Reviews: The Legend of Vox Machina brings heartbreak and death in Episodes 7-9 of season 3

As a seasoned fan of fantasy adventures, I must say that episode 309 of The Legend of Vox Machina has left me utterly captivated. The intricate plot twists and heart-wrenching moments have made it one of my favorite episodes yet.

In episodes 7, 8, and 9 of Season 3, The Legend of Vox Machina maintains its commitment to offering a mix of suspense, action, emotional depth, and intense battles – characteristics that have made Dungeons & Dragons so captivating for many gamers. The masterminds behind Critical Role and The Legend of Vox Machina are undeniably attracting fresh eyes to the game, which is an exciting development for dedicated players like myself.

Using nicknames adds a layer of familiarity and charm to these characters. For instance, Vax occasionally calls Vex ‘Stubby’, while Kayleah goes by ‘Kiki’. However, to avoid any potential misunderstandings, I’ll use their full names in my writing, but their nicknames certainly make them more endearing.

Let’s get into these next three episodes.

The Legend of Vox Machina Episode 307: “Cloak and Dagger”

In the opening of this episode, we delve into Anna Ripley’s past, revealing the path that transformed her into the antagonist we know today. Her early fascination with tinkering and making things function smoothly started in her childhood. Her family was involved in mining residuum, a rare ore capable of imbuing machinery with magical properties or amplifying arcane magic. This background explains how she gained such extensive knowledge about its integration into her inventions. A pivotal event, the attack by the Cerberus Assembly on Anna’s village, significantly alters the course of her life.

Following the destructive assault by the young dragons, city officials begin devising strategies for recovery while Vox Machina ponders their next steps. Percy deduces that Ripley had informed Thordak about Whitestone’s location and uncovers evidence suggesting she made off with the residuum reserves during the attack. Leaving a trail of breadcrumbs, Percy is determined to pursue this lead.

Upon reaching Nicodranas, Scanlan discovers that he had missed his daughter’s performance as she had departed earlier.

Complicated relationships continue as Percy wants to tell the rest of Vax Machina about his love affair with Vex. She’s hesitant, still believing it will create difficulties…something she regrets later.

The group, Vox Machina, soars towards Glintshore Island, as Percy suspects Ripley is there. Vex carries her broom, Kellyn takes the shape of a colossal eagle for others to hop on, and Vax utilizes the wings bestowed upon him by his deity, the Raven Queen.

Upon arriving, I tread along a treacherous trail laden with traps, determined to face Ripley within her cavernous hideout. A trap unexpectedly springs, filling the air with disorienting gas, causing Percy to be swept away. The remaining group is subjected to harrowing ordeals, each encountering their deepest apprehensions. Yet, amidst the torment, some of these spectral visions unveil hidden truths that we had not previously grasped.

Ripley guides Percy through her workshop, brimming with steam-driven devices modeled on his blueprints and enriched with residue. It’s intriguing that she refers to it as “his” workshop. Furthermore, Ripley reveals a hidden truth: the hourly energy burst generated by the phony armor she swiponed, thinking it was Pike’s vestige, which he now wears. Her inventions are designed to empower Orthax with energy from the souls of those slain by her weapons. Overwhelmed by Orthax’s influence, Ripley aligns herself with him, setting the stage for an exhilarating clash with Percy. Despite his victory over her, Percy extends compassion that she does not deserve.

Meanwhile Pike frees everyone from the gas effects, but without the assistance of The Everlight.

The Legend of Vox Machina Episode 308: “Seige & Silence”

A flashback scene reveals how Percy joined up with Vox Machina when they rescued him from prison.

Upon his return, Scanlan encounters a mournful and sorrowful Whitestone. Vex feels she’s a harbinger of misfortune and thinks herself accountable for the demise of those she cherished deeply, such as her mother.

My favorite quote from this episode is when Kayleah tells a dejected Scanlan, “When all options are terrible, you go with your heart.” As he walks away, she notices a parchment with a song he wrote for his daughter and keeps it.

In spite of the pervasive death, Kaylee and Vax succumb to their desires. However, during the night, the Raven Queen appears to him in a dream.

Raishan shares strategies with Vax for tackling Thordak, also disclosing crucial details about his familial history during their talk. Excited by this revelation, he hurries to inform his sister about it. Meanwhile, Pike picks up on the tune that Scanlan penned and notices her rehearsing it privately.

At Whitestone, a gathering takes place, focused on devising strategies against Thordak. Members of Vox Machina begin reaching out to old acquaintances, aiming to assemble an unconventional force. Vex, in a surprising move, approaches her long-lost father and manages to persuade him to mobilize his troops as well.

A dual strategy has been settled on. Vox Machina will make their way towards Thordak’s lair to eliminate any unhatched eggs, while the army confronts him and his offspring. Meanwhile, Raishan manifests in human form at the council. She provides a secret route for Vox Machina to sneak into the lair through a hidden tunnel. Despite Pike’s ongoing difficulties in activating the vestige armor, she promises to employ it against Thordak.

Under the rallying cry of “For Exandria,” two simultaneous assaults are initiated. Whilst one group confronts Vordak and his offspring, another party – Vox Machina – proceed towards a tunnel that they discover has been closed off. Recognizing that Vordak has abandoned his lair to engage the armies head-on, they brace themselves for an intense, formidable conflict ahead.

Reviews: The Legend of Vox Machina brings heartbreak and death in Episodes 7-9 of season 3

The Legend of Vox Machina Episode 309: “Thordak’s Throne”

Thordak and his offspring wipe out the forces of Whitestone. The group Vox Machina opts for a riskier pathway to Thordak’s lair, with the intention of destroying the eggs of the unhatched dragon. However, Keyleth and Pike choose to rejoin the army by taking a different route. Their objective is to neutralize the crystal in Thordak’s chest that provides him with his power.

Inside their hideout, Vex and Vax manage to draw off the guards stationed at the main entrance, providing an opening for Grog and Scanlan to slip in. Subsequently, they make their way towards Whitestone.

In the heat of the fight, Kash and Zahra charged onto the battlefield, squaring off against Thordak. Ultimately, Kash paid the highest price in this confrontation. A poignant moment ensued as his spirit rose, gazing upon his shattered form below. When the Raven Queen appeared for him, I couldn’t help but feel a chill run down my spine.

In Thordak’s den, Grog and Scanlan decided to destroy the last batch of dragon eggs. Grog hesitated as he saw they were merely babies, but Scanlan persuaded him saying, “Let’s make some breakfast.” With a fierce determination, Grog plunged in. The two combatants fended off the emerging baby dragons while they hatched and crushed those still unhatched. One instance saw all the hatchlings shrieking towards the sky, calling for their parent. He swiftly returned to the lair. Scanlan kept him occupied with chatter as Grog brought the roof crashing down on Thordak. Just managing to get away, they barely dodged the dragon’s fiery breath, but not without sustaining some severe injuries.

As a dedicated fan, I find myself rallying alongside Vox Machina for one final showdown against Thordak within his very lair. I’m left puzzled by the sudden alteration in Thordak’s breath weapon. What was once fiery red and yellow now seems to have transformed into a chilling blue or white, almost like it’s searingly hot.

In a spectacular show of strength, Pike’s protective layer activates, shattering Thordak’s chest gemstone. Yet, it was another force that ultimately led to the downfall of the Fire King.

The final scene carries a powerful theme of optimism and affection, even as uncertainties loom over potential outcomes for certain characters.

2024-10-17 04:41