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"Avowed: Exploring All Backgrounds and Their Functions"

by Evelyn May 01,2025

*Avowed* offers an immersive character creation experience, allowing players to not only tailor their character's appearance but also choose a Background that enriches their story and gameplay. Here's a comprehensive look at each *Avowed* Background and their unique attributes.

Every Avowed Background, Listed

Every Background in Avowed Listed

In *Avowed*, you can select from five distinct Backgrounds, each adding unique dialogue options and a starting weapon. Importantly, all Backgrounds have access to the full range of equipment and abilities in the game. The five Backgrounds available are Arcane Scholar, Court Augur, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout, and War Hero. Let's delve into the narrative role of each:

Arcane Scholar: Your character's journey begins as a graduate from Bragganhyl Academy, having published a treatise on soul lineages that shook the foundation of a local lord's legitimacy. This led to your arrest, but the emperor saw your potential and recruited you to work in the imperial court archives. Arcane Scholars are well-versed in the occult, legal precedents, historical observations, and even poetry, offering rich dialogue options.

Court Augur: This Background carries a tragic narrative, where your character's visions and insights led to suspicion and hostility from neighbors following a crop failure. Fleeing to Highcrown, the emperor took you under his wing as his personal mystic. Court Augurs connect deeply with the spiritual and magical realms, ideal for players who wish to role-play as a wizard, and will find kinship with the companion Giatta.

Noble Scion: Born into wealth and influence but marred by family scandal, Noble Scions represent a failed attempt at nepotism. Seeking the emperor's mercy, they become invaluable allies to the empire. This Background is perfect for players who wish to remain loyal to the empire and carry out its directives throughout the Living Lands.

Vanguard Scout: Saved from execution by the empire, Vanguard Scouts lead a humble life and thrive in the wilderness, far from political intrigue. They serve as the empire's eyes and ears, tracking and spying on enemies. This Background suits players interested in a hunter play style and who will relate well to the companion Marius.

War Hero: After quelling a violent Skaenite uprising, War Heroes are rewarded with a prestigious position among the emperor's elite warriors. Their loyalty and resilience make them crucial to the empire. This Background is ideal for players aiming to role-play a Warrior and will find a strong connection with the companion Kai.

Every Background’s Starting Weapon in Avowed

An Avowed Starting Weapon, a Common Sword, resting against crates at the beginning of the game

Each Background in *Avowed* comes with a starting weapon, though these are of Common Quality and limited to One-Handed Melee items. As your journey progresses, you'll need to upgrade or replace these weapons. Therefore, it's wise to choose a Background based on the narrative and role-play appeal rather than the initial weapon, as all weapons can be found soon after the tutorial in the Living Lands.

Here's a rundown of each Background's starting weapon:

  • 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)

You'll find your starting weapon leaning against some crates near the shipwreck during the On Strange Shores Quest.

And that concludes the overview of every background in *Avowed* and their roles and starting weapons.

*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*