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Every Avowed Background and What They Do

Author:Kristen Update:Mar 28,2025

*Avowed* boasts an extensive character creator that lets you dive deep into customization. Not only can you tailor your character's physical appearance, but you can also choose a Background that enriches your character with a unique backstory and narrative. Here's a comprehensive look at every *Avowed* Background and their roles in the game.

Every Avowed Background, Listed

Every Background in Avowed Listed

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

Arcane Scholar: This Background casts you as an academic, with a history tied to Bragganhyl Academy. You authored 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 their dialogue choices.

Court Augur: With a tragic backstory, Court Augurs are seen as witches due to their mystical abilities. After their village crops failed, their visions led to suspicion and hostility, forcing them to flee to Highcrown. There, the emperor elevated them to his personal mystic. Court Augurs are deeply connected to the spiritual realm, offering dialogue options that resonate with magic and the gods. This Background is ideal for players who wish to role-play as a wizard and will find a strong connection with the companion Giatta.

Noble Scion: Noble Scions represent the failed offspring of influential, wealthy, yet morally dubious nobles. After their family crumbled due to scandal, they sought the emperor's mercy. As invaluable allies to the emperor, Noble Scions are perfect for players who want to remain loyal to the empire and carry out its directives across the Living Lands.

Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution by the empire, Vanguard Scouts have lived a humble life, preferring the wilderness over city life and politics. Their tracking and spying skills make them valuable assets to the empire. This Background suits players interested in a hunter playstyle and those who will relate more to the companion Marius.

War Hero: Having quelled a violent Skaenite uprising, War Heroes were rewarded with a position among elite warriors by the emperor. Their loyalty and grit make them essential to the empire. This Background is ideal for players who want to role-play as a warrior and may 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 low Quality and categorized as One-Handed Melee items of Common Quality. 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 complete overview of every background in *Avowed* and their functions within the game.

*Avowed is available now on PC and Xbox.*