Initially unveiled in the 2015 release of Pillars of Eternity, the universe of Eora presents players with intricate lore and expansive storytelling. The new entry, Avowed, immerses players in this complex world right from the start. After a brief yet information-heavy introductory cinematic that covers divine entities, Godlikes, and magnificent empires, players find themselves on a traditional fantasy RPG tutorial island. From there, they venture to the continent known as the Living Lands, where an avalanche of narrative elements and extraordinary terminology awaits.
Armed with this plethora of lore, players must navigate their way into the grand, walled city of Paradis. Like the rest of Eora, Paradis boasts a deep, engaging history, though players will need to explore and uncover its secrets to fully grasp its significance.
Understanding the Lore of Avowed’s City of Paradis
The Idealized Vision of Paradis
Located along the southwestern shores of the Living Lands in the Dawnshore region, Paradis is often portrayed as a protective sanctuary. To those in distant realms, it embodies a true paradise where individuals can escape their troubled pasts, shedding the burdens of judgment and oppression.
This idyllic promise has drawn many to Paradis, especially those who felt stifled under the Aedyr Empire’s rigorous expectations. While the Aedyr Empire isn’t overtly tyrannical, it imposes strict standards and values that can alienate those who don’t conform. Consequently, some Aedyrans choose to leave their homeland in search of renewal within the welcoming walls of Paradis.
Paradis, while critical to the overarching narrative of Avowed, significantly influences both character journeys and plot developments throughout the game.
The Harsh Truth Behind Paradis
However, the ideal of Paradis can be misleading. For many, the allure of a new beginning is overshadowed by harsh realities. Earlier settlers might have flourished within the city, but newcomers often face a grimmer fate. Outside the city’s protective walls lies a makeshift community of refugees who yearn for entry but remain barred from the city. Their struggles to adapt to these dire living conditions paint a different picture of life in Paradis.
Many of these individuals were previously involved in criminal activities in their former homes, now seeking redemption. Yet, constrained by their circumstances and unable to find legitimate work, many slip back into their old ways, leading to heightened crime rates in the vicinity of Paradis. The natural landscapes of Dawnshore now harbor a growing number of smugglers, thieves, and outlaws.
Conditions within Paradis itself do not promise relief. While some areas boast wealth and opulence, the city also grapples with its own internal struggles. Criminal organizations such as the Sparrowhawks operate brazenly, conducting illegal activities from smuggling to robbery, and even murder.
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