The Enigmatic General Kirkan: Unraveling Aveum's Immortal Hero

Highlights

Immortals of Aveum is not a typical fantasy game, with character dialogue that resembles the MCU and FPS-influenced magical combat.

General Kirkan, portrayed by Gina Torres, is a multifaceted character that defies the traditional notions of good and evil, dismantling common stereotypes within the genre.

Her unwavering determination to achieve victory by any means necessary and her readiness to employ ethically ambiguous methods uncover a leader who has abandoned a clear moral compass.

Right from its opening moments, Immortals of Aveum sets itself apart as a unique fantasy game. The character dialogue, reminiscent of the MCU rather than Lord of the Rings, and the magical combat influenced by FPS games, demonstrate Ascendant Studios' willingness to break free from the typical fantasy formula. This unconventional approach extends to the game's characters, particularly General Kirkan, the leader of the titular Order of Immortals.

General Kirkan, portrayed by actress Gina Torres, known for her role as Ikora in the Destiny games, is a complex character in Immortals of Aveum. As the leader of the Order of Immortals, a group of warrior wizards entrusted with defending the kingdom of Lucium, Kirkan is a seasoned veteran of the ongoing Everwar that has ravaged much of Aveum. However, despite fighting for what appears to be a just cause, Kirkan's unwavering determination to defeat her enemies at any cost raises doubts about her classification as a traditional "good guy" throughout the game.

Immortals of Aveum’s General Kirkan is a Ruthless But Effective Leader

Players quickly realize General Kirkan's ruthless and calculated nature, a result of her extensive years in combat. In the bridge city of Seren, Kirkan corners protagonist Jak, explaining his unique status as an Unforeseen, a human with inexplicable and immense magical abilities. She attempts to recruit him, making it clear that she would have killed him if he hadn't joined her and the Immortals. As Jak delves deeper into the history of the Everwar and the Order of Immortals, Kirkan's unwavering determination to win at any cost becomes evident. Lore entries and conversations with other Immortals reveal Kirkan's willingness to sacrifice both soldiers and civilians to defeat Rasharn's armies and antagonist Sandrakk. However, it is only later in the story that the true consequences of her relentless campaign against Sandrakk are fully explored.

Story spoilers ahead for Immortals of Aveum

General Kirkan’s Lust for Victory Comes With An Unthinkable Price

Unveiling Sandrakk's history as an Immortal serving under General Kirkan, Jak embarks on a quest to unravel the dark past of this malevolent character within the order. As Jak delves deeper into the reasons behind his Triarch Magus comrade's desertion from the Lucium forces, he stumbles upon another former Immortal. This individual provides valuable insights into the extreme measures Kirkan was willing to resort to in his relentless pursuit of victory in the Everwar. Dissatisfied with solely employing military force against Rasharn, Kirkan sets in motion an unimaginable assault targeting the entire kingdom.

By manipulating Aveum's mystical leylines years ago, General Kirkan effectively blocked access to magic throughout Rasharn. This act, although intended to swiftly end the Everwar, can be considered a war crime due to its devastating impact on a population heavily dependent on magic for every aspect of life. General Kirkan's disregard for the consequences and willingness to plunge the world into chaos is further exemplified in Immortals of Aveum. In the final act, she agrees to assist Sandrakk in killing the Pentacade, the very source of all magic in Aveum, as a desperate last resort to save the world. However, this dangerous plan is halted when Immortal Zendara defies her orders and sides with Jak instead, preventing the implementation of this suicidal scheme.

Although General Kirkan may perceive herself as a loyal warrior for Lucium, her morally questionable actions in Immortals of Aveum depict a leader who has lost sight of what is right and wrong. Her relentless pursuit of victory at any cost ultimately transforms her into yet another incarnation of the darkness she once fought against.

Immortals of Aveum is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.