You’re standing there in the vibrant, somewhat chaotic streets of Thirdborn, and you’ve got a choice to make. It’s one of those classic RPG moments that makes your stomach do a little flip. Do you hand over that letter to Temerti, or do you hold back? If you’re like me, you’re probably worried that one "wrong" click is going to lock you out of a "good" ending or turn a faction against you forever. Honestly, the game doesn't make it easy to tell who's actually in the right here.
The "Should I give Temerti the letter" dilemma is a core part of the Steel Garrote storyline in Avowed. It’s not just about a piece of paper; it’s about how much you trust the institutional power of the Living Lands versus the messy, individual lives of the people who live there.
Why Giving Temerti the Letter Matters
Temerti is a key figure within the Steel Garrote, and handing over the letter is essentially an act of cooperation with her and the organization she represents. When you choose to give her the letter, you’re providing her with information she desperately wants—and information she feels she is entitled to.
Basically, if you give her the letter, she sees what’s actually going on behind the scenes. It's a "transparency" move, but transparency often comes with a side of steel and blood in this game. You’ve probably noticed by now that the Steel Garrote isn't exactly the "forgive and forget" type.
By giving Temerti the letter, you are:
- Validating her authority in the Thirdborn region.
- Likely pushing the questline toward a more "law and order" resolution.
- Gaining immediate favor with Temerti herself, which can smooth over future interactions with the Steel Garrote.
But wait. There’s a catch. Most players worry that giving her the letter is the "evil" choice or that it automatically sides you with the "oppressor." It’s not that black and white.
The Consequences of Holding Back
What if you don't? If you choose to warn the other party or just keep the letter for yourself, you’re essentially throwing a wrench in the Steel Garrote’s gears. This choice feels more "rebellious," sure, but it also leaves Temerti in the dark.
Kinda like real life, keeping secrets usually leads to more tension down the road. If you don't give Temerti the letter, you might find that the Steel Garrote is less helpful later on, or you might have to deal with more aggressive tactics from them as they try to find out what you're hiding.
The Big Question: Does it Ruin Your Playthrough?
Here is the truth that most guides won't tell you straight up: Giving Temerti the letter won’t fundamentally break your "good guy" run.
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Players on forums like Reddit have been debating this since the game launched in early 2025. The general consensus from those who have finished multiple runs is that while this specific choice influences the flavor of the ending for Thirdborn, it isn't the sole deciding factor for your character’s ultimate alignment.
Think of it like a ripple in a pond. It changes the way the water looks right there, but it doesn't change the fact that it's a pond. The biggest shifts in your relationship with the Steel Garrote actually happen at the very end of each map’s major questline. This letter is more of a "build-up" choice.
What Most People Get Wrong About Temerti
People tend to look at Temerti and see a villain. She’s stern, she’s uncompromising, and she represents a group that can be quite brutal. However, if you look at the alternative—pure anarchy in a place as dangerous as the Living Lands—her position becomes a bit more understandable.
Giving her the letter isn't necessarily "siding with the bad guys." It can be seen as providing a necessary truth to the person responsible for keeping some semblance of order. On the other hand, if you think the Steel Garrote is fundamentally corrupt, then giving her the letter is definitely a betrayal of the common people.
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Specific Outcomes to Watch For
- Reputation Shifts: Giving the letter boosts your standing with the Steel Garrote but might make certain locals in Thirdborn look at you with a bit more suspicion.
- Dialogue Changes: Temerti will be noticeably more cordial in future conversations. If you withhold it, expect her to be prickly, to say the least.
- Quest Resolution: The final "showdown" or resolution for the Thirdborn arc will have different dialogue options available based on whether Temerti feels she was kept in the loop.
How to Decide What's Right for Your Henry... Er, Envoy
I know, it's hard to shake the Kingdom Come habits, but in Avowed, your Envoy's personality is shaped by these small moments.
If you are playing a character who values structure, truth, and law, give her the letter. It’s the most logical path for someone who thinks the world needs rules to function.
If you are playing a renegade, a protector of the little guy, or someone who inherently distrusts authority, keep the letter or use the warning option. You’ll have a harder time with the guards, but you’ll sleep better at night knowing you didn't "snitch."
Honestly, I’ve tried both. Giving the letter makes the immediate gameplay in the city a bit smoother because the guards aren't constantly breathing down your neck. But there’s a certain satisfaction in the "warning" path that fits a more chaotic-good playstyle.
Summary of the Choice
Don't overthink the "good vs. evil" aspect too much here. Avowed is built on a "shades of grey" system. The letter is a tool. How you use it says more about your Envoy's philosophy than it does about a pre-determined "best" outcome.
If you want the path of least resistance with the local authorities, just hand it over. If you want to play the hero of the underground, hold onto it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Save your game before entering the conversation with Temerti if you want to see both sets of dialogue.
- Check your current reputation with the Steel Garrote; if you’re already in their bad graces, giving the letter might be the peace offering you need.
- Talk to the NPCs around the Thirdborn market one last time—sometimes their idle chatter gives you a better "vibe" of how the local community feels about the current power struggle before you commit.