Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters in geeky media and creators as well. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.

DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Critical Role and Amazon Prime Video’s The Legend of Vox Machina. We won’t discuss anything from the live show past what was covered in the animated series for those new to the adventure!

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Pike Trickfoot

Fast Facts:

Pike (Ashley Johnson) in The Legend of Vox Machina.

Pike Trickfoot (played and voiced by Ashley Johnson) is a gnome cleric of Sarenrae and a member of the realm’s greatest band of adventurers – Vox Machina. She appears in campaign one of Critical Role and the animated adaptation, The Legend of Vox Machina. Pike was raised by her great-great-grandfather Wilhand in the city of Westruun. She followed in his footsteps and became a follower of Sarenrae to make up for her family’s life of thievery. When we meet her at the beginning of the series, she and the others are a bit down on their luck in the saving the world category and face an even bigger loss against a blue dragon.

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Pike continues to struggle with her faith when she cannot reach Sarenrae and use her magic to help her friends. When the rest of Vox Machina head off to Whitestone to uncover the truth of what is happening there, Pike decides to head off in search of her own answers. She initially believes a curse from Lady Briarwood causes her issues, but after meditating, she has a vision of the Everlight. Pike isn’t cursed or unworthy of Sarenrae’s love; she is punishing herself for her fondness for drinking and fighting. She is given a choice – follow the path of a warrior or the path of a holy person, but be true to her choice.

Pike chooses to continue fighting alongside her friends and astral projects herself to Whitestone to help take on the Briarwoods. A good thing, too, as the city is overrun with undead – Pike’s specialty. With the team back together, Pike helps to bring down the Briarwoods and save the people of Whitestone. The season draws to a close as Vox Machina comes face to face with their next adventure – the Chroma Conclave.

The Real Deal:

Pike Trickfoot is the real deal. And don’t just take our word for it – Grog (played and voiced by Travis Willingham) will go to the ends of the world to defend his pint-sized best friend. Within the Dungeons and Dragons world, clerics are known for their support abilities and are generally seen as the healers of adventuring groups. And while Pike fits this description, she is so much more. She isn’t just a devout follower of Sarenrae; she is devoted to her family, friends and the people of Exandria. Pike is willing to heal someone one minute and crush her morningstar into a terrifying monster the next. This gnome doesn’t let the fact that she is short stop her from kicking major monster tush.

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Why She Matters:

Pike hugging Grog and saying goodbye.

So, why does Pike Trickfoot matter? Do you have all day? I think a shorter list might be why Pike Trickfoot doesn’t matter. And it would be empty. Pike is a compassionate and devoted friend and party member who is willing to lay down her life for others. But, outside of combat, she is the kind of friend everyone needs. She is ready to listen and provides guidance when requested. Through Pike, we also are reminded that sometimes we are hard on ourselves for the lives we are living. That our biggest judges are ourselves. Through her journey to patch things up with her God, we are reminded that we get to choose who we are; we just have to be true to that choice. And sometimes, those choices and feelings might change, which is okay.

So, be like Pike Trickfoot. Follow your heart and carve your own path, be devoted to your family and friends and when someone tells you that you can’t do something – prove them wrong.

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