#I do have charms for Scanlan Grog and Pike . I just haven’t put anything together yet ….. 🤔

[bombdotcomshop]

Happy Legend of Vox Machina season three! 🎉

This will be a spoiler free blog, don’t worry. However I simply cannot contain my excitement!! Should I make some new designs to celebrate? What other characters would you like to see?

[windsroad]

for part 2 of “fics I may never finish” have chapter 1 of my critical role regency au! there’s another chapter and a half after this.

Chapter 1

The country surrounding Emon did not know what hit it when Vax’ildan and Vex’ahlia Vessar arrived.

Sir Percival de Rolo, fairly new to the country himself, did not know what to do with them, either. He had recently rented Greyskull Manor after making his fortune through the navy. He had made back all he had lost, at least monetarily—no one was quite willing to ask after what he had lost otherwise. However he had, to the best of his abilities, not rocked the boat.

But Mr. Vax’ildan Vessar and Miss Vex’ahlia Vessar… they were entirely willing to do so. Gleefully so, it seemed, as though they did not recognize the rules they were breaking. Which was not surprising, Sir Percival conceded. The Vessar twins were the natural children of one Mr. Vessar of Syngorn. They had been raised by their mother, outside of good society, with little knowledge or care of their parentage. Mr. Vessar, an ambassador to Emon, had recently called for them to join him. He claimed them publically and wished them to enter society.

Or so they say.

Sir Percival, as much as he liked to stay removed from anything one could remotely call troubling, found the stories of them interesting. And he had a duty to fill as the most prominent member in the country to greet any newcomers. So Sir Percival found himself writing invitations.

Vex and Vax sat together in their father’s drawing room and stared in dismay at the invitation they had just received.

“We’ve been invited to a ball,” said Vex, surprise hiding the bit of worry in her voice. “I mean, invited, on purpose, to a private ball.”

Vax waved it aside, tossing an embroidered cushion as he did so. “He’s just doing it because he has too. We don’t have to go.”

Vex rounded on him. “Brother, you don’t mean to say you’re not going? We must go!”

Vax leaned forward in a conspiratorial gesture. His dark hair hung loose around his shoulders, shadowing his face and aiding the dark look. “Vex’ahlia, you needn’t impress them! They’re not worth it.”

Vex shook her head. “No, I… I want to go. Please, let’s go. I can’t without you. Think of the fun we could have!”

Vax sighed and leaned his head back in defeat. “Fine. But only for you, Stubby!”

Vex smiled and settled back into her seat, satisfied that she’d successfully convinced her brother of her way. She picked up the task she had been pursuing before the footman had been delivered the invitation—cleaning and restringing a hunting bow. A decidedly unfeminine task that their father disapproved of greatly. 

“But you must be careful of these titled men,” continued Vax. “All stuffed shirts, the lot of them. I know you can handle yourself whatever may happen, but that’s no reason for you to go out and get your heart broken by conniving—conniving—”

“Me!” said Vex, looking up from her bow once again. “If those with high standing trouble you, surely you don’t think I haven’t noticed you noticing that charming girl with the red—” 

“You’ve defeated me,” said Vax. “No need to continue.”

They both paused a moment. Vex attended to her bow. Vax fiddled with some trinket he had picked up god-knows-where.

“Do you think she’ll be there?” he asked.

“One can only hope.”

Vex insisted that she and Vax must prepare for the ball. They must appear wealthy when they wreaked havoc upon the upper echelons, she said. Vax slipped into a small shop selling trinkets and baubles while his sister sifted through ribbons, hair decorations, anxieties. He’d always had a bad reputation—and the bad habit to go with it—of a filcher. Sometimes he saw pretty things he felt no one would miss and his family’s money purse would certainly appreciate.

He didn’t need the money now. It was merely out of habit that he looked at wares in the window. But walking inside, something of his was stolen instead.

The man at the shop counter—the owner, Vax thought—was a well-dressed man of dark complexion and charming visage. As Vax walked in, the man smiled brightly, aimed like a sunbeam. Vax found himself forgetting the baubles he’d admired.

“Good- good day, sir,” said Vax, stumbling over his words. He cast about in his memory for the name he’d seen on the sign outside. “Mr. Gilmore, you are?”

The man laughed a charming, rich laugh, and stuck his hand across the counter. “And you are Mr. Vax’ildan Vessar. The whole town is talking about you,” he said. “You must call me Gilmore. I foresee us becoming great friends.”

Vax grabbed Gilmore’s hand in greeting. “I usually prefer to stay out of people’s attention,” said Vax’ildan, shaking Gilmore’s hand and smiling like an idiot. “Gilmore it is. But then you must call me Vax’ildan.”

“Vax’ildan!” said Gilmore. “You move so fast!”

Vax laughed and realized he was still pumping the other man’s hand. “Vessar is my father,” he said, letting go and casting his hand out to some object, any object, to put on the counter between them. “It is not the name I was raised under, and I feel no ownership towards it.” 

They paused. Vax took a breath and looked down to see what he had grabbed. “I would like to purchase this, ah, thing.” It was a small figurine, not three inches tall, of a white horse rearing up on its hind legs.

Gilmore packaged the figure prettily, and they exchanged the money and item. “I hope to see you around,” said Gilmore.

“Of course,” said Vax helplessly, taking one last glance.

Vax finally let the breath he had been holding go as he stepped outside. He was in trouble.

Vex rifled through ribbons and fabrics, trying to find just the right item she needed. Her brother had taken off, which was normal for him. She did not mind—she could handle herself just fine, thank you.

The bell above the shop store tinkled as two voices came in behind her.

“So you think I should get her a ribbon? That will do it?” said a smooth man’s voice.

“Sure! She’s always using those. For dresses and hair and things.” The second voice was gruff, deep.

“I trust you, you do know her best…”

Vex stopped what she was doing and turned to see who had come in. This was a situation she simply had to involve herself in.

They were an odd pair. One was short, very short, of a slight build, dressed extravagantly well. His dark hair was pulled from his face neatly, and his chin was shaved smooth.

The other was much his opposite. Tall, well-built, with a thick beard and bald head. His clothes appeared like those of a farmhand.

“Hello!” said Vex, putting on her most charming smile. “May I ask, who is this gift for? I think I could be a great help.”

The shorter man flashed back an even more dashing smile. “A young woman out by herself!” he said, bowing. “People will talk. I am Scanlan Shorthalt. A pleasure.”

“Grog,” said the giant man. “Strongjaw.”

Vex’ahlia curtseyed in turn. “Vex’ahlia Vessar,” she said. “People are already talking.”

“I have heard some tales of the Vessar twins,” said Mr. Shorthalt. “The girl you ask about is Miss Pike Trickfoot. We were discussing what I might bring her as a gift.”

“I thought some ribbons,” said Mr. Strongjaw.

“You know what would be grand!” said Vex, her mind turning. She was aware of certain rules of etiquette, and she took great pleasure in ignoring them. One does not invite others to other people’s balls. “I know that there will be a ball at Greyskull Manor. Buy her something she can wear—not ribbons, maybe a comb—and ask her to wear it there.”

Mr. Shorthalt leaned back on his heels. “Miss Vessar, that is quite good,” he said. “I will have you know that I and my students are providing the entertainment at this ball. I should be quite glad to see her there.”

“So I will see you there! That is wonderful! Will I also see you there, Mr. Strongjaw?”

He pointed at himself in shock. “Me? I’m just Grog. I’m not usually. People don’t invite me to balls.”

“Oh, you must go!” said Vex’ahlia. “It will be great fun. I shall be upset if you do not.”

Grog looked down at Mr. Shorthalt. Scanlan shrugged. “Well, thank you for your help, Miss Vessar.”

Vex watched them leave, chatting about parting ways so Mr. Shorthalt could purchase flowers, before she finally picked out her ribbons, paid for them, and left to meet her brother.

[meganwontgotoheaven]

Ch 10: When The Monday Gossip Is Glorious

Fandom: Critical Role

Genre: High School AU

Rating: General 

Word Count: 1781

The second day of the festival set up was uneventful and soon enough the entire field went from an empty mid-autumn field to a winter wonderland. Eskil was released from the city jail after an “anonymous” tip came in about a white haired woman but the police were still keeping an eye on him for the rest of the investigation. The worst thing to happen that day was Vex finding out they were being paid in free fair vouchers and not actual cash. Her mood carried over to Monday morning.

“Next time I find an online advertisement for work, I’m checking the payment method first,” said Vex as her and Vax waited for the morning bell.

“Cool it stumpy,” said Vax working on his neglected weekend homework. “There will be other jobs.”

“Fine but when we help with the school Halloween fair in a few weeks things will be different,” she replied.

“Sure they will...wait since when are we helping with the fair,” asked Vax.

“Since I ran into Allura from the student council like ten minutes ago,” answered Vex.

Vax groaned. “That’s who you were talking to. Why do you need to get us involved with school stuff.”

“Well she was putting up fliers and she looked kind of upset,” said Vex. “So i started talking to her.”

“Is she okay,” asked Vax.

Vex leaned in close to her brother. “She’s worried about Uriel, the council president.”

“Didn’t someone try to throw a baseball at his head at the last assembly,” asked Vax.

Vex nodded. “That’s around when it started. Apparently he’s been acting weird. He’s been withdrawn, missing meetings, nobody’s been able to get in touch with him because he refuses to talk with them.”

“Sounds like the ol’ prez has got himself into some shady things if you get my drift,” said Vax tapping the side of his nose.

“No,” said Vex scandalized. “You don’t really think…”

Vax just shrugged as Pike and Grog walked into the room with a Percy in tow. The conversation was dropped for the moment.

~ ~ ~  

In another homeroom Keyleth was busily talking with Tiberius and Scanlan about her own future plans.

“So I already texted Vex and Percy about it but next week over by Crystalfen in the old part of town there's going to be an antiques and oddities market,” said Keyleth. “Want to come?”

“Thats sounds wonderful,” said Tiberius. “I’ll go with you.”

“That part of town smells like sewer refuse and antiques are for old people,” said Scanlan. “Why would we go there?”

“Because it’ll be fun! And it’s not just for old people,” said Keyleth. “I’m looking for fun things to upcycle.”

“And I have a list of rare vintage items I’ve been looking for to add to my collection,” add Tiberius.

“We were thinking of going after school next Friday,” said Keyleth.

“Me and Vax have plans that day,” said Scanlan.

“What type of plans,” asked Keyleth.

“Oh you know, just guy stuff,” said Scanlan evasively.

“That’s a really vague answer,” said Keyleth.

“It’s not,” said Scanlan.

“Is this something we should be concerned about,” asked Keyleth.

“Probably not,” he replied.

“Workes for me,” said Tiberius. “Now did you study for the history quiz? Because I have some last minute review questions.”

“Of course,” said Keyleth.

~ ~ ~  

History was boring, so Vax decided to go for a walk instead, making his usual rounds. First he looked in on his sister and the girls in gym class just in time to see Keyleth catch the football two seconds before being tackled by the entire opposing team. Next on his route was the vending machine with the good candy bars. And finally he was off to the front office where he knew he could look through the lost and found without being caught by a teacher.

Ignoring the things that had already been sitting there for weeks he found three new retainers, a Justin Timberlake folder, an ugly orange sweater, and a journal with the name “Gregory” written inside the cover. He decided the journal could keep him entertained in class until he could find its owner and return it.

After that it was back to history class.

~ ~ ~

Seventh period brought more news to the ears of Vox Machina. While Percy and Tiberius listened and took notes about symbolism in Wuthering Heights Scanlan was scrolling through local gossip blogs. One post caught his attention immediately and he elbowed Tiberius from across the aisle.

“Tiberius look at this,” he whispered.

Tiberius side glanced at the phone in Scanlan’s hand. On it was a headline reading “Dread Emperor: Little Emperor Day Camp Caught In Child Slavery Ring.” Tiberius’ eyes widened in realization.

“Oh my god we worked there,” Tiberius exclaimed under his breath.

“I know,” Scanlan whispered back with as much surprise.

“Whats going on,” asked Percy noticing his friends agitation. Scanlan turned the phone towards him.

“Over the summer we worked there for like a week,” Scanlan explained. “We quite because the owner was super sketchy. And because Keyleth dropped a kid but that’s a different story.”

“You know, Pike was talking about possibly looking into the owner’s background and maybe talking to someone about him,” said Tiberius.

“I think she did eventually tell the police about her suspicions,” said Scanlan. “Apparently she wasn’t the only concerned civilian.”

“Good god what is the world coming too,” mumbled Percy.

“I for one am glad we quite and the place is shut down,” said Tiberius.

The three boys nodded their heads in agreement and returned there attention to the lecture.

~ ~ ~                

    The twins had last period together just as they did first period. And much like first period Vex listened attentively and took notes while Vax only half paid attention. He was idly flipping through the journal he found in between listening about chemical bonds. He nudged his sister.

“Hey remember our conversation this morning,” he whispered.

“Sure. About Allura and Uriel,” she replied.    

“Well check this out,” he said sliding the journal in front of his sister. It was open to the last two entries which read:

“Sep. 9 First assembly of the year. Class representatives were announced and I am once again representing my class. Someone attempted to hit president Uriel while he was on stage. I have my suspicions on the culprit.

Sep. 8 Today I spoke with Krieg about the assembly incident. He said some interesting things but I think he knows more than he is letting on.”

“Where did you get this? Is this someone’s diary,” asked Vex.

“Don’t worry about it,” said Vax.

“Creep,” was Vex’s only reply.

“Takes one to know one,” he said. “But isn’t it weird we were just talking about this? We should find this Krieg kid.”

“Did you even look at your ballot for council elections,” asked Vex.

“Um, maybe,” he replied. Vex rolled her eyes.

“He’s our student council secretary,” said Vex. “He’s the really cute one.”

“Oh yeah, him,” said Vax putting the pieces together. “We should investigate him.”

“So, stop by the school store after class,” Vex suggested.

“Perfect,” Vax said.

~ ~ ~

“Oh, Percy,” called Vex as she slid up to his locker.

“Hello,” he said. “Are we ready to leave already?”

“Not quite,” Vex said. “Have you been to the school store yet?”

“I’ve passed it,” he replied.

“Well today you get to see it up close,” Vex said as she began to lead Percy down the hall.

The school store was originally nothing especially fancy. It was a small recess in the wall with a counter running across the front with items displayed under the counter glass and along the wall behind it. However it was clear that whoever was running the store had put a lot of time and care into the stores presentation. The display cases were lined with purple fabric and the wall hung with fabric and beads all done in a way meant to display the merchandise in the best possible way.

Outside the store Scanlan could be seen talking to a horrified looking Keyleth and Pike while Vax leaned on the counter and talked with the dark haired boy behind it.

“Percy, this is Gilmore. He runs the school store,” introduced Vex. “Gilmore, this is Percy.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” said Gilmore, extending his hand. “Vax has told me much about you.”  

“All good things I hope,” said Percy taking the offered hand.

“Don’t worry he hasn’t told me anything too scandalous,” said Gilmore. “Now, pleasantries aside I believe  you have business with me.”

“We do. Let’s start with what I ordered a few days ago,” said Vax. Gilmore crouched down behind the counter to retrieve something.

“Gilmore’s quite the businessman,” said Vex. “He sells much more than school supplies and merchandise.”

“That’s right. I can get you just about anything you need for a good price,” said Gilmore coming back up. “I’m even willing to procure some less than legal items just for VM.”

Gilmore gave Percy a sly smile and to Percy’s relief placed two bootleg video games on the counter in front of Vax. Vax slid them into his bag and replaced them with cash and a journal. By this time the rest of the group had gathered around them.  

“Gilmore, what can you tell us about this Gregory kid” asked Vax.

Gilmore picked up the journal and began scanning through the pages.

“Oh yes, I know who this is,” he said. “But if you were looking to talk with him you’re out of luck.”

“Why’s that,” asked Keyleth.

“Well because he’s mysteriously disappeared,” answered Gilmore. “He just stopped coming to school one day. According to the more credible rumors  some say he very suddenly transferred out but others say he was unfairly expelled.”

“Expelled for what,” asked Pike.

“That’s the mystery of it. According to everyone he was a good student--got straight A’s was involved in student government, never been in trouble,” answered Gilmore.

“Do you think he could have been framed for something by someone, like i don’t know, Krieg maybe,” said Vex.

“That’s a weird person to suggest,” said Gilmore. “But i agree that if he was expelled there was probably foul play involved.”

“But not by Krieg,” continued Vex. “Have you ever talked with Krieg?”

“I haven’t. He seems very charming from what I’ve seen but I haven’t heard much about him,” said Gilmore. “Is there anything else I can help with.

“Thanks Gilmore, but I think that’s it,” said Vax. “I’ll see you in class tomorrow.”

“Naturally,” Gilmore said with a small wave as the friends began the walk to the parking lot. They had some things to talk about and plans to make.