Navigating the rich fantasy world of Divinity Original Sin 2 requires players to make difficult moral decisions that directly affect character fates and quest outcomes. Among the earliest moral dilemmas encountered on Fort Joy are Soul Jars, magical vessels holding the trapped spirits of ancient beings. Deciding whether to destroy these containers, absorb their energy, or leave them intact plays a key role in defining your party's journey.
Finding Soul Jars in the Ancient Vault
The primary collection of Soul Jars is hidden deep within the Ancient Vault located underneath Fort Joy. Players can access this subterranean chamber by interacting with a hidden statue inside the underground holding cells. Once inside, you will encounter several labelled jars resting on stone pedestals across the room.
Careful inspection of each vessel is necessary because reading the inscriptions reveals which spirit resides inside. Interacting with the wrong jar can trigger hostile undead guardians, making preparation essential before touching any artifact.
The Dilemma of Lord Withers and Gratiana
One of the most notable Soul Jars belongs to Lord Withers, an undead noble found earlier in the vault. Returning his jar allows you to free his soul peacefully or consume it to gain Source points for your party. Choosing to smash the jar grants instant relief to the spirit while earning valuable experience points.
Gratiana, a priestess residing at the Sanctuary of Amadia, also has her life essence bound to a specific vessel. Interacting with her jar forces players to weigh her past misdeeds against her current helpful role toward the wounded Source seekers.
The Necromancers of Braccus Rex
Deep within the vault, three additional Soul Jars hold the essences of the necromancers who served the tyrannical king Braccus Rex. These ancient mages remain trapped in a state of perpetual torment, tied between life and death. Destroying their respective jars releases their souls and immediately dispels their undead projections elsewhere on the island.
Alternatively, players can choose to absorb their Source energy directly to empower their own combat spells. While this granting of power yields immediate tactical benefits, it denies the spirits a peaceful passage into the Hall of Echoes.
Strategic Considerations and Quest Consequences
Deciding how to handle each Soul Jar impacts both narrative progression and character alignment throughout Act 1. Releasing souls generally aligns with compassionate playstyles and often unlocks additional dialogue options with key non-player characters. On the other hand, consuming souls provides crucial magical resources when preparing for tough boss encounters.
Before making permanent choices, consider carrying relevant jars in your inventory to resolve character interactions directly. Managing these artifacts carefully ensures you maximize quest rewards while shaping the moral standing of your divine team.
