Classes and specializations (Origins)

Specializations are sub-class choices that further define and customize characters in Dragon Age: Origins. Specialization options are linked to the character's base class—warrior, rogue, or mage—and each character can have up to two specializations (three in Awakening). Most companions join the party with one specialization pre-selected and are thus able to take one more.

Basics
Specializations are achieved in two steps. Firstly, all specializations require unlocking through a trainer (a person who can teach it), a manual (purchased from a store), or a plot event. Specializations can be unlocked at any level and will stay unlocked on subsequent replays. Thus, it is possible, before making a decision that will get you a specialization but will cause approval loss for party members, to save, unlock the specialization and then revert to the save.

Secondly, in order to actually use the unlocked specialization the character must spend specialization points. Characters will receive one specialization point at level 7 and another at level 14. Specialization points can be saved for later levels or used mid-level (the "Level Up" button on the stats sheet will be active if there are unspent specialization points). In Awakening, a third specialization point is granted at level 22.

Taking a specialization grants a one-time bonus to attributes and unlocks special talents tied to the specialization. Note that attribute bonuses granted by specializations are applied as attribute modifiers (similar to equipped items) and do not modify the base attribute values. Talents and spells with an attribute requirement check for base attribute values only, meaning specialization attribute bonuses will not unlock talents or spells if you lack the listed attribute value that is required to learn a specific talent/spell.

Unlocking
is unlocked by Oghren or a manual available from Gorim in Denerim. is unlocked by accepting the reward for completing Arl of Redcliffe. is unlocked by Kolgrim after siding with him in The Urn of Sacred Ashes. is unlocked by Alistair or a manual available from Bodahn in Party Camp.

Unlocking
is unlocked by Zevran or a manual available from Alarith in Denerim. is unlocked by Leliana or a manual available from Alimar in Orzammar. is unlocked by Isabela in Denerim after beating her in a game, sleeping with her, or persuading her. is unlocked by a manual available from Bodahn in Party Camp.

Unlocking
is unlocked by a soul trapped in a phylactery encountered in The Elven Tombs during Nature of the Beast. is unlocked by the Desire Demon during Arl of Redcliffe if the Warden is a mage, enters the Fade personally, and requests arcane secrets. is unlocked by Morrigan or a manual available from Varathorn in the Dalish Camp. is unlocked by a manual available from Wonders of Thedas in Denerim or from Levi Dryden in Soldier's Peak (the latter requiring the Warden's Keep DLC).

=Awakening Specializations=

Unlocking
is unlocked through a manual purchased from Herren at Vigil's Keep. is unlocked through a manual purchased from Octham the Grocer at the City of Amaranthine.

Unlocking
is unlocked through a manual purchased from Glassric the Weaponsmith at the City of Amaranthine. is unlocked through a manual purchased from Yuriah at Vigil's Keep.

Unlocking
is unlocked through a manual purchased from Ambassador Cera in Vigil's Keep. is unlocked through a manual purchased from Master Henley at the City of Amaranthine