Enchanting World of Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind

Avowed may not be a groundbreaking game, but it is certainly a charming RPG that resonates with fans of exploration. The game brings back the nostalgic feel of Morrowind, the legendary RPG known for its immersive world that set new standards long before today's gaming norms.

In Morrowind, every aspect of the environment, from rocks and bushes to mountains and the ocean floor, promised adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has embraced the challenge of recapturing this sense of discovery, and they appear to have done so with great success.

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

The World of Pillars of Eternity

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Set within the universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players into a richly detailed world that doesn't require prior knowledge of the series. While familiarity with the previous games can enhance your experience, the narrative unfolds seamlessly through in-game conversations and contextual clues.

The storyline follows an emissary selected by the Emperor of Aedyr, dispatched to the Living Lands to investigate a mysterious fungal plague that's corrupting souls and driving people insane. In this universe, souls follow a cycle of life, death, and eventual reincarnation. The protagonist, uniquely touched by a god at birth (though which god remains a mystery), bears peculiar growths resembling plants or fungi on their head, which sometimes instills fear in others.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

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Upon reaching the Living Lands, the protagonist is thrust into chaos when their ship is attacked by Aedyran guards affected by the plague. Arriving at the ironically named port city of Paradise, players encounter a city in disarray, with high-ranking officials missing and the city gates sealed shut—a classic RPG scenario.

The thrill of exploration quickly sets in as players uncover hidden treasures. My first foray was into the sea near the port, where I found sunken riches while evading the perils of drowning. This led me to a smugglers' camp, where I overheard their plans before narrowly escaping detection. Returning to the port, I eagerly took on quests and began scouring every corner for secrets.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

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A standout moment was breaking into a locked house, plundering its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At the top, I discovered a treasure map, unique yellow-tier boots with a fascinating backstory, and stunning vistas. As night fell, the surrounding mushrooms illuminated, revealing new paths and secrets.

The game world is brimming with surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lies hidden behind spiderwebs, waiting to be uncovered. Nearby, coins rest in a nest perched on beams. A backpack filled with treasures hangs precariously on a cliff's edge, and below it, a skeleton basks in the sun. Even throwing an ice grenade into the water creates a temporary path to submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

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These moments of discovery are plentiful throughout Avowed. Supplies appear in unexpected places like rooftops, behind waterfalls, and on hilltops, leading to new quests, rare relics, and intriguing narratives. For example, while scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and encountered a blind man and his grieving wife, threatened by mercenaries. In another instance, I helped a nobleman retrieve a lost ring from a sewer, which turned out to boost my health regeneration—a valuable item I kept for myself.

Another poignant encounter involved finding two lovers who had died together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards were investigating a dead smuggler. Following the trail, I battled through a reptilian camp and faced a formidable giant, testing my combat skills and gear.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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In just eight hours of gameplay, I encountered countless adventures without focusing on the main questline or repetitive grinding. Instead, I concentrated on exploring, experimenting with different character builds, and understanding how various items interacted. Whether wielding a shield and staff or opting for heavy armor and melee weapons, each choice opened new possibilities.

With many questions still unanswered and numerous systems left to explore, my journey in Avowed is far from over. The game promises a path filled with hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, Avowed offers an endless series of discoveries that remind us why RPGs remain one of the most captivating genres in gaming.