#the cantata pansophical

[cyanide-latte]

Heyyy Cy! So I’ve been aware of and curious about Critical Roll for a while, and seeing you post about it has kind of made me want to start watching their campaigns! But when I visited their YouTube channel, I… got a bit overwhelmed and wasn’t sure where to start. I was wondering if you could help point me in the right direction? No pressure ofc :3

Hey Ace! I'm happy to try to help, at least as best as I can? I won't promise anything perfect, but I'm happy to try!

There are a couple of different options to go with, with CR.

You could start with campaign 2. You'd be with the characters of the Mighty Nein from start to finish, and it's a lot easier for people to jump into if they're newcomers. (Note if you start here, they have a more established production value by that point and the quality is far more consistent throughout each stream than the first campaign was.)

If you'd prefer to stick to watching the first campaign, which The Legend of Vox Machina is based on, you could start from the beginning episode if you prefer (just know that they had 2 or so years of playtime and development prior to streaming that campaign, so there's already some established dynamics in play.)

Assuming you still want to start with campaign 1 but don't want to jump right into episode 1 (it's not for everyone, it's rough until they find their footing, and sometimes it's easier to start with one of the stronger story arcs) I highly recommend starting with either episode 23, which kicks off "The Briarwoods" arc (which is also kind of where The Legend of Vox Machina opens) or episode 38, which is a little more relaxed but has some key information that leads into episode 39, which is the start of the "Attack of the Chroma Conclave" arc (dragons!!!)

The Legend of Vox Machina is certainly an option if you prefer to kind of speedrun some of the first campaign, just know it has a fair few differences from the original way things go down in the livestreams and a lot of the emotional, heart-wrenching stuff that happens in those livestream episodes hits differently when you're watching it improv'd in real time.

If you want an even faster speedrun of the "Attack of the Chroma Conclave" arc, (which is also what s2 of TLoVM is covering rn,) I would suggest giving the Cantata Pansophical's Critical Role Hamilton parody a shot? Not a Hamilton fan myself but my spouse downloaded this fanwork back when it launched and it grew on me (and is a fairly fun and relatively faithful glimpse into that arc.) It's probably better as an accompaniment rather than a gateway, but we've got a couple of people to try out CR based on them just listening to that.

^^;; hope that maybe something in here can help? If any fellow Critters out there have some advice to add, please feel free to reblog and chime in!

But also don't be afraid if it turns out it's not for you, Ace! I know it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea, whether you don't care to watch several hours of a livestream at a time, or even if you like D&D livestreams but maybe they just don't click with what you like to watch. Either way, I'm certainly not going to judge if you end up feeling like you don't like it or don't want to! But all the same, I do wish you a lot of luck, and it means the world to me that you asked me for my opinion on where to start with it!

[critical-smol-baguett]

After listening to the Cantana Pansophical, I now have the headcanon that all members of Vox Machina have voices like angels and like to harmonize over campfire, while the Mighty Nein are hopelessly tone deaf and are as discordant as a bone flute except for probaby Jester... and maybe Molly.

[oceaninwinter]

This past weekend was so awesome! For the first time, I got to go to a con for free with an Industry/Professional badge because of my own creative work online with The Cantata Pansophical! It has always been my dream to work on nerdy projects so to be rewarded with nerdy gifts in return was a dream come true! I've grown up attending cons my whole life, since before I could talk. It is a huge part of what inspired my journey as an actor so to finally earn an industry badge with my own creative work? I don't have the words. It was simply amazing.

I had so much fun hanging out with friends there and buying too much nerdy merch! I got to meet the wonderful Will Friedle and tell him how much I loved him on Critical Role. I also got to attend several awesome panels (one including my badass friend, Victoria Rani!!!). It felt like home being at a con again. I've missed going to them so much since the pandemic began. Live long and prosper, my beautiful nerds. You guys are my tribe. 🖖🤓❤️

[tanely]

The Cantata Pansophical is back with a new musical!!!!!

spoilers for anyone whose currently making their way through campaign one!

[theoutcastrogue]

The Cantata Pansophical are at it again, this is just amazing. Bandcamp link here.

The Cantata Pansophical - Molly's Rules [Spoilers C2E8]

[MOLLY] If you want to know how I can breeze through this life Keeping so collected and so cool The truth is that it's simple; something easy, something light Just keep in mind a handful of these rules So as you travel on this long and winding road There's just a couple things that you should know…

Don't let another person pay while your purse is the plumper If they insist and bend your wrist, that still is not a stumper If you're quick, then you can stick a little coin back in their hoard And leave each place a little better than before

Now come along with me!

[JESTER] Where are we going?

[MOLLY] To Zadash, of course!

If you happen on a bandit, And you're strong enough to stand it, It'd be crass to simply clamor for revenge I like you, Trevor, But this plan just wasn't clever There are many better jobs out in the hedge! Take your men on a walk, And we promise not to talk Or even think to try and settle up the score And leave each place a little better than before

[FJORD] We're just gonna let them go? They tried to rob us!

[MOLLY] The operative word here being “tried”

When all it is you know just isn't clear enough My humblest philosophies might clear it up And since these simple stratagems might cheer you up If it'll help, then I can tell a little more!

If you plan to rob a man, then Just be sure to understand well Both the manner of his stature and his mood And if you can't surmise it Or if they end up disguising it It's better to go off and try and find another dude Try and con the evil and Don't steal from happy people If you doubt it, you can scout it to be sure And leave each place a little better than before

And if there's a rule here And you think it's rather clear Then I'll just have to clarify that point of view Each rule has its exception With a little introspection You can find the proper path to follow through And if you love everybody And I mean LOVE everybody! You might make yourself a couple rules more Just leave each place a little lighter

[NOTT] Leave each place a little nicer!

[COMPANY] Leave each place a little brighter than be-FORE!

[MOLLY] Leave each place a little better than before

[dandelion-jester]

Someone explain to me why the cantata pansophical vox machina hamilton musical is somehow better than Hamilton? I'm in love

[i-see-7-cats]

Vox Machina: An Exandrian Musical is amazing

[fragilefears]

And now I'm sobbing. Allura remembering Thordak and reflecting on her part in it all, to the tune of Angelicas three fundamental truths, just break my heart why don't you.

[naturalfucking20]

Critter Music!

I’m currently making myself little notes and stat blocks for the Wildmount campaign I’m going to DM with Aiden Chan’s Original Critical Role soundtrack playlist going on YouTube. (Ifeel very badass especially when Mercer’s theme came on lol)

If you haven’t heard any of the vox machina themes or the The Mighty Nein theme I highly recommend!! Some are more cinematic, others classical/ orchestral, but all are very good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuBAro_ABqI&feature=share

In a different vein of critter made music; Autumn Orange has four wonderful critical role lofi albums if that’s more your speed. (Name’s Fjord, The J Is Silent has some wonderful Old Town Road vibes)

https://youtu.be/3nWhu92xyqE

And lastly for all you musical theatre nerds! The Cantata Pansophical did an incredible retelling of the Chroma Conclave arc through the music of Hamilton!

https://youtu.be/LIDuJAvTTRc

Also of course there’s Ginny Di, and The Rise Undaunted, and Critical Bard and oh my goodness so many talented people making such cool music and stuff ahhh!!

[lildark1]

01 The Party Called Vox Machina

(lyrics)

[criticaldice]

Guys. GUys. GUYs. GUYS!!!!!

[annakie]

Uh so I found out about and listened to the Vox Machina / Hamilton musical today. 

Seriously this is really, really good.  

[blueberrymess-art]

I forgot to submit it here! I am a very small part of this project that fans all over the world put together. The guys @critical-role-hamilton did a great job organizing everything to make the musical happen, and let me tell you: it is AMAZING. Make sure to give it a chance if you’re a fan and/or like Hamilton! This piece I made is for the second track, Emon’s fall. I hope you like it!

You can listen to the whole thing here!

[cloudprincesslady]

good fucking lord i’m gay for raishan’s voice

[mikeaster]

I’m so excited!