Hail, traveler! Whether you’re a seasoned explorer seeking adventure or simply in need of a well-earned vacation, the glittering continent of Marquet stands poised to cater to your whims. With a reputation as one of Exandria’s hottest vacation spots, coming armed with the knowledge below will help you make the most of any visit!

Revel in the majesty of Marquet in Critical Role: Call of the Netherdeep

Call of the Netherdeep is an upcoming adventure book that takes players everywhere from the wastes of Xhorhas to Marquet and the Netherdeep. Whether or not relaxation is in the cards for someone following this particular thread of adventure, any traveler is certain to welcome these travel tips!

1. Tropical vacation awaits

Perhaps the worst-kept secret in Exandria, Marquet is home to some of the most highly regarded vacation destinations. Crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and the shade of tropical trees await those who berth in and around the Bay of Gifts. Located in the northernmost portion of the sun-beaten continent, the port city of Shammel and its surrounding resorts and vacation villas are pricey but well worth it!

If sipping on cocktails while you bury your feet in the warm sand and listen to lapping waves sounds like the perfect way to relax—you’re not wrong! Even in the dead of winter, this tropical locale is a near-perpetual paradise. There’s much to experience without even stepping foot outside of a resort.

Even celebrities have been known to frequent Shammel Bay. Not only have the heroes of Vox Machina been sighted here, but Lord Percival and Lady Vex’ahlia de Rolo famously held their destination wedding in Dalen’s Closet, a resort just outside of Shammel.

2. A tapestry of food and drink

Foodies rejoice! The landscape of Marquet is flavor.

For those in search of culinary adventure, there's no better place than this western continent. The extravagance of spices to be found throughout Marquet might surpass even the vibrant palate of the Menagerie Coast of Wildemount. After all, the Clovis Concord itself is a centuries-old marriage of Marquesian trade merchants and the Ki’Nau people, and Marquesian spices remain heavily traded along the Coast! (Visitors to Marquet familiar with the Menagerie Coast might also recognize Marquesian as the language of both high society and piracy, for the same reasons as above.)

While in Marquet, sample the local cuisine anywhere you go, and you’ll be bound to keep your tastebuds in a constant state of bliss. Can’t handle the heat? Fear not! Even if you hail from the northern climes of the Dwendalian Empire and eschew the sweat-inducing spices of Marquet, you'll love fusaka, a pungent but zingy meat rub.

If you have coin to spare and are in search of a rare and unforgettable experience, seek out a source of Sandkheg’s Hide. A taste of this potent beverage will set you back more than a few gold, but you’ll find that the exotic spirit is truly one of a kind. (Just don’t ask where it comes from...)

Disclaimer: The author of this article bears no responsibility for any consequences incurred after indulgence in Marquesian food or drink. As a reminder, all travelers should be constantly wary and are encouraged to keep their wits about them.

3. Culture as rich as the spice palate

For those who might find little enjoyment in lying around on a beach for days, the city of Ank’Harel—an erected mountain of majesty in the heart of the Rumedam Desert—is suffused with song, story, and culture. Visitors to this desert splendor can expect to find themselves immersed in a veritable oasis of market stalls, with a rich backdrop of Marquesian music.

Local bards might pull inspiration from centuries-old tales. If you take the time to absorb these performances, you stand to be treated to all manner of countless legends, including the creation of the Rumedam Desert during the Calamity; the rise and fall of Thordak in centuries past; and perhaps even curiosities surrounding the seemingly undying nature of J’mon Sa Ord, emperor of the city of Ank’Harel since its founding over 400 years ago.

4. There's more to see than sand

Whether you've read about the Rumedam Desert in the heart of Marquet or received a postcard from the white beaches of the Bay of Gifts, you might take this continent to just be a vast expanse of sand. Yet, while Ank’Harel may be considered the Jewel of Marquet, you'll discover plenty of hidden gems simply by exploring the wider reaches of the continent.

If hiking at an elevation piques your interest, traveling southwest will take you to the Taloned Highlands, full of fertile valleys, high mountains, and grassy plateaus. Towering high over the Bay of Gifts are the Aggrad Mountains, hundreds of miles long. Be wary of straying above the feet of this mountain range, however; dangers are said to pervade these peaks!

Thick jungles rich in flora and fauna alike also span swaths of Marquet. East of the Taloned Highlands are the Gloomed Jungles of Aeshanadoor, while in the northwestern reaches of Marquet lie the Oderan Wilds. The Wilds’ capital city, Jrusar, is readily accessible by skyship, making it particularly suited for vacationers seeking a unique view of Marquet. Jrusar is a city built of many massive spires and its surrounding landscapes give a glimpse of what the Rumedam Desert looked like before the wars leading up to the Divergence.

5. Keep your wits about you

Visitors to any bustling metropolis—whether they're traveling throughout Xhorhas or Marquet—should be well-versed in the practices of keeping oneself and one’s belongings safe. (Always wear your coin pouch securely fastened against your chest, avoid dark alleys, travel in groups, etc.) However, some of the pointers in this article should come with extra warnings.

As a well-renowned vacation destination, many resorts in the Bay of Gifts might shock you when it comes time to settle the bill. Remember to budget for high costs, and pay attention to the particulars of any drinks packages! A reminder: It can be helpful to set a hard limit on the daily count of extra amenities. In addition, be responsible when trying Sandkheg’s Hide!

It's also recommended that vacationers stay wary and keep to public areas whenever possible. If gambling recreationally in Shammel, for instance, avoid illicit backroom games; rumors abound of myriad fronts for organized crime.

The trip of a lifetime

Armed with the information above, you’ll be ready to experience the majesty of Marquet in Call of the Netherdeep like a pro. Whether primed for the vacation of a lifetime or eager to explore areas infrequently traveled, you're certain to find Marquet full of warmth and wonder! Centuries of rich culture and history await visitors, and adventure-seekers might also be tempted by the rediscovery of ancient artifacts, buried in sands or tangled in the lush growth of steamy rainforest.

Cameron (@CameronRPowell) is a Discord moderator for D&D Beyond. He is a real-life bard who accidentally dumped Charisma, and has played Purloque the loxodon cleric on Dice, Camera, Action!. When he’s not behind the DM’s screen, he enjoys hiking Icelandic volcanoes, knitting, and creating his hundredth unused character on D&D Beyond.