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:

• Arcane Scholar: This scholarly Background grants access to unique dialogue choices rooted in academic knowledge. Your character is a graduate of Bragganhyl Academy, whose treatise on soul lineages incurred the wrath of a local lord, leading to arrest but ultimately recruitment by the Emperor. Expect dialogue reflecting expertise in occult knowledge, legal precedent, historical insights, and poetry.

• Court Augur: This Background presents a tragic narrative, potentially leading to accusations of witchcraft. Visions of villagers wielding torches and pitchforks after a crop failure, coupled with unusual insights, forced this character to flee to Highcrown, where the Emperor recognized their mystical abilities. Expect dialogue options reflecting spiritual understanding and interactions with magic and the Gods. This Background is ideal for players envisioning a wizard-like character, particularly those who anticipate a strong connection with the companion Giatta.

• Noble Scion: This Background depicts a character born into wealth and influence but burdened by a family's moral failings and subsequent downfall. Seeking the Emperor's mercy, this character becomes a valuable ally to the imperial court. This is a strong choice for players desiring loyalty to the Empire and its objectives within the Living Lands.

• Vanguard Scout: This Background portrays a character spared from execution by the Empire, preferring the wilderness to city life and politics. Their tracking and espionage skills make them a valuable asset. This Background suits players aiming for a hunter-style character and potentially a strong connection with the companion Marius.

• War Hero: This Background showcases a character who suppressed a violent Skaenite uprising, earning a place among elite warriors. Loyalty and resilience define this character, making them a valuable asset to the Emperor. This is an excellent choice for players envisioning a warrior archetype and potentially a strong connection with the companion Kai.

Starting Weapons: A Common Thread

Each Background provides a Common-quality, one-handed melee weapon (Dagger, Mace, Sword, Axe, or Spear). These are intended as temporary starting items, easily replaceable as the game progresses. Therefore, prioritize the Background that best suits your roleplaying preferences.

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 starting weapons are located near crates by the shipwreck during the "On Strange Shores" quest.

Ultimately, the choice of Background in Avowed enhances the roleplaying experience, shaping your character's narrative and interactions within the game world. Avowed is currently available on PC and Xbox.