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Companion armor icons
In Dragon Age II, the player has little control over what armor Hawke's companions wear. Even though companion armor can be customized with a number of upgrades and may change appearance depending on certain story choices, it cannot be replaced or unequipped. On the upside, it improves with level-up and is among the best armor available in the game.
Armor
Aveline's armor changes when she enlists in the guard and when she is promoted. Similarly, Bethany and Carver switch to the uniform of the faction they join. Fenris, Isabela and Merrill change appearance during Act 2 if romanced. Anders replaces his coat if the Act 3 quest Justice is completed. Varric's armor may change its name during the Act 3 quest Haunted, however, the appearance stays the same.
Upgrades
There are four upgrades available for each character. In the first two acts they are usually sold in stores, while all of the Act 3 upgrades are found during quests. Bethany and Carver receive last three upgrades automatically when their armor changes.
The achievement "A Friend in Need" can be earned by upgrading any of the companions' armor once. "I Got Your Back" can be earned by completely upgrading the armor of one of the party members.
| Upgrade | Act | Companion | Acquisition | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underpadding – Guardsman Pattern | 1 | Aveline | Available at Armor Stand for 1 82 60 |
+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack |
| Heirloom Amell Protective Sigils | 1 | Bethany | Found in a Chest in the Amell Estate Cellar during Birthright | +10% magic resistance |
| Fereldan Girded Plating | 1 | Carver | Found in a Chest in the Amell Estate Cellar at the end of Birthright | +(10%) armor |
| Inscribed Leather Harness | 1 | Varric | Available at Apparel Shop for 1 82 60 |
Extra rune slot |
| Lyrium Weave | 2 | Anders | Available at Mage Goods for 2 28 25 |
+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack |
| Armor Struts | 2 | Anders | Available at Lirene's Fereldan Imports for 1 82 60 |
+(10%) armor |
| Spirit Essence | 2 | Anders | Found in a crate in Gallows Dungeon during Dissent | +10% magic resistance |
| Flex-Chain – Guardsman Pattern | 2 | Aveline | Found on Fell Orden during Raiders on the Cliffs | Extra rune slot |
| Impact Plating – Guardsman Pattern | 2 | Aveline | Available at Armor Merchant for 1 82 60 |
+(10%) armor |
| Lyrium Scales | 2 | Fenris | Available at Shady Merchandise for 1 64 34 |
Extra rune slot |
| Reinforced Straps | 2 | Fenris | Found in a Chest in the Abandoned Slaver Den during A Bitter Pill | +(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack |
| Tevinter Spirit Symbol | 2 | Fenris | Available at Robes by Jean Luc for 2 28 25 |
Extra rune slot |
| Lambswool Insoles | 2 | Isabela | Found in the Lost-End Foundry during To Catch a Thief | +2% critical chance |
| Rigid Boning | 2 | Isabela | Available at Apparel Shop for 1 82 60 |
+(0.25 * DEF(LVL)) defense |
| Supportive Corselet | 2 | Isabela | Available at Robes by Jean Luc for 2 28 25 |
Extra rune slot |
| Carved Ironwood Buttons | 2 | Merrill | Available at Master Ilen's Shop for 2 28 25 |
+(10 + 2 * LVL) health |
| Samite Lining | 2 | Merrill | Available at Robes by Jean Luc for 2 28 25 |
Extra rune slot |
| Silver-Threaded Dalish Embroidery | 2 | Merrill | Found in a pile of bones on Sundermount, past the Sundermount Passage and east of the graveyard | +20 health regeneration rate |
| Enhanced Articulation | 2 | Sebastian | Available at Armor Shop for 2 28 25 |
Extra rune slot |
| Mail Undertunic | 2 | Sebastian | Found in a chest in the Harimann Estate during Repentance | +2% critical chance |
| Reinforced Bracers | 2 | Sebastian | Available at Olaf's Armory for 2 28 25 |
+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack |
| Coat Lining with Concealed Pockets | 2 | Varric | Available at Shady Merchandise for 1 64 34 |
+(0.5 * ATK(LVL)) attack |
| Silverite-Reinforced Buckles | 2 | Varric | Found in a chest in the Bartrand's Estate during Family Matter | Extra rune slot |
| Sigil of the Mage Underground | 3 | Anders | Found in a chest in the Docks warehouse during Best Served Cold | Extra rune slot |
| Deflecting Joints – Guardsman Pattern | 3 | Aveline | Found on Jeven during Favor and Fault | +(0.25 * DEF(LVL)) defense |
| Enchanted Resin | 3 | Fenris | Looted from the High Dragon at The Bone Pit during Mine Massacre | Extra rune slot |
| Boiled Leather Plates | 3 | Isabela | Found in a pile of bones in the Mountain Cave during A Murder of Crows | Extra rune slot |
| Halla Horn Buckles | 3 | Merrill | Looted from Audacity in Pride's End during A New Path. | Extra rune slot |
| Protection of the Faith | 3 | Sebastian | Found on Templar Lieutenant during Best Served Cold | Extra rune slot |
| Drakeskin Leg Straps | 3 | Varric | Found in a chest in the Deep Roads during Finding Nathaniel | Extra rune slot |
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