Dwarf Backgrounds
Dwarf Duster
The casteless dwarves known as dusters live in Dust Town in Orzammar. They have no caste and receive no protection under the law. Most turn to crime to survive, many working for the Carta criminal syndicate.
Communication (Deception) or Dexterity (Legerdemain)
Surface Dwarf
Surface dwarves are merchants and middlemen who trade goods between the dwarven cities and the surface world. They rank below all other castes in Orzammar except the casteless, yet play a vital economic role.
Constitution (Stamina) or Communication (Bargaining)
Elf Backgrounds
Apostate (Elf)
Elven apostates face even greater challenges than their human counterparts. Many come from Dalish traditions or discovered magic on their own, living in constant fear of discovery by the Circle or templars.
Cunning (Natural Lore) or Willpower (Self-Discipline)
Circle Mage (Elf)
Elven Circle mages join the Circle to avoid becoming apostates. They receive the same training as human mages but face additional prejudice from both humans and other elves.
Cunning (Arcane Lore) or Cunning (Historical Lore)
City Elf
City elves live as second-class citizens in segregated alienages. Most work as servants and laborers. Few remember their ancient culture, and almost none can speak elven. Many turn to crime due to poverty and prejudice.
Dexterity (Stealth) or Perception (Seeing)
Dalish Elf
The Dalish elves refused to submit after the fall of the Dales. They wander in ornately carved wagons called aravel, preserving elven culture and lore so that when the elves reclaim a homeland, they can teach the ancient ways.
Dexterity (Bows) or Willpower (Courage)
Human Backgrounds
Apostate (Human)
Apostates practice magic outside the Circle of Magi, defying the law. Some are self-taught, some come from old magical traditions, and others are rebels opposed to the Circle or Chantry. Templars hunt them down.
Cunning (Natural Lore) or Willpower (Self-Discipline)
Avvar
The Avvar are a rugged human people who make their homes in the Frostback Mountains. They refused to join Ferelden when it united, remaining too independent and proud. They are fierce warriors who raid the lowlands.
Communication (Animal Handling) or Strength (Climbing)
Circle Mage (Human)
Circle mages are trained by the Circle of Magi under the watchful eye of Chantry templars. They learn to defend themselves against demonic possession and to police those with magical power.
Cunning (Arcane Lore) or Cunning (Historical Lore)
Fereldan Freeman
The bulk of Ferelden's population consists of freemen - soldiers, shopkeepers, laborers, farmers, entertainers, hunters. They are not slaves or serfs but free men and women. The freemen are not rich but they are proud and pragmatic.
Constitution (Stamina) or Willpower (Courage)
Fereldan Noble
Nobility in Ferelden is hereditary but not exclusive. Commoners can become nobles through deeds and service. Many young nobles turn to adventuring to make a reputation for themselves.
Cunning (Military Lore) or Strength (Intimidation)
Orlesian Noble
In Orlais, nobles stand atop the social order. They engage in the Grand Game - a never-ending battle for power, prestige, and status amongst the nobility.
Communication (Etiquette) or Strength (Intimidation)
Qunari Backgrounds
Qunari Beresaad
The Beresaad are the vanguard of the Qunari people - soldiers who go into foreign lands for diplomacy and intelligence work. They always have a mission, even if its nature is not apparent.
Cunning (Qun) or Strength (Intimidation)
Tal-Vashoth
Qunari who reject the Qun are known as Tal-Vashoth or "true grey ones." They must leave Qunari lands before being detected. Many work as mercenaries, while others become raiders or slavers.
Constitution (Stamina) or Strength (Intimidation)