This feature highlighted environmental art. Critical Role is a Dungeons & Dragons livestream, so many of these locations were only described, seen on small-scale battle maps, or done by fan artists. For this series, Critical Role is working with animation studio Titmouse. Art Director Arthur Loftis and Supervising Director Sung Jin Ahn reveal some of their work with iconic locations such as Emon, Whitestone, and the shop Gilmore’s Glorious Goods. The pieces are very beautiful and at a scale that brings to life the world.
Part of this process is taking the original 2D maps Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer drew and turning it into a fleshed-out piece of art. Emon had a beautiful feel to it, and Whitestone had a creepy vibe. Even the legendary Sun Tree made a cameo.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has put many productions on hold, which has included Critical Role’s The Legend of Vox Machina. They disclosed they’ve been doing what remote work they can, but things have certainly slowed down. This adult animated series is based on their first D&D campaign and the heroes known as Vox Machina. The whole cast appeared in the video, expressing their excitement with seeing locations that had only existed in their minds brought to life. Included with their video Critical Role stated:
