The Heretics
Not a faction, but a label for those hunted by the Children of the Eternal Light.
In the universe of The Outer Worlds, there is no formal faction or organized group officially known as "The Heretics." Instead, this term serves as a derogatory designation used primarily by the Children of the Eternal Light (CoTEL) to label anyone who does not adhere to their religious dogma. Outsiders, dissenters, and non-believers are collectively branded as heretics within the cult's ideology. While players may encounter individuals targeted by this label across Halcyon Reach, these people do not operate under a unified banner or leadership structure. The concept of "The Heretics" is defined entirely by the persecution they face from CoTEL Inquisitors rather than any internal organization of their own.
- Organization Type
- Designation / Target Group
- Location
- Throughout Halcyon Reach (Monarch's Landing, Edgewater)
- Affiliation
- None (Targeted by Children of the Eternal Light)
- Status
- Ongoing Persecution
Lore & Background
The Children of the Eternal Light view their faith as the sole path to salvation. Consequently, anyone who questions their authority or follows different beliefs is deemed spiritually corrupt. This classification allows CoTEL Inquisitors to justify violent suppression across the colonies they control. In practice, this means that rebels on Monarch's Landing or settlers in Edgewater might be branded heretics simply for resisting CoTEL influence. There is no secret society of "Heretics" coordinating resistance; rather, it is a loose collection of individuals who share the commonality of being hunted by the cult. The term appears frequently in dialogue and environmental storytelling, highlighting the religious extremism that defines much of the conflict within the game's narrative.
In Their Own Story
The flickering light of a broken lamp casts long shadows against the rusted metal wall. A man crouches behind a crate, clutching a stolen ration pack. Down the corridor, the heavy tread of boots echoes—white armor gleaming in the dimness. An Inquisitor of the Eternal Light pauses, sensing movement. There is no army here to save him, only the silence of those deemed unworthy by the cult.
Reader's Guide
Players cannot align with "The Heretics" as a faction because it does not exist as an organization. However, your actions determine who views you as one. If you oppose the Children of the Eternal Light, their Inquisitors will treat you as a heretic, potentially leading to combat encounters or loss of standing within CoTEL territories. Conversely, siding with CoTEL marks you as an agent of the faith against those they persecute. There is no specific reputation mechanic for "The Heretics." Instead, your relationship with the Children of the Eternal Light dictates how you are treated in their strongholds like Monarch's Landing or on Terra 2. Helping individuals targeted by CoTEL is possible through side quests, but this does not grant faction rewards.
Did You Know?
- The term "heretic" is used frequently by Children of the Eternal Light members to describe non-believers in dialogue.
- CoTEL Inquisitors are the primary enforcers who hunt down those labeled as heretics within their territories.
- There is no leader or headquarters for a group called The Heretics; it is purely an external label applied by the cult.
More in Factions & Organizations
Elsewhere in the The Outer Worlds universe
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