Vox Machina Origins III 1

Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins III #1 is the thirteenth issue of Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins and the first issue of Vox Machina Origins Series III, written by Jody Houser and Matthew Mercer, with art by Olivia Samson. It was published by Dark Horse Comics and released on February 10, 2021.

Plot summary
Exhausted, Vox Machina returns to Westruun from a job in the Shadebarrow. As the group complains that they are all in need of a drink, Percival de Rolo cheerily remarks that he knew traveling with the group would be interesting and they have not yet disappointed. They deliver the arcane cortex they extracted from a golem to Drez Vina, who is disinterested in hearing a recount of their adventure. He declares their debt to his master, Quall, fully repaid and gives them a large sum of money to cover the difference, advising them not to spend it all at once. The party quickly spends the money buying clothes and weapons, visiting brothels and spas, gambling, drinking, feasting, and staying in fancy accommodations.

As Scanlan Shorthalt relays the tale of Errevon's defeat, celebrated by the holiday Winter's Crest, Vex'ahlia informs the group that they are low on money and suggests they quickly find a job. A woman enters the tavern looking for help finding her son, who has been missing for two weeks. Though Keyleth is keen to help and the woman offers pay, much of the party are reluctant. Vox Machina is thrown out of the tavern after Grog accidentally draws the ire of Loran the Bear and intentionally escalates it into a brawl. As he and his group also depart the tavern, Loran says that Grog might have been a better fight if he were half as strong as he is ugly, leaving Grog shouting after him. This draws the attention of Kradin Grimthorne.

Kradin offers to act as Vox Machina's representative in the upcoming round of the Brawlers' League. He will act as their liaison to the League and will cover their entry fee in exchange for a portion of the substantial winner's pursue. Though Vex'ahlia has reservations about giving Kradin a share of the prize money, Vax'ildan convinces her by whispering that the crowds will have full coin purses and be distracted. As they have no other paying work, though Keyleth remains concerned about the missing boy, the party agrees to the arrangement and Vex'ahlia signs a contract. Kradin says that the fight will be in three days and that they cannot bring Trinket. While the group prepares for the fight, Keyleth unsuccessfully searches Westruun for the boy.

Vox Machina arrives at the arena after the night's first match. Kradin instructs them to register with the organizer Nima. Nima is unimpressed with them and remarks that they do not appear as sturdy as Kradin's previous entrants. Kradin says many are betting against Vox Machina because they are unknowns in the League, so a victory is profitable. They are matched against Goreshon's Fist, and part of the group is intimidated by how tough their opponents seem. Vax'ildan attempts to formulate a strategy, but he is interrupted by the announcement of their fight. Vox Machina and Foreshon's Fist enter the arena.

Returning

 * Grog Strongjaw
 * Keyleth
 * Percival de Rolo
 * Pike Trickfoot
 * Scanlan Shorthalt
 * Vax'ildan
 * Vex'ahlia
 * Trinket
 * Drez Vina

New

 * Kradin Grimthorne
 * Loran the Bear
 * Nima

Mentioned

 * Quall (unnamed)
 * Errevon