The Prison Cell || Critical Role animatic/story board [SPOILERS C2EP77]

[@severalightning6350]

Few things are quite as dramatic as "You go to cast Counterspell.... There's no spell..."

[@jkchannel3149]

I mean getting stabbed is better than getting cursed in DnD

[@severalightning6350]

@@jkchannel3149 True that. Still, *super* dramatic moment regardless

[@jkchannel3149]

@@severalightning6350 Ja

[@KumaoftheForest]

Force of habit

[@leif2568]

@@jkchannel3149 especially for a wizard

[@Willhascookies]

That counterspell sigil then broken was clean!!

[@Adam9172]

Agreed! Also wonderful bit of in-character play from Liam there - counterspell would be so instinctive to Caleb by this point. Absolutely wonderful.

[@ix.of.swords4360]

"Campaign 2 isn't dark enough"

[@holyheals]

Escanor “Who decided that?”

[@paulcatalanatto1170]

@@holyheals ah I see you are a man of culture as well

[@ravinsaber]

Lawl

[@handfulmousefly]

They forget so quickly that C1 started in the middle. This one had to ramp up from the beginning. Plus, there's a TON of crazy dark shit in the FIRST FEW SESSIONS.

[@GoblinHours-im2ue]

@@handfulmousefly episode 26.... I’m still in shock and tears

[@yurigouveawagner9432]

the fact that caleb imediately thought about counterspell instead of shield even though he had used shield way more is a nice detail on liam's part

[@AraiaHikari]

It's fascinating because he EXPECTED this person to use magic on him because that's what they do, so of course counterspell made sense, but then when there was no spell and she just used a weapon it was so unexpected.

[@budget_gandalf]

@Ruby Gee but Essek and Caleb tho....

[@damobeck1]

@@budget_gandalf before they were really friends. Or perhaps Essek knew Caleb would survive but leaping to his defense would make him look better to M9

[@thefinalfrontear]

OOOO HER ARM GOING RIGHT THRU THE COUNTERSPELL RLLY GOT ME

[@ammarahlorgat65]

this made me realise how much respect Essek has in Caleb. Any official would've ended it there and think himself above taking orders from a human; the way Essek paused is really telling on what he thinks of the M9. Good job!

[@randomcourier]

​@Ruby Gee that would be an interesting theory, you would gave to ask matt how she got a hold of a shiv, if that was esseks plan.

[@JnEricsonx]

@@randomcourier Unless he was BS'ing when he apparently yelled at the guards in Drow.

[@cormorantcolors]

Woah. Under-appreciated much? You’re the only person I’ve ever seen who actually made Caleb’s new design work, cut out a bit of audio in the scene without any seams, and created such a clear and cinematic image in greyscale. Bravo.

[@tellinpa6274]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate hearing that!

[@goldenwalzt1335]

so when did caleb get a ponytail

[@deffdefying4803]

@@goldenwalzt1335 level 10

[@goldenwalzt1335]

@@deffdefying4803 ah ok

[@austinshea]

You are so absolutely right.

[@MrMarshmellowz]

The crew need to see this, it's incredibly well done.

[@tellinpa6274]

Thank you! Liam O'brien has seen it (as commented on twitter) ^^

[@bradenpotts]

That’s amazing

[@zacharypreble6406]

This made me realize that, from another point of view, Caleb could be a villain. EDIT: Damn, that's a lot of likes.

[@EnryanTheHero]

From Caleb's point of view Caleb's a villain. He's a good boi though. At least a good intentioned boi

[@hehehe88]

That's the thing about a proper villain; all you have to do to make a multi-faceted and well-constructed villain is to just simply make a hero, and just tweak a knob or two. Maybe they are too idealistic, maybe they are too afraid of losing control, maybe they fear death a little too much, a little too ambitious. The thing that separates heroes and villains is that little moment where they go just a tad too far, or, even better, fail. Most villains have the "I am the hero in this story" speech or idea, because in their minds, and perhaps in an actual narrative perspective, they are,or were, the hero.

[@AnthonyWhitford]

In that sense that he killed his parents, sure. In any other sense I disagree, Trent Ikathon and the Cerberus Assembly are 100% worse than Caleb and turned Caleb into what he is in the first place. They’re the villains

[@blackdra2000]

I think caleb is the final boss, once he gets all his time spells in order, and I think the dm and he knows this.....

[@MrUmakemelaff]

Well, from my point of view, it is the Jedi who are evil...

[@amberpdavis]

The black and white art style really brings a level of gravity and heaviness to the scene. Amazing 👌🏻

[@damobeck1]

rebma considering the low light, that is a realistic depiction of what they saw.

[@renclock]

Your Essek is.. gorgeous. Btw, bless you, you amazing human being! This is incredible!

[@hehehe88]

hot boi

[@bracket6869]

that was INTENSE! good job dude!

[@tellinpa6274]

thank you!!

[@everettewebber5680]

Oh that's interesting, I first heard this episode only in podcast form so I never picked up on the fact that Caleb signaled Essak to kill the Volstrucer right in front of him.

[@tellinpa6274]

Cool! :D Yes he did indeed signal for Essek to do that

[@rickrollrick1373]

It's scenes like this why we should get even more animated seasons of Critical Role. I need to see the entirety of Campaign 1 and 2 in animation. Edit: Hell yeah, animated C2 is on it's way!

[@mentalitea6203]

There was a fundraiser for an animation of Campaign 1 and they raised over 1 million dollars for it so that will be coming out next year or two I believe. Campaign two not sure.

[@rickrollrick1373]

@@mentalitea6203 I know, I said I wanted more seasons than one, and as it turns out, that wish was realized since they partnered with Amazon Prime

[@mentalitea6203]

@@rickrollrick1373 mhm sorry for misreading it. Hopefully they will animate the mighty nein because that would be amazing:))

[@damobeck1]

Cheeky Fox give it a couple years.

[@petersenior5432]

@@mentalitea6203 based on the amount of money they'd bring in by people watching the first season, they'll get it. It's popular demand at its finest

[@ChaseNoseworthy]

Holy fuck that was the most well done CR animatic I've ever seen. Art is so clean, backround music moves along with the plot dynamically, and it masterfully draws out emotion from the watcher. A+ so good

[@lakerose]

Your Essek is stone cold and i love him - those glowing eyes man... woof. He just radiates power here

[@Boundwithflame23]

This is as glorious as Shaun Gilmore himself.

[@ArtisticAngler]

I want you to know that the scene during the stream didn't make me tear up. But GOD this did. outstanding job. Please make more

[@buriichibakaimouto]

This was clean, brutal, and devastatingly impactful. The broken counterspell and Caleb's expressions are by far my favorite aspects. Thank you for this amazing video.

[@amalofoto]

Outstanding! The mood and sense of dynamic movement youve created here (which is especially difficult with animatics) is amazing, and fits the scene very well, as does the music. You also have a particularly good grasp on lighting. Very well done!

[@TheCart54321]

I always feel like it takes an animated moment with cutting of specific audio to make any scene good because usually when the players are talking over each other and immediately going to action we don’t get that sense of drama in this scene because it’s being bothered by commotion. So this makes that scene feel good

[@sada1504]

I walked into this with full expectation of spoilers. Well. I've had a hard time really getting into C2, for a lot of reasons. On occasion I seek out spoilers so I can convince myself that there is more that I want to see. This, this is one of those things. Thank you.

[@ΓιάννηςΜεταξάς-ρ5φ]

I believe that was the first CR content I have ever consumed before I got into the whole thing. So, thanks? Amazing art btw

[@tellinpa6274]

Oh my lord thank you so much!

[@kimberlyvance3131]

This is like incredibly good... you really brought the central drama of Caleb's arc to the whole scene. It hit me hard enough when I was watching the livestream, but this is a whole other level.

[@muskls6877]

Oof, i love how much you were able to capture just how dark this scene really is.

[@tellinpa6274]

thank you! ^^

[@annak.9483]

Wow!!!! This is amazing. I love your design for Caleb, he looks so clean and put-together in comparison to most designs where he has a shaggy beard. Also, your Essek is beautiful, and seeing that scene animated just gives it so much more weight!

[@shaderax_storm6165]

If only had shown the way Laura reacted in Jesters face as Liam/Caleb gave the hand signal... Great animated scene, the lighting and shading are fantastic, please keep up the good work!

[@Hunncas]

When Mat says she goes for another stab, everyone interrupts and tries to protect Caleb lmaoo

[@charliewalsh2782]

The moment with the counter spell and the piece of metal just going straight through it?? Just beautiful, amazing art

[@jnava2343]

I literally held my breath forgetting about the counterspell great job

[@smolsausages5361]

If you makes these, please do more. This was outstanding

[@elliephantparade]

I love this! The frame transitions and pans really indicate motion well and it flows so smoothly! The little sound effects you added like the chains and particularly the counterspell dissipating do so much for the mood.

[@4thwallbreaking870]

Love this scene and of course your animation! Caleb is such a layered character and I really love this notion that from a different perspective he could be seen as an terrifying villian

[@makaylakraus1897]

Okay before I say this, this is amazing animation that I have watched at least 20 times Caleb used his transmuter's stone specifically when he fought back

[@austermoewe245]

Wow this is insanely good. But I have to say one thing: In the first frame around 0:22 Cad looks like the most "ice cold, will totally f*ck you up when you least expect it and won't even flinch while doing so" kind of guy and I'm kinda digging it Idk.

[@giraffedragon6110]

part of me wonders if this is how Caleb sees the world during his darkest moments. the color just leeched from the world.

[@Tyras5]

Wow, loved it in the show but animated with that magic my god that was intense

[@daisykid3]

The music is perfect for this moment!! This was great!

[@kazastrophy]

This is one of the most, if not THE most climatic animatics I've seen in my entire life,

[@ghostie165]

The shadows over Caleb... the light hitting the Volstrucer... Oh god it's so beautiful. It really makes you realize the severity of knowing there is no good or evil, just really broken and manipulated people.

[@Snowie7826]

Absolutely brilliant. You made the scene even more tense somehow :0

[@natalien9951]

This was such a fantastic depiction of such an intense moment! Wonderful job!!!

[@Styxintheriver]

Fantastic!!!! This is one of my favorite scenes from the whole campaign and this is the best animatic take on it I've seen so far!!

[@heavynov]

Why am I seeing this just now? This is perfect! I think you've captured Caleb perfectly and this is my favourite Essek.

[@sumi5880]

oh this is absolutely gorgeous..!!!!! i'm astounded! the counterspell rune breaking, the camera pan up from her ankles to her mangled torso, the way you draw caleb... this is so!!!!!!!! amazing!!!!!!

[@135mikerules23]

I hope one day we find out her name. Edit: this is one of the greatest CR fan animations I’ve ever seen in quite some time.

[@dynamicpanicstudios]

This is the video that got me into CR, I haven’t been able to find it for a while

[@francescacazorla]

This is incredible! You captured the mood so well 👏👏👏

[@lemnlyme]

chills. i love the way you drew calebs new design it fits him so well

[@PatrickBoyda]

MORE LIKE THIS PLIS YOU'RE AMAZING

[@abbakarenina]

That crushed torso made me wince! Great job!

[@cranederoc]

Nicely done, good art, good "camerawork". Hope to see more.

[@SchrosDinger]

I was enthralled by this. Phenomenal.

[@SeerOfTime577]

This is incredible..... ❤️❤️❤️

[@slyside7579]

When all u have seen is comedy in critical roll so far before watching this masterpiece in stunned silence. Mind blown!

[@brianschmahl144]

Amazing job. The lighting, music choice, and character designs are superb! Very dynamic animatic.

[@ravinsaber]

Brutal, critical role taking the genre to new heights

[@rachelradient]

This is? So good? This is one of my favorite scenes from the whole show and you did it beautifully

[@disastermollymauk289]

You captured the essence of the scene very well!

[@ellabellav5939]

This was SO good. Like it captured this moment so well

[@Kavira111]

Holy shit the slight glimpse of her corpse was scary, well drawn!!

[@TheBlackSquirrel]

AMAZING use of the original audio together with the illustrations. Well done!! I absolutely loved this episode, especially the part in the prison cell, and I can't tell you enough how happy I am to see such a well executed animatic of it.

[@EsquilaxM]

Idk why it took me 3 years to find this but FANTASTIC work!

[@tellinpa6274]

thank you

[@katenawolfenstein9468]

This is SO good!! Its one of my favourite scenes and you truly did it justice! UGH IM GONNA REWATCH IT RN

[@JnEricsonx]

I just got to this point. Man went past Force Choke, that was a Force CRUSH.

[@lilyminer9164]

Wow the drawings are gorgeous, the designs are detailed and pretty much perfect, this is awesome your hard work seems to have paid off this is amazing.

[@nolanbrowder1750]

This is absolutely amazing. With the confirmation of an animated mighty nein series, i would be entirely happy if this scene was just this

[@ebonyvoigt7257]

This was absolutely gorgeous! It captured the intensity of the scene perfectly! Great job!

[@cnhays96]

God I actually got chills watching this. You did an amazing job!

[@sms2131]

Gorgeous art, music, the vibe just screamed drama

[@galaxystar8280]

This is wonderfully amazing, the intenseness, expression and animation couldn't be better than this!

[@PaladinGear15]

your artstyle is incredible, it's scary and nice looking at the same time.

[@rayejohnston2821]

THIS IS SO GOOOD HOLY SHIT i love your art style so much and mixed with this scene and the black and white,,,, just,,,,,,, perfection

[@andredacunhamelo264]

This is fabulous work. The crew need to see this. Nice job, friend.

[@elmkline9619]

Holy crap! This is incredibly well done!!

[@DemonicsInc]

Christ I just got there and was wondering if someone did an animation for this scene did not expect such an amazing one

[@phestojen7966]

Everything about this was absolutely gorgeous! Awards go to the broken counterspell sigil, the thematicaly appropriate black and white, and Essek... the handsome man.

[@matthewprokopenko8721]

Amazing adaptation of an amazing moment! Congrats on this.

[@gio3]

Amazing! The art fits the tone of the scene perfectly

[@Lin99990]

Woww!! I just found this now and I love all the animation style and designs!!

[@handfulmousefly]

The art is gorgeous, such great facial expressions and dynamic poses that really make you forget this isn't constantly moving. Very well done capturing this harrowing scene. 👏😊🔥💕

[@aubreycampbell921]

Incredible animation my dude, made me shiver when her body collapsed on top of itself.

[@UncooperativeMultiplayer]

Bit late to the party here but holy hell, that was some 11/10 atmosphere right there!

[@OrangeCoconutt]

Wow, that was beautifully done. Very intense and depicted so accurately. Well done

[@LizBrager]

This art is absolutely beautiful. Wow!

[@SylviaDragon]

oh man this was so well done! the style broguht such grim weight to that event *SPOILER for later episodes!* it kind of drives me crazy that none of the Nien have come back to question this scene yet now that they know Essik's secret. While i think he considers them friends now, i am convinced that he was the one that arranged for this assassination attempt against Kaleb here. Think about it, Essik admitted that when they showed up he was afraid that they would expose him. Then he finds out that Caleb has history with the people he has been dealing with and runs a high risk of finding out the truth. Essik was in charge of overseeing the Volstrucker agent and he was also the only one who knew Caleb would be going to meet her. The Volstrucker agents are know for being deadly assassins so you KNOW they would have thoroughly searched and disarmed her and likely kept her under watch the whole time The only way she could have kept or obtained the dagger is if someone let her have it and had the power to dismiss the guard long enough to do so. It would have been an easy way for Essik to get rid of what he likely viewed as the biggest threat to his cover. I also noticed that Essik made sure to kill her quickly and in a messy way to ensure she did not talk/speak with dead could be trick- but acted last out of everyone and only after the probability of her getting another hit in had passed.

[@AtlasCarter]

Sylvia Drakestone I KNOW RIGHT, the thought just came to my mind and holy shit what would essek gain from that?

[@nuru666]

You just blew my fucking mind right out of my skull :|

[@petersenior5432]

@@AtlasCarter he would gain a possible loose end tied, and someone with a connection to the vollstrucker gone. He would be in the clear, too, since the assassin was the one who did it. He didn't count on Team Cleric coming down with Caleb, who would have been the only one to get close to her, but he couldn't exactly say no to them coming along. When they did, he saw that he had an opportunity to strengthen their trust and perhaps demonstrate his power in case they wanted to fuck with him at that point.

[@ericalander9884]

This was so well done! I love your designs for everyone and it flowed so smoothly. Incredible work!

[@haleysoy8604]

This whole thing is beautiful I got chills oh wow

[@SkroutzimusPrime]

I was hanging by the edge of my seat.Breathtaking.

[@Deelusi]

I found it funny that I found this video because it recommended my video... Gonna subscribe!

[@claytondavidson6308]

I need to watch critical role This is good O.O

[@andpeeps1570]

Indeed! It's some of the best long-form storytelling being made today. Btw this is from campaign 2 of Critical Role (aka "The Might Nein"). If you're looking to get into CR I would actually recommend starting with campaign 2. It's much more polished and with fewer episodes to catch up on it's easier to get into than the first campaign (aka "Vox Machina"). Also KZbin's 1.25x and 1.5x playback speed options will be very handy for catching up quicker.

[@petersenior5432]

@@andpeeps1570 the transcripts are also fascinating to read. They're very good for catching up, too

[@princesswineo]

Amazing work! Thank you for this!

[@madsk3tch32]

THE CHILLS I GOT

[@sockrobot5]

Fantastic work. I've subscribed and would love to see more! Thank you for your efforts

[@diablo595]

This is absolutely amazing good job

[@Scribeoflife]

This is amazing! Actually amazing. Loved it ❤

[@gracehagele5462]

That counterspell was AMAZING!!

[@Blossom_Screen]

Good god I wish I could like this a million times. This is so so so good

[@EnryanTheHero]

Yeah Dunemancy is freaking crazy man. Awesome job OP!

[@norvanplay555]

Damn smooth, you deserve more attention my friend. Incredibile job.