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Arrival at Kraghammer | Critical Role: VOX MACHINA | Episode 1

Geek & Sundry・157 minutes read

Matthew Mercer leads a group of voice actors in a Dungeons & Dragons adventure every Thursday, featuring various characters, interactions, and adventures in the city of Kraghammer. The group explores the city, interacts with guards, meets characters like Balgus and Nostoc, navigates the mines, and engages in combat against goblins and a naga creature, showcasing teamwork and battle strategies.

Insights

Critical Role, led by Matthew Mercer, features nerdy voice actors playing D&D with a focus on fun over rules.
Key characters like Grog Strongjaw, Keyleth, Percy, Scanlan Shorthalt, and Vax'ildan/Vex'ahlia bring diverse backgrounds and personalities to the game.
The party embarks on adventures in Kraghammer, interacting with characters like Balgus and Nostoc Greyspine.
The group explores Kraghammer's underground metropolis, encountering guards, taverns, and various districts.
Matt Mercer ensures the audio is working properly while the party plans their next moves in Kraghammer.
The group splits up to investigate Greyspine Manor and House Thunderbrand, encountering challenges and intriguing characters.
A fierce battle ensues in the mines of Kraghammer against goblins and a naga-like creature, showcasing the party's combat abilities and teamwork.

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Recent questions

What is Critical Role?
A D&D show with voice actors on Twitch.
Who are the key characters in Critical Role?
Grog, Keyleth, Percy, Scanlan, and more.
Where can I watch Critical Role?
Geek & Sundry's Twitch stream or website.
What is the purpose of 826LA?
Tutoring children in creativity and storytelling.
Who are the members of the Critical Role party?
Matthew Mercer, Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, and more.

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Summary

00:00

"Critical Role: Voice actors play D&D"

Matthew Mercer is a voice actor and Dungeon Master for Critical Role on Geek & Sundry, where he leads a group of voice actors through a Dungeons & Dragons adventure every Thursday at 7:00pm Pacific Standard Time on Twitch.
Viewers can watch live on Geek & Sundry's Twitch stream or catch up on past and future episodes on the Geek & Sundry website.
Critical Role is a continuation of a weekly D&D game with nerdy voice actors, featuring dice rolling, creature battles, and adventures.
The game is house-ruled for fun, so number-focused players should relax and enjoy the experience.
Grog Strongjaw, a towering goliath barbarian, is a key character with a love for combat, women, and ale, saved by a gnome cleric named Pike.
Keyleth, a half-elven druid, is a powerful nature protector raised in the Air Tribe of the Ashari people, embarking on a journey called the Aramente.
Percy, born to a noble family, turned to sciences and engineering after his family was attacked by the Briarwoods, leading him to seek vengeance and create his first gun.
Scanlan Shorthalt, a talented bard, loner, and lover, seeks true love while supporting his allies in battle, especially his friend Pike.
Tiberius Stormwind, a red dragonborn sorcerer, left Draconia on a mission to find legendary artifacts after discovering hidden knowledge in an unused chamber.
Vax'ildan and Vex'ahlia, twin siblings, navigate a world where they only have each other, using their skills as a rogue and ranger to survive and seek fortune.

13:38

Critical Role: Kraghammer Adventure Begins

Matt checks on the audio, ensuring everything is working properly.
Ashley Johnson is absent due to accepting a BAFTA in London for "The Last of Us."
Donations will be available for running the show, with half going to the 826 charity.
826LA focuses on tutoring children in creativity, storytelling, and art related to Dungeons & Dragons.
Videos will be available on the Geek & Sundry YouTube Channel, along with a detailed backstory of the party.
The party consists of Matthew Mercer, Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, Liam O'Brien, Taliesin Jaffe, Marisha Ray, Orion Acaba, and Sam Riegel.
The party is in Kraghammer to aid Lady Kima of Vord in investigating an evil brewing beneath the city.
They are directed to the Iron Hearth Tavern for lodging.
The city of Kraghammer is described as an underground metropolis with a central forge and crimson rock lighting.
The party encounters guards who direct them to the Iron Hearth Tavern for lodging.

24:47

"Bustling Central Tavern in Kraghammer"

Central Tavern Inn in Kraghammer is a bustling social hub with music, laughter, and arguments heard from a distance.
The tavern has tables in varying conditions, with a brawling circle in the center that's currently unused.
The ceiling is vaulted for dwarves, making it uncomfortable for taller individuals like Grog.
A generous offer to buy drinks for all dwarves in the tavern is met with surprise and gratitude.
Adra, the head of the tavern, pours multiple steins of ale for the group.
Accommodation is arranged for the group on the second floor, with rooms costing 25 gold pieces per night.
Negotiations lead to a discounted rate of 100 gold for a week's stay in five rooms.
The group is warned to avoid the Carvers, the city guards who maintain law and order.
Information is shared about a halfling woman staying at the Firebrook Inn and the undefeated champion of the tavern, Balgus.
Details about Nostoc Greyspine, a prominent figure in the city, are provided, along with advice on navigating Kraghammer as outsiders.

35:12

"Greyspine Manor Mystery: Balgus Brewery Investigation"

Nostoc is in charge of mines, businesses, and foundries.
Nostoc can be found at Greyspine Manor or at the Greyspine quarry.
Troubles at Greyspine involve goblins and other mysterious entities.
House Thunderbrand is known for arcane arts in Kraghammer.
Dwarves in Kraghammer have varying schedules.
Balgus is a renowned fighter and owns the town's brewery.
Balgus is knowledgeable about the town and the Greyspines.
Balgus is not fond of the Greyspines.
Balgus is the only brewery owner in town.
The group plans to gather information from Balgus and investigate Greyspine Manor discreetly.

45:16

"Business success, ale, and dragon blood"

Matt boasts about his business success and exporting to Tal'Dorei.
Laura praises the ale she's drinking, prompting Matt's agreement.
Marisha notes Matt's lack of challenge in business and fighting.
Orion introduces himself to Matt as Tiberius Stormwind.
Matt recalls fighting a dragonborn named 'Broken and Bloody.'
The group tries to persuade Matt to accompany them to find the Greyspines.
Matt suggests bringing a gift to the Greyspines, offering exotic drinks.
Laura negotiates trading dragon blood for a rare wine from Matt.
The group receives directions to Greyspine Manor from Adra.
Orion decides to head to House Thunderbrand, while the rest plan to visit Greyspine Manor.

55:39

Exploring Kraghammer: Guards, Characters, and Adventures

Travis and Sam express the need for a massage and head to The Stone's Pillow for comfort, paying 30 gold each for the night.
They are introduced to a variety of attractive ladies at the establishment, including dwarves, a gnome, and an elf, with Travis choosing the tallest one and Sam opting for a dwarf.
Travis enjoys his time with the elf, getting manhandled in a memorable way, while Sam's experience with the dwarf is left to the imagination.
Laura and Liam pose as sightseers, exploring the residential district of Kraghammer and attracting the attention of the Carvers, the city guards.
The Carvers caution Laura and Liam about wandering at night in expensive districts, advising them against bringing Trinket, Laura's bear companion, into the city.
Laura and Liam are led to Greyspine Manor by the guards, learning about the wealthy Ironkeeper family and their questionable business practices.
The guards escort Laura and Liam back to the residential district entrance, where Laura and Liam stealthily split off to continue their exploration.
Sam impresses his female dwarf companion with a constitution check, while Laura and Liam successfully stealth away from the guards, with Vax disappearing and Vex slightly less stealthy.
The guards warn Vex about the dangers of the dark and advise against wandering further, emphasizing the risks involved.
The group's escapades in Kraghammer involve interactions with guards, exploration of the city's districts, and encounters with various characters, adding depth to their adventures.

01:06:15

Laura Explores Town with Matt's Help

Laura asks Matt to show her around the town after her friend leaves for the tavern.
Matt agrees to show Laura around despite the other guards being annoyed.
Laura thanks Matt, who mentions informing the boss about the tour.
Liam waves off from an alley he snuck into.
Laura tells Liam to do his own thing as he heads back through the shadows.
Matt helps Laura find House Thunderbrand, which takes two hours due to some people avoiding talking to a dragonborn.
Orion admires the alabaster building of House Thunderbrand.
Orion triggers a dwarven rune, suffering thunder damage.
Orion tries to communicate with the house using magic but is stopped by security.
Liam observes the heavy guard presence around the house and decides not to provoke them.

01:17:42

Confronting the Bear: Liam's Tense Encounter

Travis encourages Liam to confront the bear.
Liam rolls a one, causing concern among the group.
Balgus, now sober, challenges Liam and the group to a fight.
Keyleth creates a fog in the bar, causing confusion and coughing among the patrons.
Keyleth transforms into a bear after turning Trinket into a mouse.
Liam attempts to knock out Balgus but fails, leading to a tense moment.
Balgus grabs Liam's wrist but fails to grapple him.
Keyleth performs a bear dance with the help of the group, including music and fireworks.
The crowd enjoys the performance, with Balgus laughing and joining in the fun.
Liam buys Balgus a drink and compliments him, leading to a positive interaction.

01:27:19

Dwarf's mishap leads to cheers and laughter.

A dwarf spills his drink, causing cheers from the crowd.
Balgus leaves the fight ring to drink at a table.
The group discusses retiring for the evening and changing forms.
Trinket is transformed into a mouse and then back into a bear.
Grog gives a speech to the dwarves, promising a return the next night.
Balgus requests three more drinks, leading to laughter and cheers.
Trinket is placed in a storage room for the night.
The group prepares for the next day, turning in comment cards.
Keyleth's background as a druid is detailed.
Percy's tragic past and quest for vengeance are recounted.

01:39:03

Young sorcerer seeks legendary artifacts for peace

Prodigy-like control of magic shown at age 15 during Sorcerer's Rite
Became youngest appointed member of magic guild in Draconian history at 20
Discovered chamber with books and maps, learned of legendary artifacts
Presented findings to high council, deemed fiction or unsolvable mysteries
Convinced city council to support mission of peace and diplomacy to find artifacts
Vax'ildan, born from elven royalty and human peasantry, learned to sidestep challenges
Vex'ahlia, half-elf, relied on twin brother Vax'ildan, excelled in hunting and tracking
Vex'ahlia earned bear companion, Trinket, through fateful events
Party plans action in dwarven city of Kraghammer after rest, discusses next steps
Tiberius polymorphed into dwarven form, party interacts with guards in residential district

01:50:06

"Exploring House Greyspine: Mining Contracts and Intrigue"

Laura rolls a 23 with small dice and they discuss saving drinks for four people.
Laura mentions saving as much as she can, while others encourage her to agree.
They are given directions to House Greyspine and describe its appearance.
They reach the front door, which has no handle, and debate on how to announce their presence.
They ring a bell-like chain to announce their arrival, and then play music to further announce themselves.
A dwarf named Magrim answers the door and they inquire about Lord Greyspine and mining contracts.
Magrim directs them to the quarry for mining contracts and informs them about meeting Lord Greyspine.
They decide to head to the mines instead of pursuing entry into the house.
Scanlan turns invisible and sneaks into the house, exploring various rooms.
Scanlan finds a locked bed chamber and a throne room under construction before deciding to leave.

02:01:28

"Dwarven Stone Work Leads to Intrigue"

Two dwarves are finishing stone work in a room, engaging in masonry, plastering, carving, and chiselling intricate stone pieces.
The room is currently empty, prompting a discussion about stealing.
Scanlan attempts to pick a locked door without thieves' tools, using a wire to no avail.
He then casts Dimension Door to exit the room, rejoining the group outside.
The party decides to head to the mines to confront Greyspine, emphasizing that the dwarves are not enemies.
They descend into the mines, noticing the change in lighting from natural to torches as they reach the central area.
In the center of the city, they spot a giant domed temple made of gold and bronze, with other structures like a foundry and a strip mine nearby.
They eventually reach the quarry, observing large stone dwarven buildings and tunnels leading into the mountainside.
Approaching guards at the quarry, Vex engages them with a gift of ale, impressing them with the Balgus original.
The guards lead the party to Nostoc, a dwarf with fiery red hair, in a dwarven study filled with books and ledgers.

02:13:02

Encounter with Percy and Goblin Battle

The group meets a man named Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III, also known as Percy.
Percy demands payment for pleasantries before engaging in conversation.
The group offers a drink to Percy, who enjoys it and establishes dominance through a power play.
They discuss a halfling who caused trouble in the mines and agree to find her.
Percy warns them not to engage in thievery and allows them to enter the mines to find the halfling.
The group encounters goblins attacking dwarves in the mines.
They engage in combat, with Percy using a Fireball spell to eliminate goblins.
The guards allow the group to assist in the battle and urge them to help.
Marisha uses Entangle to restrain goblins, but larger ogre-like creatures emerge.
The group prepares for battle as the ogres approach, prompting everyone to roll initiative.

02:25:14

Scanlan's Fury: Goblins Flee in Fear

Initiatives: Taliesin at 27, Orion at 21, Laura at 18, Travis at 18, Marisha at 6, Sam at 3, and Liam at 2.
Scanlan's demeanor changes, expressing fury towards goblins.
Scanlan instructs to not spare any goblins, ensuring they all die.
Percy uses a new weapon called Bad News, dealing 27 points of damage to an ogre.
Tiberius casts Fireball, obliterating goblins and damaging ogres.
Tiberius uses Telekinesis to throw an ogre into another, knocking them both prone.
Vex casts Lightning Arrow, killing one ogre and damaging the other.
Goblins are revealed to be fleeing in fear, not attacking.
Insight check reveals goblins are running away instinctually, indicating fear.
Goblins are seen fleeing, indicating they are scared and not attacking.

02:35:54

Battle Against Ogres and Goblins

Sam requests to kill something behind the ogres
Travis decides to attack the goblins, moving to the right and using his greataxe
Travis successfully attacks the goblins, bisecting one and embedding his axe in another
Travis gets a bonus attack due to his rage, taking down the ogre as well
Vax joins the battle, attacking the ogre with daggers and dealing significant damage
Keyleth creates a stone wall to block off an area, buying the group time
The group takes down the remaining goblins easily
The stone wall begins to crack from impacts, showing signs of weakening
Sam inspires Vex, Vax, and Grog with bardic inspiration dice
Tiberius casts Blur and takes cover for protection

02:46:12

Battle with Multi-Headed Naga Creature

A bulbous, oversized, naga-like creature bursts through the ground, with five different colored naga heads stitched to its body.
The creature is described as a terrible abomination, moving unnaturally and appearing swollen.
The group engages in combat with the creature, discussing tactics and abilities.
Hunter's Mark is successfully transferred to the creature, marking it for the encounter.
Tiberius aims his attack, preparing for his turn in the initiative order.
Tiberius uses Scorching Ray, dealing significant damage to the naga creature.
Grog throws his greataxe at the creature, embedding it deeply into its torso.
The naga attacks Keyleth and Tiberius, landing critical hits and inflicting poison damage.
Keyleth suffers significant poison damage, while Tiberius resists the venom's effects.
Vax utilizes his stealth to perform sneak attacks on the naga, landing critical hits with his daggers.

02:56:28

"Rogue and Bard defeat creature with magic"

Both daggers hit the target, causing 44 damage with the first dagger and 6 with the second.
The attack causes significant damage to the creature, making it look rough with stitches coming apart and black liquid spilling out.
The daggers magically return to the belt after the attack due to rogue abilities.
Keyleth uses Thunderwave to push the creature back 15 feet, then transforms into an eagle and flies away.
Scanlan casts Lightning Bolt, dealing 24 points of damage and successfully defeating the creature.
The dwarves acknowledge Scanlan's victory and discuss the creatures coming from a nearby tunnel.

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