In Avowed, the Ancient Soil quest forces players to make a difficult choice that will shape the fate of Fior mes Iverno’s survivors. After witnessing the devastation caused by the Steel Garrote, the Envoy must decide where the remaining people should rebuild their lives. With their native land in shambles and peril still awaiting, two courses present themselves: relocating them to Thirdborn, where they might try anew with Governor Quilicci, or moving them to Paradis, a secure but politically delicate sanctuary. Each presents its perils and implications, not just for the survivors but also for the player’s journey.
Ancient Soil Quest in Avowed
Venturing into the Emerald Stair’s concealed ruins confronts the Envoy with the Steel Garrote’s cruel atrocities on Fior mes Iverno. As their home is set on fire and thousands perish, the Envoy has to decide to defend the survivors who are left behind. While Giatta frantically searches the surrounding farms for any survivors, the governor and Quilicci debate where to resettle them, aware Fior mes Iverno is no longer secure, threatened by both the Dreamscourge and the constant Steel Garrote.
Should You Choose Thirdborn or Paradis
If you choose to send the survivors to Thirdborn, a city in Shatterscarp, they will attempt to start anew under the leadership of Governor Quilicci. At first, everything seems peaceful for the Fior mes Iverno people, but this tranquility is short-lived.
During the Shadows of the Past quest, if you decide to let Ryngrim sever the adra and drain people’s essence at random, the survivors will suffer yet again, with some dying mysteriously. You can learn more about their fate by speaking with Quilicci in the Residential District, where he expresses his frustration over the continued misfortunes that plague his people.
On the other hand, choosing to send them to Paradis in Dawnshore may feel risky, given its proximity to Aedyran, the land of the Steel Garrote, who destroyed their home, and a place where Animancy is forbidden.
However, this option spares them from the random deaths in Thirdborn if you opt to sever the adra. If you return to Paradis later, you will find the governor near the city gates, who will reward you with 500 Currency as a token of gratitude for keeping his people safe.
Here’s a table comparing the choices between Thirdborn and Paradis in Avowed:
Choice | Thirdborn (Shatterscarp) | Paradis (Dawnshore) |
| Outcome | Survivors rebuild under Quilicci. | Survivors settle near Aedyran. |
| Risk | Random deaths if adra is severed. | No deaths from severing adra. |
| NPC | Quilicci in the Residential District. | Governor near city gates. |
| Follow-Up | Quilicci mentions survivors’ struggles. | Governor ensures safety. |
| Reward | – | 500 Currency. |
Tips
- If you plan to sever the adra during Shadows of the Past, avoid sending survivors to Thirdborn, as some will die randomly.
- Thirdborn offers a fresh start but risks misfortune. Paradis is close to the Steel Garrote but ensures the survivors’ safety from adra-related deaths.
- Sending survivors to Paradis grants you 500 Currency when you visit the governor, whereas Thirdborn offers no tangible reward.
- Quilicci in Thirdborn will express concerns if things go wrong, while the governor in Paradis reassures you that the survivors are safe.
- If you value rebuilding and independence, Thirdborn may feel right. If you prioritize security and rewards, Paradis is the better choice.
