Avowed: Marius Represents the ‘No Man is an Island’ Philosophy

As players immerse themselves in Avowed, the game’s exploration of the metaphysical concepts surrounding the soul and the Dreamscourge resonates strongly with the themes articulated by 17th-century metaphysical poets. These poets were known for their intricate conceits and a focus on spoken delivery, rather than just lyrical qualities. This artistic influence shines through in the character of Marius, one of Avowed’s companions, whose concept is inspired by a poignant line from John Donne’s *Devotions*: “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

Fortunately for players who may not be familiar with Donne’s work, understanding Marius’s character does not require extensive literary knowledge. He is designed as a complex loner and outsider, yet exploring his depth reveals a profound truth: no individual exists in isolation; each is tied to the broader world, including its landscape and societal fabric. Set against the backdrop of The Living Lands, this theme is exceptionally relevant. Game Rant had an enlightening discussion with Jay Turner, a senior narrative designer at Obsidian Entertainment, about how Marius exemplifies this interconnectedness.

Marius: A Piece of the Continent

Turner emphasized the core notion of “No man is an island”in relation to Marius when he stated, “Marius is a loner for many reasons, some of which you’ll discover by spending time with him. The saying goes, ‘No man is an island, ’ and that applies to Marius, too.”Initially, Marius may perceive himself as isolated; as a Mountain Dwarf hailing from the remote Pargrun Keep in the Galawain’s Tusks region of The Living Lands, he has adapted to a sparse and challenging environment. This wilderness, considered largely uninhabitable, has equipped Marius with survival skills that he has honed throughout his travels, leading him to wander extensively but without a sense of belonging anywhere.

Despite his self-imposed isolation, Marius frequently extends his hand to others. As he describes his motivation for joining the protagonist, known as The Envoy, his pride in guiding others through the perilous landscapes of The Living Lands emerges. Turner highlights this connection, noting that Marius’s initial reason for cooperation stems from a desire to keep The Envoy alive in their dangerous expedition:

“In the party, Marius is an outside voice, often dryly commenting on things he thinks are unnecessary for survival (he’ll advise the Envoy to stop diving into dark dungeons where they’ll get themselves killed!) or offering an outsider’s perspective to social situations where the practical solution isn’t necessarily the best one. Among the companions, Marius can be slow to trust and quick to close himself off, but like many people, once he finds ‘his people, ’ they become family.”

Through this journey of connection, Marius gradually shifts his perspective from viewing himself as an isolated entity to recognizing his role within the larger tapestry of the continent. As the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that Marius is destined to understand his place not only in The Living Lands but also as an integral part of his growing companionship. Furthermore, with the pervasive influence of the Dreamscourge affecting both the inhabitants and the very soil, Marius’s expertise is poised to play a crucial role in the quest for salvation. However, he is reminded that he cannot achieve this alone: he is not solely an island; he is intrinsically linked to The Living Lands and to the collective journey of the party.

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