Assuming you actually meant BaK, then: No. Just like in RtK, you play with predetermined characters. There are more of them though, and I find them to be a lot more interesting than the ones in RtK, even James. In my view, it is definitely worth it. As for an FAQ, there is always The BaK Help Web. Turnbased.

They are EPICALLY different. In fact, the similarities end with a few names that are the same. I think the interpretations of Feist's world are so different, you couldn't even consider the setting to be the same. The stories have nothing to do with each other, either. And the gameplay is even further apart.

My opinion, and indeed the general consensus, is that RtK was an okay game, but BaK is a true classic and a fine example of what low-graphics, high-story RPGs can do. Definitely check it out.

I haven't finished BaK but I wouldn't say the interpretation of the world is really any different. I've read some of the books and both games are very similar to the style.

While the settings and story are different because they really aren't related to the same plot.