In many role-playing games, players are frequently faced with impactful moral decisions that shape not only their character’s story but the entire game world. One such decision revolves around whether to kill Avernus or spare him. This choice is more than just a black-and-white morality call it influences companion loyalty, future events, and even how the player is perceived within the narrative. Deciding whether to kill Avernus or not requires deep consideration of the consequences and context behind this character’s role. Let’s explore the various angles of this pivotal moment.
Understanding Who Avernus Is
The Role of Avernus in the Game
Avernus is not just another antagonist. He is often portrayed as a morally complex figure an alchemist, a necromancer, or a former ally, depending on the game’s version or mod you’re playing. His goals may have noble intentions masked by horrific methods, such as using dark magic to preserve life, protect a city, or even cure a disease. This makes the decision to kill Avernus or not especially difficult, because it challenges the player’s alignment, ethics, and tolerance for grey areas.
Why He Is Controversial
The controversy around Avernus lies in his methods. Often, he has committed morally questionable acts experiments on living beings, forbidden rituals, or betrayal of former allies. However, he may also be acting for what he believes is the greater good. The depth of his story pushes players to look beyond simple notions of good and evil. Killing Avernus might feel like justice, but it could also mean the end of a greater purpose that only he understands.
The Case for Killing Avernus
Justice and Accountability
One of the strongest arguments for killing Avernus is accountability. If Avernus has harmed others, enslaved souls, or experimented on the innocent, then eliminating him could be seen as justice. It sends a message that no one is above moral consequence, no matter their power or intellect.
- Prevents future harm to innocent people
- Satisfies revenge or justice arcs for companions
- Can lead to rewards from those opposing Avernus
- Possibly unlocks a powerful item or alternate ending
Maintaining Morality and Alignment
For players maintaining a lawful or good alignment, killing Avernus might align better with their character’s principles. Allowing him to live, despite his crimes, may tarnish a character’s morality or make them appear complicit. In many RPG systems, such decisions can even impact gameplay through alignment shifts or changes in how NPCs react.
The Case Against Killing Avernus
Greater Good or Strategic Advantage
Sometimes, sparing Avernus can provide the player with valuable information, a powerful alliance, or advanced magical knowledge. If Avernus possesses knowledge that can halt a greater evil, keeping him alive might serve a broader purpose. The player might not agree with his methods, but using his intellect as a tool could outweigh the cost of his past actions.
- Unlocks access to rare spells or technologies
- Leads to story branches unavailable otherwise
- Improves relationships with neutral or morally flexible NPCs
- Offers a chance at redemption or character development
Moral Complexity and Mercy
Choosing not to kill Avernus can demonstrate mercy, especially if he shows regret or seeks redemption. In many RPG narratives, offering someone a second chance is seen as the morally superior choice. Sparing him may be difficult, but it also allows for more nuanced storytelling and shows that the player character is not driven solely by revenge or black-and-white thinking.
Companion Reactions and Influence
Party Dynamics
Companions in RPGs often have their own opinions about key decisions, and the choice to kill Avernus or not can significantly affect their loyalty or attitude. A character like a righteous paladin may disapprove if Avernus is spared, while a morally flexible rogue might praise it as a smart move. These reactions influence future conversations, side quests, and even potential romances or betrayals.
Building Reputation
Your choice also impacts your reputation across different factions. Killing Avernus might win favor with groups that despise dark magic, while sparing him could curry favor with scholarly circles or those who value knowledge above morality. Consider how you want to be perceived in the game world and what kind of allies you wish to keep close.
Gameplay Consequences
Story Branches and World State
Many games that include Avernus allow for branching narratives. If you kill him, the storyline might shift to focus on cleaning up the aftermath, fighting a power vacuum, or dealing with his followers’ revenge. If you let him live, you might uncover new lore, unlock secret areas, or get his help in a later major battle. Players should weigh short-term gain against long-term impact when making their choice.
Item and Ability Rewards
Some games offer unique loot or abilities depending on your decision. Killing Avernus may drop a rare weapon or armor infused with his power. Alternatively, if he lives, he might gift you an exclusive spell or alchemy recipe. Either choice often results in tangible rewards, making it more than just a moral dilemma.
Personal Role-Playing Style
Character-Driven Choices
Ultimately, the choice to kill Avernus or not often depends on how you’re role-playing your character. A vengeance-driven hero may see no option but to end Avernus. A scholar with a thirst for knowledge may find his intellect too valuable to destroy. Think about your character’s backstory, goals, and relationships before making the final call.
Player Reflection
RPG decisions also allow for player introspection. What would you do in that situation? Are you someone who believes in redemption, or do you hold people fully accountable for their actions? These choices, though fictional, often reveal parts of ourselves through how we choose to act in complex situations.
The decision to kill Avernus or not is layered with ethical, strategic, and narrative complexity. There’s no definitive right answer only the one that aligns with your goals, values, and role-playing vision. Whether you choose justice through death or mercy through compassion, this decision will shape your journey in lasting and meaningful ways. Weigh your options carefully and consider the broader implications, because in a well-crafted RPG, every decision echoes far beyond the moment you make it.