Avowedis an epic RPG set in the same universe as thePillars 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.

Those who opt for close-quarters combat won’t want to miss the unique shield,Unflinching Duty; it can significantly improveyour defense and parrying skills, which can make the difference between life and death in The Living Lands. The second main quest inAvowedis a great way to get acquainted with the world, its combat, and a surprisingly challenging early boss fight. Here’show to complete “A Message From Afar” and find the Unflinching Duty.

Avowed - speaking to Kai at the dock

How To Start Message From Afar In Avowed

Recruit Kai

After completingthe “On Strange Shores” quest, your character will find themselves on a small dock inClaviger’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 inStrangleroot.

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 completethe Cabin Fever side questto obtain the unique ring, theVindictive Band. Explore the entire area to get acquainted with your skills and make sure to purchase the treasure map forthe Intimidating Feline Codpiecefrom Lynna.

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.

Avowed - Strangleroot on the map

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 andcommand Kai to use his burn attackto clear the path to the entrance.

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 andlearn how to parry and defend their attacks. This will come in handy for the boss fight later.

Avowed - Strangleroot entrance

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.

Avowed - finding 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’re able to refer to thisDreamthrall Brown Bear boss guide.

Charge Attack Dreamthrall Elder Brown Bear Avowed

Grab The Unflinching Duty Shield

After defeating the Dreamthrall Brown Bear,inspect the dead soldierto 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 forAvowed’s early quests.

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Avowed - grab the Unflinching Duty

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Avowed - speak to the Adra Pillar

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Avowed Tag Page Cover Art

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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 theGodlike 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 theCity of Paradisto complete the quest and advance the story.