Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the mystical world of Eora! If you’re as excited as I am about the upcoming game Avowed, you might be wondering how it connects to the beloved Pillars of Eternity series.
Fear not, because I’m here to guide you through the intricate tapestry of lore that binds these two games together. Both titles are crafted by Obsidian Entertainment, a studio renowned for its storytelling prowess, and they share the same fantastical universe.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer of Eora or a newcomer eager to dive in, this article will unravel the lore connections between Avowed and Pillars of Eternity in a friendly, conversational way. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let’s embark on this journey of discovery!
What is Eora? The Heart of Both Games
Let’s start with the basics. Eora is the sprawling fantasy world where both Pillars of Eternity and Avowed take place. It’s not your typical fantasy setting with dragons and wizards around every corner—though it has its fair share of magic and mystery. Eora is a place where souls are tangible, gods meddle in mortal affairs, and the cycle of life and death is governed by a mystical force known as the Wheel. This shared universe is what ties Avowed and Pillars of Eternity together, making them feel like two chapters of the same epic tale.
In Pillars of Eternity, which kicked off with its first game in 2015 and continued with Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire in 2018, players explore regions like the lush forests of the Dyrwood and the tropical Deadfire Archipelago. These isometric RPGs are celebrated for their deep storytelling, complex characters, and tactical combat, drawing inspiration from classics like Baldur’s Gate.
Avowed, set to release in 2025, flips the script by offering a first-person action RPG experience. It takes us to the Living Lands, a wild and untamed corner of Eora that’s been hinted at but never fully explored in the Pillars series. This shift in perspective doesn’t break the connection—it enhances it, giving us a new lens on the same rich world.
Think of it like this: if Pillars of Eternity is a detailed map of Eora’s history and cultures, Avowed is a magnifying glass zooming in on a specific, intriguing spot. The lore remains consistent, but the way we experience it changes, making each game a unique adventure with shared roots.
The Diverse Races of Eora
One of the first things you’ll notice when stepping into Eora is its vibrant cast of inhabitants. The world is populated by several sentient races, collectively called “kith,” and they’re a big part of what makes the lore so engaging. In Pillars of Eternity, you get to choose your character’s race, each with its own cultural flavor and strengths.
Humans are the most common, adaptable folks you’ll find everywhere. Elves are graceful and long-lived, often tied to nature and magic. Dwarves are sturdy and industrious, masters of craftsmanship. Orlans are small, furry humanoids with sharp senses and a wild streak. Aumaua are towering, semi-aquatic beings with a deep sense of honor.
These races aren’t just window dressing—they shape the societies and conflicts you encounter. In Pillars, your race influences how NPCs react to you, adding a personal touch to the story. Avowed might handle character creation differently, possibly focusing on a preset protagonist, but these races will still be all around you. The Living Lands, where Avowed is set, is a melting pot of cultures, so expect to meet humans, elves, and maybe even orlans as you explore.
Then there’s the Godlikes, a standout race that’s particularly relevant to Avowed. Godlikes are born with physical traits tied to the divine—like glowing eyes or crystalline skin—marking them as touched by the gods. They’re rare and often face a mix of awe and suspicion from others. In Avowed, your character is a Godlike, which immediately hooks you into the deeper lore. This divine connection hints at a story where your very existence ties into the mysteries of Eora, bridging the personal stakes of Pillars with the epic scope of Avowed.
The Gods Who Shape Eora
Speaking of the divine, the gods of Eora are a cornerstone of the lore, and they’re not your typical hands-off deities. There are eleven of them, each overseeing different aspects of life and death, and they love getting involved in mortal business. Woedica rules over law, justice, and oaths, a stern figure who values order. Eothas is all about light, redemption, and rebirth, offering hope in dark times. Magran brings the heat with war, fire, and transformation. Berath governs cycles, doors, and death, keeping the world turning.
In Pillars of Eternity, these gods are major players. The first game digs into their influence through cryptic visions and ancient secrets, while Deadfire ramps it up with Eothas literally stomping across the world in a giant statue form.
Their actions ripple through Eora, affecting everyone from kings to farmers. Avowed seems poised to continue this trend. The title itself suggests a focus on oaths, which screams Woedica’s domain. Plus, with your character being a Godlike, you’re likely tied to one of these deities, making their presence personal and immediate.
The Living Lands’ wild nature might also connect to gods like Galawain, who oversees the hunt and wild places. Imagine stumbling across a shrine to Galawain amidst the chaos of a storm-lashed jungle—it’s the kind of moment that could tie Avowed’s setting to the broader divine drama of Pillars. These gods don’t just sit in the background; they’re active forces, and their influence is a thread weaving the two games together.
Souls and the Wheel: Eora’s Unique Twist
Now, let’s get to the heart of Eora’s lore: the concept of souls. In this world, souls aren’t some vague afterlife promise—they’re real, measurable, and tied to everything. Every living being has a soul that carries bits of past lives, shaping who they are. When you die, your soul enters the Wheel, a metaphysical system that spins it back into the world through reincarnation. It’s a beautiful, haunting idea that makes Eora feel alive and interconnected.
But here’s the kicker: the Wheel isn’t natural. It was built by the Engwithans, an ancient civilization that figured out the gods weren’t born from the cosmos—they were made. To give people something to believe in, the Engwithans created the gods and the Wheel, tying souls into a controlled cycle. This bombshell is a huge part of Pillars of Eternity, shaking up everything you thought you knew about the world.
In Deadfire, things get even wilder when Eothas smashes the Wheel, disrupting reincarnation and leaving souls in limbo. It’s a cliffhanger that could spill over into Avowed. The game’s big mystery revolves around the Dream Scourge, a plague messing with souls in the Living Lands. Coincidence? I doubt it.
The Wheel’s destruction might be why this plague exists, linking Avowed’s story to the fallout of Deadfire. Even if Avowed takes place before or during these events, the focus on souls keeps it anchored to the same philosophical and magical questions that drive Pillars.
This soul-centric lore is what makes Eora special. It’s not just about fighting monsters—it’s about wrestling with big ideas like identity, destiny, and what happens after we’re gone. Avowed and Pillars share this foundation, making their stories resonate on a deeper level.
Exploring the Living Lands
So, where does Avowed take us? The Living Lands, a northern frontier island that’s as wild as it sounds. This isn’t the orderly Dyrwood or the pirate-filled Deadfire—it’s a chaotic, untamed place where nature doesn’t play by the rules. Picture towering forests with glowing plants, deserts that shift overnight, and creatures that look like they stepped out of a fever dream. The weather’s unpredictable, the land’s unstable, and everything feels just a little off.
The Living Lands have been name-dropped in Pillars of Eternity, but we’ve never seen them up close. They’re known as a haven for outcasts, adventurers, and anyone crazy enough to brave the unknown. Different factions—some from the Aedyr Empire, others local—vie for control, turning it into a powder keg of conflict and opportunity. It’s the perfect setting for an RPG, and Avowed puts you right in the thick of it as an Aedyr envoy investigating the Dream Scourge.
What’s cool about this location is how it fits into Eora’s bigger picture. The Aedyr Empire is a familiar name from Pillars, a colonial power with a complex history. Sending you as their agent ties Avowed to the political intrigue of the wider world.
Plus, the soul-affecting plague connects back to the Wheel and the gods, grounding this new adventure in the lore we already love. The Living Lands might be a fresh canvas, but it’s painted with colors borrowed from Pillars of Eternity.
Tying the Games Together
Even though Avowed and Pillars of Eternity differ in style—one’s a first-person action romp, the other an isometric strategy fest—they’re linked by more than just Eora. The developers have teased that familiar faces from Pillars might pop up in Avowed. Maybe a companion like Edér or Pallegina shows up in the Living Lands, offering a friendly nod to fans. Or perhaps we’ll hear echoes of past events, like the Saint’s War from the first Pillars game, woven into the local gossip.
The Wheel’s destruction is another big connector. If Avowed happens after Deadfire, the soul chaos could be a driving force behind the Dream Scourge, making it a direct sequel in spirit if not in name. Even if the timeline’s different, the shared focus on souls and divine meddling keeps the stories aligned. The Aedyr Empire’s role adds another layer, linking Avowed’s politics to the power struggles in Pillars.
Gameplay-wise, Avowed carries forward Obsidian’s signature touch. Expect companions with rich backstories, choices that matter, and a world that reacts to you. These are staples of Pillars of Eternity, adapted here for a more immersive, action-driven experience. It’s a different flavor, but the ingredients are the same, ensuring Avowed feels like a natural evolution of the series’ legacy.
Do You Need to Play Pillars First?
Here’s a question I bet you’re asking: do you need to play Pillars of Eternity to get Avowed? The good news is no—Obsidian’s crafting Avowed as a standalone adventure. You’ll jump into the Living Lands with a fresh story, and the game will fill you in on what you need to know. Lore entries, NPC chatter, and your Godlike nature will give you plenty of context to enjoy the ride.
But—and this is a big but—playing Pillars can make Avowed even better. Those games are treasure troves of world-building, and knowing the backstory of the gods, the Wheel, and Eora’s races adds depth to every moment. Spotting a reference to Eothas or the Aedyr Empire hits harder when you’ve lived through their earlier tales. It’s like watching a movie after reading the book—you catch all the little winks and nods.
If you’ve got the time, I’d say give Pillars a spin. They’re fantastic RPGs in their own right, and they’ll make Avowed feel like coming home. But if you’re short on hours, don’t worry—Avowed’s got you covered.
Final Thoughts on Eora’s Shared Saga
When you boil it down, Avowed and Pillars of Eternity are two sides of the same coin, each offering a unique way to explore Eora. Pillars gives you the grand, top-down view of a world in turmoil, while Avowed zooms in for a personal, boots-on-the-ground adventure. Their lore—races, gods, souls, and all—binds them together, creating a universe that feels alive and worth exploring.
I’m beyond excited to see what Avowed brings to the table. The Living Lands sound like a blast, and diving into the Dream Scourge as a Godlike has me itching to play. Whether you’re here for the action or the story, Avowed promises to honor the legacy of Pillars of Eternity while carving its own path. So, what do you think? Are you ready to uncover Eora’s next chapter? Let’s chat about it—after all, the world of Avowed and Pillars is too good not to share!
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