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A R C H M A G E
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This package extends the mage class in several new interesting ways.

The result is a mage with a powercurve akin to DnD.
(Which is part of a running gag. See: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/LinearWarriorsQuadraticWizards).

Now the game balance wasn't designed for this kind of progressions, so this results in a sort of cheatery pack.
Which is why it currently works only on player character mages.
There is also an optional download override to make it work on all mages as well.

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! ! ! I M P O R T A N T ! ! !
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There are some very noteworthy COMPATILITY notes here:
1. The pack was created using:
-Awakening(the expansion)
-All major DLC
-Awakening in the OC(http://dragonage.nexusmods.com/mods/920)

And since I'm too lazy to test compatility without any of those you'll have to make do.

2. Because of the a problem I encountered during the making of this, I had to make the pack
by modifying(i.e. overriding) some very core game files.
These are:
-rules_core
-player_core
-all abilities

Therefore, this should be used at YOUR OWN RISK.

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! ! ! I M P O R T A N T ! ! !
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The pack consists of several components:
1. A line of new spells.
2. A whole slew of new Metamagic Skills.
3. Various other fixes and tweaks(some taken from other mods, credits below).
4. New levelcap of 60.

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1. New Spells
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1. Spirit Link
The mage creates a link through the fade for all party members, distributing 50% of incoming damage to other party members. Damage received through this link is never fatal, instead dispelling the effect for that party member.

2. Fade Seer
By tapping into the Fade the Seer is able to see a moment into the future, and can avoid a fatal hit, provided he can pass a Mental Resistance check. If a hit has been resisted in the last 15 seconds the next fatal hit instead is reduced to half damage.

3. Channel Vitality
The mage creates a channel through the fade, drawing from party member's life and mana/stamina to bolster a single ally. Decreases fatigue by 10-25%. Increases max life and mana/stamina by 10-25%. Draws 10% of other party member's current life and mana/stamina and applies it to target as a regeneration over 15 seconds.

4. Avatar
The mage becomes one with the Fade, a living avatar of magic in the mortal realm, gaining a large bonus to mana regeneration, spell power and a greater proficiency in casting spells.
Increases mana regeneration by 20, spell power by 50 and reduces fatigue by 20%.

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2. NEW METAMAGIC SKILLS
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New category for these in the skills page.

Now, with a level of 60 and a few tomes you do get like 25 skill points.
This means you will eventually be able to level up most if not all relevant skills (including the metamagics)
but you better be prepared to suck up every ounce of xp there is to be had(incl. Awakening and all DLC).

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Arcane mastery
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Provides a passive bonus to mana regeneration.

The mage has focused on maintaing a stronger connection
to the Fade, thereby gaining a large bonus to mana regeneration.

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Extend Spell
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Extends the durations of various spells based on spellpower.

The mage has focused on efficiency and is now able to extend
the duration of his spells based on spellpower.

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Spell Penetration
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Spells are less likely to be resisted by creatures.

The mage has become adept at overcoming the defenses of creatures,
gaining a bonus to all resistance checks.

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Spell Shaping
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The mage has practiced shaping and directing the arcane energies of his spells,
reducing the damage taken by friendly characters, at the expense of some of the caster's mana.

Damage reduction and mana cost is based on difficulty level.

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3. TWEAKS AND FIXES
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I've included only noncontroversial and compatible fixes and changes.


1. Various spell fixes(i.e. adding proper resistance checks, making sure Chain Lightning does not fizz out of the 1st target dies.)

2. Fixes the codex bug in the Arl Eamon quest.

3. Makes most spells no longer require the weapon to be sheathed(BATTLEMAGE HUZZAH!, overrides abi_base).

4. Ties even more spell effects to Spellpower.

5. Removes almost all sustained abilities visual effects.

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Additonal notes: All sources are available as well.
This includes detailed changes and technical and design notes.

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Legal
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Feel free to distribute, modify and whatnot as long as you credit the original authors.


Credits:
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Bioware for producing this lovely game.
Dheuster for the original Spell Shaping mod(http://dragonage.nexusmods.com/mods/483), which gave me part of the idea for this pack.

Martixy(me) for putting all of that together(phew, it was frustrating at times because of all the things that did not work as expected).

That is all folks.
Enjoy.