"Avowed: Exploring All Backgrounds and Their Functions"

*Avowed* offers an immersive character creation experience, allowing players to not only customize their character's appearance but also choose a Background that enriches their backstory and influences their journey through the game. Here's a detailed look at each *Avowed* Background and their unique contributions to your gameplay.

Every Avowed Background, Listed

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

Arcane Scholar: This Background casts you as an academic, having graduated from Bragganhyl Academy. Your character published a treatise on soul lineages that challenged a local lord's legitimacy, leading to your arrest. However, 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 poetry, which influences your dialogue choices.

Court Augur: With a tragic backstory, Court Augurs experienced visions that led to suspicion and hostility from their community after crop failures. Fleeing to Highcrown, the emperor elevated you to his personal mystic. This Background connects you deeply with the spiritual and magical elements of the game, offering dialogue options that resonate with the mystical and divine. It's ideal for players looking to role-play as a wizard and will find a strong connection with the companion Giatta.

Noble Scion: Born into a family of wealth and influence but marred by scandal, Noble Scions represent the fallen elite. After your family's downfall, you sought the emperor's mercy, becoming a valuable ally to the empire. This Background is perfect for players who wish to remain loyal to the empire and carry out its directives in the Living Lands.

Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution by the empire, Vanguard Scouts prefer the wilderness over city life and politics. Your skills in tracking and espionage make you an asset to the empire. This Background suits players interested in a hunter playstyle and will find a kinship with the companion Marius.

War Hero: Having quelled a violent Skaenite uprising, War Heroes were rewarded with a position among elite warriors. Your loyalty and resilience are highly valued by the emperor. This Background is ideal for those wanting to role-play as a warrior and may find a strong connection with the companion Kai.

Every Background’s Starting Weapon in Avowed

Each Background in *Avowed* comes with a starting weapon, though these are of Common Quality and are one-handed melee items. As you progress through the game, you'll need to upgrade or replace these weapons. Therefore, it's advisable to choose a Background based on the narrative and role-playing aspects you enjoy most, as all starting weapons can be found in the Living Lands shortly after the tutorial.

Here's a list 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's a comprehensive overview of every Background in *Avowed* and their roles in shaping your adventure.

*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*