Chapter 2: The Leave-Taking - Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep

Chapter 2: The Leave-Taking. In this chapter, the characters learn more about the events that occurred in the Emerald Grotto and the mythic significance of the Jewel of Three Prayers. Following this discovery, the characters depart Jigow and travel across Xhorhas toward Bazzoxan, a bleak military outpost guarding a fortress of evil. Most of this chapter deals with the characters' journey across the wastes and the challenges and friendly strangers they encounter along the way. Whether the rivals accompany the characters or strike out on their own depends on the relationship between the two parties and the rivals' curiosity about the Jewel of Three Prayers. Five adventurers journey across the wastes of Xhorhas, watched by the moons Catha and Ruidus Running This Chapter The journey can begin in one of three ways, depending on how chapter 1 ended: Heroic Quest. In the Emerald Grotto, the characters obtained the Jewel of Three Prayers and experienced the vision from the Apotheon. In this scenario, they are approached by Elder Ushru, who senses that the Jewel of Three Prayers is a powerful magic item and suggests the characters undertake a journey to learn more about it. Ours by Right. If the rivals experienced the vision and claimed the jewel, they take the role of the heroes of the story, with the characters as allies or as interlopers who want the jewel for themselves. If the characters meet with Elder Ushru, they learn that the rivals have embarked on a quest of monumental significance-perhaps compelling the characters to pursue them and claim the destiny that they believe is rightfully theirs. Warring Destinies. If the characters got the jewel but grievously insulted the rivals (or even killed one or more of them), the rivals try to steal the jewel in the middle of the night and begin the journey to Bazzoxan themselves. In any event, it takes the characters several days to reach their destination. Use the Xhorhas Encounters table later in the chapter to spice up t...