Avowed Backgrounds: Roles & Abilities

Avowed boasts a richly detailed character creator, allowing you to craft a unique hero beyond just physical appearance. The Background system adds depth, providing each character with a compelling backstory and narrative context even before the game begins. Let's explore each Avowed Background and its impact on your journey.

Avowed offers five distinct Backgrounds, each influencing dialogue options and providing a unique starting weapon. Importantly, all equipment and abilities remain accessible regardless of your chosen Background. Let's delve into each one:

Arcane Scholar

This Background casts your character as a graduate of Bragganhyl Academy, whose treatise on soul lineages threatened a local lord, leading to arrest. The Emperor, however, recognized your potential and recruited you for the imperial court archives. Expect dialogue options reflecting your knowledge of the occult, legal precedents, history, and poetry.

Court Augur

A tragic past defines this Background. Visions of villagers turning against you after a crop failure, coupled with your unusual insights, forced your flight to Highcrown. The Emperor, recognizing your mystical abilities, appointed you as their personal mystic. Expect dialogue reflecting your spiritual connection and understanding of magic and the Gods. This Background is ideal for players envisioning a wizard-like role and will likely find strong synergy with the Giatta companion.

Noble Scion

This Background depicts a character born into noble privilege but marred by family scandal and moral failings. Seeking redemption, you pledge allegiance to the Emperor. This Background is perfect for players wishing to remain loyal to the Empire and serve its interests throughout the Living Lands.

Vanguard Scout

Spared from execution by the Empire, this Background showcases a humble past and a preference for the wilderness over city life and politics. Your tracking and espionage skills make you a valuable asset. This Background is suited to players preferring a hunter-style playthrough and will likely find themselves connecting with the Marius companion.

War Hero

Having quelled a violent Skaenite uprising, you've earned the Emperor's favor and a place among elite warriors. Your loyalty and courage are highly valued. This Background is ideal for players wanting a warrior-style playthrough and may resonate most with the Kai companion.

Starting Weapons in Avowed

Each Background provides a starting weapon, all common-quality, one-handed melee items. These are intended as temporary equipment; upgrades or replacements will be readily available as you progress. Prioritize choosing the Background that best aligns with your desired roleplaying experience, as all starting weapons are easily obtainable in the Living Lands shortly after the tutorial.

Here’s a breakdown of starting weapons by Background:

• 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 near some crates by the shipwreck during the "On Strange Shores" quest.

This concludes our overview of Avowed's Backgrounds. Choose wisely and embark on your adventure!

Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.