Avowed: How Marius Embodies the ‘No Man is an Island’ Concept

It’s not surprising that the game Avowed, with its deep exploration of soul and Dreamscourge (typical of Pillars of Eternity narrative), shows some influence from the metaphysical poets of the 17th century. These poets were more concerned with ideas like conceits and the way words are delivered, rather than their lyrical beauty. This is evident in Avowed’s companion Marius, whose character revolves around a quote 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, one doesn’t have to immerse oneself in the works of John Donne to grasp Marius. Solitary and somewhat detached from others, he might not be the most approachable character. However, exploring the intricacies of Marius, as many ardent gamers will no doubt desire, underscores the notion that everyone is interconnected with their surroundings, encompassing both the land and society at large. This idea aligns perfectly with the setting of _Avowed_, The Living Lands. Game Rant recently interviewed Obsidian Entertainment’s senior narrative designer Jay Turner about Marius and his role in exemplifying this concept.

Marius: A Piece of the Continent

From the beginning, Turner emphasized that Marius embodies the concept of “No man is an island,” despite his solitary nature: “Marius may appear to be a loner, and you’ll understand why as you get to know him, but remember, ‘No one is an island,’ even for Marius.”

It might seem that Marius lives as an isolated entity initially. Born in the mountains of Solace, a Pargrun Keep within the Galawain’s Tusks region of The Living Lands, his upbringing was harsh due to the area being considered uninhabitable. However, he adapted and flourished in these challenging conditions, a skill that serves him well across The Living Lands. He harbors a deep-rooted desire to wander, which has kept him moving constantly but never found him a true home.

He prefers the solitude of the woods over any civilized comforts, even if it means being alone in a storm with bears as companions. It is likely he’d choose such a scenario over the comforts of civilization.

Despite considering himself as self-reliant and independent, Marius has often extended his help to others in their time of need. As Turner points out, Marius is renowned for his skill in keeping people alive amidst the perilous landscapes of The Living Lands. It is through this necessity that The Envoy, the main character of Avowed, encounters Marius: they require a guide to traverse The Living Lands. Pride motivates Marius to join forces, and it is his pride and unique perspective as an outsider that he provides throughout the storyline that captures our attention.

At the gathering, Marius stands out as a voice from the outside, frequently offering his dry opinions on matters he considers non-essential for survival (he might even warn the Envoy against plunging into dark caves where they could meet an untimely end!). In social situations, Marius often presents an alternate viewpoint, particularly when the most practical solution isn’t always the best one. Among his companions, Marius can be reluctant to trust and quick to keep his distance, but much like many others, once he finds his kindred spirits, they become as close as family.

As I journey through this world, I’ve been feeling more and more isolated, like a solitary figure on an island. But as I delve deeper into uncovering my people’s fate, I sense a shift within myself – perhaps I am not so detached after all. Maybe I can open up, embrace others, and become a beacon of hope in this troubled land.

I’m starting to realize that I’m not just an individual, but a piece of the grand puzzle that is The Living Lands. With the Dreamscourge looming over us all, from the people to the very soil we walk on, my abilities might just be what we need to restore peace and prosperity (unless the Envoy chooses a path of destruction instead).

But I can’t do this alone – I’m no island, self-contained and independent. No, I am part of The Living Lands, an integral part of its story. Together, we stand as one, united in our quest for salvation and survival.

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2025-02-18 19:44