The past few months at Obsidian Entertainment have been a whirlwind of innovation and advancement. Since our appearance at the Xbox Developer_Direct back in January, our dedicated team has been meticulously refining Avowed, gearing it up for an exhilarating release set for 2024. We are incredibly excited to have just unveiled our very first story trailer, which gives a glimpse into the intrigues of the game. Now, let’s delve deeper into the narrative, the rich setting, and introduce some pivotal characters that will shape your adventure.
In Avowed, your journey commences as the esteemed envoy dispatched directly by the Aedyran emperor. The vibrant expedition begins in Paradis, a lively port city that serves as the pulsating heart of the Living Lands. This dynamic hub has been historically sculpted by waves of adventurers and settlers, each leaving indelible marks on the landscape, often through intense conflict. Paradis is not just a city; it symbolizes the clash between the imposing Aedyran forces and the wary locals, who are growing increasingly distrustful of Aedyr’s expanding influence in their realm.
Amidst these societal tensions, unsettling rumors regarding the Dreamscourge—a baffling and enigmatic plague that tears at the very soul—have started to circulate throughout Paradis. This plague is described as insidious, afflicting not only individuals but also animals and the land itself, leaving a trail of chaos in its wake. The exact mode of its transmission remains a mystery, yet the chilling symptoms are becoming all too familiar to the inhabitants: initial signs include acute confusion, disorientation, and unsettling hallucinations, leading victims into a waking nightmare as the affliction progresses. Ultimately, those stricken advance to the horrific final stage, transforming into aggressive “Dreamthralls,” their bodies grotesquely altered by fungal growths while their minds and souls are seized by the plague’s dreadful grip.
In our latest trailer, viewers will clearly hear the distinct voices of three significant figures who influence your quest. First, there is your emperor, a man of authority who perceives the Dreamscourge as a potential existential threat to Aedyr if it is allowed to spread unchecked. He entrusts you with the monumental task of delving into this wild and intimidating frontier, determined to uncover the origins of the plague and to eradicate it. Then comes Inquisitor Lödwyn, the unyielding leader of the Steel Garrote, an extremist paladin order hailing from Aedyr, who believes the Dreamscourge may be a facade for something even more nefarious. He implores you not only to eliminate the plague but also to subdue the island’s discordant factions. Meanwhile, your steadfast companion Giatta, an insightful observer of the mystical landscape, perceives a more profound and enigmatic force maneuvering within the Living Lands. She encourages you to embrace this chaotic mystery. As an outsider on these shores, you will be compelled to skillfully navigate your allegiances with these three factions while striving to expose the source of the Dreamscourge, all in an effort to avert widespread madness in the Living Lands.
Along your treacherous path, you will have four companions to support you in your quest, including the sharp-witted Giatta. As an acclaimed animancer passionate about soul energy, she has faced skepticism and hostility for her groundbreaking studies. Nevertheless, like you, she is wholeheartedly committed to finding a solution to the Dreamscourge. She emerges as an essential ally, equipping you with profound insights into the exceptional metaphysical interplay unique to the Living Lands.
However, take heed: the Dreamscourge is merely one of the formidable adversaries you will confront. Growing tensions simmer ominously between the indigenous locals and the Aedyran occupiers, while the very essence of the island appears to be in rebellion against external forces, adding further complexity to your quest.
Each decision you make possesses the power to shift the balance of fate toward one faction or another, creating a profound impact on your journey. Who will you choose to ally with in this intricate web of conflict? Who will you take down in your pursuit of truth? Ultimately, who will gain control over the richly contested Living Lands?
What are the consequences of wavering in one’s resolve when faced with the Dreamscourge’s threat in *Avowed*?
To waver in your resolve, emphasizing the need for decisive action against what he perceives to be a threat not only to Aedyr but also to the greater world. Lastly, we have the enigmatic figure of Lyriana, a mysterious local living on the fringes of society, who possesses unique insights into the consequences of the Dreamscourge and the tumultuous changes it brings to her homeland.
### Interview with Obsidian Entertainment’s Lead Narrative Designer, Jessica Rivers
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jessica. Your team has been hard at work on *Avowed*, and we’re excited to hear more about it! Can you tell us what inspired the setting of Paradis and how it plays into the overall narrative?
**Jessica Rivers:** Absolutely! Paradis is designed to be a vibrant, immersive setting that reflects the rich history and conflicts of the Living Lands. We drew inspiration from various historical port cities where cultures collide, and we wanted to emphasize that sense of tension—especially the growing distrust between the Aedyran forces and the locals. This backdrop creates a stage for our characters and their stories, compelling players to delve into a world fraught with intrigue and danger.
**Interviewer:** The Dreamscourge sounds like a pivotal element in *Avowed*. Can you elaborate on how it influences both the storyline and gameplay?
**Jessica Rivers:** The Dreamscourge is central to the conflict in *Avowed*. It serves as both a literal plague affecting the land and a metaphor for the struggles within society. Players will experience its consequences firsthand, and it shapes their interactions with characters and the environment. The gameplay will incorporate elements that reflect the mysterious, chaotic nature of the Dreamscourge, enhancing both the narrative and combat experiences.
**Interviewer:** The characters you’ve introduced—especially Lödwyn and Lyriana—seem intriguing. How do they contribute to the player’s experience?
**Jessica Rivers:** Each character brings a unique perspective and set of motivations to the table. Lödwyn represents a more militant response to the Dreamscourge, pushing players to confront moral dilemmas regarding authority and extremism. In contrast, Lyriana offers a more nuanced view, revealing the personal toll of the plague on her community. Players will have to navigate these complex relationships, ultimately shaping the story and their own journey based on the allies they choose and the decisions they make.
**Interviewer:** With the recent announcement of the first story trailer and the anticipation for the 2024 release, what message do you hope players take away from *Avowed*?
**Jessica Rivers:** We hope players immerse themselves in the world we’ve built and reflect on the themes of trust, conflict, and leadership that unfold throughout the game. *Avowed* is as much about individual choices as it is about the broader narrative, encouraging players to think critically about their actions and the impact they have on the world around them.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Jessica! We can’t wait to explore Paradis and uncover the mysteries of the Dreamscourge.
**Jessica Rivers:** Thank you for having me! We’re just as excited for players to experience everything we’ve been working on. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release!
