"Avowed: Exploring Every Background and Their Functions"

In *Avowed*, the character creation process goes beyond just the physical appearance, allowing players to select a Background that enriches their character with a unique backstory and narrative. This choice not only affects dialogue options but also assigns a starting weapon, though all backgrounds can utilize any equipment and abilities in the game. Here's a detailed look at the five Backgrounds available in *Avowed* and their specific roles within the game's narrative:

Every Avowed Background, Listed

• Arcane Scholar: This Background paints your character as a graduate from Bragganhyl Academy, renowned for publishing a treatise on soul lineages that challenged a local lord's legitimacy, leading to your arrest. However, the emperor saw potential in you and recruited you to work in the imperial court archives. Arcane Scholars are knowledgeable in the occult, legal precedent, historical observation, and poetry, influencing their dialogue choices.
• Court Augur: With a tragic backstory, Court Augurs have fled persecution after being wrongly blamed for crop failures due to their mystic visions. They found refuge in Highcrown, where the emperor took them under his wing as a personal mystic. This Background connects players deeply with the spiritual realm and the gods, perfect for those looking to role-play as a wizard and connect with the companion Giatta.
• Noble Scion: As a Noble Scion, you come from a family of wealth and influence but tarnished by scandal and disputes. Seeking redemption, you turned to the emperor for mercy. This Background makes you a valuable ally to the empire, ideal for players who wish to remain loyal and serve the empire's interests in the Living Lands.
• Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution by the empire, Vanguard Scouts prefer the wilderness over city life and politics. Their skills in tracking and spying make them an asset to the empire. This Background is suited for players interested in a hunter play style and connecting with the companion Marius.
• War Hero: Having quelled a violent Skaenite uprising, War Heroes are rewarded by the emperor with a position among elite warriors. Their loyalty and grit are highly valued. This Background appeals to players wanting to role-play a warrior and relate to the companion Kai.

Every Background's Starting Weapon in Avowed

While each Background comes with its own starting weapon, these are all Common Quality One-Handed Melee items. They won't last long in your journey through *Avowed* and will need upgrading or replacing soon after the game's tutorial. Therefore, when choosing your Background, consider the role you want to play rather than the weapon, as all can be found in the Living Lands shortly after starting:

• 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)

These starting weapons can be found leaning against crates near the shipwreck during the On Strange Shores Quest.

That covers all the backgrounds in *Avowed* and their unique contributions to your gameplay experience. *Avowed* is now available on PC and Xbox.