Critical Role is an extremely popular web series where  "a bunch of nerdy-ass voice actors get together to play Dungeons and Dragons." Laudna is from the third campaign with the band of heroes known as Bells Hells. She is an undead sorceress with a tragic backstory and a dead rat named Pate de Rolo at her side. 

This particular design was inspired by when the party attended a ball in hopes of tracking down and following their target. Laudna's dress was described as a purple dress with a trim of fox fur around her shoulder, but nothing else was really painted. Because her character is a bit over the top and still so lovable, I decided to give her a look that was a bit more over the top. In other words, I wanted to make her look and feel like the royalty that was should be. Besides, who doesn't love a good ballgown based on an undead character? 

This dress concept grew and changed through the process of building her. After a very dramatic few episodes centering around her character, I decided to add some more details and tributes throughout to her backstory. 

As this was my first Critical Role inspired piece I was going to make, I wanted to make her as over the top as her actual character. The material choices were a mixture of a few things. Chiffons, Taffeta, Peachskin, and Faux Leather. I also did a lot of 3D print work on this while making Pate, her companion, and her accessories.

The entire piece is custom patterned. I developed the pattern for the top as I could never find an off the shoulder pattern that worked for my build. The bodice has steal boning and the outer shell is a deep purple satin. Over the top, I hand pleated some purple chiffon to add texture to the top.   

The headpiece was a base crown that I covered in fake vines and black roses. I then took some black hot glue to create some cobwebs throughout the branches.