Obsidian's Groundbreaking Monk Character: A Deep Dive into Zahua from Pillars of Eternity

This feature delves into the meticulous creation of Zahua, a monk character from Obsidian's acclaimed role-playing game, Pillars of Eternity. Breaking away from conventional RPG tropes, Zahua’s design incorporates elements of harsh asceticism, cultural depth, and even unexpected humor. This innovative approach to character development, attributed to the collaborative vision of writer Eric Fenstermaker and project lead Josh Sawyer, resulted in a truly memorable figure within the CRPG landscape. The character's unique speaking style and his origins rooted in a rich, albeit fictional, historical background underscore Obsidian's commitment to narrative originality.

Unveiling Zahua: A Decade of Distinctive Character Design

A recent interview with former Obsidian writer Eric Fenstermaker sheds light on the origins and profound influences behind Zahua, a captivating monk from the first expansion of Pillars of Eternity, "The White March Part 1." Ten years after his debut, Zahua continues to stand out due to his departure from typical Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) style monk portrayals, which often lean on a generic Shaolin/Wuxia mythology. Instead, Zahua embodies a philosophy rooted in the mortification of the flesh, strict asceticism, and deep philosophical musings, offering a uniquely grounded experience for players.

Fenstermaker revealed that Zahua evolved from an early concept for the base game, a monk named Forton, initially featured in the Pillars of Eternity Kickstarter promotional materials. Under Fenstermaker’s dedicated stewardship, Zahua's distinct personality began to form. This individualistic approach was strongly supported by Josh Sawyer, the project lead, who aimed to differentiate Pillars' monks from the standard RPG archetype of transplanted martial artists, a strategy consistent with the studio's broader handling of fantasy races within the game's setting.

To enrich Zahua's background and further explore the intricate world of Eora, Fenstermaker situated his origins in the fictional region of Ixamitl. This necessitated the creation of the Tacan people and their culture from scratch, providing Zahua with a unique heritage. A particularly compelling aspect of Zahua's backstory is the historical rivalry between the Tacan and the Quechmatl, subtly mirroring the real-world complexities of the Aztec Empire. This historical parallel also facilitated the inclusion of mind-altering substances, drawing inspiration from actual warriors who utilized such compounds.

Fenstermaker emphasized that the Nalpazca warrior-monks, of whom Zahua is a part, are a sophisticated fusion of three distinct concepts: the traditional RPG monk, adapted for martial arts within a fantasy setting; indigenous Mesoamerican tribal cultures; and the radical detachment from the material world found in religions like Jainism, Buddhism, and Gnosticism. He specifically cited his research into sadhus, whose practice of self-inflicted physical stress for spiritual enlightenment deeply informed the character's core mechanics.

Addressing Zahua's peculiar habit of speaking in the third person, Fenstermaker, with self-deprecating humor, acknowledged it as a common RPG trope. However, he explained that for Zahua, this speech pattern runs deeper, reflecting a desperate attempt to narrate his own story and regain control in a world that has seen him endure irreversible tragedies. This nuanced portrayal drew inspiration from characters like Magua in "The Last of the Mohicans," highlighting a spiritual kinship despite Zahua's more benevolent nature.

The character's realization was also profoundly shaped by veteran voice actor Jamieson Price, whose "beautiful, nuanced, and emotional" performance, coupled with pitch-perfect comedic timing, brought Zahua to life. Price's somber, rumbling baritone unexpectedly amplified the monk's more eccentric moments, creating a memorable auditory experience for players.

Adding another layer of individuality, Fenstermaker infused Zahua with influences from stoner comedies. This unconventional inspiration contributed to Zahua's extremely casual demeanor and his encyclopedic knowledge of illicit substances. His "stoner diction," while perhaps slightly overdone in retrospect, added a unique comedic element, leaving players to ponder his lucidity. This blend of profound spiritual questing with unexpected humor and a deeply researched cultural background solidified Zahua as one of the most compelling and distinct monk characters in the history of RPGs.

The meticulous crafting of Zahua in Pillars of Eternity demonstrates how a game can transcend conventional fantasy archetypes by drawing from diverse, often unconventional, sources. This approach not only enriches the narrative and character depth but also sets a new standard for originality in game design. As players, we are left to ponder the myriad ways personal struggle, spiritual discipline, and even a touch of the absurd can converge to create truly unforgettable experiences in interactive storytelling.