Bioware FAQ for Awakenings:
2.3 - If my PC died at the end of Dragon Age: Origins how are they alive in Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening? If a player wants to, they can import their "Dead Warden" into Awakening and play as them. For the story it's assumed that they didn't make the ultimate sacrifice, instead somehow survived. A player would start as the same level with the same gear as their "Dead Warden". Essentially, if a player doesn't have a problem hand-waiving the story in this regard - neither do we.
Also:
2.5 - Will my items, armor, stats, etc transfer over if I import my character from Dragon Age: Origins?Almost all items are imported with your character. The only exceptions are the Origins promotional items and DLC loot, which were meant for Origins alone.
is that why they took away our helmet and sword? what about our fantastic runes?
jerks.
and where's my goddamned dog?!!