Avowed lets you pretend your character’s not a stinky mushroom person, but that’s the coward’s choice

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In the character creator for Avowed, you have the freedom to conceal your protagonist’s unique magical mushroom man traits, allowing you to imagine being an alluring elf in a fantasy role-playing game (RPG), without any fungal elements. However, this is an illusion, and I’m fed up with maintaining this deception: In truth, you are a fungus in Avowed, don’t try to argue otherwise.

The character in Avowed, referred to as an “envoy,” is akin to a race from Pillars of Eternity, similar to tieflings or genasi from Dungeons & Dragons. At birth, these characters, known as godlikes, are claimed by one of the divine powers of Eora and bear distinctive features related to their respective deities. In this particular envoy’s case, the mysterious deity is represented by a mix of fungal growths, wooden accessories, Star Trek-inspired rubbery foreheads, and elements of Dryad style. There’s quite a variety to choose from, making the character stand out significantly. However, during character creation, you can opt to hide these distinctive features, transforming the envoy into an ordinary-looking individual. Yet, despite their normal appearance, they are still treated as if they were a strange and unusual being.

I understand why Obsidian provided us with this option: It’s important not to deter casual players with excessive fun and style, as they might be essential for Avowed’s future financial growth. However, there must have been at least one determined visionary on the team who fought for artistic authenticity, despite being overpowered by a wave of marketing-focused suggestions, leaving them like driftwood in the sea of compromises.

I align myself with the unknown champion, whoever they truly are. I appreciate games that offer resistance, challenges that encourage growth rather than enabling every impulse without consequences. Avowed seems to portray you as a fungal character, destined for greatness and potential doom by the mushrooms. Refusing this fungal role, concealing your mushroom-related traits just as one might hide an unusual helmet that doesn’t match their armor, suggests fear of a game being engaging and presenting new experiences.

If Avowed had initially included a comprehensive character creator with an enforced mushroom-themed accessory, it might have become one of the most memorable RPG features—even now, it remains amusing due to the strong suggestion of mushroom items. In a world where commercial uniformity often threatens to dilute the core essence of games like Avowed, it’s crucial that we exercise self-control and remain committed to preserving its unique spirit. Let us all recite this fungal roleplayer’s promise:

“I pledge allegiance to the mushroom-themed elements of Avowed, to uphold their distinctiveness and celebrate their whimsy, in the pursuit of maintaining the game’s original charm.

I seem to be a mushroom enthusiast / For everyone to witness my collection of shrooms / It’s not something I wish to keep hidden / This game doesn’t have anyone worth smooching! / So I’ll embrace the role of a fungi-loving character / Until my days as a mushroom aficionado come to an end.

With that, my fellow mushroom hunter, you’re all set to explore and discover mushrooms in Avowed. And if you come across someone’s screenshot or live stream of the game without any mushrooms, don’t be disheartened: You’re more skilled than them. After all, everyone has their unique strengths.

1. Review: Openly praised – The timeless charm of Obsidian

2. Guide: How to kick things off effectively – Avowed

3. Companions: Everyone’s present – Avowed

4. Builds: Diverse skill compositions – Best in Avowed

5. Weapons: What’s ideal for a two-handed approach – Top picks in Avowed

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2025-02-18 23:32