Prologue

Learn how to define your world state, import your choices from the first game, and make crucial decisions that impact dialogue and NPC reactions in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire's prologue.

The prologue begins in the In-Between, where you'll witness memories and meet The Usher, an aspect of Berath. You'll then encounter the Pallid Knight, another aspect of Berath, who presents you with a series of potted histories to define your world state. PC players can import a save from the first game, while console players can create a new history by pressing ▢. This allows for fine-tuning your world state beyond the basic options, influencing later dialogue and NPC reactions. Some choices have significant weight:

• Companions / Devil of Caroc: Select "She spared Harmke" to unlock the ability to purchase very good, albeit expensive, armor.
• Endless Paths of Od Nua / The Blade of the Endless Paths: Select "I reforged the Blade" to obtain a powerful and unique great sword.

After naming your history, the Pallid Knight explains that Eothas, in the form of a giant adra statue, is rampaging and the gods need your help. Agreeing to help proceeds to character creation. Refusing will lead to a non-standard game over.

After character creation, you'll find yourself on a ship's interior, where Edér is watching over you. Interact with your body to return to the waking world. The Steward will inform you that your stronghold, Caed Nua, was destroyed, you barely survived Eothas's awakening, and your companions are pursuing Eothas to the Deadfire Archipelago. Eld Engrim will report that pirates wish to parley.

Before proceeding, access the Options menu (L2 / Options) and navigate to Difficulty. It is recommended to uncheck "Auto Level Companions" and check "Show Personality/Reputation", especially for Priest or Paladin characters. Familiarize yourself with AI behavior by going to the Character Sheet (L2 / Character Sheet), then Summary (R2). You can edit AI behaviors by cloning existing scripts in the "Open Behavior Editor" to automate tasks later in the game.

Open the wardrobe to find equipment reflecting your class and proficiencies, along with money. Depending on your previous choices in Pillars of Eternity, you may also find a gift from the gods: Hylea's Bounty or Berath's Bell. Equip these items before leaving the cabin to speak with the pirate, Benweth.

A fight with Benweth's crew is inevitable. You'll face four pirates on the lower deck and two on the upper. Your replies to Benweth will affect your Disposition (Diplomatic, Clever, Aggressive, Stoic). After the fight or if you are knocked out, a scripted event will occur as a storm intensifies. You will have to choose between saving a crew member or a crate of salvage. Following more screens, your ship will run aground.