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The Netherdeep is "an underwater realm of gloom, corruption, and sorrow" in Exandria and described as "a terrifying cross between the Far Realm and the deep ocean". It was first mentioned in the announcement of Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep and is one of the adventure's significant settings.[4] Chris Perkins described the inhabitants of the Netherdeep as "unique", saying: "There's something abnormal about the Netherdeep."[5]
Description
Alyxian's corner of the Netherdeep is at the bottom of a lightless abyss, where the water pressure is lethal to mortals who do not have the benefit of ruidium embedded in either their bodies or in items they carry.[6] Prior to Alyxian's destruction or release, there are three main areas representing negative emotions related to his suffering: the Grottoes of Regret, the Vents of Fury, and the Chasm of Yearning. These areas connect to each other and to a central node where the champion resides: the Heart of Despair. Each area is marked by physical manifestations of his torment.[3]
Above the three peripheral areas of Alyxian's realm is seemingly infinite blackness; those attempting to swim upward never reach a surface, and they can only return to the area they left, rather than swim over the walls into a separate chamber. There are numerous secret doors concealing entrances to tunnels and hidden rooms.[6] Ruidium deposits provide what dim light exists in these parts of the plane, and all other light sources only illuminate to half the distance they ordinarily would.[6]
Points of interest
In the Chasm of Yearning, the Cavern of Many Waterfalls has a ceiling and is filled with air; this is where Perigee, a deva of Sehanine, resided after searching for Alyxian for centuries and becoming ensnared in the corrupting influence of his realm. Through a secret door is another air-filled grotto with a shrine to Sehanine. The waterfalls in both rooms are illusory.[7]
Map
Official map of the Netherdeep, by Stacey Allan and Will Doyle.[art 2]
History
Trivia
- Chris Perkins described the Netherdeep as "a novel location" among D&D adventure settings.[5]
- Matthew Mercer suggested that the Netherdeep has long been part of the lore of Exandria: "Getting to bring a direct adventure book within Exandria to life is really such an exciting thing, especially exploring ideas and elements I've never been able to bring to a campaign myself yet."[8] James Haeck later said the Netherdeep has its roots in some of Matt's oldest notes.[9]
References
- ↑ See Call of the Netherdeep, pp. 143–144.
- ↑ See Call of the Netherdeep, p. 152.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 See Call of the Netherdeep, p. 143.
- ↑ "Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep" on the official Wizards of the Coast Dungeons & Dragons website.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Spangler, Todd. "Critical Role Official D&D Book 'Call of the Netherdeep' Due Out in Early 2022 " (October 12, 2022).
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 See Call of the Netherdeep, pp. 139–140.
- ↑ See Call of the Netherdeep, pp. 168–170.
- ↑ Lang, Brad. "Dungeons & Dragons Announces Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep Adventure" (October 12, 2021) at CBR.com.
- ↑ See "From Matt Mercer’s Secret Notes to Your Table | Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep | D&D Beyond" (March 9, 2022) at 2:05.
Art:
- ↑ Depiction of the Netherdeep, by Robson Michel (source). Used with permission. This page contains unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.
- ↑ Official map of the Netherdeep, by Stacey Allan and Will Doyle (source). This page contains unofficial Fan Content permitted under the Wizards of the Coast Fan Content Policy. Not approved/endorsed by Wizards. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC.