Highlights
Immortals of Aveum portrays the protagonist Jak as an Unforeseen, someone with untapped magical abilities that disrupt the magical hierarchy of Aveum.
The game relies on Jak's position to uncover the vast magical realm of Aveum and the danger that Unforeseen individuals present to the most influential individuals.
The presence of Unforeseen individuals disrupts the societal structure of Aveum, where magical powers are passed down and concentrated within privileged families, posing a significant threat to those in positions of authority.
The marketing for Ascendant Studios' fantasy FPS Immortals of Aveum heavily focuses on main character Jak's role as an Unforeseen. Unlike other Magni who require extensive training and specific bloodlines, the Unforeseen possess the ability to tap into powerful magic without these requirements. This unique trait disrupts the strictly enforced magical hierarchy in Aveum, causing fear and contempt among its inhabitants. Jak, the protagonist of Immortals of Aveum, along with his fellow Unforeseen, are seen as dangerous abnormalities.
However, the purpose of placing players in the shoes of this marginalized group extends beyond explaining Jak's Triarch Magnus powers. Ascendant Studios uses Jak's position to provide gamers with insight into the vast world of Aveum and the pervasive presence of magic within society. As players progress through Immortals of Aveum, they will not only unravel the mysteries surrounding the Unforeseen and their societal role but also understand why their existence poses a threat to some of Aveum's most influential individuals.
Jak and the Unforeseen Upset Immortals of Aveum’s Balance of Magical Power
In the opening mission of Immortals of Aveum, players are introduced to a captivating magical world. This world is filled with powerful wizards known as Magni, who tirelessly fight for their respective kingdoms in the ongoing Everwar. When players first encounter the protagonist, Jak, they discover that he possesses only a limited level of magical ability, much like many other inhabitants of Aveum. However, after an unexpected encounter with the antagonist Sandrakk, Jak's untapped potential is revealed in a spectacular display of magical attacks against his enemies.
Following this astounding display, Jak is recruited by General Kirkan, the esteemed Grand Magnus of the Immortals. Kirkan reveals to Jak that he holds a unique position as an Unforeseen. Unlike the traditional Immortals and Magni who train for years to master their magical abilities, the Unforeseen are individuals who suddenly and unexpectedly possess immense magical powers. This uncontrolled power not only poses a danger to those around them but also presents a valuable weapon in the Everwar, according to Kirkan's perspective. However, the existence of the Unforeseen also poses a significant threat to Aveum's well-structured society, as their unpredictable nature challenges the social hierarchy.
Minor story spoilers ahead for Immortals of Aveum
The Existence of the Unforeseen Represents a Threat to Aveum’s Social Order
While characters such as Zendara, the warrior princess from Immortals of Aveum, approach the Unforeseen with caution due to its destructive potential that has resulted in the obliteration of entire cities in the past, there are others who harbor disdain for them for more selfish reasons. The narrative of Immortals of Aveum emphasizes the pivotal role that magic abilities play within the societies of the game. Far from being mere soldiers for the different factions in the Endwar, the Magni, who are the highest societal class, enjoy a life of opulence and luxury, in stark contrast to the impoverished conditions endured by the common people.
Similar to how wealth and power are sometimes inherited in the real world, magical abilities in Aveum are also passed down through prominent families from generation to generation. Through manipulating Aveum's leylines and the Immortals, the powerful houses of Aveum have established control over many years, ensuring that their descendants are born with magical abilities. This is why the existence of the Unforeseen, who possess equal access to Aveum's magical essence, poses a significant threat to the established powers.
By making Jak an Unforeseen, not only does it provide an in-game explanation for his extraordinary powers, but it also sets up a captivating story of a magical outsider. Moreover, by shedding light on the darker aspects of Aveum's society, Immortals of Aveum encourages players to reflect critically on the inequalities present in the real world.
Immortals of Aveum is available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.