Avowed: A Spiritual Morrowind Revival

Avowed: A Delightful RPG That Captures the Spirit of Exploration

Avowed isn't revolutionary, but it's a thoroughly enjoyable RPG that will resonate with exploration enthusiasts. It successfully evokes the spirit of Morrowind, the seminal RPG that set a new standard for immersive game worlds. Like Morrowind, Avowed imbues every element of its environment – rocks, plants, mountains, even the ocean floor – with the potential for adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has masterfully recreated this sense of discovery.

Table of Contents

• The World of Pillars of Eternity
• A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
• Treasures Beneath Every Stone
• Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
• Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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Set within the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a richly detailed world, regardless of prior familiarity with the series. While prior knowledge enhances the experience, the narrative unfolds organically through in-game interactions and environmental clues.

The story follows an emissary dispatched by the Aedyr Emperor to the Living Lands to investigate a strange fungal plague that corrupts souls and drives individuals to madness. In this world, souls follow a cyclical path, passing into oblivion after death before eventually reincarnating. The protagonist is unique, touched at birth by a god (whose identity remains a mystery), resulting in unusual growths on their head that evoke fear in some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

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The protagonist's arrival in the Living Lands is anything but peaceful, beginning with an attack on their ship by deranged Aedyran guards. Reaching the port city of Paradise (a fittingly ironic name), they find chaos reigns: high-ranking officials are missing, the city gates are sealed, and pandemonium prevails – a classic RPG trope executed effectively.

Exploration quickly reveals the game's rewarding treasure-hunting aspects. My initial foray into the nearby sea yielded sunken riches (after a near-drowning experience!). This led to a chance encounter with smugglers, a tense eavesdropping session, and a hasty retreat after being discovered. Back in the port, I eagerly accepted quests and thoroughly explored every corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

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One highlight involved breaking into a house, looting its contents, and then scaling scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, unique yellow-tier boots with a compelling backstory, and stunning panoramic views. As night fell, the bioluminescent mushrooms illuminated new paths and secrets.

The world is brimming with surprises. Hidden beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, lies a chest concealed beneath spiderwebs (easily dealt with using fire). A nest perched precariously on beams contains coins. A backpack filled with goodies hangs from a cliff edge, while a skeleton rests below. Even an ice grenade can temporarily freeze the water, allowing access to submerged items.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

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These moments of discovery are plentiful. Supplies unexpectedly appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, often leading to new quests, rare artifacts, and captivating scenarios. For example, while exploring the slums, I stumbled upon a blind man and his grieving wife, whose lives were threatened by mercenaries. In another instance, I helped a nobleman recover a lost ring from a sewer, only to discover its health regeneration properties – a valuable item I kept.

Another memorable encounter involved a deceased couple found near a lift leading to the northern outskirts, where guards were examining a dead smuggler. Further investigation led to a confrontation with reptilian creatures and a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest or repetitive grinding. My focus was exploration, experimentation with different character builds, and discovering item interactions. Whether using a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new avenues.

With many unanswered questions and unexplored systems, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. The game provides a constant stream of discoveries, reminding us why RPGs remain a captivating genre.