Alright, so in the previous Mount and Blade game you were give a series of choices to make about your characters background. These served no real purpose but to determine some stat boosts as well as your starting equipment. Fire and Sword totally lacks this entirely. So, I have started two games and come out with two completely different loadouts of starting weapons. The first time I got a pistol while the second I have a full size musket. Anyone know if this is somehow determined by your actions or completely random?

It's determined by what stats you choose at the beginning I believe.

In the tutorial section they equip you with a 1 hander and a pistol. As soon as you enter the world proper, you're equipped with a rifle and a sabre.

The total lack of 'background' choice for your character however really bugs me, it was one of my favorite features of Warband and I'm a little shocked that they didnt think it was required. Simply being forced to start at the same place on the map every time is a pain, wishing I could pick a faction to be placed near.