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Dragon Age: Origins - Introduction - game guide, walkthrough, secrets, game tips & strategies

Dragon Age: Origins Game Guide
Introduction
by Jacek "Stranger" Halas (guides.gamepressure.com)
Free game guides, walkthroughs, solutions, game FAQs and maps for gamers.
Download this game guide for free in PDF File format.
Dragon Age: Origins Guide
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  Introduction  (1/256)
We are proud to present our Dragon Age: Origins Game Guide. You can use the guide for free, as much as you want. You can print it and use it for yourself. Under no circumstances can you copy any text or pictures outside of our site - if you want to show it to somebody, just hyperlink us. Do not copy or reprint any element of this guide for public use. For full list of game guides go to guides.gamepressure.com

 

 

This main guide to Dragon Age: Origins video game contains a detailed info on primary and secondary quests available in the game. Each quest has been described thoroughly. Possible solutions are shown and ways to defeat enemies are described.

All the quests in this guide have been divided into four main categories:

The first category contains all six origins stories played immediately after a new hero has been created (player is allowed to choose a story depending on race and class).

The second category contains all main quests tied to the Plague issue. Their completion is required to reach one of the endings of the game.

The third category contains all quests tied to certain locations. Some of these assignments are mandatory and some of them are optional.

The final fourth category contains small quests given to the main character by members of different guilds and organizations.

This game guide is also offering more than 80 large maps of certain areas of Ferelden and their role is to make the process of finding items, NPC’s and monsters easier. The description of each quest contains links to these maps and here’s how to use them:

(Mx, y) – x is the map number and y is the number on the certain map

For example, (M10, 5) means that the player should look at map number 10 and search for an area marked with a 5.

Different colors have also been used to designate some of the main features of the game. Red color shows characters and monsters, blue color shows locations, green color shows interactive items and orange color warns about additional dialogue options, including persuasion and intimidation.

Jacek “Stranger” Halas

 

  Introduction  (1/256)
info about game: Dragon Age: Origins
title: Dragon Age: Origins | genre: RPG
developer: BioWare Corporation | publisher: Electronic Arts Inc.
platform: PC, XBOX360, PS3 | rated: 18+

Where Dragons Dare.

Dragon Age is a blockbuster fantasy role-playing game set in a world created and owned by BioWare. Dragon Age will offer a deep, party-based, roleplaying experience in both single-player and multi-player game modes. Utilizing a brand new game engine, Dragon Age will feature stunning visuals with a tantalizing blend of the exploration and combat of Baldur's Gate™, the multi-player gameplay and community support of Neverwinter Nights, and a cinematic gameplay experience from BioWare, the developer of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Explore vast landscapes, engage in massive battles, and experience the sights, sounds, and culture of the heroic new world of Dragon Age.

* Cinematic story-driven single-player campaign
* Separate campaign designed specifically for a multi-player experience
* Mod tools for great custom content
* Set in a new fantasy world created by BioWare for fans of its past titles
* Participate in massive battles
* Party-based gameplay for outstanding tactical combat and immersive character interaction.(info about game from official fact sheet)
Dragon Age: Origins
Screenshots
 


Links
BioWare Corporation - Developer Website.
Electronic Arts Inc. - Publisher Website.
Dragon Age: Origins - Official Website.

comments and responses

@elfgirl: Yes, being captured and thrown into jail won't affect the future encounter with him. In fact I think that most of the players will have to visit Fort Drakon because defeating Cauthrien is quite hard, even on normal difficulty setting (PC version).
this post has been modified by its author [2010-02-17 13:39:21]
Stranger
17/02/2010 12:38
To Stranger: Thanks for the info on Duncan shield. I will go look for him after the quest. Will he still show up in The Arl's rooms if you are captured and taken to Fort Draken and have to complete that quest? My butt keeps getting kicked by Loghian and howes guards after the queen is released. Thanks so much for everyone's help.
elfgirl
15/02/2010 20:02
@elfgirl: http://guides.gamepressure.com/dragonageorigins/guide.asp?ID=8810
"- Once you’ve successfully completed Saving the queen quest visit arl Eamon’s room in his estate and you’ll meet Riordan (M71, 1). He’s the Grey Warden you’ve had a chance to rescue while exploring [Denerim – Arl of Denerim’s estate – Interior] and in return for freeing him he’ll mention a treasure. You may now travel to [Denerim – Market district – Market warehouse] (M65, 3). Clicking on a cabinet will unlock a secret room filled with a lot of valuable items."

If I remember correctly that's where you'll find the shield.
Stranger
03/02/2010 12:34
Oh thank you, thank you Kushal911! My first game is defeated and I am on a second game doing things a bit different. My first game I had Alistair take out Loghain. This time I am taking him out myself out. Hopefully I can still kill him and gain the key. Duncan shield not worth losing Alistair over.

Gotta to say this is one of the best adventure games next to Fable 2 and my all time favorite Legend of Zelda series I have ever played. This is how role playing fantasy video games should be.
elfgirl
31/01/2010 20:04
@elfgirl I dont clearly remmember but you get it somewhere near ending..when during the landsmeet the Grey Warden you saved who was locked up in the palace he then ends up in that room which you stay for the landsmeet becides the Erl he gives you some key and then you have to go to a warehouse just ahead of the wonders of thedas [same one which was accessed for a previous quest] there is a secret door just behind the cabinet to which you can access the Grey Warden store there you will find Duncan's Shield...goodluck.
kushal911
31/01/2010 08:12
I need a bit of help. i am trying to find Duncan shield. The Guide states it as being map 65, P1. Is Duncan's shield in one of the shops then? i have been through every single one and still cannot locate it. The Guide just shows 1 as being in Thedas shop but there is not P1 marked. Am I missing something or perhaps I need a second pair of eyes to locate it? Even my husband could not locate it. Thanks for any help out there!
elfgirl
30/01/2010 20:08
Being on medical leave for a month I have actually had to sit down to study the guide on this site and able to play the game for a decent amount of time. I must say first Kudos to the guys who created these free guides for us even though there are things missing. With a game this big and detailed it is bound to happen but the guide has been a lifesaver in some areas.
When I ran into Kolgrim and the others in the cave at the Ruined Temple of Andraste it was only 3 of us Alistair, Morrigan and myself. I had Sten with me but kicked him out when he decided to turn and take control of the group in Haven. Probably not a good idea as I needed a fourth person but I do not stand for crap like that. (and we 3 made it through just fine even though we had to fight a little harder) Anywho, after several tries of trying to defeat Kolgrim and his cronies and failing (they had to much power for the 3 of us to handle), I finally agree to put the vial in the blood in the ashes. Just so I could get to the Temple and acquire the ashes. First secret to note is that if you go along with his plan you are given a choice to either leave the ashes alone or pollute them when you reach the urn.
If you don't pollute the Urn (and I really don't recommend you do) you have to face Kolgrim and 2 other guards first when you get outside. Then once they are dead face the 2 mages and a small drake. In my case this was a much easier route to get rid of him since I was a team of 3.
Second thing is if you have 3 people total in your group in the temple trials, you will be provided an Ash Wraith(harmless) by the game as a fourth to unlock the bridge to cross. You have to use the A button to move it around and it was rather pain in the ass to do. I don't remember the pattern I did offhand but I do know that Alistair and Morrigan were able to accompany me across the bridge instead of me going across alone.

Oh and as the Landsmeet part suggests if you take on Loghain in a duel (and not Alistair), just kill him. In my opinion he is a threat and untrustworthy no matter how useful he may be in the end.
elfgirl
27/01/2010 17:28
Tulick --> Check the other thread for my reply. And it's [M58, 17], not [M57, 17].
this post has been modified by its author [2010-01-13 18:59:03]
Stranger
13/01/2010 17:58
I've been all over The Dead Trenches looking for the Topsiders Honor blade. I have the hilt and pommel. Does anyone have any ideas on what i'm doing wrong? I went to M57 17 or wherever. I've been through there 2 times with different parties.
Tulick
13/01/2010 12:58
lifesaver on the harder quests like the dream part in the magi tower or the proving but you may want to double check your maps. all in all though good guide
killakilla
07/01/2010 00:38
To "Stranger";
Ahaaa, you lifesaver...thank you, thank you, thank you!!! :D
Carita
01/01/2010 21:09
Carita --> One of the rogues in your team (your main character, Leliana or Zevran) must begin developing lockpicking talent.
Stranger
01/01/2010 14:39

With the risk of looking like the fool I am...I still have to ask...what am I doing wrong?! I can't open any chests...ok, maybe not every chest but most of them at least are unavaliable?! Pleeease help...have I missed to add some skill or do something...what...please help me out?!!!
Carita
01/01/2010 00:27
@13: Please be patient. Updated version will be available soon and it will contain missing quests. :)
Stranger
21/12/2009 12:29
i think 1 side quest missing at The Circle Tower mission, anyone can help?
dwi2
21/12/2009 04:59

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Origin story: Dalish elf
The lost mysteries of the Ancients
Origin story: Dwarf commoner
Beraht's goodwill
Proof of loyalty
Enslaved
Origin story: City elf
A Day for celebration
Origin story: Magi
The Harrowing
The Circle Mage
Ties of blood and magic
Pests in the storage area
Origin story: Human noble
Father’s assignment
Chaos in the pantry
Sweet Dairren
Sweet Iona
Howe’s betrayal
The Cousland treasury
Origin story: Dwarf noble
The noble feast
Noble journey
Exile
Main quests
Lothering and the Imperial Highway
Arl of Redcliffe
Broken circle
Lost in dreams
Nature of the beast
Paragon of her kind
Urn of the Sacred Ashes
Gather an army
Landsmeet
The final battle
Quests - Main locations
Ostagar
Joining the Grey Wardens
Tainted blood
The Grey Wardens' cache
The mabari hound
The mabari hound
Hungry deserter
After the ritual
Tower of Ishal
Korcari wilds
The missionary
Last will and testament
Sign on the Chasind trail
Lothering
Bandits on the road
A fallen templar
Chanter's board
More than just plants
A poisonous proposition
The imprisoned qunari
Traps are a girl's best friend
Campsite
Enchanting
Redcliffe
A village under siege
A missing child
Lost in the castle
Attack at dawn
The Circle tower
Five pages, four mages
Summoning sciences
Watchguard of the Reaching
Denerim
Pearls before swine
Honor bound
Back alleys justice
The last request
Trial of the crows
The Crimson Oars
Forgotten verses
Drake scale armor
Dragon scale armor
Unbound
Saving the queen
Tortured noble
Missing in action
The lost templar
Captured!
Unrest in the alienage
Something wicked
Voices
Fazzil's request
Crime wave
Friends of Red Jenny
Brecilian forest
Touched by the curse
Cammen's lament
Unique ironbark
Elora's halla
Wounded in the forest
Mage's treasure
Elven ritual
Arcane warrior
Orzammar
Find secretary Banderol
Vartag Gavorn
Dulin Forender
A lost nug
An unlikely scholar
A mother's hope
A chant in the deeps
Precious metals
Zerlinda's woe
Thief in the house of science
Lost to the memories
Prince's grace: First assignment
Lord's trust: First assignment
Prince's grace: Second assignment
Lord's trust: Second assignment
Jarvia's hideout
Exotic methods
Anvil of the Void
Paragon of her kind
Jammer's stash
The dead caste
The golem registry
Asunder
Topsider's honor
Key to the City
Drifter's cache
Followers
Flemeth's grimoire
Alistair's family
Oghren's old love
Beresaad sword
Wynne's remorse
Zevran
Leliana's past
Guild quests
Blackstone irregulars
Chanter's board
The mages' collective
Favors
Maps
Map M1: Forest clearing
Map M2: Elven Ruins
Map M3: Dalish Elf Camp
Map M4: Dust Town
Map M5: Commons
Map M6: Proving Grounds
Map M7: Beraht’s Hideout
Map M8: Elven Alienage
Map M9: Arl Of Denerim’s Estate – Exterior
Map M10: Arl Of Denerim’s Estate – Interior
Map M11: The Circle Tower Chambers
Map M12: Fade
Map M13: Caves
Map M14: Basement
Map M15: Cousland Castle
Map M16: Royal Palace
Map M17: Diamond Quarter
Map M18: Proving Grounds
Map M19: Ruined Thaig
Map M20: Deep Roads Outskirts
Map M21: Ostagar
Map M22: Korcari Wilds
Map M23: Tower Of Ishal
Map M24: Flemeth’s Hut
Map M25: Lothering
Map M26: Campsite
Map M27: Redcliffe
Map M28: Redcliffe Castle – Basement
Map M29: Redcliffe Castle
Map M30: Redcliffe Castle – Courtyard
Map M31: Redcliffe Castle – Fade
Map M32: Lake Calenhad Docks
Map M33: The Circle Tower – Lower Levels
Map M34: The Circle Tower – Upper Levels
Map M35: The Raw Fade
Map M36: Darkspawn Invasion
Map M37: Templar’s Nightmare
Map M38: Burning Tower
Map M39: Mage Asunder
Map M40: Inner Sanctum
Mapa M41: Dalish Elf Camp
Map M42: Brecilian Forest – Western Part
Map M43: Brecilian Forest – Eastern Part
Map M44: Upper Ruins
Map M45: Lower Ruins
Map M46: Werewolves Lair
Map M47: Frostback Mountains Pass
Map M48: Commons
Map M49: Dust Town
Map M50: Cartel Hideout
Map M51: Proving Grounds
Map M52: Diamond Quarter
Map M53: Orzammar – Other Locations
Map M54: Royal Palace
Map M55: Aeducan Thaig
Map M56: Caridin’s Cross
Map M57: Ortan Thaig
Map M58: The Dead Trenches
Map M59: Anvil Of The Void
Map M60: Village Of Haven
Map M61: Ruined Temple
Map M62: Caves
Mapa M63: Trials
Map M64: Market District
Map M65: Denerim – Other Locations
Map M66: Elven Alienage
Map M67: Abandoned Orphanage
Map M68: Elven Alienage – Other Locations
Map M69: Denerim – Alleys
Map M70: Abandoned Building
Map M71: Arl Eamon’s Estate
Map M72: Arl Of Denerim’s Estate – Exterior
Map M73: Arl Of Denerim’s Estate – Interior
Map M74: Arl Of Denerim’s Estate – Dungeon
Map M75: Denerim – Western Hill Bann’s Estate
Map M76: City Gates
Map M77: Palace District
Map M78: Fort Drakon
Map M79: Fort Drakon – Main Floor
Map M80: Fort Drakon – First Floor
Map M81: Fort Drakon – Roof
World Map 1: Ferelden
World map 2: Denerim
World map 3: The Deep Roads
World Atlas
Introduction
Character development
Creating a new hero
Attributes
Skills
Talents and spells - p.1
Talents and spells - p.2
Maps
Map 1: Ferelden
Map 2: Denerim
Map 3: Deep roads
Maps - Main areas
Introduction
Origin 1: Dalish elf
Origin 2: Dwarf commoner
Origin 3: City elf
Origin 4: Magi
Origin 5: Human noble
Origin 6: Dwarf noble
Ostagar and Korcari wilds
Lothering
Campsite / Game world
Redcliffe
Lake Calenhad
The Circle tower
Brecilian forest
Orzammar
Denerim
Ruined temple
Listings
Merchants
Backpacks
Guild representatives
Crafting - Traps
Crafting - Poison
Crafting - Herbs
Tomes of knowledge
Followers
Introduction
Relations
List of companions
Introduction to gifts
List of gifts
Appendix
Bestiary - p.1
Bestiary - p.2
Achievements
DLC
Maps
Warden's Keep
Introduction
Soldier's peak
Ancient history
Epilogue
The Stone Prisoner
Introduction
Sulcher's pass
The Golem in Honnleath
A golem's memories
New follower - Shale
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