I can't NOT save the dog. I just finished talking with the kennel master. He's all about those dogs and doesn't care in the least that you're not human. Besides, my elf can justify it as being a snub to the humans and nobility.
@Last Darkness: I've thought that the city elf origins should have had more opportunity to get in and get out with minimal bloodshed. There isn't any possibility that the outcome is going to be good for the elves no matter what you do. You either have to kill your way to Vaughn in your way in, or kill everyone on your way out. I've never pursued the bribe option from Vaughn but don't imagine that ends well either. As for Soris, I had my elf stay silent on the whole matter letting the elder do the talking. I didn't know that one fem elf was going to sell us down the river....though her motivations are easily understood. I'll hold out hope that I'll find Soris in the dungeon towards the end of the game. I think I saw him there when I played the Dalish line.
@ussnorway: I was thinking a little about the Landsmeet. The two playthroughs I did before I played politics and gained sufficient support from the nobles. I watched my husband play with a DN who didn't sway the Landsmeet in his favor and remember thinking "Whoa Nelly!" when the schtuff hit the fan. Still, might make for an interesting turn of events.
Lelianna can stay in Lothering, two playthroughs and I've never used her nor been able to get her personal quest regardless of approval. >.< I'm torn on Sten. I could probably ignore him in the cage and not even bother with the conversation. Just stick with playing the part.
The speedbump comes with knowing what an asset the big guy can be when teamed up with a DW rogue (which I am), Morrigan and Wynne.