A Hunter's Despair in Shatterscarp

When the Envoy first set foot in Thirdborn, the dusty settlement nestled in the heart of Shatterscarp, a young Aumaua named Chiko stood near the entrance with an exclamation mark hovering overhead. The year was 2026, and Avowed had already cemented itself as one of the most morally complex RPGs of the decade. Chiko recognized Kai, the Envoy's companion, and quickly explained that their uncle Keipo—a legendary hunter—had been swallowed by depression for years. The old man refused to speak of his past glories, and Chiko hoped a few tales from a traveling hero might lift his spirits. Thus began the Heart of Valor side quest, a story that would force the Envoy to weigh honesty against compassion.

Keipo, however, was not interested in stories. When the Envoy approached him, he waved away their adventures with a bitter shrug. Instead, he made a strange request: bring him the Heart of the Leviathan from the Sand Sea Ruins. He claimed he wanted to see it one last time, to remember the beast that had defined his life. The Envoy, curious and perhaps a bit naive, agreed to venture into the ruins.

Into the Sand Sea Ruins

The Sand Sea Ruins lie at the easternmost edge of Shatterscarp. The main entrance is locked, but a clever explorer can find a way in by heading southeast, climbing a set of crumbling stairs, and dropping through a hole in a wooden platform. Inside, the ruins are vast and treacherous—traps, bears, and ancient puzzles stand between the Envoy and the prize. After defeating a particularly aggressive bear and disarming several pressure plates, the Envoy finally laid eyes on the Heart of the Leviathan: a massive, still-glowing organ that pulsed with an eerie light.

But before leaving, a hidden button on a nearby wall revealed a secret chamber. Inside lay the Weathered Journal, a dusty tome that told a different story than the one Keipo had shared. The journal revealed that Keipo had not defeated the Leviathan alone—he had stolen credit from a companion named Umpara. The Envoy pocketed the journal, knowing it might become a bargaining chip later.

Chiko's Warning and Keipo's Secret

As the Envoy exited the ruins, Chiko intercepted them. The young Aumaua was frantic: Keipo planned to grind the Heart of the Leviathan into a poison and drink it. The old hunter had contracted the Dreamscourge, a horrific disease that would eventually turn him into a mindless monster. He wanted to die on his own terms—as a man, not a beast. Chiko begged the Envoy to refuse Keipo's request.

Now the Envoy faced a dilemma. Return to Keipo and hand over the heart, or keep it and protect him from himself? The choice would determine not only Keipo's fate but also the rewards the Envoy would receive.

The Choice: Give the Heart or Refuse?

Option A – Give Keipo the Heart

If the Envoy hands over the Heart of the Leviathan, Keipo thanks them and rewards them with Umpara's Spear +1, a powerful weapon. He then confesses his wrongdoings after reading the Weathered Journal and apologizes. The Envoy can choose to reveal his secret to Thirdborn or keep it hidden. Later, Chiko will be furious and heartbroken, but the Envoy still walks away with a unique weapon. However, they miss out on the Stormdancer armor set.

Option B – Refuse to Give the Heart

If the Envoy refuses, Keipo is disappointed but does not attack. He will not reward the spear. Instead, when the Envoy speaks with Chiko and Hajime (Keipo's friend), Chiko is overjoyed. The Envoy can either keep the Heart of the Leviathan as a trinket or give it away. Chiko then rewards the Envoy with the Stormdancer set, a unique medium armor with excellent stats for agile fighters.

But there's a catch: the Envoy can actually obtain both rewards if they play their cards right. Here's the optimal path, step by step:

1. Speak with Keipo and tell him you know he wants to end his life.

2. Refuse to give him the heart and apologize.

3. Mention the Weathered Journal and Umpara after refusing.

4. Assure him you won't reveal his secret.

5. Receive Umpara's Spear +1.

6. If you don't have the journal, lie and say you didn't find the heart to still get the weapon.

7. Talk with Chiko and Hajime.

8. Say: "Let me hold onto it. I'll take it far away and keep it safe." – this keeps the Heart of Leviathan as a trinket.

9. When asked if there's something else, say: "[Lie] No, that was all."

10. Reveal that Keipo has the Dreamscourge.

11. Receive the Stormdancer set.

This way, the Envoy walks away with both the spear and the armor, and Thirdborn remains blissfully unaware of their hero's true nature. Even Kai approves, calling it the best possible outcome.

The Weight of Truth

The Heart of Valor quest is a masterclass in moral ambiguity. Keipo is not a villain—he is a sick old man who made mistakes and now wants to die with dignity. Chiko is not naive—they simply love their uncle and want to protect him. The Envoy, caught in the middle, must decide whether the truth is worth the pain it causes.

In 2026, players still debate which choice is truly "right." Some argue that giving Keipo the heart respects his autonomy. Others insist that refusing him and hiding the truth is the only way to spare Chiko unnecessary suffering. The game offers no easy answers, and that is precisely what makes Avowed so memorable.

Summary of Rewards

Choice	Weapon Reward	Armor Reward	Trinket
Give heart	Umpara's Spear +1	None	No
Refuse heart	None (unless you use the optimal path)	Stormdancer set	Heart of Leviathan
Optimal path	Umpara's Spear +1	Stormdancer set	Heart of Leviathan

Final Thoughts

The Heart of Valor quest is more than a loot hunt. It is a story about legacy, shame, and the lies we tell to protect the people we love. Whether the Envoy chooses to honor Keipo's wish or to shield him from himself, the consequences ripple through Thirdborn. And for those who seek the best of both worlds, the optimal path offers a rare win-win—though it requires a silver tongue and a willingness to bend the truth.

So, the next time you find yourself in Shatterscarp, remember: not every hero wears a shining armor. Sometimes, they carry a heavy heart instead. 🎭