kaispan wrote...
Is Beard going to be a romance option for female characters?
You know, like a consolation prize to go with our pile of tampons. 
Well, that's a bit like dog in Origins. You either have it from the beginning as Human Noble, or acquire it later. Similar thing here: male Hawke has the Beard from the very start, while female Hawke will acquire it later and will be able to choose to adopt it herself, or to let it make itself at home on any companion's face. This will determine future romance options: self-beard-romance or a romance with companion, wearing the Beard (romancing the Beard means romancing the beard-bearer as well, even if it's yourself).
This of course means that male Hawke being forced to have the Beard for himself only is limited to 1 romance option, where he touches himself at night. I mean, touches his Beard of course.
Furthermore, when Beard turns out to be the evil and mighty ArchBeard (or the One Beard, as some call it), you'll have to confront it and during final battle either sacrifice yourself, if you're wearing it, or kill the companion possessed by the ArchBeard. Also, all Ferelden mabari will be killed during final battle because ArchBeard will mind-control their fur.
Also, at some point in game you'll have an option to shave all your and your companion's hair, excluding beards. If you won't do so to preserve good look and keep your crotch warm and furry, during final battle Beard will attempt to control your companion's hair which will make them suffer constant manly damage, and if they don't pass mental resistance check they will fight against you.
And finally a hint: tampons are the key factor in defeating the Beard and Beardspawn, as they diminish manliness drastically. They're used as grenades, but have very little area of effect.