Into the Greyspine Mines | Critical Role: VOX MACHINA | Episode 2

Geek & Sundry・2 minutes read

Voice actors play Dungeons and Dragons with characters like Grog, Keyleth, Percy, and Vax, embarking on missions, facing foes, and strategizing to overcome challenges in a fantasy world full of magic and adventure. As the party explores dungeons, battles creatures, and delves into mysteries, they share camaraderie, humor, and bonds while engaging in epic quests and encounters.

Insights

Critical Role features voice actors playing Dungeons and Dragons, combining storytelling and role-playing.
Character backgrounds include Grog's banishment for sparing a gnome, Percy seeking vengeance, and Scanlan supporting allies.
The party embarks on a mission in Kraghammer to find Lady Kima, facing goblins and a hydra-like creature.
The group receives a contract from Lord Greyspine to investigate the mine's creatures, promising a substantial reward.
Intriguing elements like deceased persons, magical items, and dragon parts add depth to the story.
Combat encounters showcase strategy and teamwork, with characters using spells, attacks, and healing to overcome foes.
The narrative unfolds with mysteries, traps, and unexpected challenges, keeping the group engaged in their quest.

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Recent questions

What is Critical Role?
A show where voice actors play Dungeons and Dragons.
Who is Grog Strongjaw?
A towering goliath barbarian who loves combat, women, and ale.
Who is Keyleth?
A half-elven druid from the Ashari tribe.
Who is Percy?
A noble seeking vengeance against the Briarwoods.
What is the party's mission in Kraghammer?
To find missing halfling paladin Lady Kima of Vord and investigate the source of creatures in the mines.

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Summary

00:00

"Voice actors play D&D in Critical Role"

Critical Role is a show where voice actors play Dungeons and Dragons.
Grog Strongjaw, a towering goliath barbarian, loves combat, women, and ale.
Grog was banished from his family for sparing a gnome's life, saved by a gnome cleric named Pike.
Keyleth, a half-elven druid, is from the Ashari tribe and must complete the Aramente to become headmaster.
Percy, from a noble family, seeks vengeance against the Briarwoods who took over his castle.
Scanlan Shorthalt, a gnome bard, seeks love and adventure, supporting his allies in battle.
Tiberius Stormwind, a red dragonborn sorcerer, left Draconia to find lost artifacts.
Vax'ildan, a half-elf rogue, and his twin sister Vex'ahlia seek fortune in Tal'Dorei after their home is destroyed.
Vex'ahlia, a half-elf ranger, relies on her twin brother and bear companion for support.
The show encourages donations to 826 LA, a charity helping kids with writing skills.

13:21

Rescuing Lady Kima: Greyspine Mines Adventure

The party, hired by Arcanist Allura Vysoren, heads to Kraghammer to find missing halfling paladin Lady Kima of Vord, drawn by dark evil beneath the town.
Arriving in Kraghammer, the party encounters shenanigans, makes friends, and enemies, and eventually reaches the Greyspine Mines where Lady Kima disappeared.
Goblins and ogres attack the workers, fleeing from a naga-based hydra-like creature emerging from the mines.
The party defeats the creature, with Scanlan delivering the final blow using a lightning bolt.
Lord Nostoc Greyspine, head of the Greyspine Mines, commends the party for their battle prowess and invites them to his office for a conversation.
Nostoc offers the party a contract to investigate the source of the creatures in the mines, promising a reward of 25,000 gold pieces and additional gold per beast scalp provided.
The party seeks assurances of finding Lady Kima in the mines, with Nostoc confirming she went in without approval and may be there.
Nostoc suggests speaking to foreman Hieris for more information on the creatures in the mines.
The party convinces Nostoc to seal the deal with a drink, sharing ale provided by them.
Nostoc reluctantly agrees to a sip of the ale as a gift, setting the stage for the party to embark on their mission to delve deeper into the mines.

23:29

"Monsters in the Mine: Gnomish Music and Serpent"

A little ditty on the flute is played to accompany sipping, earning an inspiration dice.
A sleight of hand check is made with an added d8 from inspiration, resulting in a 19.
Gnomish music is not appreciated by Matt, leading to a full wineskin and drinks being passed around.
Hieris, the foreman, discusses encountering various monsters in the mine over five to six weeks.
Monsters seen include goblins, slimes, oozes, and a mutated duergar with eyes and mouths all over.
Creatures from the surface have been found in the mine, indicating something is bringing them.
A many-headed serpent was killed by the group, surprising Hieris.
Hieris provides a map of the mines, mentioning closed-off tunnels due to beast incursions.
No specific area is identified as the source of monsters, and no knowledge of creatures with multiple heads stitched on is known.
Security is tight at the mine, with trained carvers making it unlikely for someone to slip in unnoticed.

33:31

Deceased person avenged, group plans adventure.

Matt appreciates the sentiment but acknowledges the deceased person was difficult.
There is a discussion about avenging the deceased person.
The group contemplates whether to avenge the deceased person literally or figuratively.
It is revealed that the deceased person had parents and some relation to the group.
Laura inquires about regaining spells after a rest, learning it requires a long rest.
The group plans to buy potions and take a nap before embarking on a dangerous adventure.
They joke about facing challenges in Dungeons and Dragons.
Hieris offers to drink with the group but is unable to due to work.
The group plans to return to Hieris after their adventure for drinks and dried fruit.
The group decides to visit House Thunderbrand for magical items, with Laura and Tiberius leading the way.

42:29

Encountering Dwarves: Magical House Mystery

The group encounters a house with dwarves around it.
The exterior of the house appears like a lawn with a stone exterior.
The grass is magically growing due to green rocks and a dull red glow.
Keyleth, in squirrel form, is in Laura's pocket.
Grog attempts to walk up to the front door but triggers a trap, getting shocked.
Tiberius tries to dispel the magic on the runestone but fails.
Laura uses a flying carpet to reach the door but hesitates due to potential damage.
Scanlan summons an unseen servant to knock on the door.
The group meets a dwarf who is uninterested in selling magical items.
Tiberius tries to persuade the dwarf for help with an arcane situation but fails.

52:59

"Group prepares for mine expedition with potions"

Travis asks Matt about his dwarf name, leading to a conversation about Keyleth's identity.
Keyleth attempts a Scottish accent, failing to convince the group.
Vax tries to persuade the dwarf about their intentions to help Lord Greyspine.
The group discusses the need for healing potions, climbing gear, and antidotes before entering the mines.
They visit the Value of Valor to purchase healing potions from Tremaine.
Tremaine offers superior healing potions for 1500 gold pieces each.
The group haggles with Tremaine, offering to bring him arcane objects in exchange for discounts.
They agree to return with magical items after their mine expedition.
Keyleth asks Tremaine about his interest in dragon parts.
The group prepares to venture into the mines after purchasing healing potions.

01:03:24

"Dragon Parts and Healing Potions Purchased"

Travis mentions having dragon bits and Matt points to a shelf labeled "Dragon Parts."
Laura expresses amusement at the dragon parts.
Matt clarifies that they have three dragons.
Travis inquires about basilisk eggs.
Liam mentions a troll dick, which is no longer available.
Travis explains the use of the troll dick.
Matt offers to trade gold pieces for wares.
The group purchases healing potions, with greater potions priced at 300 gold each.
They buy nine greater healing potions for a total of 2700 gold.
Laura purchases enchanted sleep arrows for 250 gold each, buying two for a total of 500 gold.

01:12:44

Exploring Kraghammer's Mineshaft Depths

The group heads to the bottom ring of Kraghammer, where miners are cleaning up after a battle the day before.
They are greeted by carvers who step back upon seeing them, following orders from Lord Greyspine.
Trinket the bear accompanies the group.
The group enters the mine, passing dwarves mining and a nearly depleted section of the mine.
They reach a busy area where dwarves are searching for new veins, with signs of creatures breaking through.
Investigating, they find rubble and collapsed ceilings, with dwarven and goblin corpses being removed.
They decide to take an elevator down, operated by two dwarves, to explore further.
The elevator lowers, causing some nervousness among the group, especially Keyleth.
They reach the bottom floor, where they see a minecart leading deeper in and a spiral staircase.
Laura's character attempts to track goblin footprints, while Sam suggests asking the dwarves about the bodies.

01:22:24

Mysterious cavern reveals dwarven mystery and danger.

The ranger inspects the floor and finds signs of struggles, slash marks, and bodies being dragged.
Dwarven tracks lead to a newly opened tunnel, 20 by 15 in size, with rubble and rocks scattered.
The group hears birds and decides to investigate the dangerous tunnel.
Following the tracks, they find dwarven bodies being dragged deeper into the mine, with footprints matching dwarven shapes.
Two bodies are being dragged without footprints, and there is no blood or signs of struggle.
The tunnel leads deep underground, winding and descending for hours with no drafts or wind flows.
The tunnel finally opens into a large cavern with a roaring river pouring out of the rock.
The tracks continue towards the river, and the group decides to stealthily proceed further.
The cavern has a 100-foot-high ceiling, a waterfall, and the tracks lead towards the river.
Keyleth, Grog, and Vax stealthily explore the cavern as the mystery begins to unfold.

01:35:06

Betrayal, Escape, Vengeance: Percy's Journey Begins

During a feast, the Briarwoods seize control of the castle, killing or imprisoning all who oppose them.
Percy wakes up in a dungeon, freed by his sister, and they flee from the Briarwoods' men.
Percy's sister is shot with arrows and falls, while Percy escapes by jumping into a river and floating to freedom.
Percy wakes up on a fishing boat, with little memory of the next two years as he travels south.
Percy dreams of vengeance against his family's destroyers, leading him to design his first gun.
Scanlan Shorthalt, a talented musician and master of disguise, joins Dr. Dranzel's Spectacular Traveling Troupe after being discovered by a half-orc promoter.
Tiberius Stormwind, a red dragonborn, leaves Draconia on a mission to find legendary artifacts after discovering a hidden chamber.
Vax'ildan, along with his twin sister Vex'ahlia, sets out to find their fortune in Tal'Dorei after their mother's death and their home's destruction.
Vex'ahlia, a half-elf, learns to hunt and track in the woods, earning a bear companion named Trinket.
The group, in a cavern, hears faint sounds and sees a light source, with Vex'ahlia and Vax'ildan stealthily moving forward to investigate.

01:47:11

Umber Hulks Attack, Chaos Ensues

Laura and Travis notice two creatures dislodging and hear loud slamming sounds.
The creatures are identified as umber hulks.
Laura's character, Vex, attempts to stealth against a wall.
The creatures attack Percy and Grog, causing damage.
Percy uses a gunslinger's dodge but still takes damage.
Grog is saved from an attack by Scanlan's distraction.
Initiative is rolled for combat.
Vex is affected by a confusion spell and stands still.
Scanlan's counter-charm song fails to have an effect.
Percy successfully hits one of the creatures with an ice shot.

01:56:48

Battle Chaos: Gun Jams, Allies Attacked

Taliesin attempts to shoot but his gun jams, causing a slight explosion inside the barrel.
Keyleth, in bear form, tries to cast a fog cloud but realizes she needs to transform back first.
Keyleth attacks the umber hulk, dealing 25 damage with her claws.
Vax jumps on the umber hulk's back, stabbing it twice in the face for a total of 36 damage.
Grog rages and goes into a frenzied rage, gaining exhaustion but failing a charisma saving throw against the umber hulk's gaze.
Grog attacks the umber hulk but is affected by confusion, attacking his allies instead.
Grog's confusion leads to him attacking Vax, dealing damage to his ally.
The umber hulk retaliates against Keyleth and Grog, dealing slashing damage to both.
Vax continues to attack the umber hulk, dealing additional damage with his daggers.
Grog, still confused, attacks Vax again, causing more chaos in the battle.

02:06:19

Battle with Umber Hulk: Grog's Rage.

Grog rolls an attack and misses Tiberius by inches with a greataxe.
Grog shows signs of anger and foam gathers at his mouth.
Tiberius casts Dispel Magic on Grog to stop his rage.
Tiberius successfully dispels the magical influence on Grog.
Vex averts her gaze and shoots arrows at an umber hulk, dealing 29 damage.
Trinket protects Scanlan while Vex attacks the umber hulk.
Scanlan casts Polymorph on an umber hulk, turning it into a snail.
Scanlan gives inspiration dice to Percy.
Percy clears his gun, sets up for a fire shot, and hits an umber hulk for 17 fire damage.
Keyleth attempts to drag Grog into a nearby creek.

02:15:13

Bear Grappling Success: Strength Check Strategy

Grappling as a bear involves a strength check, with advice to bear hug for success.
The process is clarified as a contest, with the option to transform into a rhinoceros.
Grappling is detailed as a strength check, utilizing the bear's stats for success.
The bear's strength stat is confirmed at five, enhancing the grappling attempt.
A successful natural 20 grapple is celebrated, leading to an underwater attack.
Despite maintaining the grapple, the umber hulk retaliates with slashing attacks.
The bear form is lost due to damage, reverting back to Keyleth in the water.
Vax throws a snail into the waterfall, followed by an unsuccessful attack on the umber hulk.
Grog frenziedly attacks the umber hulk in the water, dealing significant damage.
The umber hulk is defeated by Grog's final blow, emerging victorious from the encounter.

02:24:31

"Double Arrow Attack: 24 Damage Dealt"

Two arrows notched, leading to disadvantage on each attack.
Successful hits with both arrows, dealing a total of 24 points of damage.
Arrows pierce the armor, sinking in six to seven inches, causing the creature to snarl angrily.
Scanlan moves in front of Percy, casting a lightning bolt at the creature, dealing 28 points of damage.
Percy takes two shots, hitting the creature and causing purplish goo to spill from its wounds.
Keyleth casts a call lightning spell, hitting the creature with a bolt and dealing 11 damage.
The creature attacks Scanlan, hitting him three times and causing 38 points of slashing damage.
Vax attacks the creature, dealing 24 damage with the first knife and finishing it off with a critical hit for 11 damage.
The creature collapses on Scanlan, who is healed for 20 points by Keyleth.
Scanlan decides to keep the blood on him as a badge of honor.

02:34:17

Group faces challenges in battle with duergar.

Travis wants to run towards a bright, shiny thing, but Laura suggests taking a short rest to heal up.
Despite Laura's suggestion, Travis insists on running, causing some disagreement among the group.
Grog frenzy rages and starts hacking away at bedding, which leads to a surprise attack with crossbow bolts.
The group encounters duergar and a strange beast resembling an oversized brain with claws.
Liam stealthily prepares to attack the duergar when they move forward.
Tiberius casts Stoneskin on himself while Vex and Scanlan move closer to the action.
Scanlan casts Stinking Cloud, causing the enemies to cough and retch, and he also takes a greater healing potion.
Percy moves to get a better view of the situation, while Keyleth attempts to use Wall of Stone to crush the enemies but is unable to do so.
Keyleth then decides to use Call Lightning to attack the enemies, but she first needs to move closer to them.

02:43:30

Encounter with Dwarves and Brain Creature

The group encounters dwarven creatures with ashy grey skin and white, pupil-less eyes, causing them to vomit and be incapacitated.
A brain creature attacks Grog, causing him excruciating pain and reducing his intelligence to zero, rendering him unconscious.
Tiberius attacks the brain creature with a glacial blast, freezing and shattering it into pieces.
Vex kills one of the dwarves with arrows, while another dwarf mentions going back to their master.
Scanlan attempts to dispel the magic affecting Grog but fails, then gives an inspiration dice to Vax.
Percy shoots and injures a female dwarf, leaving her incapacitated for questioning.
Vex requests to keep one dwarf alive for interrogation.
The group successfully incapacitates the dwarves and the brain creature, with one dwarf remaining for questioning.
The brain creature is killed by Tiberius, while Vex and Percy deal with the dwarves.
The group strategizes on how to proceed with the remaining dwarf for interrogation.

02:52:56

"Survival, strategy, and victory in battle"

A dwarf survived with one hit point after being hit.
Marisha moves to a different position and fires energy at an enemy.
A constitution save is required due to stepping into a stinking cloud.
Marisha deals 22 points of damage with a bolt from the cloud.
The duergar hit by the bolt is severely damaged but not finished off.
Vax attempts to hold an enemy hostage but fails due to the stinking cloud affecting him.
Grog is incapacitated and unable to act.
Vex successfully eliminates an enemy and intimidates another into surrendering.

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