With the realm’s band of champions instantly (and gruesomely) killed off – and Pike’s suggestion of maybe trying to do some good this time – it appears that the mercenaries are Tal’Dorei council’s last hope. The long-held ‘chosen one’ narrative trope is thrown out the window, as we’re introduced to the gang as mercenaries and anti-heroes who rely on killing goblins and (occasionally) thieving for gold. However, following a shockingly gory tavern brawl and a hilarious sexual romp, it’s clear to see the protagonists aren’t your typical collection of fantasy heroes. The misfit group includes gnome cleric Pike Trickfoot (Ashley Johnson) barbarian Grog Strongjaw (Travis Willingham) the twins, half-elf rogue Vax’ildan “Vax” Vessar (Liam O’Brien) and half-elf ranger Vex’ahlia “Vex” Vessar (Laura Bailey) gunslinger Percival “Percy” Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III (Taliesin Jaffe) bard Scanlan Shorthalt (Sam Riegel) and the half-elf druid Keyleth (Marisha Ray).
#Vox machina the search for grog series#
The series revolves around the adventures of the titular rag-tag band of misfits in the Kingdom of Exandria. Thanks to the Critical Role team – along with celebrity fans including Joe Manganiello, Deborah Ann Woll, and Jack Black – the role-playing game is now perceived as much more inclusive and accessible, making this the perfect time for The Legend of Vox Machina to make an impact. Likewise, Dungeons & Dragons has also enjoyed a resurgence recently, driven in part by its inclusion in Stranger Things with geeky kids playing make-believe in their basements. Following the wild, unprecedented success of HBO series Game of Thrones, many streamers are now looking for the next hit fantasy series, marking a shift in the overall preconception and audience base for the genre. That is to say, it was niche and, at best, had cult appeal. It’s fair to say that fantasy used to hold certain ‘nerdy’ connotations prior to becoming mainstream in pop culture.
It’s certainly a long way from the animated Dungeons & Dragons kids’ series from the 1980s, despite both being laced with humour. Much like Robert Kirkman’s adult animated superhero series Invincible, Matt Mercer and the CR crew gleefully defy and subvert fantasy expectations for a wholly original and, yes, fresh take on the genre. Prime Video’s highly anticipated adult animated series The Legend of Vox Machina, based on Critical Role’s hugely successful first Dungeons & Dragons campaign, is set to change the way we view fantasy and animated projects.
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