Should you destroy the ruins or sever the Adra in Avowed? (Shadows of the Past quest)

During Avowed's 'Shadows of the Past' main quest, you'll explore some ruins, pass three trials, and emerge victorious, learning a little more about your journey to reach the Garden. As you leave, however, you'll speak with Ryngrim and Lodwyn and are left with a tough choice: side with Lodwyn and destroy the ruins, or side with Ryngrim and sever the Adra putting an end to the Dreamscourge once and for all. Here are the consequences and rewards if you destroy the ruins or sever the Adra in Avowed.

What are the arguments for siding with Lodwyn and siding with Ryngrim?

Two arguments are being made here. Ryngrim argues that by severing the Adra inside the ruins, she can put an end to the spread of the plague in this region, and stop further Dreamthrall from being created in Shatterscarp. The downside is that to do so, it'll require an extraordinary amount of Essence, which will result in dozens or even hundreds of lives across Shatterscarp being lost in sacrifice.

Lodwyn argues that Ryngrim's plan doesn't destroy the Dreamscourge but merely slows it down, and involves sacrificing the very people we're trying to save. The counter to Lodwyn's plan of destroying the ruins and killing the Dreamthralls within is that it's also a short-term measure and will eventually result in the same number of casualties. Possibly even more.

What happens if you destroy the ruins?

By destroying the ruins, a cutscene will play out showing the Steel Garotte bombard the ruins with a barrage of flaming arrows.

Afterwards, conversations will play out where you'll learn you've upset Ryngrim and Yatzli. Ryngrim will say you've destroyed a great place of power and a part of your heritage. She warns that your decision may yet still kill thousands and that we don't know the kind of casualties that will follow.

Impressed by her abilities, Ryngrim will also invite Yatzli to become her apprentice. This happens regardless of the decision you make, but Yatzli and Ryngrim will agree that if she does decide to take up the opportunity, they'll only join forces once your mission as the Envoy is over.

Lodwyn will be pleased by your decision and inform you that there's still a chance for the two of you to save the Living Lands in the way she and your Emperor intended.

Over to Thirdborn, Temerti will ask what happened as she heard them falling to rubble. She'll deem your choice unfathomable, but then begin speaking in rhyme. It turns out Temerti may already be infected with the Dreamscourge and so she tells you to leave.

From a gameplay perspective, you'll get the 'Scion of the Immortal Land' Godlike ability. This is an active ability that increases your damage and grants Health regeneration for 12 seconds. In my opinion, this is the better of the two Godlike abilities, so if you're focused more on the gameplay here, this is the choice to make.

What happens if you sever the Adra in Avowed?

If you choose to sever the Adra, Ryngrim will appreciate that you've made a difficult decision and she'll begin severing the Adra from the Living Lands. After a brief cutscene, you'll look around to see members of the Steel Garotte dead on the floor. Ryngrim will let you know that you've dealt with the Dreamscourge but there will still be "some cleaning up to do."

Ryngrim will again offer Yatzli an opportunity to join her as her apprentice.

You can then speak to Lodwyn, who will scold you for cutting dozens of innocent lives short. She also implies you're merely Sapadal's puppet and that you have no idea what they're trying to do and the consequences you will incur.

You'll now need to go to Thirdborn to see Temerti, who is enraged that you've killed three dozen innocent people in the town. She claims the costs were too great to put an end to the Dreamscourge and will say she never wants to see you again.

From a gameplay perspective, you'll get the 'Severed Branch' Godlike 'active' ability, which grants maximum Move Speed for 20 seconds. It's not quite as good as the Scion's Branch in my opinion, but may be viable for builds focused on getting in and out of combat quickly.

Should you sever the adra or destroy the ruins in Shadows of the Past?

From a narrative perspective, the choice to sever the Adra appears to be the more appealing one. While you'll kill hundreds in doing so, the death toll could rise into the thousands if the Dreamscourge wasn't finally put to an end. Temerti's angry regardless of what decision you choose, though won't be showing signs of infection if you sever the Adra. Yatzli will be invited to join Ryngrim either way, so don't let these be deciding factors.

It's worth noting that at the time of writing, it's unclear how significant an impact this decision may make in the overall outcome of the story. As soon as we learn of any consequences, we'll update this post and let you know.

From a gameplay perspective, the 'Scion of the Immortal Land' Godlike ability you get for destroying the ruins is the better option. It does mean you have to side with Lodwyn though, and depending on how you feel about her methods, that might not be something you want to do.

I decided to sever the Adra. Knowing the Dreamscourge was put to an end felt like the right choice to make for the Living Lands. I won't use the 'Severed Branch' ability, but that's a price I'm willing to pay.

What decision did you make? Let us know in the comments below. For more guides to help you with Avowed's tough decisions, we've got you covered on whether to give Keipo the Leviathan Heart, whether to put the relic in the statue in the Dawntreader side quest, and if you should confront the smugglers or report the refugees to Captain Aelfyr.

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