I'm wondering if it might be due to better connectivity with the plot or something Larian wanted for a significant NPC so decided to implement for players too. That long-haired possible Triton/other water race character in the temple of Umberlee that we saw in the city trailer seems a possible candidate.

"You may call it 'nonsense' if you like, but I've heard nonsense, compared with which that would be as sensible as a dictionary!"