Character creation question

[Beast]

I'm downloading the game as we speak, will probably give it a shot tomorrow. I've read a little about character creation and I just had two questions. First, besides starting skills, does race change anything? Do NPCs react differently, and does it change the gameplay in any noticable way?

Second, I'm planning on trying a lot of class builds since I hear you can switch pretty easily at any point you like. Are there any patron gods that are good for generalist characters? I was planning on the one that gives the critical hit and damage bonus (Belen I think?).

Thanks for any info, I've been wanting to try this game.

[Papaya]

Your race changes some dialog but nothing that would give or denie you special quest. I discovered nothing important.
Don't take a god that forces you to a special damage type. The rest depends on your playstyle (how often you use abilities and such) Every class has abilities with high mana usage, so even if you prefer Might or Finesse class a god that increases your manapool could be useful, but Belen is also a good choice.

[Beast]

Thanks Papaya, much appreciated.

[Phnx]

Different races start with points in different skills.

[Kelson]

True, you do start with points in some skills. However, as soon as you visit a Fateweaver to reset your allocations (skills, abilities, etc.) those points will be freed up to be reallocated as you see fit. You can visit a Fateweaver as often as you like for a little coin.

[Phnx]

^ Not true. The starting skill points are fixed and cannot be reallocated.

"Unbind Destiny does not remove Skills granted through Skill Books, Trainers, or racial bonuses."

http://amalur.wikia.com/wiki/Fateweaver

[Kelson]

Hmm, maybe I'm getting my skills and abilities confused. I recall having a point in whatever the "extra damage while attacking from Stealth" skill/ability when I created my character that I couldn't unallocate, but the Fateweaver let me get all those points back so I didn't have to spend it there next time. Sorry for the confusion.