I'm just about to start the game but have a few questions since I've not played one of these kinds of RPGs in a long time.
1) Whats a good starter combo. I'm thinking Knight + Thief?
2) What abilities/perks are suggested?
3) Is there a moral route? Can you good or bad to people? If so, what're are some of the benefits you've experienced playing either way?
1. Take what you want, and remember that even if you don't spec it there is almost always an option to do it.
Example: thieves make stealing more streamlined and open up a few more things such as pickpocketing and chests and locked doors, but everyone can steal effectively. And as character progression is open, you can start any class and put skills into the thieving stuff if you'd rather run something else at the start.
Same if you like the idea of burning stuff, no need to roll a fire mage as you can open the fire magic with any magic user, or use fire arrows on ranger, or scrolls for everyone else, or even ignite things by tossing a candle at them...
2. LIterally, whatever you want.
I would say that the only real talent that makes sense to get early on and seems obligatory to me is Pet Pal. Being able to converse with animals not only unlocks the (imo) funniest dialogue in the game, but opens up quest options and ways to solve quests you wouldn't have access to otherwise (you only need it on one character, and that character must be the one to speak to the animal).
3. It's not renegade/paragon. You get dialogue choices when certain events trigger, and your reaction to these level up things like Loyalty, Heartless, etc... these traits affect certain dialogue options.
You're free to go full out bad/evil of course, but the system allows for more grey areas if you want to explore those.