"Avowed: Exploring Every Background and Their Roles"

Avowed features a deep and immersive character creator that goes beyond mere appearance. One of the most impactful choices you’ll make is selecting your character’s Background—a decision that shapes their history, influences dialogue options, and sets the tone for your journey through the Living Lands. Each Background provides unique narrative flavor and a starting weapon, though all Backgrounds have full access to equipment and abilities. Here’s a complete breakdown of every Avowed Background and what it offers.

There are five distinct Backgrounds available in Avowed: Arcane Scholar, Court Augur, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout, and War Hero. While each grants different story context and initial gear, they do not lock you into a specific class or playstyle. You’re free to explore any path, but your Background will influence early dialogue, companion connections, and how NPCs perceive you.

Arcane Scholar

You are a learned academic, a former student of Bragganhyl Academy whose controversial treatise on soul lineages threatened a powerful lord’s legitimacy. After being arrested, you were recruited by the emperor to serve in the imperial archives. Your expertise spans the occult, law, history, and even poetry. The Arcane Scholar opens up intellectual dialogue paths and suits players who enjoy a lore-rich, scholarly role-playing experience.

Court Augur

Gifted—or cursed—with prophetic visions, you were driven from your village when your insights were blamed for a failed harvest. Labeled a witch, you fled to Highcrown, where the emperor took you in as his personal mystic. The Court Augur is deeply connected to the spiritual realm, unlocking dialogue options tied to magic and divine insight. This Background is ideal for players who want to embody a mystical, wizard-like presence and will resonate strongly with the companion Giatta.

Noble Scion

Born into a powerful noble family in the Living Lands, your life was one of privilege—until scandal and moral decay destroyed your house. Seeking refuge, you turned to the emperor, who now sees you as a loyal ally. The Noble Scion is perfect for players who wish to uphold imperial authority and navigate the political landscape of the world with a sense of duty and legacy.

Vanguard Scout

Once spared from execution by the empire, you’ve lived a life on the fringes, favoring the wilds over the intrigues of court. Your survival skills and keen eye for tracking make you a valuable asset to the emperor’s cause. The Vanguard Scout is tailored for players who prefer a hunter-like playstyle, thriving in nature and stealth. If you connect with the rugged pragmatism of companion Marius, this Background is a natural fit.

War Hero

You earned your place by crushing a violent Skaenite uprising, proving your courage and loyalty. Rewarded with a position among the empire’s elite warriors, you are a symbol of resilience and strength. The War Hero is designed for players who want to step into the boots of a battle-hardened fighter and will find strong camaraderie with companion Kai.

Starting Weapons by Background

While each Background comes with a designated starting weapon, they are all Common Quality, One-Handed Melee weapons and will quickly become outdated as you progress. These tools are meant to get you started—expect to upgrade or replace them early in your journey. All starting weapons can be easily found or replicated in the Living Lands shortly after the tutorial, so your choice should be based on role-play preference rather than gear.

Here’s what you’ll begin with:

• 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 weapons can be found leaning against crates near the shipwreck during the “On Strange Shores” quest, marking the beginning of your adventure.

Choosing a Background in Avowed is about more than stats—it’s about identity. Whether you want to play as a wise scholar, a haunted seer, a fallen noble, a wilderness tracker, or a battle-tested warrior, each option enriches your experience through narrative depth and role-playing potential.

Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.