U4GM - POE 2 Currency Items That Reference Real History
In the expansive world of Path of Exile 2 (POE 2), players encounter a variety of unique currency items that not only serve functional purposes within the game but also reference elements of real-world history. These items, much like the game’s extensive lore, are rich in meaning and provide players with a sense of immersion that extends beyond the game’s fictional setting. In this article, we will explore some of the POE 2 currency items that have historical significance, tying the game’s mechanics to real-world events, figures, and cultures.
The Exalted Orb and Ancient Roman Influence
The Exalted Orb is one of the most coveted and well-known currency items in POE 2. Its name itself is reminiscent of ancient Roman society, where the term "exalted" carried a significant political and social weight. In Rome, "exalted" was used to describe a status granted to individuals who had achieved great honor, particularly in military and political contexts. The Exalted Orb in POE 2, which upgrades rare items to a higher tier, mirrors this concept of elevation and honor, symbolizing the ability to ascend to a higher rank or status in the game.
The Divine Orb and the Legacy of Religious Artifacts
The Divine Orb is another currency item with deep historical roots. In real-world history, religious relics and artifacts often held tremendous value, not only for their sacred significance but also for their tangible worth. The Divine Orb in POE 2 is used to re-roll the affixes of an item, allowing players to improve the item’s properties. This is similar to how religious relics were often re-visited or revered over time to maintain or enhance their value. In many cultures, relics were believed to possess the power to heal, bless, or protect, much like how the Divine Orb provides players with a chance to improve the quality of their gear.
The Chaos Orb and the Age of Revolution
One of the most iconic currency items in the game, the Chaos Orb, is often linked to unpredictable and volatile change. The term "chaos" itself has roots in real-world history, especially during times of political upheaval and revolution. From the fall of empires to social revolutions, chaos has been a defining feature of many historical periods. In POE 2, the Chaos Orb is used to reroll the properties of a rare item, embracing the uncertainty and randomness that chaos represents. This mirrors the historical concept of chaos as a force that disrupts the status quo, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse.
The Orb of Scouring and the Fall of Civilizations
The Orb of Scouring is a currency item used to remove all modifiers from an item, essentially resetting it to a base state. This is often compared to the historical process of destruction or the fall of civilizations, where once-great structures, societies, or empires are brought to ruin and reduced to nothing. The Orb of Scouring is a symbolic tool that allows players to wipe the slate clean and start over, much like how history often involves the rebuilding of societies after periods of decay or destruction.
The Vaal Orb and the Legacy of Ancient Egypt
In POE 2, the Vaal Orb is an item with deep historical significance, drawing inspiration from the ancient Egyptian civilization. The word “Vaal” likely references the ancient Egyptian practice of burial and the afterlife, which held a central place in their religious beliefs. The Vaal Orb in the game is used to corrupt an item, adding powerful modifiers but often at a cost. This reflects the idea of corruption and the duality of life and death that was so prevalent in ancient Egyptian culture, where many items, particularly those buried with the dead, were imbued with both great power and great risk.
The Blessing of the Gods and the Influence of Mythology
In some cases, POE 2 currency items take inspiration from mythology and divine favor. Items like Blessing Orbs or others that provide the player with specific advantages invoke the idea of divine intervention and favor, a common theme in many ancient cultures. Throughout history, rulers and empires often sought the favor of the gods through offerings, rituals, and other forms of tribute, believing that such divine blessings would ensure their success or protect them from calamity. The Blessing of the Gods in POE 2 serves as a reminder of these age-old beliefs and the power that was often attributed to higher forces.
Conclusion
The integration of real-world historical references into Path of Exile 2 currency items adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the game. These items not only serve practical purposes in gameplay but also offer players a connection to the past, invoking the symbolism and meaning found in history’s most important events, cultures, and beliefs. As POE 2 continues to evolve, it is likely that more such historical references will be woven into the game, further enriching the immersive experience for players around the world.