Avowed's Character Creation: A Deep Dive into Backgrounds
Avowed boasts a richly detailed character creator, allowing players to shape their character's physical attributes and select a Background, which profoundly impacts their backstory and initial narrative. This guide explores each of Avowed's five Backgrounds and their unique attributes.
Avowed offers five distinct Backgrounds, each influencing dialogue options and providing a specific starting weapon. Crucially, all equipment and abilities remain accessible regardless of chosen Background. Let's examine each:
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Arcane Scholar: This Background casts your character as a Bragganhyl Academy graduate whose treatise on soul lineages angered a local lord, leading to arrest but ultimately recruitment by the Emperor. Scholars possess expertise in occult knowledge, legal matters, history, and poetry.
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Court Augur: This Background presents a tragic narrative. The Augur's prophetic visions, coupled with a village crop failure, led to accusations of witchcraft and a subsequent flight to Highcrown, where the Emperor appointed them as a personal mystic. Augurs possess strong spiritual connections and unique dialogue options reflecting their magical abilities and relationship with the Gods. This is ideal for players envisioning a wizard-like character, particularly those who anticipate a strong connection with the companion Giatta.
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Noble Scion: This Background depicts a character born into a wealthy but morally corrupt noble family. Following the family's downfall, the Scion sought the Emperor's favor and now serves as a valuable ally. This Background suits players who wish to maintain loyalty to the Empire and fulfill its mandates throughout the Living Lands.
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Vanguard Scout: This Background portrays a character spared execution by the Empire. Preferring wilderness to city life, the Scout's tracking and espionage skills make them a valuable asset. This Background caters to players who prefer a hunter-style gameplay and may find a stronger connection with the companion Marius.
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War Hero: This Background centers on a character who suppressed a violent Skaenite uprising, earning a place among elite warriors through loyalty and valor. This Background is perfect for players who want to roleplay a warrior, potentially finding resonance with the companion Kai.
Starting Weapons: A Common Thread
Each Background offers a unique starting weapon, all common-quality, one-handed melee weapons. These are intended as temporary starting equipment, easily replaced as the game progresses. Therefore, selecting a Background should primarily reflect your desired roleplaying experience, as all starting weapons are readily found early in the game.
Here's a breakdown of starting weapons by Background:
- Arcane Scholar – Common Dagger
- Court Augur – Common Mace
- Noble Scion – Common Sword
- Vanguard Scout – Common Axe
- War Hero – Common Spear
These weapons are located near crates by the shipwreck during the "On Strange Shores" quest.
Ultimately, Avowed's Backgrounds offer a compelling way to shape your character's narrative arc, impacting dialogue and providing a thematic starting point for your adventure. Choose wisely, and embark on your journey!
Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.
