Pillars of Eternity: A CRPG Journey Through Gods, Souls, and Endless Choice!

The world of Eora cradles stories of forgotten gods, ancient souls yearning for retribution, and a tapestry woven from countless destinies intertwined. It’s a place where your choices echo through eternity, shaping not only your own fate but the very fabric of reality itself. Enter Pillars of Eternity, an isometric role-playing game (RPG) that thrusts you into this richly detailed fantasy realm, inviting you to forge your legend amidst political intrigue, divine machinations, and epic battles against monstrous threats.

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, veterans of the RPG genre renowned for their work on titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Pillars of Eternity harkens back to the golden age of isometric CRPGs like Baldur’s Gate and Icewind Dale. It embraces the intricate mechanics, deep lore, and challenging combat that defined those classics while infusing them with a fresh perspective, vibrant world-building, and a captivating narrative driven by player agency.

A World Shaped by Souls and Gods

At its heart, Pillars of Eternity explores themes of identity, faith, and the delicate balance between mortality and immortality. The souls of the recently deceased are said to journey through the ethereal realm known as the Beyond, eventually being reborn into a new life. This cycle of reincarnation is threatened by a mysterious phenomenon known as the “Hollowborn,” individuals born without souls, leaving them disconnected from the essence that defines Eoran society.

Your adventure begins in the idyllic region of the Dyrwood, where you are tasked with uncovering the truth behind these soulless Hollowborn and the forces manipulating this unsettling trend. As you delve deeper into this enigmatic conspiracy, you will encounter a diverse cast of characters – from noble paladins seeking redemption to cunning rogues driven by ambition – each with their own motivations, secrets, and loyalties.

Crafting Your Legacy: Character Creation and Customization

The beauty of Pillars of Eternity lies in its robust character creation system that allows you to sculpt a truly unique hero. Choose from eleven distinct races, each possessing their own cultural heritage, societal roles, and inherent abilities. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orlans (a diminutive race known for their cunning), Aumaua (aquatic humanoids with a natural affinity for magic), Godlike beings imbued with the essence of divinities – the possibilities are extensive and cater to a wide range of playstyles.

Further refining your character is a multifaceted class system that encompasses eight archetypes: Paladin, Fighter, Barbarian, Wizard, Chanter (a mage who manipulates ancient words of power), Cipher (a psionic wielder with mental manipulation abilities), Rogue, and Monk. Within each class are numerous sub-classes and multi-classing options, allowing for an astonishing degree of customization and specialization.

Pillars of Eternity goes beyond traditional attribute scores like Strength and Dexterity by introducing a unique system called “Soul” which represents the character’s connection to the Beyond and influences their ability to utilize magical powers and resist soul-draining effects.

| Wizard | A master of arcane magic, wielding powerful spells | | Chanter | Utilizes ancient words of power to unleash magical effects |

| Cipher | Employs psionic abilities for mind control and telekinetic attacks | | Rogue | A stealthy expert in infiltration, lockpicking, and subterfuge | | Monk | Utilizes martial arts mastery for swift and powerful unarmed strikes |

The game’s complex skill system further allows you to refine your character’s capabilities. Invest in skills like Athletics for enhanced physical prowess, Stealth for maneuvering undetected, Diplomacy for persuasive negotiations, or Lore for uncovering hidden knowledge.

A Tapestry of Choices: Shaping Your Destiny

Pillars of Eternity embraces the player’s agency like few other RPGs. Throughout your journey, you will face numerous choices that have far-reaching consequences on the world around you.

Will you side with the tyrannical Vailian Empire seeking to control the Dyrwood, or champion the rebellious independence of the region’s people? How will you deal with the enigmatic Hollowborn - will you attempt to cure them, exploit their condition, or eliminate them as a threat? Every decision, no matter how seemingly insignificant, shapes your reputation, alters relationships with companions, and ultimately determines the fate of Eora.

Immersive Gameplay: From Tactical Combat to Meaningful Dialogues

The game’s combat system is turn-based, allowing for strategic planning and careful consideration of each action. Positioning your party members strategically on the battlefield can make the difference between victory and defeat. Utilize a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities to overcome diverse enemies ranging from monstrous beasts to cunning humanoids.

Beyond the battles themselves, Pillars of Eternity shines in its richly detailed world and engaging dialogue interactions. Engage in meaningful conversations with NPCs, unraveling their stories, motivations, and hidden agendas. The game’s writing is exceptional, capturing the nuances of Eoran society and the moral complexities faced by its inhabitants.

A Legacy Reforged: Expansions and Beyond

The success of Pillars of Eternity led to two acclaimed expansions: “The White March” (Parts I & II) and “Deadfire”. These expansions introduce new regions, storylines, companions, and challenges, further enriching the world of Eora.

“Deadfire”, in particular, offers a completely new nautical experience as you embark on a voyage across the treacherous Deadfire Archipelago. You’ll captain your own ship, explore uncharted islands, engage in naval battles, and uncover the secrets behind an ancient god’s awakening.

Whether you are a seasoned RPG veteran or seeking to delve into the genre for the first time, Pillars of Eternity offers an unforgettable journey filled with choice, consequence, and endless exploration. Prepare to be immersed in a world where your legend awaits, etched into the very fabric of eternity itself.