Same here, I really wish more people did challenge runs of DAO, it's such a fun game! Plus, I think challenges can become particularly creative because it's not the kind of stuff you can do in a sandbox-type game like Skyrim, so you really have to take the time to think how to limit the playthrough in terms or roleplay, gear, abilities, companions.
Loved this video + challenge! Still learning a lot about this game so many years in 😅 had no idea about the 'Helm of the Red' / militia conditions or some of these random encounters. Only just starting playing with Dain's Fixes - so another big thank you for your channel pointing me in that direction!
@@PsychedelicDug really glad to hear you enjoyed it! Honestly, I'm still learning new things and combinations as well, especially when I try out a challenge or research a specific part of the game for a video 😄
Currently doing my first playthrough of dragon age! Seeing your videos is great and helps me out a lot! Subbed a couple days ago and looking more into your videos!
@ just romanced Morrigan lol I watched one of your videos saying to put magic at 15 in a class that you choose! Now I’m overstocked on poultices! It helped a lot during tight situations!
Nice idea for a run, though I gotta deduct points for using Skip the Fade. If not for skipping all the solo combat, then for the free Attribute points it gives you (unless that's an optional component). Also, if I may suggest a mod: Practical Morrigan Robes. And by extension, TSM Sacred Ashes Robes of Possession. Neither changes stats, just appearance.
@@LurkMorrison The Fade portion of the game is just a part I absolutely hate, so I wouldn't be able to finish any playthrough of the game without that mod, lol. I do wish there was a way to just have the skip part without the extra attribute points, but I don't think there's such a mod unfortunately
@@evilcow666 I might do something very similar to that because I'm planning on a no magic and no enchanted items playthrough. I can definitely push it to be warriors-only, since I can make my Warden a warrior and have enough warriors for a full party
Interesting challenge. Entertaining video. I don't really have any "video challenge suggestions" for you, however. . . Just before this video popped up, I was thinking about playing a new "thematic" character too. (power builds or thematic/ roleplaying builds are my jam as well.) It was going to be a human fighter named Jen Erik (Generic) because Human fighters are so generic. LOL. (Or something along those lines.) And to further make them a "generalist", I was thinking of trying to take ONLY Warrior & Specialization talents! (NO weapon talents! Or at least, none until completely running out of non-weapon talents to take.) Kind of a mini-mini-challenge I thought might be amusing for me to play.
@@sharkdentures3247 ooh, that sounds fun! I'm also thinking about a more "generic" kind of run but in a different way - no magic or enchanted items (because the character i deathly afraid of magic). It would also be a roleplay-heavy challenge since my character would either avoid things to do with magic or be very much against them. And obviously it's harder than a usual playthrough since there's no magic allowed, and items that aren't "magical"/enchanted also tend to be weaker.
@@btiermutineer That DOES sound like an interesting challenge. Although it does bring up a few questions on the "rules". Like WHAT constitutes "magical" equipment? Is it "description text" based? Or is ANYTHING with a green(?) bonus = "magical"? (In which case, the Dwarf Noble's "fine dwarven sword" & the Dalish elf's armor would BOTH be considered magical!) And thus, the BEST gear you could have is a Tier 7 basic longsword & basic armor sets? Do poultices & bombs count? (I would think 'No'.) And THEN there is the whole issue with Morrigan! (I mean, I don't THINK it is possible to NOT allow her to JOIN your party. But I could be wrong.)
@@sharkdentures3247 it's possible to kick Morrigan out of the party as soon as you go to camp after Flemeth's hut. Health poultices aren't magical since they are just made with elfroot, and I think injury kits are also magic free. Most poisons are not magical (the ones made with deathtoot or toxin extract). The lightning grenade is also surprisingly not magical (frozen lightning is a natural crystal that simply captures electrical charge!). However, anything that uses lifestone, frostrock, or fire crystal, is magical because lifestone and its other two forms have special properties due to their proximity to lyrium. I'd say gear restrictions are based on descriptions rather than just a blanket "anything with green stats". After all, some items are simply higher quality than others, or are made out of some better or special material which gives them extra properties. I already made a list for myself of items I think fit the "non-magical" rule, even a few accessories that I think are more about the moral support or superstition of the people wearing them such as the Sailor's Charm that provides electricity resistance. Or of course the Warden's Oath that adds Constitution, but I see it more as making the Grey Warden have the resolve to endure more blows due to having the memory of the Joining and possibly the recruits who were lost. There aren't that many such accessories, but I think it's nice to be able to use some for this kind of lore/roleplaying flavor.
@@btiermutineer Sounds fair. (& probably what I would have "ruled" if I were to play such a challenge.) Also, I just remembered that I had already done something (vaguely similar) to my "Generalist" warrior. It was a city elf rogue & the only rule was to never take ANY ranks of the Combat Training skill! (aka no weapon talents) This was for the Roleplaying reason that, while my deceased Mother DID train my in the basics of handling weapons & fighting, it was considered an embarrassment (secret shame) to my Father! (who wanted me to HIDE it from my bride-to-be) And I grew up with the rule that "Elves aren't allowed to have weapons". Basically, it was meant to be a Trap Making, Genadier! A "bit" underpowered (More D-Tier) unless you "cheat" and use the "PC Money glitch" & go directly to Soldier's Peak so you can get the Party Storage chest. & FILL it with Trap Triggers from Lothering. (Then it becomes closer to B-Tier) Never finished, but I remember it was rather amusing/ interesting to play at times.
Before I researched every single NPC-given item from the game, I also had no idea there was a secret cache with coins that Demon!Sophia can tell you about!
How long does such a challange run take? Starting items only challange? You think it would be even possible? Great stuff, making comment for engagement
If you mean Veilguard, I don't really like it. I was more positive early on when we just had some information about backgrounds for Rook, but the gameplay I've seen doesn't really feel like the kind of game I like to play. And more generally, something just feels off about it and I don't think it fits the "Dragon Age" IP. I think I would be way more excited about it if it was just a new Bioware RPG instead of a Dragon Age game specifically. Still willing to give the game a chance and play through it, but not very excited for it.
@@TheMyrinet i thought about making a sequel to some of these challenges that can fit well in Awakening, but Awakening is quite different and weird in some ways, so it wouldn't fit for all the challenges. I'll see what I can do, though!
@@alexsnewhandle it would be pretty overpowered if the mages could use all the spells, as well as many lyrium potions. I think it could be interesting if each mage could only cast spells from one school, and if there was a limited supply of lyrium potions! And since in total you can only have 3 mages (warden, wynne, morrigan) it could be more balanced with these limitations, maybe?
Nice, I like watching challenge runs because I never do them, although I think I prefer the theme/roleplay runs, I'm thinking of doing a "jedi" mage run
I'm usually the same with challenge runs, lol - this was the first challenge run I've ever completed! I usually just watch people doing them on YT, but there aren't really any interesting challenges for DAO that I've found so I had to make my own :D
This was so cool! Do more challenge runs!
Noice. Good game, good challenge run. I wish more people did challenge runs, especially of DA:O
Same here, I really wish more people did challenge runs of DAO, it's such a fun game! Plus, I think challenges can become particularly creative because it's not the kind of stuff you can do in a sandbox-type game like Skyrim, so you really have to take the time to think how to limit the playthrough in terms or roleplay, gear, abilities, companions.
Loved this video + challenge!
Still learning a lot about this game so many years in 😅 had no idea about the 'Helm of the Red' / militia conditions or some of these random encounters.
Only just starting playing with Dain's Fixes - so another big thank you for your channel pointing me in that direction!
@@PsychedelicDug really glad to hear you enjoyed it! Honestly, I'm still learning new things and combinations as well, especially when I try out a challenge or research a specific part of the game for a video 😄
Currently doing my first playthrough of dragon age! Seeing your videos is great and helps me out a lot! Subbed a couple days ago and looking more into your videos!
Always glad to hear when people are playing DAO for the first time! Hope you're enjoying your playthrough 😊
@ just romanced Morrigan lol I watched one of your videos saying to put magic at 15 in a class that you choose! Now I’m overstocked on poultices! It helped a lot during tight situations!
Nice idea for a run, though I gotta deduct points for using Skip the Fade. If not for skipping all the solo combat, then for the free Attribute points it gives you (unless that's an optional component).
Also, if I may suggest a mod: Practical Morrigan Robes. And by extension, TSM Sacred Ashes Robes of Possession. Neither changes stats, just appearance.
@@LurkMorrison The Fade portion of the game is just a part I absolutely hate, so I wouldn't be able to finish any playthrough of the game without that mod, lol. I do wish there was a way to just have the skip part without the extra attribute points, but I don't think there's such a mod unfortunately
The fade sucks, let them skip it
No! All must suffer! /s
I will definetly use rock spiders mod for my next playthrough
Ive got one that might be a bit boring. 4 warrior playthrough you have to do the game with only warriors
@@evilcow666 I might do something very similar to that because I'm planning on a no magic and no enchanted items playthrough. I can definitely push it to be warriors-only, since I can make my Warden a warrior and have enough warriors for a full party
Interesting challenge. Entertaining video.
I don't really have any "video challenge suggestions" for you, however. . .
Just before this video popped up, I was thinking about playing a new "thematic" character too. (power builds or thematic/ roleplaying builds are my jam as well.)
It was going to be a human fighter named Jen Erik (Generic) because Human fighters are so generic. LOL. (Or something along those lines.)
And to further make them a "generalist", I was thinking of trying to take ONLY Warrior & Specialization talents! (NO weapon talents! Or at least, none until completely running out of non-weapon talents to take.)
Kind of a mini-mini-challenge I thought might be amusing for me to play.
@@sharkdentures3247 ooh, that sounds fun! I'm also thinking about a more "generic" kind of run but in a different way - no magic or enchanted items (because the character i deathly afraid of magic). It would also be a roleplay-heavy challenge since my character would either avoid things to do with magic or be very much against them. And obviously it's harder than a usual playthrough since there's no magic allowed, and items that aren't "magical"/enchanted also tend to be weaker.
@@btiermutineer That DOES sound like an interesting challenge.
Although it does bring up a few questions on the "rules". Like WHAT constitutes "magical" equipment? Is it "description text" based? Or is ANYTHING with a green(?) bonus = "magical"? (In which case, the Dwarf Noble's "fine dwarven sword" & the Dalish elf's armor would BOTH be considered magical!) And thus, the BEST gear you could have is a Tier 7 basic longsword & basic armor sets?
Do poultices & bombs count? (I would think 'No'.)
And THEN there is the whole issue with Morrigan! (I mean, I don't THINK it is possible to NOT allow her to JOIN your party. But I could be wrong.)
@@sharkdentures3247 it's possible to kick Morrigan out of the party as soon as you go to camp after Flemeth's hut. Health poultices aren't magical since they are just made with elfroot, and I think injury kits are also magic free. Most poisons are not magical (the ones made with deathtoot or toxin extract). The lightning grenade is also surprisingly not magical (frozen lightning is a natural crystal that simply captures electrical charge!). However, anything that uses lifestone, frostrock, or fire crystal, is magical because lifestone and its other two forms have special properties due to their proximity to lyrium. I'd say gear restrictions are based on descriptions rather than just a blanket "anything with green stats". After all, some items are simply higher quality than others, or are made out of some better or special material which gives them extra properties. I already made a list for myself of items I think fit the "non-magical" rule, even a few accessories that I think are more about the moral support or superstition of the people wearing them such as the Sailor's Charm that provides electricity resistance. Or of course the Warden's Oath that adds Constitution, but I see it more as making the Grey Warden have the resolve to endure more blows due to having the memory of the Joining and possibly the recruits who were lost. There aren't that many such accessories, but I think it's nice to be able to use some for this kind of lore/roleplaying flavor.
@@btiermutineer Sounds fair. (& probably what I would have "ruled" if I were to play such a challenge.)
Also, I just remembered that I had already done something (vaguely similar) to my "Generalist" warrior.
It was a city elf rogue & the only rule was to never take ANY ranks of the Combat Training skill! (aka no weapon talents)
This was for the Roleplaying reason that, while my deceased Mother DID train my in the basics of handling weapons & fighting, it was considered an embarrassment (secret shame) to my Father! (who wanted me to HIDE it from my bride-to-be) And I grew up with the rule that "Elves aren't allowed to have weapons".
Basically, it was meant to be a Trap Making, Genadier!
A "bit" underpowered (More D-Tier) unless you "cheat" and use the "PC Money glitch" & go directly to Soldier's Peak so you can get the Party Storage chest. & FILL it with Trap Triggers from Lothering. (Then it becomes closer to B-Tier)
Never finished, but I remember it was rather amusing/ interesting to play at times.
I didn't know there was a secret grey warden cache
Before I researched every single NPC-given item from the game, I also had no idea there was a secret cache with coins that Demon!Sophia can tell you about!
I value these dao content (thay come from actual ogs and not content creators to recycle 'used goods' on mainstream grounds---.) Like its a gold rush
You just got a new follower my friend
Thank you!
Great vid
@@Lakefront_Khan thank you!
How long does such a challange run take?
Starting items only challange? You think it would be even possible?
Great stuff, making comment for engagement
What's your thoughts on what you've seen of Vanguard so far?
If you mean Veilguard, I don't really like it. I was more positive early on when we just had some information about backgrounds for Rook, but the gameplay I've seen doesn't really feel like the kind of game I like to play. And more generally, something just feels off about it and I don't think it fits the "Dragon Age" IP. I think I would be way more excited about it if it was just a new Bioware RPG instead of a Dragon Age game specifically. Still willing to give the game a chance and play through it, but not very excited for it.
awesome video! thínking of putting awakening in these challenges?
@@TheMyrinet i thought about making a sequel to some of these challenges that can fit well in Awakening, but Awakening is quite different and weird in some ways, so it wouldn't fit for all the challenges. I'll see what I can do, though!
Would an all mages challenge be fun? or would it be overpowered?
@@alexsnewhandle it would be pretty overpowered if the mages could use all the spells, as well as many lyrium potions. I think it could be interesting if each mage could only cast spells from one school, and if there was a limited supply of lyrium potions! And since in total you can only have 3 mages (warden, wynne, morrigan) it could be more balanced with these limitations, maybe?
Nice, I like watching challenge runs because I never do them, although I think I prefer the theme/roleplay runs, I'm thinking of doing a "jedi" mage run
I'm usually the same with challenge runs, lol - this was the first challenge run I've ever completed! I usually just watch people doing them on YT, but there aren't really any interesting challenges for DAO that I've found so I had to make my own :D
Can you beat DAO by only controlling the dog?