Avowed is packed with surprises, from its engaging combat system that somehow works without a lock-on button to its stunning visual style. Not to mention, the familiar voice of Kai, your first companion, who happens to be voiced by the same actor who played Garrus in Mass Effect. One of the standout moments for me, though, was an early side quest where you lend a hand to some sex workers striving to survive in a city where, rather absurdly, birth control is prohibited.
This quest, intriguingly named “A Lady Never Tells,” begins when you cross paths with Giuliana. She runs a bathhouse in Paradis called The Mermaid’s Den, which serves as a brothel. Your journey starts if you spot her courtesans being harassed by the Sparrowhawks, a faction notorious for picking on those less fortunate. Engaging with Giuliana reveals that the Sparrowhawks have seized a shipment intended for her. While she keeps the nature of the shipment a mystery, she does express a dire need for help retrieving it.
Choosing to assist means you’ll have some encounters with the Sparrowhawks, but that’s perfectly fine since they’re nothing short of bullies who definitely have it coming. Once you track down the shipment, you can either negotiate for its return or opt for a more confrontational approach to reclaim it. Upon retrieving the crate, you’ll discover it’s already been tampered with. A text box reveals its contents: herbal sachets with a woodsy aroma known as Hylea’s parsley. These herbs, common on the Aedyran mainland, serve as a contraceptive in small doses and can terminate a pregnancy in larger amounts.
Back with Giuliana, you have the choice to reveal your knowledge about the shipment’s contents. Although some say this option appears only if you have the Arcane Scholar background, my character was a War Veteran, and I still received a version of this dialogue. If you decide to divulge this to Giuliana, she becomes concerned about protecting her secret, given the herb’s illegal status in Paradis. By reassuring her, you can convince her of your discretion, earning you the Night-Mistress’ Favor Trinket as gratitude, a nifty item that gradually restores your essence when near a companion.
What stands out about this quest, and Avowed as a whole, is its ability to convey depth with brevity. Despite its short length, it provides a meaningful glimpse into the culture and law of Paradis. Plus, back at your campsite, you can further explore the dynamics by discussing Paradis’ politics with Kai, reinforcing your stance on the matter. The characters address sex with realism—they crack jokes, tease, and treat serious issues like birth control access with the gravity they deserve. This quest may be brief, but it showcases the environment you’re navigating and nudges you to define your character’s moral compass along the way.
