Making impactful choices is central to the Avowed experience. These decisions shape your interactions and influence the narrative, starting right from your initial encounter with Ilora after the ship incident.
Ilora’s initial demeanor might dissuade you from trusting her, especially given your character’s unique background, which often leads to immediate assumptions. Despite this, freeing her from her cell can have repercussions. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether to release Ilora in Avowed.
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What Happens when You Free Ilora in Avowed?
Releasing Ilora early in Avowed influences subsequent events, albeit subtly.
If you choose to free her, she will assist you during a specific side quest later in the game. In the quest Escape Plan, Ilora can help negotiate with a smuggler who is willing to transport refugees. Specifically, Ilora uses her persuasive skills to convince the smuggler to assist you without demanding payment from the refugees.
Upon your first encounter, Ilora identifies herself as a smuggler during your conversation with Garryck. She expresses discontent upon learning about your role as an envoy for the Aedyr Empire. As you explore the dialogue options, she reveals that she was smuggling goods past Aedyr checkpoints in the region. Garryck, being loyal to Aedyr, is skeptical and advises against trusting her.
However, Ilora accurately points out that the fort’s soldiers succumbed to madness, turning on each other. She witnessed their descent into gibberish and violence during her initial days in captivity. This observation ties into the main narrative, which involves the Emperor of Aedyr dispatching your character to investigate the disturbances in the region. Despite Garryck’s skepticism, Ilora is truthful. While her role in the overarching story remains limited, she aids in assembling crucial details early on.
What Happens if You Don’t Free Ilora in Avowed?
Choosing not to free Ilora reflects Garryck’s concerns about allying with a smuggler. Considering the fort’s instability, avoiding risks might seem prudent.
After deciding to leave her imprisoned, you’ll focus on clearing obstacles to progress further into the fort. Ilora would have told you that she left behind a ship that she and Garryck could use to escape the fort. However, during the refugee rescue quest, Ilora will not be present to provide assistance. You won’t receive any immediate negative consequences, but you’ll miss the chance to gain her support.
Here’s a breakdown of the choices
The most effective course of action is to free Ilora.
Step 1: Locate Ilora’s cell within the fort.
Step 2: Exhaust all dialogue options with both Ilora and Garryck to understand the situation fully.
Step 3: Decide whether to trust Ilora’s account of the events and her offer of assistance.
Step 4: If you choose to free her, unlock the cell and allow her to join you.
Step 5: Later in the game, during the “Escape Plan” side quest, seek Ilora’s assistance in negotiating with the smuggler.
Alternative Approach: Leaving Ilora Imprisoned
Step 1: Express your agreement with Garryck’s concerns about trusting Ilora.
Step 2: Leave Ilora in her cell.
Step 3: Proceed with your exploration of the fort without Ilora’s assistance.
Step 4: When you reach the “Escape Plan” side quest, proceed without Ilora’s help.
Benefits of Freeing Ilora
- She assists in the “Escape Plan” side quest, convincing the smuggler to help refugees without payment.
- She provides valuable insights into the events leading to the fort’s current state.
- There are no apparent downsides to freeing her.
Drawbacks of Leaving Ilora Imprisoned
- You miss out on her assistance during the “Escape Plan” side quest.
- You lose a potential ally who can provide insights into the ongoing events.
- There are no apparent benefits to leaving her imprisoned.
Ultimately, freeing Ilora is the optimal choice, as she provides assistance in a side quest and offers valuable information, while leaving her imprisoned provides no advantages.