In Avowed, your character’s background provides a foundation of attributes—essentially a starting build. While you make several choices during character creation, these aren’t strict limitations; you can freely change your character’s skills later on, apart from certain dialogue options that accompany your background once you enter the game world. Avowed has introduced some new mechanics that might leave you unsure about the specific impacts of various backgrounds. If you’re considering redistributing points to tweak your skills, I’m here to clarify everything about Avowed backgrounds, the attributes involved, and even some potential build ideas.
Avowed Attributes
Avowed attributes are quite straightforward, each one affecting two key aspects of your character. The fun twist is that Might controls damage from both weapons and magic, making it essential for any character build.
- Might
- Boosts damage from weapons and spells, along with carry capacity.
- Constitution
- Increases health and physical resistances, particularly against poison and bleeding.
- Dexterity
- Speeds up attack rates for weapons and abilities, reload times, and actions such as parkour or using consumables.
- Perception
- Enhances Critical Hit chances and range for all weapons, making guns, bows, and wands more effective at distance.
- Intellect
- Increases maximum Essence for spellcasting and elemental resistances against fire, electricity, and cold.
- Resolve
- Boosts maximum Stamina and the Second Wind ability, allowing for more frequent comebacks after defeat.
Avowed Builds
Given that Avowed attributes are straightforward, it becomes easy to identify the skills necessary for different builds. The only surprising factor is that Might influences all damage, so regardless of your desired role, you’ll want to invest significantly in this stat.
- Warrior
- Might for damage, Constitution to increase health and physical resistance, and Resolve to improve stamina usage and recovery after being knocked down.
- Mage
- Might for damage, Intellect to maximize spell-casting power, and Perception for range to keep your fragile character out of harm’s way.
- Rogue/Ranged
- Might for damage, Dexterity to enhance attack speed, and Perception for increased effectiveness at a distance and higher critical hit rates.
All Avowed Backgrounds
Every background in Avowed essentially acts as presets with attribute points allocated to align with each character’s backstory. However, you have the option to redistribute all your points right at the beginning. Any background you choose can utilize all game abilities and equipment, so the primary restriction lies in the ‘unique dialogue options’ you receive and a starting weapon.
This means that backgrounds aren’t a permanent restriction; they’re more like initial suggestions for stats that fit certain archetypes. For instance, you could choose the War Hero background, which suggests a tank fighter, and then redirect all your points towards Intellect to craft a mage character who still retains the War Hero’s dialogue options.
Avowed Arcane Scholar Background
The Avowed Arcane Scholar is one of the best magical starting choices. It emphasizes Dexterity, Perception, and Intellect, enhancing your spellcasting, attack speed, and range. It also features a respectable Might stat for some initial damage output.
For dialogue options, you can expect more choices related to ‘occult knowledge, legal matters, historical insights, and poetry.’
Here’s a complete breakdown of the Avowed Arcane Scholar stats:
- Might 2
- +6% Damage
- +20% Carry Capacity
- Constitution 0
- +0% Maximum Health
- +0% Poison and bleed resistance
- Dexterity 2
- +7% Attack Speed
- +13% Action Speed
- Perception 2
- +4% Critical Hit Chance
- +10% Maximum Range
- Intellect 3
- +15% Maximum Essence
- +18% Elemental Resistance
- Resolve 1
- +5% Maximum Stamina
- +12% Second Wind Efficiency
Avowed Court Augur Background
The Avowed Court Augur is a unique option, as it starts with no Might or Constitution, resulting in the lowest damage and health among all backgrounds. Instead, it prioritizes Perception and Intellect, offering solid range and magic capabilities. This makes it a classic glass cannon, albeit one with no damage points.
Choosing such a fragile, magic-oriented character from the start might not be ideal. If you seek spell focus, the Arcane Scholar is a better choice, as it comes with extra Might for damage. The Noble Scion below may also serve as a better magic option, providing a bit more health upfront.
In terms of dialogue options, this character is viewed as eccentric enough to be ostracized and specializes in mysticism, wielding “power from the shadows” through influence and deception.
Here are all the Avowed Court Augur background stats:
- Might 0
- +0% Damage
- +0% Carry Capacity
- Constitution 0
- +0% Maximum Health
- +0% Poison and bleed resistance
- Dexterity 2
- +7% Attack Speed
- +13% Action Speed
- Perception 3
- +6% Critical Hit Chance
- +15% Maximum Range
- Intellect 3
- +15% Maximum Essence
- +18% Elemental Resistance
- Resolve 2
- +10% Maximum Stamina
- +23% Second Wind Efficiency
Avowed Noble Scion Background
The Avowed Noble Scion presents an unclear class, appearing to be another magic-focused option with emphasis on Dexterity, Perception, and Intellect for a blend of speed, range, and magic prowess. Its stats, however, are leveled out, giving up a point in spellcasting Intellect to bolster Constitution and health.
The only notable characteristic in dialogue seems to be wealth.
Here are all the Avowed Noble Scion attributes:
- Might 2
- +6% Damage
- +20% Carry Capacity
- Constitution 1
- +5% Maximum Health
- +6% Poison and bleed resistance
- Dexterity 2
- +7% Attack Speed
- +13% Action Speed
- Perception 2
- +4% Critical Hit Chance
- +10% Maximum Range
- Intellect 2
- +10% Maximum Essence
- +12% Elemental Resistance
- Resolve 1
- +5% Maximum Stamina
- +12% Second Wind Efficiency
Avowed Vanguard Scout Background
The Avowed Vanguard Scout is akin to a rogue-like fighter, with attributes centered on speed and range using physical weapons. It acts as a quicker, slightly less powerful version of the tanky War Hero. If you don’t plan on using ranged options, consider reallocating some Perception points to boost your Might for greater damage.
Dialogue options highlight subterfuge, tracking, and espionage.
Here are all the Avowed Vanguard Scout attributes:
- Might 1
- +3% Damage
- +10% Carry Capacity
- Constitution 2
- +10% Maximum Health
- +12% Poison and bleed resistance
- Dexterity 2
- +7% Attack Speed
- +13% Action Speed
- Perception 3
- +6% Critical Hit Chance
- +15% Maximum Range
- Intellect 1
- +5% Maximum Essence
- +6% Elemental Resistance
- Resolve 1
- +5% Maximum Stamina
- +12% Second Wind Efficiency
Avowed War Hero Background
The Avowed War Hero is the quintessential tank fighter, with all points concentrating on health, damage, and stamina. It’s designed to be upfront in battles, capable of taking and dealing substantial damage. This attribute set is purely physical, so if you have any interest in magic, this choice isn’t for you.
Dialogue options are less pronounced, mostly referencing a history of combat and scars.
Here are all the Avowed War Hero stats:
- Might 3
- +9% Damage
- +30% Carry Capacity
- Constitution 2
- +10% Maximum Health
- +12% Poison and bleed resistance
- Dexterity 1
- +4% Attack Speed
- +7% Action Speed
- Perception 1
- +2% Critical Hit Chance
- +5% Maximum Range
- Intellect 0
- +0% Maximum Essence
- +0% Elemental Resistance
- Resolve 3
- +15% Maximum Stamina
- +35% Second Wind Efficiency
