Poor Vax... | The Legend Of Vox Machina Ep 2x4 Reaction & Review | Critical Role on Prime Video

[@christophercorbin9387]

The Raven Queen is also the godess of fate. Which if you consider the intro with the raven sending out threads of fate across the globe to bring a certain group together....

[@Rated314]

"Matron of Ravens"... The Raven Queen is DnD intellectual property. The same reason Pike only ever says, "Everlight" instead of Saran Ray.

[@Apollo9898LP]

One adaptational change I really like is that in the original campaign, the Deathwalker's Ward started as an armor that let Vax gain resistance to certain elemental damage, and later got more powerful. But Vax also had an item from back in the days they played Pathfinder called the Boots of Haste, and because of how Haste worked differently in 5e those boots were notoriously OP throughout campaign 1. For LoVM, they've instead tied the haste power up to the Deathwalker's Ward as it's first major power, and I think that's a great change

[@richardbrown3055]

Yes, Vax had been seeing the Matron leading up to this. Kash is such an awesome character, Will Fridel was talking about rolling him up with Matt, and he kept getting all these super high rolls, until they got to Charisma where he rolled a 7….and was like “oh he’s an asshole”.

[@MsMorri]

Verified! It is the Matron who Vax has been seeing.

[@ShadowyFox_86]

It was amazing to see Will light up when watching this episode. He was like a kid at Christmas and probably never expected to see his character on the screen when he created him.

[@btgardener39]

The especially fascinating part, to me, is that yes, the Matron of Ravens is a goddess of death... but fate and destiny are also in her divine portfolio. Which could easily mean that Vax had been seeing her for a while because She had always, like the Fates of Greek mythology, known precisely when She was going to snip the threads that bound the twins to each other and reel Vax into her service.

[@Reblwitoutacause]

its actually an excellent character when you think about it... he's great. at EVERYTHING... so OF COURSE he is just an utter shit bag asshole hahah

[@johnyshadow]

@@btgardener39 Interesting. And possible. But in my opinion/version, you are half right. She knew that she was going to sever their bond - that was Vex dying. I don´t think the deal and the resurrection were part of the original plan. But I mean, the outcome is the same, their bond is severed, she´ll still get Vex eventually, and now she has a new champion as a bonus. (Just depends on how omnipotent and/or all-knowing the gods are in a particular setting.)

[@TBoring]

And this is when Vax starts taking Paladin levels and making Matt’s job 10x harder. “Okay so that’s an automatic crit because they’re surprised and you’re an Assassin. What’s that? You’re Divine Smiting as well? Okay well…it’s dead.” Also, while Zahra isn’t using a spell, there is a spell that allows you to summon a Beholder like creature. It’s called Summon Aberration and it’s so much fun (honestly all the summon spells from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything are really fun to use).

[@elbruces]

Totally agree, TCoE completely fixed summoning spells.

[@Rated314]

Matt's initial plan, he assumed that Vex would don the armor and be the Matron's champion... but Vex died, oops.

[@howlingnerdwolf6971]

@@Rated314 That's ... not something I've ever heard of before. Can you tell me your source for that? While it would've technically fit her or Vax or even others (compared to other, more specific vestiges I mean), I'm only aware of the back-then pretty popular theory that Matt intended the Deathwalker's Ward for Percy, who was at the time the designated person with a whole lotta bird symbolism, including a raven skull he received as a gift, before everything at the sunken tomb happened...well, happened. So I'd really love to know more about Matt's plans there.

[@Rated314]

I smooshed apparently. The campaign wrap up... Matt spoke at 1.27.00 and 1.47.00 of how much of that was made up based on Vax's RP. The Deathwalker's Ward was designed to be a little more Swiss army knife, (like Cabal's Ruin) so that it would benefit anyone, no matter which one decided to take it. I forget the secondary source, maybe I just filled it in, in my own head... that between the wings, and the poke ball, it was tailored to give Laura what she wanted. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5rXYpiuq8R5j6M

[@howlingnerdwolf6971]

@@Rated314 Thanks for the detailed answer! Much appreciated!!

[@Callimachus33]

That monster was a Definitely-Not-A-Beholder-For-Legal-Reasons.

[@Dracobyte]

Legally distinct abomination.

[@Wouldyoukindly4545]

Crossed with a roper maybe?

[@reedgordon5388]

It's the classic D&D monster: legally Distinct Beholder.

[@Reignweaver013]

Since critical role cant use the beholder because trademarks, i think they handled making a similar but unique creature that has similar abilities and still holds great steaks. also that reverb sound is terrifying. the sound design is masterful.

[@katyneuman4476]

The look she got when you said I have my own keyleth, healed a chunk of my heart 😭

[@tedlitschauer9061]

I noticed that too and now I need my own own Keyleth… tho I did have this total crush on Pike 🤷‍♂️

[@tithannisk7470]

Those voice actors started to play D&D (well they started by playing Pathfinder) together as a gift for Liam O'brien's birthday. He wanted to relive the experience of TTRPG like when he played in high school, and he asked Matt Mercer (who had been trying to convince him to play again) to DM a session for his birthday. It also happens that him (Liam) and Laura Bailey were born on the same day (not the same year), so they had the idea to create a couple of twins and I think the names Vex and Vax were just to mess up with Matt Mercer. Throughout all campaign 1, Matt and the other players frequently confuse the names :D They even had T-shirts saying "I'm Vax ====> That's Vex"

[@Agent719]

To be fair, "Vex" and "Vax" may be easy to mix up, but remembering their full names, "Vex'halia" and "Vax'ildan" makes it a lot easier I've found. P.S. - At the start of the Mighty Nein campaign, he had two entirely different characters with very similar names, that, I think Laura eventually said, "This is revenge for Vex and Vax isn't?!" and he was like, "now it's your turn."

[@josh___something]

​@@Agent719 That's how I keep track too. It really helps because both names sound awkward if you transpose the start. (Vex'ildan, and especially Vax'ahlia)

[@wyverntark]

The thing that helped me figure out the Vax and Vex of it all was to use their full names. It was easier to remember which was "Vax'ildan" and which was "Vex'ahlia" at the start than keeping the shorter version straight. I'm surprised they haven't made a bigger deal of it yet, and maybe they'll clarify later in the season (so maybe spoilers?) but the Matron of Ravens controls the domains of death AND fate. I actually find thinking about the idea of fate in this story is really interesting. Because the source material is a free form shared narrative improve experience with added randomness from rolls of a die (jokes about CR being scripted aside) any kind of "fate" narrative has to be constructed backwards. Matt and the players can set intentions and have above the table talks about where they might like the story to go, but depending on how in depth the conversations are, there's an incredible amount of chance and chaotic energy that can throw plans completely off track. Vex dying in the campaign is actually one of these events! Meanwhile, in the show, which is (actually) scripted, and can plan "fated" stories ahead and seed ideas earlier in the narrative than they might have come up on stream (Nerdy is right, that is the Matron that Vax was seeing in eps 1 and 2) this story of "fate and destiny" draws it's most basic elements from that source material that has chaotic, reverse engineered storytelling. The magic trick of the good actual play shows is hiding the seams of the backwards reasoning that's done to make the story coherent. But the thing that absolutely floors me is the number of times I've seen the story dictated absolutely perfectly by a roll of the dice. And if that's not some version of fate, I don't know what is. I'm not saying I believe. I really don't. But maybe I want to believe . . . at least while playing D&D.

[@elbruces]

A great example of what you're talking about is in the intro sequence - we see a raven, and then those golden threads of fate drawing the group together. And that's been in there since the beginning of season 1! And I agree, thinking of them as Vax'ildan and Vex'ahlia is the only quick way to keep them straight. The problem with all the mnemonic suggestions is they take a second or two to think about, by which time the conversation has moved on.

[@ChevaliersEmeraude]

My trick to remember which is which for Vax and Vex; when they did the cosplay intro for their campaign, I noticed that they went by alphabetical order of their characters. And Liam shows up before Laura, so he's the one with the character who'd come first alphabetically, which is Vax! Although at this point I'm just used to it anyway! :)

[@clownzzz4837]

vEx is fEmale. vAx is mAle.

[@randykittelson2456]

@@clownzzz4837 I also use vEx(Eve) vAx(Adam)

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Yes, but dice are not random. They're chancy and gambly but not do random? There are parameters and fiat and DM discretion. Well, who's to say dice aren't fated, at least in this universe?

[@thehikingviking2049]

to quote season one: "Vox Machina. You see, it's actually quite a clever play on words--" "We don't care."

[@TBoring]

10:12 Well Kash was Ron Stoppable in another life so he can’t help if he’s got a thing for strong redheads.

[@neintales1224]

Vax had indeed seen the Matron amidst the death of Emon and in the holy city with an entire ward dedicated to her.

[@CritterPaladin]

Matt didn't name Vex or Vax (he got confused too) - I don't even think he named Vox Machina (formerly known as the Super High Intensity Team aka the S.H.I.T.s)

[@rendalconstantineau1680]

Actually, if you watch closely, there are ravens connected with the figure he was seeing before, Queen of Ravens, Matron of Ravens, that's the same person. The temple he was looking at in the distance in Vassalheim and saw the figure, that was the Temple of the Raven Queen there, so yes, same figure. And you may have noticed the raven that is in the intro...also a reference to the Raven Queen.

[@kristofferjohansson8663]

Fun fact: While resurection in 5e DnD is pretty easy, Matt disagreed. In these games there's a whole ritual to coax the soul back instead of "I cast a third level Revivify". Which meant that spell slots or no, there was no known safety if people went down for real. It made things tense gamewise, and also meant that having character connections had an impact on the game.

[@zippomage]

while I love crit role, and matt mercer, I hate that rule. I would never play in a game where the spell might simply not work and still consume my 500 gold piece rare resource. fuuuuuuck all that noise.

[@Gabe600]

@@zippomage It's ok If you want to play D&D on easy mode without having to worry about dying because that's exactly what you're saying

[@josh___something]

​@@Gabe600 Let players play how they want, bud. While I personally like the house rule, and the uncertainty of the spell, not everyone wants to play TRPGs for maximum grit. It's a game ffs, if people wanna have fun being badass heroes without the threat of permadeath, let them.

[@wrenwaterhouse7994]

Heya, love the video! Vox Machina is basically voice machine, you're right. It's a play on the fact that all the players (and Matt of course) are voice actors. At one point before the stream, the group was actually known as the Super High Intensity Team, mostly for the acronym. As you can imagine, they dropped that one for the slightly more poetic "Vox Machina" by the time the stream started.

[@Nic_S.]

Sam Riegel threatened to call his new character Vix if Scanlan dies.

[@halgari]

These episodes are so packed with content that it's a good idea to do one reaction per episode.

[@falcon4196]

That creature was a LeDFAB. Legally distinct from a Beholder.

[@jackfrost7543]

That creature is the Legally Distinct Beholder Beast. And Warlock summons are only *kinda* under control, even in game lol.

[@MasterZeus94]

"Take me instead, you Raven Bitch!" The Raven Queen: "We've got a deal!"

[@Cordelia53]

In response to your questions, yes that was the Raven Queen that Vax had been seeing, and no, he cannot remove the armor at all. And I love the fact that you and other reactors call it the pokeball, because they called it a pokeball as well during the campaign. And those were the Betrayer gods in front of Vax, and did you notice the Everlight and another regular god behind him? Loved the reaction guys!!

[@t3hsilarn]

I gotta imagine them making the "PokeBall" energy red was an intentional choice. Vex even kinda makes a Pokemon trainer pose.

[@yiklongtay6029]

They weren't betrayerd. The sun for a head clearly represents the Dawn Father. The three eyed woman is likely the Knowing Mistress. And because there was a famed battle with those two gods, the last on is likely their Betrayer opponent the Chained Oblivion. But the multi arm imagery could also suggest the Crawling King

[@Cordelia53]

@@yiklongtay6029 Thank you for explaining that...I thought they were the betrayers.

[@XenoCobra]

The creature they fought was originally a beholder in the stream but they changed it obviously since it was linked to WoTC, so we got a new thing!

[@CoL_Drake]

just now we got info wizards makes the ogl into ccl, and it will include beholders for the first time, and as ccl is unrevokable and unlicencable, beholders will be free to use for everyone :)

[@elbruces]

@@CoL_Drake I hadn't heard any mention of beholders in that news, just that they were giving the SRD to Creative Commons.

[@Rated314]

And just to spice up the conversation... that's how easy it is to get around the abandoned, proposed changes to the OGL. *grabs popcorn*

[@hawkname1234]

@@CoL_Drake You should check your facts

[@Vamirez]

So the monster seems to be a roper, but on steroids. The roper does shoot strands kinda like that, and if you cut them, it can just shoot new ones, also kinda like that. But the normal roper "only" drains strength with the strands, and then pulls you in to eat you ;)

[@jesterstyr4584]

The twins got their names from their players, Liam O'Brian(Vax) and Laura Bailey(Vex). I remember Matt getting tongue tied, too. As for the group's name, Vox Machina, it's what the cast changed it to when they started streaming the campaign(iirc they were the Super High Intensity Team before). But you are right, Vox Machina can be literally translated as "voice machine" and more loosly as "voice box". The Critical Role Crew is made up entirely of Voice Actors, so the group name is kind of a meta-joke.

[@cryofpaine]

The great thing about the Chroma Conclave arc is it gives everyone a chance to shine. Based on the episode titles and what we saw in the trailer, there are story beats for everyone to explore some of their personal arcs. We started to see some of Grog's in the 2nd episode, with Earthbreaker Groon, and a bit more of Percy's with the hints about Ripley. So it's not going to just be the Vex and Vax show like it was the Percy show in season one. Yes, the figure he saw in the first two episodes (on the steps of the palace, and just after leaving the council chambers in Vasselheim) is that goddess. The Matron of Ravens - goddess of death. The thing they fight after is something they made up for the series. It's kind of a beholder, but not, since they can't use beholders (or any other specific D&D creatures). Sam has done theater since he was a kid - he was the kid in Les Miserables in one of the major tours. So yeah, he's got a lot of voice training. And the funny thing is, Matt has nothing to do with Vex/Vax/Vox. Liam and Laura picked their names (and he CONSTANTLY got them confused, as did we all). And I think Percy (Taliesin) came up with Vox Machina (which yes, is "voice of the machine", no idea why).

[@supremeio5930]

I always assumed they named themselves Vox Machina because they are all voice actors.

[@nox_tech_]

vox is because they're voice actors, and machina because technology - to reference that their game is streamed online.

[@TenebrousFilms]

The monster is based on a beholder, which is trademarked, so they had to tweak it; regardless, you don't want to eat anything from the Far Realm. Vax had Boots of Haste long before this, but it looks like they bundled its effects with the armour for the animated version. The amulet was originally Purvan's, and contained his wolf companion; it ended up guarding the forests surrounding Whitestone. It's pronounced west-run.

[@ShadowyFox_86]

Vax was seeing the Matron of Ravens prior to this in episodes 1 & 2. She is the goddess of death and fate, so she's had her eye on him for who knows how long. Vax was never meant to beat the champion. Just like death, he had to accept it. That's when he earner the right to be the champion. And oh no...the currently ruined Westrun.

[@kriddius]

"We know we're getting a season 3" Ladies and gentlemen, we are in fact getting a season 5

[@RDehuvyne]

As well as campaign 2 as its own show and a rumored movie deal (exu:calamity?)

[@PrinceIMC]

@@RDehuvyne I could see them doing 5 seasons of the regular campaign and do the one shots after the campaign as movies as well

[@nothefabio]

Vox Machina indeed means "voice machine", because the Critical Role players are all voice actors/actresses.

[@alexdundas-taylor3420]

The sense of this comes from the fact that in Shakespearean times, actors were known as “mechanicals” (see A Midsummer Night’s Dream). The name literally means “voice actors”.

[@djcowell91]

Yes, Vox Machina is "voice machine." Percy started to explain it in episode 1 but was cut off. From the Critical Role stream, it's because they're all voice actors. How it translates to in the game world, I wish they would have let Percy talk! 🙂

[@francisforgues8464]

They add the speed of his boots of haste in the armor to make it better

[@PristineTX]

You'll find out why the Matron of Ravens has been especially interested in Vax from the beginning, later. He's unique.

[@joejoeington6899]

Shhh

[@zacharyshannon9007]

And the reason why she chose him to be her new paladin.

[@imperiumgrim4717]

@@joejoeington6899 I wanna know bruh

[@Moricant]

The names Vex and Vax came well before Vox Machina - before they started streaming their games the party name was The Super High Intensity Team IIRC.

[@MagxNolia]

Ah yes the SHIT

[@btgardener39]

The PC party was known as The SHIT? LOL. 😆

[@Stefan-xt5sk]

Ah yes, the shits xD

[@elbruces]

I like "Squidclops." I think that's what it should be called now.

[@brewdaly1873]

14:49 me too buddy, me too. The redhead part, still haven't found my Keyleth lol

[@oldladywinchester]

They're Voice Actors, so they are the voice machine

[@curtisd5864]

Bidet! I used to have to emphasize the vowels to keep track of the names (mAle is Vax, fEmale is Vex, grOup is Vox)… dumb but it worked for me lol Vox Machina as the group name was a joke about them all being voice actors, so yeah you got the Latin! Love your reactions- fun mix of knowing the mechanics enough to connect the show/game & really insightful on storytelling elements. Looking forward to the rest of the show ramping up even more!

[@PearseNation]

They are fighting a copyright safe Beholder with tentacles instead of eye stalks.

[@billberndtson]

11:45 I've heard of Sportsball, I think. Is that the one where you get points? 🤪

[@asherwhite817]

You need to blame Taelisin, Liam, and Laura for Vox, Vax, and Vex each one named them.

[@TimeturnerJ]

"Vox Machina" means "voice from the machine", so your translation was close! They chose that group name when they started streaming their game (it was something a whole lot less professional before that, haha), and it's a reference to them all being voice actors... Voice actors who are streaming their game to the devices of countless different people around the world. In other words, the cast themselves are the "voice from the machine". ;) Yeah, the group name is a fancy meta joke.

[@corumhayes8178]

I laughed at the Patrick Mahomes joke. You're not the only football fan who watches Vox Machina

[@Reblwitoutacause]

16:16 This man - if only for a moment - has the knee-jerk instinctual reaction to put his hand, arm, HIMSELF, in front of his woman, when danger pops up ( in the disgusting weird form of some necromantic shit bag ) Well done sir. You deserve to be kept and respected, immensely.

[@Sarsenwood]

What I love is that, while it's a fakeout death, it still carries enormous narrative weight. This is how you do a fakeout death right.

[@theunfamousone2818]

the creature is a beholder stand in because they couldn't actually use a beholder

[@WaywardVet]

So many things to comment on, but I got derailed at "I was in the bathtub watching critical roll", and I'm now in that military mindset of walking in on your lower enlisted doing something weird and you just make sure it's not illegal, shut the door, and walk off pretending you never saw/heard that.

[@xilliaz]

The eye creature in this episode is a place holder for a monster they fought down here called a Beholder or Eye Tyrant. Since till about a week ago Wizards of the Coast owned the rights to the Beholder so I'm pretty sure this is a nice little Easter egg for that.

[@stingerjohnny9951]

“Is that the thing he’s been seeing?” “No I don’t think so” *looks exactly like the thing he’s been seeing complete with the Raven calls as background.*

[@aaronbourque5494]

The Deathwalker's Ward in the series is a combination of the stream's Deathwalker's Ward and the homebrewed boots of haste from the stream. If Vex gained any levels, it was in Paladin. In fifth edition D&D a Rogue (especially Assassin Rogue) and Paladin multiclass is capable of delivering STUPID amounts of damage.

[@PrinceIMC]

“How many levels did he get?” Technically this is when he took a level in Paladin.

[@cryofpaine]

Vax'ildan and Vex'ahlia. I remembered them by "Dan" - "A" and "Leah" - "E".

[@PrinceIMC]

Or Vax and Vex, Adam and Eve, Boy A and Girl E

[@cryofpaine]

@@PrinceIMC That works too. :)

[@LordGrokken]

I could totally see you two doing Vax and Kiki. Vox Machina is Voice in the Machine (because they were all voice actors.)

[@jrm48220]

Vox Machina means "voice from the machine," because they're all voice actors; which is the Joke Percy alluded to the first episode of season 1. However, that was not always the party's name. Before the stream started, they were known as the Super High Intensity Team, the SHITs.

[@davidbergfors6820]

8:09 in the Campaign it was a baby beholder, but since beholders were a copyright nightmare, this is something different. 14:00 Most. Epic. Shot. EVER. Initiative roll: 3. but hey! My Elven Fighter has a +4 to initiative, so 7!

[@shawnloging]

Vox machina keeps elevating the action and storytelling. I'm incredibly impressed with this season

[@Rated314]

I love how everyone, myself included, thought the papa bear was Trinket.... only to break our fucking hearts. And then... a Trinket!

[@clownzzz4837]

There's a clip from the campaign where Vex dies that is worth checking out. And also, the amount of dice rolling and roleplaying that went into that resurrection is also worth checking out. One of many great Mercer moments.

[@arlyssstewart3040]

Vax stealing grogs belt as a prank is so in character. A+ cosplay idea. Might steal it

[@jonathaneverson3673]

In the game, Vax had a Magic item called the Boots of Speed, they let him cast Haste on himself once per day. They combined those boots into the Vestige for the show.

[@Sarsenwood]

"Yeah, let's just resurrect someone who died robbing the queen of death's tomb/temple, whist still in that tomb/temple." "What do you mean it's not working?!"

[@MrJohndish]

Vox Machina means voice machine as they are all voice actors. Percy in S1E1 mention it is a clever play on words.

[@RenegadeGamerr]

So yea you were spot on with your translation of "Vox Machina" which is Voice Machine, which is a reference to the fact that all of the players are voice actors.

[@dehro]

Trinket, like most animal companions to beastmaster rangers, did not level up with the rest of the party, so he became a liability... hence why the locket is instrumental to keeping trinket alive (and not letting him stay outside all the time) the vestiges are progressive in nature.. their powers unlock on special occasions/when the wearer who is attuned to them does something special...and they get progressively more powerful

[@andrewrawlings5220]

In CR lore Vex found and rescued Trinket by herself and then told her brother "you have the trinkets you've stolen and now I have mine".

[@stewartlaird4571]

The flashback explaining how Vex found Trinket was somewhat darker in the actual campaign. As Laura told it, Vex was abducted, assumed to be sold off. Vax wasn't there to help so she had to rescue herself. She killed her way out with the help of a wounded bear (Trinket's mother). The whole ordeal for deeply traumatic for Vex. She never told anyone what had happened, not even Vax. It wasn't until they were all grown up before she was comfortable telling the story.

[@bcn1gh7h4wk]

I feel like that monster needed an introduction..... like, Zahra announcing "BEHOLD!..... *_ER!"_*

[@jameshaygreen7179]

My understand for Vex and Vax was when they started the show, it was a One-Shot birthday present for Liam O'Brian. Liam (Vax) and Laura (Vex), share a Birthday, so they decided, spur of the moment, to create their characters for the one-shot as twins. =) They choose these names, not Matt... and they choose them PRECISELY so Matt would keep getting it wrong, just like you (And we all do), so they could tease him! =)

[@JoshTheValiant]

"Vex Vax and Vox... I blame you, Matt Mercer." Hilariously, Matt had nothing to do with any of those names! :D Poor Matt!

[@benjaminhondorp8593]

The creature in this episode seems to be a variation on a beholder. They fought one in this tomb in the campaign, but since Beholders are D&D IP they changed the creature

[@ExarKun922]

Vox Machina - "Voice IN the Machine". Because they are all Voice Actors IRL.

[@golanperez6337]

In the campaign, it was a beholder that was attacking them

[@andrewrawlings5220]

The monster is more a 'Beholder altered enough to avoid copyright' than any actual D&D monster.

[@billberndtson]

06:25 Is it? Rather, SHOULD it be? We'll find out in a few. 🙂

[@mimictavern9593]

i think vox machina is a rough translation of voice machine, bc all the players are voice actors (but i could be wrong dont quote me on that)

[@mayaenglish5424]

0:58 She did indeed roll like shit, a nat 1 to be precise lol

[@elinahamalainen5867]

Was that Purvan's death and old house at the end?

[@rmoenmjea]

I don`t have amazon prime but it feels like I`ll have to get it, only to watch this. I remember all of this from Campaign 1 and it.was.brutal. That Beholder-Fight seemed impossible while they were playing.

[@eadricstorm9874]

Vox machina is voice of the machine... they are voice actors, literally a voice coming from a machine.

[@therockontheshelf]

The monster they fought was a beholder, but for legal reasons they had to change how it looked in the show. Also Vax had some rly nice boots of haste for most of the game, I love the way they worked it into the animations once he got the vestige.

[@zacharyshannon9007]

Vax is now the new champion of the Matron of Ravens.

[@Shugoshin9720]

I feel like that pervon flashback was at the request of mercer to make up for his npc naming. Mercer also hates the twins names, but he had nothing to do with those. That was Laura Bailey and Liam O'Brien being asses.

[@StarvingArtist600]

the squid monster is a stand in for a Beholder. They had to change it because the Beholder is trademarked by Wizards of the Coast. The original team was called Super High Intensity Team. When the decided to stream the game, they thought it might be a good idea to not call themselves the SHITs. The chose Vox Machina as an inside joke. They liked the idea of a team of voice actors using the name "Voice Machine".

[@nicolasflesler4467]

and now we know NOT to mess with a god's champion, inside that same god's temple xD

[@nextgame4059]

The monster was supposed to be a Beholder and the whole episode is a bit different in play. But they didnt want to pay royalties to Hasbro so they had to change a lot of aspects of it. (it came out great)

[@TheRubberDuck77]

easy way to remember which is which with Vex and Vax, a critter told me. Just remember Adam and Eve, Vex and the sister with the E like Eve, and Vax is the brother with A like Adam =)

[@edwinvanooijen7749]

That was some good foreshadowing at the end with the Cabin. SPOILERS!!!!!!! for the campaign and future episodes/seasons of Legen of Vox Machina The couple in the cabin are Sylas and Delilah, The Raven Queen unable to grab them hints at their return. And the corpse that Vax sees, hints at his own eventual fate.

[@PrinceIMC]

He did t really look like Sylas though, are you sure?

[@edwinvanooijen7749]

@@PrinceIMC At this point it is a guess, but keep in mind that the Raven Queen/Matron of Ravens never got the soul of that man (or at least we didn't see it). And the only man who escaped her was Sylas with the help of Daililah.

[@PrinceIMC]

@@edwinvanooijen7749 I just assumed that when Vex is around places where people have died he can see the moment or death.

[@jasonfarley9025]

Love watching your reactions to these. And, obviously, the hungry algorithm is The Lady of Ravens

[@hawkthorn33]

So let's cover this. deus ex machina was a plot device used to bring in Gods to resolve an unwinnable situation. (that dates back to ancient Greek plays.) That a player would be "flying" via a machine. Typically a crane or tower. It generally became known as machine of the gods. Seeing as they are all voice actors, the group went with "Voice of the Gods"

[@PatheticApathetic]

Ah, the ol’ legally distinct Beholder

[@Becky31389]

The being Vax was seeing the first two episodes is in fact the Matron of Ravens. Goddess of Death and Fate as others have said. Vox Machina = Voice Machine. Play on words as they're all voice actors. When they were doing their home game they called themselves the S.H.I.T.S. but that wouldn't do well for a live stream so they came up with Vox Machina instead. It was a constant struggle for Matt as he made the mistake between them often and it was always so funny. Laura and Liam often wore shits that said 'I'm Vex, He's Vax' and 'I'm Vax, She's Vex' respectively. It's why that little joke was thrown into the original intro by Scanlan as to who they were in S1 E1. Liam and Laura came up with their character names though, not Matt lol. Btw - you guys would make an awesome cosplay Kash and Zahra as well as Vax and Keyleth!!

[@turbonerdo6838]

"Vox Machina" roughly translates to "voice machine". It's a meta level pun, because the group is made up of voice actors. Before the stream, the group were called the S.H.I.T's (Super High Intensity Team)

[@btgardener39]

Intriguingly, the episodes ahead seem to focus on individual characters rather than making the whole season about a single character. There's a lot more delving into backstory! (And yes, those names will continue to... heh... Vex you. ;) )

[@mawindy52]

Love the Mahomes joke coming from someone who loves football and dnd.

[@Yaboi-if8bw]

XD 14:21 look at Key'lath!! She's so thirsty!!!

[@JustGrowingUp84]

Those tentacles DO look yummy! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thought of that, lol!

[@NightSterling]

So there is a lot of difference in terms of what happened here vs the campaign. Zara didn't summon the monster it was just there and Zara and Kash were on more friendly terms with the group because they've teamed up before in the campaign prior to this encounter. Vax didn't solo the boss monster in the campaign and the whole vex dying and getting the vestige happened after the fight. Also yes the Raven queen is the thing he saw in episode 1.

[@soccertl]

Yes, since they are all voice actors they the the Vox Machina.

[@TheRhodsey17]

Vox Machina = Voice machine. They're all voice actors. They actually had to change their group name when they started streaming. their original name for the home game they thought might be a bit too silly. It was Super High Intensity Team. also known as "The SHITS".

[@carlhengen7741]

"Vex, Vax, and Vox? Not cool, Matt Mercer. I solely blame you." Ironically, Matt had nothing to do with the character names, and it tripped HIM up in-game more than anyone.