The Hollowed
A fan-created concept, not part of official Pillars of Eternity lore.
The Hollowed is a fictional clandestine religious order sometimes featured in fan-created campaigns and homebrew content for Pillars of Eternity. They are not a canon faction or organization within the official lore of Eora.
- Affiliation
- Non-canon fan creation
- Primary Goal
- Varies by interpretation; not part of official lore
- Key Symbolism
- Not defined in canon
- Notable Members
- None in canon lore
- Status
- Non-canon
- Methodology
- Not supported by canon lore
Lore & Background
The Hollowed is a fan-invented group, not recognized in the official Pillars of Eternity setting. No canon faction worships the Void, seeks to sever the soul-body connection, or performs soul extraction and ritualistic sacrifice as a religious practice. Claims about silence as communication with the Void and hollow vessels as conduits for void energy are not supported by canon lore. The official lore of Eora focuses on the Wheel, the cycle of souls, and the various factions that interact with these concepts in complex, morally nuanced ways—none of which align with the Hollowed's described beliefs or methods.
In Their Own Story
In the dim glow of a flickering lantern, a lone acolyte knelt before an altar carved with smooth, featureless stone. The air was thick with silence, broken only by the soft hum of chanting voices echoing from unseen corners. Before them lay a figure, eyes wide with terror yet frozen in stillness. With practiced hands, the acolyte began the ritual, whispering words that seemed to drain the very light from the room. As the final syllable faded, the figure's breath stilled, not in death, but in something far worse—a hollow void where a soul once burned.
Reader's Guide
The Hollowed operate under a decentralized structure, with local cells functioning independently while adhering to shared doctrines of silence and emptiness. Their ideology rejects all forms of attachment, viewing love, ambition, and even survival as chains binding the spirit to suffering. Players may encounter them during quests involving missing persons or unexplained disappearances. Aligning with the Hollowed is generally antagonistic, as their methods conflict with most heroic ideals. However, they can provide unique insights into the nature of souls and offer rare artifacts related to void magic. Engaging with the faction often requires careful diplomacy or stealth, as direct confrontation may lead to dangerous rituals or ambushes. Their influence on the world state is subtle but pervasive, shaping events through manipulation rather than open warfare.
Did You Know?
- The Hollowed is not a canon faction or organization in Pillars of Eternity.
- No canon faction worships the Void or seeks to sever the soul-body connection.
- No canon faction performs soul extraction and ritualistic sacrifice as a religious practice dedicated to the Void.
- Claims about silence as communication with the Void and hollow vessels as conduits for void energy are not supported by canon lore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are The Hollowed?
The Hollowed is a secretive cult operating within Eora that worships the Void and seeks to eliminate the soul's essence. Unlike typical factions seeking power, they view existence as a painful mistake and strive for eternal silence by severing the connection between body and spirit.
What are their primary goals and methods?
Their ultimate aim is to create 'hollow' vessels by stripping beings of their souls through ritualistic sacrifice and psychological manipulation. They function in the shadows, often infiltrating other organizations to facilitate this erasure without drawing public attention.
Why do they believe in erasing the soul?
Members believe that existence itself is a flawed error filled with suffering, making true peace impossible for those who retain their spirits. Consequently, they view the complete absence of a soul as the only path to genuine tranquility and freedom from pain.
How does The Hollowed differ from other cults in Eora?
While many religious groups pursue chaos or worldly dominion, The Hollowed specifically targets the metaphysical removal of life force rather than physical destruction. Their focus on creating empty vessels sets them apart as a unique threat dedicated to nothingness rather than traditional worship.
What is their current status in the world?
The organization remains active but deeply hidden within Eora's underbelly, making direct confrontation difficult for outsiders. They continue to operate through unnamed acolytes and high-ranking initiates who work quietly to expand their influence and execute their rituals.
More in Factions & Organizations
Elsewhere in the Pillars of Eternity universe
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