Avowed Unveils Its Core Theme: The Heart of Change in a Shifting World

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Just as we’ve come to anticipate from Obsidian Entertainment in their specialty genre, the upcoming RPG titled Avowed appears to be an engaging addition to their portfolio. Set within the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed promises a closer examination of a world previously viewed isometrically, a glimpse into the repercussions of past games’ events, and a deeper dive into the storylines and motifs introduced by its predecessors. With Obsidian Entertainment known for their immersive, narrative-driven RPGs, the release of Avowed has been eagerly awaited since its announcement around five years ago.

Prior to the release of “Avowed”, Game Rant had a chat with some crucial members of its development team, delving into aspects like gameplay, storyline, character creation, and other intricacies. Although players can look forward to making friends with numerous characters and traversing various lands, all these adventures will unfold in the game’s environment: the Living Lands. Kate Dollarhyde, Senior Narrative Designer of “Avowed”, shared with Game Rant that this largely unexplored island is one of several features embodying the game’s central theme.

How the Living Lands, the Characters, and the Pillars of Eternity Franchise Come Together for Avowed’s Story

In the game Avowed, much like its predecessor, players can again craft a god-like character. However, the connection to the Pillars of Eternity series transcends simple RPG role-playing mechanics. The events from previous games significantly shape the world of Eora and the player’s journey. As a result, players assume the role of the Envoy, helping the Aedyran Empire secure a position in the Living Lands. True to its name, this land is dynamic and evolving as it defends itself against those seeking control. According to Dollarhyde, the essence of Avowed revolves around “change,” with everything in the game being in a constant state of flux, reflecting the core theme of the RPG.

At Avowed, change is central. Though the incidents of Pillars of Eternity: Deadfire aren’t universally recognized, they’re stirring ripples across the world. The grand empires of Eora are experiencing a downfall, with colonies yearning for independence and emerging as influential entities. Meanwhile, internal strife looms ominously, threatening to ignite war at home. A burgeoning science called animancy, which deals with souls, is ushering in new possibilities…and potential horrors. The gods, who operate on a timescale of centuries, are making calculated moves to maintain their significance and potentially preserve their existence.

In his explanation, Dollarhyde mentioned that the Dreamscourge in the Living Lands was created to delve into metaphysical ideas within the game Avowed. This is due to the fact that the Pillars of Eternity series often centered around three connected storylines which intersect at various points as the narrative progresses.

In the game, a mysterious affliction, or “soul plague,” affects a single region, while political intrigue intensifies the narrative tension. Beneath this lies a story that develops based on the player’s decisions and their allies’ struggles. As players traverse the Living Lands and get to know various characters, they might ponder the same questions that encapsulate the essence of Avowed, as Dollarhyde puts it:

1. What is the nature of power?
2. How can we overcome adversity together?
3. What role do individuals play in shaping their destiny and the fate of others?

In the midst of conflict, a strong will to explore and bond unites the inhabitants of the Vital Realms. Could we become more robust as a community? Can we transform into something extraordinary? The resilience of the people from the Vital Realms, along with the Envoy, in facing change, showcases their fundamental beliefs. It defines their identity. Change brings hardships, and none, including the Envoy, are immune to its impact.

This version attempts to maintain the original’s poetic and philosophical tone while using simpler language that is easy for most readers to understand.

Based on Obsidian’s history of creating role-playing games with impactful choices, the decisions players make in “Avowed” will have a substantial impact on its game world. Players should anticipate their character, the Envoy, evolving alongside them as they grapple with these significant choices. In line with this theme of player agency, Obsidian’s design for “Avowed” offers players the flexibility to customize their character extensively through interconnected skill trees and a selection of unique weapons. From what Obsidian Entertainment has revealed during discussions with Game Rant, it appears that “Avowed” welcomes change by enabling the Envoy to adapt in any way the player deems necessary to overcome the game’s various narrative and mechanical challenges.

Avowed, while not as expansive as the most recent major RPGs, is approximately the size of The Outer Worlds. However, it offers ample opportunity for players to delve into its world and appreciate the significance of their actions. As a sequel to two well-loved RPGs that have established a robust foundation for world-building, players can anticipate making challenging decisions and exploring another intriguing universe when Avowed launches on February 18, or February 13 for early access users.

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2025-02-11 20:05