I have decided upon Raven elves for the race, and I am going to use CoHR since it is kind of like shapeshifting, if you have recommendations for something better please tell.
Here is a couple links for reference:
http://dragonage.wikia.com/wiki/Morrigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkyI4v4cxc0
^^^that could have spoilers in it, it was the only thing i could find that fully displays her armor.