Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated RPG, Avowed, draws players into the vibrant yet volatile Living Lands. Within its rich narrative, every choice matters, shaping not only your character’s journey but also the destiny of entire communities.
Among these pivotal decisions, one stands out: the choice between two compelling figures, Kostya and Mihala. Their clashing ideologies and approaches to a looming crisis force players to grapple with profound moral and practical considerations, ultimately determining the future of Solace Keep and its inhabitants.
Who Are Kostya and Mihala?
Kostya: The Radical Reformer
Kostya emerges as a figure of intense conviction, driven by a firm belief that only radical measures can shake the people of Solace Keep from their perceived complacency. His motivations are rooted in a deep desire for his community’s true prosperity, even if it demands dismantling established norms.
He sees the current situation as a rut, a comfortable stagnation that ultimately stifles genuine progress. Kostya’s vision for Solace Keep and the broader Living Lands is one of forced evolution, where old ways must be shed to forge a more resilient future. This often involves actions that, from an outside perspective, appear undeniably destructive.
Mihala: The Pragmatic Leader
In stark contrast, Mihala embodies a more measured and practical leadership. Her background and principles are centered on preserving the existing order and guiding her people through adversity with a focus on stability and unity.
She understands the intricate dance of governance and the delicate balance required to maintain peace and prosperity. Mihala’s approach to the threats facing Solace Keep is one of careful deliberation, prioritizing the well-being of her people through strategic planning and collaborative efforts, rather than radical upheaval.
The Crucial Choice: Our Dreams Divide Us Still
The moment of truth, where players must align with either Kostya or Mihala, unfolds during the quest aptly named “Our Dreams Divide Us Still.” This quest acts as a narrative turning point, bringing the ideological clash between these two leaders to a head.
Players face a profound dilemma: to endorse Kostya’s radical blueprint, which promises a painful yet potentially transformative future, or to support Mihala’s more conservative stance, aimed at preserving what remains and rebuilding step by step. The immediate stakes are incredibly high, directly influencing the fate of Solace Keep and its people.
Siding with Kostya: The Path of Destruction and Renewal
Choosing to side with Kostya initiates a sequence of events that are both devastating and, in his conviction, ultimately restorative. The most immediate and dramatic consequence is often the literal destruction of Solace Keep itself.
Kostya genuinely believes that by compelling his people to abandon their comfortable, yet stagnant, existence, they will be forced to forge a new, stronger identity. This path is certainly not for the faint of heart, as it entails significant loss and profound disruption for the residents.
However, for players who resonate with Kostya’s philosophy, this choice can unlock unique narrative branches and potentially shift power dynamics within the Living Lands. While the immediate rewards might seem minimal, the long-term implications could reshape the region in unforeseen ways, embodying a belief in the necessity of creative destruction.
Siding with Mihala: The Path of Preservation and Unity
Opting to support Mihala leads down a path of preservation and a more conventional approach to problem-solving. The primary and immediate outcome of this decision is the safeguarding of Solace Keep from ruin.
Mihala’s strategy centers on rallying the community, leveraging existing resources, and fostering unity to overcome challenges. This path generally offers more immediate and tangible gameplay advantages, such as access to specific rewards, unique items, or continued backing from the established leadership.
Players who prefer a more stable and less chaotic narrative, or those who prioritize the immediate well-being of the current inhabitants, will likely find Mihala’s path more appealing. It emphasizes rebuilding and strengthening the community from within, rather than through radical external forces.
Analyzing the Outcomes: Which Path is Better?
The question of which path is “better” in Avowed is far from simple; it largely hinges on your personal philosophy and preferred gameplay experience. From a purely practical standpoint, aligning with Mihala often provides more immediate in-game benefits and a less turbulent narrative.
You’ll gain access to valuable items and help maintain a sense of order within Solace Keep. This choice aligns well with a more traditional heroic archetype, where your character actively works to save and protect.
Conversely, choosing Kostya presents a more morally ambiguous and challenging narrative. While it may lead to initial sacrifices, it delves into themes of necessary upheaval for profound, long-term change. This path appeals to players who relish grappling with difficult ethical dilemmas and witnessing the unfolding consequences of radical decisions.
Ultimately, the “better” choice is deeply subjective. Players seeking a more conventional RPG experience with clear heroic outcomes might naturally gravitate towards Mihala. Those yearning for a deeper, more thought-provoking narrative with significant moral weight may find Kostya’s path far more compelling. Consider your role-playing style: do you wish to be a steadfast savior or a bold catalyst for change, even if that change brings pain?
Conclusion
The choice between Kostya and Mihala in Avowed stands as a powerful testament to Obsidian Entertainment’s dedication to meaningful player agency. It’s not just a simple binary decision, but a profound reflection of contrasting philosophies on leadership, progress, and the welfare of a community.
Whether you choose to embrace Kostya’s radical vision for a renewed future or Mihala’s unwavering commitment to preservation and unity, your decision will ripple throughout the Living Lands, shaping the narrative and leaving an indelible mark on the world of Avowed. This inherent complexity ensures that each playthrough offers a truly unique and personal journey, inviting players to genuinely ponder the weight of their actions.