The Draw of Destiny

is the first episode of the third campaign of Critical Role.

Previously on Critical Role
''I would like to welcome you to Marquet. The year is 843 PD, or Post Divergence. A landmass once marred by a vengeful god during The Calamity, the staggeringly twisted mountain ranges created in its wake divided the regions that have now developed into a varied and beautiful continent. The epicenter of this ancient destruction created the Rumedam Desert, a vast expanse of sand dunes and rocky landmarks that encompasses nearly a third of Marquet, dotted with oasis townships surrounding the central city of Ank'Harel, known as the Jewel of Hope. Here, the long-living ruler J'mon Sa Ord and their Hands of Ord keep the peace and prosperity of their people protected.''

''Beyond the Rumedam Desert and its sister desert, the Panagrip Sands to the south, lies the gloomed jungles of Aeshanadoor, a shaded territory of treacherous wilderness and careful guard by the historically orcish erudite society of Yios. Here, many skilled dreamers seek the Marquesian peak of collegiate study and social influence within the political powerhouse of its ruling council, the Court of the Lambent Path.''

To the southwest, a towering range of mountain spires climb into the clouds, known as the Taloned Highlands, where massive shelves and plateaus scattered among the peaks are home to elevated valleys abundant with agriculture and rural life, before reaching to the apex where the military might of the region is held by the Stratos Throne.

Near the center of this continent, the rugged badlands known as the Hellcatch Valley acts as the roadway nexus between the cage-like mountain ranges of Marquet, where numerous independent villages and cities survive among the harsh, dusty canyons, and compete for dominance.

''The history of Marquet is filled with vibrant culture, incredible discoveries, political intrigue, and inter-region warfare that recently culminated two decades back in a years-long conflict known as the Apex War between the Stratos Throne and the Court of the Lambent Path, that left both sides exhausted, expended, and without victory. This truce has continued to this day, as both factions continue the slow work to rebuild their societies to their former glory.''

''Our story, however, begins to the northwest of the Hellcatch Valley, within the natural boundaries of the Serpentwind Peaks, where the lush jungle valley of the Oderan Wilds thrums with life and mystery. Here among the vines and mists that choke the uncarved paths of the rainforest, howling beasts and long-dormant shadows are rumored to hide among the lost relics of ancient days. Here, the dense jungle canopy is home to numerous towns along the Honored Trails, where travelers and traders trudge through the dangerous wilds to seek their fortunes. Here, from the central jungle floor, rises five tower-like mountains that reach for the heavens, where upon their rocky exterior, numerous streets and urban districts have been carved into them to form a singular city connected by bridge and cable. These spires glow with the thousands of lights and lanterns that mark the Oderan Wilds' capital city of Jrusar, home to the Chandei Quorum that oversees and controls the larger populace of the region. The spiraling streets bustle with life and chatter beneath the cloud-dappled blue sky, where the innumerable birds fly among the Simurgh Riders that keep watch.''

Here, in Jrusar, is where our story begins.

Campaign Three adventuring party

 * Ashton Greymoore
 * Bertrand Bell
 * Fearne Calloway
 * Fresh Cut Grass
 * Imogen Temult
 * Laudna
 * Orym

Returning

 * Dorian Storm

New

 * Anni Aughta
 * Lord Ariks Eshteross
 * Evelyn Wress
 * Ishir
 * Milo
 * Kalliyan
 * Escritorae Kunthea - a worker at the Starpoint Conservatory
 * Port Captain Tang
 * The Tower
 * Zhudanna

Mentioned

 * The Anger
 * Dancer
 * Oshad Breshio
 * Mistress Prudaj

Trivia

 * Between Twitch and YouTube, the livestream of this episode reached a high of over 304,000 simultaneous viewers.