In the ancient days of Ferelden, long before the Darkspawn and the first Blight, twenty Beards of Power were crafted. Three of these mythical Beards were to have been given to the elves, but since they as a race lack facial hair, they turned against the forces of Beardor and engaged in a fierce war. The dwarves were 'gifted' with seven magical Beards of Power, but shortly upon receiving such unrivaled bolstering of their manliness, they inexplicably began a bitter and vicious civil war amongst themselves, different Beard-bearers vying for control and domination over the dwarven empire. Nine powerful Beards were left to the care of humans, who used for all manner of purposes, including annoying infomercials, fanservice, and everything in between, until humanity was all but consumed by the dark powers of the awesome Beards they had inherited.
But beside these great Beards of Power, there was another Beard made. One Beard to rule them all, One Beard to find them, One Beard to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.
The quest for this One Beard will be the driving focus of the story of Dragon Age 2, and how Hawke, as the Beard-bearer, deals with the many challenges that lie in his path to the doors of the barber shops of Beardor where the One Beard can be destroyed.