Something that would be a nice addition would possibly having events or NPC conversations based on the various nationalities of the members of your party. In the previous game your party consisted of Havenites, Ahriel, Ukatash, and Vol. Perhaps in the new game the certain factions may have various alliances and enemies, if you fill your party with people belonging to that faction then you likely will have an easier time in their territory than you would if your party were made of enemies of that faction.