# **Avowed: Obsidian’s Daring Exploration of Fantasy RPGs and Colonial Themes**
Obsidian Entertainment, known for *Pillars of Eternity* and *The Outer Worlds*, returns with *Avowed*, a first-person action RPG located in the realm of *Pillars of Eternity*. Set to launch on **February 18, 2025**, *Avowed* assigns players the role of an envoy for the **Aedyran Empire**, which occupies the **Living Lands**—a rugged and uncharted territory rife with intrigue, peril, and profound animosity towards its colonizers.
Distinct from conventional RPGs that portray the player as a valiant hero, *Avowed* presents a thought-provoking concept: **you are not welcome here**. As a representative of an imperial entity, you must navigate a world filled with distrust, antagonism, and fear. This inherent tension influences the game’s storyline, dialogue, and ethical dilemmas, positioning *Avowed* as one of the most captivating RPGs in recent memory.
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## **A Realm of Distrust and Ethical Complexity**
Essentially, *Avowed* is a game centered on **colonization and power relations**. The Aedyran Empire has pursued control over the Living Lands for ages, framing its endeavors as a civilizing effort. Yet, the indigenous people regard the empire’s reach as an act of **exploitation and domination**.
Your character is tasked with investigating and addressing **the Dreamscourge**, a sinister plague that taints both humanity and nature. However, the locals do not view you as a savior—they regard you as an **instrument of their oppressors**. This interplay introduces an additional layer of depth to every encounter. Some characters will outright detest you, while others will reluctantly acknowledge your presence out of necessity. Even those who need your assistance do so with reluctance, clearly indicating that your presence is unwelcome.
This narrative style distinguishes *Avowed* from many RPGs. Rather than being a chosen individual destined to rescue the world, you are a **government representative entangled in a web of oppression**, striving to fulfill your duties while maneuvering through a morally intricate landscape.
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## **A Role Shaped by Decisions**
Contrary to many RPGs that present clear “good” or “evil” options, *Avowed* excels in **ethical ambiguity**. Throughout your journey, you will encounter challenging decisions that lack straightforward right or wrong answers.
For instance:
– Do you **assist a fellow godlike** in reviving a potentially perilous deity, or do you intervene at the expense of his people’s faith?
– Do you **confront a corrupt Aedyran soldier** for robbing a citizen, or do you overlook it to preserve your delicate alliances?
– Do you **bribe smugglers** to liberate stranded Aedyran refugees, or do you confront them, endangering further instability?
These choices not only impact individual quests but also affect how the world views you. Although *Avowed* lacks a morality meter, the ramifications of your actions reverberate, prompting you to contemplate whether you genuinely made the “right” decision.
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## **A Distinct Protagonist: The Godlike**
Enhancing your character’s persona is the fact that you are considered **godlike**—a being imbued with divine influence from birth. This grants you supernatural powers but also alienates you, even among your kind.
Your godlike essence connects you to a **mysterious spirit of the land**, offering cryptic guidance throughout your adventure. While these visions play a crucial role in the narrative, they often come across as abstract and elusive, requiring players to decipher their significance. This supernatural aspect enriches the storyline without overshadowing the game’s political and social themes.
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## **A Nuanced Antagonist: Inquisitor Lödwyn**
A standout character in *Avowed* is **Inquisitor Lödwyn**, a merciless enforcer of Aedyran authority. Unlike you, Lödwyn embraces the empire’s brutal tactics, wielding fear and violence to uphold order.
Though she isn’t your immediate superior, her influence permeates the game, compelling you to determine how closely you will align with her tactics. Do you **resist her ruthlessness**, jeopardizing your position within the empire? Or do you **ignore her actions**, opting for stability over justice?
Lödwyn epitomizes the **darker facets of imperial rule**, making her one of the game’s most fascinating and morally intricate figures.
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## **Gameplay: A Rapid-Fire Action RPG**
If you’ve experienced *Skyrim* or *The Outer Worlds*, you’ll find familiarity in *Avowed*’s gameplay. The game incorporates a combination of **first-person melee, ranged, and magical combat**,
