Avadon: The Black Fortress

K. Fields
2022-12-28T10:04:10-05:00
Video Games

I finished what was probably my last video game of 2022—Avadon: The Black Fortress. It was another turn-based computer role-playing game from Jeff Vogel of Spiderweb Software, the creator of the Avernum series and the Geneforge series. As was the case with Spiderweb's earlier titles, the games are "old school" visually. Even though Avadon was released in 2011, it looks as though it could have come out twenty years earlier. That didn't detract from my enjoyment, however.

Avadon is set in the land of Lynaeus. Central to Lynaeus is the Pact, an alliance of five nations. Within the Pact is Avadon, a mighty fortress ruled by Redbeard. You play as a Hand of Avadon and are sent on many missions as a servant to Redbeard and a representative of Avadon. There were four character types (classes) available to play: Blademaster, Shadowwalker, Shaman, and Sorceress. My character Raidon was a blademaster, which is somewhat like a ninja. During the course of the game, I had several companions: Blademaster Sevilin, Shadowwalker Shima, Shaman Jenell, and Sorceress Nathalie. For most of the game, however, only two companions could accompany you at a time. The RPG game mechanics featured attributes, specializations, and skills. There was also inventory management involving, armor, weapons, potions, scrolls, and various equipment.

There was a lot to do and I played more than 45 hours to complete it. Spiderweb Software games typically involve some moral and ethical choices along the way. Despite the corruption around him, Raidon remained loyal to Redbeard and Avadon. The Black Fortress was the first of the Avadon trilogy. I'm not sure where the story goes from here. From what I understand, you play as different characters in each title so I think I've seen the last of Raidon.