*Avowed* offers players a rich and immersive character creation system, allowing for deep personalization beyond just physical appearance. One of the most impactful aspects of this system is the choice of Background, which establishes your character's origin story and influences early dialogue options. While each Background grants a unique narrative and a starting weapon, they do not restrict your gameplay style—every character can ultimately use any equipment and ability in the game. Let’s explore each of the five available Backgrounds and what they bring to your journey in *Avowed*.
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Every Avowed Background, Explained
There are five distinct Backgrounds available in *Avowed*, each offering a unique backstory and narrative perspective. These backgrounds shape how your character interacts with the world of the Living Lands and provide different thematic experiences for role-playing. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Arcane Scholar
As an Arcane Scholar, you are a former academic from the prestigious Bragganhyl Academy. Your publication on soul lineages threatened the power of a local noble, leading to your arrest—until the Emperor intervened and recruited you into the imperial archives. This background gives your character access to dialogue choices rooted in knowledge, the occult, historical insight, and even poetry. Ideal for players who enjoy a scholarly, intellectual approach to the game world.
Court Augur
The Court Augur has a haunting backstory involving visions and persecution. After predicting disaster and being blamed for a failed harvest, you fled to Highcrown, where the Emperor took you in and trained you as his personal mystic. This path connects you to the spiritual and divine, offering dialogue options that reflect your mystical insight. It’s a strong choice for players who want to embody a magical or prophetic role and build a bond with the companion Giatta.
Noble Scion
Born into a powerful and morally corrupt noble family, the Noble Scion was left with nothing after a scandal destroyed their lineage. You sought refuge with the Emperor, who now sees you as a valuable ally. This background is perfect for players who want to maintain loyalty to the Empire and play as a political or diplomatic figure within the Living Lands.
Vanguard Scout
The Vanguard Scout lived a modest life before being spared execution by the Emperor. Preferring the wilds over court politics, this background emphasizes tracking, survival, and stealth. If you enjoy a hunter-style playthrough or want to form a strong connection with the companion Marius, this is a great choice.
War Hero
As a War Hero, you helped suppress a violent Skaenite uprising and were rewarded with a place among the Emperor’s elite warriors. This background represents strength, loyalty, and resilience. It’s ideal for players who want to embrace a warrior archetype and build a strong relationship with the companion Kai.
Every Background’s Starting Weapon in Avowed
Each Background comes with a specific starting weapon, though all are of Common Quality and will likely be replaced early in the game. These weapons are all one-handed melee options and can be easily upgraded or replaced as you progress through *Avowed*. That said, each weapon can also be found in the world shortly after the tutorial, so your choice of Background should be based on narrative preference rather than combat utility.
- 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)
Your starting weapon will appear leaning against crates near the shipwreck during the *On Strange Shores* quest, giving you your first taste of combat in the Living Lands.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a Background in *Avowed* is more than just selecting a starting weapon—it’s about shaping your character’s identity and how they interact with the world. Whether you're drawn to the intellectual life of the Arcane Scholar, the mystical path of the Court Augur, or the battlefield prowess of the War Hero, each Background offers a rewarding and immersive experience. So pick the one that speaks to you, and dive into the rich world of *Avowed*.
*Avowed is now available on PC and Xbox.*
