I'm a surfacer, yes. Orzammar dwarves lose their caste if they go topside, and they believe they can't return to the Stone if they lose caste. That's a big deal for them.
Lyrium is used to enchant items. Mages use it to enhance their spells, and Templars use it to combat or negate magic and fight demons.
Close combat, yes. I meant left hand, but I'm not used to this...thing.