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 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: Arcane Scholar, Court Augur, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout, and War Hero. While each offers unique dialogue options and a starting weapon (all common-quality, one-handed melee weapons), all equipment and abilities remain accessible regardless of choice. The narrative impact of each Background is significant:

• Arcane Scholar: This scholarly character hails from Bragganhyl Academy, their treatise on soul lineages causing conflict with a local lord. Imprisoned, they were recruited by the Emperor for the imperial archives. Expect dialogue options reflecting knowledge of the occult, law, history, and poetry.

• Court Augur: This Background features a tragic backstory, their mystical insights leading to suspicion and exile after a village crop failure. The Emperor, however, recognized their abilities and made them 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 most with the Giatta companion.

• Noble Scion: A classic case of failed privilege, this character comes from a wealthy but morally bankrupt noble family. Their family's downfall led them to seek the Emperor's favor, making them a valuable ally to the crown. This is a strong choice for players wishing to remain loyal to the Empire.

• Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution, this character's humble origins and preference for wilderness over courtly life make them a valuable asset to the Empire as a tracker and spy. This Background suits players preferring a hunter-style playthrough and will likely resonate most with the Marius companion.

• War Hero: This character's bravery in quelling a Skaenite uprising earned them a place among the Empire's elite warriors. Their loyalty and grit make them invaluable to the Emperor. This Background is perfect for players wanting a warrior-style character and may find themselves connecting most with the Kai companion.

Starting Weapons: A Fleeting Advantage

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 easily replaced, making Background choice primarily a narrative decision.

Ultimately, selecting an Avowed Background hinges on roleplaying preference and desired narrative arc. The starting weapon is inconsequential in the long run.

Avowed is currently available on PC and Xbox.