Avowed is an epic RPG set in the same universe as the Pillars of Eternity series. Drawing inspiration from that acclaimed series, this game presents a diverse range of combat strategies that allow players to customize their playstyle.
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Those who opt for close-quarters combat won’t want to miss the unique shield, 
Unflinching Duty
; it can significantly improve your defense and parrying skills, which can make the difference between life and death in The Living Lands. The second main quest in Avowed is a great way to get acquainted with the world, its combat, and a surprisingly challenging early boss fight. Here’s how to complete “A Message From Afar” and find the Unflinching Duty.
How To Start Message From Afar In Avowed
Recruit Kai
After completing the “On Strange Shores” quest, your character will find themselves on a small dock in Claviger’s Landing. Speak to Garryk and Ilora to say your farewells, then speak to Captain Cynric and Rauation Kai. Exhaust all dialogue options to obtain a new quest, ” A Message From Afar,” and a new companion in Kai. Your character and Kai are tasked with locating the ambassador and investigating some kind of plague in Strangleroot.
Before Leaving For Strangleroot
Check your map to see that Strangleroot’s location is directly north of Claviger’s Landing. Before leaving, explore the town, speak to the locals, and be sure to complete the Cabin Fever side quest to obtain the unique ring, the 
Vindictive Band
. Explore the entire area to get acquainted with your skills and make sure to purchase the treasure map for the Intimidating Feline Codpiece from Lynna.
Head North To Strangleroot
You can tackle several enemies and enemy encampments along the way to the Strangleroot area. Feel free to pick fights with weaker enemies and level up your character’s abilities to unlock the parry ability, but it’s recommended to stay focused on the main quest for now. Check your map and make the long trip to the Strangleroot entrance.
How To Complete Message From Afar In Avowed
Upon arriving in the Strangleroot area, your character and Kai will notice that the entrance is obstructed by thick brambles. Open your radial menu and command Kai to use his burn attack to clear the path to the entrance.
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Work your way through the area and try to use stealth attacks before initiating combat with the many Black Bears inside the dungeon. The bears are powerful, so use Kai’s burn attacks and learn how to parry and defend their attacks. This will come in handy for the boss fight later.
As you navigate through the area to progress in the quest, your character will be guided by an inner voice. Continue through, fighting the black bears, and use parkour to reach an area with the Ambassador and the dead Claviger.
The ambassador is panicking and will urge you forward to defeat the giant bear in the next area, but before going forward, examine the body, take his Claviger notes, and check your stats and abilities after obtaining EXP for locating the ambassador.
Defeat The Dreamthrall Bear
Before the ambassador speaks to you, you and Kai must fight and defeat the gigantic and corrupted Dreamthrall Brown Bear. Its attacks are similar to those of the black bears, but this particular foe is far more powerful and faster, having access to several unblockable attacks.
As mentioned earlier, the parrying ability is very useful for deflecting the bear’s attacks, but for more detailed instructions, you can refer to this Dreamthrall Brown Bear boss guide.
Grab The Unflinching Duty Shield
After defeating the Dreamthrall Brown Bear, inspect the dead soldier to obtain the Unique Unflinching Duty Shield and other useful items before speaking to the ambassador. The Unflinching Duty is an excellent shield to start out with and can be upgraded, making it one of the most effective forms of defense for Avowed‘s early quests.
Unflinching Duty Stats
|
Shield Name |
Block |
Parry |
Elemental Resistance |
Upgrade Material – Softwood Branch |
Upgrade Material – Paradisian Ladder |
Upgrade Material – Adra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Common Unflinching Duty |
– |
– |
– |
x4 |
x2 |
– |
|
Common Unflinching Duty +1 |
39 |
96 |
13 |
x4 |
x2 |
– |
|
Common Unflinching Duty +2 |
42 |
110 |
15 |
x14 |
x6 |
– |
|
Common Unflinching Duty +3 |
46 |
125 |
18 |
– |
– |
x4 |
Activate The Adra Pillar
After defeating the boss and collecting the Shield, speak to the ambassador and exhaust your dialogue options. Then, interact with the Adra to trigger a dialogue with the inner voice guiding your character through the quest.
Refusing to help the voice will award your character with a skill point to use instead, but the Dream Touch is an invaluable power to wield.
Ensure that you agree to help the inner voice to obtain the Godlike Ability called Dream Touch. The Dream Touch can damage enemies with the Dreamscourge and revive fallen party members.
The voice will cleanse the Strangleroot cave, and the party can make their way out of the cave and head south to the City of Paradis to complete the quest and advance the story.
- Released
-
February 18, 2025