Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E58

Escape From The Past

With Andrew Harshman

An analysis of the minis used on CR.

This episode with have more red lighting, more red flocking, and the continued use of many a custom player character mini (as can be expected from Critical Role guest episodes).

Grab ya character sheets and finest math rocks, it's time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 58!

Woo-hoo-hoo, now this is a dandy multi-dimensional battle map. Loving this color scheme. Not only is there custom overhead lighting, the color scheme is also on the autumn foliage, the mushrooms on the trees, and the red fleshy set piece miniature. -and of course the red Dwarven Forge Dungeons of Doom wall pillars.

Manufacturing-wise, the dungeon tiles are Dwarven Forge, the bushes are Monster Fight Club, and the trees are from Printable Terrain.

Best and Worst Mini of the Ep

The coveted DOUBLE AWARD of Best Mini and Worst Mini of the episode goes to the Greater Star Spawn Emissary. It earns the best miniature for its Cthulhu mythos theming and truly immense table presence.

It is a very striking model sculpt amongst other striking sculpts. The Wizkids Ravenloft set is full of cool pieces.

And it wins the award for Worst Mini because it's downright gross. Like, did they have to use so many snouts? One or two dog snouts I can understand, but nearly a dozen?? Good grief. Too many doggo snoots. It is clearly inspired by the 80s remake of The Thing.

Very good inspiration, but also very gross inspiration.

See ya next sesh!

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E57 The Sorrow of Molaesmyr 

With Andrew Harshman

An analysis of the minis used on CR.

Will you look at this glamorous lighting! Makes a great map look even better! And infinitely cheaper than stocking duplicate dungeon tiles in different color schemes.

It's time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 57!

CUH-lassic Mats by Mars/Dwarven Forge map build combo! -that and a few buildings. Aesthetically, cool map. Also, mechanically pretty cool. These long tree log things physically have a significant impact on the grid. I always appreciate a large, impactful map features. So often, terrain features go unused or have little to no influence on how encounters play out. So I like it when they are big and distinct, like this.

Best Mini of the Ep

Dwarven Forge Oracle Pool

It's always cool, in the Oracle Pool. Who's ready for a poooool party?? The Oracle predicts everyone will have a blast! Yo get a load of this beautifully ornate terrain piece. So sleek, so pretty, so symmetrical -and all hand sculpted! That is oh so impressive. Ain't no copy/paste/transform wizard cheats at work here. Really dig this piece.

Worst Mini of the Ep

Random Red Fluff

Oh my word, what a mess all this red flock is gonna make. Hopefully Critical Role has a shop vac 'round the studio to clean up all these shreds of red leafy paprika material. My distaste for this sort of map additive is very related to my person distaste of flocking in general. But regardless of your aesthetic preferences, ya gotta admit a map fulla flock is gonna be flocking messy.

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E54 Treacherous Toys

With Andrew Harshman

An analysis of the minis used on CR.

tbh, I basically skipped this episode. So forgive me if some of my context-less miniature review is confusing or off base. On the tabletop, we have some familiar Critical Role buildings in a unfamiliar, unique and engaging configuration. Mats by Mars mat, Dwarven Forge modular city, and going back to early C2, Miniature Building Authority multistory buildings in the back. Looks good!

Christmas is cancelled, it's time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campagin 3 Episode 54!

Love me some miniature furniture. Can't get enough of it. What really stuck out to me about this office layout is how there's like zero space between the desk and the chair!

How's anyone supposed to seat themselves? Hmmm, maybe they're really maximizing space and you have to misty step teleport to sit down.

Wholly unrelated, isn't Fearne's miniature just so wonderful? Too good. The sculpt itself is great. But I think the key to this awesome model is the fantastic character design. A digital model sculptor can't go wrong when handed this character reference. It's a slam dunk (not to be confused with Little Mister's Pokemon move Slam Dook).

Worst Mini of the Ep

Speaking of dook, these rat swarm models look vaguely fecal in nature. I guess they are decent enough. Get's across the point that they are a swarm. But they are nothing special, that's for sure.

Best Mini of the Ep

Since I got this Pathfinder Dominion Invader miniature I've been trying to think of a reason to use it in a game. Fortunately, Critical Role found a way! What a deal. Very unique, excellent table presence, and some nifty translucent effects. Here's a question, just like the chair desk situation, how did this monster get into this room? Looks like a real tight squeeze getting through them doors. Hopefully all them legs collapse down like tent poles. Anyway, good miniature, it's alien, it's eldritch, it's cool.

See ya next sesh!

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E53 Ripples 

With Andrew Harshman

An analysis of the minis used on CR.

Love a throne room battle! So much cool stuff in a throne room. Loads of precious, delicate, treasures and neato decorations! (I've heard of a "bull in a china shop", -BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS!

Such is life in the throne zone, it's time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 53!

Sweet map! The urban stone road mat is from Mats by Mars and the dungeon tiles are Dwarven Forge, but specifically, the Emperor's Palace Marble Pack. Which is sort of a reskin of the Dungeons of Doom set.

The marble effect I'd say is quite good. Very readable, very distinct, very nifty. Also, sprinkled into this scene is a Mantic Games carpet, a Pathfinder Battles Crimson Throne throne, and one mystery throne.

I just loooooove this Emissary of Purphoros model! The sculpt itself is very nice. And the literal-glitter-infused translucent starry void plastic/paint combo is OUTSTANDING! Five outta five stars. Also impressive, this model is a rather faithful recreation of the original Magic the Gathering Theros art by Sam Burley:

Coincidentally, Sam Burley would make for an excellent minotaur D&D character name!

See ya next sesh!

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E50 Red Moon Rising

With Andrew Harshman

An analysis of the minis used on CR. 

That red moon is indeed arisin’! Oooooey, look at that cinematic shot and cinematic lighting! At the end of the day, I think I have a slight preference for live shows, but the benefit of preproduction is these cinematic mini shots. The same thing probably could be achieve during a live recording with a handheld camera operator (Mega64 does it all the time). But regardless, these shots are awesome for helping establish the scene and giving us a closer peak at all the rad models. Thank you Critical Role production team, it is much appreciated!

Get in the robot Shinji, it’s time for Critical Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 50!

Mini Map Overview

This is a cuh-lassic C2/3 style map, featuring full 3D terrain elements atop a gaming mat. Specifically, a Mats by Mars desert theme base with Dwarven Forge Mountain rocks and blocks. Some wooden stairs and walkway components by Monster Fightclub, and scatter terrain from Pathfinder, HirstArts, and Mantic Games. One tent is from Mantic’s Terrain Crate series and the other is a Safari brand “Civil War Officer” tent famously featured in Campaign 2 Episode 3:

This particular brand of tent must be a popular in the world of Tal'dorei. What about this tent design makes it “Civil War” era? It is a rather tall tent, perhaps the high tent ceiling is made to accommodate an Abe Lincoln style top hat?  “d4 score and seven years ago-” harharhar

The medium sized enemy cult member minis in this encounter are a bit mysterious to me. I suspect they are kitbashed models or resin printed. Possibly modular Frostgrave models? Difficult to say for sure. They are a tad generic, nothing super distinctive or identifiable. But conveniently, armed cultist models are a dime a dozen. If you need some for your own game, you’ll find there are ample options.

Best Mini of the Ep

This here Mighty Servant of Leuk-o model is mighty neat. Not only is it one of the most impressively large construct models. It is one of the only pilotable construct models! Go for it, hop in for a test drive!

Perhaps a sorta mundane detail for most folk, but I really like the decorative lines of gold patterning. Quality production value.

Worst Mini of the Ep

These large tents are pretty nice sculpts. But they are a downright hassle to paint. Them little frilly flaps along the top there, what a bother. Ain’t got time for those sorta tent trubs. 

I’ve painted three of these tents for my own game, that’s over 100 flaps! Yeesh.

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E47 The Fey Key

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Something I really appreciate about this episode is that it illustrates how useful miniatures and maps are even outside of initiative. Great for Metal Gear Solid espionage shenanigans and for chase sequences. Also, I do enjoy a good usage of fire minis.

The demolition is on, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 47!

The List

The Best and Worst Mini

Big Boss Man Baldur's Gate Descent Into Avernus #44-45 Narzugon & Nightmare

The ominous fellow riding the dorky dragon is a pretty unique model. This minis is a regular transformer. A mounted and onfoot model all in one! What a deal. So I respect the utility and the coolness factor. But the pose is just too dang bland. Super cool design though. And while Narzugon the armored knight is mounted, you can use the legs-only model as some sorta homebrewed Awakened Aeor Asskicker Automaton. So all-in-all, pretty good.

The Biggest Mini

Fey Dragon D&D Wild Beyond the Witchlight #48 Jabberwock

No wonder the Alice in Wonderland Jabberwocky got killed by a vorpal sword. Look at that ridiculously long neck, how could you miss it?? Of course it's gonna get beheaded. I dig this sculpt. Very gnarly and alien.

The Returning Minis

Guards Modified Reaper Miniatures Drago Voss Kryn Soldier

Woh-ho-ho, what do we have here- another Xhorhasian military sighting. The far left model has appeared a few times as a Kryn soldier. And now, more modifications of this same Reaper mini. Matt must have gotten a bulk discount.

The Unknown Minis 

Guards

So maybe the guard on the left is another Drago Voss Kryn Soldier with some extra kitbash. As for the right model, would like a closer look at this. Guess we'll see if we get one.

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E46 Night at the Ligament Manor

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Critical Role does some of the best portrayals of the fey wild/realm. Portrayals that has appeared in many different mediums at this point, including print, animation, and now Dwarven Forge Wilderness map (the best art medium of all, of course).

Things are about to get wild, fey wild that is, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 46!

The List

The Terrain

The Dwarven Forge Wildlands/Wilderness series is quite extensive at this point. It’s a very impressive product line, complete with wonderfully fantastical fae accessories such as the fiberoptic LED infused DF Glamourleaf:

Check that out! Super fairy, super fey wild. Great stuff. This encounter is a fairly standard “party spotted by an enemy patrol” sort of situation. But the CR cast and this beautiful map really elevated it..

The Enemies

 Animated Tree Critical Role Wraithroot Tree

This may sound obvious, but treant miniatures often look like trees. But not animated trees, just normal, boring, stationary trees. The Wraithroot Tree miniature however, has an excellent in-motion pose. The lurching, lumbering look is most excellent. Couple that with quality sculpt detail and paint and you have one heck of an animated tree mini. Well done Critical Role and Wizkids.

Centaurs D&D Druid of the Old Ways

The Old Ways? Which ways are those? Are we talking about Advanced Dungeons and Dragons? No, I guess we are talking about Magic the Gathering. This centaur is from a Magic D&D miniatures set and is based directly on the MTG art by Ryan Pancoast:

This is one of the better Magic the Gathering D&D miniatures I have covered. Awesome character design, good posing, engaging paint scheme, and a magically magnificent mohawk to boot! 

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E45 Ominous Lectures

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Critical Role Campaign 3 Episode 45 is mini-less. So instead of reviewing episode miniatures, I’ll post briefly on the ‘Matt is moving in to his NEW map room’ stream. 

I did indeed recognize a great deal of the things featured in this stream. I even recognized the plastic drawer organizers, lol. A supremely impressive selection, for certain.

Having seen the stream, I am left with the burning question:

Three Tarrasque fight when??

Gotta have me a Tri-rasque Battle! 

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E42 The City of Flowing Light

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Greetings adventurers! Episode 42 of Critical Role Campaign 3 is without minis to analyze. HOWEVER, looking forward to next episode, I got some predictions and analysis to discuss with ya.

First order of business, the above photo was posted the day after Ep 42 aired. I’m not entirely sure when this photo was taken, but if we assume this photo is from the filming of Ep 43, maybe we’ll see some of the pictured minis tonight? Perhaps we are bound for a construct battle:

Monster Menagerie 2 #26 Clay Golem Mini image sourced from minisgallery.com

This model showed up during the heist competition, so maybe it’s just on Matt’s desk left over from that session. Who knows. idk, guess we’ll see.

As for the bird demon monster teased in the episode cliffhanger ending. I worry that we’ll get stuck with the awful turd bird D&D vrock that appeared twice in Campaign 2. But hopefully, we’ll get something fresh, like say, the Taki red Pathfinder Red Demon. Or the four winged supreme Pathfinder demon lord Pazuzu. OR EVEN- Critical Role’s very own shadowy demony Orthax mini.

Mini images sourced from TrollandToad.com and minisgallery.com

That’s not to say I think the monster is a literal Orthax demon, just that Matt might take this opportunity to use a Orthax miniature to represent this particular bird monster. If I had to take a guess, I’d go with the Orthax. We shall see, just please, anything but that Rage of Demons Vrock. 

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E41 Call of the Wild

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

This is some quality map and encounter design. Interesting mechanics, objectives, and roleplay opportunities. Chet-centric game design seems to be a surefire way to create engaging D&D content, take note DMs.

Celestial shenanigans and moonlight merriment abound, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 41!

The List

Best Mini of the Ep

Mega-Chet Unhallowed Werewolf Lord Mini photo sourced from minisgallery.com

Wow, a chest waxing werewolf, king shit. Errr, lord shit. Werewolf Lord that is. All hail the werewolf lord. Now this here is a properly impressive shapeshifter. Classically Castlevanian. Downright dank. Fearsomely Fenrir-sian. Totally tubular. Cool name, cool mini, cool pose, effective, streamlined paint job. -also, get a load of them abs! Move over Liver King, here comes the Werewolf Lord.

Worst Mini of the Ep

Werebear Tomb of Annihiliation Werebear Mini photo sourced from minisgallery.com

This D&D werebear mini is an embarrassment. It’s a shock Wizards/Wizkids released this model at all. Surely it violates some sort of decency ordinance or lycanthropy law. 

The very same year, a Pathfinder Werebear was released, which I think we can all agree is infinitely better on all counts. Better fur texture, better paint, better creature design, and this mini even has a tasteful werebear-presenting nipple. What a deal.

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: Mighty Nein Reunited

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

I do not cover one shots and spinoff eps. But I do briefly want to acknowledge the awesomeness that is the Uk'otoa miniature. 

In terms of creature design, I love it. The recognizable sea serpent archetype combined with unique eldritch elements gives Uk’otoa a personalized appearance. I find the design to be accessible and familiar, but at the same time very original. 

Design-wise, I do appreciate a multipart mega monster miniature. With a beast this big, you need more than one model to properly represent it. Also makes for a mechanically interesting combat. 

I will most certainly be purchasing an Uk’otoa for my household.

See ya next sesh! 

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E40 Compulsions

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

One free year of sky ship, now there’s a valuable Adventuring Groupon. Love a good fast travel option. And a fast travel option with a great miniature is even better. Mighty fine stuff. 

Say, remember that Twitter post from the previous ep? Well take a gander at the bottom right:

Why it’s the cockatrices and chimera from this episode, previewed a whole week early. What. A deal. Let’s get into it.

Curse the ballistas, full speed ahead, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 40!

The List

The Terrain

What’s a sky ship without, ya know, the sky!? That’s just a ship if you ask me. Well luckily, Critical Role map favorite, Mats by Mars has that covered with their Coastal Combat mat. Those clouds are outstanding! Really helps sell the scale of the scene. 

Mini of the Ep

Imogen Summons Reaper Miniatures Medium Fire Elemental

My coveted Mini of the Ep award goes to Reaper’s Medium Fire Elemental. Medium? Is that referring to the level of heat? Nah, I suppose not. Perhaps not the most exciting pick. But I have a fondness for a capably executed elemental. And Reaper Miniatures is a indeed a very capable mini manufacturer.

Crummiest Mini of the Ep

Chimera Mythic Odysseys of Theros Chimera Image sourced from minisgallery.com

The chimera is a classically RADICAL monster. But this miniature is downright square. Did they forget to paint this model? I didn’t know you could make a chimera look this boring. Literally vanilla. Ya killin’ me Wizkids. Quite handily the worst prepainted chimera:

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E37 From the Boughs

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Wooey what an epic tree! Very metal! -errr, I mean lumber, very lumber! But more on that later. Rad storytelling and mechanics on display in this episode / combat. How many times are they going to have to fight ol’ Delilah B anyway? She just won’t quit!

♬ When the bough breaks, the cradle will fall ♬ [dice roll] and take 5d6 damage, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 37!

The List

Excellent question @eldritch_DM thanks for soliciting this answer from Matthew Mercer. Wow, what a crafty dungeon master! Check out them trunk sculpting skills. 

Quite the improvement over the early Campaign 2 swamp troll stump (meaning no offense of course). As I said, a mighty epic tree! The Sun Tree deserves no less.

The Monsters/Villains

Delilah Monster Menagerie #07 Specter Mini image sourced from minisgallery.com

Why does spirit form Delilah look like Imogen’s hair? It’s as if when she lost her hair, it animated into a malevolent wig wraith. This Specter mini doesn’t photograph super well, but it has a certain pop to it in person. Decent miniature choice. But such an infamous villain is deserving of a more loft model imo. If/when Delilah returns, I would expect a custom model.

Skeletons Warhammer Sepulchral Guard skeletons

An interesting skeleton situation in this episode. We have two of the best in the biz appearing onscreen alongside some of the worst. The Warhammer Sepulchral Guards are metal af. Spectacular poses and cast fidelity. With the exception of Campaign 1 final form Vecna, it is a rare occasion that a Warhammer model appear on Critical Role. But here we are. What a delight. The downward swing skeleton is one of my all time fav skellies.

skele-poots Tomb of Annihilation Skeleton Key / Skeleton Mini image sourced from minisgallery.com

Gods awful. Garbage. I own these models, I don’t have the heart to throw them away, but I actively avoid using them on the tabletop. There are so many variations on this figure, what an absolutely waste of plastic.

Skelington Skeleton #45 Lords of Madness Mini image sourced from trollandtoad.com

There is a subtle brilliance to the posing and sculpting of this figure. A certain slackness, jerky, distinctly reanimated appearance to this pose. Also, the skull of this skeleton actually looks like a skull, unlike the skele-poots. This model also comes in an axe variant, which I think I might prefer, because, let’s face it, this sword looks busted. 

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E36 A Desperate Call

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

Into the dreamscape our brave adventurers go! Or perhaps nightmarescape would be more apt. Some very interesting storytelling being done here. What a unique and tangible way to literally explore a character’s backstory.

Turn and burn, it’s time for Crit Role Miniature Rollout Campaign 3 Episode 36!

The List

This map looks quite similar to an alternate timeline in which the Mighty Nein engaged in physical combat with Maggie the Haggie, or whatever her name was, the witch that cursed Veth. Matt shared the unused hag combat map on Twitter back in 2020. This map appears to include the same cabin used in this episode. Looks dope! Very witchy, very good.

 The Monsters

Ghostly Ghosty Ghost Volo & Mordenkainen's Foes #36 Allip Mini photo sourced from minisgallery.com

This model is a tad oversized for a 1x1 base, but I like that. Gives the model a little extra table presence. Creature design certainly matches Matt’s description. 

Wraithy Spirit Thang Crown of Fangs #004 Geist

This model was utilized way back in early Campaign 2. The camp 2 party battled one such creature in Campaign 2 Episode 16. Definitely a groovy model that looks some sorta cross between an ink blot. GPU artifact, and pocket lint. I like it!

What else can be said for Campaign 3 Episode 36? I like Critical Role. And I learned on a recent trip that CR combat makes for a great “sleep on a plane ambient track”. Was able to take a good lil nap on a flight down to CA thanks to the relaxing hum of CR turn based combat. I’m behind by a few eps, but the podcast has helped me catch up.

See ya next sesh!

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E34 What Dreams May Come

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

How could I forget 34!?? Well I did. Apologies. I was a bit behind on posts to begin with, then I went on vacation. Dreadful combination for miniature tracking. Episode 34′s mini and terrain list is mostly just a shorter list of 33′s mini and terrain list, so maybe not super exciting, but check out this neato before and after shot of 33′s map vs 34′s map:

Nifty! 

The List

The most noticeable additions to 34′s terrain roster are the Hagglethorn Ancient Palace/Stronghold ruins. Looks like Matt just swapped out the Hagglethorn buildings for the Hagglethorn ruins. Very clever. Very convenient.

See ya next sesh! Errr, I mean, next-next sesh! 

#critroleminiaturerollout

Crit Role Miniature Rollout: C3E35 Pyrrhic Return

With Andrew Harshman

An archive and analysis of the minis used on CR.

So no battle mats and no combat miniatures in this particular episode to review. A shame, would have been fun to see the Campaign 1 PC minis again. Or potentially some NEW Vox Machina models. Woooooey, that would be excited. 

HOWEVER- Apparently Marisha has a MINIATURE CHAIR ON HER DICE TRAY: Yoooooooooo, how long has that baleful mini been LURKING right under our noses!?? So very ominous.

#critroleminiaturerollout