*Avowed* offers an immersive character creation experience that goes beyond mere aesthetics. You can choose a Background for your character, which not only shapes their backstory but also influences the narrative throughout the game. Here's a detailed look at each *Avowed* Background and their unique features:
Every Avowed Background, Listed
In *Avowed*, you have the option to select from five distinct Backgrounds. Each Background provides unique dialogue options and a starting weapon, though all can eventually use any equipment and abilities available in the game. Let's explore the narrative role of each Background:
- Arcane Scholar: Your character has an academic background, having graduated from Bragganhyl Academy. You published a treatise on soul lineages that challenged a local lord's legitimacy, leading to your arrest. However, the emperor saw your potential and recruited you to work in the imperial court archives. Arcane Scholars are knowledgeable about the occult, legal precedents, historical observations, and poetry, which reflects in their dialogue choices.
Court Augur: This Background offers a tragic backstory where your character faced suspicion and hostility from villagers due to failed crops and your mystic insights. Fleeing to Highcrown, the emperor made you his personal mystic. Court Augurs are deeply connected to the spiritual realm, offering dialogue options that resonate with magic and the divine. This Background is ideal for those looking to role-play as a wizard and connect with the companion Giatta.
Noble Scion: As a Noble Scion, your character comes from a family of wealth and influence but marred by scandal and moral failings. After your family's downfall, you sought mercy from the emperor, becoming an invaluable ally to the empire. This Background is perfect for players who wish to remain loyal to the empire and carry out its directives in the Living Lands. Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution, your character as a Vanguard Scout prefers the wilderness over politics. Valued by the empire for tracking and spying abilities, this Background is suited for those who want to role-play a hunter and connect more with the companion Marius. War Hero: Having quelled a violent Skaenite uprising, your character as a War Hero was rewarded with a place among elite warriors. Your loyalty and grit make you valuable to the emperor. This Background is excellent for players interested in a warrior playstyle and those who might relate to the companion Kai. Every Background’s Starting Weapon in Avowed
Each Background in Avowed comes with a starting weapon, though these are of Common Quality and categorized as One-Handed Melee items. These weapons will need upgrading or replacing as you progress through the game. Therefore, it's advisable to choose the Background that aligns with your preferred roleplay, as all starting weapons can be found in the Living Lands shortly after the tutorial.
Here are the starting weapons for each Background:
- Arcane Scholar – Common Dagger (One-Handed)
- Court Augur – Common Mace (One-Handed)
- Noble Scion – Common Sword (One-Handed)
- Vanguard Scout – Common Axe (One-Handed)
- War Hero – Common Spear (One-Handed)
These weapons can be found leaning against some crates near the shipwreck during the On Strange Shores Quest.
And that's a comprehensive overview of every background in Avowed and their unique roles and starting weapons.
Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.
