If our characters are still in Ferelden, then why are our old companions 'left behind' even if at the end of Origins some remained at your side? They've fought a blight before. Why are they sudenly rendered incapable? I think the reason people are assuming it's in a whole nother country is to justify this excuse that you 'had to leave your companions behind'... that would make slightly more sence if you're in some far off land that is only welcoming you because you're a Warden. But if it's true that this is still in Ferelden, then yeah... wtf? If there's a reason why a character is no longer available because of the choices you made before the main story ended, that's fine.... But if it says you and another character traveled together, or you and another character rule the kingdom or are in the court of Alistair or some such.... it's not adding up. And I really felt like Origins was just the beginning of my story with these wonderful characters. I hope this expansion is a fluke, because I will be highly disapointed if the mere handfull of dialogues you got with the characters you bonded with are all you'll ever get. These characters are too great to just be brushed aside, so I hope the devs still have big plans for them. I could do entire threads of ideas for expansions dealing with the old characters.
Also, that we can't carry over dlc items leaves me glad that I've not bought any yet. dodged that bullet. I'm not sure how worth it they are. depends on the scope of the quests, whether or not the new locations and items will be use full or revisited in further installments... If all you actually get is an hour or two more gameplay, then it might not be worth the money.
As it stands, paying the price of a whole new game for a mere expansion seems obsurd! I'll go buy some second hand PS2 games for half the cost and enjoy a great deal more gameplay, I bet. There's still a lot out there I haven't played because it USED to be too expensive. lol Do better Bioware.

I'm in like with you, not in love with you. woo me.