The Legend of Vox Machina season 2 will feature closer ties to Dungeons & Dragons, the medium that Critical Role, The Legend of Vox Machina's inspiration, regularly uses. The show follows the adventures of a gang of heroes with questionable histories — and especially questionable sense of humor — as they take on various fantastical threats, including vampires, dragons, and even gods. While season 1 sees the Vox Machina crew taking on Lord and Lady Briarwood, two supernatural threats who previously conquered the city of Whitestone, season 2 will see a major offensive against a band of dragons known as the Chroma Conclave.
Just as The Legend of Vox Machina is adding dragons to its cast, it will have even closer ties to D&D, even if there may not be many dungeons. In an interview with Variety, executive producer and voice actor Ashley Johnson, who plays the gnome Cleric Pike Trickfoot, revealed that season 2 will be closer to the game than season 1. With a massive story expected to take more inspiration from D&D, The Legend of Vox Machina will raise its scope and stakes while tying back to in-game limitations. Check out Johnson's quote below:
“[We] get more into the nitty-gritty of the characters… Now we can get into their interpersonal relationships, their backstories. This season almost feels in some ways closer to the game. I feel like it’s sillier and it’s darker — and it’s bigger and badder. I feel like everything is just turned to 11.”
Why The Legend Of Vox Machina Season 2 Spends More Time On Characters
Ensemble casts present unique problems for creators, as making each character compelling and sympathetic can be challenging. With each member of the party having unique powers and backstories (save for the twins Vax'ildan and Vex'ahlia, who share a history), the members of Vox Machina present an interesting opportunity for the show to explore each of their motivations through their past. The show's pace is expected to slow, which gives a chance to focus on each of them individually, and it seems like an opportunity the show is taking. The Legend of Vox Machina will even feature a fear-based season 2 episode providing necessary insight into each character.
Why D&D Is Essential To The Legend Of Vox Machina
D&D is more than just the inspiration for The Legend of Vox Machina; It is also the basis of the world of Exandria, the origin of their powers, and the limitations of the entire universe. Without D&D, their powers might be different, their natures different, and the many D&D Easter eggs would be stripped clean, which removes some of the charm from the show. The idea of the archetypal noble Cleric, kind-hearted and unintelligent Barbarian, lusty Bard, and gloomy Rogue are essential parts of D&D lore, which is part of what has driven viewers to the show. While The Legend of Vox Machina also features epic fights with dragons, more than just dragons ties it to D&D.
The fact that the show was originally based on a D&D campaign also allows it to establish limitations. Magic systems struggle for realism where the rules are confusing, and the powers appear to be without limit. Still, the strict D&D magic system clarifies what each magical character, including Pike, Vex, and Keyleth, can do at any given moment. The D&D ties prevent deus ex machinas for The Legend of Vox Machina, instead making each challenge a puzzle that viewers can work through alongside each of the characters. While season 2 will also feature darker storylines for Grog and other characters, the D&D connection with The Legend of Vox Machina keeps it engaging and helps keep some light in the narrative.
Source: Variety