Keeper

Keeper is one of the specializations available to the mage class in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening

Keepers in Thedas
A Keeper is a leader of Dalish elves, both in the spiritual sense, as well as the literal. They are not thought of as rulers, however. The families within a clan listen to their Keeper because the Keeper is wise, and it is tradition. Keepers are also responsible for knowing the clan's ancient lore, and passing it on to the others in the clan. Without a keeper, the clan's knowledge is lost forever.

The Keepers are the Dalish mages, though each clan will seldom or never have more than two fully trained mages. These mages are the Keeper and the Keeper's apprentice. The apprentice is referred to as the First (First meaning the next in line of succession). Though there is only one First in a clan at any time, there can be many candidates for the apprenticeship.

The Templars are aware that each Dalish clan has a Keeper and so hunt the Dalish. This is one of the reasons why the elves remain nomadic.

Unlocking

 * Manual purchased from Master Henley at the City of Amaranthine

Notable Keepers

 * Lanaya (possible)
 * Zathrian
 * Marethari
 * Merrill
 * Velanna

Strategys
A very high area of effect non-friendly fire DPS is achievable when One With Nature is coupled with the blood mage ability Blood Wound Which also paralyses most enemy's allowing One With Nature to more safely damage. To increase the damage further, with enough constitution, Nature's Vengeance can be used after the DoT's have been placed and the new Awakening Mage spell Time Spiral can be used to plant yet another stackable blood wound ability and Nature's Vengence if required. This technique becomes even more devastating with two mages and is likely safest with a rogue (for trap detecting as the mages need to get up close) and a Tank (mages may still be vulnerable, after all there expelling health.