Essek Thelyss - Liar Animatic

An animatic I’ve been working on since the revelation of episode 97. Essek’s story means a lot to me and it feels so right to commemorate it in some way. I can’t wait to see what other adventures he gets up to, with a heart full of love and a life full of potential.
Please comment your thoughts -- I've never done anything like this, and any idea of your sincere reaction would help my further artistic journey.
Essek Thelyss (c) Matthew Mercer, Critical Role
This animatic made by me, Caltra
Made on Procreate and Adobe Rush
Liar by the Arcadian Wild

[@RuviGaPo]

This is so lovelyy when the music shifts that last time and like the guilt hits and caleb kisses him that's the best part il itt

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! Someone mentioned that moment is kind of a “beat drop” and that’s exactly how it feels like to me, the moment where his status actions suddenly create overwhelming motion that he can’t control, that he’s at the mercy of, that affect a whole continent, and hes at their whim, like everyone else. And yeah :’3 that kiss is everything, huh.

[@isbammoi3358]

Oh gosh oh goodness! That tiny detail at the end with Caleb teleporting in then them teleporting away! All the little things you put in this, I can really feel the love

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much for recognizing the hard work and the details of personality. Their stories mean a lot to all of us. 💜

[@misternobody4535]

This was amazing! You depicted Essek's story in such a accurate and beautiful way. His arc and transformation was such an important part of the show. Showing how people can be morphed with what they are nurtured with, and Essek by the end has truly been changed by simply being shown kindness and love by the Mighty Nien. You did a perfect job displaying this and I completely agree and love your message at the end of the video, absolutely stunning! 🖤🌟💜

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much for writing this -- it’s just incredible to me that we both got this deeply moving story abt how kindness can transform a heart to the point it can love in return. I’m glad that I somehow conveyed that story - all I know is that the emotions are sincere. I’m going to miss this guy, so, so much, and I hope we can wave his story, or what we know of it, a loving goodbye.

[@misternobody4535]

@@caltrik You're welcome! And you conveyed it wonderfully! I'm going to miss Essek as well, so much! But I am glad he was allowed such a heartfelt ending as well as the rest of the Mighty Nien and it is a story I'm definitely not going to forget and I know people in the community like you won't either! 💕

[@caltrik]

@@misternobody4535 oh absolutely not :’) I’m holding essek dear for a very long time, I’m sure of it

[@enniesways3635]

This is so amazing!!! Esseks story is so special and I love how you captured the emotions!! (And I'm really happy to see his friendship with Jester in this as well!)

[@caltrik]

Thank you sO much!!!! Essek’s story is so special and I’m glad that this version of it resonated with you. And yea!! Caleb may be his mirror, but Jester is his catalyst :3

[@paramitch]

Me too! Caleb of course was important to Essek in a million ways, but so was Jester on a friendship level. Jester instantly accepted Essek, told him she believed he could redeem himself and overcome his past, and simply greeted him with joy and love. By the end of C2, Jester had messaged Essek twice as much as anyone else (28 times), and he was family to her.

[@caltrik]

@@paramitch yes!! I saw that stat too and am so sure they will stay in touch long after all the other relationships dissipate. One does not simply let go of their cupcake buddy :3

[@Thisone109]

I'll always remember that line when Essek: If you show kindness I'll show you the same And Jester was like: ofcourse We've shown you nothing but kindness Essek. *shef's kiss Jester*

[@caltrik]

It’s an absolutely stunning line and beautiful moment!

[@GaubHefta]

I am absolutely transfixed by this!!! your movement is so fluid and characterization subtle but so strong!! Ngl I teared up seeing those Jester hugs and I adored your final dedication and his reunion with Caleb!!! Going to watch this a billion trillion times!!!

[@caltrik]

Thank you, thank you, thank you saff!! You had such a huge hand in this - you helped me wrangle it to a point where I could actually grasp it and bring it to fruition. Thank you so much for that. The reunion with Caleb was a last second addition, as was the dedication - I was running on 3 hours of sleep, trying to finish this before the wrap up, and just going ham with how much essek means to me. You know this

[@TiliaCordata]

Ooof, the tears. You've conveyed so much emotion with this, the lines and visual transformations as powerful as the story and the music. This will hurt to come back to, but I will.

[@caltrik]

Thank you so so much ;--; the work of an artist is to use visuals to augment a story, and with such beautiful music, how could I not? I hope the pain is worth it. I hope it helps. Thank you, for being here, and for returning.

[@TiliaCordata]

@@caltrik Thought I'd leave a trace of one of my returns. Still a visceral experience. Still love it.

[@curuthalion_]

This was so beautiful. The story of the Mighty Nein means so much to me. It was such a joy to follow their story and see their characters grow. Especially Caleb and Essek.

[@caltrik]

Especially those two, absolutely. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of. Thank you for enjoying it with me.

[@thephoenicorn]

Those two dislikes are people hitting the wrong button on accident since the tears were blurring their eyes That being said, the art was soooo beautiful

[@caltrik]

Oh thank you so much!! This does make the story behind those two so much easier to parse :’) sincerely, thank you for the kind comment

[@bored_raven3361]

This reduced me to tears, and I'm quite sure why but I'll try to put it into words. The song suits the entire scenario so well, and the drawings are perfect for the scenes. The lyrics made sense for him, and everything he had done in his life. His illusion being dispelled, wrenching his hands away from any contact, him standing before the queen's court, the going from the walking to the floating, and the mantle seeming to grow from him, and not a few seconds later he is holding the beacons before being pulled under by everything. He was overwhelmed and trying to balance a life of solitude and secret. Then the Nein enter, and his entire world shifts, slowing down and just pausing. They chip away at his mask, and he finds himself liking them. He allows touch, he walks alongside them and helps them. The hot tub and the hugs, the hands at 2:18. He changes and goes as far as to risk breaking time and reality for them. Because of them, he changed. And just when you think he is going back to be alone in the frozen north, someone comes back for him, and they leave together. The message at the end was beautiful. You did a beautiful job putting this into the picture. If none of my rambling made sense, know that I loved this animatic so very much.

[@caltrik]

I just -- sincerely, this was the comment that made me cry. You picked up everything I was putting down. The fact that you listed the visuals that got to you, the moments that made you feel, the story you could tell with the images - that means so much to me, as a learning artist. Your own enthusiasm for the ramble mirrored my own - holy smokes, you can tell a story with this!! Again, sincerely, thank you. I’ve been reading this and rereading it. It’s so gratifying that someone saw what you were trying to do. So thank you. Very, very much. 💜

[@Risuization]

there's two! (2!) Essek animatics to this song. and both break me in two different ways. you did absolutely stunning job! excuse me while I- AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I was plotting this one out when that one premiered and I knew I had to wait to see the rest of the story to not tread over the same ground. We’ve all got so much love to give to essek. His story deserves it.

[@chuck000]

FEELINGS

[@caltrik]

THANK YOU IM GLAD TO RESONATE THEM WITH YOU

[@aduckinlingerie]

my favorite part is when the music picks up and there's just all these cool angles and poses and transitions just mwah lovely

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I’m really touched that you mentioned what parts got to you. Sincerely, 💜💜💜

[@svalbirdd]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL, INCREDIBLE WORK YOOOO

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!!! You were the first comment and deserve a little 💜 for your quickness!

[@superfrumpkin]

Gave me chills from start to finish. Wow wow wow.

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! Chills is exactly what I was going for :)

[@MerryMoss]

This is absolutely beautiful and captivating... I'm sitting here sobbing. Essek's journey is one of my favourite aspects of the second campaign and I am so grateful that he met the Mighty Nein and Caleb in particular 🧡💜

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much! His journey is also one if my fav things and I’m so glad others can scare in that love :3

[@rosha1760]

I really like your Ludinus wtf, never imagined him with a staff/cane That pose he has during the scene of Frumpkin/Caleb seeing Essek was disguised sir- 👁👄👁

[@caltrik]

This is the best response to Ludinus here, absolutely love it!! Thank you for loving the Lewd!

[@saracandel4899]

This is so beautiful. I love the art style, the pacing, the imagery, it's just beautiful. And the song fits amazingly well

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! It’s so gratifying to hear this 😭💜

[@namariie3184]

AAAAAAAA 1:41 - 2:07 is AMAZING. The way you capture movement, different forms, from something moving as swift as war to the calm kiss on the forehead, STUNNING. This whole animatic is stellar, but that part is my favorite. :D

[@Eunathe]

I've been trying to put my feelings for this into words for like hours now but it just isn't working so I'm just gonna say 'i love this' even though that in no way encapsulates just HOW MUCH i love this. So imagine a wall of text following this that eloquently details exactly why and what i love about this. I'm sorry but also thank you for making and sharing this! Also thank you for introducing me to this song!! I've added to my playlist now. uwu;;

[@caltrik]

I’ve been trying to think of how to reply to this -- thank you. Sincerely. I’m imagining the wall of text but I’m holding onto what you’ve already written here. Thank you 💜

[@margowinterlake]

This made me cry; this is so wonderful. Incredibly imagined and incredibly made

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much for writing this - I forgot about this video and coming back to it and Essek and seeing this - thank you so much. For the tears and the sincerity. I appreciate it SO MUCH.

[@mirivanb6685]

Can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this, it perfectly captures Essek and his relationship with the Nein. Truly beautiful

[@caltrik]

Thank you SO MUCH for this comment!!! I’m so so so gratified that the relationship between Essek and the Nein. Truly. Thank you so much.

[@sadrainy]

I remember seeing excerpt of this on Tumblr some time ago, I am so glad I found this. Your style with sparse, sometimes broken lines and their transformation is so powerful and emotion invoking and I think it really fits with Essek and all this light as outlined by darkness, the bareness of his life before Mighty Nein. Everything about this is absolutely spectacular and breath taking. I love it, thank you so much.

[@caltrik]

I’m so touched that you remembered this, and so glad that you found it again!! Thank you so much for writing out what affected you, both emotionally and stylistically. It always means so much, as a creator, to have people interact with works like this. Thank you so, so much! 💜

[@lynkhart1108]

Oh man, I absolutely ADORE this! The shot of the mantle almost looming over him was a particular face, (and the forehead kiss of course! 😭)

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! It’s always so great to hear what moments resonated with people - so thank you!!

[@girlontheoutside]

This is really good. It makes love Essek even more

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much! He’s my fav and I’m glad you’re feeling this love too 💜

[@AhoyMateOne]

This so, so excellent. I keep coming back to watch it. I wasn’t too heavily invested in Essek’s story until the very end, but man oh man, you conveyed his journey so well, and this song fits him so perfectly. Amazing work.

[@caltrik]

And you so much!! To know that you’ve come back to watch it… 💜

[@mazie1874]

This is beautiful. Essek’s story is one of my favorites and is so important to the show. This amazing and really portrays his story. Very well done, this truly is amazing. The end credits were very well done as well. The part with Caleb teleporting to meet him there and then them leaving together… just amazing, absolutely beautiful. Well done.

[@caltrik]

Thank you!! 💜 I could help it, I had to add Caleb there in the end, as I know Essek is not alone in the end!

[@annatarsoly941]

I love this so much! The music fits perfectly, the frames are timed wonderfully to the lyrics, the scenes blending from one another, and oh my godness, you are absolutely incerdible at showing strong emotions through all the expressions of the characters! My favourite part (if i can even say that to such a hard-hitting and strong one) was at 1:51, when he collapses, overehelmed by everything around him... I am quite familiar with that feeling, and you captured it painfully-beautifully. I haven't even got there watching the actual champaign, but Essek's story already means a lot to me, and I'm glad to see that there are so talented critters who also think that he deserves such amazing works of art dedicated to (mostly) him. Thank you so much for all the effort of making this, and thank you for sharing it with us!

[@AddieLoS]

This is so flipping cool!!! Thank you so much for making and sharing this with us!!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much! For the compliment and for watching it!

[@reflingthefox]

I know that's a bit late for me to be here, but oh my god, my heart broke. And your artstyle resonates so good with the depiction of all this mess going on in Essek's mind, and goddammit, as you fit the moments of him feeling the support of M9 as the song goes from "I" to "we", it was like everything

[@caltrik]

Oh hello!! Absolutely not too late! I am always so thrilled to receive another comment and to see that my work affected another person!! I am so touched by your words, about what affected you. Спасибо большое; это очень ценится. 💜

[@lavagca9942]

this is one of my favorite things oh my god the DETAIL it still gets me no matter how many times i’ve watched it

[@nobody_5982]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS

[@caltrik]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@TheAceUpYourSleeves]

I just startled thinking about how impactful that hug in icelcross (I don’t know how to spell it) must have been for essek. Cause he probably thought that there would be tension based on what he did. But it was just immediate and full acceptance off the bat and i feel like it would be really hard to keep composure in that moment.

[@caltrik]

I’ve stopped checking comments a while ago but - thank you SO MUCH!! I’m so glad this feeling of acceptance in Eisselcross. It means a lot!!

[@rebe_draws]

This is absolutely amazing. The lyrics fit so well, the way you draw them to go hand in hand with the animatic is just. CHEF'S KISS!!!!!! Beautiful and moving and just so incredible !

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I spent so much time planning this out, moving parts and hoping for them to finally coalesce into something meaningful. Thank you so much. So much.

[@clo-1588]

ohh my god this was BEAUTIFUL! What amazing transitions, poignant close-ups that align well with the music - this was perfect!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I’m just so happy that the visuals and audio worked together so well and created this effect :’3 thank you

[@KB42moomoo]

this is just so stunning and moving, thank you for capturing his journey so beautifully 💜

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much for letting me know that you felt his journey here 💜

[@haitang9189]

this is. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE??? im stunned. all the transitions and the angles were done so beautifully, and i can see all the thought and care you put into this; a wonderful rendition of Essek's journey and transformation this campaign. thank you for this. :')

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!!! 💜 you picked up what I was putting down!!! The transitions were some of my favorite parts to do, won’t lie, so im glad that the effort was noticed :’3 thank you

[@annebeach6630]

I've always associated this song with Percy. Nice to see it on essek who had a similar struggle with right and wrong and was pulled back from it with the love of people who refused to give up on them.

[@annebeach6630]

And coincidentally their strongest allies were also laura and Liam.

[@caltrik]

So glad you made that connection!

[@cecil80]

This is absolutely stunning! The transitions are breathtaking and I love how you portray Essek's turmoil as the guilt consumes him. The use of shadows and movement is amazing and I am blown away by how incredible this animatic is. The tenderness between Essek and Caleb was so beautiful and the way you draw emotions in characters is quite beautiful. I am very excited to see more of your work! Also I'm jealous of how perfectly you draw hands haha

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I am so touched by how much you wrote here - it really means so much when someone writes precisely what resonated with you nod what you paid attention to. And I am so glad that you’re looking forward to what’s next - I’ll see what I can uncover from under my sleeve ;)

[@darkroselight3835]

There was that moment in C2 when the M9 picked Crime over working for the Empire. I think about that moment a lot. Picking Crime is a big reason why they ended up near Essek so early in the story. If they had gone Empire I think Caleb would have been exposed to Trent and his old friends while he was still vulnerable. I think we might have lost him to his past and in the end would have had Essek as an antagonist like Matt originally planed instead of a redeemable friend. They got to him before he'd gone to far.... Just imagine how differently the story might have gone.

[@caltrik]

The story went so beautifully with Essek, it’s incredible to think of how many choices could have gone differently. It amazes me still. Thank you so much for this comment 💜

[@tjmakes_]

Damn….. this is just…. You’ve created something really beautiful my friend, well done 🥺

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much - I’m so touched that it resonated with you :’3

[@joeleckel5139]

beautiful - thank you

[@caltrik]

Thank you, thank yOU!! 💜

[@valerianeharpigny4471]

This truly an incredible work, I'm glad it found it's way to me !

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! 💜💜💜

[@Nkp_09]

This is so beautiful! You use movement in such a cool way, and it goes perfectly with all the beats of the song. Amazing!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I wanted the motion to fit the song and I’m so happy they worked together 💜

[@eya-3895]

You are so underatted this is magic and incredible ! I love it so much and bring tears tears to my eyes. i hope that you find your own way and will it be filled with love ! in hope of seeing more of your talent

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I won’t lie!! This made me cry!!! This is such a pure well-wish that I just!!! Am tearing up. I hope I will have anything worthy to offer to you.

[@eya-3895]

Aaaah no you made me tear up too. I will be waiting for what you wish to make in the future, but no pressure and take all the time you need. ❤️❤️❤️

[@valt6968]

This is amazing, so beautiful!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so so much!!

[@Bumble_bee.tl3]

This is just so beautiful. The song fits Essek so well and the art is soooooo good. I love it!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I’m so glad you liked it so much!

[@sturmklinge9642]

I absolutely love this, great song choice and animatic. I'm in love with your art style, I think it works really well for this type of animation!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I wanted my scribble style to fit with the song and I’m incredibly happy they worked out well :3

[@A-Certified-Dumbass]

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH I LOVE THE ARCADIAN WILD AND THIS SONG FITS TOO WELLLLLLLLLLL LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT

[@caltrik]

AAAAAAAA THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR ENTHUSIASM AND ENERGY, THEY MAKE ME FEEL SIMPLY 💜💜💜💜

[@mayas3422]

omg this is so beautiful and your transitions were so fluid and cool omg

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! Sincerely!! 💜

[@chacedo8993]

Ok I've had this on loop for 2 hours now, I should really switch off... just once more

[@caltrik]

😭 thank you so much!!

[@paramitch]

This is so gorgeous, so moving, so stunning. So well done. Thank you so much for this incredible piece of art. It really moved me, and I loved seeing Essek's journey this way (I absolutely love him and am a total Shadowgast shipper). I can't wait to see more of your work!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much - I’m so, so touched by the fact that this moved you. I’m a huge sg shipper as well (if you want more of them, check out my Twitter @caltrik!! I cannot stop drawing them and it’s just. It’s an addiction. Love these wizards. They mean so much to me.)

[@paramitch]

@@caltrik You're so welcome! And you deserve all the compliments imaginable. And no worries, I already follow you on Twitter (I'm DrunkDalish), where I already shared this twice! I love your art and can't wait to see more of it.

[@caltrik]

@@paramitch OH THATS YOU!!! Thank you so much for sharing it so passionately!! I sincerely appreciate it, truly!! 💜 it always means a lot when someone shares your work, and thank you for doing so

[@paramitch]

@@caltrik Hee! It's me! And you deserved it!

[@nikod6737]

This is so lovely! Thank you for making this. I think I gotta rewatch C2 now

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! Hope you enjoy the story, knowing where the journey ends :3

[@khadijahdanielian3918]

Absolutely wonderful job, especially the message at the end

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much - I was delirious from working on this so intensely that I wrote the first thing on my mind - just how much essek and his journey mean to me. I’m glad it resonated with you. May we keep going, with thawed hearts ❤️

[@crowjordansart5113]

This is absolutely stunning!!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so, so much!! 💜

[@starrygirl2006]

this is fucking stunning omg made me cry 17/10

[@caltrik]

Thank you, thank you!! 💜 I consider my job to be done :’3

[@deranged_dragon9471]

I sense a criminally underrated artist!

[@caltrik]

This is so kind to write, thank you!!!

[@maxttozer5037]

This needs more attention

[@caltrik]

I’m incredibly gratified by that!! Thank you so much 💜💜💜💜💜

[@EverDreamArt]

This is absoultly incredible! I love how you portrayed the emotions and facial expressions!! Don't even get me started on those TRANSITIONS!! Its so beautiful! You are very talented and I cant wait to see more from you! :D

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! Ngl, the transitions were my favorite thing to work on. Thank you, so much, truly, for wanting to see more :’)

[@benshepherd2419]

I love the style of this so much, normally don't feel like I need to say I subbed but I want you to know that I need to see anything else you put out, this was so good :))

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! I’m touched that you liked this so much and want to see more. I guess it’s time to get working!!

[@hotdogfrenchfry]

such a wonderful piece of work

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much, truly, sincerely 💜

[@Companion92]

Love the dynamic of the animation

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!!! I’m very touched 💜

[@vanessavirtue5373]

Made me tear up. So good.

[@caltrik]

I’m both very sorry for the tears and very glad that I made them happen. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@alisadavies8943]

Absolutely stunning!!!

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much! 💜

[@SeerOfTime577]

This is stunning.

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much! 💜

[@CumbersomeWit]

Beautiful, thank you!

[@caltrik]

And thank you!!

[@happenedbychance3392]

This was really really cool

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much! 💜

[@lexvermeulen458]

im sobbign I love this so much

[@caltrik]

I’m sobbing with you, thank you!! 💜

[@zkan5970]

Incredible

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much! 💜

[@thecottageofcuriosities863]

Im glad we all agree that this is Esseks song XDDD

[@enwarrior8163]

This song is essek's song. Convince me otherwise

[@caltrik]

It so is!! I’m glad you’re convinced!!

[@chacedo8993]

Maaaaaan that's some good shit

[@cram9961]

This is so fucking good

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!! 💜

[@discoelysia]

Really beautiful work. I was wondering, are the last few frames with little Essek (and I'm assuming Caleb) set in the epilogue?

[@caltrik]

Thank you, and - Yes!! Originally I was planning for essek to go off alone - he definitely has more work, discovery, and loving to do, but I couldn’t let him go off alone and added a little Caleb in the last few strokes of this painting part. They still have so much to do, together 💜

[@ireneazreal7041]

The one dislike is trent

[@caltrik]

Not with that finale he isn’t anymore ;D

[@ireneazreal7041]

@@caltrik HAH true

[@DnD_Boy]

i sub

[@caltrik]

Thank you so much!!

[@zkan5970]

Incredible

[@caltrik]

Second a second thank you :’3