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Dragon's Dogma
A Guide to Mastery of the Pure Magical Vocations
Mage and Sorcerer Guide
Enumerated Contents
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A. Author's Introductory Whim
B. The "Why" Behind the Magical Vocations
C. Interviewing The Mage And Sorcerer
D. An Exclusive Inquiry Of THE MAGE Skills
1. Spells
2. Core Skills
3. Augments
E. An Exclusive Inquiry of THE SORCERER Skills
1. Spells
2. Core Skills
3. Augments
F. Tips: Surviving Or Not
For the unbiased use of the PS3 and Xbox360 consoles. I do not mention any
particular controller buttons, just the control effects.
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- - - - - Author's Introductory Whim - - - - -
CAPCOM has captivated many prospective players with its release of Dragon's
Dogma alongside its many new innovative advancements in customization,
gameplay, storyline, and the inclusion of a whole new universe.
I am writing this guide for first time players who find appeal with the unique
and deadly gameplay of the Magical Vocations or for advanced players who wish
to examine firsthand the unique fighting style of these vocations.
My primary purpose of this guide is to help players tailor their characters
based on their preferred style and to encourage exploration. I prefer
that you not waste Discipline Points on skills that give such wonderful
descriptions and yet such dissapointing performance and thus I give you a
compendium of Magical Abilities.
For you who are beginning your journey, you will find that skills require
Displine Points: numerical values that you will earn and acquire as you fight
monsters or complete quests all over Gransys. Worry not friend, as you will
discover that such such task is neither arduous nor complicated.
I welcome all to read, to enjoy, and find solace that you will not regret
selecting such powerful vocations. In any case, this is my first FAQ and I am
quite nervous about its content. Feedback would be appreciated.
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- - - - - The "Why" Behind the Magical Vocations - - - - -
Many of your, regardless of your gaming skills and experience, will usually
question your own choice of character.
"Why must I choose the Mage if I forsake defense?"
"Why must I choose the Mage if I can battle up close and personal?"
"Why can't I just have a Mage as a Pawn?"
"Why do I say Mage if I ACTUALLY mean both Mage and Sorcerer?"
Well no vocation in the game is more or less stronger in terms of overall
attributes. A Mage is strong and weak in his/her own right as all the other
vocations in the game.
If you must ask these questions, then here are questions for you?
1. Do you prefer gameplay that commands others to mitigate damage and
aid you as distraction while you employ powerful devastating spells to
finish the battle?
2. Do you prefer the simplicity that comes with just standing and casting?
3. Are you willing to face enemies head on?
4. Do you trust your pawns enough to back you up once you are in the fray?
5. If Johnny brandishes a sword and Angela conjures a Tornado, who do you
think will get the job done more effectively?
If you have a great taste for the devastating powers of the Arcane and the
desire to manifest your rage and might on the battlefield with pure devastation
then the Mage or the Sorcerer vocations is the job for you.
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- - - - - Interviewing The Mage And Sorcerer - - - - -
I am certain that those who wish to indulge in the subtle art of Magic and
Sorcery will have undoubtedly selected any of these 2 vocations. Be warned,
such powerful arcane arts come at a price: Strenuous Cast Time. As with the
other vocations, you will experience the advantages and flaws as well as
encounter the difficulties that many, such as myself, will have faced.
What differentiates the Mage and Sorcerer from other vocations is their
exclusive use of Staves to cast magic in all its forms.
DEFENSIVE CAPABILITIES
In terms of defense, the Mages and Sorcerers suffer from physical damage
greater than any of the other vocations. Only with proper armor or armor rating
and a "survivalist" attitude of gameplay will your Mage or Sorcerer fare a
better chance at surviving punishing physical blows. Of course, needless to say
those who employ the use of magicks also have strong defenses against them.
IN COMPARISON....
Shields and plated armor are to Fighters and Warriors as evasive maneuvers are
to Striders and Rangers. In comparison, Mages and Sorcerers will find none of
that. The only way to avoid the dangers of battle is not be light of foot and
simply jump out of harm's way or dash towards a safer location.
Be Advised, in the Midst of Battle
1. Pawns are "Pawns". They will take damage for you and can be revived.
2. YOU cannot be revived by pawns.
3. Curatives ARE ESSENTIAL.
4. It's alright to be in the fray of battle. As long as you make exclusive
use of spells that take shorter time to cast.
5. Invoke spells of LONG CAST TIMES from afar and away from enemy eyes.
This is A MUST for bosses.
6. DO NOT ATTEMPT to finish spells when an enemy charges towards your
direction. JUMP out of the way to cancel a spell and evade.
7. ALWAYS BE MINDFUL of your Stamina.
8. A fatigued Mage is a "sitting duck" Mage.
9. Charge powerful spells early before approaching fearsome opponents.
10. When overpowered........RUN FOR DEAR LIFE.
11. Golems are IMMUNE to Magic. Except for certain debilitations...
During your tenure as a Mage/Sorcerer you will find that your Vocation Rank
will increase as you delve deeper into the mystic arts and fight more often.
Through your advancement you will gain skills of higher rank and more powerful
effects.
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- - - - - An Exclusive Inquiry Of THE MAGE Skills - - - - -
External Source:
http://dragonsdogma.wikia.com/wiki/Mage
The Wikia page is extremely helpful and I am pleased to share such information
as basis for my guide.
The Quoted Description:
= Masters of elemental magicks. Mages rain down damage on their enemies while
keeping their party alive with restorative abilities.
Weapon: Staff
- Primary Attack: Magical Bolts from the Staff
- Heavy Attack: A heavy swing of the staff.
Mages have 3 Primary and 3 Secondary Skill Slots as well as 7 Augments Slots
for use.
All That is Good In A Good Mage
- Spells have shorter cast times.
- Restorative Magic to cure and heal allies.
- Enchantments to add elemental damage to weapons.
- Enhancing capabilities and low-level Debilitating Magic.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note: I will rate skills based on personal experience and its usefulness, not
merely by its power.
1. STAFF SKILLS (more commonly known as Spells)
= = = = = = Ingle = = = = = =
Element: Fire
Required Vocation Rank: N/A
Description: Looses a ball of fire that explodes upon contact engulfing both
the target and surrounding foes.
Discipline Points Cost: N/A
Appearance: Your Mage will send a large ball of fire at a targeted enemy from
the staff. It burns targets for a few seconds before dying out.
Personal Rating: ****
It will serve as your staple skill in the early beginning of
your career. Many creatures in Gransys such as wolves,
goblins, harpies, undead, and ghosts are weak to fire. Even
those who can resist it will find themselves burning in
flames from being hit by it. Keep it as a Primary Skill at
ALL COSTS (well in my case anyways).
= = = = = = Frazil = = = = = =
Element: Ice
Required Vocation Rank: 1
Description: Creates a concentrated field of cold in front of the user that
freezes solid whatever enemies it visits.
Discipline Points Cost: 200
Appearance: After charging and releasing the spell the Mage will be
surrounded by cold aura. Hitting the Light or Heavy Attack
button will prompt the Mage to end the spell but cast a wave
of cold in front of it.
Personal Rating: **
At first I thought this would be a good Ice spell to balance
out my mage. The many drawbacks of this spell is the need
for enemies to be actually in front of you for the spell to
work. Most of the time you will find foes moving around for
the purpose of evading your attacks and countering. The
range is limited so unless you are confident in being close
to a slow and BIG boss monster and casting this spell
without being hit then do so. While the spell is in effect
it deals small damage to foes that enter the aura's
vicinity. You will also remain in walking speed and your
Stamina will drain constantly.
= = = = = = Levin = = = = = =
Element: Thunder
Required Vocation Rank: 1
Description: Smites the enemy from above with tongues of lightning.
Especially effective at driving foes out of hiding.
Discipline Points Cost: 200
Appearance: Do not be fooled by the word "tongue" as you will not see Thunder
"licking" at your foe. Instead it takes the form of ordinary
lightning bolts striking your foe from above.
Personal Rating: ****
If you will ever continue your Mage career, Levin is a
staple skill you cannot hope to miss. Ingle is cast from the
staff and will hit the enemy unless a physical object
hinders its path. As soon as you target the foe, Levin will
strike purple lightning from above regardless of their
relative location from you. It IS GOOD for attacking enemies
behind trees, rocks, bushes, or walls. It's also good for
precision striking.
= = = = = = High Ingle = = = = = =
Element: Fire
Required Vocation Rank: 3
Description: An advanced form of Ingle that increases the number of
projectiles.
Discipline Points Cost: 700
Appearance: You will release 3 shots of fire instead of just 1.
Personal Rating: *****
A more powerful version of Ingle will punish monsters with
3 powerful barrages of fire. 3 times the damage along with
the burning effect makes this indispensible.
= = = = = = High Frazil = = = = = =
Element: Ice
Required Vocation Rank: 3
Description: An advanced form of Frazil that expands the area of effect.
Discipline Points Cost: 700
Appearance: The wave of cold forward will be expanded to reach a greater arc
of coverage in front of you.
Personal Rating: ***
It's an improvement in terms of its range and power. Not
my favorite but feel free to favor its use.
= = = = = = High Levin = = = = = =
Element: Thunder
Required Vocation Rank: 3
Description: An advanced form of Levin that generates more lightning.
Discipline Points Cost: 700
Appearance: Just as the description says.
Personal Rating: *****
The increased bolts increase the power of this attack.
Strong enough to sever the tail of a Saurian and make a
cyclops drop its club or damage its eye.
= = = = = = (Fire, Ice, Thunder, Holy, Dark) Boon
Element: Whichever you pick.
Required Vocation Rank: 1 for the basic elements. 3 for Holy and Dark.
Description: Launches a bolt of magic that enchants an ally's weapon with
elemental power.
Discipline Points Cost: 200 for basic elements. 500 for Holy and Dark.
Appearance: You will launch a bolt at yourself or an ally and will make their
weapon/s glow in a color according to their element.
Personal Rating: ***
An early beginning of the game will recommend this skill.
If you will not have it then at least hire a pawn that
possesses such skill. It is invaluable as it adds damage to
the magical bolts that you fire from your staff.
= = = = = = Anodyne and High Anodyne = = = = = =
Element: Curative
Required Vocation Rank: 7 for High Anodyne
Description: Invokes a Magic Sigil which recovers the Health of those who
enter.
An advanced form of Anodyne that whose sigil is larger, and
persists for a longer period of time, and recovers more Health.
Targets will also be healed for a small amount of time after
leaving the sigil.
Discipline Points Cost: 2800 for High Anodyne
Appearance: A dome of green "warped" energy that heals you. High Anodyne will
feature a larger dome.
Personal Rating: *****
Regardless of whether you stick with Anodyne or upgrade to
High Anodyne, this skill is invaluable with every Mage.
You may choose to hire a pawn with a skill instead but it is
essential that your party have this skill. A pawn will
cast it automatically when you ask for "help" from a pawn
and you see grey bars on your health bar. Be warned that
Anodyne will only recover your health to the maximum limit
and not to its full capacity. Only curatives and inns may
do that for you.
= = = = = = Halidom and High Halidom = = = = = =
Element: Restorative
Required Vocation Rank: 3 for Halidom. 7 for High Halidom.
Description: Invokes a magical sigil which clears the following from those
who enter: Poison, Torpor, Silence, Burns, and Frostbite.
An advanced form of Halidom whose sigil persists for a longer
period of time and cures a wider variety of debilitations.
Discipline Points Cost: 800 for Halidom. 2800 for High Halidom.
Appearance: A dome of blue "warped" energy that restores your from
certain debilitations. High Halidoms features a larger dome.
Personal Rating: *****
Throughout your journeys, you will inevitably encounter
reptiles and insects spraying poison at you, spells that
prevent you from moving a lot (torpor), spells that
prevent you from casting magic (Yes..even Halidom),
having explosives and Flasks of Oil thrown at you, and
Freezing spells. Halidom from you OR A PAWN protects you
from that.
= = = = = = (Fire, Ice, Thunder, Holy, Dark) Affinity = = = = = =
Element: According to spell.
Required Vocation Rank: 6
Description: An advanced form of Boon that extends and amplifies the
enchantment, as well as the recipients's magic.
Discipline Points Cost: 1200
Appearance: Same as Boon
Personal Rating: ****
The effects of Affinity is greater than Boon. You will
benefit greatly with a Mage pawn that possesses any of these
Affinity spells. You will be disappointed to realize that
ordinary magic bolts from the staves are weak and will
almost depend on Affinity spells to boost power.
= = = = = = Blearing and High Blearing = = = = = =
Element: Debilitating
Required Vocation Rank: 4 for Blearing. 6 for High Blearing.
Description: Invokes a magic sigil around the user that Blinds foes who
enter.
An advanced form of Blearing whose sigil is larger and persists
for a longer period of time.
Discipline Points Cost: 1000 for Blearing. 1400 for High Blearing.
Appearance: The Mage conjures a dome of black-purple energy, black round
lines, and black smoke around him. The Sorcerer can sustain
the spell so long as stamina allows it.
Personal Rating: ***
What makes this spell so useful is the ability to blind
multiple small foes to large monstrous creatures. Some of
you who's play style involves subterfuge and debilitations,
then Blearing is a great skill for you to use. More
offense-oriented players such as myself have no use for
such a spell. Be warned that once this spell is cast your
Mage will maintain walking speed for the duration of the
spell until you jump to cancel it or run out of stamina.
= = = = = = Silentium and High Silentium = = = = = =
Element: Debilitating
Required Vocation Rank: 4 for Silentium. 6 for High Silentium.
Description: Invokes a magic sigil around the user that Silences foes who
enter.
An advanced form of Silentium whose sigil is larger and persists
for a longer period of time.
Discipline Points Cost: 1000 for Silentium. 1400 for High Silentium.
Appearance: The Mage conjures a dome of transparent black-purple energy,
circular red lines, and dark smoky energy that surrounds him/her.
The spell remains in effect so long as stamina is not depleted.
Personal Rating: **
My rating is a bit lower than for Blearing due to its
restrictions on magic-users. You will not encounter much
magic-users around Gransys except for the occasional
Chimera, the Drake, rare Undead Mages, and some Sorcerer
bandits. The last thing you will want to do is Silence
your opponents whilst they - since they are usually in
groups - use their time to attack you. It shares the same
drawback as Blearing: walking speed while the spell remains
in effect and can be cancelled by jumping, getting hit, or
running out of stamina.
= = = = = = Comestion and High Comestion = = = = = =
Element: Fire
Required Vocation Rank: 5 for Comestion. 7 for High Comestion.
Description: Generates a towering wall of flame, though only modest in power,
it ignites adversaries with ease.
An advanced form of Comestion that expands the wall of flame.
Discipline Points Cost: 1400 for Comestion. 1800 for High Comestion.
Appearance: Your Mage will conjure a wall of flame in a location that you
specify with the camera in front of you. High Comestion features
a larger and more powerful wall.
Personal Rating: ***
The spell conjures a wall of flame to a targeted location
and deal fire damage. It may also apply the burning effect
on some enemies but what makes Comestion so impressive is
its concussive shockwave that launches foes into the air.
High Comestion will give you a more powerful wall of fire
as well as a stronger shockwave. It's rather damaging as
well.
= = = = = = Frigor and High Frigor = = = = = =
Element: Ice
Required Vocation Rank: 5 for Frigor. 7 for High Frigor.
Description: Generates a giant chunk of ice that can serve as a stepping
stone.
An advanced form of Frigor that generates 3 chunks of ice. The
last one can be used as a stepping stone.
Discpline Points Cost: 1400 for Frigor. 1800 for High Frigor.
Appearance: At the end of charging this spell your Mage will raise large
spiky chunks of ice at a targeted opponent or body part.
If it hits no target it becomes a stepping stone. High Frigor
raises 3 consecutive chunks of ice with the third becoming the
stepping stone.
Personal Rating: ***
During my tenure as a Mage, High Frigor has become a staple
skill in my Primary set, replacing Frazil. Calling upon this
spell will not only hit the target but also targets that
happen to be within range of the icy chunks. The cast time
is long, but the damage is undeniable. I don't waste time
with it on multiple foes, however, and keep its use
against bigger monsters such as Chimeras and Cyclops,
although I make sure I'm out of its sight and target range
first.
= = = = = = Brontide and High Brontide = = = = = =
Element: Thunder
Required Vocation Rank: 5 for Brontide. 7 for High Brontide.
Description: Wraps the user's body in a whip-like bolt of lightning capable
of damaging foes.
An advanced form of Brontide that endures for longer periods of
and drops lightning where it lands.
Discipline Points Cost: 1400 for Brontide. 1800 for High Brontide.
Appearance: The Mage will create a long tendril of lightning that extends
from the left hand and electrocutes anything it touches.
One may use the Light or Heavy Attack buttons to use Brontide as
a whip. Jumping will cancel the spell and result in lightning
bolts hitting the field around you.
Personal Rating: ****
For the many sadistic players out there, this is the skill
for you. The fact that you cannot run or jump without
dispelling Brontide reduces its star rating. But this spell
will also deplete stamina as long you keep using it.
Brontide is part of the advanced elemental set with
Comestion and Frigor just as Ingle, Frazil, and Levin are
part of the basic elemental set. What distinguishes
Brontide is the fact that its cast time is extremely short
compared to Comestion and Frigor; as well as higher damage
especially when inflicted on boss monsters. If it took you
a few minutes to sever the serpent of the Chimera, expect to
sever it in half the time with a well-aimed Brontide.
High Brontide will add Levin bolts to wherever your whip
hits and adds more Levin bolts once the spell is cancelled.
= = = = = = Grapnel and High Grapnel = = = = = =
Element: Dark
Required Vocation Rank: 5 for Grapnel. 8 for High Grapnel.
Description: Sends forth tendrils of dark energy that can bind a foe for a
time.
Appearance: Just like the description says.
Discipline Points Cost: 1800 for Grapnel. 5000 for High Grapnel.
Personal Rating: **
The great part of Grapnel is it can damage foes gradually,
albeit insignificantly. It can also hold an opponent in
place regardless of its size. The bad part outweighs the
good, however. First of all, as long as the spell is in
effect you must remain in place. Not very good when dealing
with multiple foes. Second of all, the spell must target a
foe and it takes a while for the tendril to grab the
target. The spell works like a yo-yo: it reaches the target,
grabs hold, and then recoiling back after its duration is
complete. If you MISS then you will wait a few while before
you are free from the spell. Missing will do you NO good
when battling a LARGE BEAST or MULTIPLE foes as you will be
vulnerable. Once you caught an opponent though, they are
bound in place and it is effective as it is.
= = = = = = Spellscreen and High Spellscreen = = = = = =
Element: Enhancement
Required Vocation Rank: 8 for Spellscreen, 9 for High Spellscreen.
Description: Invokes a magickal sigil around the user that enhances
attributes. The user may move while the sigil is active.
An advanced form of Spellscreen that enhances the user's
attributes for a longer duration.
Discipline Points Cost: 5000 for Spellscreen. 7000 for High Spellscreen.
Appearance: The Mage creates a dome of warped energy around him/herself.
Personal Rating: *
Remember that you only have a maximum of 6 skills that you
can equip in your arsenal and you cannot afford an
attribute-enhancing spell while sacrificing your more
offensive, curative, enchanting, or debilitating skills.
It allows you to improve certain attributes but the effects
are not too significant anyways.
PS: I sort of need more info from more experienced players.
2. CORE SKILLS
- These are your Utility, Light Attacks, and Heavy Attacks derivatives.
= = = = = = Levitate = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 2
Description: Mitigates gravity's pull, enabling a gentle landing from even
greater heights.
Discipline Points Cost: 600
Usage: Press and hold jump while in mid-air.
Personal Rating: ***
I've used it a LOT whenever I jump. I use it to jump off
short cliffs and land on the slanted area so I can just
slide down than fall. And I use it to travel between
elevated areas rather than going down then up again. Be
warned: you will only levitate for a short period of time.
And THIS WILL NOT help you survive if you jump off a higher
elevation. I tried jumping off a ravine once and used
levitate just before hitting the ground, hovering for a bit.
After the spell stopped I hit the ground and died.
= = = = = = Magick Agent = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 6
Description: Conjures spheres of magickal energy around the user to attack
encroaching foes.
Discipline Point Cost: 3000
Usage: Press and hold the Heavy Attack button to charge the skill. Release it
once you see the small orbs revolving around the Stave.
Personal Rating: ***
I cannot emphasize the fact that you are vulnerable when
charging spells. As a Mage you are also susceptible more to
physical attacks. Magick Agent will release orbs of magical
energy around you to hit enemies that come too close. Though
the damage isn't all that great but it helps stave off a
few foes. The orbs adopt the property of whatever Boon or
Affinity your Stave has at the moment. Oh and you can keep
the spell charging for as long as you wish even if your
Stave is on your back and even when sprinting and jumping.
You can't levitate or cast spells while doing this though.
= = = = = = Focused Bolt = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 6
Description: Focuses the user's active enchantment into a powerful burst that
can be fired from the ground or air.
Discipline Points Cost: 3000
Usage: Press and hold the Light Attack button to charge the skill. Once you
see three orbs revolving around the Stave, release it to fire the
charged bolt.
Personal Rating: *****
It is a more powerful version of a magical bolt fired
directly from your Stave. It fires three concentrated bolts
of magical energy that can knock off non-boss opponents
away. It acquires the element of the Stave as well.
I have once used magical bolts, Magick Agent, and Focused
Bolt in succession to annihilate a whole contingent of
bandits once. Just make sure to move around a lot. And YES
you CAN move around, jump, and sprint while this skill is
charging; you cannot cast spells or levitate though.
3. AUGMENTS
- All vocations have their specific augments and can be carried over even
if you change vocations. It is very useful. Augments are more so
passive skills that are always in effect.
= = = = = = Equanimity = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 2
Description: While your health is critical, Magic is amplified 1.5 times.
Discipline Points Cost: 700
Personal Rating: **
I have replaced the Augment once I changed vocation to make
room for a better Augment. Never should your character
be, or even linger in, a critical health level as it
partially obscures your vision and hearing as well as leave
you vulnerable to ambush, unseen, or unprovoked attacks.
In the early beginnings you must have this skill to
offset your loss from inexperience. But take heed from
such mistakes and never allow your health to fall to
critical levels. Curatives are important here.
= = = = = = Intervention = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 2
Description: Damage is reduced by 15% when you are debilitated by the Five
Archmagicks.
Discipline Points Cost: 700
Personal Rating: **
The Five Archmagicks are Miasma, Lassitude, Blearing,
Silentium, and Petrifcation. They inflict Poison,
Torpor, Blinding, Silencing, and Petrification. Amongst
these, Poison is your only problem since it is the only
debilitation that will not disappear unless restored by a
curative. The rest should disappear after a while. This
augment will prove useful as to avoid taking too much
damage if you are poisoned, if you cannot see, cannot cast
spells, slowed down, or cannot move. Usually when afflicted
by such spells the natural thing to do is run around and
avoid trouble. My experience has deemed this augment not
necessary as only Chimeras and Sorcerer bandits can inflict
such debilitations and are usually cast on pawns who are
engaging ahead of me while I stand back to cast spells.
This is USEFUL in the beginning but not so much once a
better augment comes along.
= = = = = = Apotropaism = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 4
Description: Magick Defense is increased by 30.
Discipline Points Cost: 1800
Personal Rating: **
The Mage itself already possesses great Magic Resistance.
Although you cannot let its own weapon be its greatest
drawback. You must always keep this skill unless an Augment
of a different vocation suits you better. Remember though
that you will not encounter magic-users as much as you
would expect.
= = = = = = Beautitude = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 4
Description: Increases the duration of Curative Magick
Discipline Points Cost: 1800
Personal Rating: **
I do not find it useful as I, after a battle, remain in
place where an Anodyne or Halidom dome would be to heal.
In the midst of battle I walk in and out as necessary to
avoid getting hit. Beautitude does not affect gameplay as
much as it would seem as this was the very last augment I
purchased for my Mage. And I did very well without it.
Although, as for any Augment, I recommend you keep it active
until a better one comes in play.
= = = = = = Perpetuation = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 7
Description: Increases the duration of enchantments.
Discipline Points Cost: 3500
Personal Rating: ****
The heavy costs can be overseen by its effects. You will
almost always want a Boon or an Affinity on your Stave as
much as possible due to its additional damage. It doesn't
only work on enchantments cast BY YOU, as a Mage. It also
applies to enchantments cast by a Mage Pawn.
= = = = = = Attunement = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 9
Description: Augments Magick.
Discipline Points Cost: 7000
Personal Rating: ****
If you decide to switch to a Sorcerer you will find an
Augment that "Greatly Augments Magick". Attunement is basic
and will help you out as a Mage. Unless you wish to
switch to a Sorcerer, keep this Augment in place.
= = = = = = Inflection = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 9
Description: Halves the damage taken while preparing spells.
Discipline Points Cost: 7000
Personal Rating: ****
You cannot avoid the fact that many foes will land a blow
upon your vulnerable state when in the midst of charging a
spell, especially against multiple foes such as goblins and
bandits. This Augment will reduce the damage you take while
in the midst of a spell charge. You will find Inflection
invaluable even as a Sorcerer as their spells take a lot
longer to charge up.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- - - - - An Exclusive Inquiry Of THE SORCERER Skills - - - - -
External Source:
http://dragonsdogma.wikia.com/wiki/Sorcerer
The Wikia page is extremely helpful and I am pleased to share such information
as basis for my guide.
The Quoted Description:
= Scholed in the Arcane Arts, Sorcerers deploy the deadliest of Magicks in
battle. From meteor showers, massive ice spikes, and deadly necromancy,
Sorcerers are truly an awesome force to behold and should never be
underestimated.
Weapon: Archistaves
- Primary Attack: Magical Bolts from the Staff
- Heavy Attack: A heavy Force Push from their palms.
Mages have 3 Primary and 3 Secondary Skill Slots as well as ??? Augments Slots
for use.
All That is Good In A Good Sorcerer
- Your spells are a testament to your title. Deadly, wide, and fearsome.
- Enchanting weapons with Elemental Boons or Affinities
- Debilitating spells that cripple or incapacitate multiple foes.\
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note: I will rate skills based on personal experience and its usefulness, not
merely by its power.
= = = = = = Carried Over Skills = = = = = =
By "carried over" I mean transferrable. You will have skills as a Mage that
you can use as a Sorcerer. Of course Curative Magicks are excluded.
Spells That Can Be Carried Over: Ingle, High Ingle, Frazil, High Frazil,
Levin, High Levin, Elemental Boon spells,
Elemental Affinity spells, Blearing,
High Blearing, Silentium, High Silentium,
Frigor, High Frigor, Comestion,
High Comestion, Brontide, High Brontide
Augments That Can Be Carried Over: ALL OF THEM
You will also be able to keep the Core Skills.
1. STAFF SKILLS (or commonly known as Spells)
= = = = = = Miasma and High Miasma = = = = = =
Element: Dark
Required Vocation Rank: 3 for High Miasma
Description: Transmutes the land into a putrid bog that poisons foes who
tread upon it.
Discipline Points Cost: N/A for Miasma. 1300 for High Miasma.
Appearance: After charging your spell and targeting a foe, your Sorcerer will
release a dome of miasmic gas that affects those in its range.
High Miasma features a larger dome and more devastating poison
effects.
Personal Rating: *****
What is more dangerous than your own spells is your own
spells taking too long to cast on opponents that fight by
surrounding you. The poisonous effects of Miasma is
almost instant as it quickly drains the life of bandits or
hobgoblins or groups of foes. It's effects linger on even
after leaving the Miasmic dome. The same effects apply to
boss-type monsters but are usually gradual than instant.
I used High Miasma in two ways: I can cast it in front of me
to poison foes that get too close while I cast some Medium
timed spells. I can also just cast it from far away at a
certain point where foes are most concentrated.
= = = = = = Lassitude and High Lassitude = = = = = =
Element: N/A
Required Vocation Rank: 3 for Lassitude. 5 for High Lassitude
Description: Invokes a magickal sigil at a designated location that inflicts
torpor upon foes who enter.
Discipline Points Cost: 1300 for Lassitude. 2600 for High Lassitude
Appearance: Your Sorcerer will conjure a dome of black magical energy upon
a targeted opponent or area. High Lassitude features a larger
dome and effects far more potent.
Personal Rating: *****
Lassitude has proven its worth to me time and again
throughout my journeys around Gransys. They significantly
slow down the movement of all opponents that enter the dome.
The pivotal moment where I have realized its potential was
during a momentous encounter with a Golem. We all know how
Golems are immune to all forms of magic. I'm no longer sure
if the immunity only affects offensive magic or ALL types
of magic as my High Lassitude enabled me to slow down the
Golem while my pawns destroyed it. I managed to keep my full
health for the duration of the battle.
= = = = = = Voidspell and High Voidspell = = = = = =
Element: Restorative
Required Vocation Rank: 4 for Voidspell. 6 for High Voidspell.
Description: Invokes a magical sigil around the user that strips
debilitations from all allies who enter.
Discipline Points Cost: 1800 for Voidspell. 3000 for High Voidspell.
Appearance: It creates a magical dome of energy that removes all
debilitations.
Personal Rating: ***
Sorcerers are not Mages and are do not have room for
debilitating magic in their arsenal whilst many more
offensive spells are available. It is useful in terms of
being able to remove debuffing effects but have no place
for you as a Sorcerer.
= = = = = = Necromancy and High Necromancy = = = = = =
Element: Dark
Required Vocation Rank: 4 for Necromancy. 6 for High Necromancy
Description: Summons the souls of the departed to surround the user,
assisting with attack and defense for a time.
Discipline Points Cost: 1800 for Necromancy. 3000 for High Necromancy.
Appearance: Your Sorcerer will summon ghostly purple skulls from
his/her left, right, and front. These phantoms will surround
your Sorcerer that attacks foes within a few yards of the user.
The skulls will charge at a foe, bite them to lift them up in
mid-air, and then explode on contact dealing great damage.
High Necromancy will double the number of floating skulls. The
skull disappears once it has made its attack.
Personal Rating: *****
A wonderful asset in combating multiple foes in a single
skirmish. This can replace Miasma at any time and is
most useful when battling bandits and other grouped foes.
When they get too close, the skulls home in for the kill.
Once I spot multiple groups, I cast High Necromancy and
run towards the middle of the group and watch my skulls
annihilate them before they can get close. When battling
larger foes or bosses, the effect is the same but they will
not be lifted in the air and will take on less damage from
all of your skulls. I've found this useful in taking down
flying opponents such as Drakes, Harpies, and even Griffons.
= = = = = = Petrifaction and High Petrifaction = = = = = =
Element: N/A
Required Vocation Rank: 5 for Petrification. 8 for High Petrification.
Description: Invokes a magickal sigil that turns foes who enter it into
stone.
Discipline Points Cost: 2600 for Petrifaction. 8000 for High Petrifaction.
Appearance: A dark aura of energy surrounding a target or an area.
Personal Rating: *
I have used this spell many times and it has worked well on
smaller foes. Larger and bulkier foes will only be slowed
down and their movements will be magically restrained
instead of turning into stone just like Lassitude but with
a stronger effect. High Petrification will almost completely
turn foes into stone disabling their movements or extremely
slowing them down. What distinguishes this spell from
Lassitude is that it inflicts not only slow-movement but
fatigue and inactivity as well as long as the foe remains in
the dome. The slow-movement and stone-casting effect of
Petrifcation lingers on after the foe leaves the dome.
However, these are my own observations and may still remain
suspect. Nonetheless many have stated its uselessness.
= = = = = = Exequy and High Exequy = = = = = =
Element: Dark
Required Vocation Rank: 5 for Exequy. 8 for High Exequy.
Description: Invokes a magickal sigil capable of destroying outright any foe
held within its span for a set length of time.
Discipline Points Cost: 2600 for Exequy. 5000 for High Exequy.
Appearance: After the spell is charge you will be prompted to target an area
where enemies would be lurking and you will find a targeting
circle on enemies in the proximity as long as you keep the spell
charging. High Exequy will be almost instantaneous and has a
faster countdown.
Personal Rating: ***
Most of you will think "instant kill? cool!" Well I say
"not cool"! You cast the spell and keep it charged over an
area with foes and wait for their countdown to reach zero.
When you reach that point and release the button to cast the
spell, the foe will implode to kill without visible external
damage. An Avada Kedavra! Major downsides exist for such a
powerful spell. Every other spell will only deplete stamina
once they are cast, not when they are charged. Exequy will
drain you for as long as you keep the spell charged.
So if your stamina runs out then the spell is cancelled.
These countdowns do not stack as well. It will reset if
the monster goes out of range of your Exequy area of effect.
This spell WILL NOT AFFECT HUMAN enemies such as bandits.
Countdown is also determined by the monster size and type.
Bulls and Gransys fauna countdowns are instant, while
goblins and other smaller monsters are gradual. Boss-type
monsters like Chimeras and Cyclops have countdowns that
could last forever. You stamina, even at full, will deplete
before you can fell any boss-type with this spell. Hehe!
= = = = = = Bolide and High Bolide = = = = = =
Element: Fire
Required Vocation Rank: 6 for Bolide. 8 for High Bolide.
Description: Calls meteors down from the heavens to land around the user.
The user may move immediately after invocation.
Discipline Points Cost: 3000 for Bolide. 5000 for High Bolide.
Appearance: Whilst charging the spell, the Sorcerer will be partially
levitated while compressed flames float around him/her. After it
is invoked heavy-damaging meteors rain down from the sky to
devastate a wide range of land along with foes that were too
close. High Bolide will add more compressed flames and add more
meteors raining.
Personal Rating: ****
Bolide is the hard-hitting Fire-type spell of a Sorcerer.
It is most useful when your foes are scattered around the
field as the meteors can home in on foes or randomly hit
your surroundings. I have found its usefulness even when
dealing with a single large monster as it can force them to
flinch or tumble from the force and being enflamed shortly
after. It can home in or hit randomly but you will find that
the spell will almost entirely mitigate your foes'
numbers.
= = = = = = Gicel and High Gicel = = = = = =
Element: Ice
Required Vocation Rank: 6 for Gicel. 8 for High Gicel.
Description: Conjures lances of ice, then propels them forward.
Cast Time: Long. ?? seconds for Gicel + ?? seconds for High Gicel.
Discipline Points Cost: 3000 for Gicel. 5000 for High Gicel.
Appearance: You do not conjur ice lances to throw at opponents. Its effects
are deadlier than its description. Your Sorcerer will propel
a twisting columns of ice in a snake-like fashion from three
points of origin and closing in on the foe dealing piercing,
concussive, or sometimes freezing damage. High Gicel will
conjur it three times towards an opponent with each column on ice
vanishing save for the last one.
Personal Rating: ***
The hard-hitting Ice spell for a skilled Sorcerer.
High Gicel remains a permanent member of my Primary Skills
for as long as I acquired the skill. I have not used it
often due to its long cast time against multiple foes. It's
damage is on par with Bolide and it has a wonderful
appearance especially when piercing a boss-type monster.
= = = = = = Fulmination and High Fulmination = = = = = =
Element: Thunder
Required Vocation Rank: 6 for Fulmination. 8 for High Fulmination.
Description: Conjures lances of ice, then propels them forward.
Discipline Points Cost: 3000 for Fulmination. 5000 for High Fulmination.
Appearance: Once cast, the Sorcerer is surrounded by a dome of lightning
that illuminates also your allies.
Personal Rating: ***
Fulmination repels enemies that get too close and adds
lightning damage to boot. The drawback of this spell is
the same as Blearing and Silentium. You remain in walking
speed and drain stamina for as long as the spell remains
active or if you are attacked. It is not as effective when
dealing with boss-types that are not easily as killed or
pushed back. They will most likely take damage and then hit
you to cancel the spell.
= = = = = = Seism and High Seism = = = = = =
Element: Earth
Required Vocation Rank: 7 for Seism. 9 for High Seism.
Description: Shakes the earth, causing a stony prominence to erupt forth,</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
stunning and damaging a broad radius.
Discipline Points Cost: 4800 for Seism. 8500 for High Seism.
Appearance: Once cast, the Sorcerer will bring his Stave to the ground and
force the earth to erupt and burst in a wide range in front of
you that can stun foes. High Seism increases the damage and the
frequency and duration of the bursts.
Personal Rating: *****
It's like having the ground in front of you in a wide range
explode dealing damage from the exploding ground and the
ground rocks that fall on foes. Its force is enough to
stun opponents, launch smaller foes into the air, and make
boss-types flinch and tumble. The damage is also undeniable.
= = = = = = Maelstrom and High Maelstrom = = = = = =
Element: Wind
Required Vocation Rank: 7 for Maelstrom.
Description: Summons a whirlwind to wreak havoc upon any foes caught in its
path.
Discipline Points Cost: 4800 for Maelstrom.
Appearance: Once cast the Sorcerer will spin his Stave in a twister motion
and summon a gigantic black tornado and visible wind surrounding
it. It lifts debris and multiple foes into the air. The tornado
dissipates by twisting upon itself and dropping foes to their
deaths. High Maelstrom will feature a tornado that lasts longer
and visible wind with a wider range affecting a wider proximity.
Personal Rating: *****
You can call this spell instant kill for your enemies.
It deals HEAVY HEAVY damage on boss-type monsters constantly
for as long as they are in the tornado. That is no problem
in itself because the twister will suck in any foe, small
or big to its center within a few yards from the visible
wind's proximity. This spell takes a LONG TIME to cast,
however, but the damage output is worth it. Though always be
careful to ensure your own safety first before attempting
to cast it. Though you could always jump out of the way to
cancel a spell. If fighting a large group and you do not
destroy all foes at once, it always helps to run to the
center of the tornado and wait for enemies to go after you!
2. CORE SKILLS
- See Mage Core Skills. Still the Same
3. AUGMENTS
= = = = = = Awareness = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 1
Description: Increases Magick Defense by 50
Discipline Points Cost: 1200
Personal Rating: ***
It's a better alternative to Apotropaism. If you insist on
maintaining a high Magical Defense replace Apotropaism with
Awareness. Sorcerers are magical tanks themselves but this
defense also applies against debilitating effects.
= = = = = = Emphasis = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 2
Description: Increases the ability to knock down an enemy with your own
spells.
Discipline Points Cost: 1200
Personal Rating: **
The description states that it increases the probability
that your spells will deliver a concussive force along with
it that knocks them back. Though there is no guarantee that
you WILL knock off an enemy.
= = = = = = Suasion = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 2
Description: Enables you to negotiate higher prices for items and equipments
you sell.
Discipline Points Cost: 1200
Personal Rating: *****
If you wish to make big gold bucks, then Suasion should
ALWAYS be a part of your Augment skills. It commands higher
prices for anything that you sell to merchants, though it
does not lower the prices of what you buy. I've managed to
gain a lot of money this way.
= = = = = = Conservation = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 7
Description: Reduces Stamina consumed when you perform a magick weapon skill.
Discipline Points Cost: 6000
Personal Rating: *****
Casting High Maelstrom or High Seism can easily deplete your
Stamina to near empty in one cast and will leave you tired.
Conservation helps reduce the strain. The same
aforementioned skill only reduce your Stamina to below the
halfway point. There are times when you definitely need to
sprint out of the way after a large spell.
= = = = = = Gravitas = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 7
Description: Makes it difficult for foes to kock you off your geet while you
prepare spells.
Discipline Points Cost: 6000
Personal Rating: **
Makes it difficult alright, but not impossible. You can be
knocked off your feet or knocked back with a powerful hit
to you. Gravitas will decrease the chance of being knocked
off your feet. But getting attacked nonetheless will still
cancel your spells while charging it. This Augment will not
save you from having your spells cancelled. Though not
getting knocked off allows you to recover quicker from an
attack, however.
= = = = = = Acuity = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 9
Description: Greatly augments magick.
Discipline Points Cost: 9000
Personal Rating: *****
This is the skill I was referring to that is far greater
than Attunement. You will find that your endeavors will
have eased once you realize that your spells are more
potent and can kill enemies faster.
= = = = = = Articulacy = = = = = =
Required Vocation Rank: 9
Description: Reduces all spell cast times.
Discipline Points Cost: 9000
Personal Rating: *****
It doesn't reduce spell cast time to half but reduces
it nonetheless. This Augment is valuable to any Mage or
Sorcerer that will contribute greatly to victory in some
battle scenarios. Speedy execution of spells and recovery
may mean life and death on the battlefield. You will be
able to see the difference once you acquire such Augment.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
- - - - - Tips: Surviving Or Not - - - - -
In this section of the guide I will provide several tips in maximizing your
gameplay experience with a Mage or a Sorcerer. Such perspectives will be based
on my personal endeavors with my character but not necessarily my fighting
style preference. I will seek to satisfy all styles of fighting and provide
general advice on how to properly keep your Mage or Sorcerer alive. A wonderful
source that I will be making use of is the Dragon's Dogma wikia; the
information there will be posted here as well (or rather the important ones).
1. Play a Mage or a Sorcerer as if you were playing a Strider or a Ranger.
Mages and Sorcerer have no evasive or defensive capabilities. Keep
running around the field with the occasional sprints.
2. Try to keep Magick Agents or Necromancy cast. It will serve as protection
against foes that tread too close to you.
3. If intending to cast a powerful spell with a long cast time, sprint away
to a farther location or hidden by a boulder. If battling a boss-type
monster, keep away from their lines of sight.
4. Pawns are absolutely essential. Make sure to always keep them alive.
5. If you choose to be a Sorcerer, then make sure to hire a Mage Pawn with
curative and weapon-enchantment spells. You do not have enough room in
your arsenal for Boons or Affinity spells.
6. Fire is bane to many monsters. One cannot deny the burning effects to
boot.
7. You may choose to employ a Mage or a Sorcerer who is knowledged in all
the elements or specializes in a particular type.
8. Only High Voidspell can cure being petrified. High Halidom will not cure
such ailment.
9. Curatives are essential. Especially those that restore Stamina.
10. You can never allow yourself to run empty of Stamina. It will be your
undoing.
11. You can never allow yourself to reach critical health levels. It will be
your quick demise.
12. Scathers, Mitigators are the best type of pawns you can have. Scathers
will go after the strongest enemies while Mitigators will attack the
weakest to reduce their numbers. This is good considering that you need
the pawns as target marks to lure foes to them and not to you while you
cast spells from afar.
13. Warriors and Fighters are good Pawns. They will remain in the field of
combat. Striders, Rangers, and Mages will attack and then fall back to
acquire a better shot with the bow and may sometimes lead foes back to
where your position is at.
14. A Mage or a Sorcerer has no use for throwing items such as Bricks, or
Stones, or Foreign Knives, or Dragon Spit at foes. Concentrate on your
magic.
15. Lanterns and a supply of oil are a must.
16. It is always a good idea to supply yourself with Empty Bottles to gather
water from Healing Springs. Healing Spring Water is absolutely effective
at restoring Health and Stamina.
17. You may cast your spell to kill enemies from afar without having to
engage them directly. Make sure you are in the right distance or your
targeting circle will not reach their location.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sources:
-
http://dragonsdogma.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon%27s_Dogma_Wiki
- My Own Observation
-
http://www.dragonsdogma.com/
PS: As most of you, I have played Dragon's Dogma for the first time and I am
sharing my knowledge to the best of my ability and observation. If anyone
feels compelled to share their knowledge and their own experience then
please feel free to do so. My gameplay is not perfect as are many other
players'. I would also appreciate any more suggestions on maximizing a
Mage or a Sorcerer's potential. So far I am playing the game without much
of a hitch and it has been 20 levels or so since my last in-game death.
Completed: July 14, 2012
My Appreciation
