Kai the Aumaua Fighter: Avowed’s Steadfast Ally with a Troubled Past

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In the action role-playing game called “Avowed,” there are four companions who will join the player as they traverse the Living Lands. These companions include Kai, Giatta, Yatzli, and Marius. Among them, Kai is the one players initially encounter, transforming into a reliable ally and battle-hardened comrade to the Envoy during their travels. However, it’s essential to note that Kai is not merely “Avowed’s” tank; instead, he is a multifaceted character with a deep, intricate past that influences his current actions and feelings of remorse.

In an interview with Carrie Patel, game director of Avowed and writer for the character Kai, it was revealed how Kai’s persona evolved throughout development. Originally conceived as a Rauataian former mercenary with a complex background and underlying warmth, Kai’s backstory was deepened, his humorous and compassionate traits were highlighted, and the creative team aimed to craft sensitive scenes to portray that Kai transcends the typical friendly jester character stereotype. The outcome is a dependable ally that players can forge a strong connection with, while still acknowledging how Kai’s past struggles with pain and remorse continue to mold him.

Kai Overview: A Good-Humored Former Soldier

In the bustling coastal town of Paradis, a port city within the expansive Living Lands, the protagonist comes across Kai, a native belonging to the Aumaua race. Formerly, Kai served in the Rauataian Navy, but he opted to leave his military life behind following his encounters in the Deadfire Archipelago. The details regarding his decision to desert have yet to be disclosed. Prior to crossing paths with our protagonist, Kai had spent six years as a mercenary. He stands out as one of the few friendly figures encountered amidst the hostile Living Lands. Brandon Keener, renowned for his role as Garrus Vakarian in the Mass Effect series, provides Kai’s voice.

In combat scenarios, Kai primarily employs physical attacks, utilizing his swiftness, power, and battle-honed skills. He serves as a shield for his comrades, absorbing blows, provoking foes to single him out, and recovering with reduced health when toppled. Kai additionally wields fire-infused abilities, both on the battlefield and during exploration in the Living Lands of Avowed, where he can reduce barriers at the Envoy’s behest by igniting them.

Kai Is Affable But Burdened By His Past

At first glance, Kai appears to be a jovial prankster who harmonizes well with his fellow partymates and consistently backs up the Envoy in Avowed. However, he is far from being just the “class down” of the group. Patel delves deeper into this as he talks about the character’s evolution throughout the writing process of Avowed.

I aimed to ensure that his background and life beyond the player’s group significantly influenced his character and deepened his commitment to his journey with the player. His friendly demeanor and humor became evident in the writing, serving not only to make him enjoyable company for players (especially during the early stages of the game when he’s a frequent companion) but also as a way to conceal his weaknesses.

In the game, players can build a relationship with Kai by conversing with him at camp and embarking on their adventure together. Being the first companion in the game, Kai is frequently present throughout the narrative of Avowed, playing a crucial part as the Envoy ventures further into the Living Lands and unravels the mystery of the deadly dreamscourge. Throughout your journey in Avowed, Kai will serve not only as a reliable ally in combat but also as a complex character whose past can be explored, revealing the sorrow and pain that the game’s creators suggest he harbors within himself.

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2025-02-17 17:38