“Cabin Fever” is one of the first side quests you’ll encounter upon arriving at the docks of Dawnshore in Avowed. After speaking with Dehengen and hearing her story, you’ll need to explore the western side of Dawnshore to progress. As you work through the quest, you’ll uncover a surprising revelation about Dehengen and one of the xaurips—a type of creature native to the Living Lands that typically causes trouble.
This guide provides a complete walkthrough for “Cabin Fever”, covering where to start the quest, how to locate and explore the cabin, and what we think is the best ending.
How to Begin the Cabin Fever Quest in Avowed
After completing Avowed’s first quest, “On Strange Shores,” and beginning the second, “Message from Afar,” you’ll find yourself in Claviger’s Landing, just outside Paradis.
After checking in with Cynric and recruiting Kai, your first companion, you’ll head toward Paradis. Just up the stairs from the docks, you’ll come across Dehengen. Speak with her to trigger the “Cabin Fever” quest.
Dehengen’s Cabin
Dehengen’s cabin has been raided by a group of xaurips, but no one is willing to help her with the situation.
When you’re ready, follow the marker on the map to reach her house, located near the beach on a mountain. You can access it via wooden bridges. Once you activate Dehengen’s Cottage Beacon, clear out the enemies inside. After dealing with the threats, the Envoy will discover a mural depicting a human and a xaurip together.
Before leaving, search the house for any valuable items. Open the nearby door to enter Dehengen’s private room, where you’ll find a journal revealing that a xaurip has been watching her closely and appears to be friendly.
Step outside and head south to find the xaurip leader wandering around. Surprisingly, it isn’t hostile and won’t attack. While you can attempt to communicate, it doesn’t speak. With this new information, return to Dehengen to help her make an important decision.
Speaking With Dehengen About the Xaurip in her House
Find Dehengen and discuss the diary you found in her house, along with the friendly xaurip leader lingering nearby. She reveals that someone once told her she had a soul twin—and now, she realises it’s the xaurip leader. Conflicted and unsure of what to do next, Dehengen turns to you for guidance in making a decision.
- If you persuade Dehengen to embrace her soul twin, the quest concludes with both living peacefully together.
- However, if you advise Dehengen to follow her heart, she chooses not to give the xaurip leader a chance, and they go their separate ways.
What Would be the Best Ending?
The best outcome for “Cabin Fever” is convincing Dehengen to spend time with the xaurip, who appears to be her soul twin. To achieve this, select the dialogue option: “Spend time with the xaurip. It could be the only way you ever find peace.” when it becomes available.
Successfully persuading Dehengen grants you 291 XP and the Vindictive Band, a unique ring that applies poison damage on every Critical Hit. This early-game boost can complement certain builds later, depending on your Avowed attributes.
After completing the quest, the log notes that Dehengen and the xaurip warchief are learning to coexist peacefully. While this suggests a happy ending, there doesn’t seem to be any follow-up dialogue with the pair afterward.
What Happens if You Discourage Dehengen?
If you choose not to encourage Dehengen to spend time with the xaurip or actively dissuade her, she remains dejected, feeling that something is still missing in her life. However, she expresses gratitude for your help. In this case, you’ll receive only 291 XP and no unique ring.
According to the quest log, Dehengen relocates to Paradis Shantytown to start anew, though there doesn’t appear to be any follow-up dialogue with her there.
