There were a couple other places you could go in D2:ED that were easier than the skeletons around Lovis' tower. That section was rebalanced in DKS, though, and a couple people reported being a level or two higher by the time they reached that point.
There is a bit more to do in Broken Valley before you'll be able to get the dragon form (Lovis' tower is not the battle tower).
I picked the female character mostly for the voice, though trying a male character later I have to say I prefer the female running animation and the look of the female dragon. The view may be a bit better for the first 5 minutes with a female character, but after you upgrade a few pieces of equipment there isn't a lot of difference (at least sitting 8 or 10 feet from the screen).
Welcome to the forum.
