Heartwarming / The Legend of Vox Machina

"I missed you so much!"

They bicker, they feud, and they sometimes want to kill each other. At the end of the day, however, Vox Machina is still a found family, and when it counts most, they will always have each other's backs, leading to many a heartwarming moment.

In General

• The opening sequence.
  • As Vex and Vax stand in front of their burning home, they look to one another and hold hands. No matter what, the twins will always be there for one another and will always be each other's homes.
  • Pike and Grog fighting alongside each other, with Grog carrying Pike on his shoulders.
• While the song "Your Turn To Roll" is not used for the opening title music, it is being used as the show's main motif, and can be heard whether during an action-packed fight or a moment of peace and quiet.
• The casual showing of LGBTQ+ characters in the show, alongside POC characters in the cast and background.
• Sylas and Delilah Briarwood, evil and irredeemable monsters they may be, are shown as nothing but loving and supportive of each other.

Season One

Episode 1: The Terror of Tal'Dorei - Part 1

• The series opening with narration from Matthew Mercer, the world-builder of Exandria.
• Vex loudly (and drunkenly) declaring Vox Machina as the greatest fighters in the realm.
• Grog standing up for Keyleth when a particularly rude customer shoved Keyleth and called her a "bitch" after he stepped in her alcohol induced vomit puddle. Grog is a short-tempered, axe-happy meathead, but he deeply values his friends and will always stand up for them if they're being mistreated.
• While they bicker, the twins clearly have each others backs. Shown during the tavern fight where they stand back to back, compliment one another for their skills and help each other out.
  • Vax was also the one to step up to the mercs who badmouthed them after glancing at his sister for confirmation.
  • While a bit harsh, Keyleth saying Vax and Vex only cared about themselves shows how the two always looked out for each other until they formed Vox Machina.
• Vex whistling for Trinket who bashes through the bar walls and takes out the merc she throws to him.
• Despite trying to appear as the stoic Only Sane Man, Percy can't help but join in the bar fight and even seems to be enjoying himself like the others.
• The townsguard who posted the notice that Sovereign Uriel is looking for mercenaries to kill a monster looks like (and is played by) Matt - the Dungeon Master responsible for Vox Machina's formation in the real world and their journey towards becoming heroes. The quest to defeat said beast turns Vox Machina from a band of mercenaries Only in It for the Money to genuine heroes.
• Vex and the others are told that Trinket has to wait outside and cannot enter the chambers. While saddened, Vex nuzzles Trinket's face and gently promises him she'll be right back. Trinket looks a bit mournful at being parted from Vex, but obediently waits outside for her.
• Despite how unkempt the group looks, Scanlan is always more than ready to hype them up with a song.
• While a cold ruler when he needs to be, Sovereign Uriel shows a softer side after he hires Vox Machina, claiming it was because he liked the bear and the song.
• Keyleth and Grog's childish glee as they run around Allura's flying ship.
• As Keyleth trips while they're tracking down the creature, Vax holds her staff for her and smiles, telling her it will be easier walking with it. Keyleth visibly blushes and thanks Vax for the help.
• During the fight with the dragon, each of the party members try protecting one another, pulling their friends out of danger or shielding them.
  • Scanlan catches Pike from falling after she uses up a lot of energy to heal Grog.... and then saying he can put her down. Scanlan lets go of Pike with a blush across his face.
• Keyleth's terrified dissociation as she is overwhelmed in battle is treated with empathy and never shamed (aside from Vex grabbing her trying to snap Keyleth out of it, though thast could only have been because Brimscythe would've killed Keyleth if she kept standing there). Pike comforts a panicking Keyleth after they narrowly survive the initial encounter with Brimscythe by saying that the whole team is alive because of Keyleth to which Vax agrees with.
• Grog and Pike's interactions are very cute in general, but it peaks when she rides on his shoulders.
• Vex gets horrible headaches when she senses the dragon. Vax and Percy immediately want to call off the mission when they notice how much pain it's causing Vex.
• Vax bonding with a kid by showing off a coin trick. Which makes the sight of the boy dying in his arms at the end of the episode all the more tragic.
  • Following this, Scanlan who is usually the one to say he's only in this for himself, is calmly tuning his lute.
    Vax: What the hell are you doing, Scanlan?
    Scanlan: Thinking of a rhyme for "dead dragon". Cause I... I guess we're killin' one.
  • After hearing this, everyone else quickly rallies together and prepares for their next fight.

Episode 2: The Terror of Tal'Dorei - Part 2

• The guards have apparently grown fond of Trinket, showering the bear with cuddles, scratches and praises.
• Pike starts grinning ear-to-ear when Vex points out that Gilmore dotes on Vax, and as they leave Vax flicks the gnome's ear in a sibling play-fight way.
• Vax and Gilmore's flirting. It's just nice to see these characters allowed to openly express their attraction to one another, and have it be treated as just a normal relationship. When Vax first enters the shop, Gilmore's first reaction is to go over and hug him.
• Vax complimenting Keyleth's magic. She blushes again, turning away and trying not to sound too proud of herself.
• The entire party of Vox Machina working together to defeat Brimscythe.
  • Pike supports Vex as she sends magic into her arrows and yells, "Light 'em up, Vex!"
  • Keyleth sprouting giant vines out of the ground around Brimscythe's wing, keeping him grounded therefore giving the rest of Vox Machina a better aim at his throat.
  • Even though Vex and Scanlan bicker, he's the one that Vex trusts to put up an illusion spell to trick Brimscythe.
  • Scanlan saves Vax from a boulder with his mage hand and throws him closer to the dragon.
• After they are thrown out of the bar in the previous episode, Vex says they have a grand total of three silver for party funds. Vax, having given away a silver to the young boy at the Shalesteps, throws the remaining two at Gilmore to buy what information the shopkeep does have on killing a blue dragon, in his effort to avenge the boy and all of Brimscythe’s victims, only passing the bloodied third coin along as a Due to the Dead moment to himself upon leaving Brimscythe's body to rot.
  Vax: We got him, kid. (flicks the coin onto the ground and leaves)
• As Vox Machina is awarded the deed and key to their own keep, Vax takes Vex's hand and warmly tells her, "Sister. We have a home." Even after Keyleth kills the moment with her own exuberant celebration and Vex scowls, Vax continues to look at Vex (and Keyleth) with a soft smile.

Episode 3: The Feast of Realms

• Percy wakes up from his nightmare of his family being massacred and quietly walks out of his room. As he goes down the hall, Vex opens her door and asks if he was alright. While he brushes her off, it's telling how much Vex cares for Percy and tells him throughout the episode to not bottle up his emotions.
  • Keyleth twirling into the kitchen with flowering vines and pigeons following her as she cheerfully bids Vox Machina "good morning". It's delightful seeing her so relaxed and happy considering her panic and sadness in the first two episodes.
  • Vex also keeps an eye on Percy after he first sees the Briarwoods and tries to understand why he's upset.
• Percy brightening up when Allura tells them they will be attending a party. When they go to Sovereign Uriel's dinner, he's clearly in his element as he tries to make small talk with the other nobles.
• Grog and Pike grabbing some drinks together and treating them like shots.
• Throughout the dinner, the party notices Percy on edge and try to get him to open up to them. When they have to forcibly drag him away from the dining room after Delilah hits his Berserk Button, they tell him they can't help him if he won't talk to them.
• Grog, the party's Dumb Muscle and rage machine, putting a hand on Percy's shoulder in a show of empathy and support, encouraging him to open up and explain why he is so angry at the Briarwoods.
• It happens in a stressful moment, but when Vax mutters, "Chenga", Vex immediately senses something wrong is happening to her brother and tells the party they have to get moving.
• When Vax is passing out, the last thing he sees is an eagle flying in to help, which turns out to be Keyleth. This may be a tribute to Liam's description of Vax's last thoughts at that moment on-stream, of seeing Keyleth "beautiful, walking under the trees".
• Delilah taunts Percy by telling Sylas that the "pup" had returned all grown up. This leads to Vex growling, "Step off, bitch," as she fires some arrows at her.
• Pike hurries over and heals Vax. Once he comes back to consciousness, he smiles at Pike and gives her a little wink.
  Vax: Thanks, Pickle. Had him right where I wanted him.
  • There's some bonus Heartwarming in what Pike says as she's healing him.
  Pike: I've got you, Vax!
• Grog yelling "No one kills Vax but me!" as he angrily slashes at Sylas Briarwood, who had attempted to murder Vax in front of the resident barbarian.

Episode 4: Shadows at the Gates

• A darker version, but Sylas gently comforts a distressed Delilah after she finds out that Vox Machina has her book, and reminds her all is not lost. They share a moment of sweet banter at a graveyard before she summons undead abominations to battle the heroes.
  Sylas: (yanks the gates open so Delilah can pass) I hope this is to your liking.
  Delilah: You take me to the nicest places.
• Grog stumbles around, making a racket and a mess while Pike is trying and failing to commune with the Everlight. Rather than yelling at him, she instead clings to him for comfort.
• Grog, to his credit, does his best to comfort Pike when she's struggling with her Crisis of Faith. What he lacks in understanding of Pike's struggles, he more than makes up for in his earnestness and genuine concern.
• Keyleth tries to comfort Percy by opening up to him and revealing that she's under tremendous pressure to prove herself worthy as well and tries to relate to Percy's problems by bringing up that she won't be allowed to go home to her family until she completes her Aramente which she says will never happen. It doesn't really work since Percy rightfully brings up that Keyleth's family is still alive if she completes her trials or not whereas his family is gone forever no matter what he does. Yet he does make it clear to Keyleth he honestly appreciates her effort to understand and sympathize with him and and Percy, despite telling Keyleth that their respective struggles are very different, takes a moment to tell her he thinks she's "damn worthy" and he appreciates her trying to comfort and sympathize with him. It's especially heartwarming for Keyleth to sympathize with Percy after he snapped at her for allegedly letting the Briarwoods "slip away" causing her to almost cry and it's heartwarming for Percy because it shows that he always thought Keyleth was much more powerful and capable than she thinks. During the battle with the wraiths, Keyleth is able to break out of her paralyzing fear to turn the tides by casting Daylight, creating a miniature sun, because Percy managed to choke out that it's time for her to prove herself worthy.
• A small moment, but one of the guards notice how terrified Trinket is and comforts the poor creature.
• Doubling as a tearjerker. When Pike says she has to leave Vox Machina to go find a way to reconnect to her goddess, Grog volunteers to go with her, and she has to talk him down. She tells him that the group needs him, but he replies that he needs her more. The pure sibling love between the two is shown in full force as the giant, normally rage-filled barbarian clings to her in a farewell hug.

Episode 5: Fate's Journey

• Vex gets Percy to relax during the first half of their ride to Whitestone by teasing his serious expression, asking if he's practicing his "resting bitch face". He responds that he has a magnificent bitch face.
• Vax catches Grog Trying Not to Cry as they ride the cart. When he goes over to comfort him, Grog said Pike told him even if she wasn't there Grog would still be able to feel her. He's feeling down because he misses Pike and Vax doesn't even poke fun at Grog, knowing how much he and Pike care for one another.
  • They both agree that Pike can handle herself, and it's themselves they're worried about.
• Keyleth tending to Vax's wounds with the two acting like awkward teenagers unsure of what to say to their crush, with Vax calling her Kiki for the first time.
  • Noticing this, Vex talks to Vax as they're picking firewood that "those vines have thorns". Vax simply smiles and comforts Vex, calling her "Stubby" and how nothing would ever come between them.
• Pike goes to another member of her religious order to seek advice about her situation. She's welcomed in with the assurance that the Everlight accepts her exactly as she is.
• Vox Machina having bonding time around a campfire, as Scanlan serenades the group, and the party share stories of past kills that range from awesome (Vax and Grog's kills) to traumatizing (Keyleth's) to squicky (Scanlan's).
  • Also note: Judging by the last line, Scanlan was singing about Pike and her contributions to their adventures. Even though she's not there right now, she's still clearly with the rest of the group in spirit, just as she promised Grog she would be.
    • It's also very likely that Scanlan was singing about Pike, not just because he has a crush on her, but because it would cheer up Grog and the others. They all miss their friend, so as the Bard, Scanlan is trying to lighten the mood for everyone.

Episode 6: Spark of Rebellion

• Percy's utter delight at hearing his childhood friend, Archie, is the leader of the Whitestone Rebellion. He even takes a moment to tell a story about some of the mischief they used to get into to the party.
• Archie reveals to Percy that his little sister, Cassandra — whom he thought perished in their attempted escape from Whitestone years prior — is alive. This not only snaps him out of his rage after killing Stonefell, but also puts a smile on his face later on when he realizes, "I have a sister."
• In a mix of tearjerker, when Keyleth sees the rebel die in front of her, she goes into a righteous rage and turns into a saber-toothed tiger to attack Stonefell. She barely knew this woman, and yet Keyleth reacted as if she just lost a dear friend and was wanting to avenge her right then and there.

Episode 7: Scanbo

• While Percy and Cassandra as children bickered and teased one another, he still genuinely loves her. When Vex sees this, she comforts Percy and jokes that Cassandra sounded a lot like Scanlan. Percy laughs and agrees.
• Despite most of the episode playing on Scanlan for laughs, he seems to agree that he's not as impressive as he boasts, but he knows his worth.
  Scanlan: (as Vedmire is about to finish him) Wait-wait-wait. It's true. I'm all talk. Everyone thinks I'm a joke. But the brothels have taught me one thing: Size doesn't matter. It's how you use it. [fires Lightning Bolt from his crotch]
• When they see the smoke, the rest of the gang are surprised but genuinely impressed with Scanlan getting the job done and while he can't hear them, they all say praises for his ability. Despite them underestimating him, he showed his stuff.
  • Also earlier, while they did mock him, Vex later shows concern for Scanlan's safety when they are waiting by Anders' house.

Episode 8: Silver Tongue

• As Keyleth is thrown to the walls, Vex manages to catch her before she hits the stone.
• Keyleth's first response to healing Cassandra: Give her a hug and then tell her to wait so she can help Percy.
• After killing Professor Anders, Percy's murderous aura immediately drops when he sees Cassandra alive. He drops his gun, his mask and is just a brother who has finally reunited with his sister after so many years.
• Keyleth using her druid magic to part the clouds in the symbol of the de Rolo family crest as a sign to Archie and the rebels.
  Vex: Kinda terrified, kinda impressed.
• That's right folks, Vex sincerely complimented Keyleth for something. Honestly it was the nicest thing she said to Keyleth until the season finale.
• Seeing that Vox Machina is rallying up the people of Whitestone, Delilah kills her steward to raise the undead. When Sylas asks what she was doing she simply replies, "Protecting you". It's coldblooded and creepy, but it's touching how much Delilah loves Sylas and vice versa.
• Hearing Pike's concerns that it might be holding her association with Vox Machina against her, The Everlight assures her that it finds nothing immoral about her friendship with the party or the actions that she's taken in service of that friendship.
  The Everlight: Your friends share your passion. Your temple shares your faith.
  Pike: Then, I have to choose?
  The Everlight: We do not choose. We walk down a path. [creates an image of Pike with Vox Machina] Any path can be a holy one. [creates an image of Pike as a priest] So long as one walks it with truth. You can be whomever you want to be in the light Pike Trickfoot. So I ask a final time: Who. Are. You?

Episode 9: The Tide of Bone

• As horrible as the Briarwoods are, the flashback showing Delilah's dedication to seek a way to save her dying husband is arguably what makes these two so powerful together.
  • Despite how Sylas wants to join the battle, Delilah gently dissuades him, reminding him how important he is to her.
    Delilah: You are more precious to me than you'll ever know.
• Throughout the episode Vax compliments Keyleth and thanks her for saving his ass multiple times. As they seem to be in their final hour and with no hope, Vax turns to Keyleth and gently tells her that he loves her. Keyleth is actually shocked at the confession and the two almost share a kiss.
  • He also starts calling her "Kiki" more.
• Percy announcing his Overly Long Name is an awesome My Name Is Inigo Montoya moment, to be sure, but it's also a tribute to the deceased Archie and Percy announcing his family name with pride instead of keeping it a secret out of fear of murder. Earlier, Archie looked to Percy for guidance since the latter is the rightful de Rolo heir and should be leading La Résistance, but Percy tells him titles don't matter anymore and Archie is the leader. With Archie's death, Percy steps up to the plate as Lord de Rolo and reclaims his identity so his old friend did not die in vain.
  • Cassandra tears up after Percy's Rousing Speech.
• When it looks like the rebels are about to be overwhelmed by the undead horde, Vax and Percy spare a moment to exchange an It Has Been an Honor. Especially poignant considering that their last conversation had Vax threatening to kill Percy should he ever turn his weapon against any of his friends again.
• Pike Astral Projects into Whitestone to save her friends from the zombies. Scanlan is so awed he compares her to an angel and asks her to marry him after she heals his infected arm. Grog shoves everyone aside to pull his best buddy into a Bear Hug, all while loudly sobbing about how much he missed her.
• Keeper Yennen tells Percy that the people can take on the undead and that he is free to take back his birthright from the Briarwoods.
  Yennen: Our people can handle it from here. Go, Percival. Take back what is rightfully yours.
  Percy: I don't know how to thank you.
  Yennen: The Dawnfather has found life in you. Use his gift wisely.
  Vex: Well, fearless leader? Lead.

Episode 10: Depths of Deceit

• Grog and Pike catch up while heading to the Ziggurat.
• Cassandra has betrayed the group, Percy is near-catatonic from shock and guilt, Vax is under Sylas' control and Vox Machina is trapped in a room slowly filling with acid. Vex pleads with Percy to help them find a way out, only for him to lament that he lost his sister again. Vex snaps him out of it by swearing to him that she, as well as the others, will never abandon him.

Episode 11: Whispers at the Ziggurat

• Cassandra is shown fighting Sylas's mind control as she duels Percy, remembering all the time she spent with him. One of her memories is being imprisoned together by the Briarwoods and a badly-injured Percy offering her some of his food; another is an adorable scene of the two of them playing together as much-younger children.
• When Delilah is about to blast Scanlan with a death blast, Pike blocks it with a holy construct shield while shouting "Get away from my gnome!". Scanlan gets starstruck at how badass his crush is.

Episode 12: The Darkness Within

• Vax is clearly worn out from the fight and from carrying Keyleth out of the ziggurat; Grog immediately steps in and carries her the rest of the way, which Vax sincerely thanks him for. Vax and Grog prank and compete with each other, but they always have each other's backs.
• Vex steps between an enraged Percy and Delilah Briarwood, asking him quietly to take the mask off. The rest of the team is shouting at him to stop from a distance; Vex willingly comes up close enough for him to injure her and removes his mask for him. And he lets her, revealing that underneath the mask is Percy, possessed by Orthax and crying in fear of himself.
  • Similarly, Vax saying 'Fuck that, he has Vex!' when Keyleth tries to tell him he can't kill Percy.
• In the stream, Percy was annoyed with Scanlan for throwing his gun into the acid, mostly because it was so expensive and time-consuming to make, and didn't properly thank him until the team read a letter Percy kept on him in the event that he died. Here, Percy immediately recognizes that he was being foolish to want to keep it around and thanks Scanlan, as well as the rest of the team.
  • Also, unlike in the stream, Scanlan doesn't use the Friends spell to get Percy to give it to him. Here, he just snatches it right away and calls out Percy for trying to put himself in a risky position again by trying to keep a hexed weapon.
• When Keyleth acts nervous after the people of Whitestone give Vox Machina a hero's welcome, Vex reassures her while calling her Kiki.
• Cassandra thinks Percy should take over the rulership of Whitestone, believing that the people will only see her as a collaborator. Percy believes that they will see a survivor and someone who endured terrible hardship, and encourages her to step up in much the same way that she did for him.
  Percy: We live as long as Whitestone lives. Help me ensure it lives forever.
• Keyleth helps the Sun Tree heal from Delilah's magic, and leaves start to bloom from its once dead branches. Percy watches all of this with the sweetest smile on his face. He's finally beginning to heal.
• Keyleth reveals her ability to transport the team through the Sun Tree, and the shot of the whole team running through the portal as the sun shines through the branches is beautiful.
  • Before running to the portal, Vex laughs and gives Percy a playful punch in the arm. So far, she hasn't shown affection like that to anyone except Vax (and Trinket). Percy smiles in response.
• There's a brief scene of the team lounging around in their keep; Keyleth grows a new plant, Vax and Vex tend to Trinket, and Grog tries to fix the door he broke back in episode 3. Scanlan reveals that he's composed an epic about their adventure, though he may have taken some artistic license. Percy laughs and says he looks forward to reading it, and an affronted Scanlan declares that it's meant to be sung. It's just a sweet, quiet scene to give them downtime after everything they went through.

Season Two

Episode 1: Rise of the Chroma Conclave

• When acid starts pouring down onto the group, Percy shoves Vax out of the way to protect him and ends up taking most of the acid damage.
• Throughout all the mayhem and destruction, the party do their best to help everyone they come across.
  • When a group of survivors manage to get to their safe house, they all immediately greet them and show them inside the gates.
• At Whitestone, Keeper Yenen offers to look after Gilmore for Vax.
  Keeper Yennen: If he's important to you, he's important to me.
• Scanlan doesn't think they should even attempt to go after the Conclave and should leave that to be someone else's problem. However, Vex rallies everyone together, pointing out the good they did for Whitestone, when it was just a husk of its former glory before they showed up. This brightens everyone up, and Scanlan soon relents.
  Scanlan: Can't do my world tour without the rest of the band.
  • Right before Scanlan decides to join the others, he sees two of the children they saved admiring them for what they did.
    Child: It's them. They fought the dragon. Shh, hide. [runs away giggling]
• As Keyleth opens up another portal in the Sun Tree, Percy looks over to Cassandra. She smiles and nods at him encouragingly. Assured his sister and the others can look after Whitestone, Percy smiles and follows the others.

Episode 2: The Trials of Vasselheim

• Unlike the show, where Zahra and Vex met as strangers, they worked together in the past here, and clearly already have a Friendly Rivalry going.
• One of the Slayer's Take members uses a Combat Wheelchair, harkening back to Matt's heartfelt support of the homebrew's creator, Sara Thompson, during Campaign 2.

Episode 3: The Sunken Tomb

• Vax standing up to their father when Vex was too petrified with fear to retaliate to his demeaning remarks. Having had enough of his abuse, Vax grabs Vex's wrist and declares they'll leave and never return.
• Grog grows a beard thanks to the belt and is absolutely elated. When they explore the tombs, he even takes a moment to admire his reflection, with Pike hyping him up.
• Vax asking Vex to never be too far from him. She smiles saying he's always asked her that, but promises she won't be.
• Everyone's reaction when Vex is struck by the trap is to run toward her. Scanlan is the only one to immediately run for Vax and scream for him to come up.

Episode 4: Those Who Walk Away

• A flashback shows how Vax and Vex first encountered Trinket inside a poacher's cage. After giving the mother bear a Mercy Kill due to her many wounds, Vex insists they take the orphaned cub with them, and Vax eventually agrees.
• Kashaw refuses to stand by, answering Vax's agonized cry of "Somebody do something!" and initiating Vex's resurrection. He may be a jerk, but he's willing to do the right thing when called upon.
• Vax doesn't hesitate to put his own life forward to the Matron of Ravens if it means saving Vex's.

Episode 5: Pass Through Fire

• In an interesting shift of dynamics, Vex'ahlia is the one who urges Vax'ildan to support Keyleth. After Keyleth takes off for Pyrah when Vax says that the Fire Ashari are on their own if they're in trouble, Vax justifies his stance by saying that they can't wander off to save every person they meet Vex'ahlia defends Keyleth and her decision with one simple statement.
  Vex: Brother, Keyleth would drop everything to help us. Especially you.
  • While it's only a few seconds, it speaks volumes of how much more supportive and caring Vex is of Keyleth now considering Vex's initial resentment, jealousy and irritation towards her in the first season.
• Keyleth being reunited with her father. She isn't able to return home to Zephrah until she's fulfilled the conditions of her Aramente, but the fact that they both happened to show up to help in Pyrah gave them a moment to reconnect. Though their time together is brief, the short time Korrin is there shows just how much he loves and believes in his daughter.
• Keyleth discovering that Lady Kima and Lady Allura are very much alive and helping seal the rift to the Fire plane. Lady Kima surprisedly and happily says "No frickin' way! Keyleth?!" like she's seeing an old friend after a long time. A considerable step up from how dismissive and snarky Kima was towards Vox Machina in the first season. Keyleth runs over to them and embraces Allura who happily reciprocates. Keyleth is still panic-stricken about not knowing how to close the Fire Rift, but for a short moment she's joyed to see two people she cares about still alive and well after thinking they've been slaughtered in the dragon attack.
• Just when Vax assumes that he lost the love of his life, Keyleth re-emerges from the Fire Plane transformed and stronger. They lock eyes, and the sheer relief on his face says it all as Vax hands back the staff she dropped, just like in Season 1, Episode 1.
  Vax: Think you’ll be needing this.
  • It’s also the first time he genuinely smiled since they escaped the tomb, and of all people, it’s Kiki that brought it back.
• The Flamespeaker wastes no time in formally proclaiming Keyleth has completed the fire trial of her Aramente while her father and Vox Machina watch on proudly.
  • Korrin immediately tells her afterwards how relieved he is to see his daughter surrounded by such good comrades. Especially Vax. Cue matching blushes from the two of them.

Episode 6: Into Rimecleft

• While walking through the snowy terrain of Rimecleft, Percy gives Vex his coat to shield her from the cold. Vex tries to tell him that he didn't have to, only for Percy to turn bright red and say that he doesn't need it.
  • Keyleth can see this and gives a cute, knowing smile.
• You can see a small spark in Kamaljiori's eyes when Vox Machina mention that it was Osysa who sent them to him. He's clearly touched that his mate still thinks of him, even when they have been separated for a long time.
• Kamaljiori and Scanlan's friendship, short-lived as it was, is utterly precious. What starts as Scanlan showing the ancient sphinx an image of his mate for the first time in an eternity is built upon when Kamaljiori comforts Scanlan on his insecurities. By the time the rest of Vox Machina wake back up, the two are loafing around coming up with song lyrics together, shortly followed by Kam entrusting Scanlan with his vestige.
  • And the song that accompanies the illusion is utterly beautiful as well.
• The first person to attack the sphinx after Vax fails? Vex, who angrily starts shooting her arrows at him for tossing Vax into an endless void.
• Instead of trying to retrieve the vestige, Kamaljiori instead forgoes what is basically his life's task to guard the vestige in favor of saving Scanlan's life.
  • As he dies, he's shown to not regret his choice and thanks Scanlan for allowing him to see his mate one final time.
• While sadenning, the thing that finally brought Grog out of his wild bloodlust was Pike. As he runs back to the group, he's holding Pike's limp body close to his chest.

Episode 7: The Fey Realm

• After spending the last season buried in his own hate, seeing Percy being ecstatic over visiting the Fey Realm is a welcome change. He excitedly tries to lead his friends around and practically gushes over all the knowledge he procured about the Fey Wild from the countless books he read.
• Poor Keyleth has a breakdown regarding the disrupted Plane Shift and Pike’s uncertain fate. Vax, true to form, is quick to reassure her. It’s enough to bring a smile back to her face.
• When Grog’s will is overtaken by Craven Edge, it initially seems like he’ll attack Scanlan and Pike… until he remembers how he almost killed his best friend. The memory of putting Pike in danger gives him the will to make sure the cursed black sword is gone by any means necessary.
• Due to Craven Edge's cursing Grog with a flimsy body, he's literally The Load for Scanlan and Pike for the rest of the episode. However, instead of admonishing Grog for being influenced by the sword, Pike and Scanlan try to cheer him up and promise to get him back to normal.
  • During their travel montage, Scanlan is nothing but comforting to Grog, even offering him help when Grog initially refused. He even takes on the burden of being the one to carry Grog.
• Pike slowly gaining a crush on Scanlan. And while his usual shtick immediately ruins the mood, Pike can be seen smiling and brushing her hair back when Scanlan looks after Grog.
  Pike: I never thought I would get to see Scanlan the caretaker. It's a good look on you.
• While Vex and Keyleth are as high as kites, when Vex looks and sees Percy a pulsing rainbow heart appears on his chest.
• After Percy helps Vax defeat an odd slime monster, Vax initially rebuffs his attempts at making amends. This causes Percy to dig in his heels and declare that no matter what Vax thinks of him, he’ll always have Vax’s back.

Episode 8: Echo Tree

• A visibly apprehensive Vex is reassured by Percy while they are waiting for Syldor.
  Vex: Be honest. Do I... look like I come from nobility?
  Percy: It's easy to act noble. Just be a bit of a shit and wear what everyone else is wearing. I've known many people with money and titles, and they're definitely not worth you.
• While Syldor is nothing less than an arrogant asshole to Vex and Vax, it is heartening to see that his prejudiced attitude was not inherited by his other child: Velora, who is elated to meet her elder siblings and makes fast friends with them. Devana, the twins' stepmother, is similarly cordial and welcoming to them.
  Velora: I like your feather.
  Vex: Then it's yours. Consider it a gift from your half sister, Vexahlia.
  • The way Vex and Vax immediately take to their little sister is just as heartwarming. They just met her, and they already love her unconditionally.
  Velora: (gasp) The twins! But, father said you were never coming back.
  Vax: What, and miss the chance to meet you? A travesty.
  • As the group make to leave, Velora pouts and asks why her siblings can't stay longer. Vex and Vax both hug her and promise they'll meet again someday.
• Also unlike Syldor, his wife is polite and accommodating towards the twins. She does what she can to make them feel at home, and seems to genuinely treat the two as family.
• Percy titles Vex as Lady Vex'ahlia, Baroness of the Third House of Whitestone, and Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt, in a bid to make her a noble and raise her esteem in Syldor's eyes (or at least to get back at him for his abominable treatment of the twins). Unfortunately, unlike in the stream, he No Sells it and calls it a transparent move - but it moves Vex enough for her to snap out of her peacemaking attitude when it comes to Syldor, and she finally gives her snooty, abusive father a piece of her mind.
  • Vex blushing when Percy gives her the title is equally sweet to see.
  • For that matter, Percy repeatedly emphasizes just how much both of the twins are doing to save the world. He's good to his word on having Vax's back.
• Wilhand Trickfoot reuniting with his great-granddaughter. Elated at hearing Pike's voice again, he runs out of his home and hugs her. He notices she has vestments of the Ever Light and proudly calls her beautiful.
  • Grog painfully pulling himself into view, and Willhand runs over to check on his adopted kid. It's also sweet that Grog even refers to Wilhand as "Pop-pop" like Pike.
  Wilhand: Oh! Grog! What happened, did you forget to eat?
  Grog: Hi, Pop-pop. I fucked up.
• As they travel back into the Fey Realm, Percy apologizes to Vex for springing that title up on her. She smiles and corrects him, "It's Lady Vex". Percy then gifts her a new arrow head, which Vex appreciates.
• Garmellie warning the group of Saundor's voice and telling them all to not listen to him.
• After almost being lured in by the corrupted Archfey’s charm, Vex breaks out of the trance when Saundor demands her heart. Why? Because, as she says, her heart already belongs to someone. For added symbolism, she then fatally stabs Saundor in the heart with the arrowhead Percy made for her. The camera also not so subtly turns towards Percy when Vex declares this.
• Wilhand encouraging Grog to get his groove back by raging. Grog instead pulls a muscle, but Wilhand enthusiastically says it just means Grog has a muscle to pull.

Episode 9: A Test of Pride

• In a flashback, we get to see the start of Grog and Pike’s friendship. After standing up to his uncle for Wilhand, her great-great-grandfather, he is left beaten near to death and left to bleed out in the snow… only for the old man to return with a young Pike in tow to save his life. He may have just given up the Herd and his entire way of life, but he walked away with a brand new, much healthier family.
  • The thing that made Grog spare Wilhand's life? As the gnome holds his arms over his head as he says he has family, Grog catches sight of Wilhand's pendant opening up. It holds a picture of him and a young Pike smiling together. This makes Grog hesitate, and then he puts his weapons down. When his cousin tries to intervene, Grog brings up how Wilhand has a family waiting for him.
• Scanlan and the survivors run into Grog, who happily scoops Scanlan up and squeezes him. Scanlan tells Grog the hug actually hurt and Grog squeaks in excitement.
• Grog finally answers the question of what makes him strong: Standing up for people who can't stand up for themselves:
  Grog: Hittin' hard and bein' big don't make you strong. It's standin' up for the little folk. That's what makes me different from them.

Episode 10: The Kill Box

• Half the gang's return to Whitestone has a few moments.
  • Percy praises Cass's leadership and protection of the city.
  • Vax greets Gilmore with a hug and a kiss.
• Keyleth, Vax, Vex and Percy immediately rush to Grog's aid without even taking a rest after getting back to Whitestone.
• When Kevdak drags out Pike, Scanlan and Kaylie into the open, Grog tries to fight back and yells at his uncle to not hurt his friends.
• After being beaten down and impaled by Kevdak, Grog has all but given up, even telling a mental apparition of Groon that he has no strength. He's snapped out of it by Pike calling out to him, and seeing his adopted sister cry triggers a second wind that restores all of his former strength and then some.
• "My strength comes from my friends."
• Vex nearly gets attacked by a giant, and Percy snipes them from the roof. Vex returns the favor by using an exploding arrow to protect Percy from an advancing group of Goliaths.
• As the field explodes, Vax jumps over to Vex and protectively wraps himself over her as they roll to safety.
• After Grog lands a killing blow against Kevdak, the Herd of Storms cheers over his victory. Scanlan and Percy of all people join in the cheering.
• Zanror jumps on Kevdak to help his cousin, in spite of being chained up and beaten, a Call-Back to his flashback introduction saving Grog from an attack from behind. Even after years apart, he has his cousin's back.
• Grog proclaims Zanror the new Thunderlord after learning he had been punished for defying Kevdak. Despite all their years apart, he trusts his cousin to lead honorably.
  Grog: You were like a brother to me, once.

Episode 11: Belly of the Beast

• Vex encouraging Keyleth to be honest about her feelings for Vax, after spending last season being against the match-up, convinced her brother would get hurt.
• After weeks of being haunted by visions, Vax finally decides to commune with the Matron of Ravens to find out what it is she wants from him. When the Matron appears to him, she comforts him and tells him that while there are many things to be afraid of, death is not one of them. The beauty of death is the meaning it gives life, and he is destined to preserve that beauty. When Vax emerges from her temple, he's like a completely different person, finally at peace with himself and his fate.
• While Kaylie doesn't believe Scanlan would ever change, he desperately wants to change for the better of his daughter. He and Vax even share a genuine heart-to-heart about life and doing the best they can.

Episode 12: The Hope Devourer

• Believing Scanlan died killing Umbrasyl, Pike kisses him and tells him Kaylie would be proud. Of course, Scanlan being Scanlan, he spoils it, but that's part of the charm.
• While Scanlan trolls Pike on waking up by saying "...And I love you too, Scanlan", there's a genuine Love Confession in there disguised as a joke.
• Scanlan declares he doesn't believe in "The Matron stuff," but he does believe in Vax.
• The end of the episode has a brief montage of some of the people Vox Machina has crossed paths with this season.
  • We see Vox Machina attending a funeral for the fallen Herd of Storms members.
  • Velora continues to wear Vex's feather in her hair.
  • Wilhand sits at his desk next to a family portrait of him, Grog and Pike. Grog has his beard, so he must have gotten it updated while they were visiting.

Other

Miscellaneous

• The loading artwork shows Vox Machina sitting together companionably as a group, surrounding some sort of creature they had slayed together.
  • Trinket attempting to lick a laughing Vex.
  • Vax and Keyleth looking at each other and smiling affectionately.
  • Pike and Grog cheerfully raising a tankard together.
  • Scanlan playing his lute while hanging upside down, laughing.
  • Percy shows no mirth, but he feels safe enough to take his glasses off and clean them (briefly impairing his vision).
• Taliesin Jaffe revealed on Twitter that Lord de Rolo was his best impression of his grandfather.
• The show's take on Keyleth in general. They pay homage to her Nice Job Breaking It, Hero moments with spells, while at the same time assuring that she is valuable to the team, with her saving the party during the first Brimscythe encounter, helping to find the hidden entrance to the dragon's lair, and saving Pike from Sylas. It's also clear that the rest of Vox Machina doesn't see her as The Load and are encouraging and supportive whenever she doubts herself. Reflecting this, Keyleth's notoriously varied reception with fans has pretty much evaporated, and the general consensus now is that she's adorable and to be protected at all costs.
  • During the Twitch watch party for "Whispers at the Ziggurat", when Keyleth uses magical sunlight to destroy Sylas, Matt can be seen crying Tears of Joy. It's a beautiful climactic moment, but the fact that this is his wife's character getting a triumphant moment (after Marisha was bullied and harassed online for years over how she played Keyleth, no less) adds an even sweeter, more personal layer to it.
• During the Twitch watch party for "A Test of Pride", during the flashback scene where Grog first encounters Wilhand, Travis and Ashley loudly Squee over how adorable young Pike is in the picture in Wilhand's locket.
  Ashley: (upon noticing young Pike's Childish Tooth Gap) Awwwwww, look at the teefers! I love it so much! Where those teefs?

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