Below is a detailed walkthrough for the prologue of Avowed, titled "On Strange Shores," based on the game’s structure and mechanics as depicted in available sources.
This quest serves as the tutorial, introducing you to the core gameplay, combat, exploration, and decision-making elements of Avowed.
Opening Cutscene and Character Creation
Objective: Begin your journey.
Opening Cutscene and Character Creation, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
The game opens with a cinematic introducing the world of Eora, shared with the Pillars of Eternity series. You’re a Godlike Envoy of the Aedyran Empire, tasked with investigating the Dreamscourge in the Living Lands.
After the cutscene, you’re thrown into character creation. Here, you’ll:
1.Customize your character’s appearance (face, hair, etc.).
2.Choose a background (e.g., War Hero, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout). This affects unique dialogue options throughout the game but not your starting stats or class directly. For example, a War Hero might reference past battles, while a Noble Scion could leverage their status.
3.Assign initial attributes (Strength, Dexterity, etc.), which can be respecced later. Your starting weapon varies by background (e.g., a spear for War Hero, an axe for Vanguard Scout), but you’ll quickly find others.
4.Once completed, a shipwreck sequence lands you on a mysterious island, setting the stage for the prologue.
Waking Up on the Beach
Waking Up on the Beach, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Talk to the survivor.
You awaken on a sandy shore littered with debris. Ahead, a fellow survivor named Garryck stands near a makeshift shelter. Approach and speak to him.
1.Dialogue: Garryck explains that your ship was attacked by cannon fire from Fort Northreach, an Aedyran outpost on the island, suggesting something’s gone wrong. He advises heading through the fort to escape.
2.Depending on your background, unique dialogue options may appear (e.g., a War Hero might comment on military tactics, a Noble Scion on the Empire’s authority).
3.You can ask about the “Envoy” role to learn you’re an official representative investigating the Dreamscourge.
4.Loot: Behind Garryck, pick up a Common Sword and a Health Potion. Equip the sword via the inventory menu (tutorial prompts will guide you).
Exploring the Beach
Exploring the Beach, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthro, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Find a way inland.
Before moving on, explore the beach:
1.To the right of Garryck, near some corpses, loot a Makeshift Grave for another Health Potion.
2.At the far end of the beach (opposite the path Garryck indicates), find a short palm tree between two taller ones. Interact to gather a Palm Stone (a minor resource).
3.Garryck points to a weak wooden wall up the coastline. Head toward it, noting a propped-up corpse glowing blue—an indicator of lootable objects. Your compass (top left) marks it with an “X.” Loot it for another Health Potion.
Breaking Through to the Fort
Breaking Through to the Fort, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Reach the outpost.
1.Approach the wooden wall and attack it with your equipped weapon (melee tutorial). It shatters, revealing a path forward.
2.Cross a broken bridge by mantling (climbing) up the far side, then crouch under a gap in the wall to proceed.
3.As you move, spot a small stream on your left. Harvest a Krakenhorn plant here—it restores minor health and Essence (your purple magic bar, explained later).
First Combat Encounter
First Combat Encounter, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Defeat the Xaurips.
Entering an open area, you’ll face Xaurips—small, lizard-like enemies. This introduces combat:
1.Basic Attacks: Use light and heavy attacks (tutorial prompts show controls).
2.Power Attacks: Charge a stronger strike by holding the attack button.
3.Two Xaurips spawn initially. Dodge their lunges and strike back. Loot their bodies for minor items like Xaurip Tails.
4.After clearing them, more Xaurips emerge from the grass ahead. Use the tall grass for stealth if desired—crouch to approach undetected and land a sneak attack.
5.Level Up: Around now, you’ll likely hit Level 2. Open the menu to pick your first Ability from three trees:
6.Fighter: Melee-focused (e.g., a stunning strike).
7.Ranger: Ranged or agility (e.g., a quick shot).
8.Wizard: Magic (e.g., a firebolt). Abilities cost Essence, replenished by potions, food, or purple wisps from defeated foes.
9.Environmental Tip: Look up for Magran’s Fury plants hanging above. Shoot them with a ranged weapon (you’ll find a bow soon) to drop explosive damage on enemies below.
Navigating the Fort
Navigating the Fort, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Escape the outpost.
1.Proceed eastward along a cliffside path. Loot a Backpack under a small waterfall for items like Copper Skeyt and an Essence Potion.
2.Enter Fort Northreach proper via a large door. Inside, a hallway is blocked by brambles. Garryck suggests burning them, but you lack fire abilities yet.
Meeting Ilora - First Major Choice
Meeting Ilora - First Major Choice, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: (Optional) Speak to the stranger / Find a way to burn the brambles.
1.Turn left into the fort’s prison. Here, you meet Ilora, a smuggler and the only sane survivor, locked in a cell. She offers to lead you to her boat if you free her.
2.Dialogue Choices:
•Free Her: Agree to find the key. This aligns with a sympathetic Envoy who values second chances.
•Leave Her: Refuse and proceed alone, fitting a strict, law-abiding Envoy.
3.Finding the Key: If you choose to help:
4.Exit the prison, turn right, and fight a few Xaurips guarding a room. Loot a Key from a table or corpse (location varies slightly in guides).
5.Return to Ilora, unlock her cell, and she’ll join you temporarily.
6.Consequences: Freeing Ilora aids in a later side quest (Escape Plan) and earns her goodwill. Leaving her has minor repercussions but reinforces a no-nonsense persona.
Burning the Brambles
Burning the Brambles, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Reach the smuggler’s boat.
With or without Ilora, head back to the brambles:
1.If Ilora’s with you, she might suggest a solution, but you’ll still need a tool.
2.Find a Bow nearby (often near the prison or a corpse). Equip it and shoot a Magran’s Fury plant hanging above the brambles (aim tutorial). It explodes, clearing the path.
3.Alternatively, if you chose a Wizard ability like a fire spell, use it here instead.
Final Combat and Boss Fight
Final Combat and Boss Fight, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Defeat the Aedyran Commander.
1.Past the brambles, face more Xaurips in a courtyard. Use your new Ability and environmental tactics (e.g., Magran’s Fury) to clear them.
2.Enter a cave via the quest marker, dropping into water. Loot a Health Potion before proceeding.
3.Reach an open arena with Steadman Ralke, a plague-affected Aedyran Commander:
4.Boss Fight: Steadman wields a Great Hammer. He’s slow but hits hard. Dodge his swings, counterattack, and use Essence abilities. The arena’s open space lets you kite him.
5.Loot: After defeating him, claim a Senior Officer’s Reprimand (a lore item) and a Common Great Hammer.
6.Loot the Arena: Pick up Soulsponge, and open a sarcophagus for Pelt, Softwood Branch, and an Essence Potion.
Escape the Island
Escape the Island, Avowed Prologue: On Strange Shores - Detailed Walkthrough, Obsidian Entertainment
Objective: Reach the boat.
1.Exit via a cave on the left, crossing water and climbing stairs. If Ilora’s with you, she leads you to her boat; otherwise, you find it alone.
2.Board the boat to sail to Dawnshore, concluding the prologue. Say goodbye to Garryck (and Ilora, if freed) as the screen fades.
