Episode 2 antes up the action as two more characters join the storyline. As Vax and Percy meet Taryon Darrington, we meet Vex — Vax’s twin brother — and his lover Keyleth of the Air Ashari. The half-druid is currently on her Aramenté quest, with her final trial awaiting on the shores of Vesra.
Meanwhile, Pike and Grog return to the Everlight temple for answers around Talia’s erratic behavior. Once there, a cleric tells Pike that Talia’s daughter fell ill. Unable to heal her, Talia became despondent and vanished a month ago. Investigating Talia’s empty quarters, Pike and Grog barely escape a lethal magic trap.
Vax and Percy grow impatient with Taryon when an uninvited guest arrives to retrieve his pet — the undead creature. A chase ensues, but the mage transforms the beast to wield wings to escape.
Keyleth and Vex survive torrential seas to Vesra, where her final trial takes place. She must retrieve the Loadstone from the Water Plain to be named the Voice of the Tempest. Standing between her and victory is a Kraken, who promises to make her the Voice and heal an ill Vex, if Keyleth allows the creature passage through the Rift. Seeing through its lies, Keyleth refuses and opts to take the stone. The Kraken matches Keyleth’s energy, pulling a full assault on the Rift for entrance into their world.
Despite its taunts of her mother’s failures, Keyleth is victorious in defeating the beast and saving the people she vowed to protect. Even though she failed at her task, she is named the Voice of the Tempest. News of her success reaches Vax and Percy, but also the hooded figure — possibly connecting all three incidents to his nefarious acts.
Episode two is a vibrant swing, equal in comedic tone and fantastical action. Keyleth’s introduction is the typical protagonist’s quest, full with tradition and legacy meant to be broken for a better future. Her elemental transformations are a sight to see, especially against a creature of immense power such as the Kraken. While Tarydon is fun to watch, his annoyance is felt by viewers. Hopefully his character will have a larger role to play in the unfolding mystery. Much like Sir Germain revealed to have in Netflix’s Castlevania. For now, he’s tolerable.
Every good hero must have a quality villain, and for now, the mystery behind the blood clerics remains intriguing. Another parallel to the aforementioned Castlevania, the church’s possible link to the evil would make for a great reveal and a conundrum for Pike.
Rating: 8/10