Class specialisation?

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:40 am

From what I read around the internet, I gather that at lvl 7, 14 & 21, you get a Specialisation point. Is this point used to unlock a spec, or to purchase actual skills in that spec? I guess it's to unlock, since with four skills in each spec, you'd be hard pressed to learn the last skill.
Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks in advance!

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:37 am

From what I understand, you can have a maximum of TWO specializations, being able to pick one at level seven and fourteen. Also, I don't believe that there's an actual disadvantage to taking a specialization, since you can the attribute bonuses and aren't forced to spend skill points in the abilities.

The specialization point is used to take the specialization class. The skills are purchased with the same points you've been using for your base class abilities.

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 7:50 am

Ah, that's as I tought it would be. Thanks!

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:01 pm

No problem.

If you look around, you will also find these specializations do. Apparently someone dug inside the character creator and extracted some ability descriptions. One of the BioWare staff members said that there may have been changes to the characters' abilities in the final release of the game, so you shouldn't base your opinion fully on this leaked information.

Just in case you were curious about finding out the abilities of the specializations.

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 2:34 pm

I just try to get an idea of what to play, and how. I hate to start an RPG without knowing the mechanics.
I think I'll start as a Warrior-Templar-Berserker, although Mage-ArcaneWarrior sounds very tempting...

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:50 pm

I was thinking of going Mage/Shapeshifter/Arcane Warrior, but I don't really like the idea of having two Shapeshifters in the party so I might just become a rogue.

Some stuff I read gave me the impression that you may be able to get class abilities through means other than investing points in them.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:15 pm

Duelist and then one between assassin/bard for me.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Thu Oct 22, 2009 6:37 pm

The Ranger seems to be a bit underpowered, but then again, I don't know the strength and abilities of animal companions. The Duelist however seems to compliment the Assassin's abilities pretty well.

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 6:47 am

I'm a bit disappointed that the Ranger's Abilities are 75% Animals. It's too much of the same thing.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:15 am

Seventy five percent? I thought there were three summons and a final skill that improved them.

The specializations seem a bit limited, but on the other side, it looks like the game doesn't require min-maxing.

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 8:40 am

Indeed, 3 summons and a final skill = 75% of the skills. To me, this more feels like a Druid instead of a Ranger. Semantics.
I know minmaxing isn't required, but I still want to do it.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:26 am

Well, we still know nothing about the animals. For all we know, they could be as "good" as the war dog. I assume that you can only summon one at a time, but who knows? Hopefully there's something special that you can do with the companions.

I wonder if there's a level requirement in taking certain skills, or if you could save the points and instantly after achieving your specialization, put four points in it.

Does it actually specify anywhere that a "backstab" has to be melee? I know that Neverwinter Nights allowed ranged sneak attacks.

stefan · Post by **stefan** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 9:32 am

Seeing as the mabari is a fully fledged party member with his own skill set and leveling up . I doudt they summonsed animals would be as good as him.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 11:30 am

But then again, they have to be good enough to have a whole class based on summoning them. I'd think that their power depends on one of your attributes, like the Shapeshifter forms.

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 3:48 pm

I hope they are diverse enough, like in a "tank" pet, a "damage" pet and a "debuffer" pet. Furthermore, like I said earlier, I don't like my Rangers in this way, especially not if they are some Rogue archetype.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Fri Oct 23, 2009 5:11 pm

Yeah, I found it surprising that they work a I rogue specialization. I guess we'll see in eleven days.

It's possible that the skills are different though.

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:55 am

Still can't decide between Mage-Arcane Warrior or Warrior-Templar for the first playthrough. Probably Warrior, since they tend to be more forgiving when you're learning a system.
It's been quite a while since I've been so excited about a game.

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Sat Oct 24, 2009 10:37 am

I could never stand a warrior for my first playthrough. In all of the Black Isle games, I've always started out as a mage or rogue type. The reason I like rogue, is because I get to explore everything without being bothered. Here however, I want to know more about the Fade.

What will your second specialization be for both?

I know that because you're a Grey Warden that restrictions are lifted, but I seem to really have issues with a Blood Mage/Shapeshifter and the Templar/Reaver mixes. The Champion seems like a natural born leader while the Berserker would complete the whole "fanatic of the Chantry" role.

I'm really looking forward to it as well. Just think of our respective ages when the game was first announced! And here we are, with only ten days away from actually getting it.

GawainBS · Post by **GawainBS** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 2:42 am

I have a personal distaste from the Rogue types, because of the players I've seen them playing, in Reallife.

I'd think I'd make the Arcane Warrior a Spirit Healer, since Bloodmage sounds way too evil for my taste, and Shapeshifter seems to defeat part of becoming an Arcane Warrior, like using MAG to wear armour. I assume that Shapeshifting overrides your equipment bonus. Maybe they compliment well, but I don't know enough of the mechanics. Besides, I like Battlehealers.
I'd make the Templar a Champion, probably, once again because Reaver looks way too evil. Berserker isn't my cup of tea, thematicly, but once again, I have to see more of the mechanics of Beserker & Champion to decide.
I'm still wondering if the Templar really is a Good Guy, or just a tool to enforce the law.
As you might have noticed, I can't but play the "Good" side in RPGs. I never could be bothered to play "Evil".

Crenshinibon · Post by **Crenshinibon** » Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:45 am

Come to the Dark Side.

The Spirit Healer and Blood Mage synergize well it seams. Also, you don't have to be evil to a Blood Mage in this universe.

As for the Shapeshifter/Arcane Warrior, I think it's the best option out there as you're most likely prohibited in spellcasting while in a different form.

I've found out five new forms for the Shapeshifter, if you want me to list them, I will do so in a spoiler tag, or include the link.