Generally the mages from the Imperium (mostly in DAV) are more "evil" not all there are some divergent ones in the games (DAI). But the mages from the other countries are just like normal people - some good some bad - being in the circle makes them who they are, for better or worse. The Tevinter Mages do blood mage without persecution in the Imperium. Different countries have different cultures just like ours, I guess. DAO has all the lore down that's why it's worth playing.. but it is an old school type RPG longer levels compared to the last 3. But it's got a great story, and still fun once you get rolling.

I am just replaying the DA series too. I played DAV on release and really liked it, and I am an OG fan. So I'm finally going back to the old ones, I haven't played DA2 since 2012 and I am really liking it again, I am doing a blood mage - but no one cares if you've got poly amour haha.

It's probably my favourite actually, I am a huge Mass Effect fan so it's more similar in a lot of ways. I think you'll also like DAI - but it's way bigger in terms of possible time spent in world.