The Source

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.

In Their Own Story

The plot of Divinity: Original Sin follows two Source Hunters investigating a murder in Cyseal, leading them into a conspiracy involving the Immaculates and their leader, Leandra (the Conduit). Leandra seeks to use the Source to conquer Rivellon, mining toxic "tenebrium" in the Luculla Mines to create indestructible Death Knights. The hunters eventually learn that Leandra is manipulating the Source to weaken Astarte and unleash the Void Dragon. In the First Garden, within the Homestead fortress outside regular spacetime, the hunters confront Leandra. Depending on their choices, they either restore the "soulforge" between Leandra and her sister Icara or kill her. Ultimately, the hunters join forces with Astarte to destroy the Trife. Before being banished back into the God Box by the heroes and Astarte, the Trife summons the Void Dragon itself for a titanic battle.

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.

Did You Know?

• The Source is a neutral, pure magical energy, not inherently dangerous or corrupting in lore; corruption arises from Void influence.
• The Source was not specifically gifted by Astarte; it is a natural/divine element associated with the Seven Gods collectively.
• The Void Dragon sought to consume or destroy the world and its Source, not actively 'corrupt' the Source energy in canon descriptions.
• The Seven Generals were granted godlike powers by the Gods to help create and seal the God Box before being sacrificed later.
• The original Source Hunters willingly chose rebirth as mortals and sacrificed their memories and powers, contrary to claims they retained them.