Vord

Highbearer Vord is the leader of The Order of Bahamut. Vord is aligned with Scalebearer Yonn and Lady Kima.

As an NPC in Critical Role, Vord is played by Matthew Mercer, while in The Legend of Vox Machina Vord is portrayed Sumalee Montano

Appearance
Vord is an older, slender, handsome male elf with frail yet ageless features. Initially in, he was described as having stark white hair slicked back against his head with no facial hair; later, in , Vord is described as having long, light brown hair and faintly blue-hued skin and eyes with neither irises nor pupils. He wears long white robes that drag along the floor behind him and a neckpiece of intricately-crafted draconic symbols that ends with a hanging emblem depicting Bahamut.

Personality
Vord is loyal to other longstanding members of the temple, even when he is frustrated with their egregious mistakes. He holds respect for those who follow other deities such as Sarenrae. He appears to be somewhat judgmental, with a discerning eye that seems to peer directly into one's personality, and a stickler for tradition and discipline. He looks down on the civilization outside of Vasselheim as "petty squabbles, selfish personal endeavors that lead to foolishness and treachery."

Vord met with Vox Machina to determine whether they carried a true Horn of Orcus. He confirmed it to be genuine and recommended they secure it within the Hall of the Exalted, an ancient and powerfully guarded vault. He also informed them that said hall was infested with spider creatures, and the defense systems had been activated, meaning the journey there would be quite fraught. He answered some of their questions about the security of the vault and the history of the city before sending them on their way.

After they successfully disposed of the horn, Vord paid Vox Machina for their troubles, and informed them of the location of the Fire Ashari, as well as the recent discovery of a lost temple to Sarenrae, which Pike later departed from Vox Machina to rebuild.

Vox Machina returned to the Platinum Sanctuary, hoping to acquire their aide in the defense of Tal'Dorei against the Chroma Conclave. They were admitted to the presence of Highbearer Vord, who said he was aware of the problem, but refused to send reinforcements because he feared Tiamat would attack Vasselheim if he did. However, he did offer the assistance of their finest champion, and once the champion reported back, perhaps Vasselheim would be able to send more. He agreed to send Lady Kima of Vord with them, instead of the champion he had originally picked out, Platium Knight Udire. He gave the party advice on where to find more information on the Vestiges of Divergence and they went on their way.

Vex and Vax briefly stopped by the Platinum Sanctuary and spoke with Highbearer Vord. They were considering leaving the journal of Opash in their vault but decided against it in the end, as Vord explained that they would have to research it which made the twins uncomfortable. Vord explained to them more about Orcus and the horn they left in his care, as well as the Nine Hells because they wished to be better informed before journeying there themselves. The twins thanked him for his time and left.

The Platinum Sanctuary, and thus Highbearer Vord, hosted a meeting between dignitaries of Vasselheim and beyond, to discuss the ascension of Vecna and the approach of Thar Amphala. Vord reported that he had wyvern riders searching for the city. When Vex informed them that Vecna could spy on them at any time, Vord loaned her a ring called the Band of Shrouds, saying it would protect against prying magics. The gathered council planned an assault against Thar Amphala, with Vord agreeing that Vox Machina should serve as an elite strike force against Vecna. It was then revealed that, as the Band of Shrouds required attunement, Vecna had been spying on the meeting the whole time.

The god threatened the present dignitaries and their loved ones, including Vord's family, until Allura Vysoren dispelled the illusion he was projecting. Vord then defensively explained that the ring required attunement and he didn't realise that Vecna would show up in the Sanctuary. Vord declared that Vecna knew too much and they were out of time, so the assault had to begin now. He left Vox Machina to plan how exactly they would deal with Vecna, then rejoined the rest of the council to strategize their assault on Thar Amphala.

After the war was won, Vox Machina returned to the Platinum Sanctuary to debrief, meeting with Vord and the other leaders of the city. Vax assured Vord that Vecna was truly gone, as The Raven Queen had allowed him to sense Vecna's presence and he felt nothing. Vord was present for Keyleth's victory speech, and for Vax's departure. Afterwards, Grog, Pike and Scanlan asked Vord and the priests of Bahamut to take over the search for Arkhan, a servant of Tiamat. They relinquished into Vord's care both Arkhan's hand and the Sword of Kas.

Vox Machina returned to the Platinum Sanctuary, where Vord and the other leaders were still planning and preparing how to repair the city. They explained that Grog had pulled a card from the Deck of Many Things, and Vord admonished them for letting Grog own such a dangerous arcane artifact. Between then, Allura and Scanlan determined that Grog's soul had been removed from his body and transported to Pandemonium. Vord called for members of the city to assist Vox Machina in their quest, and Lieve'tel Toluse and Bertrand Bell volunteered.

Relationships
Kima of Vord: Kima is a disciple of Highbearer Vord, granting her her title. He finds her lack of discipline frustrating and believes she needs guidance. Udire: Vord considers Platinum Knight Udire to be one of his finest champions. Yonn: Vord is angry at the Scalebearer for failing to correctly cleanse the chamber that holds the Star of Exaltation, and judges his intelligence, though appreciates his loyalty and devotion.

Notable items

 * Band of Shrouds

Appearances and mentions

 * Campaign 1
 * One-shots
 * One-shots
 * One-shots
 * One-shots
 * One-shots
 * One-shots
 * One-shots
 * One-shots
 * One-shots

Quotations

 * "We will do everything we can to see that this city stands. It is the only link we have to the past. Should Vasselheim fall, I dare say all is lost."
 * "Many heroes rose to challenge this day. Many we've lost. And many others that remain to remember them. Let us vow to never forget those who gave everything so that we could still stand here to remember. You, Vox Machina, stand as that beacon of hope upon which we all we hold. You may not fully understand the scope of what you have done but I assure you, we do."