Selecting the most suitable beginning Background in Avowed is important, as it not only dictates your starting weapon but also has an impact on your early game stats and playstyle. This walkthrough analyzes each of the five Backgrounds – Arcane Scholar, Court Augur, Noble Scion, Vanguard Scout, and War Hero – outlining their initial weapon, attribute bonuses, and general strengths and weaknesses. Knowing these distinctions will inform your decision and build the ideal Envoy for your travels in the Living Lands.
All Background Starting Weapons in Avowed
In Avowed, your starting weapon depends on the Background you pick when creating your character. So, if you’re planning out your Envoy, you’ll want to know which weapon you’ll start with. There are lots of weapons in Avowed, and while your first one won’t be your only one, it’s still good to know what you’ll be using at the beginning of the game. If you’re picking a Background based on the starting weapon, here’s what each one gets:
- Arcane Scholar: Dagger
- Court Augur: Mace
- Noble Scion: Sword
- Vanguard Scout: Axe
- War Hero: Spear
You’ll begin Avowed washed up on a beach. After you meet Garryck, your first companion, look around the nearby barrels and crates. Your starting weapon will be there, either attached to something or leaning against it. Don’t forget to grab the Health Potion lying on the ground nearby too, and put both items in your inventory.
Arcane Scholar
The Arcane Scholar is basically a magic whiz, but with a rebellious streak. Their research got them into hot water, but now they’re working for the emperor. Even so, everyone still thinks of them as a bookworm. They start with a dagger and have balanced stats, with a slight edge in Intellect.
| Attribute | Value | Statistical Bonus |
| Might | 2 | +6% Damage, +20% Carrying Capacity |
| Constitution | 0 | +0% Max Health, +0% Poison/Bleed Resist |
| Dexterity | 2 | +7% Attack Speed, +13% Action Speed |
| Perception | 2 | +6% Critical Hit Chance, +10% Max Range |
| Intellect | 3 | +15 Max Essence, +18% Elemental Resist |
| Resolve | 1 | +5 Max Stamina, +12% Second Wind Efficiency |
This background gives you a little boost in most areas, but it doesn’t really focus on keeping you alive in tough situations. You won’t have any extra health to start with, so if you’re planning on a character who can take a lot of damage, this probably isn’t the best choice. On the other hand, the extra damage and Essence you get are great for spellcasting, giving you a lot of magical potential.
Court Augur
The Court Augur is a mystic with psychic abilities who rose from a poor background to serve the emperor. They’re skilled at talking their way out of (or into) anything, whether through persuasion or deception. They start with a mace and are particularly strong in Perception and Intellect, with decent Dexterity and Resolve.
| Attribute | Value | Statistical Bonus |
| Might | 0 | +0% Damage, 0% Carrying Capacity |
| Constitution | 0 | +0% Max Health, +0% Poison/Bleed Resist |
| Dexterity | 2 | +7% Attack Speed, +13% Action Speed |
| Perception | 3 | +9% Critical Hit Chance, +15% Max Range |
| Intellect | 3 | +15 Max Essence, +18% Elemental Resist |
| Resolve | 2 | +10 Max Stamina, +23% Second Wind Efficiency |
Court Augurs are a solid choice if you like using a lot of stamina and Essence, but aren’t so good at taking hits. The extra stamina lets you dodge and attack frequently, and the boosted Essence means you can cast more spells. This background is especially good for characters who use a bow and wand together.
Noble Scion
The Noble Scion comes from a once-powerful family that fell from grace. The emperor showed them mercy, and now they’re a trusted advisor. They start with a sword and have a balanced set of attributes, leaning slightly towards Might.
| Attribute | Value | Statistical Bonus |
| Might | 2 | +6% Damage, 20% Carrying Capacity |
| Constitution | 1 | +5% Max Health, +6% Poison/Bleed Resist |
| Dexterity | 2 | +7% Attack Speed, +13% Action Speed |
| Perception | 2 | +6% Critical Hit Chance, +10% Max Range |
| Intellect | 2 | +10 Max Essence, +12% Elemental Resist |
| Resolve | 1 | +5 Max Stamina, +12% Second Wind Efficiency |
Noble Scions are pretty well-balanced right from the start, with decent stats across the board. Their lower health and stamina mean they’re better suited for dealing damage than for soaking it up. They’re built to be damage dealers, and they can dish it out in many different ways.
Vanguard Scout
The Vanguard Scout grew up in the wilderness but was facing a tough life, possibly even a life of crime, until the emperor intervened. Now, they work as the emperor’s eyes and ears in the wild, tracking, spying, and hunting. They start with an axe and are especially skilled in Perception, with some Constitution and Dexterity to boot.
| Attribute | Value | Statistical Bonus |
| Might | 1 | +3% Damage, 10% Carrying Capacity |
| Constitution | 2 | +10% Max Health, +12% Poison/Bleed Resist |
| Dexterity | 2 | +7% Attack Speed, +13% Action Speed |
| Perception | 3 | +9% Critical Hit Chance, +15% Max Range |
| Intellect | 1 | +5 Max Essence, +6% Elemental Resist |
| Resolve | 1 | +5 Max Stamina, +12% Second Wind Efficiency |
Vanguard Scouts are well-rounded and can be built in many different ways. They start with good health and a great chance to land critical hits. While their base damage might not be the highest, if you boost their Might alongside their already high Perception, they can become real damage dealers.
War Hero
The War Hero is a veteran of a recent war, recognized by the emperor and given a place in a special unit of spearmen. They’re a valuable military asset to the emperor. They start with a spear and are naturally strong, especially in Might and Resolve, with decent Constitution.
| Attribute | Value | Statistical Bonus |
| Might | 3 | +9% Damage, 30% Carrying Capacity |
| Constitution | 2 | +10% Max Health, +12% Poison/Bleed Resist |
| Dexterity | 1 | +4% Attack Speed, +7% Action Speed |
| Perception | 1 | +3% Critical Hit Chance, +5% Max Range |
| Intellect | 0 | +0 Max Essence, +0% Elemental Resist |
| Resolve | 3 | +15 Max Stamina, +35% Second Wind Efficiency |
War Heroes might not be the smartest, but they definitely hit hard. With the highest starting Might and Resolve, they deal a ton of damage and can keep attacking consistently. Their Intellect is pretty low, and they’re not the most observant, but if you focus on their strengths, you can create a really powerful and punishing character.
