First Impressions: Meeting Ilora in Avowed
In the opening moments of Avowed, your character’s ship crashes onto an uncharted island, setting the stage for a series of critical decisions that will shape your journey. Among the earliest and most impactful of these choices is whether or not to free a woman named Ilora from her jail cell. This encounter occurs shortly after your arrival, as you explore the fort where you and your companion, Garryck, find Ilora. Her initial reaction to you is less than welcoming; she is visibly put off by your godlike appearance, which is a common reaction given the mysterious and powerful nature of your character. Despite this, Ilora’s presence and the decision you make regarding her fate will have ramifications that ripple through your playthrough.
The Decision: To Free or Not to Free Ilora
When you first meet Ilora, she reveals herself to be a smuggler who has been apprehended by the soldiers of the Aedyr Empire, whom Garryck loyally serves. Garryck is immediately suspicious of her, warning you not to trust her. However, Ilora shares critical information about the soldiers at the fort, noting that they have gone mad, fighting and killing each other. This revelation is a crucial link to the main story, as it provides insight into the mysterious events that the Emperor of Aedyr has sent you to investigate. Despite Garryck’s skepticism, Ilora’s observations are true, and her information is valuable.
The Impact of Releasing Ilora
Choosing to free Ilora from her cell is a decision that, while not drastically altering the main narrative, does offer significant benefits. If you decide to release her, Ilora becomes a temporary ally who assists you in escaping the fort. Her presence makes the fights within the fort much easier, as her combat skills and knowledge of the area are invaluable. Additionally, Ilora plays a small but important role in a side quest called "Escape Plan." In this quest, she helps you negotiate with a smuggler who is willing to save refugees but demands payment. With Ilora’s help, you can convince the smuggler to assist the refugees at no cost, enhancing your reputation and aligning you with the cause of those in need.
The Consequences of Leaving Ilora Behind
On the other hand, if you choose to leave Ilora in her jail cell, you gain no tangible benefits from this decision. There are no in-game rewards or plot twists that result from leaving her behind. Instead, you lose out on the immediate assistance she provides in escaping the fort and the valuable support she offers in the "Escape Plan" side quest. This decision can make the early portion of your playthrough more challenging and may leave you feeling like you missed out on a potential ally. Given the advantages of freeing Ilora, it is generally advisable to help her, even if your first impressions of her are less than positive.
The Broader Implications of Your Choices
Your decision regarding Ilora is just one of many choices you will make in Avowed. Each decision you make, no matter how small, contributes to the tapestry of your character’s journey. Freeing Ilora is a low-stakes but meaningful choice that can improve your early game experience and align you with a character who, while initially distrustful, can prove to be a valuable ally. It also demonstrates your willingness to listen to and trust individuals who may not fit into the rigid expectations of the Aedyr Empire, a theme that resonates throughout the game.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices in Avowed
In the world of Avowed, every decision you make has the potential to shape your character’s path and the story that unfolds around you. Freeing Ilora from her cell is a choice that, while not monumental, can have positive impacts on your early game experience and provide you with a helpful ally. It is a decision that reflects your character’s willingness to trust and help others, even in the face of initial skepticism and distrust. As you progress through the game, remember that the choices you make, no matter how minor they may seem, can have significant consequences on your journey.
