Every Avowed Background and What They Do

Author: Michael Mar 14,2025

Avowed boasts a richly detailed character creator, allowing you to craft a truly unique hero. Beyond physical appearance, you'll select a Background, shaping your character's backstory and influencing early narrative choices. Here's a breakdown of each Avowed Background and its impact.

Every Avowed Background, Listed

Every Background in Avowed Listed

Avowed offers five distinct Backgrounds, each providing unique dialogue options and a starting weapon. Importantly, all equipment and abilities remain accessible regardless of your chosen Background. Let's explore each one:

Arcane Scholar: This Background paints your character as an academic, granting access to specialized dialogue options. A graduate of Bragganhyl Academy, your published treatise on soul lineages threatened a local lord, leading to your arrest. However, the Emperor recognized your potential and recruited you to the imperial court archives. Arcane Scholars possess knowledge of the occult, legal precedent, history, and poetry.

Court Augur: This Background presents a tragic past and abilities that led to accusations of witchcraft. Visions of villagers turning against you after a crop failure fueled suspicion. You fled to Highcrown, where the Emperor recognized your mystic talents. Court Augurs are spiritually attuned and offer dialogue choices reflecting their magical connection and understanding of the Gods. This background is ideal for players wishing to roleplay as a wizard and will find a strong connection with the companion, Giatta.

Noble Scion: A classic tale of fallen nobility, Noble Scions are born into wealth and influence but their family's downfall due to scandal forces them to seek the Emperor's mercy. As a result, they become a valuable ally to the Emperor. This Background suits players who wish to remain loyal to the empire and serve its interests throughout the Living Lands.

Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution by the empire, this Background depicts a humble life before encountering the Emperor. Preferring the wilderness to city life and politics, the Vanguard Scout's tracking and espionage skills make them a valuable asset. This Background is perfect for players who enjoy a hunter-style roleplay and will find a kinship with the companion, Marius.

War Hero: This Background showcases a character who quelled a violent Skaenite uprising, earning a place among the Emperor's elite warriors. Their loyalty and courage make them invaluable. This is a strong choice for players wanting to roleplay as a warrior and may find a 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 starts with a Common-quality, one-handed melee weapon. These are readily replaceable as you progress through Avowed. Therefore, prioritize choosing the Background that best suits your desired roleplay style. The starting weapon is located near some crates by the shipwreck during the "On Strange Shores" quest.

Here's the breakdown:

  • 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)

That covers every Background in Avowed and their impact on your gameplay.

Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.