The finest role-playing games excel at pulling you into their universe, seamlessly blending gameplay with storytelling. Avowed stands as a prime example of this, immersing players through its intricate mechanics that carry profound narrative weight.
Right from Avowed’s captivating cinematic opening, players are plunged headfirst into its rich lore. Set in the shared realm of Eora, familiar to fans of the Pillars of Eternity series, Avowed’s narrative builds on a foundation of lore painstakingly crafted over a decade. Upon starting, newcomers might find themselves swamped with fantastical terminology. However, there’s no need to feel too daunted; only a few key lore pieces, like Animancy, are crucial to grasp from the onset.
Unpacking the Lore of Avowed: Animancy
So, what exactly is Animancy?
In simple terms, Animancy involves the study and manipulation of soul energy. Unlike many fantasy worlds where magic steers the exploration of souls, Eora’s Animancy takes a scientific route. Most Animancers in this universe view themselves as researchers and inventors, harnessing advanced technology to manage souls.
Animancy mirrors any scientific field in that its moral alignment depends on usage. While many Animancers aspire to utilize soul energy for noble aims like healing mental illnesses or fostering deeper connections with nature, others seek power. Naturally, these contrasting motives give rise to a host of social and political tensions within Eora.
The Ongoing Debate Over Animancy
In its early days, Animancy was thrust into controversy after scientists controversially transplanted a soul into a corpse, creating a monstrous creature in the process. This resulted in the Aedyr Empire banning Animancy. With time, though it’s gained a modicum of acceptance, stringent laws and oversight remain.
Yet, despite the softening legal stance, Animancy still struggles with a tainted image. To many, it seems unnatural and is even condemned by religious factions in the Aedyr Empire, who consider soul tampering after death to be heretical. These apprehensions aren’t entirely baseless. Even as Animancy becomes more widespread, its dangerous potential lingers, with accidents leading to disastrous outcomes. Some of Eora’s fiercest monsters are unfortunate byproducts of botched Animancy experiments.
Meet Avowed’s Giatta: The Team’s Animancy Expert
During their adventure, players will encounter Giatta Castell, an Animancer hailing from Fior mes Ivèrno. Born to pioneering Animancers who sought asylum in the Living Lands, Giatta endured tragedy when a lab accident claimed her family. She joins the Envoy’s group, bringing her Animancy prowess to aid her allies by mending their wounds.
In essence, Avowed’s complex world and its approach to Animancy reflect the nuanced and morally gray spaces that the best RPGs invite us to explore, ensuring players are never quite sure what awaits around the corner.
