Page 111 - Critical Role: Tal’Dorei Campaign Setting

tal’dorei campaign guide

The Vestiges of Divergence

During the wars of the Calamity, great destruction rained evolution, and achievement, the Vestige can reach its full
across the many lands of the world. Broken remnants of potential in its exalted state. This is the true power of the
history speak of battles between gods leveling mountains Vestige, the state when it was originally utilized in the
and sinking islands. Chosen heroes rose up to accept the Calamity against battle-ready gods.
artifacts of their patrons to combat the tide of death their Keep in mind, the Vestiges of Divergence are very
adversaries harnessed. Powerful archmages harnessed powerful magical items, so consider the intended power
the surging arcane powers of the war to forge incredible level of your campaign before including them, and ensure
objects of potent strength and ability, further arming their discovery and acquisition is treated with the proper
every side of the conflict. amount of weight and responsibility. To be a bearer of a
Relics of the Age of Arcanum were further enhanced, Vestige is to be considered a mighty champion, but many
creating unheard-of magical capabilities. When the battle covet the power granted by their enchantment and will
climaxed in a wave of aberrant destruction, leaving much seek out the bearer to take them for themselves.
of civilization in ruins, many of these artifacts were buried For a Vestige to progress to a more powerful state (dor-
among the ashes with their wielders. Others were passed mant to awakened, or awakened to exalted), consider a
down through bloodlines for generations, a sign of respect catalyst that is specific to the character attuned to it. It
and importance within their culture. Some were locked could be as simple as having it advance when the character
away, the fear of their power giving temples reason to keep utilizes a class ability a certain number of times, or the relic
them from mortal hands, while a handful still see use to could upgrade during a personal story beat where they over-
this day by great warriors or proven killers. These mighty come a great fear or point of conflict in their life. Consider
echoes of the last great war, and the divine banishment something important, impactful, and memorable for the
that followed, are known as the Vestiges of Divergence. Vestige to further unveil its power to the wielder.
The Vestiges are legendary artifacts that grow in power Following are examples of Vestiges that currently exist
with the experience, force of will, and strength of char- in Tal’Dorei, while many others are scattered throughout
acter of the bearer. Many Vestiges, if sealed away or left
Exandria. The objects below might be lost to time, awaiting
without a worthy attuned individual for a period of time, someone to find them among the dust and chains. Others
will revert to their dormant state. A dormant state still
might be in use by a powerful hero who may impart its power
imbues a modicum of power to the attuned, but with onto a worthy successor who fights for the proper cause.
time, perseverance, and personal growth, the Vestige can
Others still may be in the hands of a twisted soul, using its
regain access to some of its lost ability in its awakened abilities to terrorize the weak and defenseless. It is the DM’s
state. Eventually, through extreme personal challenge,
choice where these object may be found or earned.

110 chapter 3: character options