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Zahra Hydris is a tiefling warlock, a member of the Slayer's Take guild, and an ally of Vox Machina. Lillith Anioska Daturai is her cousin. Zahra is played by special guest Mary Elizabeth McGlynn.

Description[]

Appearance[]

Zahra-Headshot-by-AhoyhoyJet

Fan art of Zahra, by Jet.[art 3]

Zahra is a red tiefling with long curved horns, pointed incisors, white hair, and pale silver eyes (which can turn pale blue like Catha when casting a spell). She fights with an iron staff featuring four dragons carved at the end holding a moonstone planet in their mouths.

Personality[]

During Zahra's first encounter with Vox Machina, she seemed cold and distant. She talked to Vex'ahlia in a passive-aggressive manner and was condescending to the rest of the group.

Over time she began to warm to Vox Machina and became much less distant, eventually becoming both an ally and a friend. Zahra is very sure-footed, passionate and quick-witted. She is easily moved by tragedy and holds empathy for those trapped or imprisoned.

Biography[]

Background[]

Zahra came from a dark, mountainous area far away from Vasselheim. She lived in a castle with her father, a dark wizard who kept her in a cage. Her father was eventually killed and Zahra was left alone in the woods.[9]

Her first time being outside after her father died was at night and when she looked up at the moon it sang to her and saved her life, which she was in awe of. This was presumably her patron, who's heavily linked to the moon.[10]

"Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18)[]

Zahra Vex campfire bonding - Megzilla87

Fan art of Zahra and Vex bonding, by Megzilla87.[art 4]

Zahra was assigned to work with half of Vox Machina: Scanlan, Percy, Grog, Vex, and Trinket. Lyra, a human woman already in the guild, was assigned to be the group leader. Together, they were required to find and slay an adult white dragon in order to gain entrance to the Slayer's Take, a hunting guild in Vasselheim.

Zahra was initially met with distrust by many members of the group, especially Vex'ahlia. Vex was extremely anxious and unhappy about being separated from her twin brother. When the party set up shifts for guarding their camp, Vex firmly insisted that she take the same watch as Zahra, not wanting the party to be left vulnerable. This led to a conversation where the two bonded over lost parents and hardships in their childhoods.

"Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19)[]

Brandon Chang Zahra Hellish Rebuke

Fan art of Zahra casting Hellish Rebuke, by Brandon Chang.[art 5]

As the party neared the lair of the white dragon Rimefang, Zahra used Mass Suggestion to compel the two Frost Giants it had conscripted as servants to lead them to its lair, eventually persuading them to aid them against it. Fighting against the dragon, she dealt tremendous damage with her Hex-empowered Witch Bolt attacks, each one growing stronger than the last. When the weakened dragon attacked her with its frost breath, Zahra dealt the killing blow with her Hellish Rebuke ability, eviscerating Rimefang with hellish fire. She and Vex then harvested the dragon's body parts, and upon returning to the Slayer's Take with the completed contract, Zahra earned her place as a guild member.[11]

"Crimson Diplomacy" (1x25)[]

Zahra sent her cousin Lillith to Vox Machina in order to seek refuge and help.[12]

"Return to Vasselheim" (1x43)[]

Zahra, who had just returned from slaying a doppelganger with Vanessa Cyndrial and Kashaw Vesh, was reunited with Vox Machina when the party traveled to the holy city of Vasselheim to find allies to aid them against the Chroma Conclave.[13] She agreed to aid Vox Machina in their fight against the dragons and convinced Kashaw to aid as well.[14][15]

Later on, at the Bellow's Respite Inn, she told Grog Strongjaw that she made a hammer with a full moon crest on it in honor of his victory at the Crucible. She mentioned that she liked to forge in her spare time, and promised to give it to him before they left Vasselheim.[16] She was the only one to clap for Grog when a bartender announced him as the champion of the Crucible.

"The Sunken Tomb" (1x44)[]

Kashaw and Zahra helped Vox Machina recover one of the Vestiges of the Divergence from the sunken tomb of Purvan Suul. Zahra was the one to land the final blow on the beholder.[17] When Vex'ahlia died from a trap in the tomb, Zahra administered a healing potion, but it had no effect.[18] During Kashaw's ritual to resurrect her, Zahra aided by calling on her patron.[19]

"Those Who Walk Away" (1x45)[]

Tumblr nszuz8L13N1u0rm2vo1 500

Fan art of Zahra Hydris, by Andrew Keller.[art 6]

After traveling through Keyleth's transportation spell to Whitestone, Zahra and Kashaw were given rooms in the castle to stay in.

"Duskmeadow" (1x57)[]

After Vox Machina went back to Whitestone from Vasselheim, Vex'ahlia went to see Zahra to catch up, ask her how long it took to make the Dragon Arrow, and see if she could make Vex another one. [20]

"A Cycle of Vengeance" (1x58)[]

In the aftermath of the surprise rakshasa attack, Vox Machina was relieved to find Zahra safe and undisturbed.

"The Streets of Ank'Harel" (1x65)[]

Zahra joined Vox Machina for breakfast after they returned from Draconia and learned of what transpired there. She also revealed she hadn't seen Kashaw for a while as she had been building the shrine of the Raven Queen and exploring the Ziggurat. Vox Machina hoped to use her familial connections, but she revealed she was estranged from her family. She left to continue her research, after stealing their bacon.

"Trust" (1x70)[]

Vex visited Zahra in her room only to find her asleep at her desk, face buried in books. Zahra revealed that she'd been helping Allura in researching the Ziggurat beneath Whitestone and the Siphon within it, but that it was all a little tiring. She had, however, managed to find time to create one Arrow of Dragon Slaying, though Vex wasn't entirely pleased with the discounted price of 12,000 gold.

"The Siege of Emon" (1x78)[]

With the final battle fast approaching, Vex'ahlia went to Zahra's room in Whitestone Castle to ask for her help. The two briefly reconnected and joked about getting matching tattoos for having both killed white dragons, Rimefang for Zahra and more recently Vorugal for Vex. In the end, Zahra agreed to come with them regardless of the danger.

Before setting off to meet their allies for the upcoming fight, Zahra pulled Vex aside to express her concerns about Raishan, revealing that she'd been keeping an eye on the disguised dragon during her stay in Whitestone but couldn't glean much, saying "I found out that I knew nothing about her. And she knows everything about me."

Later during the planning of the siege, she telepathically warned Kashaw to be wary of Raishan too, and afterward reminded Vex again that "If it comes to it, I’ll go down taking her out." In the sewers beneath Emon, Zahra used her Beast Speech invocation to reassure Trinket, telling him how much Vex loves him.

Brandon Chang Zahra Hydris Fire Giants

Fan art of Zahra entangling two fire giants, by Brandon Chang.[art 7]

Zahra and Kashaw - Stephanie Brown

Fan art of Zahra and Kashaw, by Stephanie Brown.[art 8]

At the entrance to the Cloudtop District, Zahra proposed she and Kash distract the fire giant guards and buy Vox Machina time to get to Thordak. After a brief goodbye and wishing the group good luck, Zahra cast Evard's Black Tentacles and ensnared the two giants, screaming for the group to go while Kash and herself "had some fun".

"What Lies Beneath the Surface" (1x81)[]

After their battle with Thordak and Raishan, Vox Machina was pleased to find that Zahra and Kash had survived to fend off reinforcements. While everyone took a rest to recover from their respective fights, the group noticed that Zahra had already been healed to full, likely by Kash who only had 'a little bit' of healing left in him. Zahra was among those who returned to Whitestone with Vox Machina and numerous allies.

"Vecna, the Ascended" (1x114)[]

Zahra and Kashaw, riding a pair of wyverns, arrived at Entropis during Vox Machina's battle against Vecna. The duo managed to help out a bit, with Zahra attacking the newly risen deity and Kashaw healing the wounded members of Vox Machina. However, Zahra, Kashaw, and their wyverns were soon targeted by one of Vecna's Hold Monster spells, paralyzing all four of them. They were last seen falling past the tower, down into the mist below and out of sight.

"The Chapter Closes" (1x115)[]

Kash and Zahra were revealed to have survived the fall, due to a combination of Death Ward, and Keyleth flying down to scoop them clear of the collapsing tower, making a brief appearance in the final episode of Campaign 1. It was here that Kashaw revealed that he and Zahra were expecting. Zahra was convinced that it would be twins, since twins were unusually common in her family.

Relationships[]

Kashaw Vesh[]

Zahra and Kashaw - Violet Trevino

Fan art of Zahra and Kashaw, by Violet Trevino.[art 9]

Kashaw developed a deep respect and familial love for Zahra. He said that she saved his life even though she didn't have to, and that she has shown him what it means to have family.[21]

By the time of Vecna's attack on Vasselheim, the two had already been romantically involved for over a year. As of 812 PD they were expecting their first child together—or possibly children, as twins run in Zahra's family.[22]

Character information[]

Notable items[]

  • Dark Dragon Staff:[23] Her weapon and focus of her magic, a long iron staff with four dragons holding a moonstone planet in their mouths. When asked about the staff, Zahra mentioned that she made it herself, and it took many years to forge it.[24]
  • Cloak of the Bat: In dim light or darkness, allows the wearer to fly[25] and, once per day, polymorph oneself into a bat.
  • Moonhammer (crafted by Zahra. Gifted to Grog in "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44).)
  • Arrows of Dragon-Slaying (one crafted by Zahra for Vex after their fight with Rimefang; given to Vex in "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44).[26] Another one crafted and given in "Trust" (1x70))
  • Ring of protection[27]

Abilities[]

Tiefling abilities[]

  • Darkvision (60 ft)
  • Hellish Resistance
  • Subrace: Bloodline of Asmodeus
    • Infernal Legacy:
      • Thaumaturgy[28]
      • Hellish Rebuke (as a 2nd-level spell)[29]
      • Darkness

Warlock abilities[]

  • Eldritch Invocations (6)
  • Mystic Arcanum
  • Otherwordly Patron (The Great Old One)
    • Awakened Mind[30]
    • Entropic Ward
    • Thought Shield
  • Pact Boon (Pact of the Tome)
  • Pact Magic (Charisma-based spellcasting)

Eldritch Invocations[]

  • Beast Speech[31]
  • Sculptor of Flesh[32]
  • Eyes of the Rune Keeper[33]
  • Fiendish Vigor[34]
  • Mask of Many Faces[35]
  • Agonizing Blast[36]

Warlock spells[]

Cantrips

1st-level

2nd-level

3rd-level

4th-level

  • Evard's Black Tentacles[46]

5th-level

6th-level

7th-level

Appearances and mentions[]

Quotations[]

  • Zahra/Mary: (upon successfully grappling two fire giants with Evard's Black Tentacles) Welcome to hentai![51]

Trivia[]

References[]

  1. Zahra speaks to a captured orc in Orcish.  See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 2:08:27.
  2. Zahra stated in a conversation with Vex'ahlia that she came from the land of Feren.  See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) from 1:18:46 through 1:20:40.
  3. See "Talks Machina #5: 'The Siege of Emon'" (TMx05) at 9:11.
  4. See "The Chapter Closes" (1x115) at 00:43:40.
  5. See "The Chapter Closes" (1x115) at 37:49.
  6. See Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn, p. 264.
  7. Zahra's stat card was shown onscreen. Her spell DC was calculated from the D&D Player's Handbook, 5th ed., p. 107, and does not account for potential DC-modifying items or blessings.  See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) at 0:25:33.
  8. Zahra's level 13 stats were shown onscreen.  See "The Siege of Emon" (1x78) at 2:28:07.
  9. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 1:18:47.
  10. See "Critical Role Q&A and Battle Royale!" (Sx08) at 52:39.
  11. See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) from 3:23:26 through 3:26:23.
  12. See "Crimson Diplomacy" (1x25) at 2:20:00.
  13. See "Return to Vasselheim" (1x43) at 12:59.
  14. See "Return to Vasselheim" (1x43) at 40:03.
  15. See "Return to Vasselheim" (1x43) from 49:05 through 49:43.
  16. See "Return to Vasselheim" (1x43) at 1:25:18.
  17. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 4:15:48.
  18. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 4:25:22.
  19. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 4:29:19.
  20. See "Duskmeadow" (1x57) at 2:38:50.
  21. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 04:45:23.
  22. See "The Chapter Closes" (1x115) at 00:43:40.
  23. See "Critical Role Q&A and Battle Royale!" (Sx08) at 3:06:23.
  24. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 19:04.  See also 21:17 and 1:58:43, when Zahra's eyes appear "pale blue like the moon in the sky" when casting a spell.
  25. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 2:35:21.
  26. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 4:43:18.
  27. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 1:16:28.
  28. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 2:01:32.  Zahra casts Thaumaturgy.
  29. See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) at 3:23:00.  Zahra casts Hellish Rebuke and explains it is a once-per-day ability.
  30. See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) at 30:10.
  31. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 2:20:22.  Zahra used her Beast Speech ability.
  32. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 0:55:36.  Zahra used her Sculptor of Flesh ability.
  33. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 2:35:15.
  34. See "The Siege of Emon" (1x78) at 3:05:44.
  35. See "The Siege of Emon" (1x78) at 3:45:41.
  36. See "The Siege of Emon" (1x78) at 3:57:55.  Zahra used her Agonizing Blast ability.
  37. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 1:58:12.  Zahra casts Eldritch Blast.
  38. See "The Siege of Emon" (1x78) at 3:02:29.  Zahra casts Light.
  39. See "The Sunken Tomb" (1x44) at 4:38:02.  Zahra casts Mage Hand.
  40. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 0:38:04.  Zahra casts Mending.
  41. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 1:58:02.  Zahra casts Hex.
  42. See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) at 2:12:46.  Zahra casts Witch Bolt.
  43. See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) at 1:25:16.
  44. See "Trial of the Take: Part 1" (1x18) at 1:03:58.  Zahra casts Suggestion.
  45. See "The Chapter Closes" (1x115) at 0:29:28.  Zahra casts Fly.
  46. See "The Siege of Emon" (1x78) at 3:45:52.  Zahra casts Evard's Black Tentacles.
  47. See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) at 1:48:18.
  48. See "Trial of the Take: Part 2" (1x19) at 0:30:27.  Zahra casts Mass Suggestion.
  49. See "Vecna, the Ascended" (1x114) at 2:46:35.  Zahra casts Finger of Death.
  50. See "Vox Machina Go to Hell" (1x91) at 0:45:13.  Zahra was mentioned.
  51. See "The Siege of Emon" (1x78) at 3:53:02.
  52. See "Critical Role Q&A and Battle Royale!" (Sx08) at 1:32:18.
  53. See The Legend of Vox Machina Season 2, Episodes 1-3 Q&A at 56:41.

Art:

  1. Official portrait of Zahra Hydris, by Kit Buss (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
  2. Screenshot of Zahra Hydris, by Titmouse from "The Sunken Tomb (LoVM)" (LVM2x03). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
  3. Fan art of Zahra, by Jet (source). Used with permission.
  4. Fan art of Zahra and Vex bonding, by Megzilla87 (source). Used with permission.
  5. Fan art of Zahra casting Hellish Rebuke, by Brandon Chang (source). Used with permission.
  6. Fan art of Zahra Hydris, by Andrew Keller (source). Used with permission.
  7. Fan art of Zahra entangling two fire giants, by Brandon Chang (source). Used with permission.
  8. Fan art of Zahra and Kashaw, by Stephanie Brown (source). Used with permission.
  9. Fan art of Zahra and Kashaw, by Violet Trevino (source). Used with permission.
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