Discover the Captivating Diversity of Avowed's Extraordinary Races

Avowed, developed by Obsidian Entertainment, is scheduled to be released next year, generating excitement among fans of the genre who are eagerly anticipating another first-person RPG experience reminiscent of Skyrim. Although there have been some stylistic changes since its initial cinematic trailer debut, the recent gameplay trailer for Avowed solidifies its dedication to creating a more traditional fantasy world, evoking nostalgia for classics like Baldur's Gate. This immersive and intricately designed setting has never been portrayed with such meticulousness before, but the lore of Eora actually predates the upcoming title.

Despite being the first game under the name Avowed, it is actually a continuation of Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity franchise. Initially crowdfunded through a campaign, the Pillars series proved to be a beloved isometric RPG for genre enthusiasts. The vast continents of Eora are teeming with diverse creatures, gods, and fantasy races that inhabit its lands. While Avowed takes place in The Living Lands, a previously unseen region of Eora, it appears that the playable races from the Pillars games will make a return.

Avowed's Conventional Fantasy Races

Humans (Folk) - Humans, also known as Folk, are one of the civilized races in Avowed. They are the most common and basic of the fantasy races found in the world of Eora. Humans have established numerous civilizations and have a relative dominance over the world. In Avowed, Humans are one of the playable races, although the options may be more limited compared to Pillars. However, there is still diversity within the Human race, including the Meadow Folk with light skin, the tan-skinned Savannah Folk, the dark-skinned Ocean Folk, and the rare Storm Folk.

Elves - The Elves are the second playable race in Avowed. Compared to Humans, Elves are shorter and faster. While they have fewer variations compared to Humans, Elves have two distinct subraces. The Wood Elves, also known as Sceltrfolc, are the dominant faction of Elves. They reside in lush environments and are similar to the Bosmer in The Elder Scrolls series. On the other hand, the Pale Elves, known as Glamfellen, are highly isolated and rarely seen outside of their polar home in The White that Wends.

Aumaua

In the world of Eora, the Dwarves are iconic for their short stature and their impressive strength. They have an innate passion for exploration and adventure, making them natural travelers. The Dwarves' various subraces also reflect their unique environmental adaptations. The Boreal Dwarves, known as Enutanik, inhabit the frigid tundra and are renowned for their ability to cover vast distances, albeit being relatively rare to encounter. On the other hand, the Aptapo, or Mountain Dwarves, have dispersed themselves throughout Eora, thriving in diverse landscapes.

Kai, the narrator in the trailer for Avowed and a companion within the game, belongs to the formidable Aumaua race, known for their partially aquatic nature. Towering over other races and bearing fish-like characteristics, the Aumaua are easily distinguishable in appearance in the world of Eora. The Coastal Aumaua, displaying a captivating blue-green skin tone, have faced historical persecution due to an inaccurate reputation for being warlike. On the other hand, the Island Aumaua, colored in shades of yellow and brown, have predominantly remained in their ancestral home within the Deadfire Archipelago and often lead simple lives as laborers.

Orlans

The Orlans of Eora, known as the hairy halflings, are half the size of Humans and distinguished by their large ears. Throughout history, they have faced oppression due to their small stature and have often been compelled to retreat to secluded communities, distancing themselves from other civilizations. The Wild Orlans fittingly embody this stereotype, as they have gained a reputation as savages among outsiders who have fallen victim to their guerrilla tactics. Despite enduring enslavement and mistreatment by other races, the Wild Orlans are unfairly judged as uneducated and violent, disregarding the challenges their race has faced in its development. On the other hand, the Hearth Orlans have adapted to a domesticated existence and are more readily accepted in the colonial world of Eora.

Godlikes

The Godlike, born from the divine beings of Eora, are fearfully mysterious. Although they can be born from any race, the majority are of human descent. Rather than being defined by their parents' species, Avowed's Godlikes are distinguished by the deity that has bestowed their "blessing" upon them. With their unique appearances shaped by the god who sired them, Godlikes always bear unmistakable deformities. While the Pillars games have offered four main subraces of Godlikes, there are still numerous others yet to grace the stage beyond their roles as supporting characters.

Nature Godlikes, children of the hunting deity Galawain, exhibit animal, plant, and fungal traits, which have led to a negative perception of their appearance from birth. Although they are a more accepted subrace of Godlikes, they tend to prioritize spending time in their natural environment over socializing with other races.

Moon Godlikes, on the other hand, are highly regarded among the Kith as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. Despite being associated with the flawed deities of Avowed, they are accepted due to their captivating appearance. With their pale and ethereal look, bestowed upon them by the sea deity Ondra, they possess enchanting crescent growths on their heads, which contribute to their overall appeal.

Fire Godlike - Fire Godlikes are renowned throughout Eora for their intimidating reputation and their close connection to the war goddess Magran. Their hair is made of flickering flames, and their hot metal or burnt wood-like skin reflects the fire energy that flows through their bodies. With their horned and sometimes demonic appearance, Fire Godlikes inspire both fear and reverence.

Death Godlike - Considered the most despised among the Godlike, those who embody the reincarnation deity Berath often meet their demise soon after birth. Their eyes or sometimes their entire faces are covered in insectoid, tumor-like growths, emitting smoky, black "hair". Unfortunately, Death Godlikes are typically marginalized in society, forced to occupy the lowest rungs. Their acceptance is limited to the exceptionally devout and cultish followers of Berath.

Avowed will release in 2024 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.