Once you’ve established your game’s world state with Dragon Age Keep, put some careful thought into selecting your character’s race, gender, and class. There are a few important factors to note about race. In terms of attributes, humans gain no bonus while dwarves get a 25 percent bonus to magic defense, elves get a 25 percent bonus to ranged defense, and Qunari benefit from a 25 percent bonus to melee defense. Race also impacts certain conversations and determines how certain characters respond to you. Both race and gender have an impact on what romances are available to your character. For example, Cullen will only show interest if you’re playing as a female elf or human—see the Party Members and War Council chapters for more details on character romances. Following selections of race and gender, choose your class to determine what kind of skills, abilities, and equipment your character can use. Before choosing a class, consider referencing the Classes and Abilities chapter to better understand the differences between the rogue, warrior, and mage.
During the opening cinematic you’re prompted to choose your character’s appearance. There are five heads to choose from, and each can be further customized. Here you can alter your character’s head, hair, voice, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, jaw, scars, tattoos, and makeup. These options are largely aesthetic and have no impact on gameplay.