Character creation is the essence of a role-playing game. You’re assuming the role of the game’s main character—and you can mold that character to your specific wants and needs. In Dungeon Siege II, you decide the character’s race, appearance, gender, and abilities. Character creation continues throughout the game as you gain new skills and powers. This chapter covers Dungeon Siege II’s four races and primary classes. You’ll find suggestions on pair- ing race with class; a rundown of character attributes and how each impacts health, mana, and damage; and an overview of the primary classes, with advantages and disadvantages presented for each.

◆ Best class pairing: Any Character Races The freedom to spend two points Deciding your character’s race is your first choice on skills of your choosing makes before joining the Morden mercenary ranks in the Human the most adaptable race. Champions of the Second Age storyline. Dungeon Instead of splitting skill points Siege II features four distinct races; each offers across classes like Dryads (Nature unique statistics and appearance. Consider your Magic and Ranged) and Elf (Melee choice carefully and base the decision on what type and Combat Magic), selecting Human of character you plan to create. Certain races are allows you to focus both skills better suited for certain classes, although no race points into the class discipline of limits your choice of classes, skills, or powers. And your choice. A Human combat mage note that gender has no bearing on your character could focus both skill points on attributes or available classes, skills, or powers. Devastation for increased combat- magic damage; a Human nature mage could focus This section reveals Dungeon Siege II’s four race both skills points on Aquatic Affinity for increased choices, their starting statistics, and suggestions for ice-magic damage and healing magic power (as race–class pairings. COPYRIGHTEDwell MATERIAL as unlock the Icicle Blast power); or a Human ranged fighter could assign both skill points to Human Critical Shot for added ranged weapon damage. ◆ 2 unspent skill points But what’s gained in adaptability is lost in focus. Remaining Human statistics, while cer- ◆ +2 Strength tainly positive, lack class-specific benefits. The ◆ +1 Dexterity Human doesn’t possess the improved healing ◆ +1 Intelligence rate of the Half-Giant, great for a fighter, or the ◆ +10% chance to find magic items enhanced mana recovery of the Elf, excellent

Races and Classes 1 ◆

44356_Part_01_Final.indd356_Part_01_Final.indd 1 77/17/05/17/05 11:35:04:35:04 PMPM for a mage. The Humans’ specific benefit is their ◆ +1 Dexterity increased chance to find magic items; Humans are ◆ +3 Intelligence born treasure hunters. ◆ +5% mana recovery ◆ Best class pairing: Combat Magic Dryad The Elf offers points in a melee skill, ◆ 1 point in Natural Bond (-6% to Critical Strike, and a combat-magic skill, mana cost of spells, can harvest Brilliance. Remaining bonuses, though, mana potions, Gravity Stone level 1) are skewed strictly toward a mage class. ◆ 1 point in Dodge (+4% chance to The Elf lacks the Half-Giant’s enhance- dodge melee or ranged attacks) ments to Strength and health regenera- tion for the Melee class, as well as the ◆ -2 Strength Dryad’s Dexterity bonus for the Ranged

◆ +4 Dexterity class. But the Elf features the best mage benefits ◆ +2 Intelligence of any race: the highest Intelligence bonus ◆ +10% death-magic resistance and an increased mana recovery rate. ◆ Female only Brilliance, which increases maxi- ◆ Best class pairing: Ranged, Nature mum mana, is a combat-magic skill Magic but certainly aids any discipline should you Developer A point in Natural Bond and Dodge skills makes Tip the Dryad a “natural” choice for the Nature Magic decide to select the Elf or Ranged class, but these skills can benefit other for Nature Magic pair- As a combat mage, stay classes as well. Natural Bond decreases the mana ing. The Elf is the only true to one elemen- cost of all spells; this is a valuable mage skill even if race to start the game tal tree: death (Grim you choose to switch to or multiclass Combat Magic. with two powers, Brutal Necromancy skill), Natural Bond also grants the ability to harvest mana Attack from the Critical Lightning (Amplified potions from mana bushes and is the prerequisite Strike skill and Energy Lightning skill) or fire for the Gravity Stone power. Dodge increases your Orb from the Brilliance (Searing Flames skill). chance of avoiding melee or ranged attacks, which skill. A Human could Spreading out your supports any class. gain a second power skill points will create a early depending on the weaker mage in the end. Even with this apparent skill versatility, other skills chosen for its —Jerry Pritchard, Tester races provide stronger pairings. The Melee class unspent points. should select the Half-Giant and his increased health regeneration, Fortitude skill, and Strength bonus. And the Elf’s enhanced mana recovery, better Half-Giant Intelligence, and Brilliance skill point offer a stron- ◆ 2 points in Fortitude (+10% to maximum health) ger complement for combat mages. ◆ +6 Strength The Dryad’s Dexterity bonus, the strongest of ◆ -2 Dexterity any race, increases base ranged damage. The Dryad ◆ +5% health regeneration is the optimum choice for a ranged player; if you’d ◆ Male only rather assign both skill points to Critical Shot (which

grants the Take Aim power), Human would be a bet- ◆ Best class pairing: Melee ter match for the Ranged class. The Half-Giant’s statistics leave little doubt regarding its optimum class pairing. Increased health regenera- tion, increased maximum health, and a Strength bonus Elf are ideal companions to the Melee class. Yet there are ◆ 1 point in Critical Strike (+8% chance to inflict a no limitations. You could groom your Half-Giant to be critical hit, Brutal Attack level 1) an ice mage, death mage, thrown weapons specialist— ◆ 1 point in Brilliance (+7% to maximum mana, any discipline you desire—but the giant’s statistics are Energy Orb level 1) paired best with close-quarters, hand-to-hand combat.

◆ 2 Character Races

44356_Part_01_Final.indd356_Part_01_Final.indd 2 77/17/05/17/05 11:35:06:35:06 PMPM Reduced Dexterity weakens the Half-Giant ers the basics of all four primary classes and reveals as a Ranged option and the lack of an strategic advantages and disadvantages for each. Intelligence bonus or any nature-magic or combat-magic skills gives other races the edge as superior mages. Melee Strength provides a bonus to minimum The Melee class emphasizes hand- and maximum melee damage and to-hand combat. To improve a melee has the strongest impact on health. character, Increased health regeneration and two wield a melee Tip points in Fortitude further enhance the weapon and Half-Giant’s role as a melee combatant. fight monsters All Melee characters can equip The downside is that the Half-Giant at close range. a single, one-handed melee starts the game lacking an available Increasing the weapon. But to equip a shield, the power, but two points in Fortitude Melee class Melee character must learn the lay a foundation for Whirling Strike. level increases Barricade skill; to equip a two- your charac- handed weapon, the Melee char- ter’s Strength at acter must learn Overbear; and Developer its highest rate, to equip dual one-handed weap- Tip which provides ons, the Melee character must select the Dual Wield skill. All of If you choose to emphasize Melee class, coordinate the best base these skills are first available at your weapon choice with your skill and power selec- health reserve melee level 5. tions. Notice that powers are specific to certain Melee possible. subclasses (dual wield, sword and shield, two-hand- Strength also ed). It helps to choose which style of melee you want impacts the Melee character’s bonus to minimum to use early in the game, and then focus on the skills and maximum melee weapon damage. that get you the appropriate powers for your favorite Through skills and powers, a Melee character weapon(s). —Chris Burns, Level Designer can specialize in two-handed weapon combat, one- handed weapon and shield combat, or dual-wielding combat. See Part 2 for details on creating each type Character Classes of specialized Melee character. Like its predecessor, Dungeon Siege The following list below covers the primary II features four pri- advantages and disadvantages of the Melee class. mary character class- Tip ◆ Highest base health of any class: Strength es: Melee, Ranged, has the largest impact on a character’s base New to Dungeon Siege II Combat Magic, and health reserve, and Melee characters boast the are character skills and Nature Magic. Also highest base Strength. as in the first game, powers, which are used ◆ High armor rating: Only the Melee class can you’ll learn by doing, to further hone your equip the game’s highest-rated armor offer- guiding your character character’s class. Focus ings, which makes Melee characters the most into a particular class. the Melee class on two- durable. Improve the Melee class handed weapons or dual-

by fighting monsters wielding. A nature mage ◆ Dependency on health potions: Melee char- with a melee weapon; could concentrate on ice- acters are usually the first into combat and improve the Ranged magic spells, buff spells, therefore the first under attack from melee, class by fighting mon- or summoned creatures. ranged, or mage enemies. Keep your Melee sters with a bow, cross- See Part 2 for comprehen- character fully stocked with health potions. bow, or thrown weapon; sive tips on maximizing ◆ Not easy to exploit enemy elemental weak- and improve Combat or a character’s potential nesses: Many monsters are weak to specific Nature Magic by casting with specific skill and elemental damage, such as ice or fire. Some spells of the respective power suggestions and melee weapons offer elemental damage, but type. This section cov- examples. not at the degree of a mage’s spells.

Races and Classes 3 ◆

44356_Part_01_Final.indd356_Part_01_Final.indd 3 77/17/05/17/05 11:35:12:35:12 PMPM ◆ Not easy to exploit enemy elemental weak- Ranged nesses: Many monsters are weak to specific The Ranged class emphasizes long- elemental damage, such as ice or fire. Some range combat. Increase your Ranged ranged weapons offer elemental damage, but class level by equipping a bow, not at the degree of a mage’s spells. crossbow, or thrown weapon. Building a Tip Combat Magic ranged character’s level Any Ranged charac- Combat Magic emphasizes fire, lightning, and death- primarily increases the ter can equip a bow. magic damage spells and curses. Increase your Dexterity attribute at However, to equip a cross- combat-magic level by equipping and casting combat- its highest rate, which bow, the Ranged charac- magic spells. Enhancing mage levels primarily increas- has a moderate effect ter must select the Biting es the Intelligence attribute, which has the greatest on health reserves and Arrow skill, first available affect on maximum mana reserves. Intelligence also provides a bonus to at ranged level 5. To determines the potency of most spells. minimum and maximum equip a thrown weapon, ranged weapon damage. the Ranged character Through skill and power selection, a combat magic character can specialize in fire magic, light- With specific skill must choose the Quick ning magic, or death magic (as well as curse spells and power selection, a Draw skill, also first avail- and summoned creatures). See Part 2 for details on Ranged character can able at ranged level 5. molding a powerful combat magic character. specialize in bow and crossbow combat or thrown-weapon combat. See This list covers the primary advantages and dis- Part 2 for strategies for creating each type of spe- advantages of the Combat Magic class. cialized Ranged character.This following list covers ◆ the primary advantages and disadvantages of the Dependency on mana: Health potions are Ranged class. the lifeblood of fighters, mana potions are the lifeblood of mages. All spells require mana. ◆ Maintain distance from enemy groups: A Without it, a mage is little more than a party Ranged character strikes from a distance (bow decoration. and crossbow range can be further increased ◆ Wide selection of elemental damage spells: through the Far Shot skill) and can assail ene- As the name suggests, combat magic is an mies several times before being attacked. offensive discipline and the combat mage has ◆ Hit-and-run techniques: A savvy Ranged char- a variety of fire, lightning, and death-magic acter can employ hit-and-run attacks against spells available. slower enemies. Maintain a safe distance, ◆ Support party members through curses: attack, move, and repeat. The combat mage can invoke curses on enemy ◆ Decent armor and health rating: Dexterity monsters that decrease monster resistances, doesn’t have as large an impact on health as which in turn support other party Strength does. However, the Ranged class strikes attackers. a balance between the high health and ◆ Low health and armor rating: armor rating availability of the Melee Both mage classes lack the high class and the low health and armor rating availability of the armor ratings of the mage classes. Tip Developer Like in the original Dungeon Siege, you are never Tip forced to adhere to a class selection. You can switch A significant Ranged character advantage is the disciplines at any time and even switch back again. But independence from potions. Distance from enemy Dungeon Siege II’s new skills and powers reward focus melee means many less health potions are required, and planning. Haphazardly switching classes or spend- while Ranged damage is dealt independent of mana ing skill points recklessly will weaken your character levels so mana potions are not required. —Bert in the long run. See Part 2 for detailed strategies on Bingham, Producer shaping your character class to its full potential.

◆ 4 Character Classes

44356_Part_01_Final.indd356_Part_01_Final.indd 4 77/17/05/17/05 11:35:16:35:16 PMPM Melee class; and high Intelligence, while having the greatest effect on mana reserves, also has the lowest impact on health reserves. Nature Magic Developer Nature Magic emphasizes ice-magic damage, enchant- Tip ment, heals, and summon creature spells. Raise your nature-magic level by equipping and using nature- Nature mages are an excellent support class and I magic spells. Like combat magic, increasing nature personally never leave town without one. A Nature magic primarily boosts Intelligence, which has the mage specialized in the Feral Wrath skill and using greatest impact on maximum mana reserves and the Wrath of the Bear spell to enchant the party is determines the potency of most spells. very effective—the spell increases critical hit chance. Give your Nature mage a Heal spell on autocast and Through your skill and power choices, a nature your health potion bill plummets. I usually use a heal- magic character can specialize in ice magic, over-time spell (Nourish) in autocast and an instant enchantment spells, healing, or summon creatures. heal spell (Heal) in an active slot for emergencies. For additional strategies on crafting a formidable —Sarah Boulian, Lead Level Designer nature magic character, see Part 2.

Character Attributes

All Dungeon Siege II characters have three primary attributes: Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence. Guiding your character into a specific class shapes these attributes, and the attributes, in turn, shape other aspects of your character.

• Strength : Every melee level gained raises your Strength by approximately three points (other stats rise one point). Strength is the largest factor in determining your character’s maximum health reserve, and it adds a bonus to minimum and maximum melee-weapon damage. Strength has virtually no impact on a character’s mana reserves. • Dexterity : Every ranged level gained raises your Dexterity by approximately three points (other stats rise one point). Dexterity is the second largest factor in determining your character’s maximum health reserve. Dexterity also adds a bonus to minimum and maximum ranged-weapon damage and has little effect on mana reserves. • Intelligence : Every combat-magic or nature-magic level gained raises your Intelligence by approximately three points (other stats rise one point). Intelligence is overwhelmingly the largest factor in determining your character’s maximum mana reserves and determines the effectiveness of mage spells. Intelligence has the smallest impact on maximum health. In Dungeon Siege II, attributes have no impact on your character’s armor rating, which is deter- mined entirely by gear and selected skills. Attributes also have no impact on a character’s chance of scoring a hit.

The list below reveals formulas for determining character health and mana reserves, plus bonuses to minimum and maximum melee and ranged damage.

• Health: [(Strength × 0.5) + (Dexterity × 0.39) + (Intelligence × 0.23)] × 5.0 • Mana: [(Strength × 0.01) + (Dexterity × 0.12) + (Intelligence × 0.87)] × 5.0 • Minimum Melee Damage Bonus: 0.75 × 0.2 × Strength • Maximum Melee Damage Bonus: 1.25 × 0.2 × Strength • Minimum Ranged Damage Bonus: 0.75 × 0.2 × Dexterity • Maximum Ranged Damage Bonus: 1.25 × 0.2 × Dexterity

Races and Classes 5 ◆

44356_Part_01_Final.indd356_Part_01_Final.indd 5 77/17/05/17/05 11:35:20:35:20 PMPM This following list covers the primary advantages But through skills and powers, ice magic can and disadvantages of the Nature Magic class. freeze monsters in their tracks. ◆ ◆ Dependency on mana: Nature mages require Low health and armor rating: Both mage mana for all spells. Mana feeds the mage’s abil- classes lack the high armor rating availability ity to cast damage, enchantment, or healing of the Melee class. High Intelligence, while hav- spells, as well as summons. Maintain a stock of ing the greatest effect on mana reserves, also mana potions to keep your mages active. has the lowest impact on health reserves. ◆ Support party members through enchant- ments, heals, and summons: Nature mages can serve primarily in a support role through a variety of enchantments (which include increasing resistances or improving health, mana, or power-recovery rate), heals, and crea- ture summons. ◆ Focus on ice elemental damage: Nature- magic damage spells are limited to ice magic. A nature mage can focus on attack through ice Character Classifications magic, or defense through enchantments and heals. Your character will carry a unique classification based on class level. A character with melee level 5 is a Soldier, but a character with melee and combat-magic level 5 is a Duelist. Table 1.1 reveals every pos- sible character classification. Table 1.1: Character Classifications Class Levels 1 to 4 Levels 5 to 10 Levels 11 to 19 Levels 20 to 49 Levels 50 to 99 Levels 100+ Melee Squire Soldier Warrior Knight Champion Grand Champion Ranged Bowyer Archer Marksman Sharpshooter Master Grandmaster Sharpshooter Sharpshooter Nature Magic Apprentice Theurgist Magician Grand Mage Arch Mage Supreme Arch Mage Combat Magic Savant Hedge Wizard Wizard Sorcerer Grand Sorcerer Grand High (Sorceress) (Grand Sorceress) Sorcerer (Grand High Sorceress) Melee, Ranged Man-at-Arms Skirmisher Raider Campaigner Crusader Grand Crusader (Woman-at-Arms) Melee, Nature Friar Curate Druid Preserver Grand Preserver Supreme Magic Preserver Melee, Combat Combatant Duelist Dragoon Warlock Grand Warlock Grand High Magic (Warwitch) (Grand Warwitch) Warlock (Grand High Warwitch) Ranged, Nature Scout Forester Ranger Warder (Wardess) Arch Ward (Arch Supreme High Magic Wardess) Ward (Supreme High Wardess) Ranged, Combat Jager Conjurer Channeler Matross Master Matross Grandmaster Magic Matross Nature Magic, Acolyte Shaman Scholar Magus Grand Magus Grand High Combat Magic Magus Melee, Ranged, Cavalier Marshal Paladin Templar Arch Templar Supreme Templar Nature Magic Melee, Ranged, Mercenary Gladiator Centurion Myrmidon Warlord (Warlady) Warlord Noble Combat Magic (Warlady Noble) Melee, Nature Initiate Mystic Sage Deacon Grand Deacon Grand High Magic, Combat (Deaconess) (Grand Deacon (Grand Magic Deaconess) High Deaconess) Ranged, Nature Adept Conjurer Thaumaturgist Evoker Senior Evoker Lord Evoker Magic, Combat (Lady Evoker) Magic Melee, Ranged, Freelance Journeyman Adventurer Master Grand Master Grand High Nature Magic, Siegemaster Combat Magic (Grand High Siegemistress)

◆ 6 Character Classifications

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