I am doing the same thing. I started DA:O with an Eleven Mage and I will be heading in to finish up Redcliffe today because I really want to unlock the Blood Mage specialization. I have also been watching a shit load of Dragon Age Lore videos to brush back up on the amazing lore this journey, it is going to take a while but I am looking forward to it...
Nice. I wanted to do an Elven Mage myself just for the unique dialogue options and ability to get the Blood Mage specialization, but ultimately I love the Rogue playstyle and wanted to experience the unique dialogue options for a City Elf with high Cunning. There's been some surprising hidden Cunning options I've found so far, at Ostagar and in banter with companions (like Alistair).
There's a mod that fixes that. Good one to use when you get to DAI.
Yeah I saw that mod. Users are reporting it's not a total fix, however, and there's still a lot of run around (having to always change companions at party camp to 'reset' the timer, etc). I cannot believe to this day the banter system is so inconsistent and requires players (especially on consoles) to jump through hoops to experience it consistently. I remember being so bummed by Inquisition on launch in 2014, so I hope all the DLC and the rest of the story I never made it through is compelling enough to finish it this time.
In regards to my mentioned playthrough of DA:O... just finished Orzammar and the Deep Roads first, to get Oghren early. He's a lot more crude and funny (but also surprisingly deep) than I remember a decade ago, and his banter with both Morrigan and Zevran has been hilarious. I only found out recently you can actually bring him to Lothering before it's burned down, though I couldn't see if there were any unique reactions from him when recruiting Sten and Leliana as I'd already gotten them. Has anyone here tried that? I kinda want to go out of my way, this playthrough, to find as many hidden dialogue branches and companion reactions as possible.
As for Orzammar and the Deep Roads itself... probably still my least favourite questline of the game. The Dwarven lore is a blast to read and immerse in, but the actual content there wasn't as compelling as I'd hoped to remember. I chose Bhelen this time as I'd never supported him before, but he's rather typical in his interactions (scheming, cunning, pragmatic throne chaser) and I actually prefer doing the Proving quests for Harrowmont in retrospect. I was also disappointed none of the NPCs (with the exception of the Shaper) reacted to Shale's presence. Finally... the Deep Roads was just far too long. I get it's a high-level dungeon crawl, but it was just too same-ey for my tastes. Even the showdown with Caridan, and choosing Branka, wasn't as different or entertaining as I'd hoped.
Off to the Circle next... let's hope the Fade doesn't elicit the same reaction.