In the gripping opener of Season 3, Episode 1 of "The Legend of Vox Machina," Vax embarks on a perilous espionage mission, sneaking into Thordak's lair. There, his eyes widen in astonishment as he beholds a plethora of dragon eggs, but his reverie is swiftly shattered when Thordak catches him. With a roar, Thordak vows that his offspring shall soon ascend to godhood as he chases Vax out, who is then felled by a fierce attack, crashing to the ground.
The scene shifts to a flashback, one day prior, where Vox Machina engages in a tense conversation with Raishan, the dragon who had masqueraded as Yennen. Her voice drips with venom as she recounts Thordak's betrayal; once bound to the Soul Anchor on the fire plain, she had liberated him in exchange for a promise to lift a curse that was consuming her. Yet, he broke his word, and her magic, intertwining with the gem that shackled him, bolstered his power while corrupting his mind. He demanded she follow him and procure subjects, and now, on the brink of death, she seeks vengeance against Thordak.
She reveals his sinister plot: to forge a new order of elemental dragons to dominate the world. To thwart him, they need a relic known as the Plate of the Dawn Martyr. However, partnering with her means facing competition from another treasure hunter.
Keyleth, sensing Raishan's deceit, is steadfast in her refusal to collaborate with the dragon, and Vox Machina initially aligns with her stance. Raishan, frustrated, vanishes into thin air.
Yet, doubts creep into the minds of several members. Keyleth, haunted by the memory of Uriel's murder and the dishonor to the Ashari, finds herself isolated in her conviction. She soars away, her heart heavy, and Vax, driven by concern, follows suit.
Their conversation delves into Vax's recent transformation, and he reassures Keyleth with a firm resolve, pledging unwavering support. As they share a tender kiss, Vax is plunged into a harrowing vision—Keyleth, mired in sorrow, mourning the loss of every member of Vox Machina. Embarrassed by the intensity of the moment, Vax pulls away, leaving Keyleth to return to the group, alone and introspective.
In the early morning light, Vex tenderly inquired after Percy, who was overwhelmed with guilt, believing he had jeopardized his comrades. They concurred that pursuing the vestige was imperative, lest Raishan's revelations held true. With a meticulous plan in mind, the group stealthily navigated towards Thordak's lair, eager to uncover the dragon's true intentions as described by Raishan.
The narrative skips ahead to the dramatic moment where Vax, struck by Thordak's fierce attack, tumbled to the ground. Percy's desperate gesture signaled the plan's failure, prompting Vox Machina to confront the dragons head-on. Vax, his voice trembling, confirmed Raishan's accuracy regarding the eggs and Thordak's sinister scheme. Realizing their current powers were insufficient to vanquish the beasts, they retreated to safety.
Raishan, her presence a beacon of hope amidst despair, appeared and extracted them from the perilous situation, enduring unbearable agony in the process. With urgency in her voice, she insisted they hasten to Ank'Harel in Marquet, their destination for the elusive plate armor, if they had any faith in her guidance. Thordak, vowing revenge, cursed Vox Machina for defying his authority.
Upon reaching Ank'Harel, Vox Machina enlisted Gilmore's expertise to locate the vestige. As they neared their destination, the sounds of conflict echoed from within. Rushing to intervene, they encountered a fierce shootout, with a woman fleeing the scene with the vestige, leaving a dying comrade in her wake.
Percy, convinced that only Anna Ripley possessed such a weapon, gave chase, his shots flying wildly and inadvertently striking an innocent bystander. He eventually cornered Anna, demanding she surrender the vestige. Yet, to his astonishment, she revealed not one, but two vestiges in her possession.
Just when Percy believed he had her at his mercy, Anna revealed she was not alone. The spirit Orthax, once bonded to Percy's pepperbox, now stood by her side, demanding Percy account for breaking their agreement. The scene was tense, with each passing second thick with anticipation and danger.
