Avowed is set to be the next major upcoming RPG release from Obsidian Entertainment under Microsoft, and it has the potential to become the most successful entry that the Pillars of Eternity series has seen yet. The transition into an action RPG like Avowed has come with some expected streamlining in terms of the narrative presentation and depth that CRPGs like Pillars are able to offer, but a key aspect of the franchise’s lore that has yet to be represented in promotional material needs to be handled especially carefully.

The most distinct playable race of the games set in Eora so far would be Pillars of Eternity’s Godlike, essentially accursed demigods who can be born of any other race. Deformed vessels acting as emergency supplies of power for their parents, Godlike are a complex concept that has helped Pillars in carving out a niche of its own within the fantasy CRPG space. Now that Avowed has been confirmed to be limiting the player solely to Human and Elf options, the NPC presence of Godlike within the upcoming title could be crucial to their future within the greater IP.

Avowed main art Xaurips snarling
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Avowed is based on the preceding Pillars of Eternity series, but its more detached relationship to it may create a bigger disconnect than intended.

Ignoring the Impact of the Godlike Wouldn’t Honor Pillars of Eternity’s World

Avowed Needs to Make Up for the Lack of Playable Godlike

Not only were players previously able to select between several different varieties of Godlike with different parentage in the Pillars titles, but there are also characters and companions who showcase the diverse nature of this race. Deadfire's Pallegina and Tekehu, for example, represent vastly different children of gods who the player doesn’t have access to. Their flashy appearances can break the mold of the generally grounded dark fantasy tone that the series features, but Godlike are also instantly recognizable due to striking designs which accurately reflect the personalities of their respective gods.

It’s somewhat understandable that Obsidian opted for the more conventional Human and Elf options as opposed to including all of Pillars of Eternity's races, but this is still bound to disappoint fans of playing everything from Orlans to Godlike. Avowed may feel strangely disconnected without elements such as Godlike NPCs filling in this gap in response, as imagery like their surreal head ornaments have formed much of the unique visual identity of Pillars. There has been a sense of anticipation around the looks of previously unseen variations like the Endings Godlike, and the realistic graphical style of Avowed can depict them at an entirely different level of detail.

Too Much Emphasis on Godlike NPCs in Avowed Could Overshadow the Player’s Journey

Obsidian Needs to Strike a Balance with Racial Representation in the Living Lands

There should be a considerable effort being put forward when it comes to respecting Pillars of Eternity lore in Avowed, but there’s ultimately a balance to be kept in a title that is allegedly as concise and focused as this one is set to be. If Avowed has a linear narrative with fewer options than Pillars provided, it should primarily focus on fleshing out the Living Lands and making its own conflict exciting. This could come with new insight into the Godlike in the form of a companion, but there’s also no reason to force characters into the game just for tradition’s sake.

There’s plenty of mystery surrounding the Godlike that is worth exploring, but the same can be said for several parts of Eora’s lore that will be important within Avowed. With so little known about the Living Lands, the plague affecting it, or when this upcoming title even takes place in the series timeline, there are several other concerns to be addressed before the intrigue of this race adds more layers. Whether or not they maintain a significant presence, Obsidian will still need to navigate the status of one of its most original concepts with the Godlike race in Avowed.