Critical Role Animatic - Messages in the Dark

[@Hey-Its-Dingo]

I love how Laudna's Message spell being creepy was just Travis making a joke at first, but in episode 3, even Matt joined in on the spooky voices accompanying Laudna's Messages. Lmao

[@talitherose]

He DID!!!!! So GLEEFULLY!!!!!! I laughed so hard I thought I would DIE!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LocalMaple]

Time stamp for this please? I missed it.

[@bartholen]

Only 3 episodes in, and we already have a running gag likely to last the whole campaign. Even in campaign 2 it took 6 episodes to get "NEIN!"

[@Dreamerwild]

Launda is basically a sympathic but misunderstood "Bloody Mary."

[@IceMetalPunk]

I also love that it's evolved! It started with Laudna's messages being normal, then Travis added a demonic undertone, then everyone else joined in, and by episode 3 they started adding violent threats to the undertones as well 😂 "I'll peel your skin off", I believe is what Travis said? 😂

[@pyrosianheir]

I love how after that first message where only one extra person chimed in, EVERYONE started joining in as well. It's got the Uka'toa vibe, but more directly freaky for the character in game.

[@TakeWalker]

the fact that they just started doing this spontaneously, and now it's totally canon, amazes me to no end :D

[@diamaf]

(Uko'toa...) I hope that they make it a constant. Travis was a genius for starting this.

[@amypetty5013]

Ukatoa was just an OOC joke that Sam started and wouldn't let go of, exactly like the whole "makin' my way" thing he insists on doing every goddamn time, lol. This looks like they're making it an actual part of the way messaging works for Laudna.

[@cryofpaine]

I wonder if they would have been inspired to do that if it wasn't the Halloween episode. Whatever the reason, it's so perfect, and I'm glad to see it continue.

[@ConvoyBebop]

I hope this turns into the first running gag of campaign 3, it really adds to Laudna's creepy vibes

[@adrianvaduva5674]

Props to travis for being the brilliant initiator and to everyone else for quickly jumping in on the action

[@wildhunter939]

I get the feeling he will regret it later too when it comes back to bite him

[@sc3961]

@@wildhunter939 They've had so many of those inside jokes with repetition of stuff. Like "wePlayDUNGEONSandDRAGUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNSS" at the start of almost entirety of campaign 2, and Ukatoa whispers... Oh oh oh! And the high pitched "MakingMyWay-!". He always ends up getting fed up haha

[@GreyAcumen]

@@wildhunter939 - I honestly think Travis fucking loves the creepy psych horror shit and plays the buff coward specifically for the sake of baiting people into doing more of that shit.

[@bombomos]

Finally he gets to be the spooker instead of the spooked

[@Hullyeah]

A case study in "yes, and..."

[@jesterssketchbook]

the timing, the expressions, the camera angles - just wow!

[@KunKunGun]

Thank you so much!

[@Cauthon]

@@KunKunGun Yeah. The cinematography and editing are on point.

[@crispycrimson6448]

They actually nailed how Liam was reacting during it all at the table

[@Desdemona-XI]

@@KunKunGun senpai has noticed.

[@divinityquartz3428]

@@KunKunGun are you gonna do the message from episode 3 too?

[@ro2202]

"We're his friends!" *excited* "Oh!" This was such a pure fucking interaction I love it.

[@robinverkroost1912]

I love that "Oh!", and the animation makes it even better.

[@MisterSmith00]

As much as Laudna & Fresh Cut Grass are KILLING it with their quirky personalities... ...I have to give kudos to Liam for playing Orym as the "straight edged" player. His reactions to absurdity are spectacular.

[@PaigeDyerASMR]

I've been wondering if Orym was Liam trying to let his other friends shine with their characters. I look forward to seeing more of how he plays him tho. The whole cast is fantastic.

[@accidents8796]

Yeah having a "straight man"(comedy term not as in sexuality) in the group makes everything so much funnier. Without a point of reference or audience insert it can just feel like wacky nonsense

[@CommanderWiggins]

This party has 3 brain cells and Orym has 2 of them. The third one is shared between the rest of them.

[@accidents8796]

@@CommanderWiggins fresh cut grass tries to keep them on track sometimes lol

[@kl-1447]

I think Liam tends to play the straight man character, and it works well because he's willing to be fun and play off others. Sometimes the straight man archetype gets boring and significantly arduous to listen to and/or play, but I think Liam does well to keep it interesting and fun, especially with the others.

[@corbettevans7483]

Are we just going to ignore Laudna’s optimism/joy at the prospect of having more friends?

[@CptObvious]

FCG: "We're his friends!" Laudna: :D

[@jodymarkgraf7625]

Noted! I love creepily optimistic Laudna.

[@bryanaughal261]

Ways of animating Orym: 1) Making him absolutely attractive and exuding short himbo energy 2) Making him a precious smol boi that's absolutely adorable

[@mutantmaster1]

Why not both? *PROFIT*

[@alexanderblack5274]

Wow, I didn't notice Fearne is massive compared to the others, and also great job with making the messages 100% more creepy with the imagery

[@heykak]

yeah she is like 6'2 or something.

[@HeapOfBones]

I believe Fearne is six feet tall (and Dorian is even taller at 6-foot-1) but I'd have to double check to be sure. not particularly massive in my books. people just like to latch on to Ashley describing her characters as tall. which is great cause it makes for great art.

[@wilfchapman-gandy8120]

I mean them digitigrade legs gotta count for something.

[@Iryklathagra]

She's 6 feet tall and built like a pin-up model (the old 40s-50s kind).

[@OccidentalAvian]

@@wilfchapman-gandy8120unguligrade technically

[@majorzipf8947]

One of my absolute favorite things about this campaign so far is when Laudna casts message and the whole cast chimes in with all the creepy whispers for ambience. I hope they never stop.

[@pyrosianheir]

It took one person starting it for everyone to just universally decide that Message from Laudna MUST be spoopy, and I love it.

[@danielstephens1185]

I think they're stuck with it now.

[@andrewkarasek3219]

I love it so much as well. Laudna is one of my favorites this campaign she looks like she is having so much fun.

[@galantine723]

Since I don't know if you watched the stream, I'll just say to wait for E3. It managed to make the joke even funnier.

[@majorzipf8947]

@@galantine723 I have… and I’m so pleased

[@MrCharles7994]

Among other things, this animation has made me realize that Orrym is Link.

[@hendreor.m6685]

It's a rebel link that cut his own hair

[@appelofdoom8211]

@@hendreor.m6685 and talks

[@roberttheronin9803]

@@appelofdoom8211 That's the rebel part

[@samuellove9619]

@@roberttheronin9803 well excuuuuuuuse me princess

[@sampirson9224]

@@samuellove9619 Oh nooo hahahha that's the best fucking reference

[@hyakwixgar]

I really love how you included the gestures Liam was doing at that moment, it really tied everything together in addition to how brilliant this already was

[@HarperSanchez]

Really tied the room together, did it not?

[@whimsandworries]

His "?!?!" Reaction was so good omg

[@LocalMaple]

When Cruella De Vil messes with Young Link for fun.

[@hsmoscout]

i love orym so much, he's the perfect Straight Man to the rest of the crew's ridiculousness and i think his potential to really pull the heartstrings and tell a wonderful interesting story as a classic Humble Halfling Just Wanting To Serve Others has been deeply underrated by a lot of people thus far

[@20storiesunder]

I've been very impressed with Orym, he's an extremely solid character.

[@Illyme]

@@20storiesunder I love it that Liam gets to play something simple yet effective in this campaign. He's brilliant at reeling in the chaos while adding just the bit of flavor that's necessary. The way he supports the cast is almost invisible yet so effective.

[@20storiesunder]

@@Illyme That's exactly it, you've put down what I thought in words.

[@sampirson9224]

Im sorry this comment is great but my dyslexia made me think you wrote Humble Waffle and that hilarious

[@SPACEHARICE]

Yeah he's definitely the most normal person we have ever had in universe

[@oliverpearce2338]

I like how for the first message Marisha tried her best to make her voice scary, but as soon as Travis and the others joined in to help her, she was able to talk a lot more naturally and get a better result

[@wolight]

My one wish this campaign is that Laudna uses transport via mirrors at least once and goes full Sadako on somebody

[@kingskelett6265]

Mine is that she is going to use sending. Imagine how creepy that will become.

[@patricklyons794]

@@kingskelett6265 And that she gets a broom of flying, so she can out witch Vex.

[@arthaiser]

@@patricklyons794 she has already outwitch vex, in fact i dont know if possible, i suppose that if anything fcg will do it eventually, but i really miss caduceus detecting undead near her, because my god does she had the vibes. at the very least i would be a good laugh.

[@robertthompson5701]

@@arthaiser she would show up on detect undead. She's a hollow one

[@deathbykonami5487]

Sadako doesn't uses mirrors, does she? I thought that was Bloody Mary...

[@DMingThoughts]

Ashton dying in the background is gold

[@danielstephens1185]

I was so hoping someone would do this!!! 0:19 is almost a perfect mimic of Liam's expression of "what the hells?!"🤣🤣🤣

[@calamari_genie]

Yess it was soo good 😆

[@TaliesinBHeidkamp]

this feels like an improv class. "Now show me curiosity!" and everybody is like "???????"

[@CommanderWiggins]

It absolutely killed me to see it visualized, so good.

[@katie2893]

this is my first time actually caught up in a campaign and knowing what everyone is talking about instead of going on youtube a year after the fact :')

[@SmaugsAccount]

It's a good feeling huh?

[@xleplayVA]

Yea until you gotta wait weekly for it

[@katie2893]

@@xleplayVA ITS LITERALLY THE HARDEST THING likr i love all of them but i miss laudna and imogen so much and i can basically watch anything invoving fearne T__T

[@khamilleonne7176]

Same!!

[@Direwolf181]

@@xleplayVA thar part sucks because I'm always anxious vit it's thrilling

[@GhostBear3067]

Laudna just keeps forgetting that she can be terrifying 🤣

[@WiseSageBum]

Can be? She looks like Samara from the ring covered in pitch? I'd say she's straight up terrifying to anyone who doesn't know her cheery personality

[@GhostBear3067]

@@WiseSageBum and she keeps forgetting that. 🤣

[@CptObvious]

"I'm fun-scary." "You're scary-scary."

[@benm8214]

Cant wait to see this happen in the live shows with audience participation

[@jdahl06]

Oh my laws…the potential!

[@0megaFan]

I love how excited Laudna is when she asks if she and FCG are friends it's so cute

[@devinward461]

I really hope all her messages have this group participation bit going forward

[@captin3149]

They did it again last night, so it seems like it may be a thing now. (They kept up the Uk'utoa whispers through all of C2, so it's probably locked into canon now)

[@danielstephens1185]

@@captin3149 wasn't as crazy as this time, but yeah, they seem to have decided any time she uses Message, they'll all do a whisper chime in.

[@nathanielranney9163]

@@danielstephens1185 my favorite was travis undercutting the message with darker things like "kill" hilarious

[@danielstephens1185]

@@nathanielranney9163 I'll have to listen to that again. I just heard him start it with a creepy "are you well" echo.

[@sifuculreif6448]

A box without hinges, cracks or lid, yet nightmare fuel is heard, then hid.

[@gamewatch6861]

This is why Launda is my favorite character.

[@Skylord__Brown]

This is amazing! The facial expressions and character movements are done so well! Plus all the creepiness for the messages in the darkness fits perfectly! I think this is probably one of my favourite animatics for critical role that I’ve seen, it’s all just so great!

[@alexladon9757]

I very much second this! The staging and dynamics are damn near perfect, I can't think of what could improve asides from pumping the production value

[@dormishaeli]

I love how you totally nailed Liam's expressions on Orym! And all the creepy things message from Laudna - this is amazing

[@StrayBats]

Oh the sound editing is GLORIOUS. It’s so perfect.

[@DragonSouled79]

I love how it kinda looks like FCG is pointing right at Fearne's butt when he/they say "This back door HAS no crack."

[@hung-yenhoang1462]

I'm too dumb to understand the joke.

[@runedoom]

@@hung-yenhoang1462 backdoor is a term for butts.

[@RinSyuveil]

That was kinda the point due to how much they joked about team back door and team front door to the point that Matt asked if he should call team front door team missionary… aka more sex stuff

[@mrmoosetachio]

@@RinSyuveil team Full Frontal*

[@Takkcinema]

I'm instantly in love with this crew of characters. The chemistry is perfect.

[@tomkvideo]

Laudna is running away with fan favorite character three episodes in. I hope her whole gimmick is creepy warlock that wants to help everyone. Like Ryuk from Deathnote, except they just want to help you make dinner and do chores.

[@MoteMayhaps]

I adore how you captured the messages in the dark visually!

[@ugerwashy]

I love how for the “feeling of confusion” you recreated the exact face and hand motions Liam made for it. Perfect

[@MadamFoogie]

Loved how you translated Liam's confusion in the moment of that weird telepathic bit from F.C.G. I think his bewildered flailing was probably the best way to convey that bizarre scene.

[@Nychico510]

😂😂😂 they are killing this season and can't wait for more videos from this season

[@jasond12j45on]

The effects you added to the whispers just make this scene all the more hilarious - oh poor Orym… XD

[@YourGoodTwin]

The Travis demon at 0:43 just kills me.

[@Commanderwilson89]

1:35 when Fresh cut grass Says “We’re his friends!” Is so adorable

[@RrSincerely]

Very nicely done: satisfying visuals, timing, natural flow.

[@alannatherson7721]

Don't worry Orym, you'll get used to the constant nightmares eventually.

[@doceideer7993]

I need an animatic for every time Laudna dose message. ESPECIALLY the one where Travis utters “Kill” for no reason.

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

I think my favorite was when the message was alony the lines of "We won't hurt you" and Sam cut in with "we WILL kill you"

[@danielstephens1185]

I think the "Kill" was Sam, but yes.

[@tetsushatarii2108]

The cast whispering alongside all of Laudna's messages is my favorite thing ever lol

[@bigfatcarp93]

By the end of Campaign 3 we'll be able to reconstruct the entire story by animatics

[@ceridwenaeradwr8105]

0:20 I can't get over how PERFECTLY you did that

[@Acebender]

I hope this message bit stays FOREVER. And also that it's just creepy when Laudna wants to, with Imogen is totally normal.

[@TiliaCordata]

This is fantastic! Really adds to the creepiness and to the comedy! Also, I love this halfling and you've made me feel even more protective of him!

[@TheDragonOfWhi]

Launda is her own warlock patron, and no one can convince me otherwise.

[@ilailaquer8182]

Beautiful! Amazing imagery, made the scene even more creepy than it was watching it the first time!

[@Letham316]

lol, the way they keep terrifying the poor tiny boi. 😂😭 Also, it's kind of sweet when FGC says "we're his friends", and Laudna is like "oh, are we friends? 🤭 " It's funny how Laudna has this creepy, terrifying appearance, but personality-wise, she's a total sweetheart. But for real, you did a great job of bringing this gem of a scene to life. 😁👍

[@VegetaLF7]

Seriously, I love the dynamic between Laudna and Fearne. Laudna is this terrifying nightmare monster that just wants to be loved and is this sweet and adorable soul underneath, while Fearne looks all soft and innocent but is in reality a ruthless and murder-happy fey that is not to be crossed.

[@oakenshadow6763]

All of them adding more creepy whispers was amazing. >XD

[@thepinknerd5238]

This is so good keep it up 👍

[@lockskelington314]

This is the greatest thing ever and I was waiting for someone to animate this scene. You did a fantastic job!!!

[@miawang4554]

The way you drew Liam's curiosity is just *chef's kiss* wonderful

[@404_coffee9]

Gosh these animations are always amusing

[@CreativeUsernameEh]

PLEASE let this be a thing every time Lauda casts message, like they did with counting for Jester! I love this so much and I hope they see this awesome animation.

[@fangirlfiles3]

The terror I would feel if I just got a feeling of curiosity in my mind that wasn't my own followed by a creepy voice asking me if I'm well is something I could not even imagine. Poor Orym. Amazing job bringing this to life!

[@VegetaLF7]

Especially if you're in a dark warehouse and can't see anything with those voices coming out of the darkness followed by a loud banging on the door.

[@ShepotVechnyh]

My favorite moment in the episode, thanks for capturing it so well! Love it!

[@BeansBroBeans]

Goodness these first episodes were a trainwreck in a beautiful way

[@AddieLoS]

I love how you animated all the facial expressions in this, but Orym especially! This looks amazing, and you really captured the hilarious freak outs!

[@davidbergfors6820]

WELL DONE enhancing the sound! it's so creepy.

[@dm_katy2263]

This is amazing, thank you for this masterpiece :DDD

[@MatiNuva1724]

Ash laughing in the background is what makes this scene even better

[@krook3775]

I can't tell you how depressing I've been lately. When I came upon this bit on the episode I've watched it so many times;;; this animation made it even more better thank you~ You're boss yo~

[@wildwikedwanderer1208]

YES!!!! Thank you for animating this

[@TheToneBender]

I really hope they keep the meme of having Laudna's messages be super creepy and whispered

[@deathbykonami5487]

15 - 20 minutes later Bertrand and Imogen return to find Fearne at the front of the building, playing a pan flute.

[@goblinducky-huzzah]

This is PERFECT!! You got orym's expressions and stuff spot on! And so fast! Well done well done

[@Yland50]

Thank you for making this! This is my favorite seen so far this campaign and I'm so glad someone animated it.

[@tstymctst]

This is my favorite scene of the campaign so far. Thank you for creating such a brilliant animatic for it!

[@jessicazimmer8910]

This is so well done. Just how I imagined it. All the expressions during the whisper were perfect.

[@BornAScout]

Great example of how other players influence can character development.

[@haandotexe]

You capture their expressions SO WELL!!! I also love the echo sound effects you did!

[@demogorghon]

I really hope they will keep doing that whenever Laudna sends a Message. Also, bonus points for that last picture. That was perfect.

[@stevejackson3815]

This animation is absolutely incredible! God I LOVE the way you created laudna's message face!

[@oliverpearce2338]

This part had me dying when I saw the episode. So glad to see it animated

[@Atlasisblue]

I’m excited if they do another live episode and Laudna sends a message and the entire audience just starts whispering and screeching

[@fantasyfanperson]

Orym spent a whole mini-campaign watching his friends hear a Betrayer God's voice in their heads. Now it's his turn to deal with creepy whispers.

[@JoshJenrayAK47]

I love how you matched Orym’s expressions and movements with Liam’s reactions!!

[@clebcalb6871]

This was a great moment, and one that assured me that this groups is going to work splendidly

[@CaptSticl]

JFC. I was watching this and my internet cut out. Moved the video to the background and forgot about it. Ten minutes later the internet connection comes back, and I hear out of nowhere: "Do you need assistance" Can confirm, if you are not expecting it, it is scary AF.

[@hendreor.m6685]

"I always feel like, somebody is watching meee!"

[@bishop6218]

It's only been a week ! How fast can you do this you lunatic ? Awfully well done !

[@angrywizard3199]

Orym immediately transforms into Charlie Brown

[@sillvvasensei]

"This back door has no crack" 😂😂

[@Me-ss2gq]

Omg I LOVE this, the camera angles, the expressions, Ashton's purple hair, all of it SO good

[@miafiolekova5817]

i did not know those messages could get creepier, but this animation proved me wrong. Good job i am watching this every day to get my good mood up :D

[@alfirstar]

what an incredible work, wow! astonished by your choices of interpretation

[@madelinebedford5008]

This is fantastic

[@TheKOzality]

You absolutely nailed this scene and heightened it with your animations. Thank you for sharing.

[@Faedince]

favorite moment of the campaign so far & u did a great job!!

[@EtzEchad]

I love how they echoed Laudna's sending to make it even creepier. Very good improv!

[@stupogo0]

THIS IS A FANTASTIC WAY TO SHOW THIS MOMENT!

[@cuteButKindaDeadlyBreloom]

i adore Laudna's spooky voice

[@deltablaze77]

This is incredible! Wow!

[@xenwraithtealix1075]

The Eyes of Nine weren't defeated. Laudna is the new Nonagon

[@lofinova25]

This was my favorite part of this campaign by far and you did a really good job on this.

[@SilentSooYun]

Love love LOVE that last visual of "This back door has no crack"! That was a fun setup :D

[@LightSage89]

I love the running joke of Laudna's messages being horror movie creepy and I hope it stays.

[@indianna1549]

ooh the audio work on Laudna's echos is wonderful

[@Velanaris]

I love this so much!