Telekinetic Weapons, Crushing Prison. Mind blast is great at the beginning of the game. Crushing Prion can be cast without sheathing your weapon. This is important for this type of build as you want to switch between physical hits and spells fast. Mana Drain, Mana Cleanse, Spell Might, Mana Clash. The last spell will allow you to take out most of the mages in the game with one hit. This is an extremely deadly spell in Dragon Age Origins, easily accessible by all mages. Mage treeArcane Shield, Staff Focus, Arcane Mastery. Arcane Shield is a decent sustainable providing some good bonuses as you are a tank. Arcane Mastery is low priority spell that you should invest in once you have your main offensive spells covered. Creation treeBesides Glyphs, you can take Spellwisp as the lowest priority. It will boost spellpower if you will have available mana to sustain it EquipmentIn this section, you will find the gear that should be used with the build. Generally, the lower item is in the table the lower is its priority WeaponsItemDetailsSpellweaverProvides a +5 magic bonus. Great for this type of build where you cast magic abilities often Maric’s BladeThe idea of this blade is to use it together with Cailan’s Shield to get Cailan’s Arms set. Will greatly boost mana regeneration Duncan’s SwordProvides Medium mana regeneration The VeshialleIf for some reason you find yourself more doing physical hits than casting magic, get this weapon. It outmatches any other single-handed weapon from 60 magic/strength. ShieldItemDetailsFade WallBoost to Stamina and mana regeneration one of the best shields for this type of build Cailan’s ShieldUse this shield with Maric’s Blade for an increased stamina/mana regeneration bonus. Get this shield in Return to Ostagar DLC Warden Tower ShieldGives a mana regeneration bonus that you can obtain in Warden’s Keep DLC. Bulwark of the True KingThe shield comes with the Ultimate Edition of the game and can be used early in the game. Provides adequate stats bonuses to armor, willpower and defense Eamon's ShieldA decent early shield that you can get in Redcliffe castle. Boosts both defense and mana pool HelmItemDetailsHelm of HonnleathThe best helmet in the Dragon Age Origins game all around. Get it in Stone Prisoner DLC Helm of the DeepBoost to the constitution for bigger HP pool Executioner’s HelmBoost to stamina/mana will allow you to have more sustainable ArmorItemDetailsEvon the Great’s MailCounts toward Wade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale armor set. Provides larger bonuses than base armor Wade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale ArmorIf you cannot afford Evon the Great’s Mail Warden Commander ArmorUse it for the Warden Commander Armor set until you get access to Wade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale Armor or Evon the Great’s Mail. Obtain it in Warden’s Keep DLC GlovesItemDetailsWade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale GauntletsUse it for Wade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale armor set. Warden Commander GlovesBest gloves until you get Wade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale Gauntlets BootsItemDetailsWade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale BootsUse it together with other Wade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale armor set items. Warden Commander BootsYou get these boots in Warden’s Keep DLC. They are the best boots until Wade's Superior Heavy Dragonscale armor set. AmuletsItemDetailsBlood-Gorged AmuletImmense boost to the constitution. It Will greatly increase your mana pool as you will use hp to cast spells Pearl of the Anointed+1 to all attributes, great amulet until you find Blood Gorged amulet LifedrinkerProvides +4 spellpower boost. It’s a tradeoff with survivability so use it at your own risk. BeltsItemDetailsAndruil’s BlessingThe best belt in the game provides a large boost to all stats Destructionist's BeltBoost spellpower and mana regeneration. A decent alternative until you get Andruil’s blessing Cinch of Skillful ManeuveringYou get this belt after you finish Witch Hunt DLC. So it may not be accessible to everyone. Sash of Forbidden SecretsOnly accessible if you finish The Golems of Amgarrak DLC. An alternative to Blood Ring and a bit overpowered. RingsItemDetailsLifegiverBoosts your survivability and hp pool for spell castingBlood RingProvides a boost to Blood Magic. This item should be mandatory because your spells will cost 25% less hp.Key to the CityOne of the best rings in the game. It gives +2 to all attributes. Can be obtained in OrzammarBand of FireA decent starter ring until you get the ones mentioned above.TacticsThere is a lot to cover about tactics. You should always have as many sustainable abilities in this priority:
Now, this is how I usually approach fights:
ConclusionSo here it is, the Dragon Age: Origins Arcane Warrior build that I recommend using in your playthrough. I tried to go into as many details as I can so that you would get the best knowledge of the class. What stats for Arcane Warrior Dragon Age Origins?Attributes In order of importance: Magic/Willpower, Dexterity/Strength, Constitution, Cunning. All arcane warriors start off as mages, thus they can use their magic score to determine armor and weapon requirements instead of strength, including bonus to damage on melee attacks.
Is Arcane Warrior worth it?Totally worth it. I can clear a whole room just casting an AOE attack and then wailing on each enemy since all my buffs make me extremely well protected. Yeah, all your magic counts as strength, so say you need 38 strength to equip a piece of armor, instead you will need 38 magic.
Do you need Dex on Arcane Warrior?Dex is't needed for AW unless u are using ranged and daggers, boost strength instead, and only till 20 or so, the rest u just put in Willpower so u can cast more spells even with all armor spells on, and ofc in magic to boost your magic power and weapon damage.
Where do you get arcane warrior in Dragon Age Origins?The Arcane Warrior specialization is a tricky one to find, as there's only one place in the game you can get it. You have to fight your way through the ruined elven temple in the Brecilian Forest on your way to Witherfang, and then find the small phylactery hidden in a corner.
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