The Source

A neutral, pure magical energy corrupted by the Void, not inherently dangerous or corrupting.

In Divinity: Original Sin, the Source is a neutral, pure magical energy that permeates all life in Rivellon. It is depicted in lore as inherently neutral, but its corruption arises from the influence of the Void—a dimension of chaos and destruction housing the Void Dragon. The Source was not specifically gifted by Astarte but is a natural/divine element associated with the Seven Gods collectively. The game centers on "Source Hunters," an organization dedicated to hunting down Sourcerers, as the Void's corruption makes the Source appear threatening, though it is not inherently dangerous or corrupting.

Quick Facts

First appearance: Divinity: Original Sin (2014)

Lore & Background

The history of the Source reveals it began as a neutral, pure magical energy associated with the Seven Gods collectively, not specifically Astarte. The Void Dragon, an entity of chaos and destruction from the Void dimension, sought to consume or destroy the world and its Source, not merely corrupt it. To stop this threat, the Seven Gods created an artifact called "the God Box" to seal the Void Dragon, with the Seven Generals being granted godlike powers by the Gods to help create and seal the Box before being sacrificed later. The tragic turning point occurred when the Void Dragon's influence, known as the Adversary, persuaded Astarte to open the Box, releasing the Void Dragon again. The Star Stones found throughout the game are teleportation devices tied to the Source, not crystallized fragments of ancient generals' memories. The founders of the Source Hunters willingly chose rebirth as mortals and sacrificed their memories and powers, contrary to claims they retained them.

Reader's Guide

Players encounter the Source through the "Source Hunters" they control, who are tasked with eradicating Sourcerers. The gameplay involves investigating conspiracies linked to the Immaculates, such as their mining of tenebrium and creation of Death Knights. Key moments include finding Star Stones that transport players to the Homestead, learning about the God Box, and navigating the choices in the First Garden regarding Leandra's fate. To succeed against the Void Dragon, players must utilize the fail-safe retrieved from the Luculla Mines, which renders Death Knights vulnerable. The game encourages using its modding tools to create custom adventures, but the core narrative strictly revolves around containing the Source corruption released by the Trife.