At the beginning of Avowed, you're faced with a crucial decision: whether to free a suspicious prisoner named Ilora from her cell at Fort Northreach or leave her behind, with the ultimate goal of using her boat to reach Paradis. Here's a detailed look at the implications of freeing or leaving Ilora in Avowed.
Should You Free or Leave Ilora?
In Avowed, while the freedom to role-play your character is paramount, it's highly recommended to free Ilora. This choice not only simplifies the challenges at Fort Northreach but also unlocks a valuable side quest later in the game.
What Happens If You Free Ilora in Avowed?

By choosing to free Ilora, you gain a powerful ally who assists in defeating the enemies on the island, including the formidable boss, Steadman Ralke. Early in Avowed, your character's strength and equipment are limited, making Ilora's help invaluable in easing the difficulty of the level. Moreover, freeing her is a morally rewarding choice.
Later in the game, freeing Ilora will significantly simplify the "Escape Plan" side quest, enhancing your overall gaming experience.
How to Free Ilora

To free Ilora, you need to retrieve the key from the Warden’s Room. Navigate to the end of the hallway, climb the crates, and jump to the adjacent platform. Enter the passageway above, break through the boards on your right to access the Warden’s Room, and grab the key beside the door. Use this key to unlock Ilora's cell and also the adjacent cell to obtain the Deerskin Gloves.
What Happens If You Don’t Free Ilora in Avowed?
Opting not to free Ilora makes Fort Northreach significantly more challenging. You'll face a tougher battle during your escape, and the "Escape Plan" quest later in the game will be more difficult. Additionally, Ilora won't remain imprisoned; you'll have to confront and defeat her, adding to the difficulty of your escape. However, this path allows you to loot her body, providing you with additional items as a grim reward for your harsh decision.
In conclusion, freeing Ilora in Avowed is the recommended choice for a smoother gameplay experience and additional quest opportunities.
Avowed is available now.