Prologue
After listening to Varric's less than accurate intro--a tutorial to get you familiar with the controls--and designing your main character, you'll enter the "real" events of the game. You'll have Bethany and Carver in your team for now; Carver should serve as your tank if you selected Mage or Rogue, and Bethany should handle healing and other spells if you are not a Mage yourself. Smash through the first wave of Darkspawn and you'll soon gain the help of Aveline. She is a core tank and can take over that task, allowing Carver or Hawke to focus on damage.
Head up the hill and clear out a few more Darkspawn. You'll be attacked by an Ogre who will kill off Bethany or Carver (Based on Hawke's class: there will always be only one mage). Have Aveline tank the brunt of the forces while the rest of your party concentrates on killing the Ogre and healing up. You may only have one or two health potions at the moment, so reserve those for your frontline Warriors. You don't need to worry about the smaller Darkspawn, as once the Ogre is dead you'll soon be rescued by Flemeth.
After a few more scenes you'll arrive at Kirkwall. Talk to the guard blocking the way and head to the Gallows. Here you'll convince the men in charge that you know someone in the city, but will in turn be attacked by other Ferelden refugees. The town guards will help you during the fight, so there isn't a lot to worry about. Focus on the gang's leader and his allies will quickly fall. Afterwards you'll get a scene where you'll meet with your Uncle Gamlen. He won't be able to fund your entry into the city, but will suggest talking to Meeran or Athenril.
If you choose to help Meeran, head to the south of the map and kill Friedrich and his guards. If you make a deal with Friedrich you won't have enough money to get into the city and will be forced to work for Athenril. For Athenril's quest you'll need to take money from Cavril. This can be achieved by threatening him or killing the guards. You can gain Friendship with Aveline by letting her "Talk" to Cavril. Regardless of whom you get the money from, talk to Gamlen afterwards to enter the city.
After a few more scenes you'll form a party with your sibling and Varric. If you are a Rogue, you'll defiantly want to head to the Viscount's Keep to regain Aveline. Otherwise, you'll want to gain some other party members by completing the quests Tranquility, Long Way Home, and Bait and Switch
