Critical Role Animatic - Tower of Molly (minor spoilers)

[@saval5756]

Hi everyone! I've read all of your comments and I'd just like to say THANK YOU!! I'm so glad you enjoyed this little passion project of mine, and even made some you cry :'))

[@Wisper200]

You made me cry

[@thelastcube.]

This was beautiful

[@xxghostlytunesxx]

It was a lovely animation and you’ve managed to create an amazing creation and add emotions to it as well. Hope you keep making such amazing creations and I wish you a lovely day and night

[@SkyP9812]

I didn't expect to receive such a gut punch. Especially right after watching last week's episode. I'm referring to episode 134 by the way, in case you are reading this in the future

[@2portal19]

Fjord, molly is having a mental breakdown could you stop eating orbs for like 5 minutes, honestly is that too much to ask for. (love the final animation

[@saval5756]

damn, fjord..... ((tysm i got carried away lmao))

[@crazyc6528]

"eating balls" in Laura's words XDDD

[@cm5061]

fjord fjord now is not the fucking time

[@yufi305]

😂😂😂🤣

[@emissary8071]

just found this and christ I love how each blessing ties into their backstory. This is genius. Also omg the nine blessings and Molly having the nine eyes on him, fgieufhbzdsjbf so good.The expressions and everything, the last shots of everyone and the blessings, THE SWORD SWING?! Bro I nearly cried.

[@jessicaorr130]

Mollymawk Tealeaf, left to bleed out on the side of the road when the mighty nein's ambush against the shepherds went badly, his friends taken from him. He was saved by the power of his periapt, from there he followed the shepherds back to the town they came from, and found an ally in a cleric named Cadusis Clay. The two of them managed to save his friends, but too late. Jester was broken by the slavers, unable to laugh anymore, and believing her god had abandoned her, without hope. the group returned Jester home, and took to the seas to discover what Fjord was dreaming about. On the sea they found more of the orbs that seemed to give him blessings, but he fell to madness. Not wanting to leave the depths even as the rest of them fled from the monster's of the deep. Ford was lost, bound in the depths with his dark master. Returning to the empire the diminished mighty nein woke one day to find that Nott, so brave before, was gone without a trace. Caleb met with his former master, and fell to temptation once again, taking Beauregard's life as proof of his devotion. The remaining three, not knowing what to do now, traveled south to where Cadusis needed to find what he needed to cure his home from the blight upon it. in those dark, tainted woods, the nature who's goddess he followed overtook him, dragging him down and killing him in the depths of the bogs. Left with only Yasha, Molly chased a rumor from someone who clamed to remember him and a half-remembered location, going to the biting north. There he hoped to have a wish, something that would defy fate, or even the gods themselves. On the way there, Yasha left him, drawn away by a demon that had a claim on her soul. Molly made it to the ruins of the floating city alone, finding a circle of statues. there he was given an offer: we nine will save your friends, but we ask you to give us your soul, your self will be sacrificed for this honor. Molly did not even hesitate, drawing his sword, blessed by adventures and the memories of his friends to the level of being among the artifacts of the world, he took the offer, feeling everything become white fog around him. The fog faded and he lay on the ground, where his life had gone so wrong, and Molly saw Lorenzo above him, Nott returned, Beauregard nearby, and Caleb standing back from the danger. a flash of red behind the man's eyes, and Molly knew that this time, his friends would be safe. As the blow came down and ended his life, he smiled, even as he felt his soul being devoured by the pact he had made. His friends would survive, and that is all that mattered to him.

[@TheDictionaryDuck]

That was one of the most beautiful texts I have ever read.

[@alrisk3027]

that hit me in my core dude holy moly

[@alexfirefly1956]

How dare you break my heart once more? ❤💜

[@jonathanhamilton6190]

Imagine if there was a piece of Molly that clung so strongly that he is just hitch-hiking in Lucien ATM. And has seen what he has done to his friends.

[@Makkis]

Thing is, that's highly likely

[@xonolia5661]

oh my heart no

[@Hobbess8]

You should read Nine Eyes Never Shut by MaukusNoise in ao3... I think you will like it ;)

[@Zombiewithabowtie]

Lucien *did* have a strong reaction to seeing the Mollymauk based decor in Caleb's Nine-Sided Tower; it could be that the fraction of him that is Molly still has a voice.

[@pigeonpuff4497]

Why must you hurt me like this

[@dokchampa9324]

Me, who has never watched CR: "Haha, man, this is pretty, wish I knew what's going on tho."

[@bdletoast09]

To be fair, the story here has nothing to do with CR. The artist made an AU by using their characters, but the plot is following the song.

[@kin2naruto]

Not quite ignoring the plot of CR - the "Blessings/Sorrows" they each pick references character plot arcs in the show. (Some fit better than others tho) So if you start watching the show you'll know that the story for person A has something to do with water, B is something about fire, C is frozen tears... and so on.

[@bdletoast09]

@@kin2naruto Yeah, but that only the kind of little references you see in every AU. Like, sure the way Fjord absorbs the Blossoming Wave is a nod to the Cloven Crystal, but it's not the actual thing.

[@quendi5557]

I mean, it definitely improves upon getting to know all those characters. If you don't want to watch all of Campaign 2 which is understandable there are animated recaps if you just want to understand a little about what is going on between the characters.

[@parkerkills621]

Me who has never watched Tower of God: "Haha, man, this is pretty, wish I knew what's going on tho."

[@jorgeianfernandez9885]

Imagine this, critters somehow blow stretch goals for the Tales of the Mighty Nein animated Kickstarter, but instead of being about MN in the beginning, it switches to Molly's perspective and continue then on until he dies. That would be fuckn dope and increase the emotional factor X10.

[@acarnivorouslizardfolk1033]

There is a mighty nein Kickstarter?

[@theaeon]

@@acarnivorouslizardfolk1033 I think that's just hopeful thinking for the future ;P

[@dragonblood800]

He could always get a mini series!

[@carnivalcalamity859]

what if Molly didn't die , and instead was the only one out of the group who survived the encounter with Iron Shepards :OOOO

[@micanikko]

Was thinking the same thing!

[@hexxidelux6224]

@Ian Visser They totally did that in the finale, but I'm sure we're all caught up now so it's cool to "spoil" lol

[@leondanos6857]

@@hexxidelux6224 have not seen any of this where do I watch

[@dull_demon4717]

Have thought about this before

[@dylanfooler]

Rewatching this after Calamity, the "foolish arrogant men overstepped the boundaries of god" line goes from cool to cooler for me, it fits to well for the hubris of wizards

[@inkycorvid3248]

OH THIS HITS DIFFERENT NOW

[@presentlycrescent]

listen y'all i don't think i'm ever going to NOT cry over molly this is downright beautiful "nine sorrows in disguise" no scripted show could ever have been more perfect than this

[@runicdreamer]

This was absolutely amazing! I loved how every member of the nein had their corresponding "blessing" which tied back into their "sorrows" of their backstory. Also The image of Caduceus being swallowed by earth will haunt me. Yasha having her heart frozen and being chained to the ground...ouch. I hope the cast sees it.

[@varaa.7263]

PLEASE PLEASE TWEET IT TO THE CAST. ALSO, THIS IS WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO IMAGINE IS HAPPENING INSIDE OF LUCIEN AND ONE DAY MOLLYMAUK WILL BREAK FREE, THIS SO SPECTACULAR.

[@Haybalesnail]

Break free you say?

[@Ziffelzoovop]

Aaaaand now I'm crying. "The blessings were nine sorrows in disguise" hits a little differently now but in the BEST way. Love it!

[@tigerstripes6431]

I've been watching this since I came out but I just now am commenting. This is by far one of my favorite animations for campaign two. It's amazing and I keep coming back.

[@em0860]

03:12 always gets me. It's so perfect for Yasha&Molly

[@hexxidelux6224]

I had to go watch the original first to really appreciate this re-imagining of it. At first I was like "wtf is this?" but after I saw the vocaloid chior original, and understood the story behind it, I came back to this and went "Yeah, actually the Nein would do this if they had to." and got shivers and cried.

[@parafoxl7619]

*Bit of research about what the story behind the song is* Dang, okay this is really well translated into the mighty nein. Good job dude! Also, LONG MAY HE REIGN! ;_;

[@quendi5557]

I know. just enough difference to make it work but still keep within the tone.

[@Anxieteacup]

This is incredible and I love it But I just want to say... caduceus' death was mildly humorous to me given his penchant for getting sucked in by swamps That being said, the expressions before they took the blessings were all wonderful. They all had the looks I'd imagine they would when making the choice to sacrifice themselves for the world and their friend Fjord looking wry but accepting of his fate Caleb and nott both looking unhappy but determined. Caleb more so threatening because he wants to ensure molly doesnt go, and nott wanting to hurry up before she changes her mind. Jester happy to do this if it meant saving everyone she loves back home, like her mother Caduceus accepting of his fate Beau has an almost "I got this... go get'em tiger" kinda look Shakaste taking this with as much grace and acceptance as he does with everything Yasha is sad but I can see her definitely taking on the burden both to atone and to help molly And then keg accepting it with a cocky attitude Uggghh it's so good and so subtle

[@thatonesadguy5294]

That’s a unique view! I interpreted it as the other members stealing these gifts from Molly, who was the one meant to bring them to the gods. But the absence of their gifts makes the his realize Molly’s stalwartedness in the betrayal of their allies

[@cas8419]

I know this is an au but it also gives the impression of Molly remembering and saying goodbye to his friends before moving on

[@kellyroff2899]

I wonder if Beau and Caleb figured it out and then went to the others with what they had to and choose Molly because he was the only one who wasn’t a complete screwup and would leave the world better

[@parafoxl7619]

1:58 HOW?! How did you capture that emotion of furiously trying to appear one way to your friends but barely being able to stand the lie so beautifully. You can legit see how he's forcing that wide smile, omg this is so beautiful. And this entire animatic is full of details like this!!!

[@thelastcube.]

shine bright, circus man

[@reinaeiry]

This is one of the most stunning animatics I've ever seen. Amazing work!

[@BlytheWestchild]

COGNOUZA BE LIKE

[@emmae6171]

This aged like fine wine

[@zoecarr6139]

Came here after the CR2 finale, shits so fucking wild y'all

[@michaelp3609]

Can’t help but wonder how things would of gone if Molly hadn’t died against Lorenzo

[@thegoblinking.]

I believe Taliesin made molly a complete blank slate and gave matt all ropes for figuring out a story for molly. Im pretty sure matt planned on having lucien and molly eventually battle for control of the body. It would have been CRAZY!😊

[@spiritualviolation]

i'm late but i was really surprised when the song started playing and the original video didn't get me but THIS. THIS NEARLY GOT ME GOOD, ESPECIALLY THEM HUGGING MOLLY THERE. OW.

[@marthac3985]

Friend... That was amazing. I have no words. There’s so much attention to detail! The clouds, the Moonweaver, the barnacles on Fjord’s falchion, and I’m sure there’s a ton more I didn’t spot the first time. It was just unnerving how accurate each of the blessings were to the people who took them. Caduceus takes the Trembling Earth because he’s attuned to nature and the Wildmother, Beau with the Whirling Rondo because she’s a literal flurry in battle, Caleb with the Fiery Feast-I could go on for a while. And I LOVED that scene with all of them just hugging. There’s just so much heart in this and I love how you were able to show so much emotion in every frame. Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re very talented and deserve all the praise you’re getting! I’m gonna go ahead and watch this another 20 times because that was EPIC.

[@micanikko]

AU where Molly was the only one that survived. Also nice touch adding Shakaste and Keg!

[@Reallyshouldachanhed]

I’m just weeping. Incredible.

[@saval5756]

good! weep! (but thank you c': )

[@carmelcity9527]

This is fantastic! I'm blown away not only by how well crafted this is, but also by the emotional intensity. Beautifully done!

[@ccnekocat]

'None of this is happening in CR' ARE YOU SURE THOUGH. Surprising how many elements are relevant.

[@ObsidianOx-GM]

It's strange, after ep 139... This hits, differently...

[@alycias7345]

"with the nine of us" yooo :o 1:18 and "nine blessings" 3:39

[@ShadowedKing]

holy CRAP!! THIS CAME OUT INCREDIBLE!! Every frame of this was a GIFT, I've been seriously looking forward to this getting finished and it BLEW ME AWAY. WOW!!!!!! It holds your attention so well and I found myself looking forward to every blessing and who would get it/ what would happen to Molly!! Beyond remarkable job, definitely one of the finest works in our community, I hope it gets the attention it deserves!! Spectacular video!!!!!!

[@saval5756]

aaaaaa you are too kind ;v; it was on a whim i decided to make the full thing aha tysm !!

[@leondanos6857]

@@saval5756 where do I go to watch the campaigns and what is it called. This was amazing loved it.

[@saval5756]

@@leondanos6857 You can watch them on their channel Critical Role! This animatic is specifically based on their Campaign 2 Mighty Nein series :>

[@epaily]

this still has a place in my heart. gorgeous gorgeous work

[@Mad3bunny]

I can’t help but picture the blessing as the eyes of the sonnovem pretending to be blessings but are cursed :0. But this is an amazing video

[@chenpai]

Absolutely wonderful work! I'm not one to comment often but on top of introducing me to this wonderful song you have beautifully delivered such a touching piece about one of my favorite shows. Gorgeous art and composition, I can really tell how hard you worked on this so know that it is very much appreciated! Watching this just reminded me of how much I miss our favorite circus Tiefling Molly all the more, long may he reign. I'm so glad I stumbled on to this lovely project, all the best in your future endeavors and I can't wait to see more from you in the future!

[@saval5756]

im glad that you feel that way about my work ! i miss him everyday :') thank you for your kind words .... im happy to have introduced you to this song ! 🥰

[@diavalraven3660]

This is absolutely incredible. I've loved this song for so long, and seeing someone use it to go along with something else I've loved is amazing. The fact that it's Molly as the messiah, and how each of the blessings fit the character so well is so so so wonderful. All of their expressions were perfect, and your art is absolutely stunning. Thank you

[@CryptidCritter]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!! This was a great sound to pick for Molly and the Mighty Nein. Gods, not only does it fit well with some of the current plot we are learning, the emotional impact of things fit so well with the group. Long may they reign: Mollymauk Tealeaf.

[@lostdmg7511]

This still makes me tear up to this day

[@jenswift7254]

I love how this inadvertently matches. I Imagine this being cannon of the struggle molly went through inside Lucian during that final battle

[@poopydoopy5115]

I love how you draw facial expressions so much 🥺😭💖💞

[@saval5756]

aahhh thank you !! faces are fun :))

[@nisshokutamashi4550]

I SAW THE TEASERS IN MY RECOMMENDED AND I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE IT IN FULL!

[@saval5756]

omg thank you aHA ❤❤

[@nisshokutamashi4550]

@@saval5756 This was gorgeous and I hope to see more from you! It also brought my attention to the song too so thank you for that!

[@ravenstrife9640]

I watched this animatic so many times, I'm absolutely in love with it holy crap it's beautiful and amazing. But it also never fails to bring me to tears every time I watch it. I kind you not every single time I've watched this by the end I'm a crying mess. Tears my heart apart and yet heals it all at the same time because they were just trying to help Molly, they would never betray him and I'm just gonna go sob in a corner now.

[@johnegbert9132]

Okay so I’m kinda confused, did everyone else know they were sorrows and that’s why they took them, like otherwise then it’s just the party being assholes to Molly

[@Saltysupport24]

Holy. Shit. Fucking. Amazing. Better than I could’ve ever imagined.

[@mayormayo1853]

It kind of blows my mind that people can just make stuff like this. It’s beautiful and has such an emotional impact. I can’t even boil eggs

[@iwillcry]

This is incredible inspiring for someone who wants to make animatics/pmvs, every shot was so cinematic and carried a lot of weight, as someone who didn’t know the story behind the song or what this AU truly meant, I still got sucked in to the drama of it and felt sad and relieved at the end there. The shots of everyone getting swallowed or corrupted by the powers (? Sorry i dont fully follow all i know it looks epic) was hauntingly cool looking. And your style with these characters?? Beautiful beautiful work. I’m also in love with your lineart...I could go on but I’m not so good with words so

[@fritzious737]

Dont mind me just crying on the tl

[@FastaSwima_VA]

I know I’m a bit late to the party, but I 100% headcannon this vid is what Lucien was showing Molly to keep him docile

[@Miner49er201]

I've watched this several times now, and not only am I blown away by the quality of the art and how perfectly the song fits the Nein, but it also makes me realize that no matter how things end with Lucien, I'm going to be bawling my eyes out.

[@karlwatzlawick5775]

The beauty of every scene depicted, the betrayal and emotion on every face, the haunting fates of each and the perfect fit that each character has. This is a masterpiece work.

[@AdrasAdraki]

I miss molly *Cries*

[@greenhousestudios7703]

THIS IS SO GOOD Not only is the music choice incredible, the art is amazing and every image has a clear meaning!!

[@LindaOlives]

you monster, you got me to cry and right as i was about to sleep too so now this will keep me awake

[@afrognamedsparrow7100]

I actually had a 10 minute breakdown in the car, with my entire family, driving to Walmart, about molly. I'm still ot over his death, if you couldn't tell.

[@tazsimon1401]

This is absolutely amazing! I saw the teasers and I got so excited when the notification popped. This was even better than I had anticipated. Keep up the amazing work and have a lovely day 💕

[@saval5756]

aww im so glad you enjoyed ! and lovely day to you too ! :))

[@pootsydoodle2326]

Just discovered this last night and I have now lost count of how many times I’ve rewatched it.

[@Loulouche25]

Molly is one of my favorite characters and you did an amazing job! Thank you for honoring his memory!

[@MaedayMisfit]

THIS WAS SO AMAZING

[@quesospoon3787]

Um hi yes underrated artist alert?? What the heck?? This is GORGEOUS I HAVE BEEN REWATCHING IT FOR AGES LIKE???? Seriously you could pause at any point during this and it would be a masterpiece honestly This whole au was so cool (even if I don’t know entirely what’s going on lmaO-) and the way you captured everything was just DHSBDBHSBDHS I WOULD GUSH MORE BUT IM BAD AT ARTICULATING MY WORDS JUST KNOW THAT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AND I ADORE IT

[@epaily]

yeah i have no idea whats going on here but all the art here is absolutely gorgeous. took my breath away.

[@nightcatssketchbook]

Ah you did an incredible job creating such a great atmosphere through lighting and perspective!! The expressions are wonderful, and I love the way you draw Molly's clothes billowing around.

[@quendi5557]

I love how this tells a similar but different story to the original that is more aligned with the Mighty Nein.

[@christopherflores6541]

This gave me chills and I loved every second

[@rexhex3700]

Coming back here to just confirmed that, yes, this is still awesome!

[@spookywaffledio5227]

holy SHIT the composition,,, the editing,,, the presentation over all, i have literal chills bro,, i am in awe and the final product of this is STUNNING i am swooning you are FANTASTIC and your work is an inspiration chief, keep up the good work

[@hotdog2611]

This is amazing! Words cannot describe how good I think this is and in every way if you think about the "Blessings" fit everyone so well. I thought because they all took the "blessing" he would've died there, but the twist is that they all died more or less because of their own greed (Fjord and Caleb, maybe Keg??) And how the others probably just thought their friends would get a "blessing" even if the trust was broken because of Fjords betrayal in the beginning. I did tear up a lot during this but Yasha probably had to do it for me, that happiness she probably felt in a long time just gone as like that and leaving the one person who gave her hope never to come back to him. Ow. I hope to see more of your works in the future. CR and not, imma go fanart for this now

[@v.t.701]

The story was more like everyone except the Messiah (Molly) knew the truth, that the blessings were basically human sacrifices. The nine friends concealed the truth from Molly and tricked him into thinking that they were just being greedy, in reality they all sacrificed themselves willingly so that the Messiah wouldn't need to take on the sacrifices alone. So none of them died because of their own greed. They all "accepted their fate" from the beginning.

[@hotdog2611]

@@v.t.701 Yeah I got that after watching it a few more times. In the end it makes everything so much more bittersweet! But thank you!

[@wtfforged]

its been two weeks and i still cant stop watching it this is so immaculate

[@yuqingwang6849]

Gods this whole thing is a masterpiece. Got goosebumps in the first 5 seconds, and uncontrollable weeping the last minute. Great work, such an awesome contribution to the cr community

[@chromatic_fate7114]

I am literally in tears. My fucking God.

[@Akaska0828]

*UNCONTROLLABLE SOBS*

[@hithedragon7842]

Clicked on this video not knowing what to expect, practically jumped out of my seat when I heard the song. This is a crossover I never considered but definitely needed.

Everytime I watch this video, I end up crying. Just gonna put that out there.

[@vini2308]

this deadass made me cry. Loved your work a lot! Long may he reign

[@The_Shifters16]

IVE REFOUND THIS BEAUTY AMAZING WORK

[@secondjadeoflan]

WHAT THE FUCK THIS IS STUNNING??? Your art is BEAUTIFUL! The way you captured their emotions and expressions is spot on, and the LANDSCAPES???? THE ARCHITECTURE??? WAAAAA [also sidenote i wasnt expecting it to be this song which is one of my faves and was so confused when it started]

[@noahfong8886]

I am in absolute tears... this... this is truly beautiful

[@collectorofmyst2107]

I would like you to know that not only has this animatic truly broken me, but I've been listening to the song on repeat for a while now and must thank you for introducing me to it.

[@snirky]

I had forgotten how much emotional weight a vocaloid song could carry. Thank you.

[@RizaPrevails]

This is so SO good!! Honestly Blessed Messiah and the Tower of Ai is one of my favorite vocaloid songs, so when I first saw the trailer to this I was very excited to see where it would go. And honestly? You blew me away. I'm not the first and I won't be the last to say that I cried watching this. Seriously, thank you for making this

[@EmeraldIIIGaming]

Holy shit why doesn’t this have more views!!! I’m sure the CR crew would love to see this!!!

[@souxfle]

I really never comment anything but I just HAD to say how much I love this!!! This song has been one of my favorites of all time and retelling it with the characters of critical role makes for a fantastic au. I love your art style and this was an absolutely wonderful animatic!! Thank you for obliterating my heart with molly/nein feels lol

[@andtezzacc5044]

I have f*cking tears in my eyes... This is so beautiful! ;-; you're amazing :3

[@chrysanthemum8373]

This is absolutely beautiful

[@paulanyan]

my love for vocaloid and for critical role combined into one...I’m obsessed

[@jacobjohnson4072]

Watching this for the third time and it still makes me choke up at the end, well done!

[@fishwad2077]

this hit something deep in my emotions and i have no idea what it was but now im feeling things

[@cm5061]

the song: the words of prophecy me, completely mishearing: did you mean: *housing*

[@lioncourtdeluded]

It's so beautiful. Had me in tears at the end tbh.

[@matthewletexier]

When I first watched this I didn't really get it, but now, months later, I fully understand and it makes me tear up. Phenomenal job

[@mysteryanimato2]

THE DETAIL IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE, I ADORE THIS SO MUCH

[@savi7152]

you did not need to go that hard BUT I SURE AM GLAD YOU DID. this is fucking incredible

[@MonaBee]

This was as amazing as I was hoping it would be!!! The choice of blessing for each of the nein was perfect and Yasha's crying hit me so so hard esp after the latest episode 😭😭😭 thank you for sharing such an amazing piece of art with us

[@KVrya]

Been waiting for this ever since the first WIP and I'm blown away by hoe much much you put into this, it's amazing. The roles you picked for each character weren't quite what I expected but they fit so very well, and I love the expressions you gave for each situation 👏 a beautiful video and tribute to the Mighty Nein 💜

[@harveyy8387]

OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!! This is amazing!!!!!!!! Well worth the wait it's so beautifulll😍😍😭😭

[@alexfirefly1956]

I've been sitting here for 10 minutes, crying my eyes out. This is so heartbrakingly beautiful. And the don't forget to love eachother at the end. God I miss Molly. Thank you 💜

[@alexfirefly1956]

This should be featured on the next Critter Hug. Every member of Critical Role should see this.