Riskel Daxio

Lord Riskel Daxio was an elven member of the Council of Tal'Dorei and the Master of Commerce in Emon. As an NPC, he was played by Matthew Mercer.

Appearance
Riskel Daxio was older, with a thin build, visible battle scars, and long, strawberry-blond hair worn in a tight ponytail. He wore loose, decorative armor over dark clothing.

Personality
Daxio presented himself as a gentleman. He enjoyed watching Dr. Dranzel's Spectacular Traveling Troupe perform and tipped them well. He had earned Uriel's trust and played the part of a devoted Councilman while engaging in elaborate, long-term deception, and seemed to find Uriel's angst at his betrayal amusing. He was a completely devoted cult follower of Vecna who trusted him completely. He did not confide in his personal servant, Jeffrey, and had his room protected with anti-scrying glyphs and magical wards to prevent his treachery from being discovered.

Background
Riskel was a member of the Council of Tal'Dorei, serving as Master of Commerce, and had been a friend of Sovereign Uriel Tal'Dorei II since his youth. As the head of planning and construction, Riskel was responsible for the erection of Greyskull Keep for Vox Machina and accountable for the ostensible bridge proposed by the Briarwoods to be constructed between Tal'Dorei and Wildemount. He was also in charge of security within the Palace of the Sovereign. Unbeknownst to Vox Machina or the Council of Tal'Dorei, Riskel was a worshipper of Vecna.

While in Whitestone, Vox Machina discovered letters written by Riskel to Professor Anders. The contents of the letters revealed that Riskel was secretly working for the Briarwoods against the interests of Emon, to divert attention away from their Whitestone machinations. Some of the letters discussed planting information in Wildemount to fake the Briarwoods' deaths.

and
Vox Machina informed Uriel of Riskel's betrayal, providing the letters as proof, which were verified by Assum Emring. Uriel sent his guards to arrest Riskel, only to learn that the traitor had already left three days prior. Vox Machina then tracked him down, finding him hiding beneath the city with the Clasp, a criminal organization that offered Riskel documentation and secure passage to escape from Emon to Ank'Harel.

However, his plans crumbled when Vox Machina made their way through the Clasp guard and beat him unconscious. He was dragged to the Palace of the Sovereign for the justice of Uriel Tal'Dorei. While on trial, Riskel stated he had no need to defend himself because as one of the few people chosen by Vecna, his death would be only the beginning of his new life gifted by the Whispered One. However, when Pike held her holy symbol, threatening to expel that evil from his body, Riskel revealed everything he was privy to. The ritual had been planned for Winter's Crest, when interweaving ley lines around the world swell with magical energy, making it the ideal time to conduct experiments and cast spells. The Whitestone Rebellion accelerated the Briarwoods' plans, forcing them to perform the ritual prematurely, and Riskel did not know if it had succeeded. Realizing he had said too much but hoping he had not lost favor with his god, Riskel then willingly offered his neck in self-sacrifice.

As Grog severed his head from his body in his first use of Craven Edge, Riskel's eyes opened with sudden realization, then he smiled.

Vecna
Riskel called himself one of Vecna's chosen, part of his blood, one of the "many different pieces that make the whole". He believed that on his death he would be reborn.

Briarwoods
Lord Daxio worked with the Briarwoods in service to Vecna. He held the position of Master of Law on the Tal'Dorei Council, which proved useful to Briarwoods since each time they visited Emon, Riskel ensured most standard magical wards and defenses were removed or falsified.

Feats

 * Great Weapon Master

Abilities

 * Fighting Style
 * Second Wind
 * Action Surge (once per rest)
 * Martial Archetype: Battle Master
 * Combat Superiority
 * Student of War
 * Know Your Enemy
 * Improved Combat Superiority
 * Extra attack (3 attacks)
 * Indomitable (two uses per day)

Maneuvers
As a 13th-level Battle Master, Riskel knew seven combat maneuvers and had five Superiority Dice, which are d10s.


 * Trip Attack

Notable items

 * Large glaive
 * Symbol of Vecna

Appearances and mentions

 * Campaign 1
 * Campaign 1

Quotations

 * "Life is but a stage of our existence. And when you all will die, I will rise again. For I am his blood."