Avowed: Morrowind's Spiritual Successor Unveiled

Avowed isn't a revolutionary game, but it's a delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, the iconic RPG that redefined immersive worlds long before modern standards. Morrowind's sense of adventure permeated every element—rocks, bushes, mountains, even the ocean floor. Obsidian Entertainment has masterfully recreated this feeling of discovery in Avowed.

Table of Contents

• The World of Pillars of Eternity
• A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
• Treasures Beneath Every Stone
• Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
• Endless Possibilities and Exploration

Set in the rich world of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players regardless of their familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through gameplay and conversations. You play an emissary chosen by the Emperor of Aedyr, sent to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls are reborn, and the protagonist’s birth was touched by a god—though which one remains a mystery. This divine touch manifests as unusual growths on their head, causing fear among some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Your arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful; your ship is attacked by maddened Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise—a name both ironic and fitting—you find chaos reigns: high-ranking officials are missing, the gates are closed, and the city is in disarray. A classic RPG setup, indeed!

Exploration immediately reveals the game's charm. My first foray into the nearby sea yielded sunken treasure (after a near-drowning experience!). I then stumbled upon a smugglers' camp, overheard their plans, and made a hasty retreat after being discovered. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and explored every corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight involved breaking into a house, looting it, and then scaling scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At the top, I found a treasure map, unique yellow-tier boots with a compelling backstory, and stunning views. As night fell, the bioluminescent mushrooms revealed hidden paths and secrets. The surprises continued: a chest hidden under spiderwebs in the sewers (requiring a bit of fire magic), a coin-filled nest, a backpack precariously hanging from a cliff, and even submerged loot retrieved by temporarily freezing the water with an ice grenade.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments of discovery are abundant. Supplies appear in unexpected locations—rooftops, behind waterfalls, atop hills—leading to new quests, rare items, and intriguing scenarios. I encountered a blind man and his grieving wife threatened by mercenaries, helped a nobleman retrieve a health-boosting ring from a sewer (which I naturally kept!), and discovered the tragic fate of two lovers near a lift leading to a northern outpost where guards examined a dead smuggler. Further investigation led me through a reptilian camp and a confrontation with a formidable giant, testing my skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest. I explored, experimented with different builds, and discovered item interactions. Whether wielding a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened up new possibilities. With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. A path of hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures awaits. Avowed is a testament to why RPGs remain so captivating.