This is not a game that can be simply explained. How does it begin? It begins in six completely different ways, and each of these can be met with a wildly different approach. An excellent portion of the game to relate would be my adventures in the dwarven city of Orzammar, except there's little chance that you will experience the same events in the same way when you get there. The relationships you have, your allies and enemies, your party - they all form an experience unique to you.

Back to those six possible beginnings. Humans are the dominant race in Ferelden. Dominant in some extremely unpleasant ways. Until a few hundred years ago elves were the slaves of humans. In theory they have been freed, but those who live in cities remain second-class citizens, forced to live in slums, either begging or finding menial work in human houses. A small number of elves broke away to live in the Dales; these 'Dalish' elves are attempting to recover their lost culture. Bitter and vengeful, they kill all humans who wander into their territory.

The dwarves live in the Frostback Mountains, fiercely independent and embroiled in their own complex politics and caste system. The treatment of the elves by humans is (if you'll pardon the pun) dwarfed by the attitude this underground race show to their own casteless kin.

Mages are feared and loathed by all. Those demonstrating magical skills are separated from their families as children and sent to a Mages' Circle. A mage is vulnerable to possession by demons, or to the allure of deadly Blood Magic. They must live under the control of the soldiers of the Chantry, the presiding human and city-elf religion, serving in the army.

It is from this cauldron of tension and hostility that you select your character.
Your first two hours playing as a human noble have almost nothing in common with those of a dwarf commoner or Dalish elf. While you're taught the basics of combat, and introduced to party mechanics, the rest is unique. Select a mage (either human or elf - dwarves have no affinity with mana) and you must go through the Harrowing - the test all mages must face before leaving their apprenticeship. This involves entering the spirit world of the Fade to do battle with dreams and demons. Select a city elf (either rogue or warrior) and you play through a tale of wedding-day excitement, terrifying attacks, and rape. A human noble faces terrible loss, while a Dalish elf gets hands-on experience with the Darkspawn. Play as a casteless dwarf, or the son or daughter of the dwarven king, and the contrast is dramatic.

What each opening eventually has in common is the arrival of Duncan, a Grey Warden attempting to recruit armies to join the fight against the Blight. Hundreds of years ago each race signed an accord to provide armies on demand should the Darkspawn rise again, and Duncan is asking people to make good on that promise. Along the way, a promising candidate for the Wardens themselves catches his eye. Which would be you.