List of The Legend of Vox Machina characters explained

The Legend of Vox Machina is an adult animated fantasy television series based on campaign one of the web series Critical Role. The series mainly follows the titular Vox Machina, a party of adventurers known primarily for their exploits across the continent of Tal'Dorei.

The cast reprising their roles from the web series are Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, Ashley Johnson, Liam O'Brien, Marisha Ray, Sam Riegel and Travis Willingham. Matthew Mercer, the Dungeon Master of the campaign, also stars as Trinket, Lord Sylas Briarwood, Umbrasyl and voices a number of background characters. Mary Elizabeth McGlynn is voice director for seasons 1 and 2.[1]

The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on January 28, 2022; the second season premiered on January 20, 2023.

Overview

List indicators
  • = Main cast (credited)
  • = Recurring cast (3+ episodes)
  • = Guest cast (1-2 episodes)
    CharacterPortrayed byAppearances[2]
    Season 1Season 2
    Main characters
    Vex'ahlia "Vex" VessarLaura Baileycolspan="2"
    Percival "Percy" Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo IIITaliesin Jaffecolspan="2"
    Pike TrickfootAshley Johnsoncolspan="2"
    TrinketMatthew Mercercolspan="2"
    Vax'ildan "Vax" VessarLiam O'Briencolspan="2"
    Keyleth of the Air AshariMarisha Raycolspan="2"
    Scanlan ShorthaltSam Riegelcolspan="2"
    Grog StrongjawTravis Willinghamcolspan="2"
    Recurring characters
    Lady Kima of VordStephanie Beatrizcolspan="2"
    Sovereign Uriel Tal'DoreiKhary Payton
    Lady Allura VysorenIndira Varmacolspan="2"
    Lord Sylas BriarwoodMatthew Mercer
    Lady Delilah BriarwoodGrey Griffin
    Shaun GilmoreSunil Malhotracolspan="2"
    Kerrion StonefellDarin De Paul
    Head ClericAnjali Bhimani
    Professor AndersStephen Root
    Archibald DesnayDominic Monaghan
    Duke VedmireRory McCann
    Keeper YennenGina Torrescolspan="2"
    Lord de RoloTaliesin Jaffe
    Cassandra de RoloEsmé Creed-Milescolspan="2"
    Dr. Anna RipleyKelly Hucolspan="2"
    ThordakLance Reddick
    UmbrasylMatthew Mercer
    RaishanCree Summer
    Craven EdgeMatthew Mercer
    KashawWill Friedle
    ZahraMary Elizabeth McGlynn
    ZanrorAbubakar Salim
    KevdakRalph Ineson
    KaylieAisling Franciosi
    Guest characters
    Sir Tony Hale
    Palace GuardLogic
    Tavern KeeperMason Alexander Park
    General Krieg / BrimscytheDavid Tennant
    DesmondMax Mittelman
    Jarrett Howarth Eugene Byrdcolspan="2"
    Lady de RoloGrey Griffin
    The EverlightTracie Thoms
    OrthaxMatthew Mercer
    VorugalLiam O'Brien
    Earthbreaker GroonIke Amadi
    Highbearer VordSumalee Montano
    OsysaAlanna Ubach
    VictorMatthew Mercer
    Syldor VessarTroy Baker
    VilyaJanet Varney
    KorrinFred Tatasciore
    CerkonosRobbie Daymond
    KamaljioriTony Plana
    GarmelieBilly Boyd
    Wilhand TrickfootHenry Winkler
    Devana VessarToks Olagundoye
    Velora VessarJayla Lavender Nicholas
    SaundorSendhil Ramamurthy
    ArtaganMatthew Mercer
    Dr. DranzelMatthew Mercer
    Matron of RavensCourtenay Taylor

    Vox Machina

    The characters have been adapted from campaign one of the web series Critical Role.[3] [4]

    Vex'ahlia Vessar

    Vex'ahlia "Vex" Vessar (voiced by Laura Bailey), is a half-elf ranger and the twin sister of Vax'ildan.[5] [6] She studied dragons in the hope of eventually finding the one that killed her and Vax's mother. Vex feels a pain in her head whenever a dragon is close by.[7] [8] She is accompanied by Trinket (voiced by Matthew Mercer; Cheech Marin in Vex's Fey Realm hallucination), an armored bear companion she found as a cub and raised. Vex was treated poorly by her elven father Syldor due to her mixed heritage; Vax pushes her to run away with him following years of mistreatment by Syldor and the twins grow closer after running away. Upon returning to Syngorn as an adult, Syldor continues to dismiss both the twin's accomplishments and their quest for Fenthras, a Vestige of Divergence; Vex "defers to his anger and even chides Vax when he attempts to rebuke him".[9] In an attempt to stand up for Vex, Percy informs Syldor that she is in fact Lady Vex'ahlia, Baroness of the Third House of Whitestone and Grand Mistress of the Gray Hunt which Syldor also dismisses. This prompts Vex to stand up for her friends and herself – "when Syldor smugly rebukes her, she continues. 'We won't fail, which is more than I can say about you as a father.'" After recovering and claiming Fenthras, Vex decides she's not ready to face her father again.

    Percival de Rolo

    Percival "Percy" Fredrickstein Von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III (voiced by Taliesin Jaffe) is a human gunslinger.[10] Percy's family were once the rulers of Whitestone – a city within Tal'Dorei. He barely escaped alive from a coup d'état led by the Briarwoods during which most of his family were killed—an event he was able to attain vengeance for during Season 1.

    Pike Trickfoot

    Pike Trickfoot (voiced by Ashley Johnson) is a gnome cleric of the goddess Everlight.[11]

    Vax'ildan Vessar

    Vax'ildan "Vax" Vessar (voiced by Liam O'Brien) is a half-elf rogue and the twin brother of Vex'ahlia. His and Vex's mother was killed by a dragon before the events of the series.

    Keyleth of the Air Ashari

    Keyleth of the Air Ashari (voiced by Marisha Ray) is a half-elf druid[12] who is currently undergoing her Aramenté – a quest which acts as the Ashari trial of leadership.[13] [14]

    Scanlan Shorthalt

    Scanlan Shorthalt (voiced by Sam Riegel) is a gnome bard known for his music and innuendo. He is not shy about his promiscuity.

    Grog Strongjaw

    Grog Strongjaw (voiced by Travis Willingham) is a goliath barbarian, who is always ready to fight.

    Other characters by fictional location

    Emon

    Emon is the capital of the Kingdom of Tal'Dorei and is located on the continent's western shore.[15] The city is attacked by the dragons of the Chroma Conclave at the end of the first season.[16]

    The Fey Realm

    Syngorn

    Syngorn is a city of elves – it was teleported to the Fey Realm after the Chroma Conclave attacked Emon.

    Vasselheim

    Vasselheim is the capital of the continent of Issylra. It is predominantly a religious city with several districts, each dedicated to a patron deity.

    Westruun

    Whitestone

    Whitestone is an independent city-state located on the continent's northeastern edge. It was ruled by the de Rolo family until a coup d'état led by the Briarwoods; the first season focuses on Vox Machina's fight with the Briarwoods and their reclamation of the city.[27] [28] [29]

    Other characters by fictional organization

    Ashari

    Chroma Conclave

    A group of powerful dragons who have come together to conquer Tal'Dorei; this is unusual as dragons don't normally get along.

    an adult blue dragon, he was also known as the "Iron Storm".

    Slayer's Take

    Temple of the Everlight

    Additional characters

    Reception

    Madison Durham, for Polygon in 2022, wrote that "the characterization of Keyleth in the animated series is entirely consistent with how Ray played her in the show, refined and honed for this new format" and acts as "redemption" for the character. During the first season, Durham comments that the audience "not only to see Keyleth overcome small moments of uncertainty, but are also treated to the visualization of her power — power she wields first as small blooms of flowers or vines, that blossoms into blazing orbs of pure sunlight and towering walls of ice. Members of her own party are forced to acknowledge her prowess". She also highlighted the changes to Keyleth and Vax's romance and called it a "deft move on the part of the writers and animators". Andrea Towers, for TV Insider in 2023, wrote that "the animated series is doing something remarkable: it's opening up Keyleth to an entirely new segment of fans, both new and old, who are falling in love with her endearing nature and struggles with self-confidence and seeing her in an entirely different way than people did a few years ago. The narrative of the show — especially the second season, which is allowing the character to come into her own and take on more responsibility — is proving that the very things that made the character so contentious in the first place are the things that make her one of, if not the most, valuable and relatable character in the adventuring group".[39]

    Brenton Stewart, for CBR in 2022, commented that while many members of Vox Machina fit "classical fantasy tropes," Percy resists "almost any box of a fantasy archetype fans might try to fit him into" which makes him "more unique and interesting each time his backstory unravels". Stewart wrote that "part of The Legend of Vox Machina's fun is that the characters are so diverse, there is something different for everyone and a little something to enjoy in each of them. The show would not be the same if it focused on Percy alone, yet it's hard to make any comparisons where he does not stand out as the most unique character worthy of focus".

    Madison Durham, for Polygon during the show's second season, wrote that "Vex'ahlia is not on the surface someone who is in any way fragile. She is bold, and self-confident, and unremorseful about the things she wants. She can also be prickly and stubborn. Beneath her bravado, though, lurks a very big heart. Big enough to rescue an orphaned bear cub, fierce enough to protect her brother and her friends, and kind enough to welcome a half-sister with open arms". Durham highlighted the adaptation of Vex's conflict with her father and her fight with Saundor. She commented that "the animated series has done an amazing job at allowing all the characters in the show to stand on their own feet — in particular, they've been writing the women of the show beautifully".

    James Grebey, for Vulture in 2023, commented on the character design of the Chroma Conclave – "the stylistic choice to make the dragons computer generated, rather than the more traditional-looking animation of the human characters and backgrounds, sometimes sticks out, but it only makes [the Chroma Conclave's invasion of Emon] sequence even more effective. The Chroma Conclave is not normal. It is out of Vox Machina's league by an unfathomable degree". Grebey highlighted the abilities of each dragon and on Thordak, he wrote "lest you think a normal fire-breathing dragon seems generic after his fellow dragons' unique, gruesome abilities, the series does something new and awe inspiring when the Thordak's fire turns into a brilliant white beam that instantly levels the city".

    Notes and References

    1. News: Hoffer . Christopher . Critical Role: "The Legend of Vox Machina" Taps Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Voice Director . July 4, 2023 . Gaming . July 29, 2021 . en.
    2. Web site: The Legend of Vox Machina (2022) . December 27, 2022 . Behind the Voice Actors.
    3. Web site: Stewart . Brenton . 2022-02-21 . Legend of Vox Machina Proves the Importance of Backstory & Shared Connections . 2022-12-27 . CBR . en-US.
    4. Web site: Roth . Julia . 2022-01-28 . What To Know Before THE LEGEND OF VOX MACHINA Drops . 2022-12-27 . Geek Girl Authority . en-US.
    5. Web site: Razak . Matthew . The Legend of Vox Machina Will Satisfy People Who Have No Idea What Critical Role Is . The Escapist . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220126222059/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-legend-of-vox-machina-review-critical-role-amazon-animated-cartoon/ . January 26, 2022 . January 29, 2022 . January 26, 2022.
    6. Web site: Fitzpatrick . Olivia . 2022-01-31 . 'The Legend of Vox Machina' Cast and Character Guide . 2022-12-29 . Collider . en-US.
    7. Web site: Towers . Andrea . 2022-01-21 . The Legend of Vox Machina Premiere Review – First 3 Episodes . 2022-12-29 . IGN . en.
    8. Web site: Field . James . 2022-02-01 . 'The Legend of Vox Machina' Brings Tabletop Roleplaying to Glorious Life on Prime . 2022-12-29 . Pajiba.
    9. Web site: Durham . Madison . 2023-02-03 . The Legend of Vox Machina made one of Critical Role's biggest moments even better . 2023-02-03 . Polygon . en-US.
    10. Web site: Stewart . Brenton . 2022-02-17 . The Legend of Vox Machina's Percival de Rolo Is the Most Unique Fantasy Hero in Years . 2022-12-27 . CBR . en-US.
    11. Web site: Stewart . Brenton . 2022-03-02 . The Legend of Vox Machina: Who Is The Team's Most Powerful Member? . 2022-12-27 . CBR . en-US.
    12. Web site: Durham . Madison . 2022-02-18 . Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina offers justice for Keyleth . 2022-12-27 . Polygon . en-US.
    13. Web site: 2022-01-28. Legend of Vox Machina: Every Character's Powers & Backstory Explained. 2022-02-20. Screen Rant. en-US.
    14. Web site: Bridges . Ryan . 2022-02-26 . The Legend of Vox Machina: Keyleth's Aramenté Is More Than a Copy of Avatar . 2022-12-27 . CBR . en-US.
    15. Web site: Durham . Madison . 2022-01-13 . Critical Role's Vox Machina animated series is a hit, so go back to where it all started . 2022-12-27 . Polygon . en-US.
    16. Web site: Moreau . Jordan . 2022-12-15 . 'Legend of Vox Machina' Season 2 Trailer: Critical Role's Chroma Conclave Comes to Life . 2022-12-27 . Variety . en-US.
    17. News: Hoffer . Christian . The Legend of Vox Machina Recruits David Tennant, Dominic Monaghan, and More as Guest Stars . January 20, 2022 . ComicBook.com . January 1, 2022 . en.
    18. Web site: Moreau. Jordan. 2022-01-20. Critical Role's 'Legend of Vox Machina' Adds Stephanie Beatriz, David Tennant, Tony Hale and More as Guest Stars. 2022-01-20. Variety. en-US.
    19. Web site: Elvy . Craig . 2022-01-31 . Legend of Vox Machina Does Witcher's Season 1 Dragon Twist Right . 2022-12-28 . Screen Rant . en-US.
    20. Web site: Edwards . Belen . 2022-02-03 . The dragon battle in 'The Legend of Vox Machina' is fantasy perfection . 2022-12-27 . Mashable . en.
    21. Web site: January 28, 2022 . The Legend of Vox Machina Has Already Set Up Its Season 2 Villain . 2022-12-27 . ComicBook.com . en.
    22. Web site: Lerner . Jamie . 2022-01-27 . There's More to General Krieg in 'The Legend of Vox Machina' Than Meets the Eye . 2022-12-27 . Distractify . en-US.
    23. News: Pride Month Spotlight: 'The Legends of Vox Machina' . June 25, 2022 . Nerds & Beyond . June 14, 2022.
    24. Web site: January 20, 2022. The Legend of the Cast of The Legend of Vox Machina. January 20, 2022. YouTube. Critical Role.
    25. Web site: February 2, 2023 . The Legend of Vox Machina Sneak Peek Teases Tense Showdown Between Vax, Vex, and Syldor . February 2, 2023 . . en.
    26. Web site: Grebey . James . 2023-01-20 . The Legend of Vox Machina Season-Premiere Recap: Dragons and a Dungeon . 2023-01-20 . Vulture . en-us.
    27. Web site: Elvy . Craig . 2022-02-21 . The Legend Of Vox Machina Ending Explained & Shocking Season 2 Set-Up . 2022-12-27 . Screen Rant . en-US.
    28. Web site: February 23, 2022 . Mapping the City of Whitestone in Tal'Dorei Reborn . 2022-12-27 . Darrington Press . en-US.
    29. Web site: 2020-09-22 . The Legend Of Vox Machina Unveils New Locations! . 2022-12-27 . That Hashtag Show . en-US.
    30. Web site: July 29, 2021. Critical Role: "The Legend of Vox Machina" Taps Mary Elizabeth McGlynn as Voice Director. 2021-10-08. ComicBook.com. en.
    31. Web site: Lerner . Jamie . 2022-02-04 . Keeper Yennen Is Gender-Swapped in 'The Legend of Vox Machina' and We're Here for It . 2022-12-27 . Distractify . en-US.
    32. Web site: January 4, 2023 . New Details for Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 Revealed, First Look at Beloved Critical Role Characters . January 19, 2023 . . en.
    33. Web site: Vox Machina — Who are the Dragons of the Chroma Conclave? . Sideshow Collectibles . August 25, 2023 . en.
    34. Web site: 2022-02-11 . We Finally Meet the Everlight in 'The Legend of Vox Machina,' and She Is Multi-Talented . 2022-02-14 . Distractify . en-US . Sarenrae is a prime deity in many Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, so to avoid any copyright issues, she has always been referred to as the Everlight in Critical Role..
    35. News: Binette . Arianne . 'Ms. Marvel': Here's Where You Know Anjali Bhimani From . June 25, 2022 . Collider . June 17, 2022.
    36. Web site: Bridges . Ryan . 2022-02-25 . The Legend of Vox Machina: What Is Orthax - and Is the Demon Gone For Good? . 2022-12-27 . CBR . en-US.
    37. Web site: 2022-02-18 . Critical Role Season 1 Finale Recap: Vox Machina Rises to the Occasion . 2022-12-27 . Gizmodo . en.
    38. Web site: Anderson . Julia . 2022-12-07 . The Legend of Vox Machina Casts Henry Winkler, Cheech Marin in Key Season 2 Roles . 2022-12-27 . CBR . en-US.
    39. Web site: Towers . Andrea . January 27, 2023 . Why 'Legend of Vox Machina's Keyleth Is the Flawed Character We Need Right Now . February 3, 2023 . . en-US.