One of the first big decisions you’ll make in Avowed comes early in the On Strange Shores quest: should you free Ilora from her jail cell in Fort Northreach, or leave her behind? While it may seem like a small choice, it has immediate and later consequences in the game. Let’s break it down in a way that makes your decision easier!
What Happens If You Leave Ilora In The Cell?
If you decide to ignore Ilora or actively choose to leave her locked up, here’s what you’re in for:
- Ilora will escape on her own but won’t be too happy about being abandoned.
- During the final boss fight of Fort Northreach, she’ll show up—except this time, she’s not on your side. You’ll have to fight her in addition to Steadman Ralke, making the battle significantly tougher.
- If you defeat her, you can loot a note from her body that provides some backstory.
- Later on, during the Escape Plan side quest in Dawnshore, you won’t get the benefit of her help when negotiating with smugglers, meaning you’ll have to pay more to complete the quest.
While leaving her behind doesn’t break the game, it does make things harder, both in combat and in your wallet later on.
What Happens If You Free Ilora?
Going the more merciful route and freeing Ilora has some solid benefits:
- She fights alongside you for the rest of the tutorial section, making battles against Xaurips and the boss, Steadman Ralke, much easier.
- She escapes with you and makes it to Dawnshore, where you can briefly chat with her at the docks.
- When you reach the Escape Plan side quest, she’s part of the smuggler group and ensures you don’t have to pay any bribes or fees.
- This choice keeps the game moving more smoothly without unnecessary difficulty spikes.
If you’re looking for a more rewarding and less punishing experience, freeing Ilora is the way to go.
How To Free Ilora
If you’ve decided that Ilora deserves a second chance, here’s how to get her out of her cell:
- Look for the pile of crates in the jail area—climb them to access a hatch in the ceiling.
- Drop down into the jailor’s offce, where you’ll find the Fort Northreach Jail Key hanging near the door.
- Use the key to unlock Ilora’s cell and let her out.
Once she’s free, she’ll join your party and help you fight your way out of Fort Northreach.
Final Recommendation: Should You Free Ilora?
Yes, you should free Ilora. Not only does she make the first boss fight and tutorial section easier, but her presence in the Escape Plan quest later on saves you money and hassle. There’s no real downside to helping her, and she doesn’t betray you or cause problems down the line.
If you prefer a challenge and want to stick to Garryck’s cautious instincts, leaving her locked up is an option—but expect a harder fight and some extra expenses later.
Either way, now you know what’s at stake. Choose wisely, and enjoy your journey through Avowed!
