As you explore the Party Camp early in Avowed, you'll come across the Totem Shrine. This small stone platform acts as the base for a series of totems devoted to the game's various gods. You will likely come across at least one piece of Woedica's totem as you explore Dawnshore. But when you return to the Party Camp to place it at the shrine, you receive the Totem Base required message. In this guide, we'll explain how to get the first Totem Base in Avowed, and explain how the Totem Shrine works.
Totem Base Required Meaning in Avowed
Totem Shrine Explained:
When you first encounter the Totem Shine in Avowed, you'll notice that there are four small platforms where objects can be placed. Each of these platforms is meant for a totem, which is a small object dedicated to one of the four main gods of the Living Lands. Each region of the Living Lands focuses on one of these gods, with the first location, Dawnshore, focusing on Woedica.
Each totem is made up of seven parts, which are broken up and spread around each region. Dawnshore features the seven pieces of Woedica's Scales. The goal is to collect each piece and repair the totem to its original form. You will likely find pieces of the totem through exploration, but you cannot begin to place them at the Totem Shrine until you find the Totem Base.
Once you have the Totem Base, you can return to the camp and place it at the shrine. This is what Totem Base Required means in Avowed.
You may wonder if there are any benefits to creating each totem? The answer is yes, there are major benefits that make the Totem Shrine one of the most important mechanics in the game. Each of the six totem fragments features a unique gameplay perk. You do not need all six pieces to receive the benefits. Once you place the Totem Base, you can begin placing each individual piece, even if it is a single piece at a time.
You can activate and deactivate the Totem Shrine benefits at any time, which can provide added difficulty if you feel the benefits make the game too easy. While this is unlikely to be the case, the option is there.
Where to Find the First Totem Base in Avowed
To illustrate how this process works, we will provide the location of the first Totem Base in Avowed. To locate the base, head to the Shrine to Woedica on the eastern side of the map. Look for the area labeled as The Rise. The shrine is located on the right side of the area's name as seen on the map.
The enemies in the area will likely be significantly tougher if you head there early in the game, but that should not be an issue if you get in and out quickly. When you approach the shrine, look for the stairway leading up to a series of arches. Head up the first stairway, then make a sharp right and head up the next set of stairs.
When you reach the top of the stairs, you'll see a small outdoor courtyard with an altar against the rear wall. The Scales of the Oathbinder – the official name of Woedica's Totem Base – is sitting on the altar.
After you collect the Totem Base, return to the Party Camp and you should now be able to place the Totem Base at the Totem Shrine.
While it isn't technically necessary to find the pieces of the Scales of the Oathbinder, you can purchase a special item that provides clues to each item's location. To do this, head to Sanza's Emporium in upper Paradis. He sells the Fragments of the Scales for 500 Suoles.
Avowed
- Released
- February 18, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Franchise
- Pillars of Eternity
- Number of Players
- 1
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
