The Legend of Vox Machina – Season 2 Episode 9 “A Test of Pride” Recap & Review

A Test of Pride

In The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2 Episode 9, a group of goliaths raids a village. Grog’s uncle congratulates him for his kills. Continue on this path, he says, and people will fear the name Grog Strongjaw.

In the present day, Pike, Scanlan, and Grog make it to Westruun, where goliaths are demanding gold from the villagers. Grog advises them not to interfere yet. Kevdak, his uncle and the leader of the Herd of Storms, will be there–and he’s a force to be reckoned with. The vestige he has makes him insanely strong, and he has hundreds of Herd members on his side.

Grog is too embarrassed about his weakened state to want to reveal himself to his old herd, so Scanlan decides to do some recon himself by turning into a dragonfly. His spell runs out right beside a group of goliaths, and he has to find a make-do hiding place. He then comes upon a group that’s hiding from the Herd as well.

Grog confesses to Pike that he’s ashamed of his past with the Herd. Nothing could stop his violent tendencies until he met her grandfather Wilhand. When he saw the fear in his eyes during a raid, everything changed. He saved him from his cousin Zanror and got him to safety, but Kevdak caught him betraying them.

Grog and Zanror fought, but Kevdak wasn’t impressed by their weakness. He beat Grog up with his gauntlet, while Zanror looked away. His uncle then banished him from the Herd of Storms. Grog should have died, but Wilhand brought Pike to him for healing, and they took him in. 

Pike didn’t know all these details. She tells him he’s not like that anymore, but he still feels guilt over all the people he allowed to die. They then see Umbrasyl fly into town and start worrying about Scanlan.

Scanlan meets a gnome named Kaylie, in town as part of Dr. Dranzel’s Traveling Troupe. They’re not from this place, but they’ve all heard of Scanlan. Kaylie’s not impressed with him, but she does need him to get them out of the city.

Umbrasyl, holding the Mythcarver, calls out for Kevdak to show himself. He’s also with Anna Ripley. They have a deal with Kevdak that involves the Herd getting gold for the Conclave. But Umbrasyl is displeased with his efforts. He’ll return in three days. If they don’t bring enough gold, he’ll take his arms as payment.

Zanror rebels against his father, thinking he could better lead the Herd, but Kevdak beats him up with the strength of the gauntlet. He maintains control of the herd and commands them to kill the locals and take everything they have.

Pike and Grog decide to go after Scanlan, with Grog pretending to be bringing Pike in as a prisoner. Meanwhile, Scanlan decides to get Kaylie and the others out. On their way out, they run into Grog.

Scanlan instructs them to follow Grog outside the city, but they’re too afraid to go with a goliath. A dejected Grog decides he’s not going. People are afraid of his kind and that won’t’ change unless he takes down Kevdak. And he’ll have to do it on his own.

Kevdak asks his people if anyone would step forward and challenge him as Zanror did. Grog does, from the back of the crowd.  “Remember me?” he asks his uncle.

The Episode Review

Things are not looking so good for our split party. Grog may be in a bit over his head, but the difference between Grog and his uncle is not only that Grog will stand up for the little people. It’s also that people will follow Grog out of friendship rather than fear. How will he show that without his friends? Will we see the party reunite next episode to take the gauntlets, or will Grog manage to do so on his own?

And finally, what is going on with Anna Ripley? Scanlan didn’t recognize her voice, unfortunately, but something is definitely up her sleeve to be allying with the Chroma Conclave.