In some universes, such as call of cthulhu , berserk anime, demon souls , etc.  demonic alien figures created the Universe. what if there was a plot twist in pillars that the deities were created by the engwithians to block these entities from influencing the universe ?  i think it could be  an interesting twist story-wise (but perhaps too dark for pillars of eternity)  .  it could also explain the existence of skaen, who could be a weaker form of these entities that did a pact with the gods to keep existing in the pantheon and acting as a diplomat between the gods and the entitites while the engwithians extingued most of the cult of the demonic cosmic entities.  

Edited April 15, 20196 yr by nouser

The plot twist that the gods are man made to act as real gods is better. Theres ethical controversy in this twist. Protecting earth from demons is one sided good guys stuff

Skaen is not entirely evil either. I mean if you judge his aspects (not so much his depiction in cutscenes). E.g one aspect of him involves rebellion against oppression and slavery.

Edited April 21, 20196 yr by Boeroer

Skaen is not entirely evil either. I mean if you judge his aspects (not so much his depiction in cutscenes). E.g one aspect of him involves rebellion against oppression and slavery.

"Subversion, the scapegoat cousin of Justice."

Skaen priest in PoE1