"Avowed: A Spiritual Successor to Morrowind's Enchanting World"

Avowed may not be a groundbreaking title, but it is undeniably a charming RPG that resonates deeply with those who cherish the thrill of exploration. It echoes the spirit of Morrowind, the legendary RPG that set new benchmarks for immersive worlds well before today's standards were established.

In Morrowind, each element of the landscape, from rocks and bushes to mountains and the ocean floor, promised an adventure. Obsidian Entertainment has embraced the challenge of recreating this sense of discovery, and their efforts appear to be brilliantly successful.

Table of Contents

• The World of Pillars of Eternity
• A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise
• Treasures Beneath Every Stone
• Stories Waiting to Be Discovered
• Endless Possibilities and Exploration

The World of Pillars of Eternity

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Set within the universe of Pillars of Eternity, Avowed welcomes players into a meticulously crafted world, accessible even to newcomers. While prior knowledge of the series can enrich the experience, the narrative naturally unfolds through in-game dialogues and contextual hints.

The storyline follows an emissary commissioned by the Emperor of Aedyr to investigate a mysterious fungal plague affecting souls and driving people to madness. In this universe, souls cycle through life, death, and rebirth. The protagonist, marked by a divine touch at birth from an unidentified god, sports unusual growths resembling plants or fungi on their head, which can evoke fear in others.

A Chaotic Welcome to Paradise

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The protagonist's arrival in the Living Lands is marked by chaos when their ship is attacked by deranged Aedyran guards. Landing in the port city aptly named Paradise, players find a city in disarray, with key officials missing and gates barred. This chaotic setting is a nod to the classic RPG tropes that fans adore.

The joy of exploration unfolds as players delve into the environment. My first adventure led me to dive into the sea near the port, discovering sunken treasures while narrowly escaping drowning. From there, I encountered a smugglers' camp, overheard their schemes, and escaped detection just in time. Back in the port, I eagerly embarked on quests, exploring every hidden corner.

Treasures Beneath Every Stone

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One of my favorite moments was breaking into a locked house, plundering its contents, and then climbing scaffolding to reach a lighthouse. At its summit, I found a treasure map, unique yellow-tier boots with a fascinating backstory, and stunning vistas. As dusk set in, the bioluminescent mushrooms illuminated new pathways and secrets.

Every part of the world brims with surprises. Beneath the lighthouse, in the sewers, a chest lay hidden under spiderwebs, waiting to be revealed by fire. Nearby, coins were nestled in a nest atop precarious beams. On a cliff's edge, a backpack full of goodies dangled, while below, a skeleton lay basking in the sun. Even an ice grenade thrown into the water could freeze it long enough to retrieve submerged loot.

Stories Waiting to Be Discovered

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The game is filled with moments of discovery. Supplies might appear on rooftops, behind waterfalls, or on hilltops, leading to new quests, rare relics, and compelling scenarios. For example, while scavenging in the slums, I broke into a shack and met a blind man and his grieving wife, who were in danger from mercenaries. Another time, I aided a nobleman in retrieving a lost ring from a sewer, which unexpectedly boosted my health regeneration—an item I chose to keep.

Another poignant encounter was discovering two lovers who had perished together, near a lift leading to the northern outskirts where guards investigated a dead smuggler. Following this trail, I navigated through a reptilian camp and confronted a formidable giant, challenging my combat skills and gear.

Endless Possibilities and Exploration

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In just eight hours of playtime, I embarked on numerous adventures without focusing on the main questline or repetitive grinding. My attention was on exploring, experimenting with different character builds, and understanding item interactions. Whether using a shield and staff or opting for heavy armor and melee weapons, each decision opened up new avenues.

With many questions still unanswered and numerous systems yet to explore, my journey in Avowed is far from complete. Ahead lies a path filled with hidden chests, untold stories, and forgotten treasures. For now, the game offers an endless sequence of discoveries, reminding me why RPGs remain one of the most captivating genres in gaming.