Cassandra de Rolo

Cassandra de Rolo
Fan art of Cassandra de Rolo in 836 PD, by Jessica Scates.
Screenshot of Cassandra de Rolo from "The Legend of the Cast of The Legend of Vox Machina".
Type	NPC
Actor	Matthew Mercer (Critical Role) Esmé Creed-Miles (The Legend of Vox Machina)
Character Information
Name	Cassandra Johanna von Musel Klossowski de Rolo
Pronouns	she/her
Titles	Guardian of Woven Stone
Also known as	Cassandra Johanna de Rolo (shorter version of her full name) Cass (by Percy) Kestrel (The Legend of Vox Machina)
Creature type	Humanoid
Race	Human
Class	Rogue Fighter
Age	Late teens or early 20s (in 810 PD) Late 40s to early 50s (in 843 PD)
Languages	Common; Elvish
Place	Whitestone
Family	De Rolo family Frederick de Rolo (father) Johanna von Musel (mother) Julius de Rolo (oldest brother) Vesper de Rolo (oldest sister) Percival de Rolo III (older brother) Whitney de Rolo (older sister) Ludwig de Rolo (older brother) Oliver de Rolo (older brother) Vex'ahlia (sister-in-law) Vesper Elaina de Rolo (niece) Wolfe Kristoff de Rolo (nephew) Leona de Rolo (niece) Vax'ildan de Rolo (nephew) Gwendolyn de Rolo (niece)
Connections	The Briarwoods (former prisoner, servant, and collaborator) Whitestone Rebellion (leader/former traitor) Vox Machina (ally)
Profession	Leader of the Chamber of Whitestone
Status
Status	Alive (resurrected)
Cause of death	Killed by Vex while dressed as a cultist
Death episode(s)	"The Final Ascent" (1x113)
Stats
Level	≥ 6
HP	≤ 84
AC	≤ 19
DC
Appearances
First seen	"Reunions" (1x33) (stream) "The Feast of Realms" (LVM1x03) (animated)
Last seen	"The Promise and the Price" (3x77) (stream) "The Darkness Within" (LVM1x12) (animated)
Stream	Campaign One (19 episodes) Campaign Three (1 episode)
Television	The Legend of Vox Machina (9 episodes)

Lady Cassandra Johanna von Musel Klossowski de Rolo is the head of the Chamber of Whitestone, the youngest sister of Percival de Rolo's six siblings, and only other surviving member of the de Rolo family. As an NPC, she is played by Matthew Mercer.

Intro

"One day, a mysterious couple, named Lord and Lady Briarwood, came to the court. During a feast held in their honor, the Briarwoods violently took control of the castle, killing or imprisoning everyone who would stand in their way. Percy awoke chained in the dungeon, only to be freed by his younger sister. Together they fled, chased by the Briarwoods' men. As they ran, Percy's sister took several arrows to the chest and fell."

Description

Appearance

Fan art of Cassandra de Rolo, by alexielapril.

Cassandra is a young human woman in her late teens/early twenties. She has dark brown hair with a few streaks of white at her temples, most likely due to her mental and psychological hardship.

By 843 PD, Cassandra was in her late forties to early fifties. Her hair was still dark brown although more than half was grey, and she still bore a resemblance to her brother Percy.

Personality

Cassandra is an extremely conflicted character. While Percy tried to get as far from Whitestone as possible, Cassandra was left to deal with the loss of her entire family as well as being abandoned by her brother. Cassandra suffered from severe psychological trauma which led to a feeling of conflicting loyalties during the rebellion in Whitestone. However, she ultimately renounced the Briarwoods and fought for the liberation of her home. Though skeptical and feeling unworthy, Cassandra took the leading position in the Chamber of Whitestone and worked tirelessly to return the city to prosperity. Even after the dangers had passed Cassandra found herself in a dark place, feeling unworthy of anyone's trust. Her brother has referred to her as, "a bit of a brat" and their relationship is a bit rocky, though Percy has come around in recent years coming to understand her plight and giving her the support she needs. Cassandra hopes to see the world and travel far from the city that has brought her so much pain through the years.

Biography

Fan art of Cassandra de Rolo, by LornArt.

Background

Cassandra was the youngest child of the de Rolo family. After the Briarwoods took over Whitestone, Cassandra freed her brother, Percy, and fled. While attempting to escape, Cassandra was hit by several arrows and fell. She awoke back in Whitestone as a hostage of the Briarwoods. Over the next several years Cassandra would originally attempt to aid the rebellion, but it is later revealed that, due to them mentally and/or emotionally manipulating her, she was feeding the Briarwoods information so that the rebellion would fail.

Campaign One: Vox Machina

Arc 2: The Briarwoods

"Stoke the Flames" (1x30)
Archibald Desnay revealed to Percy that Cassandra had survived the Briarwoods’ attack on Whitestone, and was now a personal assistant and slave to the Briarwoods. While used as a symbol of the Briarwoods’ dominance, she had been feeding information to the rebellion for years.

"Reunions" (1x33)
Vox Machina found Cassandra with Professor Anders, and she warned them that it was a trap before Anders slit her throat. However, this was an illusion. Cassandra was reunited with Percy, and offered to lead Vox Machina underground to the Ziggurat and join the fight against the Briarwoods. She explained that after recovering from the attack, she was helping a group escape from the castle when Sylas found and slaughtered them, sparing Cassandra. She was offered power and wealth by the Briarwoods, and spent her time planning the rebellion.

"Race to the Ziggurat" (1x34)
While in the tunnels beneath Whitestone, Cassandra explained to Vox Machina the dangers of the Briarwoods: Sylas and his ability to influence minds, and Delilah and her powerful necromantic magic.

The group came across an entirely bronze room, and when they pressed down opal stones in the room walls of green glass came down from the ceiling, which trapped Vox Machina inside the room and Cassandra on the outside. The Briarwoods appeared next to Cassandra, and acid started to pour into the room. Cassandra told Percy that she had a new family with the Briarwoods after he left her to die, but even as she seemed to speak with conviction, she was clearly conflicted while betraying her brother.

At the fight in the Ziggurat, Cassandra initially fought for the Briarwoods, but as the fight went on the conflict in her mind caused her to drop her weapons against Vox Machina. Grog dangled Cassandra over the edge of the Ziggurat, but Percy convinced him that the amount of time Cassandra spent under control of the Briarwoods should be taken into account when considering her betrayal. Vax knocked her unconscious and she was tied up and carried out of the Ziggurat by Grog.

"Denouement" (1x35)
Once in the tunnels outside of the Ziggurat, Cassandra is woken and interrogated by Percy. Cassandra confessed that her job was to communicate with those organising the rebellion and inform the Briarwoods about who planned to rise against them. She explained she didn’t know why she helped the Briarwoods, which is most likely due to a sort of Stockholm Syndrome, as she depended on the Briarwoods to survive for years and having lost her family was treated as a daughter of sorts by them. She informed Vox Machina that while she didn’t know the details of the purpose of the Ziggurat, she knew there was a blood ritual that she was going to be involved with.

After fighting Orthax, Percy invited Cassandra to land the killing blow on Delilah Briarwood. Lady Briarwood told her "You could have been my daughter" to which Cassandra replied: "No. Cassandra is a De Rolo, and you took them away from me. And now we're taking everything from you." Cassandra then stabbed and killed Delilah, and threw her body in an acid pit. She left the castle with her brother to tell the people in Whitestone that they were free from the Briarwoods for the first time in five years.

"Winter's Crest in Whitestone" (1x36)
In the beginning days after the successful revolt, Cassandra revealed her hesitation to her brother, Keeper Yennen, and Archibald about taking up power at Whitestone because of her involvement with the Briarwoods and helping them dissuade any previous rebellions. She feared they may reject her as a worthy leader as she did have a hand in their misfortune.

Later, while talking with Brother Yennen and Vox Machina, she agreed to take up a seat at the newly formed Council of Whitestone to divide power.

Arc 3: The Chroma Conclave

"Dangerous Dealings" (1x42)
Percy returned to Whitestone with refugees from Emon, and told Cassandra about the Chroma Conclave, and its attack on Emon. When Percy asked about starting research for defeating the dragons, Cassandra informed him that Eskil Ryndarien was still in the city researching the Ziggurat.

Later, Cassandra supplied some gold and Residuum pieces to Vox Machina to aid their fight against the dragons.

Fan art of Cassandra de Rolo, by Nguyen Minh Hieu.

"A Cycle of Vengeance" (1x58)
In the wake of Hotis’s attack, Cassandra commanded the guards of Whitestone to search the city for assassins. The next day, Cassandra was a part of the group seeing Vox Machina off before they went to the Feywild. Cassandra asked Percy to try to stay alive. She told Vox Machina that their influence on the city had saved it many times, and that it was important for them all to come back alive.

"Passed Through Fire" (1x69)
After Percy died during the fight with Anna Ripley, he was brought back to Whitestone for a resurrection ritual. Cassandra walked in after the successful ritual, and was very relieved that Percy was alive once again.

"The Coming Storm" (1x73)
During a meeting held in Whitestone to discuss the next stages of the fight against the Chroma Conclave, Cassandra expressed her concerns that a retaliation from Thordak was imminent. She agreed with Allura and Gilmore that consolidating the allies that Vox Machina had gathered to strike against Thordak first was the best course of action.

Cassandra was horrified when Raishan revealed herself, after being disguised as Seeker Assum. She expressed her fears to Percy, telling him that she couldn’t continue to protect Whitestone if Raishan turned on them.

"Clash at Daxio" (1x77)
Cassandra greeted Vox Machina after they returned from Fort Daxio, and led them to the Ziggurat where Raishan had returned with the real Seeker Assum. During the meeting they discussed the attack at Daxio, and the plan of attack for Emon.

"The Siege of Emon" (1x78)
Before Vox Machina left for Emon to fight Thordak, Percy warned Cassandra that if they failed to defeat Thordak, Whitestone would be at risk. Cassandra reassured Percy that Allura could protect Whitestone by maintaining the barrier. Cassandra then expressed that she had faith that Vox Machina would defeat Thordak.

"What Lies Beneath the Surface" (1x81)
Cassandra greeted Vox Machina as they returned from fighting Thordak, remarking they looked terrible.

Arc 4: Taryon Darrington

"Jugs and Rods" (1x94)
After Percy had returned to Whitestone, Cassandra was relieved to learn that he planned to stay to help run Whitestone, as she was exhausted and couldn’t do it by herself.

The next morning, she discussed the responsibilities of being the Grand Mistress of the Grey Hunt with Vex, and told her what little information she could about the ritual Vex would need to complete to receive the title. After Vex successfully completed her first hunt, Cassandra congratulated her and welcomed her to the Chamber of Whitestone.

"One Year Later..." (1x95)
Cassandra confusedly greeted the Trickfoot family while they were in Whitestone.

"Taryon, My Wayward Son" (1x97)
Cassandra was woken by Percy after Vex shot an Oracle arrow through the siphon under Whitestone, and had a vision of the Shadowfell. Cassandra contacted Allura with a Sending Stone to let her know about the development.

Arc 5: Vecna

"Thar Amphala" (1x101)
After Vox Machina returned from Ank'Harel after fighting the Remnants, Percy revealed to Cassandra that Delilah Briarwood was alive once again. Cassandra is horrified by the news, and is determined that Delilah has to die again.

"The Final Ascent" (1x113)
Cassandra was kidnapped by Vecna and disguised as a guard, along with Gilmore and Kaylie. She was accidentally killed by Vex'ahlia but was resurrected by Pike. Both she and Kaylie were taken safely back to Whitestone by Gilmore.

"The Chapter Closes" (1x115)
Cassandra was tended to in Whitestone and recovered from her injuries. Within a year, her experience with death combined with the past trauma she suffered under the Briarwoods led her to a dark place, much like what Percy went through. Percy is there for her and helps her work through it, giving her the support she needs to make it through and eventually heal. Vex'ahlia also helps train in her ways to protect herself so that Cassandra will never feel like a pawn. Cassandra continues to reside in Whitestone, though Percy and Vex ensure that she has plenty of opportunities to travel and see the world.

Campaign Three: Bells Hells

Cassandra was mentioned as being in Lyrengorn as of 843 PD. Later, during the Apogee Solstice, she was visiting Westruun, but returned to Whitestone and participated in the meeting with Bells Hells to prepare for their planned scouting mission across the Bloody Bridge to Ruidus.

The Legend of Vox Machina

In the animated adaptation, Cassandra was tutored as a child by Professor Anders alongside her brother, Percy. She didn't pay attention in class, preferring to annoy her brother while Anders looked away. After the Briarwoods took over Whitestone, she attempted to flee with Percy, but was hit with several arrows and captured. For many years, she stayed with the Briarwoods, who paraded her in the streets. However, she was secretly feeding information to the Whitestone resistance under the codename Kestrel.

Vox Machina attempted to rescue Cassandra from Professor Anders' estate, but Anders held her at knifepoint before slitting her throat in front of Percy. Keyleth managed to heal her with help from Vax. After Anders was killed, Cassandra reunited with her brother. She expressed disappointment at being left behind, but accepted his apology. She joined Vox Machina as they fought against the army of undead raised by Delilah and urged Percy to speak to the citizens of Whitestone, insisting that he had to be the one to do it since none of them trusted her anymore.

Relationships

Percival de Rolo

Fan art of Percy and Cassandra recalling their past, by Joma Cueto.

Percy is one of Cassandra’s older brothers. During the Briarwoods' attack on Whitestone, Cassandra freed Percy from captivity, but was shot with several arrows as a result, and Percy left her behind after assuming she was dead. The siblings were happily reunited, but due to a Stockholm Syndrome-like loyalty to the Briarwoods due to depending on them for years, Cassandra turned on her brother, and said she stopped being a de Rolo when Percy left her for dead. Cassandra appeared conflicted about what side she was one, and when the Briarwoods were defeated, she confessed her role in sabotaging the previous rebellions. Percy forgave her, and despite her hesitance, agreed to form a new Chamber of Whitestone, which she would lead.

Once Percy was resurrected after the fight with Anna Ripley, Cassandra was very relieved to see that Percy was alive again.

After the Chroma Conclave was defeated, Cassandra was relieved when Percy said he was going to stay in Whitestone to help her run things, as she was exhausted from doing it herself.

In the aftermath of being kidnapped by Vecna, her brush with death and past trauma from the Briarwoods led Cassandra to a dark place. Percy gave her the support she needed to work through it and eventually heal.

The Briarwoods

During the rebellion, Cassandra was leading a group out of Whitestone Castle when they were found by Sylas Briarwood. Sylas slaughtered the group but kept Cassandra alive, keeping her in the castle and treating her like a daughter. This led to Cassandra forming a Stockholm Syndrome type bond to her captors, and caused her to turn against Percy. However, after the Briarwoods were defeated, Cassandra realised where her true loyalties were, and killed Delilah in revenge.

Character Information

Abilities

Rogue Abilities

Class Features

• Sneak Attack
• Uncanny Dodge

Notable Items

• Her mother's ornamental armor.

Appearances and mentions

• Campaign One
  • "Stoke the Flames" (1x30), mentioned only (first mentioned)
  • "Reunions" (1x33) (first appearance)
  • "Race to the Ziggurat" (1x34)
  • "Denouement" (1x35)
  • "Winter's Crest in Whitestone" (1x36)
  • "Omens" (1x39), mentioned only
  • "Dangerous Dealings" (1x42)
  • "Duskmeadow" (1x57)
  • "A Cycle of Vengeance" (1x58)
  • "The Frigid Doom" (1x64)
  • "Passed Through Fire" (1x69)
  • "The Coming Storm" (1x73)
  • "Clash at Daxio" (1x77)
  • "The Siege of Emon" (1x78)
  • "What Lies Beneath the Surface" (1x81)
  • "The Deceiver's Stand" (1x83), mentioned only
  • "A Bard's Lament" (1x85), mentioned only
  • "Daring Days" (1x86), mentioned only
  • "Jugs and Rods" (1x94)
  • "One Year Later..." (1x95)
  • "Taryon, My Wayward Son" (1x97)
  • "Thar Amphala" (1x101)
  • "The Ominous March" (1x109), mentioned only
  • "The Final Ascent" (1x113)
  • "The Chapter Closes" (1x115)
• Campaign Three
  • "Trial by Firelight" (3x02), mentioned only, unnamed
  • "A Desperate Call" (3x36), mentioned only
  • "The Promise and the Price" (3x77)
• Specials
  • "The Search For Bob" (Sx45)
  • "Dalen's Closet" (Sx47), mentioned only
• The Legend of Vox Machina
  • "The Feast of Realms" (LVM1x03), unnamed
  • "Shadows at the Gates" (LVM1x04), flashback
  • "Spark of Rebellion" (LVM1x06), non-speaking appearance
  • "Scanbo" (LVM1x07)
  • "A Silver Tongue" (LVM1x08)
  • "The Tide of Bone" (LVM1x09)
  • "Depths of Deceit" (LVM1x10)
  • "Whispers at the Ziggurat" (LVM1x11)
  • "The Darkness Within" (LVM1x12)
  • "Rise of the Chroma Conclave" (LVM2x01)
  • "The Killbox" (LVM2x10)
  • "The Hope Devourer" (LVM2x12)

Quotations

• Delilah: You could have been my daughter.
  Cassandra: No. Cassandra is a de Rolo, and you took them away from me. And now we're taking everything from you. (as she stabs Delilah)
• Cassandra: I cannot express, truly, how important your influence has been in this city, and I don't think you realize just how many lives here are for the better since you've walked into our humble home. And it is for that reason that I request, on behalf of all of us here in Whitestone, that you come back safe. That is all. Good luck. (before Vox Machina leave for the Feywild)

Trivia

• In the original stream of Campaign One, when Professor Anders cut Cassandra's throat in front of Vax'ildan, it was an illusion. However, in The Legend of Vox Machina the plot was slightly altered so that it was an actual murder attempt.
• Cassandra is the name of a friend of Taliesin in real life, who knows about the show and thinks he's "such a weirdo".
• Many Critters have speculated that while Kynan Leore served as Cassandra's bodyguard, they began a romantic relationship. While Matthew Mercer hasn't confirmed it yet, he has stated that their shared history with Ripley and their equally stressful positions of power "certainly sounds like a set up for a meaningful romance".
• Cassandra is a fan of tea cakes and other forms of desserts.

References

Art: