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Avowed Backgrounds: Roles and Functions

Author:Kristen Update:Apr 26,2025

*Avowed* offers an expansive character creator that goes beyond mere aesthetics, allowing players to choose a Background that enriches their character's narrative and backstory. Here's a detailed look at each *Avowed* Background and its unique attributes.

Every Avowed Background, Listed

Every Background in Avowed Listed

In *Avowed*, players can select from five distinct Backgrounds, each offering unique dialogue options and a starting weapon. Importantly, every Background can utilize all equipment and abilities within the game. The available Backgrounds include Arcane Scholar, Court Augur, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout, and War Hero. Let's delve into the narrative significance of each:

Arcane Scholar: Your character has an academic background, having graduated from Bragganhyl Academy. You authored a treatise on soul lineages that challenged a local lord's legitimacy, leading to your arrest. However, the emperor recruited you to work in the imperial court archives. Arcane Scholars are versed in the occult, legal precedents, historical observations, and poetry, influencing their dialogue choices.

Court Augur: This Background comes with a tragic backstory. As a Court Augur, you experienced visions of your community turning against you after crop failures, prompting your escape to Highcrown. There, the emperor elevated you to his personal mystic. Court Augurs are attuned to the spiritual and magical realms, offering dialogue options that resonate with the mystical and divine. This Background suits players who wish to role-play as wizards and may find a connection with the companion Giatta.

Noble Scion: Noble Scions represent the equivalent of a failed nepotism case in the Living Lands, born into wealth and influence but marred by family scandals. Seeking redemption, you turned to the emperor for mercy. Noble Scions are loyal allies to the empire, making this Background ideal for players who wish to serve the empire's interests throughout the Living Lands.

Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution by the empire, Vanguard Scouts lead humble lives and prefer the wilderness over city life and politics. Your skills in tracking and spying make you a valuable asset to the empire. This Background is perfect for players interested in a hunter play style and those who might relate more to the companion Marius.

War Hero: Having quelled a violent Skaenite uprising, War Heroes were rewarded by the emperor with a place among elite warriors. Your loyalty and resilience are highly valued. This Background is excellent for players who want to embody a warrior and may find a kinship with the companion Kai.

Every Background's Starting Weapon in Avowed

An Avowed Starting Weapon, a Common Sword, resting against crates at the beginning of the game

Each Background in *Avowed* comes equipped with a starting weapon, though these are of low, Common Quality. These are all One-Handed Melee items and will need upgrading or replacing as you progress through the game. Therefore, it's wise to select a Background that resonates with your desired roleplay experience, as you'll soon find alternative weapons in the Living Lands. Here are the starting weapons for each 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 these starting weapons leaning against crates near the shipwreck during the On Strange Shores Quest.

That concludes our overview of every Background in *Avowed* and their roles within the game. *Avowed* is now available on PC and Xbox, offering players a rich and immersive experience tailored to their chosen narrative path.