Rivellon

Lore & Background

Long before the events of the games, Rivellon experienced the first Voidwoken invasion, a cataclysm that led to the formation of the Divine Order and its enforcement arm, the Order of the Flame, which imposed strict magic restrictions to prevent another incursion. This era of restriction lasted for centuries of relative peace, until the Second Voidwoken invasion erupted during the events of Divinity: Original Sin 2, unleashing chaos and reshaping the continent once more. The Source, an ancient wellspring of magic, existed long before the invasions and is a sentient force with its own will, as evidenced by its connection to the Godwoken and the Seven Gods, and its portrayal in Divinity: Original Sin 2. Its power has been sought by various factions, each with their own agenda, leading to constant strife and upheaval. The continent's history is marked by cycles of destruction and rebirth, as the balance between order and chaos shifts with every generation. In recent times, the arrival of new Godwoken—individuals awakened during the game events capable of channeling immense magical power—has reignited old conflicts and introduced new threats. These individuals are often caught in the crossfire of larger forces, forced to navigate a world where magic is both a tool for salvation and a weapon of destruction.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the frozen tundra of Arx, carrying whispers of ancient battles long forgotten. A lone traveler, cloaked in fur and armed with a staff crackling with unstable energy, paused at the edge of a crumbling fortress. Below, the ruins of Fort Joy lay silent, its once-proud towers now nothing more than jagged teeth against the gray sky. "They say the Source is waking," the traveler muttered, their breath visible in the cold air. "And when it does, Rivellon will burn again." They tightened their grip on the staff, feeling the hum of raw magic beneath their fingertips. The choice was clear: join the struggle for control or flee before the storm broke.

Reader's Guide

Rivellon is the heart of the Divinity Original Sin saga, serving as both a playground and a battlefield for players exploring its vast landscapes. Its role in the story is central, as it houses key locations like Fort Joy, Arx, and the ruins of the old world. Each region tells part of the larger narrative about magic, power, and survival. Why it matters: Rivellon's dynamic environment reflects the themes of freedom vs. control, making every decision impactful. Whether you're uncovering secrets in the depths or fighting for dominance at the surface, the continent shapes your journey.

Did You Know?

• The Order of the Flame was formed after the first Voidwoken invasion to enforce magic restrictions, not before it.
• The Voidwoken invasions are two distinct events—the First Invasion and the Second Invasion—separated by centuries of peace, not a single continuous conflict.

The World of Rivellon and the Source Conflict

Rivellon serves as the medieval fantasy stage for a narrative set centuries after the reign of Lucian, a figure once revered as the Divine. Following his death, the world faces an escalating threat from the Voidwoken, monstrous entities that attack all living things with increased ferocity. Central to this conflict is the Source, a potent magical energy manipulated by individuals known as Sourcerers. While these users possess immense power, their very existence attracts the attention of the Voidwoken, causing them to be feared and reviled by the general populace. In response to this danger, Lucian established the Divine Order, which created the Magisters faction specifically to manage or suppress the use of Source magic. The player steps into this volatile world as a Godwoken, a persecuted user of Source who becomes pivotal in the struggle against the encroaching Voidwoken menace.

Tactical Combat and Environmental Mastery

The game distinguishes itself through a turn-based tactical combat system viewed from an isometric perspective, governed by a flexible action-point economy. Players are not limited to preset classes but can craft unique builds by selecting skills from ten distinct families, many of which function outside of battle. The true depth lies in the interaction between these skills and the environment; elemental surfaces like water, oil, ice, and fire become crucial tools for strategy. Characters can utilize high ground for advantage or combine elements to trigger devastating effects, such as electrifying water or igniting oil pools. Defense is equally nuanced, featuring physical and magic armor that blocks specific damage types and status effects until depleted. This system rewards creative problem-solving, allowing players to mix skills dynamically and exploit the battlefield's physics to overcome enemies in ways that go beyond simple stat checks.

Character Customization and Companion Dynamics

Players begin by choosing from six pre-made characters with unique backstories or creating a custom avatar defined by race, gender, stats, and background. Unlike previous entries, Rivellon allows players to control elves, dwarves, lizards, and undead variants, each influencing NPC reactions and unlocking specific dialogue options. While the main character drives the narrative, up to three NPCs can be recruited as fully playable companions. The six origin characters offer exclusive side quests and unique interactions unavailable to others, reacting dynamically to the player's choices with shifting approval levels that impact the story. Even silent hired companions contribute to the party structure. This system ensures that every decision, from dialogue selection to combat tactics, resonates through the relationships within the group, creating a personalized experience where companion loyalty can dictate narrative outcomes.

Development Success and Critical Legacy

Financed by a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $2 million, Divinity: Original Sin II achieved immediate commercial success, selling over a million copies within two months of its September 2017 Windows release. The game was lauded for its writing, interactivity, combat mechanics, and cooperative multiplayer features, earning frequent citations as one of the greatest video games ever made. Its design philosophy of offering flexible quest solutions and deep player agency has cemented its status as a benchmark for modern role-playing games.