Avowed, the upcoming RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, is shaping up to be an exciting journey through a rich and immersive world. Set in the beloved Eora, the setting of the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed takes players into the heart of the Living Lands, a mysterious and rugged region full of ancient ruins, dangerous creatures, and long-forgotten lore.
One of the most crucial aspects of Avowed will be exploring these uncharted territories, understanding the world’s intricate lore, and uncovering hidden treasures. This Living Lands Walkthrough is designed to help guide players through their adventure, providing helpful tips, strategies, and insights on key locations and quests in this vast and expansive land.
Introduction to the Living Lands
The Living Lands is a vast, untamed region located to the north of the Deadfire Archipelago in the world of Eora. Known for its rugged landscapes, lush forests, and ancient ruins, the Living Lands have always been shrouded in mystery. The area has been heavily influenced by powerful native cultures, and its uncharted nature makes it a perilous place to navigate.
In Avowed, players will find themselves embarking on a journey through the Living Lands as part of the main story arc. Along the way, they’ll encounter various factions, solve complex puzzles, battle dangerous enemies, and uncover artifacts from ages long past. As you traverse this unforgiving terrain, it’s important to remain alert and take note of any unique landmarks, enemies, and opportunities that present themselves.
1. The Starting Point: Entering the Living Lands
At the beginning of your journey into the Living Lands, you’ll begin by navigating The Frontier, a region at the edge of the Living Lands. Here, you’ll encounter initial quests that help familiarize you with the game’s mechanics, exploration systems, and the various factions that inhabit the area.
As you explore the environment, be on the lookout for signposts or map markers, which will help you orient yourself and pinpoint key locations on the map. It’s highly recommended to take your time early in the game to explore the area, complete side quests, and gather resources that can help with crafting and combat.
2. Key Locations in the Living Lands
The Living Lands are home to many interesting and significant locations, from ancient ruins to towering fortresses. Some of the most crucial places in the region include:
- Weycoke Pass: This mountain pass is notorious for its dangerous terrain and encounters with wild beasts. However, it is also home to valuable treasures and rare resources. Be sure to equip yourself properly before venturing into this area, as it’s home to hostile creatures such as Giant Beasts and Mountain Trolls.
- The Ruins of Ha’vaar: These ruins are remnants of a lost civilization, providing both ancient relics and key information about the Living Lands’ history. You’ll need to solve several environmental puzzles and battle off hostile Undead Soldiers to gain access to their secrets.
- The Silver Sedge: A dense forest filled with both valuable herbs and dangerous creatures. In this region, you’ll find helpful resources like healing potions and rare crafting materials, but the Forest Spiders and Wild Wolves are no pushovers, so be cautious when navigating the area.
- The Forgotten Sanctum: This sacred area is deeply connected to the region’s lore, where powerful artifacts lie hidden. Only those with the right skills and knowledge can hope to uncover the sanctum’s secrets. Be prepared to face challenging enemies and environmental obstacles that test both your combat and puzzle-solving abilities.
3. The Factions of the Living Lands
The Living Lands are home to several factions, each with its own agenda and motivations. Understanding the political landscape of the area will be crucial for advancing in the game and unlocking special quests.
- The Greenthorn Tribe: This nomadic group of people has deep connections to the land, and they are the primary inhabitants of the region. They are known for their expertise in survival and nature-based magic. If you align with the Greenthorn Tribe, you can gain their trust and learn valuable survival techniques that will help with resource gathering and crafting.
- The Exiled Mages: A group of outcasts who have fled the constraints of traditional magic orders. They seek forbidden knowledge from the ruins scattered throughout the Living Lands. While their methods are controversial, the Exiled Mages can provide powerful spells and enchantments if you are able to form an alliance with them.
- The Dawncloaks: A militant faction with a mission to reclaim the Living Lands and restore order. They believe that the region’s chaos can be controlled through discipline and military might. Players who ally with the Dawncloaks will gain access to powerful combat strategies and weaponry but may face moral dilemmas related to the faction’s ruthless tactics.
4. Combat Tips and Strategies
Combat in Avowed is deep, with a focus on tactical decision-making and strategic use of spells, abilities, and environment manipulation. The enemies in the Living Lands are highly diverse, so being adaptable and flexible with your tactics is essential for survival.
- Use the Terrain to Your Advantage: Many of the regions in the Living Lands have varying elevation and environmental hazards, such as booby traps or treacherous terrain. By positioning your characters properly, you can gain an upper hand, forcing enemies to deal with obstacles or environmental conditions that hinder their movement.
- Manage Resources Wisely: As you explore, you’ll gather valuable resources such as herbs, minerals, and artifacts. These can be used to craft consumables like health potions, ammunition, and traps. Ensure that you always have enough supplies to survive in case of a sudden ambush or long battle.
- Choose Your Fights: Sometimes it’s better to avoid combat altogether. Many of the Living Lands’ most dangerous creatures can be bypassed by using stealth, distractions, or simply taking another route. Don’t be afraid to pick and choose which enemies to engage with based on your current resources and strategy.
5. Solving Puzzles and Environmental Challenges
Exploring the Living Lands involves more than just battling enemies; you’ll often come across ancient puzzles that need solving to progress further. These puzzles may involve environmental interactions, such as activating ancient machinery, unlocking hidden chambers, or deciphering long-lost languages. Pay attention to your surroundings, as clues to solving these puzzles can be hidden in plain sight.
Some environmental challenges include:
- Ledge Leaping: Many areas in the Living Lands require you to jump across large gaps or ledges. Timing and positioning are essential to avoid falling and sustaining damage.
- Ruin Navigating: Ruins and abandoned temples in the Living Lands often have traps or secret rooms. Look for hidden switches or messages carved into the walls that reveal the locations of treasure chests or secret doors.
6. Ending the Journey: The Secrets of the Living Lands
As you progress through your journey, you will eventually unlock the full secrets of the Living Lands, including its connection to the greater history of Eora. The final stages of the game will bring you face-to-face with ancient gods, powerful relics, and potential allies or enemies that could change the fate of the entire region.
In these final moments, players will face significant choices that could alter the landscape of the Living Lands forever. Your alliances, actions, and decisions will have a direct impact on the fate of the Living Lands and the people who inhabit it.
Conclusion
Avowed’s Living Lands offers an exciting and challenging journey filled with unique characters, landscapes, and mysteries. Mapping the region, understanding its factions, and mastering combat will be essential for success. By carefully exploring the world and utilizing your resources and abilities, you’ll uncover the many secrets that this wild and untamed land has to offer. Whether you’re solving puzzles, engaging in tactical battles, or forging alliances with powerful factions, Avowed promises to deliver an unforgettable adventure for RPG fans.
