Avowed: Should You Free Ilora?
The world of Avowed is a vast one populated by all types of characters. As in real life, not all are trustworthy. So, when you run into someone like you do Ilora, you'll likely find yourself wondering what choice you should make in Avowed as to help them or not. You'll have to make many such choices throughout the game, so now is as good a time as any to hone your decision-making and judgment skills.
Ilora is the second character you meet in the world of Avowed, and when you meet her, she's behind a prison cell with a dead guard next to her. Though she has problems with your people, she asks your help to escape. Your companion Garryck makes it clear immediately he doesn't trust Illora and it wouldn't be wise to free her, but you may beg to differ. As with most RPG choices, there are two outcomes, although in this case, one leaves a lot to be desired.
What Happens If You Free Ilora In Avowed?
And What Happens If You Don't
Though Garryck is skeptical, freeing Ilora will see her join your party for the introductory quest "On Strange Shores" with no issue. She'll tag along, helping you dispatch enemies, and generally not get in the way. Once you complete the quest, she'll kindly thank you for saving her life. Ask her about her plans and she'll say she'll look for work on a ship. That's not so bad, right? There's a little more to this story, however.
Later during your time in Dawnshore, you can meet Ilora again briefly during a smuggling quest (if you saved her). In that quest, you'll come upon a couple that escaped Aedyr and now live in Paradis' shanty town. When they send you to haggle with the smugglers that raised prices to get them out of Paridis to make room for the Empire, Ilora will be there and may chime in. While she doesn't have any kind of major role here or in the game in general, it's a neat little extra.
Conversely, if you decide not to free Ilora, she'll have her prejudice confirmed, and you'll simply have to navigate through the remainder of "On Strange Shores" without her. It's disappointing to say, but this is the case with many choices in RPGs. That is to say, there's not actually much of a choice at all. In short, there's no great reason to not take her, so it's definitely better to do so, if only to make the initial quest easier.
How To Free Ilora In "On Strange Shores"
Look For The Fort Northreach Jail Nearby
Look to your left (across from Ilora and in the corner, left of the door) and jump up the ledge. Look left and hop up on the next ledge, then forward up onto yet another ledge. Hop across the gap then make your way up into the next area. You'll know you're in the right place if there's a fallen soldier with a bow on your left (grab this if you're playing a Ranger in Avowed like I am). Look to your right and bash the broken wood with your weapon, then take Fort Northreach Jail Key.
Use the Fort Northreach Jail Key to unlock the door, then free Ilora from her cell. The remainder of this quest is a piece of cake: just follow the objective markers and bash the enemies, dodging as needed. Before long, you'll find yourself in the wonderful portside town of Dawnshore with plenty more companions to find and plenty more choices to make in Avowed. Keep your wits about you, and you're sure to do fine.
Avowed
OpenCritic Reviews- Released
- February 18, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
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