several expression studies of Essek Thelyss from Critical Role, based on in-game roleplay. in all of them he is depicted as a young-looking drow with short curly hair, slicked back on one side, and a shoulder and chest decorative armor piece, reminiscent of beetle carapace.

he is smirking, looking up in contemplation, frowning, casting a spell with an elegant flick of his wrist. in one sketch, he is laughing with a radiant smile, saying "I'd like to see you try!". in another, he is leaning forward with a pleased smile, thanking an off-screen Jester, who is saying "I really think that you're very handsome". in yet another sketch, he has a complicated expression on his face that is a mixture of annoyance and resignation; his hands are folded in front of his chest in a pleading gesture and his speech bubble reads "There would be nothing I would love more than to not be around you all".ALT

finally finished my early Essek expression studies! (do not ask me how many times i’ve redrawn these since last year)

i adore Essek’s expressiveness and his shadowhand mask is a whole separate flavor of that expressiveness. my personal favorite here is that scene where Jester tried to butter him up by telling him how cool and handsome he is and Essek thanked her with the most self-satisfied face on, elegant lean forward and all. love a performative wizard

tip jar!