Obsidian's latest RPG, *Avowed*, has just entered its advanced access phase, inviting eager players to explore the mystical Living Lands. As adventurers delve into this vibrant world, they're encountering not only magical items and formidable dangers but also unexpected elements of romance, contrary to earlier statements from the developers.

In the lead-up to *Avowed*'s release, Obsidian made it clear that the game would not include a dedicated romance system. Instead, the focus was on fostering "thoughtful relationships" with companions. Game director Carrie Patel shared her perspective on this design choice in an interview with IGN:

"We are building thoughtful relationships with our companion characters," Patel stated. "Ultimately, I personally am a fan of making that an option, but I feel like if you're going to do it, you really, really have to commit and make sure that you're giving all to fulfilling that in a way that feels both true to the character, but also creates an engaging player experience. So not something we're doing for Avowed, but I wouldn't say never."

However, early access players and reviewers have uncovered a surprising twist: at least one companion, Kai, appears to have romantic inclinations towards the player character. **Spoilers ahead** for those who wish to remain unspoiled about specific interactions with Kai: