Meet Giatta: The Heartbreaking Story of Avowed’s Brilliant Animancer Companion!

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In many role-playing games, engaging companions play a crucial part in shaping the storyline. In this regard, Obsidian’s upcoming first-person fantasy game, Avowed, aims to deliver an impressive cast of characters. Among them is Giatta, a scientist from Fior mes Ivèrno, who is expected to have a significant impact on the protagonist’s tale. He will offer a consistent and somewhat unique viewpoint that adds depth to the game’s narrative.

Game Rant recently had a chat with Paul Kirsch, a narrative designer who’s worked on various projects with Obsidian Entertainment, such as Pillars of Eternity, The Outer Worlds, Tyranny, and has been the primary creator for Giatta’s character in Avowed.

Giatta’s Story Parallels Avowed’s Protagonist

Kirsch adores characters whose stories closely align with that of the player character, much like the Envoy is investigating the epidemic in the Living Lands, Giatta is also on a similar quest but from a distinct angle. Interestingly, the Emerald Stair mission is deeply connected to Giatta; Kirsch mentioned that her arrival forms a significant part of the mission. To introduce this character, the mission provides several viewpoints about Giatta even before she joins the Envoy’s group. It was fortunate for him to craft Giatta’s story in such a way that it mirrors the protagonist’s journey in “Avowed“.

Initially, as I began creating the character of Giatta, I had only a few specific details in mind: her origin, her profession as an animancer, and her role in combat which was supportive. Beyond these points, there was a wide scope for my imagination to fill in the gaps concerning her background and emotional journey.

Animancers are soul scientists, so I envisioned Giatta embarking on a journey to investigate a plague that ravages the Living Lands, while at the same time, observing the player’s intrigue and desiring to learn more about them. Since I prefer companions with their own engaging narratives, it was essential for me that Giatta’s objectives mirrored the player’s, even though her motivations were fueled by a personal quest.

To be clear, Kirsch didn’t have Giatta’s character fully fleshed out from the beginning. At first, her scientist persona made her more clinical in scenarios that Kirsch intended to be more vibrant. He injected a touch of spunk and rebelliousness into the cool-headed scientist, but aspects of her scientific perspective towards the world of Eora still linger and play a significant role in how she engages with other individuals within the Envoy’s entourage.

As a gamer, I find myself particularly drawn to Yatzli, a scholar with a Godless expertise and an Indiana Jones-like academic flair. Kirsch hinted that some of the most intriguing secrets and captivating tales about Eora often come from these two intellectuals sharing stories by the fire. Their bond predates my character, the Envoy, and they are not just friends but more like family, constantly challenging each other intellectually.

The Lonesome Researcher

Giatta further developed her skills as an animancer by delving more deeply into her background. For Giatta, science has always been a part of her family’s legacy; unfortunately, her parents were victims of a lab accident. This personal history serves as motivation for Giatta to excel in animancy – she aims to complete their work and, in some way, make amends for the mistakes that occurred during their research.

Over the course of time, a particular trait of Giatta’s personality became increasingly significant. Although she may not explicitly discuss it, her past traumas and feelings of inadequacy are always lurking beneath the surface…Giatta could easily win any accolade presented at Debate Club, yet she would carry the trophy home to an empty house, questioning whom she was attempting to please. Or perhaps, she might even consider melting it down for its metal.

Instead of maintaining the clinical aloofness initially portrayed, Giatta’s character evolves into something profoundly sadder. She craves more than mere achievement or recognition; she yearns to heal an emotional scar left unattended. Her motivation stems from a desire to become what her parents could not and to discover significance in the field that claimed her family’s lives. In this context, Giatta is strikingly lonely, which makes her relationships within the party even more poignant.

Kirsch posits that companions serve as motivators for players, making them care about their actions. They are the main characters in their own narratives, offering glimpses into a wider universe, and illustrating how player decisions affect others. In this sense, Giatta’s function is to portray a wounded, insightful soul expert, providing the background context for the Envoy to explore the plague they are investigating.

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2025-02-17 18:23