did Bethany die instead of carver because I chose to be female or because I picked the Mage class ?

what happens to carver since hes not amage being hunted by the charter if I leave him behind when I get to the deep roads (im assuming he dies if I bring him with me because thats what I was told would happen to Bethany)

(this is my second character my 1st character was a male rogue and i played to the point of exiting the deep roads then I stopped playing because I got tired of size 1 text + had some other slightly more fun games to play)

How should I level up my mage so it has the best surviveability even if all other party members die ?

I had obtained Merril yesterday few questions regarding her ...

Where is her bloodmage skill tree ? its like completly absent is this normal or did my game **** up while installing it to my hardrive?

if its normal what abilities/skill tree should I make her proficcient in ? I currently gave her death syphon and mind bomb in spirit would of given her healing under creation but that tree is also absent :/


when it comes to being a mage is it better to level up magic or willpower ? or am i still doing it wrong and should level up purely in constitution ?

I currently have the mercenaries mage gear top which apparently "makes enemies drop better loot" how greatly is the loot effected by this?

is the staff from the black emporium a good staff or is it apeice of garbadge? (currently level 5)

since the devs chose size 1 text for pretty much everything where can i pick up the quest to recruit the spirit healer who i forget the name of ... I think his name was Phillip Anderson or something ?

Spoilers:


Rock Armor, put lots of points into Constitution, and choose Blood Mage + Force Mage for specializations. (Get Force Mage first and get the perk that prevents you from getting knocked down. Also the Gravitic ring is a lifesaver. When a battle starts, retreat behind a chokepoint and cast Gravitic Ring in the doorway.

Merril uses the "Dalish Pariah" talent tree - you have to get Blood of the First to use Blood magic.

Apparently it makes better loot drop (slightly higher dmg bonuses, etc.), anyone in the party can be wearing it, doesn't have to be the person opening the chest.

Not sure which one you're referring to, but I think it's a waste of gold to buy most weapons because as you increase in level you will find better random drop weapons than the ones for sale. anything that gives you extra point of blood magic or gives knockback immunity is usually worth buying (except the staff, Cold Blooded)

Anders - I think you have to talk to the merchant at the Fereldan Imports shop in Lowtown.