Avowed On Strange Shores: Should you free Ilora?

Avowed’s main story is kickstarted with an escape from Fort Northreach after a devastating shipwreck. However, it also features a moral choice that affects the later game so they’re not to be taken lightly.

As you make your way through Fort Northreach for the first time, you’ll be faced with aggressive creatures to deal with. You’ll also pick up your first bits of gear and get to grips with the combat systems of the game and your chosen class.

About halfway through the introductory mission, On Strange Shores, you’ll come across a woman, Ilora in a cell, who is clearly angling to be freed by you before you move on.

So should you track down the keys and set her loose, or leave her to her fate in the prison?

Should you let Illora out of prison?

Yes, you should let Illora out of prison as it’ll save you a fight later on and will aid you in a side-quest once you get to Paradis.

On top of this, she’ll join you as a temporary companion, adding one extra combatant to your early-game fights, which is handy when you’re learning the ropes.

What happens if you let Ilora out of prison?

If you decide to go with merciful and benevolent as your character arc, letting Ilora free actually turns out to be a very useful option. Once you arrive in Paradis, you’ll say your goodbyes, with the conversation being considerably more friendly than your first.

Dexerto/Obsidian Entertainment

The real plus comes later when you pick up the side quest Escape Plan. Starting in Paradis, you’ll be told of two citizens who need to escape the city after enemies hunting them discover they live there.

After collecting some items to facilitate their departure, the couple will inform you that the smugglers who were supposed to get them out of town are extorting them for more money. After heading over to discuss it with the smugglers, you’ll find Ilora is one of their party.

She’ll advocate for your position and save a pretty penny that either you or the couple would have to pay. It’s a significant saving and makes the whole exchange a lot easier and more civil than it would otherwise have been.

What happens if you leave Ilora in her cell?

If you’re feeling particularly unmerciful, it’s possible to leave Ilora behind in her cell, though the game will give you several opportunities not to throughout your conversation. Once you’ve told her that you’re leaving (and stealing her boat) you can proceed through the next few areas.

Dexerto/Obsidian Entertainment

Once you arrive at the final area of the quest, you’ll be faced with a disease-ridden member of your crew, babbling and incoherent. That’s Steadman Ralke and he’ll serve as the first boss you’ll need to take on in Avowed.

Unfortunately, he won’t be alone, because Ilora has picked the lock on her cell door and escaped. Now, in her fury at your earlier decision, she’s going to try and kill you, so you’ll have to dispatch both foes before progressing.

While making your decision, be sure to check out the best classes in the game, the best companions, or how to build the strongest Fighter, Ranger, and Wizard so you can help defeat that Dream Scourge.