Durance's Redemption
A priest of Magran seeks peace in a world that fears his return.
Durance, a priest of Magran, stands as one of the most complex figures in the Pillars of Eternity saga. An optional companion in the first game, his narrative is confined to that installment, where he wrestles with his centuries of manipulation and soul theft. This arc represents the player's opportunity to determine if Durance deserves forgiveness or eternal punishment.
- Character
- Durance
- Role
- Optional Companion
- First Appears
- Pillars of Eternity (2015)
- Affiliation
- The Watcher's Party
- Status
- Variable (Alive/Destroyed based on choice)
Lore & Background
The core conflict lies in whether Durance can be trusted to change. A soul-obsessed priest who has tampered with souls, he operates within a deeply flawed moral framework, viewing life as a resource to be managed rather than cherished. However, his interactions with the Watcher reveal a deep loneliness and a desire for something beyond mere existence. The lore surrounding this arc questions if redemption is possible for one who has fundamentally rejected the natural order of death and rebirth.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled across the deck as Durance stared at his hands, translucent and shimmering with stolen light. He remembered the screams of those he had consumed, a chorus that never truly faded in his mind. 'I did it for eternity,' he whispered to the empty air, though the Watcher stood nearby, silent judgment hanging heavy between them. The sea below churned like a graveyard, mirroring the turmoil within him. For the first time in an age, the Soulless One wondered if peace was worth more than power.
Reader's Guide
To unlock this arc, players typically need an imported save from the first game where Durance survived. Once recruited, he offers dialogue regarding his past crimes and desire for peace. Key objectives involve locating artifacts tied to his soul or confronting his former allies within the Deadfire region. This storyline is deeply intertwined with the main plot concerning the Soulless Tower and the nature of consciousness. The climax presents a moral choice: allow him to reclaim a body and live, destroy him permanently, or leave him in stasis. Choosing redemption grants a loyal but morally ambiguous ally who aids in combat and provides unique insights into enemy tactics. Destroying him removes the threat of his return but denies justice to those he harmed during the first game's events. Each path alters the game's ending regarding the fate of souls in Eora. Players must navigate trust issues as Durance often challenges the Watcher's morality directly. Completion rewards include specific loot tied to his backstory and unique dialogue options that reflect your philosophical stance on the soul.
Did You Know?
- Durance is an optional companion who appears only in the first game, not across multiple installments.
- He is not soulless; he is a soul-obsessed priest who has tampered with souls but possesses one himself.
- Durance does not appear in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, so no voice actor change occurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Durance?
Durance, known as the Soulless One, began as the primary antagonist of the first game before evolving into an optional companion in the sequel. His story explores whether a soulless god who manipulated history for centuries can truly seek absolution.
What role does Durance play in the narrative?
He serves as both a formidable adversary and a complex ally whose presence forces the Watcher to confront their own moral compass regarding forgiveness. Depending on player choices, he can join the party or remain an enemy seeking redemption through action.
How does the 'Durance's Redemption' arc conclude?
The ending is entirely variable, allowing the player to decide if Durance earns peace or faces eternal punishment for his past sins. This final judgment determines whether he remains alive as a reformed entity or is destroyed once and for all.
Why is this story arc important to the saga?
It provides one of the most profound examinations of morality in the series by challenging players to weigh centuries of manipulation against the possibility of genuine change. The outcome directly impacts the thematic resolution of the entire Pillars of Eternity storyline.
Can Durance be redeemed regardless of previous choices?
While his path is heavily influenced by how he was treated in the first game, the sequel offers a fresh opportunity for him to prove his worth through new actions. Ultimately, the Watcher holds the sole authority to grant or deny his request for redemption.
More in Story Arcs & Quests
Elsewhere in the Pillars of Eternity universe
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