Every Avowed Background and What They Do

Avowed's Character Backgrounds: A Deep Dive

Avowed boasts a rich character creator, allowing players to shape their character's physical appearance and choose a Background, which provides a pre-game backstory and narrative context. This guide details each Background and its impact on gameplay.

Avowed offers five distinct Backgrounds, each influencing dialogue options and providing a unique starting weapon. However, all equipment and abilities remain accessible regardless of chosen Background. The five options are: Arcane Scholar, Court Augur, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout, and War Hero.

Narrative Breakdown:

• Arcane Scholar: This scholarly character boasts an academic past, influencing dialogue choices. Graduating from Bragganhyl Academy, their treatise on soul lineages angered a local lord, leading to arrest. However, the Emperor recognized their potential and recruited them for the imperial archives. Scholars possess knowledge of the occult, legal precedents, history, and poetry.

• Court Augur: This Background presents a tragic narrative, potentially leading to accusations of witchcraft. Visions of villagers turning against them after a crop failure fueled suspicion. They fled to Highcrown, where the Emperor appointed them as their personal mystic. Court Augurs are spiritually attuned and offer unique dialogue options related to magic and the Gods. Ideal for players envisioning a wizard-like character, and they'll likely find common ground with the companion Giatta.

• Noble Scion: A classic tale of failed privilege, the Noble Scion hails from a wealthy but morally bankrupt noble family. Scandal and disputes led to their family's downfall, prompting them to seek the Emperor's mercy. They now serve as a valuable ally to the Emperor. This Background suits players loyal to the empire and eager to serve its interests.

• Vanguard Scout: This Background depicts a character spared from execution by the empire. Their past was humble, and they favor the wilderness over city life and politics. Their tracking and espionage skills make them a valuable asset. Perfect for players preferring a hunter-style gameplay and potentially forging a strong bond with the companion Marius.

• War Hero: This character distinguished themselves by quelling a Skaenite uprising, earning a place among the Emperor's elite warriors. Loyalty and resilience define them. This Background is ideal for players wanting a warrior-style character and may find a connection with the companion Kai.

Starting Weapons:

Each Background provides a Common-quality, one-handed melee weapon:

• Arcane Scholar – Common Dagger
• Court Augur – Common Mace
• Noble Scion – Common Sword
• Vanguard Scout – Common Axe
• War Hero – Common Spear

These weapons, found near a shipwreck during the "On Strange Shores" quest, are of low quality and will likely require upgrades or replacement. Therefore, selecting a Background based on desired roleplay is paramount, as suitable weapons are readily available early in the game.

Avowed is currently available on PC and Xbox.