Instructions
Free Crystals
Walk inside the Inn in Redcliffe and speak to the man at the counter. Choose the dialog option to convince him to join in the battle at Redcliffe. This will leave his barmaid in charge of the Inn.
Speak to the barmaid, who will give you crystals for Shale for free.
Exit the Inn, then immediately reenter. Speak with the barmaid again and she will have additional crystals for Shale for free. Repeat this process as much as you desire to collect unlimited crystals.
Free Specialization Books
Visit any merchant in the game. Save your game before speaking to him.
Purchase any specialization book. These books help you level up and obtain new skills.
Reload your most current game save. You will now have the specialization without spending your gold.
Easy Level Up
Collect the vials of blood available at the end of the "Tainted Blood" quest, but do not collect the Grey Warden treaties.
Speak with Duncan and tell him that you collected the blood but not the treaties. Choosing this dialog will earn you experience points.
Reselect this dialog to have the same conversation again and gain additional experience points. You can continue to do this until you've leveled up to 25.