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Episode 4 of Season 3 of The Legend of Vox Machina marks a significant crossover event within the Critical Role universe. The series not only continues to adapt the first live-streamed campaign from Critical Role but also introduces a pivotal character from Exandria Unlimited: Calamity, a four-part mini-campaign that takes place centuries prior and was helmed by Brennan Lee Mulligan.
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The character making his debut is Zerxus Ilerez (voiced by Luis Carazo), who reprises his role from Calamity. He currently possesses the Plate of the Dawnmartyr, one of the Vestiges of Divergence essential for Vox Machina’s battle against Thordak (voiced by the late Lance Reddick). Their journey leads them to Zerxus’ domain in the Hells of Despath, where he engages cleric Pike Trickfoot (voiced by Ashley Johnson) in a tense card game over ownership of the Plate. This scene creatively alters elements from their original campaign where bard Scanlan (voiced by Sam Riegel) gambled with a fire giant within the Elemental Plane of Fire.
“From a narrative standpoint, we had an opportunity to merge two storylines from our campaign,” Travis Willingham, voice actor for Grog Strongjaw and executive producer on The Legend of Vox Machina, shared with Mashable. “We could take Vox Machina’s adventure in Fire Plane—which at this point lacks significant narrative weight—and combine it with J’mon Sa Ord’s decision to hide the Plate deep within Hell as protection against Thordak.”
“After concluding EXU: Calamity, we realized that perhaps 800 years later Zerxus remains trapped there; it felt like an excellent thread to weave into our ongoing story,” Willingham elaborated. “Especially considering some lore revealed during EXU: Calamity, which explains how calamities began and their relevance to larger antagonists we might explore further if future seasons are greenlit.”
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Zerxus’ role is far more than just an Easter egg; he significantly impacts this episode’s plotline. His complex relationship with his deity—Asmodeus, Lord of Nine Hells—is mirrored against Pike’s own struggles with her faith in Everlight. During their encounter, he provides Vox Machina with insights into events surrounding Calamity, accompanied by an animated interlude styled like stained glass reminiscent of earlier campaign introductions featuring Zerxus’ fellow characters.
“We have an underlying desire to include all characters from Calamity eventually,” Willingham noted. With additional animated projects based on Critical Role underway at Amazon Studios—including a forthcoming series centered around Mighty Nein—there may be potential for full adaptations related to Calamity soon.
“It has great potential as either a film or mini-series—we’re just exploring how best to present it while integrating it into everything else,” said Willingham.
There’s a hidden desire on our part to incorporate everyone from “Calamity” at some point.
For now, fans can expect more appearances from Zerxus Ilerez within The Legend of Vox Machina. As Pike and her allies make off with the Plate, he ominously states: “We are his blood. The time for his ascension draws near.”
This statement resonates eerily similar to those made previously by Delilah Briarwood (voiced by Grey Griffin) and other followers associated with Vecna—the Whispered One—in Season 1. Does this imply that Zerxus may be positioned as Vecna’s champion? If so, does this suggest that both deities are being intertwined? Or has Zerxus chosen another path seeking redemption after attempting it once before?
“A Redemption Paladin will always seek redemption,” remarked Marisha Ray who voices Keyleth and serves as Creative Director at Critical Role during her conversation with Mashable. “This fits perfectly since numerous entities exist within Exandria capable potentially deserving redemption.”
“We’re eager for fan theories regarding that line,” added Willingham.
Zerxus’ inclusion not only sparks speculation among viewers but also exemplifies why this adaptation stands out among contemporary television offerings today.
Zerxus was not part when Critical Role’s initial campaign aired; audiences were introduced months after Season 1 premiered.
However—as Critical Role expands through its various campaigns—it continuously generates fresh material available for its animated adaptations drawing inspiration directly alongside real-time developments.
Liam O’Brien who voices Vax’ildan stated enthusiastically about working on animation saying:
“One aspect I cherish about creating this show is post-Vox-Machina-campaign expansion enriching world-building while crafting historical narratives.”
“That’s truly what makes adaptations exciting—you can integrate elements previously absent,” Ray added.
She continued:
“Our unique position allows us simultaneously develop Mighty Nein alongside The Legend Of Vox Machina while continuing Campaign Three along other side projects giving us comprehensive oversight over everything except unresolved aspects awaiting Campaign Three conclusion allowing flexibility rearranging story components seamlessly.”
So keep your eyes peeled as The Legend Of Vox Machina progresses! While Zerxus marks merely one crossover event linked back towards Calamity—he likely won’t be alone moving forward!The third season premieres October 3rd exclusively via Prime Video releasing three episodes weekly every Thursday!..
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