Aedrin

I'll be whipping out my go to character on my first run, Elven Rogue, but after that who knows? I think I'll have a lot of fun trying a few different combinations.

I would say that I personally wouldn't like to see achievements in this game. They certainly have their place but a CRPG is not really where I'd appreciate them. It'd feel to me like a DM trying to grip you by the nose and pull you through her idea of what your campaign is.

As a DnD player with a character that rolled both 'Brash' and 'Weak Willed' traits and who speaks with a rasp due to an old neck wound (a nightmare to RP), I must say that I would love the inclusion of back stories that tweak stats, or even training that you can recieve as the game progresses, that allows for you to take a hit in some stat or ability to improve another. If these are clever and well written into the game, they could make your character a little more unique and less like the visual representation of an excel spreadsheet.

I dislike level caps in more recent RPGs for the reason that I become more conscious of breaking my character than actually immersing myself. Especially when there are only so many perks, feats or what not to go around but a wealth of playing options. I feel like Elder Scrolls games are the worst culprits in this regard. Having said that, I felt that BG, in my decade old memories at least, didn't offer much in way of compelling development when you levelled up. Often it was 'Level Up', no new points to assign, 'Click to Finish'. I would like some choices at regular intervals but none that could potentially harm your ability to finish the game, if that makes sense?

Maybe having companions like this? >Self determining companions - How many RPGs can you break by being a charismatic dandy or a seductress? I'd much rather have some degree of flexibility in how party members can view you but outside of that 'flex-zone' you won't be able to console, cajole or maintain a friendly relationship with a party member. For example, a crusading paladin may disdain a druid's detachment and strict neutrality but respect some of the goals druids strive for. They can be amiable companions in some regards but will absolutely disagree in others and no amount of persuasive skill should effect that. And how about recurring and powerful nemeses that can come from within the party, due to disagreements with how you and other characters have conducted yourselves? It would be a memorable thing indeed to have characters dynamically oppose you based on their notions of morality rather than the usual 'mind control' cliche.

I know this may not be a popular opinion but I liked aspects of Dragon Age: Origins social system. The party system was reminiscent of KoTORII in many ways, since your influence and reputation to the people around you counted for more than any alignment 'points' you had accrued. I think this is a more mature system than is often implemented in games and that the simple "Good-Neutral-Evil" trifecta is reductive and should be avoided for the sake of creating worthwhile interactions with NPCs. Also, options that allow for lying would make things interesting

Just pledged and ordered this game! Good luck to all those working on Pillars of Eternity; I respect the studio's prior works and I'm thankful that Obsidian is willing to undertake projects like this. So please, take your time and have fun so that one day all us backers can too!