In many role-playing games (RPGs), selecting a character’s race can significantly influence gameplay through unique skills or racial abilities. In Avowed, players make this choice during character creation. However, rather than drastically impacting gameplay mechanics, it’s largely a matter of visual appeal and narrative interaction.
Set in the expansive lore of the Pillars of Eternity universe, which features a variety of races—some of which may join your party—Avowed currently offers only two playable races: Elves and Humans. This guide explores the gameplay aspects of these races and what sets them apart.
Playable Races in Avowed
The two available races in Avowed are Humans and Elves. This selection is reflective of Aedyr, the colonial power central to the game, which now comprises both races united after a prolonged period of conflict.
During character creation, each race offers one masculine and one feminine body type, totaling four body variations. Additionally, players can select from four distinct voices and personalize their character’s pronouns, affecting how non-player characters (NPCs) refer to them throughout the game.
The Elf Race
In the established lore of Pillars of Eternity, various types of Elves exist, including the Pale and Wood Elves. However, in Avowed, players can only portray a Wood Elf. These Elves are prevalent across the Aedyran Empire’s territories, including the newly explored Living Lands.
True to traditional fantasy elements, Elves are generally shorter than Humans but enjoy a notably longer lifespan, which adds depth to their character and storytelling.
The Human Race
Within Avowed, Humans (often referred to as Folk) represent the most widespread race across Eora, particularly among advanced civilizations. The Pillars of Eternity lore details various Human sub-races, such as Meadow Folk, Savannah Folk, Storm Folk, and Ocean Folk. Customization options allow players to create a Human character reflecting any of these backgrounds.
Humans tend to be taller and more physically robust than Elves, albeit with a shortened lifespan, ranking among the shortest-lived civilized races in the Pillars of Eternity universe.
Godlike Characteristics
In Avowed, all characters possess a unique aspect known as Godlike, indicating that a deity has bestowed a blessing upon them. This may manifest as distinct growths on their bodies related to their divine patron.
While players can customize these Godlike Features during character creation, the exact identity of the god remains a mystery to the character. Visual customization of these traits is optional, but NPCs will continue to acknowledge the Godlike features, providing narrative depth.
Differences Between Elves and Humans
The differences between Humans and Elves in Avowed are primarily visual and narrative, with no significant gameplay advantages tied to either race. Whether you select Human or Elf, characters exhibit the same capabilities in gameplay mechanics, with variations found mostly in appearances and interactions with NPCs.
Choosing between these two races may unlock specific dialogue options marked with race indicators—either “Human”or “Elf.”This aspect adds some distinctive flavor to the interactions, enhancing the immersion of the player’s journey.
Although both races can engage with Godlike Features, Humans enjoy a wider array of customization choices, especially concerning hairstyles and aesthetics. However, there are no critical gameplay distinctions beyond these elements.
Ultimately, selecting your race boils down to personal preference, emphasizing aesthetics over any gameplay optimization. Enjoy the journey through Avowed by choosing the race that aligns with your vision for your character!
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