Bells Hells Campaign 3 Opening Title 2023 | It’s Thursday Night (Critical Role Theme)

[@soulstar5238]

I love the detail of Imogen in the storm seeing the people that she felt had died. Bertrand, the twins, and Eshteross.

[@Longshanks126]

THANK YOU! I didn't remember the twins and was trying to figure out who that could be!

[@SakiJune]

same! @@Longshanks126

[@Samuelhgflax]

wait who are the twins? Are they Vax and Vex, does Imogen know them (beyond Vex being a ball)?

[@equinoxxed_7502]

​@@Samuelhgflaxno, this is referring to the Lumas twins from Jrusar, minor characters in Campaign 3 who's murder Bells Hells help solve

[@abydosianchulac2]

The flash of Delilah caught me off guard. So impressed they packed so much into this short intro without it being incoherent.

[@TeePXD]

Holy shit I almost missed that thanks for pointing it out! 😱😱😱 chills

[@bridgestew]

@@TeePXD I've been through it twice now and I can't find it. Is there a timestamp?

[@BouncingTribbles]

@@bridgestew your hint is puppets

[@Japinaaa]

@@bridgestew Its just frame or two at 0:38 - i had to look it for myself also :D Brilliant!

[@BouncingTribbles]

@@TeePXD it's literally 2 frames and all the hair on my back stood up

[@sagegraham6493]

The amount of detail in this intro is mind blowing. From moments like falling off the airship, Laudna acting as the puppet in Delilah’s hands, Bell and Esteross walking into the red storm, and FCG’s rampage lining up with the “from a healer to the renegade” lyric?? These creators did a fantastic job!!

[@Japinaaa]

Who are the two on the left next to Bertrand and Esteross going in to the storm?

[@jamesmccarthy962]

@@Japinaaa Could be the twins that were assasinated that were researching the storm, i believe they were seen by imogen walking into the storm at one point

[@sagegraham6493]

@@Japinaaain all honestly I’m not sure, it’s been a while since I’ve watched the earlier episodes 😅

[@sagegraham6493]

Nvm the Lumos twins definitely makes sense for those two, I don’t remember any other pair being seen in Imogen’s visions

[@elsaandersson1652]

And the “two by two we fall” when Oryms husband and father disappeared

[@frosty172]

Laudna's form of dread being shown brings me so much joy. I flash back to every time she's done it and it makes the visuals so much better

[@m_capsa7093]

Also cool how they show both forms of dread - the Sun tree version split with the Delilah version.

[@romxxii]

@@m_capsa7093The original had her getting a veil and becoming a full-on Ring girl. This seems mostly tree-based

[@VonSnootingham]

It really reminds me of the Attack Titan or the Armored Titan. I love it.

[@wytfish4855]

i love the twitch before the branches sprout. creepy gal is go!

[@jackakimbo5718]

@@VonSnootingham yes! It was bothering me so much when I could tell it reminded me of something but couldn't tell what I was thinking of, but the Attack Titan is it! It's the face more than anything else. Looks dope as hell

[@MrRyans35]

Man that sudden flash of when Laudna is puppeting and it’s Delilah puppeting her is so great. This was so well done.

[@eternasapphiremoon81]

I JUSt saw that in the split second! I had to pause it; they made Laudna look like a little voodoo doll in that shot!

[@lollyhootholler]

Will and Derrig disappearing with the lyrics "two-by-two, we fall" delights me, intellectually and hurts me, emotionally

[@shaylafey]

I didnt even notice that until I saw this comment T_T so good, so painful.

[@kheilahv706]

and FCG for "from the healer, to the renegade" was perfect too

[@christopherkowalczyk4405]

For me seeing Orym fighting Otahan at Ludiness' tower kicked the emotional response into high gear. Loved the rest but this sequence was just the topper for me.

[@dialgafan1063]

It was basically “Orym, I don’t feel so good.” and that hurts me emotionally 😢

[@ariaflame-au]

@@kheilahv706 Though I'm fairly sure its' Liam singing both those bits, not Travis the first.

[@spywi]

I love the addition of the cast reaction here, that was an amazing touch.

[@blackwaltzko]

when Ashton came flying out of the air with his potential images ... goosebumps

[@picachufan2000]

Right?!?! It makes me think of his potential as an echo knight if he ever wanted to go that way

[@Deathnotefan97]

I kind of want there to be alternate animations with the other 3 rage types, and every episode they switch them out

[@exodore2000]

Funny that was not how I imagined Ashton at all, but the rest were spot on.

[@claraprado5401]

The shift from imogen to ashton falling too!!

[@rickrack4325]

@@exodore2000 I see what you mean, they seem very young and almost childish with a soft, polished face, when they should probably have more sharp and hardened features like on the official portraits. I thought the exact same thing. I think it especially clashes with the hoarse voice Taliesin gave them.

[@zekewilliams7008]

Laudna's face when Imogen puts her head on her shoulder then going from darkness to light got me in tears. That was beautiful.

[@polyoptika4382]

it got me in the feels too.

[@Samgooba]

It was so sweet ugh ❤

[@GhostWriter520]

There's also the look of pure joy on her face when she grabs onto Imogen as they fall off the airship

[@zerupsy]

and the cut from from her puppeting patee to being puppeted by delilah just before made the reaction so much sweeter.

[@mattisonkillian9651]

I know its a small thing, but the way ashton threw Laudna towards Imogen. Also, Laudna loving the chaos of the ship falling while Imogen is terrified. It's the small things, but this was a master piece.

[@sarahchambers6368]

Also Orym catching Chetney's hat!

[@StrifeAiray]

And Fearne turning into a bird to catch Ashton!

[@Amadeo790]

Well, I suppose, when you already died then that just seems exiting.

[@camigoesbrr4064]

I didn’t even spot that, it’s so cute!!!!

[@blackwaltzko]

Fearne turns into a bird Imogen casts Fly on FCG Ashton throws Laudna up to Imogen Fearne catches Ashton Orym catches Chetney's hat You can see FCG headed over to catch Orym Fearne swoops offscreen, presumably to catch Chet Imogen and Laudna clasp each other so much detail in that short sequence

[@cosmic-ash]

Living for Travis and Taliesin celebrating the Ashton and Chetney moments like they are each other's characters (I love their friendship sm)

[@SoyDrinker]

They hate eachother

[@ProvidenceNL]

@@SoyDrinker Lol What?

[@ipocrita4825]

​@@SoyDrinkersince when?

[@shywoofer1620]

@@SoyDrinker Me when I tell lies

[@sophiebee25]

@@SoyDrinker can you please go troll somewhere else? we're trying to have a good time here

[@sonofpears4691]

I love how FCG appears with the “from the healer to the renegade” because he is technically both

[@JeffreyHirschmanCA]

With the red picture of his old group...

[@poofballoon]

Wenegade

[@mcphadenmike]

I hadn’t realized how much the Mighty Nein’s animations help me bond to those characters. The lingering bit of indifference I’ve had for this 3rd crew just vanished as I watched this, cheering for them and tearing up a little, too. ❤️

[@LittleMissSyreid]

I'm so glad you said this, because I feel exactly the same. The Nein were always my favourite but some part of Bells Hells just became instantly more loveable watching this!!

[@robyn3665]

Same here. The fan art during the break helped too.

[@benja1378]

I might also add that we don't have the fanart during the break anymore (which has its reasons) like it was in S2 - that was something I deeply loved. But hey I stille LOVE watching S3!! (I actually started with it lol ^^)

[@mcphadenmike]

@@robyn3665 YES! That’s a huge factor for me too! I still get an emotional wave just hearing the fan art music from past seasons!

[@mcphadenmike]

@@benja1378 Agree 100%

[@Ari_C94]

Fearne pickpocketing Ashton in both the ship scene and the FCG hug scene (with orym noticing it on the latter) is just top tier stuff!

[@Kadarro85]

Wow, hard to spot unless you have Orym's passive perception :D

[@seanmallon9500]

Holy crap. I had to slow down the video down to x0.5 to catch those details. Good looking out @Ari_C94 indeed.

[@Guille2033]

That's such a subtle detail and it shows how much care and love has been put into the animation ❤ these guys never cease to amaze the fandom

[@BPgamemaster12]

Would never had notice that if you didn't point it out.

[@Kadarro85]

@@BPgamemaster12 watched the whole intro on .25 speed :D do not recomend this with audio on :D

[@AtlasAttakus]

As someone who understands the technicalities of 2D animation the quality of this is ASTOUNDING. The fact that it was all done by a team of four people is insane!! From the incredible hand drawn effects to the tiniest of details, this is a masterpiece. Not don’t mind me I’m just going to watch this 20 more times

[@Featherbow]

k are the ones who did The Mighty Nein animated intro as well :) They have a video on their channel breaking down the storyboarding and process for that one

[@Feasco]

according to the animator's Patreon post there was some 3d work involved but yeah

[@skracha2]

I know! It's the first time I see a huge company use a low budget to make something that looks like it was done by at least 20 people. It could be better having in mind CR is now a stablished company, but the fact that it was done by four people is insane. Kudos to the artists

[@gavinbailey36]

The animation, perfection. The song, harmonic perfection. I’m here for the song but staying for both

[@jonathanfairchild]

Watching it at .25 speed is amazing! So many tiny details! Im sure they packed in as much as they could because they knew people would be watching the intro dozens of times and the animators wanted them to notice something new every time.

[@jeffreybogard2713]

This is the best intro Campaign 3 has had, by a mile.

[@Rocksteady72a]

I have a personal soft spot for c3's second opening, but this one rocks too. There are a few moments where the shot hangs for a bit longer than natural (the tree & the ending shot), and the transition from the (beautifully done) fractured shot to the ship is a weirdly hard cut. But just like previous openings, I'm sure it'll be subtly tweaked over time. For now, it's an awesome refresh

[@ChevaliersEmeraude]

I always love when they do these animated intros with their characters. Like the "Your Turn to Roll" from campaign 2! Those are really the best! (granted there's only 2 of them now, but I stand by what I said! :p )

[@chrisconnors8513]

Best by 2 kilometers

[@silasreed1]

@@chrisconnors8513by 1.609 kilometers

[@SGC51]

It's pretty awesome. I did really like the first one. I wasn't a fan of the 2nd one. Just didn't think the animation got the music.

[@jdavxi]

That quick flash of Laudna becoming the puppet with Delilah pulling the strings. Brilliance! Effin' Goosebumps!

[@Jessthree]

really, the symbolism in this opener is so good.

[@Ebos22]

Omg I missed it the first time it was so quick

[@rendalconstantineau1680]

Yes!! I missed that till my second watching.

[@Chills_games09]

HOLD THE HELL UP DELILAH IS ALIVE???!!!! CAN SOMEONE PLEASE EXPLAIN?

[@Bowtiedhillbilly]

@@Chills_games09 *Spoilers for Campaign 3* After being killed by Vox Machina, Delilah's soul was so powerful and so close to Vecna that she had enough power to exert influence beyond the grave. So she isn't really alive, but not fully dead either.

[@CorsairCat]

I didn't realise how much the animated opening helped me bond with the characters until now. They feel so much more alive! This is perfect in every way!

[@MapleLamia]

Things I love about the Airship sequence: - Ashton immediately grabbing Laudna, swinging her over to Imogen by using their hammer as a counterbalance - Fearne transforms into a bird and catches Ashton - Orym catches Chetney's hat after it falls off - Imogen casts a spell on FCG, FCG flies over and presumably catches Orym (hidden behind the witches) - and obviously the witches together

[@mitchsachs9197]

Plus the fact that chetney stayed on the ship cuz i believe he was the only one to make his saving throw! Soo many little easter eggs that you really have to slow the video down to see! Love it!

[@chaosfaun]

And Fearne pickpockets Ashton right before they fall, she grabs a pouch from his side

[@BusWindow]

@@mitchsachs9197 Technically it was Ashton that stayed on the ship but it's whatever

[@kibateo]

@@chaosfaun that is a hilarious detail, totally missed it

[@arcaneobject]

This part is honestly my favourite part of this opening sequence. Because they’re all just there for each other with no discussion. They know what needs to be done and know each other so well

[@frialzers]

0:32 How Ashton throws Laudna to Imogen first as they're falling to save her. Ashton has always paid great attention to Laudna's safety after her resurrection in the campaign. Love that detail man

[@copres]

Before too. Remember when they got attacked by the wall? "You should never be in front!"

[@skylark7921]

@@copresliterally within the first 24 hours of the characters knowing each other he was like “okay must protecc this one” and I love it so much

[@StrifeAiray]

I'm so glad you also noticed that detail! Ashton acted as her unofficial protective brother and it was amazing!

[@sandpiperr]

Yeah I loved how he grabbed her hand. *ahem* I may or may not have been a lowkey Tombstone shipper. Not that I don't like Imodna just...I kept my options open early in the campaign.

[@Melodifinest]

I love how much detail there is packed into every single frame! Anyone notice in 1:09 how Ashton gets a slice on their arm and the blue trail going to FCG as they take some of the pain? Amazing!

[@savagetaurus7863]

Good catch

[@munchkin5679]

So cool!

[@Sally6861]

NICE CATCH

[@JesusGonzalez-xj6vh]

While slowing it down to catch this detail you mentioned , I also caught Mister in Fearnes flames as well!

[@weebjeez]

Which is actually a direct reference to one of the abilities of the Wildfire Druid's familiar: it can do a short-range teleport of a willing creature within touch range. Just like how Fearne teleported from the background to the foreground, via the flames. @@JesusGonzalez-xj6vh

[@Ominous_Odyssey]

Its insane what a difference an animation can make on your perspective of a song. Somehow just makes it sound better to me. I like how this one uses a lot of moments that have occured in the campaign already, and especially love some of the artistic interpretations on the characters! Imogen and Laudna killing it here, and Chets transformation was sick af. Amazing job from the animators!

[@davidwilson6577]

The song is already very... sincere? Or wholesome or... there's a word for it and it's not coming to me. A combination of the lyrics and the delivery make it very theatrical. The video as well had that same energy, put together it felt a bit (to me, more than a bit) cloying. This animation brings a bunch of different feelings and energies with it that make the song more palatable.

[@aussiegamer9668]

The transition between Imogen and Ashton was so perfect. As well as the attack with rage it shows Ashton. Absolute class act of animation once again. Looks AMAZING!

[@Sandsquid21]

I absolutely adore the moment when laudna is sitting despondent under the tree only for Imogen to drop her head on her shoulder and that immediately changes the feeling of the scene

[@Isaaaa_Belle]

same I love it

[@jamesross6609]

The fact that it’s the tree from Whitestone as well!

[@KittyKatt_Luna80s]

​@@jamesross6609The Sun Tree

[@jamesross6609]

@@KittyKatt_Luna80s thank you! I was introduced to Campaign 3 so my knowledge isn’t in depth into the CR lore. I appreciate it😊

[@KittyKatt_Luna80s]

@@jamesross6609 You're welcome 😊

[@andrewharwood9321]

Bell, Eshteross, and the Lumas Twins walking into the mist was the first set of goosebumps and then sooo much more so quickly!!!

[@MrsShantastic]

Oh that makes sense re: the Lumas twins...I thought it was Fearne's parents. Wish we'd got to see Nana Morrey (sp?) but incredible animation!!!!!

[@notfurb1378]

Nothing can beat an animated intro featuring all the player characters, it’s so damn good

[@LexSchilperoord]

I do get why they don't do this initially; look how much character specific moments and spoilers add so much to this, it's truly a best-done-halfway-through sort of deal.

[@VegetaLF7]

Exactly. Look at C2 for example, one of the most iconic moments of that was Molly's cloak fading to Caduceus, or the flashes of backstory we got for all the others that wouldn't come up for dozens of episodes. That's the best way for these intros to go: live action starter showing the cast for the beginning part of the campaign, animated one for the characters in the back half. @@LexSchilperoord

[@notfurb1378]

@@LexSchilperoord my guess was they wanted to do something original like they did with campaign 2, if they did the character players animated for that then they probably wanted to try something new while keeping the animated intro

[@redsupersaiyan3120]

The animators went off!!!! This animation is sick!!

[@heikesiegl2640]

Really? I think it looks a bit clunky, Not as smooth as intended. Maybe the M9 Intro didnt seem as clunky because it was Cut differently and the song had more oomph

[@Dakarn]

The first two campaigns had better art and animation. This one looks very amateurish and clunky in places. Especially the scenes with Ashton.

[@aybolasek]

I agree, this looks amazing 😍

[@caramel7050]

​@@Dakarndoes it? to me it looks cleaner than both of the first intros and very similar in style. its clearly not amateur by any means given the details and movement. im super impressed

[@Dakarn]

@@caramel7050 Rewatch the "Your turn to roll" animated intros from Campaign 1 and 2. Then come back and rewatch this. There are noticeable frame shifts in animation. Easiest to see on the Chetney scenes where he shifts. Specifically the pencil-work on the fur. The wonky hammer swings and body shapes with Ashton. Lack of shading in areas. Action scenes with Fearne where her legs are one shade with no definition of fur or shading. It's bad.

[@hannahcpenner]

BEAUTIFULLY done, I was tearing up while watching this be unveiled on stream!!

[@Itachi45481]

The editing and visuals are so good

[@OctopusOwl]

So we'll animated! Truly captures the dynamic and feel of the characters.

[@fishmonger__]

@@Lmaoloserdarkiebad bait

[@lonelyfireflyy]

Imogen resting her head on Laudna's shoulder and bringing light into her life. I AM IN TEARS. Incredible intro!

[@darkdragonite120]

same

[@chuckjohnson5235]

Yep, that broke me.

[@feitocomfruta]

That plus Will and Derrig? My gay heart hurts.

[@Lv20Bard]

0:35 Love that the animators perfectly captured Ashley's facial expression on Fearne

[@JakDanielz]

It really looks like they animated all the players' faces onto their characters for that shot! Well, they did the best they could with Sam anyway lol

[@davidcurry5240]

Oh, her face there is sooooooooo good, so expressive and funny!

[@jillguer]

Every single time I see the cast excited like this over their characters and the talent of others bringing them to life adds five years to my life

[@luffyswaifu420]

I literally SOB. What a blessing to do what you love most in the world, on (mostly) your own terms, with your absolute favorite people. The greatest inspiration and motivation to working hard and following your dreams.

[@riqueoak7256]

If I got extra years to my life everytime I love something from them, I would be immortal

[@cardboardcreationsart]

1:14 the form of dread + imogen flying when the lyrics say "rise" are so gorgeous.

[@Vampandamonium]

There are so many moments linked to the lyrics. 2 by 2 we fall Taking more tallies Etc

[@cardboardcreationsart]

@@Vampandamonium ughhh this opening title is so good!!! Love it

[@reichadendeng9007]

"Healer to the renegade" as FCG with red eyes appear... goosebumps

[@McSireson]

The form of dread was WAY cooler than anything i imagined previously, SHEESH

[@artrigus1515]

Our undead queen looks like an old eastern demon picture.

[@vadernoe2126]

0:54 Love how Ashton is focusing on FCG meanwhile Fearne is pickpocketing Ashton and Orym notices because of his high pasive perception. Love the small details

[@cozmoblaststore]

Omg I missed that!

[@critical_role_nerd]

Thanks for this detail.. nat 20 on your perception check ..

[@JennyDolfen]

Yeah. There are some things I only saw at .25 speed, like Laudna appearing as a puppet in Delilah's hands during that green flash.

[@n0stalgia1]

Fearne also lifts a black-and-red bag off Asthon at the airship earlier!

[@professorhazard]

@@JennyDolfen Really paints a picture of why Laudna can be so mean to Paté sometimes; it's abusive transference

[@DinosaursSayRarr]

WHY ARE WE NOT TALKING ABOUT THAT FORM OF DREAD ANIMATION?!?! So fucking beautiful and unnerving. This intro is honestly my favorite one.

[@werebunny131]

1:10 you can see the enemy shot hitting Ashton's arm, but then redirecting to FCG's arm as they take the damage instead. Quick little thing, but godDAMN what great attention to detail!!!

[@OttersDen]

NICE CATCH, HOLY DAMN! 😯

[@themez366]

Such great editing. I love seeing these every season. Critter for life

[@picachufan2000]

The scene with Orym's husband and father in law disappearing into petals made me cry

[@LDungeon]

The group hugging crazed FCG did it for me

[@picachufan2000]

@@LDungeon The scene where Laudna was alone at the dark Sun Tree then surrounded by everyone at the true Sun Tree 🥺

[@tybronx2446]

I was in no way prepared for that 😭😭😭

[@Baraz_Red]

I missed it. There is so much content packed in there.

[@TheCursedCat1927]

@@Baraz_Red It's at the very beginning, when Orym is training near a tree.

[@kaid0san123-c9d]

I love the little details! Bertrand and Lord Eshteros in the dream sequence, the fast cut to Laudna puppet being manipulated by Delilah mimicking Laudna puppeteering Pate, and Fearne stealing the chain from Ashton at 0:54 with only Orym noticing it! Ugh!! Soo soo good!

[@ChandaElise]

Omg I didn’t even notice the chain thieving 10/10 😂

[@labillustration]

YES, I noticed that and was blown away by that little detail! This is done with so much care!!

[@kheilahv706]

the details of this intro are so amazing its insane

[@tc8135]

So many details!!! Im guessing the other two in the storm are the twins they were looking for early on.

[@AndreyKrichevsky]

How did you even catch the chain moment??

[@zmonty07]

At 0:55, Fearne is pickpocketing Ashton right in the middle of the group intervention of FCG, and Orym turns his head because he sees everything. It's the little details that make this so amazing!

[@Ebos22]

She also steas from him on the airship

[@ddevman]

Watched it a few times before I noticed that! Love all the little details they put in

[@ObsidianBlossom]

Love that Liam and Matt basically start crying from the offset. Animators did incredible work

[@Featherbow]

k are the ones who did The Mighty Nein animated intro as well :)

[@FacQue-c9m]

@@FeatherbowSo glad! They do beautiful work. This was wicked af.

[@ottokarl5427]

I think at the end Ashley is looking to Liam multiple times to check if he is okay because he seems so close to crying

[@Zakon1604]

OMG this was amazing! The god damn the chills from Laudina's Form of Dread transformation, completely stunned. Big cudo's to the all artists throughout, astounding work!

[@JnEricsonx]

Yeah, seriously, forget the the "Ring Girl" jokes, she's full on WTF!

[@AzelleNoirre]

The "warcraft" looks of laudna's dread form is way cooler than what i can imagine.

[@MaXiMux87]

Whenever Laudna was not on screen, I was asking where's she!!!? The muppet transforming into a laudna ragdoll, and only assuming what must be Delilah behind her...*cheff's kiss*

[@brittneybennett3429]

I appreciate the group hugs around Laudna and FCG. Healing theough connections has been a big theme for their stories.

[@jessiewionzek4832]

The way the lyrics match up so perfectly with the characters/animation!! - One by one: Fearne being the eternal optimist, also the one character from the Fey realm, also Ashley sings the first line - Two by two: do I need to explain through my tears 😭 two of Orym's loves fall in battle - Meet our end: Bertrand rip - or meet our destiny: the red storm!! - hold your breath: Imogen enduring the storm - it's Thursday night: on "night" we get the jump cut to Ashton falling which occurs at night time - join us: Laudna, Ashton and Fearne come together on the ship - time to continue our PLIGHT (I always hear this as flight so I think my original interpretation still works 😂): PLIGHT: just when things seem fine, the airship tips and they all fall towards yet another adventure // FLIGHT: they all start "flying" (aka falling in style) (also Fearne wildshaping & Imogen making FCG float!!) - magic & mystery: that's just the Feywild for ya baby - He might: he refers to Matt/the DM here but having that flash of Delilah is so ominous & creepy so I see it as referring to her also - But one thing's for sure: Imodna 4ever - We never give up: no matter what, these friends are here for each other. see specifically Laudna's resurrection - healer to the renegade: someone else pointed out that this is the best possible spot for FCG - we all share the same goal: again, all the friends coming together to help - adding more allies: Chetney being a later addition to the group - taking more chances: this is the weirdest group of PCs we've ever seen lmao he's a freaking WEREWOLF - hold your breath and roll: someone mentioned this and it made me realize Chetney howls at the same time, like he's going awoo only aROOOOLL - all ye critters: Little Mister is a critter by his very definition 😤 - continue our flight: FCG flying! (also changebringer coin!!) - magic & mystery: Ashton 3D transitioning into weird Laudna powers - from darkness our friendship will rise: obviously Laudna = darkness & Imogen rises up a la Storm - one thing's for sure: Orym's halfling tenacity - we never give up: Orym's flower petals 😭 (also I think that sword flourish is the same one Liam did in the second opening??) but that's just me 👀 also thank you subtitles for adding Taliesin's chef's kiss lmao ❤

[@ghostboar8687]

Thank you for detailing everything so well! It’s suddenly like the lyrics were made for this intro!!

[@huntress666]

Best listed analysis yet 👌

[@SirJorb]

It's "time to continue our PLIGHT", not 'flight', but it still fits

[@Achridian]

Cool addition: Chetney transforming causes him to howl at the same time as they sing “Hold your breath and *Rollllll!*” Literally simultaneously with the “roll” part

[@Martha-Novalin-]

That they subtitled the chefs kiss was so funny :D

[@Pantomeemitaiteilija]

Man the impact switch from Imogen getting thrown around by the storm to Ashton impacting on the ground and Chetney's howl matching with the "roll" in the song are AMAZING

[@SenterSen]

Can I just safely say that I teared up immediately when I saw Fearne alongside Ashley's singing as with the rest of video? It's been a wild journey these past 2 years and the fact that I recognize every single reference in the intro really says how fuckin' good the story has been so far. God I can't wait for Monday when the new episode releases

[@InputToe]

So glad we get an animated intro again

[@veloxpax]

I love the addition of Ashton's jacket saying "Just Don't" such a small but appreciated detail

[@zavadajanos]

SO WELL ANIMATED. The camera movement keeps the momentum going, the colors are expressive, the character design tells you everything about their personalities, the symbolism and the choreography show you the main themes of the campaign. Just chills.

[@DeathsPit00]

The fact that FCG and Ashton catch Orym and push him back toward the fight at the end is phenomenal. Excellent work as always.

[@ianriccillo3806]

The small things I noticed: 0:31 Orym catches Chet's hat, Imogen casts fly on FCG, Ashton catches Laudna but his momentum throws him off 1:07 Mr. has a gun 1:10 Ashton buffs FCG 1:12 FCG Shield of Coin And during their fight showcases, Chet and Fearne fought in a fey-ish forest, Ashton and FCG fought in Bassuras, Laudna and Imogen fought in an otherworldly plane, and Orym fought the Paragon's Call. All backstory appropriate

[@dextrobant]

Good eye! I didn't see most of these, although the 1:10 one feels like FCG taking some damage that Ashton took, and used it when he attacked. Same banana, I guess. 🤣

[@simonmorgan3582]

I noticed it on my first watch through, when they’re all tumbling off the airship, Ashton catches Laudna and uses his momentum to fling her to Imogen. Thought that was a nice detail. There are so many I keep finding the more times I rewatch this

[@samuraiko]

Other little things include seeing the buzzsaw and grappling arm on the ground in FCG's red eyes, the unfinished mood wheel that Chetney is carving for FCG, Fearne's blackened left hand as a reference to ExU, Mister has his gun, Orym and Will are using identical swords, and I *could* be wrong, but Ashton's Time echoes - one looks like an UNINJURED stone Ashton, and the other looks like an uninjured HUMAN Ashton!

[@AH-yo2df]

Words cannot express how much I absolutely love every single one of these people 😭 long may they reign!!!

[@miafiolekova5817]

So amazing, Will and Derrig fading, The murdered crew of Dancer in FCGs eyes, Orym fighting Otohan and her shadows, The screaming flowers in the fey realm, Bertrand and Estheros and the Lumis twins walking into the red storm, The flash of Delilah pupeteering Laudna when she pupeteers Pate. All these small deatails. Its fricking AMAZING.

[@koji6745]

Fearne stealing from Ashton!!!!

[@JjoanaP]

Mister with the gun, too!

[@Zizwizwee]

Ashton’s head thing is slowly sparking when they’re napping by the tree too. So subtle but damn

[@refragerator]

I had to do a rewatch after your comment because I did not in fact spy some of these details. The Delilah second is INSANE, what an amazing thought and execution. Wow.

[@binnieb173]

@@koji6745 I missed that! Great eye!!! That was a really fun detail.

[@frialzers]

Huge props to whoever storyboarded the transitions. First, the transitions fits so well with the song beats, that's always a plus for me. Second, the animation's movement guides our eyes to where we should look in the next scene, something similar to what we find in mad max fury road's transitions. Lastly, the transitions were just cool as heck, it flows so well from one scene to the next. I've watched this intro almost 20x now and I'm still in awe every time, damn..

[@doorlord1521]

Being an animation student, it inspires me so much to see these amazing works appreciated so strongly by Critical Role. To see the genuine reactions of pure giddiness in each of them...

[@ktboonello]

I feel the same way!!!!

[@maddywooopwomp]

This is amazing! THE DETAILS! I love that at 0:52 you can see Fearne stealing from Ashton, it's so fast and IT'S SO COOL

[@Vampandamonium]

Far too many details to count

[@kdaspit08]

You can also see Orym's high passive perception catch her doing it

[@Chaos0310]

Omg I didn’t notice that before! Hahaha get the f outta here it’s so good!

[@Cybercoin]

She also steals from him on the airship.

[@r.f.switch5847]

I'm glad you guys still call upon Kamille and Kevin when you need an amazing opening. Two of the best animators ever.

[@TyrannoLime]

There’s SO much detail. From Fearne pickpocketing Ashton and Orym being the only who notices to the Lumos Twins, Eshteross, and Bertrand being in the storm, and my personal favorite is the Laudna transformation for her Form of Dread (For Madrid) and her growing the single red spider Lily. And dont get me started on the fight scene choreography!

[@4203105]

Man that Fearne pickpocket is subtle. Took me like five times watching to see it.

[@Benka...]

And Orym noticing Fearne pickpocketing lol

[@marauderdz]

@@4203105 Yeah, but did you catch that she did it twice? ;)

[@lsedge7280]

There's so much packed into this intro its amazing. 0:01 - Ley line out of matt's hand? 0:03 - Liliana Temult? 0:04 - Ira Wendagoth 0:05 - Ludinus Da'leth + Otohan Thull + Xandis (maybe?) 0:08 - Fearne and the Feywild obviously 0:11 - Orym and his family (and then just Orym) 🎶*two by two* we fall 🎶 0:16 - Bertrand Bell (walking off into the storm) 🎶will we meet *our end* or our destiny? 🎶 0:18 - Same scene but now without Bertrand, having Imogen, Eshteross, and the Lumas Twins. The latter two both being notable NPC's who have perished. 0:22 - The storm, the red moon, and obviously its connection with Imogen. 0:23 - Ashton! But before he had a chunk missing out his head, falling out the window. 0:25 - Shattered, but the cracks on the screen filled with gold. His cracks aren't filled yet. Also, one eye has changed to red and cloudy. 0:27 - The airship! Also Ashton's eye now healed but still milky. Ashton's cracks now filled with gold. 0:28 - Fearne pickpocketing Ashton (coin pouch). 0:29 - The party really aren't good with airships. 0:31 - Fearne polymorphs. Ashton throws Laudna towards Imogen. 0:32 - Orym catches Chetney's hat after it fell off. 0:33 - Imogen casts fly on FCG (and herself). Ashton hitches a ride of Fearne. 0:33 - Imogen catches Laudna 0:34 - The creepy Feywild flowers? 🎶there is *magic and mystery* 🎶 0:37 - Laudna puppets Pate 0:38 - Laudna IS the puppet (of Delilah). 0:39 - Laudna is alone with just Pate for company under the dying sun tree. 0:41 - Laudna is with Imogen and the rest of Bell's Hells under the current live sun tree. 0:47 - FCG remembering the incident with the 'one eyed monster'. 0:50 - FCG is the one eyed monster. 🎶from the *healer to the renegade* 🎶 0:52 - Thankfully BH's are there to support him now. 🎶we all share the same goal 🎶 0:54 - Fearne stealing from Ashton. Orym notices because he sees EVERYTHING. 0:55 - RTA! 0:56 - Chetney making one of his famed toy rocking horses. 0:58 - Chetney transforms 🎶hold your breath and roll 🎶(bloodlust) 1:00 - Chetney making one of his famed howls. 1:03 - Ashton is very good at smashing things. 1:06 - Little Mister! Also, he has a gun. 🎶all you *critters* come join us 🎶 1:09 - Ashton would like to RAGE. 1:09 / 1:10 - Ashton takes damage, FCG absorbs half of it (light zooping from Ashton's cut towards FCG as it heals). 1:10 - FCG's grappling hook and a spiritual weapon in the form of a coin (Changebringer). 1:11 - This is a reference to the racing episode isn't it? (Can't remember what the vehicles/race were called now) 1:12 - Ashton rolled a 3 for the Time effect in their rage. 1:15 - Laudna and Imogen are inseparable. Also Laudna's tree form of dread is even more terrifying than I visualised it. Imogen rises up, flying into the air.🎶from darkness our friendship will rise 🎶 1:19 - A single frame, right as Imogen is about to FUS RO DAH, the colours shifts with the background being just black, Imogen being her usual purple, but her magic being white and red (Ruidus) before the colours flip to white and purple, then back to normal. 1:22 - Seedling (Orym's sword) leaves petals behind after each big slash. 1:23 - Orym fighting Otohan and her shadows. 🎶we'll never give up on the fight 🎶 1:26 - More Ley line auroras. 1:27 - While Imogen obviously flies into frame, and Ashton, FCG, and Laudna are already present (lacking many unusual abilities to travel), Chetney appears from thin air as his invisibility drops, while Fearne appears to be using Little Mister's fiery teleportation to zoop into the middle (although, Little Mister isn't seen). 1:30 - The device which pulled the moon down.

[@eternasapphiremoon81]

I also noticed that in the 'from darkness our friendship will rise', Imogen was rising into the air... :D

[@lsedge7280]

@@eternasapphiremoon81 good catch, I didn't spot that! Did you have a time stamp for it?

[@eternasapphiremoon81]

@@lsedge7280 1:15, just after Laudna assume her tree Form of Dread, Imogen rises into the air to launch a spell. :)

[@nimm1135]

I would add that during the boat scene ashton throws laudna to imogen, and FCG absorbing half the damage at 1:10

[@lsedge7280]

@@nimm1135 Did catch Ashton throwing Laudna to imogen (0:31), didn't spot FCG absorbing the damage tho! Good find!

[@QueenLeaf]

Holy hell Laudna's form of dread is scarier than I already expected. I LOVE IT

[@JnEricsonx]

Yeah, goes way more than just the "Ring Girl" look.

[@FollowingTheRain]

Sam's face at the reveal is priceless he literally recoils at it and Marisha of course looks super pleased with how they captured it

[@Isaaaa_Belle]

This has to be the best intro out of them all. Absolutely incredible. Everyone got some sick moments and the cute Imodna was the cherry on top. I love everything about this. 10/10 no notes

[@aethyr4006]

"From the healer, to the renegade" for FCG is so good!

[@LordNodim]

wow the animators conveyed emotion so well with this one! The melancholy on Orym's part, the red storm actually terrifying, it's all just amazing. The tumble off a skyship was just golden, too, SO MUCH happening in such a little time space! edit: almost forgot. The FCG portion was just too much. I'm gonna go squish my cat i-i

[@Gimpy17]

i so badly want a group of people like this in my life, it so wholesome and wonderful to witness

[@Djpetestone]

I just want to say, as I wipe away tears from my face. That this year has been probably the hardest year of my life. I lost my home, my girlfriend of 4 years; basically everything that meant anything to me. The list is unending. But I need to thank you crit role, because you have been the one and only thing that has helped me get through it so far. I wish I could tell you this in person. Thank you, so much from the bottom of my broken heart. Thank you so unbelievably much.

[@KadiaGray]

Sincerely hope you reach a happier space.

[@Djpetestone]

Thank you 💜

[@Bongadoo]

Hey man, I have been there. I was in a very dark place many years ago and I remember Arrival at Kraghammer like it was yesterday, and the salvation that this show was to me back then. Things can and will change, you're stronger than you think, and things will get better.

[@JackGotABat]

Hope you can find a happier space. Things will get better 🙏

[@the_one_jess_travelled2600]

I'm so happy they included the cast reaction! Ashley reacting to Fern and Orym cuddly was so cute.

[@anjelica948]

Oh man, the juxtaposition of everyone’s animations showing them alone with their trauma, and then flashing to how bonding with BHs is helping them heal, the FEELS!!!!!

[@AmnesiaDream75]

Really good balance of all their wildly tonally different backstories and personalities. Everyone got at least 2-3 really dope moments and it flowed so well. Awesome work Kami and Kevin! ❤

[@discard-dead]

I don't know if anyone else noticed this but when they sleep under the Sun Tree, Ashton's head is sparking while he dreams. 3 weeks later this still gives me chills every second

[@apjtv2540]

I can't imagine how awesome this feels for them. Every D&D party imagines these awesome action sequences with their characters, and these guys get to actually see those come to life.

[@HowManyTimes234]

Look at Tal’s reaction when Ashton crashes onto the screen right after Imogen like that. Dude’s really having a moment.

[@professorhazard]

Honestly I'm envious of how much pure reaction is there. He isn't worried about how he looks, and it sucks to realize that in the same scenario, I would be.

[@JerichosFishStand]

I love how often a character featuring onscreen synced up with their player's voice coming to the front of the song.

[@HailtheDM]

I honestly missed the animated intro from C2, so so glad they brought the same artist back for another one. This one is absolutely fantastic as well, huge fan!

[@colourofrainclouds]

Just over here with tear in my eyes for Will and Derrig blowing away like flowers :( This is such an amazing animation - such care and skill put into the details and so well coordinated to the song! Amazing! Props to Kamille, Kevin, Mark and Peggy! (Also I'll probably be watching the cast reaction once for each cast member to appreciate each reaction!)

[@adamhardy4944]

I don't think it's possible for me to love this more. The "oh! oh! I remember that moment" factor is squee-inducing. I think this is my single favorite Critical Role opening sequence. Holy SOCKS the details, like the way the whole thing starts with Fearne and Orym. I'm so glad this is a thing.

[@JnEricsonx]

I've gotten up to a few of those factor moments watching C2, like Caleb LOCKING DOWN a Cube.

[@Opteisen]

I love that Orym is slated to be Otohan's nemesis

[@choco1101]

Hoping for the bloody hockey fight followed by the proper poetic Hamlet ending.

[@samuraiko]

It's gonna be a race between him and Ashton as to which one of them kills her first... but it would be BEYOND poetic for Ashton to bring her to her knees, and then let Orym give the coup de grace (like Orym did for him fighting Ratanish).

[@michaelbryant3640]

@@samuraiko Orym, Ashton and Imogen taking down Otohan together would be amazing.

[@iamscottbowdown]

And then Orym gets her echo knight backpack....

[@megalob1]

They've outdone themselves, this is absolutely perfect! How much of story and character beats were compressed in 4 min of stunning animation with incredible care for detail. Much love!

[@AliceHiraeth]

God, what a fantastic animated intro for this group. All the little details and nods are so lovely and heartbreaking in equal measure.

[@DredgenStorm]

1:20 starting right here. I truly hope Orym is the one who ENDS Otohan. He's earned it far more than anyone in Bell's Hells. And I pray that Liam has a speech prepared for when he finally lets Orym loose.

[@peridaniel8265]

i think he'd be a damn good candidate for it, but I'm torn between him and imogen. I feel like it would be meaningful for both of them for different reasons. but also, hell yea, if orym does it, I'm totally expecting a spiritual successor to vax's words as he got the final blow on thordak.

[@flaminyawn]

If not Otohan, then Ludinus.

[@itsregal]

I genuinely hope we get to see The Quiet, Soft One go absolutely fucking feral and rend Otohan asunder. I want him to blow absolutely every single superiority die and action surge and absolutely decimate her. He deserves revenge for his family and i KNOW Liam would have something prepared for Orym to say.

[@yiklongtay6029]

In my book, he already let loose against the juggernaut. I want more of this flurry of violence.@@itsregal

[@torihusen5099]

So lemme get this straight. Not only are these people phenomenal actors, storytellers, and great at improv. THEY CAN ALSO SING! God, I love talented nerds

[@JnEricsonx]

Happy I've met 5 of them!

[@Jodariel.]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I love how Fearne, Imogen and Laudna look SPOT on their different way of being magical even in their movements

[@TheDurk]

In noticing small things: I like the detail of Orym reacting first to the flowers turning red, really showing off that massive perception score! Also, those last few frames when theyre restraining FCG Fearne steals something from Ashton with Orym being the only one who notices. Love Chetney getting absolutely yeeted by the vines of the flower creature, his expression going from smug to panic is funny!

[@udonmessedup]

I’m loving the new animation! Keep up the good work!!!

[@Wolffang1996Hyano]

This is a labor of love and I absolutely adore it to pieces and wholes!~

[@mregecko]

SO GOOD. This is my favorite part of every campaign, really feels like things are established and we know the characters.

[@ShamiBami]

WOW WOW Its amazing to see the characters portrayed so perfectly , its so smooth and beautiful and the TEAM WORK in the fighting scenes is omg

[@ffreed]

That animation is mind-blowing even by the standards of the animators’ past work.

[@AcePlaysTCGs]

I love the addition of getting the cast reactions. That's awesome.

[@voidmatic]

as an artist and animator myself, seeing such enthusiastic reactions to animation from creators makes me so happy and really does inspire me to one day make something great :)

[@kelseyfreeman745]

Orym's family dissolving into flower peddles as he trains his little heart out... 😢 😭 Such a great animation intro!

[@mimi_h]

Few seconds in and orym's part is breaking my heart while imodna is fixing it and fcg's moment is making it go soft

[@JennyDolfen]

The MN and D&DBeyond intros were already fantastic, but you get the feeling the team upped their game in the years since that. The animation is so much smoother and all those TURNS! You can see that the most recent scene in that one is from the Malleus Key, so they were on that for more than six months. Such staggering work. I'm in complete awe. And remember that Imodna was faaaar from canon when they did this, and yet here it is! Also, damn, I was already in love with Orym, no reason to hit me in the gut like that!

[@frost5063]

you can see the pure joy on Matt's face, like a parent watching his baby take his first steps

[@udop2]

fearne stealing from ashton at 00:54 is SENDING ME this has so much detail i love it SO MUCH

[@annikamarie921]

Love this new intro so much! So many perfect little details. Anyone else notice imogen casts fly on fcg during the airship fall at 0:32 (briefly surrounded by a purple aura) so he can grab orym while fearne wildshapes to get ashton and chet?

[@KiasAbyss]

It's so cohesive, excellent scene choices to show everyone in both their tragedy and their found family. Will be watching this over and over for a long while!

[@cryofpaine]

Campaign 3 is my favorite so far. This just makes me want an animated series for them even more.

[@metalcoreart-5422]

Hope amazon did it

[@V3x0r]

Well more campaign 1 and 2 is starting so campaign 3 has a good bet. It's a solid bet for TV since DnD is at the absolute height of popularity and Critical Role has a massive fanbase. Amazon has a multi-year deal with Critical Role so more adaptations are coming.

[@NightSterling]

Theres a very good chance it happens

[@claraprado5401]

I feel like c3 is definitely the most visually impactful of all campaigns and this intro definitely proves it!

[@1rotzy]

I love that the bonds between these characters are so important. Time after time, they each fall, but the support from everyone else lifts them back up.

[@aw3707]

THIS IS SO FUCKING AMAZING AND IT IS JUST SUCH A GOOD REMINDER FOR WHY I LOVE CRITICAL ROLE AND C3 SPECIFICALLY SO MUCHHHHH

[@corylcreates]

One of my favourite moments in this is Orym fighting Otohan and the sword movements correspond with the music's percussion. So much rhythm in this animation.

[@beeta137]

Orym's part... "You blink... and it's just [petals]." IMMA CRY.