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BioWare announces legendary weaponry and a new location in Dragon Age II

by: Tina -
More On: Dragon Age 2
Want access to exclusive legendary weapons in the upcoming Dragon Age II action-RPG from BioWare? It’s as easy as pre-ordering the game from participating retailers to get two unique weapons. The Fadeshear long sword has seen multiple battles at various warriors’ hands. Now, in your hands, the long sword has additional damage against demons and undead and is also subject to leveling up.

The Lion of Orlais shield also provides your protagonist with special bonuses like an increase to health and XP as well as two rune slots.

Additionally, BioWare has announced a new area in Kirkwall open to players with every copy of Dragon Age II: The Black Emporium. In said Black Emporium, players will get a rare whistle artifact (amongst other artifacts) that can summon a faithful mabari warhound to fight on your side.

Read on for more details, and take a look at the images featuring the new information below. 

Do you have what it takes to become the Champion of Kirkwall? BioWare is giving gamers two ways to gain access to the weapons that legends are made of! Beginning today, fans who have previously pre-ordered or will pre-order Dragon Age II at participating retailers will receive two unique weapons – the Fadeshear long sword and the Lion of Orlais shield.* Additionally, BioWare is unveiling “The Black Emporium,” a mysterious new location in Kirkwall that is home to the appearance changing mirror of transformation and a wealth of rare artifacts including a rare whistle that will allow you to summon your very own mabari warhound throughout the game. “The Black Emporium” will be available with every original version of Dragon Age II. Find out more about these exciting new weapons and features and how they will add to your rise to power in Dragon Age II, which comes out on March 8, 2011 on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

THE FADESHEAR
The core of this blade is old, as old as the first smiths who sought a way to battle the nightmares from the land beyond. It has fought the demonic hosts in countless battles. Sometimes it has been held high in triumphant victory. Other times, it has lain broken besides its dying owner. But after every defeat it has always been reclaimed, reforged, and made stronger. Fadeshear has passed through many hands before yours. Now it is your turn to make the demons of the Fade pay for crossing the Veil into the waking world.

· Improves with level-up

· Additional damage versus demons and undead

THE LION OF ORLAIS
At the height of the Summer War all of Orlais was embroiled in fierce battles. Over the course of the war dozens of contenders for the Imperial Throne emerged – most long forgotten except as footnotes in scholarly tomes. But everyone remembers the gallant young lord Emile Deveraux, “The Golden Prince.” Thought outnumbered at every turn, he racked victory upon victory culminating in the Seventh Battle of Roses. While wearing this shield he broke through his uncle’s vanguard to win the day. He never knew the taste of defeat, instead meeting his end at the hands of a jealous lover in the dead of night.

· Two rune slots

· Adds to health

· Adds to % XP gain

THE BLACK EMPORIUM
Come one, come all to the Black Emporium! There, nestled deep under Kirkwall, you'll find a curious collection of items, some for sale, some for free and ranging from the mundane to the mysterious! One artifact can even transform your very body, face, hair, eyes—all new! We've even granted you your very own mabari war hound to call to your side with a whistle—a boon in battle and a beloved pet at home. Visit the Black Emporium today, and you’ll be the envy of adventurers everywhere! Once you’ve escaped imminent danger, return home. Your invitation awaits!


*OFFER EXPIRES 3/8/2011. CODE EXPIRES DATE 3/31/2012. GOOD ONLY EXISTING PRE-ORDERS OF AND FOR NEW PURCHASES OF DRAGON AGE II FOR THE PC or XBOX 360 (the “PRODUCT”). VALID AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS. CUSTOMERS WHO ORDER ONLINE WILL BE SENT THE CODE VIA EMAIL ONCE THE PRODUCT RELEASES. CUSTOMERS WHO ORDER AT A RETAIL STORE WILL BE GIVEN THE CODE WHEN PRODUCT IS PICKED UP. OFFER MAY NOT BE SUBSTITUTED, EXCHANGED, SOLD OR REDEEMED FOR CASH OR OTHER GOODS OR SERVICES. MAY NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, GIFT CARD, REBATE OR DISCOUNT COUPON. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED, TAXED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. INTERNET CONNECTION AND EA ACCOUNT REQUIRED. YOU MUST BE 13+. EA MAY RETIRE ONLINE FEATURES AFTER 30 DAYS NOTICE POSTED ON WWW.EA.COM/2/SERVICE-UPDATES. PC PRODUCT REQUIRES ACCEPTANCE OF END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT. ACCESS TO PC ONLINE FEATURES LIMITED TO ONE EA ACCOUNT.