Heard a rumor that if you send Irving into the fade AND have the Blood Mage specialization unlocked from a previous game [1], you could have him spec as a Blood Mage. --Tierrie 07:32, December 21, 2009 (UTC)
Irving Stats, Skills and Spells
Originally, I intended to add this info to Irving's Strategy sub-section, but I see it's gone. Feel free to move this info back to the Strategy section - in case it will get ressurected, that is :)
- From my experience, the rule is: Irving's level = PC level+1. If you do the Arl of Redcliffe quest after you hit level 13, Irving will have a specialization point ready for allocation. Two equally viable options are Spirit Healer and Blood Mage, as both grant an instant spellpower boost and a minor health/health regeneration bonus.
- Irving comes equipped with the Robe of First Enchanter, which is a very solid well-balanced mage gear. For some reason, though, he uses an Acolyte Staff for a weapon. Not that it matters much :)
- His initial stat distribution always follows the same pattern: ~60% magic, ~40% willpower. His stats as of level 16 were: Str 15, Dex 15, Wil 33, Mag 39, Cun 12, Con 10. He had Improved Herbalism, Expert Combat Training and Improved Combat Tactics.
- Irving's spell repertoire, similarly to his stats, is anything but random: he always has Mage, Lightning and Glyph trees maxed out, Hex tree almost maxed out, Heal, Spell Wisp, and Mana Drain. The startegy is simple: with Paralysis Explosion and a full array of Lightning spells he should have no problem at all in any encounter in the Fade. Overall, Irving is a safe and convenient choice if your party mage is not exactly solo combat-oriented.
- As a side note: Irving acts terribly out of character (i. e., selfishly or even cowardly) by initially refusing to enter Fade, because it is 'too much to ask of him'. Well, the designers probably just wanted to insert a Persuasion check in that dialogue. IN 17:25, February 6, 2010 (UTC)
P. S.: I am curious whether the game actually saves the specialization you give Irving when he enters the Fade. It's probably possible to figure it out when he joins the final fight vs. Archdemon, judging from the spells he uses. IN 17:34, February 6, 2010 (UTC)