[TAZ] The Breakdown [Animatic]

oh god this was rushed ;///;
I was originally going to basically do an animatic for the whole first part before the fight, but I ended up cutting the audio down and just doing this. If I had my way I would have probably done the WHOLE EPISODE BECAUSE GODDAMN (also i'm keeping on brand by doing animatics where Taako suffers :^)c )
Anyway, hope you enjoy this little ditty! Sorry for the inconsistency of a lot of the characters and the boring backgrounds (it's hard to make a glass dome look interesting;;)

[@debrarenfro1452]

"I have nothing, and I don't give a shit. The world is ending and I. Don't. Care." One of the best Taako quote's I've heard.

[@Vidiri]

All Taaco wanted was his sister back. That was taken away from him and he had to live through losing her a second time. What more was there for him to lose? At least in that moment, I can understand his point of view.

[@casterknot5094]

Best quote anyone has said

[@princessstarwatcher4652]

Same and that be me someday

[@securityshake]

not to mention the iconic “Who?”. that one gets me every time tbh

[@chaotic.tired.goblin.]

Have: nothing Don’t: give a shit World is ending: I. Don’t. Care. My heart: *shattered*

[@CalTheArsonist]

The way Merle says "What the hell are you doing?" makes me cry every time. He sounds so scared and it hurts

[@Froggiespit]

CaliginousTiger13 I was just thinking this I’m :,)

[@TenshiLove5]

I wonder If Clint was actually worked up or if hes just that great of an actor when it comes down to the line.

[@MinkSignal]

​@@TenshiLove5old comment I know, but I hope you see this, I truly think it's both. I think Merle was scared and confused, remembering who She was, who they all were to each other, Merle was always the peacemaker, so he was probably reeling. And we all know Clint himself is a big ol softie, especially playing with his boys.

[@sunsetsynth]

Merle's "What the hell are you doing?" line is such a sucker punch in this super emotionally-charged scene, holy moly.

[@veng3r663]

An the animation REALLY capture the confused & growing anguish oh his scruffy little Dwarf face too... T_T

[@aduckinlingerie]

Those years of voice acting shining through

[@sleepyal6547]

His voice there DESTROYED what was left of my heart...

[@very_much]

You know what especially gets to me about this? Magnus raising his weapon at Lucretia. We're talking about a man who, for all intents and purposes, would die for his friends. The entire reason that he became a big, buff fighter is so that his friends wouldn't get hurt. This man feels every hit his allies takes tenfold because he feels without a shadow of a doubt that it should have been him taking it. And yet, here he is, raising his sword at someone he spent 100 years with. Raising his sword against his family. I think it's because he realizes that he lost his family again. Just like in Raven's Roost, he feels that his entire family was taken from him. But this time, he knows who did it. This time, he knows who to blame. And while he eventually does forgive Lucretia, for this moment, Magnus is furious. The character development of all three of the Tres Horny Boys is fucking fantastic and you did an amazing job representing it here. Amazing job!

[@TuckyBlue]

Something nobody ever points out... his voice gets less flaired. I like to think that his voice that we hear 90% of the time is just a voice, and this is serious. He doesn’t care. He has nothing and for the first time we hear, he drops the facade. This is taako’s serious voice.

[@jaydayart9526]

The way Taako slightly pushed Magnus away stung so badly because it really emphasized how torn apart and how much trust Taako lost (even for his closest companions) after his memories were returned... excellent job!

[@phantasmal_detective]

but then not much later him trusting angus.

[@chloe3y824]

HOW CAN YOU MAKE ME CRY FOR A CHARACTER NAMED TAAKO

[@staradiablaster1737]

god, theres something so completely saddening about broken Taako, our happy go lucky wizard who always went with the flow and was down for anything, being so completely heartbroken and discouraged, he's so... not himself and, well, idk how to put it in words exactly but thats so fucking strong

[@Blitzcomo]

I have always loved how Magnus just...went with Taako. Like okay my friend is pissed I’m going to support them. And even with everything. Damn. Well done!!!

[@pbtbp]

:/ the adventure zone is a comedy podcast

[@pandoragoldspan7012]

Jumpix LeCay another fun episode full of happy jokes for kids

[@supersonicfan1313]

it's just like red vs blue.... it starts of so f'n hilarious, and then turns into the saddest shit you've ever seen. ='(

[@Liliputian07]

I don't care for the drama stuff I've seen better drama, so get this weak shit out of my funnies

[@jeffreythomas3080]

Liliputian07 are you... are you being serious or?

[@Liliputian07]

sir, I've experienced the greatest art of all time I'm sure Griffin McElroy has some hold on the concept of drama, but he's hardly a genius at writing, and the drama in his D&D podcast, shockingly, pales in comparison to what I've already experienced I realize I sound like a cunt, but there's no other way to express my opinion; the drama is decent and done well, but it's not some sort of incredibly deep, hard-hitting piece of fiction I'm here for the giggles

[@ducknewtonlocalbeefcake5697]

the way Justin doesn’t even do taakos voice at the end makes this scene hurt even more

[@sepiasmith5065]

god i seriously love Taako as a character. he's such a god take on the chaotic, good-hearted, dead-inside person.... you know

[@jaredbashaw3828]

I love the line where Taako says “I’m on board for whatever the plan is.” Like yeah I just got my heart cleft in twain but I’m still the most powerful wizard ever and I’m still gonna save the world

[@cassievining2955]

Imagine Lup inside the umbrella, listening to Taako say that he doesn't care that the world is ending. I find it even more heartbreaking than the line itself how Lup was right there beside him, listening, but unable to console her brother.

[@bluegummybear8667]

*hears the first note* *gross sobbing*

[@coloredgalaxies]

me: oh ive already heard this part a million times i think im okay with it now me: *in tears barely a minute in*

[@kailahunttwo4612]

Same.

[@alexcutie49]

I cry right at “10”

[@flamecatgaming4175]

i can never get over how raw this scene was. just emotionally. everyone is the most vulnerable weve seen them here, or at least close. it was intense

[@qweniverelefever62]

"The world is ending and I. Don't. Care."

[@alexotter1760]

justin did so well in making taako sound like he was on the verge of tears and it ruins me

[@xlalaland101x]

I don't even watch TAZ and this feels like a sucker punch to the stomach and face

[@leomathias3245]

xlalaland101x oh...if you've listened to it for the first time without seeing this coming it's wayy worse buddy..

[@noodlezz7545]

It's been two years please tell me you've listening to it by now

[@flipflopzthreeonethree1873]

HHHWHEEZE I DIDNT NOTICE HOW EMOTIONAL MERLE SOUNDED DURING THIS BUT YOUR DRAWINGS REALLY BROUGHT IT OUT THIS IS GREAT

[@ashe_irl]

Boy, you know when you just see a Taako design that you just vibe with?

[@masonallred5569]

I want to give Barry a hug. He looks so soft and I don't want him to hurt anymore.

[@DeathnoteBB]

"You found her" Did Magnus know Lup was in the umbrastaff??

[@whatthefuckismyname9173]

Magnus might recognise the umbrastaff and figured it out. Travis almost certainly knew where Griffin was leading the story though, I think.

[@mrtokigan]

I think he means the Skeleton. The one that was wearing the red robe, clutching the umbrastaff.

[@KimonoSuki]

No, he knew that Lup was the one who made the umbrastaff

[@jaredbashaw3828]

I read that in freakin Barry’s voice when he first see’s the umbrustaff and is all like *YOU FOUND HER!?*

[@dialoragardon2033]

Maybe but that isn't what he meant, I think. He was referring to Taako remembering his sister. That by remembering her, he found her. Lup was lost to Taako in his memories and now he remembers her, he has found her.

[@lilyfae7197]

I love them all in this. Taako is pissed, but just so done. Magnus is pissed, but trying to help. And Merle is just scared and concerned (and probably pretty mad too, but that’s second to the former).

[@sassycc1558]

I'll never get over how just... without a single second of hesitation, Magnus decides to go down with Taako

[@JamJam-ym6dk]

Don’t forget griffin was arguing with himself here

[@roguetheotter]

this scene. "The podcast about 4 dudes who played dnd so hard the made themselves cry" and everyone else in the fandom to be fair.

[@clorbdorb1245]

Magnus jumping in to tell Lucretia that she needs to stop trying to justify herself to Taako will always be my favorite part of this scene, and you portrayed it so well. This whole thing is fucking phenomenal.

[@Bookworm36100]

😭

[@Wolfstar26]

magnus is always so supportive of taako's issues and problems it's the sweetest thing ever

[@unknownalias7430]

I love the little movement lines of Taako trembling when Lucy decides to try and basically kinda sorta guilt him into her corner

[@willafowler5530]

taako's reaction kills me every time. he always, *always* has this spark in him, it's what makes him so amazing. he always has a light to him. here, it's snuffed out. they're all strong characters, but taako, for all intents and purposes, always seems unbreakable. here, he's broken. completely. it is *heartbreaking* to see. the first time around, it didn't really hit me, but this time? holy fuck, dude. just... damn.

[@Gracyn1102]

This is so well detailed, so expressive, and packed with so much raw emotion it had me tearing up. You are an amazing artist!

[@scotty2hotty232]

Taako being so broken kills me. He always felt that he didn’t fit in and was alone. Imagine realizing that you feel that way because you forgot the twin in it with you. Heart breaking

[@RipDippler]

All I can imagine is everyone slapping the shit out of griffin when they see him in person for this.

[@tyrbauman317]

absolutely amazing things in this video: the first 30 secs, the closeup of Taako, Magnus expression and stance when he pushes away from Barry, merles concerned expressions, magnus body language shifting from angry to compassionate, Taakos expressions at the end, Taako taping Magnus and their expressions. this is all so good, just!!!!everything!!!!perfect

[@oreos4843]

Magnus: The chance to explain yourself was mmm, about 12 memories ago Also Magnus: This isnt the time to explain yourself

[@ZeonTwilight]

Well of course, that was 12 memories ago. Keep up! XD

[@niamhwaite571]

Taako: well actually seven seconds ago I was doing this whole cool countdown thing-

[@emmarose3421]

Wow im too emotional to even watch this without crying midway

[@ShinyApocrypha]

a heartbreaking scene executed extremely well, i usually dont like when people cut out the OOC talk, but for this scene paired with your art, it works very well. expressions are conveyed wonderfully.

[@gabriellemickelson2029]

I love Taako's hair! Ugh, it's so beautiful! I want to see the whole thing with Taako in long hair.

[@williamguffey]

I've seen so many animations for the later episodes of TAZ, and I JUST started the first episodes. HOW DID IT TURN SO DRAMATIC OMG!

[@GippyHappy]

Love that long braid taako mmm so good

[@indridmothman6178]

I love the silence between 10 and 9, where nobody knows what to say, they’re just so surprised. It’s amazing.

[@Gelbraddy]

Woah way to break my heart all over again

[@shineyfish]

The bit that gets me is "The world is ending, and I don't care."

[@alohalyon6643]

When I first listened to this scene, it was a huge punch to the gut. Watching how you animated it... About 10 times better. Good job

[@cassandra5752]

its what stood out in my mind most of that arch. It didn't fully hit me what Takko was realizing/ going thru until a few days later, but I couldn't get his broken voice out of my head

[@peppermintcutie5327]

This whole scene breaks my heart every time! The boys just give it their all it's incredible!

[@BurningFyre]

This scene was the single greatest distillation of Taako as a character and you animated it so well

[@cas2762]

Oh god I forgot how Magnus tried to comfort Taako and now I’m crying.

[@zages6805]

​This was the first TAZ-related thing I ever watched, and I was really confused. I came back after figuring out what TAZ was, and it's even better than it was before. :)

[@Kaynighthood]

One of the best dnd arcs ever. The stolen century and this were just. Chefs kiss. So sad and angsty

[@xushibeetle]

This is a really strong scene and with the music it gets even more emotional ;-; Wonderful work and amazing art!

[@scarlettflower9777]

I think that first image of taako is the perfect representation of taako I’ve seen in i don’t know how long, a lot of people focus on the more aloof stupid taako aspect of earlier episodes when it kinda doesn’t really make sense with the cannon that taako knows more than he letting on and the fact that he’s is a very femininely attractive elf wizard. I dunno I’ve always loved the idea that you see and hear about this incredible wizard, when you see him he’s super attractive and then he introduces himself as taako from tv in the most weird goose voice you’ve ever heard

[@fifinostalgia]

THIS IS A DING-DONG PODCAST!

[@imbioify]

no one ever mentions the fact that he believed he had nothing because he saw kravitz drowning in an earlier episode and he just remembered his sister is missing like thats *deep*.

[@flowerman581]

This is amazingly well done! Ive never seen anyone skip over the explanations of the players so well [skipping things like "i point the sword at them"], and the song is so incredibly powerful. It's amazing like holy shit!

[@geebees7278]

I'm fighting back tears. The animation is so good, i love the expressions, the movements, the poses... it's like hearing this for the first time. It's a beautiful scene, such raw emotion when taako is serious

[@cubalayabandit5591]

So uh, I just cried. And I didn't cry the first time. This is so amazing. I love this scene, and you just made it better

[@junosaturn5851]

Travis be like [understands how to console someone / has grief counselling experience] ...I always found that experience, though it rarely came up, to be an interesting part (both of Magnus, and of Aubrey!)

[@ThePinkPartyHat]

NO I'M NOT CRYING THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE THING MY FAVORITE SCENE RENDERED SO PERFECTLY HOLY HELL

[@duke__]

This scene fucking wrecked me but this animatic fucked me up even more. Like sooo good

[@caitie8921]

I didn't cry when I listened to it but you can bet I'M CRYING NOW

[@smokewthedevil]

Man this just made me want to re-listen to TAZ: Balance. OwwWw

[@noxsas7030]

The Adventure Zone is just perfection. They make me cry and laugh every time. And I love it

[@afreakazoid4813]

the most fucking hardcore quote in all of history will forever be known as "The world is ending, and I don't care."

[@m1lfmanilovefishing823]

idk what's going on cause im just on episode 17 but im crying now. this was amazingly made, definitely drew me in and got me all emotional. you did a pretty great job

[@neowildstar]

Oh you're in for a number of more feels trips before this THIS. You've a long way before you hop this train into Feeladelphia.

[@orpheusly69]

I ADORE the way you draw Taako. His hair is so long but it looks so good and enkbsjbbjdjd

[@isaacjensen1687]

The emotion in taakos voice while he counts down gets me every time. Ever. Single. Time.

[@doctor-kq2uc]

This hurt me a lot when I frist got to it because I love taako and I see a lot of me in him and it just hurt when he lost hope

[@oreos4843]

Cabinet battle #67

[@newbierockswolf1482]

uhm??? that was brilliant???? amazing?? the visuals added so much and i think i cried a little bit more. i love this

[@shinydino]

HOLY SHIT THOSE CINEMATIC CUTSOFFS ARE SO AMAZING. This is the first animatic I've seen that I think does this scene justice.

[@ashi6603]

Holy shit this is deep... And just when I thought no animatic could make me wanna cry.

[@veng3r663]

For a second there I thought Taako was going to start continuing that ominous countdown again... O_O

[@PhoxxiPlays]

Holy shit this was so beautiful,, I'm crying wow

[@niajhopkins]

This is my favourite scene from this whole podcast. Next to arms outstretched

[@celsos1231]

That may be one of the best moments of the campain

[@cosmosayz5338]

Godd fuck this is so powerful the background music alone is like. Making me lose it

[@littiescorp4197]

This being the scene that got me into TAZ, the countdown, I'm really happy to see it animated, and done so well. Thank you

[@virginiamooney4105]

*I AM NOT HAVING MAXIMUM FUN*

[@virginiamooney4105]

and honestly, justin stole this bit he was so good with taako's reactions. 10/10 animatic this is impressive work.

[@nic_rios]

You did a really amazing job on this animatic! That scene is heartbreaking

[@TheMaggiecat1]

The second the video started playing and I heard the first piano chord I started crying

[@overcastart5769]

I dont know why but what gets me the most is just “taako just realized he lost his sister” i hear that and i Lose My Mind

[@maggiejenson4129]

can we just talk abot justin and trav for a second??? they are so fucking into it, they ARE their characters; its not just a game anymore, theyre there. Amazing actors, though i doubt it felt like they were acting to them.

[@oyaldson142]

i love their acting skills

[@caspermchugh6715]

This hurts

[@kittiecandy747]

god, taako

[@tootiredforyou_6399]

seeing their expressions and body language just makes it all the more painful,,

[@Rebecca-lk7rz]

AHHHHHH I LOVE TAAKO SO MUCH

[@Rebecca-lk7rz]

he's just not bound infallibly by the "do right because it's right" thing and it makes his character so much more interesting and multi-dimensional. He makes choices like a person would- not like a character I guess. and he's not bound by boring antihero tropes either. He's just Taako and it's fucking fantastic

[@cjd3053]

oh cool I guess I'll just cry

[@Anna464]

Breaks me every damn time, that's for damn sure.

[@MichaelWacht]

It's rushed, but it's good. It's really good. Quick isn't always bad. Quick can be raw. Honest. Genuine. Be proud of it. You did well.

[@thekatzcorner]

this is amazing. i love the music added in the background. gah. this moment always gets me so hard.

[@autobombz]

Ok so this showed up in my recommendations, I've got no idea what it is but I love it

[@hazendir]

"the adventure zone is a comedy podcast" my ASS

[@jessa7753]

Wow. That was incredible.. so much raw emotion ;-; Thank you

[@dcarter020809]

Fuuuck I have been waiting for so long to watch this. Was worth it

[@InuFang096]

who EVEN NEEDS A HEART I DONT G O D,,, BUT SO WELL MADE

[@emmahart7054]

This is so good! I've rewatched it a dozen times and it gets me every time! Thanks for putting so much work into it!!!!

[@JuliaxTimlin]

Magnus talking about Lup and then the ZOOM ON THE UMBRASTAFF!! I’m hollering that was SO WELL DONE