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We’ve come to Westruun!

A city with a guy in that makes Grog nervous. Although, to be fair, a lot of things might make him nervous right now, since he’s missing his muscles.

He still hasn’t been able to ‘rage’ or ‘jumpstart’ his muscles back after his little tiff with his demonic sword.

Regardless, the three of them headed to Westruun together hoping to find the next vestige. The Titanstone Knuckles that his uncle has been using to make everyone’s lives miserable for a very long time.

As we come to find out about Grog’s backstory – he used to be a member of the herd until he defied his uncle. He saved the life of Pike’s grandfather. Trying to help him escape the herd instead of beating, burning, and pilfering all he had.

Because apparently, that’s what they like to do.

The man we saw before who did not like to bow before a dragon forever is Grog’s cousin and son of the current leader.

He challenges his father and it does not go well in the episode, much like it did not go well for a smaller Grog is his flashback as he explains how he left the herd. Or was forced out. Or exiled.

Either way – Grog does not wish to face his uncle again. Especially not like this. He feels useless and less of who he should be.

However, I think Grog is more than anyone in the herd combined. He cared about someone other than himself and whatever his leader told him to do. He stopped hurting and scaring people to helping people to the best of his abilities.

That’s really hard to leave the life you knew behind and start over.

Although, Grog had some help in Pike and her grandfather.

After he saved him, he returned the favor by bringing his granddaughter to heal Grog. Thus, beginning a lifelong friendship.

Is someone going to tell me why Pike’s hair color is different than it was when she was younger?

Is she taking time to dye it while they’re running around trying to save the world from power hungry dragons?

I feel for Grog in this episode and to be honest, I was not expecting such a deep, and rich backstory. One filled with such sorrow, conflict, and guilt over who he used to be. While struggling with who he is now and what has recently happened to him. He feels weak and powerless, especially compared to anyone else in the herd. Most importantly, his uncle. The one wearing the vestige. The Titanstone Knuckles.

I really shouldn’t be surprised by the deep backstory.

These actors and writers are amazing at pulling out some of the most gut-wrenching and heartbreaking stories.

Grog’s character backstory added so many more layers to his character. As well as his actions. Including his confrontation earlier this season while someone demands to know where his strength comes from.

Maybe once he learns that it’s not his muscles, he’ll get those muscles back.

Or maybe Pike will fall into terrible danger and he’ll wake up. I have sneaky suspicion that Grog would do anything for Pike. She’s his best friend in the world. She’s been his family for so long.

Longer than I realized too.

I really enjoy their relationship and how comfortable he felt to tell her his story.

Including the brutal beating he suffered.

My goodness, that scene was difficult to watch. Even to hear. It’s a wonder Grog was ever able to get up after that. It’s a testament to who he is beneath those muscles.

He’s got a lot of heart.

Love.

Care to give.

Which is what makes the freaking ending so terrifying as he steps out in the middle of the herd meeting to challenge Kevdak.

Um, Grog. Maybe finish working through your personal issues before you try to take on anyone from the herd, never mind the biggest guy in it. Backed by a vestige. A guy who is willing to beat the snot out of his own son just for speaking out of turn.

Although, I do think he had some good points.

He’s thinking ahead. Like you know – when the dragon no longer has a use for them. What will happen to the herd then?

You can’t blame him for wanting to save his own skin as well as the people he calls family. Because Kevdak, you seem a bit more unhinged than you were in those flashbacks.

Moving on.

Did not like the guys telling the poor dude he should run and then deciding which of them gets to kill him as he runs off. Not chill. Very evil. Do not like.

Even more so did not like how terrified Grog was.

He stopped Pike from intercepting and helping because he was afraid of the herd’s power. I do not like things that make Grog afraid. Nope. No thank you.

I would have noped out of that situation. Grog’s afraid. I’m out.

Scanlan and Pike are definitely made of tougher stuff.

As for the rest of the episode, we’ve got Scanlan sneaking into the place to steal the vestige only to get sidetracked by a bunch of people who have been hiding. One of whom, is not thrilled to meet Scanlan at all.

Though the other members of her band are.

She – like him – is a traveling bard.

As soon as she’s introduced, I have this weird recollection from the campaign that Scanlan had a daughter. I wonder if this is her. Do not ask me what makes me think this. It could just be someone he pissed off long ago, but it feels super personal. I just get that vibe.

Regardless, I’m interested to see how this plays out.

Very reluctantly, Scanlan agrees to help everyone escape. He’s concerned there are too many people to sneak out. Which, he’s not really wrong. However, thanks to a few distractions they manage to get everyone out and run into Grog and Pike.

Scanlan thinks Grog’s strength might be returning and they help the group escape.

However, everyone is fearful of Grog since he looks like the others of the herd. I really don’t blame them since they’ve been terrorized by these people. But Grog’s lost little puppy face hurts my soul.

He doesn’t like having people afraid of him.

With that he resolves to face Kevdak to stand up for the little folk.

And I’m terrified for his life. On the bright side, at least he has the healer with him. However, I’m not sure she can heal him if he’s ground into a paste.

I’m concerned.

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