Every Avowed Background and What They Do

Avowed boasts a deep character creator, allowing you to craft a unique persona beyond mere aesthetics. Choosing a Background adds a compelling backstory and shapes your narrative journey from the outset. Let's explore each option available.

Avowed offers five distinct Backgrounds, each influencing dialogue choices and providing a unique starting weapon. While the starting equipment is basic, all Backgrounds can ultimately utilize any weapon or ability in the game. Here's a breakdown:

Arcane Scholar

This Background casts you as a Bragganhyl Academy graduate whose treatise on soul lineages angered a local lord, leading to your arrest. The Emperor, however, recognized your potential and recruited you. Expect dialogue options reflecting your knowledge of the occult, law, history, and poetry.

Court Augur

A tragic past and uncanny insights led to accusations of witchcraft after a village crop failure. Fleeing to Highcrown, you gained the Emperor's favor as his personal mystic. This Background offers dialogue choices reflecting your spiritual connection and knowledge of magic and the Gods. Ideal for players envisioning a wizard-like character, and you'll likely find yourself connecting with Giatta as a companion.

Noble Scion

Born into wealth and influence, your family's downfall due to scandal forced you to seek the Emperor's mercy. As a loyal ally to the Empire, this Background is perfect for players who wish to remain loyal to the Empire and carry out its will throughout the Living Lands.

Vanguard Scout

Spared from execution, your humble background and preference for wilderness over city life make you a valuable asset to the Empire due to your tracking and espionage skills. This Background lends itself to a hunter-style play and a strong connection with Marius as a companion.

War Hero

Your valor in quelling a Skaenite uprising earned you a place among the Emperor's elite warriors. Loyalty and grit define this Background, making it ideal for players wishing to embody a warrior archetype. You might find yourself relating most to Kai as a companion.

Starting Weapons in Avowed

Each Background starts with a Common-quality, one-handed melee weapon: a Dagger (Arcane Scholar), Mace (Court Augur), Sword (Noble Scion), Axe (Vanguard Scout), or Spear (War Hero). These are easily replaced as you progress, so prioritize the Background that best suits your roleplaying desires. These starting weapons can be found near the shipwreck during the "On Strange Shores" quest.

Ultimately, choose the Background that resonates most with your desired playstyle and narrative. Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.