*Avowed* offers a rich character creation experience that goes beyond mere aesthetics, allowing players to choose a Background that shapes their character's narrative and gameplay. Here's a detailed look at each *Avowed* Background and their unique contributions to your journey.
Every Avowed Background, Listed
In *Avowed*, players can choose from five distinct Backgrounds, each offering unique dialogue options and a starting weapon. Importantly, all Backgrounds can utilize any equipment and abilities throughout the game. The five Backgrounds available are Arcane Scholar, Court Augur, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout, and War Hero. Let's delve into the narrative implications of each:
Arcane Scholar: Your character boasts an academic background, having graduated from Bragganhyl Academy. Your scholarly pursuits led to the publication of a treatise on soul lineages, which caused friction with local authorities, resulting in your arrest. However, the emperor saw value in your skills and recruited you to serve in the imperial court archives. Arcane Scholars possess knowledge in the occult, legal precedent, historical observation, and poetry, enriching your dialogue choices.
Court Augur: This tragic Background casts you as someone who foresaw the villagers' hostility after crop failures, leading to suspicions and eventual flight to Highcrown. There, the emperor recognized your mystical talents and appointed you as his personal mystic. Court Augurs connect deeply with the spiritual world, offering dialogue options that reflect their magical and divine insights. This Background is ideal for players who wish to embody a wizard and connect with the companion Giatta.
Noble Scion: Born into wealth and influence but plagued by family scandal, Noble Scions are the epitome of fallen nobility. After your family's collapse, you sought refuge with the emperor, becoming a valuable asset due to your inherent loyalty to the empire. This Background suits players who wish to uphold imperial interests in the Living Lands.
Vanguard Scout: Originally spared from execution, Vanguard Scouts prefer the wilderness over political intrigue. Your tracking and espionage skills make you an essential ally to the empire. This Background is perfect for those who want to role-play as a hunter and will find a natural connection with the companion Marius.
War Hero: Having quelled a Skaenite uprising, War Heroes earned their place among the elite warriors, prized by the emperor for their loyalty and combat prowess. This Background is ideal for players interested in a warrior playstyle and may find camaraderie with the companion Kai.
Every Background’s Starting Weapon in Avowed
Each Background in *Avowed* comes with a starting weapon, albeit of Common Quality and One-Handed Melee type. These weapons are intended as temporary tools, quickly outclassed as you progress through the game. Therefore, selecting a Background should be based on the narrative and role-playing elements you wish to explore rather than the starting weapon itself. Here’s the list of starting weapons:
- 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)
You'll find your starting weapon leaning against crates near the shipwreck during the On Strange Shores Quest.
That wraps up our comprehensive guide on the backgrounds in *Avowed* and their unique features. Whether you're drawn to the scholarly pursuits of an Arcane Scholar or the rugged life of a Vanguard Scout, there's a narrative path tailored to your playstyle.
*Avowed is now available on PC and Xbox.*
