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princeofassassins · 5 hours ago

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I disagree with this framing of Vax's feelings as him being 100% inflexible about his role with the matron. Before his behavior with her could be read as that, but he has directly stated that he also wishes he could go back, its mainly that he doesnt want to go back on a promise.

The results of what happens with the gods, informs how his fate tied to the raven queen will end up, whether he gets a leave of absence, is still tied to her after de-deification, or she is consumed. His main character trait is wanting to be some reliable, someone who can help others, and lighten the mood. In his old life he sought to be a breath of fresh air, a bit of an impish prankster, someone who wanted to enjoy the fruits of life and encourage others to share them with him.

I don't think resurrecting Vax is overriding Vax's desires as he clearly would like to return to his life but his strong sense of moral obligation means that unless circumstances change he wont consider it. He wont agree to them tricking the Raven Queen or utilizing a loophole to bring him back unless he either has her blessing or his duties are done/taken up by another. That doesn't mean he's anti revival under any circumstances.

Plus we've seen Keyleth struggle over being happy that Vax is back for one more night, despite the Raven Queen granting him a temporary respite. She has clearly been going through it, and what seemed like a sweet gesture with the ravens he sent, are something that prevents her from moving on. She wants finality to move past this schrodinger's mourning period. Either Vax becomes part of her life from now on or she needs to extinguish the possibility of it happening.

Even so despite Keyleth having a lot of negative bias toward the Raven, even if it has subsided over time, she still doesn't try to beg or plead with Vax to ignore the Raven Queen. She understands his sense of honor amongst this and doesn't to force him to go against his own beliefs. The same attitude is true of Vex, although to some extent she's more willing to try and pester him about it in a sisterly way. I dont think either of them would make a concerted effort to influence Vax against his own desires for their own benefit. And If Vax returns, it will be in a way where he is making his own choice and liking sticking to his word to the Raven Queen.

I think I pinned down what bothers me the *most* about the "Free Vax from the Raven Queen" sentiment, including from the characters in the game (only because of how I see their in-character arguments being used in discussions). It boils down to the fact that people do not listen to what Vax himself says that he wants. He's said it multiple times, if you listen! And I understand why Keyleth and Vex kind of brush it aside (because they miss him and if they accepted this is his choice they would have to accept that they're angry at him for choosing it), but seeing so many arguments from the fandom to the effect of "Keyleth is sad, they need to fix it!" ignores Vax's agency in the situation by putting Keyleth's wants above his, and also says that Keyleth should be protected from having to actually deal with her grief.

Resurrecting Vax and having them live out Vax's remaining years together without consequence (because no matter what, she *will* outlive him by about ten times over) would not "cheapen" the story of his sacrifice, because that's not how stories work, but it would say that Keyleth's wants and values and needs are more valuable and important than Vax's.

Resurrecting Vax for Keyleth is akin to Deanna being resurrected for her husband. One person's choices are being placed above another's.

#cr discourse #critical role spoilers #vaxildan #vax revival #keyleth #vexhalia #c3e119

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eryniell · 1 month ago

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