Aloth
A scholarly wizard hiding a second soul behind his spellbook and sarcasm.
Aloth is a reserved elven wizard who joins the Watcher's expedition during their time in Gilded Vale, where he is found in the Black Hound inn. Initially presenting himself as a scholarly and somewhat sarcastic mage, he quickly becomes one of the party's most memorable companions through his dry wit and intellectual demeanor. However, beneath his polished exterior lies a troubling secret: he is possessed by another soul named Iselmyr, though he is not a Watcher himself. His personal journey forces both him and the player to confront difficult questions about identity, duality, and the nature of souls in the world of Eora.
- Race
- Elf
- Class
- Wizard
- First Appears
- Gilded Vale (Black Hound inn)
- Affiliation
- The Watcher's Party
- Status
- Companion
Lore & Background
Born in the bustling metropolis of Trynser City, Aloth grew up surrounded by magic and demonstrated a natural aptitude for it from an early age. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he discovered he carried a second soul within him: that of Iselmyr, a brash and impulsive Aedyran woman. This dual-soul condition defines much of his personality, creating a constant tension between his reserved, scholarly nature and Iselmyr's more aggressive tendencies. Like all wizards in Eora, Aloth's magical ability comes from dedicated study and training rather than innate talent alone, but his secret is the presence of another soul that occasionally takes control. This makes him a unique figure in a world where soul manipulation is often taboo or strictly regulated by religious orders. His story arc explores whether he can accept this part of himself and find harmony between his two souls. Throughout the journey, Aloth serves as both a source of dry humor and a deeply introspective companion, challenging other characters to confront their own inner conflicts while struggling with his own.
In Their Own Story
The candlelight flickered against the stone walls, casting long shadows that seemed to reach for Aloth's hands. He traced a rune in the air, watching the violet spark dance at his fingertips with practiced ease. It was beautiful, mesmerizing even, but he knew the truth better than anyone else. The magic did not flow from him; it flowed through him, borrowed and stolen. He closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the quiet hum of the foreign soul bound within his chest. It whispered constantly, a reminder of every lie told to maintain this illusion of greatness. Tonight, he would cast the spell without hesitation, proving himself once again. But in the silence between incantations, he wondered if the price was finally coming due.
Reader's Guide
Aloth begins his journey in Trynser City as a self-proclaimed master of arcane arts, though his confidence masks deep insecurity regarding his natural talent. As a companion, he serves as a high-damage spellcaster capable of controlling battlefields through elemental force and crowd control abilities. His narrative arc focuses heavily on the ethics of soul manipulation, challenging the Watcher to decide whether his theft of another's essence justifies his power. In dialogue, Aloth offers flirtatious banter that can lead to a romantic relationship with the player character. He frequently debates the nature of souls and magic with other party members, creating tension or camaraderie depending on choices made during his personal questline. Mechanically, he requires protection due to low physical defenses but provides essential magical utility. Players must choose whether to help him hide his secret or force him into redemption. This decision impacts his loyalty and future availability in the sequel. His presence adds depth to the game's exploration of mortality and ambition within the Exiled Lands setting.
Did You Know?
- Aloth's companion quest reveals he is possessed by another soul named Iselmyr, but he is not a Watcher.
- In the base game of Pillars of Eternity, Aloth is only romanceable by female Watchers; he becomes romanceable by both genders in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.
- His backstory ties directly into the broader lore regarding souls and possession in Eora.
- Aloth continues to appear as a companion character in the sequel, building on his original story arc.
More in Characters & Companions
Elsewhere in the Pillars of Eternity universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record
