Avowed: Maximizing Rewards in the Memory of the Deep Side Quest

Every adventurer knows that the most intriguing stories in Avowed aren't always found on the main path. Nestled within the coastal region lies a seemingly simple moral quandary that tests a player's strategic thinking and reward-hungry nature. The 'Memory of the Deep' side quest presents players with a unique celestial artifact—a meteorite—and two very different claimants. On one hand, there's Josep, a man in Coastal Farms whose experiments with revenants have gone awry, and he believes the meteorite might hold the key. On the other, the enigmatic Giftbearer waits by the lake, convinced that such a powerful object must be taken far away to prevent calamity. But is the choice truly as binary as it first appears? What if a savvy player could have their cake and eat it too?

The Josep Route: Reuniting a Man with His Creations

If a player's first instinct is to help the seemingly distressed Josep, they can bring the retrieved meteorite directly to him. This act of goodwill yields immediate rewards:

• Chanter's Panpipes: A unique accessory that can enhance certain character builds.

• 550 Gold: A substantial sum for any early-game adventurer.

However, this path comes with a significant caveat. Handing the meteorite to Josep first is a point of no return. The Giftbearer, and any potential rewards from him, will vanish from the quest entirely. It’s a solid choice for those who want to see Josep's story through, as he will use the meteorite to attempt to regain control of his revenants. But is getting two rewards worth potentially missing out on a third?

The Giftbearer's Path: Appeasing the Gods

Choosing to seek out the Giftbearer by the lake first opens a different narrative branch. A straightforward delivery of the meteorite to him will complete the quest and grant 550 Gold. Interestingly, players can then return to the lake's shore to find a Statuette of Lament waiting for them—a bonus item for fulfilling the Giftbearer's wish to remove the artifact. He believes he is performing a sacred duty, and his departure by boat gives this choice a final, conclusive feel.

But here’s where the quest reveals its hidden depth. When speaking to the Giftbearer, players are presented with a dialogue option to negotiate. This critical choice unlocks the quest's secret optimal path.

The Third Way: The Player's Advantage

Why choose when you can cleverly satisfy both parties? The most rewarding strategy, discovered by many players in 2025, involves a specific sequence of actions. It turns the moral gray area into a tactical playground.

1. Retrieve the Meteorite. This is your initial objective, no matter which path you choose.

2. Speak to the Giftbearer First. Approach him by the lake, but do not simply hand over the meteorite.

3. Choose the Negotiation Option. In the dialogue tree, select the choice that allows you to barter or offer an alternative.

4. Offer a Memory. Instead of the physical artifact, you can give the Giftbearer a "memory" of the meteorite's power. Astonishingly, he accepts this metaphysical offering as sufficient, allowing you to keep the physical stone!

5. Collect the Giftbearer's Rewards. You will still receive your 550 Gold and can later collect the Statuette of Lament from the shore.

6. Visit Josep. With the physical meteorite still in your possession, you can now travel to Coastal Farms and give it to Josep.

7. Claim All Rewards. Josep will gratefully give you the Chanter's Panpipes and another 550 Gold.

By following this sequence, a player walks away with:

Reward	Source
Chanter's Panpipes (Unique Accessory)	Josep
Statuette of Lament (Quest Item)	Giftbearer (Shore)
1,100 Gold Total (550 from each)	Josep & Giftbearer

Consequences and Considerations

So, what are the long-term repercussions of this clever maneuvering? Interestingly, for this particular quest, the narrative consequences appear minimal. The Giftbearer, satisfied with the memory, still sails away believing his duty is done. Josep gets his hands on the real meteorite to continue his experiments, presumably with his revenants. The world state adjusts, and both characters' immediate arcs are concluded. It's a win-win engineered by player cunning.

Of course, players always have the option to defy both parties entirely. Choosing to keep the meteorite for oneself or destroying it will result in failing the quest and receiving no rewards—a choice for the truly independent or roleplay-focused adventurer.

Why This Quest Exemplifies Avowed's Design

The 'Memory of the Deep' quest is a brilliant microcosm of what makes Avowed's side content so engaging in 2025. It presents the illusion of a simple A-or-B choice but rewards exploration, dialogue engagement, and careful reading of options. It respects the player's intelligence, hiding its most beneficial outcome behind a layer of conversation rather than combat skill. Isn't it refreshing when an RPG allows you to talk your way into a better deal?

For players looking to maximize their resources and experience everything the Living Lands has to offer, mastering the sequence in 'Memory of the Deep' is an essential early-game tactic. It provides a significant boost in gold and unique equipment, all while letting you feel like the smartest person in the room. So, the next time you're faced with a difficult choice in Avowed, remember: sometimes the best answer isn't listed until you ask the right question.