You can change the begining face to look like a colonist or european. As for the armor you will always start with it but you have alternatives in your inventory. The reason you start in that armor is due to the fact it has a slightly higher protection value than the other armor. I believe you start with a bow, lance, spear, two different Native American outfits, and one of the native games armors I believe is still affected by your choices. If you want to look more european either equip the native game's armor or sell the indian equipment and by a european outfit.