Dyrwood

A land where ancient magic stirs beneath the roots of the oldest trees.

Dyrwood is a sprawling, temperate region within the western continent of Eora, renowned for its dense forests, rolling hills, and the iconic city of Defiance Bay. It serves as the primary setting for the first Pillars of Eternity game, where the player character, the Watcher, investigates a mysterious curse affecting the newborns of the area. The region is characterized by its deep connection to nature and the complex interplay between human settlements and ancient, often forgotten, magical forces.

Quick Facts

Key factions

The Leaden Key, The Ducal Council

Notable landmarks

The Godhammer Crater
The Whispering Woods
The Dyrwood River

Lore & Background

Dyrwood is a region steeped in history and mystery, where the boundaries between the mortal world and the spirit realm are notoriously thin. The land was once home to powerful civilizations that have since fallen into ruin, leaving behind only fragments of their knowledge and the lingering echoes of their spirits. The forests of Dyrwood are not merely collections of trees but living entities in their own right, often harboring spirits that can be benevolent or malevolent depending on one's actions. The region's history is marked by cycles of prosperity and decay, driven by the whims of powerful deities and the ambitions of mortal rulers, with the Ducal Council governing Defiance Bay amid the shadowy machinations of the Leaden Key.

Reader's Guide

Dyrwood's history is defined by the rise and fall of civilizations that sought to harness the region's unique spiritual energy. The ancient city of Ederoth, now a ruin, was once a center of learning where scholars studied the nature of souls and spirits. Mythological figures like the Spirit of the Dyr River are said to guide travelers through the treacherous paths of the forest, while the God's Seat remains a place of pilgrimage for those seeking enlightenment. The philosophical themes of Dyrwood revolve around the balance between nature and civilization, and the consequences of interfering with forces beyond human understanding. The region serves as a microcosm of Eora itself, where the past is always present, and the choices made by individuals can ripple through time, shaping the destiny of entire generations.

Did You Know?

Dyrwood is home to the Whispering Woods, a forest where spirits are said to communicate with those who listen closely enough.
The region's unique geography includes the Godhammer Crater, the result of a cataclysmic bomb that reshaped the land and its spiritual balance.
Many of Dyrwood's ancient Engwithan ruins contain artifacts that can still channel residual magical energy, making them both dangerous and valuable to explorers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who investigates the curse there?

The player character, known as the Witness, is an immortal who travels to Dyrwood to solve a mystery. They discover that newborn children are being born without souls due to dark necromantic interference.

Which cities are found in this region?

Major settlements include Whiteoak, Ederoth, and the capital city of Dorrine. These hubs act as centers for trade, governance, and conflict between local factions.

What groups control Dyrwood's politics?

The Order of the Broken Circle seeks to exploit soul magic while opposing the established government. The Dyrwoodian Council works to maintain order amidst these supernatural threats and civil unrest.

What players say: Player verdict on Pillars of Eternity — Rotten Tweets