Should you side with Lödwyn or Ryngrim in Avowed?

Avowed’s “Shadow of the Past” quest presents players with one of the most morally challenging decisions in Obsidian’s RPG repertoire. Unlike conventional choice systems that offer clear good or evil paths, this narrative fork forces you to navigate shades of gray where every outcome carries significant consequences.

The central dilemma pits Lödwyn or Ryngrim against each other, creating a scenario where player agency feels both powerful and constrained. What makes this choice particularly impactful is how it reverberates through your entire playthrough, affecting not just immediate outcomes but also your character’s ultimate capabilities and relationships.

[Ed. note: This guide contains spoilers for Avowed.]

Companion reactions add another layer of complexity to your decision. Party members will judge your choices, sometimes harshly, yet their guidance during the decision-making process remains notably limited. This creates an authentic feeling of isolation when facing monumental choices that will shape the Living Lands.

Despite initial appearances suggesting you might avoid taking sides, the game mechanics ultimately force a definitive choice between Lödwyn or Ryngrim. This binary decision structure ensures that players cannot remain neutral in the conflict, mirroring real-world scenarios where inaction itself becomes a form of action.

The branching narrative unfolds across three distinct pathways during Avowed’s Thirdborn conclusion sequence. These variations depend on multiple factors: whether you align with Lödwyn during the final confrontation, pursue a grefam resolution, or advocate for unifying the Living Lands. Each combination produces unique narrative outcomes and visual storytelling elements.

Strategic consideration: While the immediate story progression remains largely unchanged until the finale, your choice here fundamentally alters the ending sequences. The game employs a delayed consequence system where your decision in “Shadow of the Past” becomes the foundation for multiple ending permutations that reflect your overall playstyle and philosophical alignment.

Choosing to support Lödwyn and destroy the ancient ruins triggers specific narrative consequences and gameplay rewards. This path aligns your character with the Steel Garrote faction’s methodology, which prioritizes decisive action over preservation, regardless of the cultural or historical cost.

• Your companions, particularly Yatzli, express significant disapproval when you destroy repositories of knowledge. This reaction stems from their academic backgrounds and value systems that prioritize preservation and study. Sapadal’s discontent varies based on contextual factors and your previous interactions, demonstrating the game’s nuanced relationship system.
• The strategic flexibility remains intact despite companion disapproval. You can still oppose the Steel Garrote and the Inquisitor during the final confrontation, indicating that early faction alignment doesn’t permanently lock you into specific endgame choices.
• Godlike ability acquisition represents the most significant gameplay consequence. Supporting Lödwyn grants access to unique divine powers that complement aggressive playstyles and direct confrontation approaches. These abilities often provide combat advantages that align with the Steel Garrote’s philosophy of overwhelming force.

Making an informed choice requires understanding how this decision integrates with your overall character build and narrative preferences. The Lödwyn path typically benefits players focusing on combat proficiency and direct problem-solving, while the Ryngrim alternative often suits diplomatic or knowledge-focused characters.

Companion management becomes crucial when navigating this decision. While Yatzli and Sapadal may express immediate disapproval, their loyalty can be maintained through subsequent choices and dialogue options. The game’s relationship system allows for redemption and course correction, provided you invest effort in mending fractured alliances.

For players struggling with this decision, consider your preferred ending trajectory and how each choice aligns with your character’s moral compass. The absence of a perfect outcome reflects Avowed’s commitment to realistic consequence systems, where every victory comes with corresponding sacrifices.

Looking to optimize your overall Avowed experience? Our Class Guide provides essential insights into character building that complements these narrative decisions.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides » Should you side with Lödwyn or Ryngrim in Avowed? Strategic guide to Avowed's Shadow of the Past quest with consequences analysis and companion reactions