In Avowed’s opening tutorial quest, “On Strange Shores,” players face their first significant choice: whether to free Ilora from her cell. This decision, encountered early in the game, carries both immediate consequences and long-term ramifications, impacting your experience in the starting area of Dawnshore and beyond. Ilora’s abrasive personality and dubious claims about her crew’s madness make her an initially untrustworthy character, leaving players to weigh the potential risks and rewards of either freeing her or leaving her imprisoned. This guide explores both paths, outlining the benefits of showing mercy and the challenges of choosing a less forgiving approach.
Should You Save Ilora or Not in Strange Shores Quest
Early in Avowed, during the tutorial quest “On Strange Shores,” you’ll face your first real choice. Exploring a jail cell, you’ll meet Ilora, who’s locked up. She claims her crew went crazy, but her own aggressive and untrustworthy behavior makes her instantly unlikeable. This decision has ramifications right away and also impacts the first area you explore, Dawnshore, so it’s a choice worth considering carefully.
Should You Save Ilora in Strange Shores Quest
Choosing a merciful and benevolent path for your character has a surprising benefit when it comes to Ilora. Letting her go free earlier in the game really pays off later. When you reach Paradis, your farewell with her is much warmer than your initial meeting.
Even better, this decision helps with the “Escape Plan” side quest. You’ll learn about two Paradis citizens desperate to flee because their enemies have found them. After gathering supplies for their escape, you discover the smugglers they hired are demanding more money. That’s where Ilora comes in! She’s part of the smuggling group and, remembering your past kindness, she’ll argue on your behalf. This saves you or the fleeing couple a significant amount of money, making the whole situation much smoother and less confrontational.
How to Save Ilora in Strange Shores Quest
The best option is usually to free Ilora, and luckily, the key isn’t far. Climb the boxes opposite the cells to the next level. Go through the broken wall, turn right, and you’ll find a wooden floor. Attack the floor to break through, dropping you into a room with the key.
Grab the key from the wall, unlock the cell door, and you’re good to go. This takes you back to the cell block. Interact with Ilora’s door to free her. While you’re there, you can also open the cell next to hers and crawl through the wall to find some Deerskin Gloves.
Should You Not Save Ilora in Strange Shores Quest
If you’re playing a less forgiving character, you can leave Ilora locked up, though the game gives you plenty of chances to reconsider. After telling her you’re leaving (and taking her boat), you continue through the next parts of the incident.
When you reach the quest’s final area, you’ll encounter a sick and delirious crew member, Steadman Ralke. He’s your first boss fight in Avowed. But he’s not alone! Ilora, furious about being abandoned, has escaped her cell and is out for revenge. So, you’ll have to fight both Steadman and Ilora before you can move forward.
