Enchanting World of Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind

Avowed isn't revolutionary, but it's a delightful RPG that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration. It evokes strong memories of Morrowind, that iconic RPG which redefined immersive worlds long before modern gaming standards. Morrowind made every rock, bush, mountain, and even the ocean floor feel like a potential adventure; Avowed successfully recreates that 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

Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, Avowed welcomes players to a richly detailed world without requiring prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity enhances the experience, the story unfolds organically through dialogue and environmental storytelling.

The plot follows an emissary sent by the Emperor of Aedyr to the Living Lands to investigate a strange fungal plague affecting souls and driving people mad. In this world, souls have a life cycle, passing into oblivion and eventually reincarnating. The protagonist is unique; touched by a god at birth (though which god remains a mystery), they bear peculiar plant-like growths on their head, causing fear in some.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

Arriving in the Living Lands, the protagonist's ship is attacked by crazed Aedyran guards, setting a chaotic tone. Reaching the port city of Paradise (ironic, yet fitting), they find high-ranking officials missing, the gates closed, and the city in disarray—a classic RPG setup.

Exploration quickly reveals the joy of discovery. My initial foray into the nearby sea yielded sunken treasure (after a near-drowning experience!). This led to a smugglers' camp, eavesdropping, and a narrow escape. Back in port, I eagerly accepted quests and explored every corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

One highlight involved breaking into a house, looting it, and then scaling scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. The reward? A treasure map, rare boots with a unique history, and stunning views. As night fell, glowing mushrooms revealed hidden paths and secrets. The game is full of these moments.

Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs (easily burned away). A nest of coins perched precariously on beams. A backpack of goodies hung from a cliff edge, while a skeleton basked below. Even an ice grenade froze the water, allowing me to retrieve submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

These moments of discovery are plentiful. Supplies appear unexpectedly on rooftops, behind waterfalls, and atop hills, leading to new quests, rare items, and intriguing scenarios. In the slums, I encountered a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. I also helped a nobleman recover a lost ring (which boosted my health regeneration—I kept it!).

Another memorable encounter involved finding two deceased lovers near a lift leading to the northern outskirts, where guards examined a dead smuggler. Following the trail led to a reptilian camp and a challenging fight against a giant, testing my skills and equipment.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

In just eight hours, I experienced countless adventures without focusing on the main quest. I explored, experimented with builds, and discovered item interactions. Whether using a shield and staff or heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.

With many unanswered questions and systems to explore, my Avowed journey is far from over. Ahead lie hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. The game delivers a constant stream of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain so captivating.