Take This Down: Taryon Darrington’s Top 5 Adventures

Critical Role‘s Campaign 1 character Sir Taryon Darrington is an author, arcane inventor, and self-appointed knight. He was born to a family that possessed wealth but lacked love. Thus Taryon escaped into fairytales and action-packed books, and he always wished to experience an exciting journey like what was written within those pages.

One day in his adulthood, Taryon, AKA Tary, met Vox Machina. Although he was exceedingly rude to them, they agreed to accept him into their party … mostly because he paid them. Before he left home, Taryon Darrington made a list of adventures he wanted to have during his quest — modeled after all his favorite stories, of course. Below, we’re breaking down the top 5 accomplished adventures from Tary’s to-do list!

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5. Rescue a Maiden

During the campaign, Vox Machina member Keyleth is trying to complete her Aramenté by visiting different Elemental Planes through the four Ashari tribes. To get to the Water Ashari, Vox Machina traverses the Ozmit Sea. Most of the journey is relaxing. Unfortunately, that peace and quiet doesn’t last. Encountering an enemy vessel, Vox Machina assists the Drensala Vis’ captain and crew in defeating it, but Keyleth is blown overboard during the skirmish.

Taryon bravely dives into the fray. He rescues Keyleth. He also gets the killing blow on their fish-like humanoid antagonist, thus giving Keyleth time to use her magic and sink the other ship. In this way, Taryon is able to check off an adventure from his wishlist. Obviously, he’s quite proud of himself. Tary has his robot companion Doty record every single moment for posterity.

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4. A Classic Dungeon Crawl

A “dungeon crawl” is when heroes navigate any sort of maze or subterranean structure on their way to their next battle. It makes the journey just as interesting as the destination. No wonder, then, it has a spot on Taryon Darrington’s list. And he gets to do a dungeon crawl twice! The first time is in one of the lower Hells after Vox Machina makes a deal with a demon called Ipkesh. Contracted to slaughter a pit fiend called Utugash, Vox Machina make their way through the villain’s stronghold. Tary gets to turn himself invisible, get split from the party, and even evade imps.

Tary’s second dungeon crawl takes place soon after in Mentiri. After assassinating Utugash, the Vox Machina members are captured and imprisoned by devils. They are sentenced to “moral reassignment and delivery” for the crime of “usurping a trusted” of the ruling archduke devil. Of course, they all escape through the twisting hallways and elaborate chambers, fighting a few golems on the way. Sadly, Doty was destroyed during the initial arrest and cannot record the remainder of Tary’s deeds.

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3. Solving a Mysterious Riddle

After encountering their old enemy Lady Delilah Briarwood, Vox Machina realizes there’s a larger plot afoot. They gather a few clues and trinkets, such as a mysterious orb, iron necklaces, and the bodies of cultists. Percy, Grog, Tary, and Keyleth experiment with these items. Eventually they learn that they can use what they’ve gathered to shift planes and follow Delilah. If they follow her, they can also learn more about the Whispered One — AKA this arc’s Big Bad.

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2. The Old-Fashioned Double-Cross

Let’s circle back to Ipkesh and Utugash real quick. Taryon doesn’t double-cross anyone here, but he assists in a double-cross because Ipkesh serves Utugash. This is one of those “close enough” moments for Tary. After all, he doesn’t have to play the main role in one of the to-do items to count it. It’s more of a participation and observation thing for him. Ultimately, his adventures are fodder for his own — well, also Doty’s — book.

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1. Revenge Plot

Why did Ipkesh want Utugash to die? Revenge for poor treatment! Plus, Ipkesh and his friends could rise up in the devil hierarchy if there was a vacancy. Isn’t that great? Taryon gets to do so much in the span of a few episodes thanks to this disgruntled and ambitious employee. Who knew going to hell could be such a good thing?

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Honorable Mention: Slay a Dragon

The only thing Taryon wasn’t able to cross off his list was “slay a dragon”. But if you ask us, Taryon’s verbally/emotionally abusive father was his own (metaphorical) dragon. And Taryon certainly defeated that ferocious foe in a battle of wits and will. He stood his ground and refused to marry a woman just to save his family’s fortune and reputation. By forging his own path, Taryon eventually became the courageous and confident hero he always wanted to be.

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What is your favorite Taryon Darrington adventure? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!