Oh well isn't it paid subcription on patreon to get the discord access?
Edit: i joined it!
And personnaly for animation i use the app provided with my graphic tablet, cartoon animator 4.
Although i been using adobe animate since my studies allows it. Buttttt for a free alternative krita is the best choice! If you wanna do manual since i think the results are better, it gives a more raffined touch to it and afterward it doesn't look "too polished" like animating on after effect would be