Home News > "Avowed: Exploring All Backgrounds and Their Roles"

"Avowed: Exploring All Backgrounds and Their Roles"

by Christopher Mar 29,2025

In *Avowed*, the character creator goes beyond mere aesthetics, allowing you to delve into your character's backstory through the selection of a Background. These Backgrounds not only provide a narrative depth but also influence your gameplay with unique dialogue options and a starting weapon. Here’s a detailed look at each *Avowed* Background and their roles in the game's story.

Every Avowed Background, Listed

Every Background in Avowed Listed

In *Avowed*, you have the choice of five distinct Backgrounds, each offering a unique starting weapon and dialogue options. However, all Backgrounds can access the full range of equipment and abilities. The five Backgrounds are:

  • Arcane Scholar: As an Arcane Scholar, your character has an academic background, having graduated from Bragganhyl Academy. Your published work on soul lineages stirred controversy, leading to your arrest by a local lord. However, the emperor saw your value and recruited you to work in the imperial court archives. This Background equips you with knowledge on the occult, legal precedents, historical observations, and poetry.
  • Court Augur: With a tragic backstory, Court Augurs experienced visions that turned their community against them after crop failures. Fleeing to Highcrown, the emperor elevated you to his personal mystic. This Background connects you with the spiritual world and magic, making it ideal for players interested in a wizard role-play and a strong connection with the companion Giatta.
  • Noble Scion: Born into a family of wealth and influence but marred by scandal, Noble Scions found themselves seeking the emperor's mercy after their family's downfall. This Background aligns you closely with the empire's interests, perfect for players who wish to remain loyal and serve the empire throughout the Living Lands.
  • Vanguard Scout: Spared from execution, Vanguard Scouts prefer the wilderness over city life and politics. Your skills in tracking and spying make you a valuable asset to the empire. This Background suits players looking to role-play as a hunter and connect with the companion Marius.
  • War Hero: After quelling a Skaenite uprising, War Heroes were rewarded with a place among elite warriors by the emperor. This Background is ideal for players who want to embody a Warrior playstyle and relate to 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 Common Quality and One-Handed Melee type. As you progress through the game, you'll need to upgrade or replace these weapons. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a Background that resonates with your desired role-play experience, as the starting weapons can be found early in the game within the Living Lands.

  • 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.

This comprehensive guide covers every background in *Avowed* and their specific roles and starting weapons. Dive into the world of *Avowed*, now available on PC and Xbox, and choose the Background that best fits your adventure.