Avowed's Character Creation: A Deep Dive into Backgrounds
Avowed boasts a rich character creator, allowing players to shape their character's physical appearance and select 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. Let's explore each:
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Arcane Scholar: This scholarly Background grants access to unique dialogue options rooted in academia. Your character, a graduate of Bragganhyl Academy, published a treatise that angered a local lord, leading to arrest, but ultimately securing a position in the imperial archives. Expect dialogue reflecting knowledge of the occult, legal matters, history, and poetry.
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Court Augur: This Background presents a tragic narrative, potentially leading to being labeled a witch. Visions and unusual insights following a village crop failure fueled suspicion, forcing a flight to Highcrown where the emperor employed them as a personal mystic. Expect dialogue reflecting spiritual awareness and interactions with magic and the Gods. This is ideal for players envisioning a wizard-like character and will likely resonate with the companion Giatta.
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Noble Scion: A classic tale of fallen nobility. Born into wealth and influence but burdened by family scandal, this character seeks the emperor's favor. Loyalty to the empire is a core theme, making this a suitable choice for players who wish to remain loyal to the empire's cause.
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Vanguard Scout: This Background depicts a character spared from execution by the empire. Preferring wilderness to city life, their skills in tracking and espionage make them a valuable asset. This Background suits players favoring a hunter-style playthrough and may find common ground with the companion Marius.
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War Hero: Having quelled a Skaenite uprising, this character earned a place among elite warriors. Loyalty and resilience are defining traits, making this a strong choice for players wanting a warrior-focused playthrough and potentially forging a strong bond with the companion Kai.
Starting Weapons:
Each Background provides a low-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, will likely be quickly upgraded or replaced. Prioritize choosing the Background that best aligns with your desired roleplaying experience.
Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.