Pillars of Eternity is a fantasy RPG with party-based combat and questing.
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Story & Themes
Pillars of Eternity is set in Dyrwood, a nation in the Eastern Reach of Eora. The player character, a stranger to Dyrwood, arrives in a caravan that is trapped in the middle of a terrible storm. All of the other travelers perish, leaving the player to flee the wreckage and take shelter in a nearby cave. Inside, they witness a strange magical ritual performed by a group of cultists who are preparing a machine to strip the souls from bodies. The player is exposed to the ritual magic and their soul is Awakened, meaning they can now access memories from their past lives. They also become a Watcher, an individual who can read the souls of others.
Overwhelmed by these new abilities, the player goes to track down the cultists in hopes that they might reverse the magical effects. Their travels through Dyrwood also unveil a phenomenon called the Hollowborn Plague which is causing children to be born without souls, and with their unique powers the player just might be able to make a difference.
Save Points
The game autosaves semi-regularly, but players can also manually save the game whenever they like.
Difficulty
Navigating battles with multiple characters and their abilities at one's disposal takes quite a bit of strategic planning and multitasking. Those unfamiliar with RPGs of this kind may struggle at first as they learn all of the game's finer points.
Heads Up!
Violence Combat is typical of fantasy RPGs and allows players to wield a variety of medieval-type weapons or cast magical spells. Violence is semi-realistic and blood is occasionally present.
Sex & Nudity The game alludes to sexual activities, but never showcases them. Occasional sexual references appear in dialogue, and the player can choose to interact with prostitutes who dress provocatively.
Strong Language Strong language, such as words like "f*ck" and "sh*t," appear infrequently in dialogue.
Substance Use Non-playable characters are always depicted as drinking in taverns, as per tradition for fantasy games that take inspiration from medieval European culture.
Conversation Starters
- How do you approach problems or conflicts in the game? Do you try to talk your way out of situations? What are some advantages (or disadvantages) of a diplomatic approach?
- What do you think about the idea of souls? Do you believe that people have them, or are they more of a fantastic concept?
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