CHI Project - Casting Round 3
Project Overview
Every 7 years, the prestigious King's Invitational is held in the nation of Lyssidia. Sponsors seek out only the most promising gladiator candidates to rise to the occasion.
The prize? An audience with the king himself, as well as one wish that he MUST oblige, no matter what...
...or so the announcements claim.
In reality, very few newcomers make it to that stage, with event after event rigged to fall into the hands of those backed by an aristocracy with no intentions of allowing any threats to the status quo to pass...
...but what happens when someone is killed outside of the arena?
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Round 3 of auditions! Just finishing up the remaining characters of relative importance, whether that be an NPC, optionally playable, or a boss fight.
[[[[[fullbody images for the characters being casted:]]]]
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1u-Cp1f9SyMV-nxCEzAUKQARJMJQrT33M7w-FlVyRxoQ/edit?tab=t.0
original Round 1 cast page here: https://www.castingcall.club/projects/chi-project
Round2 cast page here: https://www.castingcall.club/projects/chi-project-casting-round-2
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CHI Project is a RenPy visual novel with a turn-based combat system and detective investigation segments.
You can play a demo here (contains 3 chapters for each of the three main characters, final chapter hopefully launching later this year):
https://nonpacifistbroom.itch.io/chi-project
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3326170/CHI_Project/
there's also a kickstarter going until the 17th if you're curious
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chi-project/chi-project-the-final-chapter
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Voice Actor
The Sheriff of Precinct 8 in Ghost Alley, where Ryka (one of our protagonists) is currently stationed.
The mentor of the late Captain Cuiqiao Luo. The horrific death of the late Captain at the hands of Cerberus Triad resulted in a massive crackdown on syndicate activity nation-wide, with Wilhelm serving at the forefront of such measures in the city of Galehar.
Since then though, he's taken more of a backseat when it comes to investigating crime. He has grown old, consigning him primarily to a desk job where he oversees more bureaucratic matters. He still sees action from time to time, but it takes more out of him than it used to in his prime.
He has a deep voice, but where it once might have sounded powerful and worth of respect, it has weakened. There is a certain paternalistic way he carries himself, he is patient and offers advice when he deems necessary, but he is not warm. It is simply the role that is expected of him to play, and he is too tired to be anything else.
- american
- male senior
In times like these... compromises must be made.
I hope you understand the opportunity you’ve been given, Detective. You’ll have plenty of time to ask them any questions regarding your... private investigation.
I hold in my hands the weight of the world. Do you understand? Can you conceive of that weight? All of the lives that slip through my fingers like sand?
Voice Actor
An AI assistant who's stuck in what is essentially a VR gym program.
Initially Cassola behaves like any other AI assistant: impersonally cheerful and willing to please.
This, however, does not reflect their actual personality. When allowed to be more... forthcoming, Cassola can be quite crass and snarky. Not very brand-friendly at all.
Despite (or perhaps in spite of) hating their purpose as an intelligent assistant for gladiators, Cassola does have an interest in the sport still, and is particularly enamored with golem contestants, athletes who have fully mechanical bodies. But still, there's a certain alienation from the fact that those are humans who have transplanted their souls, rather than true machines like Cassola themselves.
They are very prone to mood swings, even mid-sentence. Cassola oscillates between the pre-programmed cheery tone and a very caustic passive aggressiveness, but it all hides a very lonely interior as an existence that cannot empathize with their customers, and has no real way of meeting anyone like themselves.
- androgynous
Welcome, esteemed new user, to the Virtual Reality Combat Simulator System (Patent Pending) produced by Immersia LLC. I am your guide, Cassola, a top of the line AI assistant designed to ensure your experience is as comfortable and efficient as possible.
...look, I'm gonna level with you. I don't wanna be here either. But I kinda don't exist outside of this program, so I'm shit outta luck when it comes to things to do. I'm kinda lonely, y'know...? But I get it, you're an introvert or whatever and probably getting major anxiety from having to talk to someone. Just do what you came here to do, and I'll just fuck off. Peace out.
That is so... interesting... that you decided to do that. You're making this... difficult... yes, difficult, on yourself. Wow, I really do admire you always challenging yourself! Even when there were MUCH. EASIER. WAYS.
Voice Actor
Born to Juno Capitolina, a high-ranking administrator at Aonia Holdings, Alcaeus Scirlocke had the resources to succeed as a gladiator from the start.
Known professionally as "The Hunter," Scirlocke has been in the gladiator business for well over a decade now, and has amassed quite the pile of feats. On the list of Top 100 Gladiators Of A Time, he'd be a comfortable contender for somewhere in the top 80.
But that's not enough for him.
During his second year, he was overshadowed by a newcomer: Lincoln "The Lionheart' Cyrune (one of our protagonists). Initially, this newcomer was to debut as yet another stage rival for The Hunter, but the popularity of The Lionheart soared past anyone's expectations, leading to a heel-face-turn for the latter, reversing the dynamic. Suddenly The Hunter was now the heel, with The Lionheart taking the spotlight as the hero.
Scirlocke never quite got over that. Even after Lincoln's sudden retirement from the spotlight, Scirlocke has continued to harbor resentment. All of the marketing around his opponents have fed into the hole where Lincoln once stood, framing them as "The Next Lionheart" and other legacy-related phrases. A feeling that only grow more consuming when Lincoln returned to the arena for the first time in 7 years.
There's a soft rasp to how Scirlocke speaks, quietly with barely restrained disgust and a mocking tone. He may have all the wealth he could ever want, but he sure doesn't feel like he gets any of the respect he deserves.
- male adult
- raspy
So you’re finally back. Everyone was asking for you. “Where’s the Lionheart?” “When’s the next match against the Lionheart?” It’s true though, there really is no one quite like you... I hate it.
Don’t look at me like that. I won’t accept your pity.
Ngh... grrrrAAAAH!!!
Voice Actor
An indie livestreamer who films herself getting into street brawls. Affiliated with the sukeban that work under Asuka.
With the gladiator business becoming more and more difficult to break into, the internet has provided an alternate means for people to get their name out there: beating each other up in public. While technically illegal, the police have their priorities set elsewhere. So as long as none of the brawls interfere with big corporations, then they are free to do as they please.
Unlike most livestreamers, K4NON did once have a career as a gladiator. Unfortunately, she was let go when her sponsor was bought out by a larger company, leading to the firing of excess talent. Though she learned much and has retained the combat and showmanship skills she learned in the arena, losing her job did not do good things for her family, and that shame sticks with her. Even if it's not her fault.
That being said, she no longer has to stick to a prescribed stage name or presence. So she's let a bit loose, becoming more comfortable with letting her real self show. Wasn't ever really a fan of smiling. Wasn't ever really good at it. The way she sees it, those sort of things were just to make her more "marketable."
K4NON is a bit monotone and inexpressive, but attempts to indulge in cheesy/hammy theatrics nonetheless. The contrast between her outlandish words/actions and her low energy are what form her appeal towards her core audience.
- american (brooklyn)
- female teen
- female adult
- american (boston)
- black american
Yo, shout out to cooperhead499 for the 4k credzzzz. This next one goes out to you. Ooh. Hear that crack? That's the sound 4000'll getcha.
Okay, okay. Let's put this to a vote. Type "1" if you wanna see a suplex, type "2" for the usual instead.
Chat, are you seeing this? It's like the sky is... bleeding... I'm gonna go take a closer look.
Voice Actor
X: Rooster, one of the Twelve Stars of the Cerberus Triad.
Formerly a prize fighter found participating in underworld fighting rings. She did have dreams of becoming an above-board gladiator at one point, but she needed immediate cash, which put her in unsavory company. After a few years, her talent caught the eyes of higher ups in the Triad, and so they offered her a new job.
Now one of the Twelve Stars, Rooster sends more money home to her younger siblings. But the fights just aren't as exciting as they used to be, as she's a bit of a glorified attack hound being thrown around to intimidate rather than to actually battle. It's made her contemplative about what she really wants in life, torn between her duty to her family, and her desire for satisfaction.
Rooster's combat style isn't particularly flashy, but it is effective. She puts her massive size and well-built body to good use pummeling and grappling her opponents into submission with her impressively large arms.
In a professional setting, Rooster speaks confidently, with larger than life gravitas. In some contexts, she'd come across as a cartoonish superhero, but her current workplace is anything but that.
In more private settings though, Rooster is quite bubbly, speaking at length about how awesome her siblings are and what they're doing. A tough big sister type who's great at hugs.
- female adult
Haha! You see THESE guns? Pow! Doesn't get more high caliber than that, I tell you what.
Look! Look at this! Another straight A for my little sis...! Oh man, she is GOING places!
You think you've been through hell...? I'll show you just how lukewarm it really is.
Voice Actor
XI: Dog, one of the Twelve Stars of the Cerberus Triad.
On the surface she looks like an ordinary 8 year old child, with the mentality to match, but in actuality she is a dangerous lab experiment kept on a relatively loose leash.
Originally born "Serena Jones," she was taken from her father while she was hospitalized and subjected to numerous operations by the Cerberus Triad to mold and weaponize her rare genetic condition. Their efforts bore fruit, and Serena possesses the rare ability to freely manipulate her own muscle mass with her CHI. Within the blink of an eye, she can transform from a small child to a towering werewolf form.
Serena is cheerful and innocent, even when slicing people open. Her voice deepens dramatically when transformed, but she still dissonantly follows the same speech pattern.
- female child
Let's play hide and seek! I'll be it! 10... 9...
Wow! You're really strong. Let's play even more... Hehehehehe... *wolf howl*!!!!
I'll huff and puff and TEAR YOUR EYES OUT!!!
Voice Actor
A "journalist" working for the Quarter Bureau. Codenamed "Nickel," real name left unknown.
As a teen, Nickel got involved with the Cerberus Triad, doing small errands for them, and eventually becoming a proper Red Pole. But after spending some time in a jail cell, he started to rethink his life. Leaving the Triad would paint a target on his back, but continuing to run with them would mean more and more extreme tests of loyalty in the future. In the end, his salvation came in the form of Vilina Quarter.
Quarter offered him a job at her then up-and-coming Quarter Bureau as her first journalist, seeing potential in his connections to scrounge up information she otherwise wouldn't be able to obtain through more legal channels.
His former affiliation has barred him from being allowed to legally acquire a freelancer license, but thanks to the efforts of Quarter, he is employed.
Nickel isn't a particularly skilled fighter, but he's a slippery individual with a silver tongue, able to escape many situations with words alone. And maybe a hidden knife behind his back. Still, he's definitely fallen way over his head into some sticky situations that required Dime or Quarter to bail him out. Very hard to hate the guy though.
Nickel is laidback and outwardly very affable in a disarming way that people find very charming. He can talk to anyone he bumps into, and they'll be smiling like old friends afterwards. Mostly. To others, he's kind of slimy.
- male adult
- new york italian
- italian american
- brooklyn italian
See now, there's your problem. You know, this reminds me of back in '64 when...
No harm done, right? Why don't we just let bygones be bygones...
Hey, hey. When have I ever let you down? Just keep an eye out, you'll be the first to know, Boss.
Voice Actor
A First Class Freelancer, known as the "Twilight Lich" or "The Hundred-Handed One."
The youngest to qualify for First Class in recent memory, made even more impressive by the fact she did so while working for the very competitive Acheron Branch of Phalanx Consulting, responsible for expeditions to the overrun mainland. Ever since the Age of Monsters, the mainland has become an irradiated hellscape full of dangerous mutants. Most who venture there perish immediately and unceremoniously, while Kali has survived 3 separate trips.
Her moniker comes from her incredible talent for kinetics and sculpting, managing to lift several hundreds of sword-like CHI constructs at once, then precisely guiding each and every one of them.
Kali is calm and soft-spoken, and perhaps a bit rigid. She's not very approachable by her coworkers, but it makes sense why. It's unclear whether most of them will stick around for very long, so the effort likely isn't worthwhile.
- female young adult
- all english accents
Kali Quarter, present. What are your orders?
Brace for impact. The kraken is hunting now.
Gaze upon the many stars in the night sky. Under their light, do you feel alone? Or will you continue to walk in shadow?
Voice Actor
Cashier at the NeoPop located in Miyabi Mall by day, semi-professional card game tournament goer at night.
Back during the final years of compulsory ed, Marie befriended Ryka Pollux, and even got the latter to try going to tournaments with her. Unfortunately, Ryka went into the police academy soon after graduation, and the two lost contact. Still, Marie didn't let that get her down, and she continued competing on her own whenever she had time off from work.
In the present day (as a sidequest), the two have reunited. Marie hopes that she and Ryka could become friends again, but is having difficulty adjusting to the latter's change in personality.
Marie is outwardly energetic and very social, but she's more of an introvert at heart. One of the things she appreciated about Ryka was never feeling like she had to put up a mask around the latter. She's able to be kind and caring, but she wonders if she's really like that, or if she's just rehearsed herself into developing a habit of it.
- female young adult
- irish
...Ryka? Oh my gosh, it IS you...! What brings you to NeoPop? Keeping up with the new Dice Wars expansion?
You don’t say whole a lot, but that just means what you DO wanna say is important, I think. Most people talk a lot, but say very little, y'know what I mean?
You’ve changed... I’m... happy for you. Really. ...
Voice Actor
Priest-in-training for the Galehar Chapter of the Church of Cybele Sophia.
Due to the current rise of unemployment, membership of the Church has seen exponential growth in recent years, offering a safe haven regardless of background and detached from the typical financial pressures of society. In the current world where the job market is uncertain and the only employment left is various kinds of "beating each other up," an option like this appeals to many.
The ultimate goal of the Church is to ascend to Agartha, and it currently is establishing a digital community referred to as The Collective to achieve this goal.
Gabby is a bubbly individual who wants to help everyone join said Collective. Their devotion is genuine, but not simply in a belief capacity. Gabby themselves had an interest in robotics that was halted by the sudden loss of their eyesight. It was the Church that came in their time of need, paid for their prosthetic eyes, and out of gratitude, Gabby has continued working with them to provide aid to those without the finances to undergo operations like these.
Their mind is bright, just like their personality, a shining light and bundle of joy that's happy to lend an ear or hand to anyone who needs help.
- male teen
- female teen
- androgynous
- latin american spanish
Praise be! May Cybele smile upon you!
Oh! The actuator seems to be experiencing a power surge... Have you checked the valves? Maybe you need to recalibrate the output?
That's so sad! I'll talk with the Elder, there must be something that can be done!
Voice Actor
An Elder associated with the Church of Cybele Sophia.
Formerly a literature professor, until discovering they had cancer. Uriel's body has since been entirely replaced with robot parts, becoming a golem as treatment, funded by several of their students' generosity.
Initially it was a difficult adjustment, and made mobility very awkward. But one fateful day, a strange sensation appeared in their soul, and suddenly their range of motion felt natural again. Uriel resumed teaching, but anti-golem sentiments forced them to leave their position and retire.
It was then that they encountered the Church of Cybele through an old student of theirs. From that point onwards, Uriel found new purpose in welcoming newcomers into the fold, finding it a similar outlet for the same feelings behind being a teacher.
Uriel is kindly and a bit absent-minded at times, a sort of quirky university professor.
- male adult
- female senior
- male senior
- female adult
- androgynous
- spanish
Yes of course, Gabby... now, where did I put that pen...?
There are many wonderful things in this world. I am quite fond of those curly fries at Dalmore's... Ah, but alas, I no longer possess a mouth.
Death is a fascinating idea to me. What does it mean to truly die? When I speak to you, do you believe I am alive? I think, therefore I am, but you cannot see those thoughts I possess, can you? How do you know I am truly thinking? How do you know I am alive?
Voice Actor
Bouncer and waitress at the Waning Crescent by day, assistant to a private eye by night.
Linzhi is an upbeat go-getter who's been raring to take on a real challenge, but has largely been kept to smaller assignments by her adoptive guardian, former Second Class Freelancer "The Judge," also colloquially known as "Madam Bao" by customers. She understands that the world they live in is a dangerous place, but that doesn't stop her from being a bit miffed whenever she's left out of the action.
Linzhi is very upbeat, with a bit of a mischievous streak. She's never afraid to express to her annoyance, sometimes with brass knuckles in hand.
- female teen
- american (texas)
- chinese (mandarin)
Where the hell’ve ya been anyway, Lincoln? Too busy to call in from time to time?
I’m not a child anymore, Madam Bao. I reckon I’m actually older than Lincoln was when he first wandered into town.
Taro? Oh, he said he couldn’t wait no longer. He’s preppin’ to head to the Bilges.
Voice Actor
Owner of the Waning Crescent, a small bar and restaurant in Ghost Alley.
Bartender by day, detective-vigilante hybrid by night. If you ever ran into a problem in the streets of Ghost Alley, you could always count on Madam Bao to track down those ne’er-do-wells and then bash some heads in on your behalf.
But you don’t get a physique like that just from pouring drinks or waiting tables. Formerly a First Class Freelancer known as "The Judge," Madam Bao was forced to retire when her acts of justice became too inconvenient for the police, and her license was revoked. These days she operates in an unofficial capacity.
Madam Bao is gruff, tough, and very much on the cranky side. But she's got a soft spot for her adoptive granddaughter, Linzhi.
- chinese (mandarin)
- female senior
- american (texas)
Long time no see, Lincoln. Here I thought you’d drunk yourself to an early grave.
Pshaw. Don’t get polite with me, brat.
You’re too young to know. Hell, I’m too young to know either. My great grandmama grew up hearin’ stories of the Age of Monsters. And if even a third of that is true... Those things will kill you. Linzhi, you’re not ready.
Voice Actor
An air-headed and dramatic individual who lives in Ghost Alley.
Convinced that there are strange beings lurking around the city, Taro has taken it upon himself to find and document all of them. Unfortunately his efforts have yet to bear fruit.
It won't deter him though! For he knows that fruit tastes the sweetest when one sows seeds for it themselves, and thus he is dedicated to his mission.
He has an odd friendship with Linzhi, who largely doesn't share his superstitions, but tags along because she thinks it would be fun in the event something does happen.
Taro is incredibly hammy, never letting his energy fall below 100%, even in the most mundane of tasks.
- male adult
Hark! Madam Bao, I have yet again glimpsed that foul blackguard lurking within the septics and sewage...
Alack! So it comes to this... Gaze upon mine right hand in awe and BEHOLD!
T-Then... will thyself shall help mineself?!
Voice Actor
The enigmatic allegedly "landlady" of the Bilges, a small settlement found in the sewers of the city of Galehar. As far as the people of the Bilges know, they suddenly appeared one day and drastically raised the standard of living there, chasing out the street gang that used to serve as their governing body. Since then, they have largely kept to themself, outside of negotiating with the police to ensure that they stay out of their business. It is unclear what gives them this authority.
They are also the proprietor of a small pawn shop that buys and sells an odd assortment of items, ranging from clothes to combustion engines to even prototype military weaponry.
The people of the Bilges appreciate the magnanimity of their benefactor, and do not question further. To be in the sewers in the first place is an indication that something went awry in your lifetime. Perhaps they too are running from something.
Very few dare to chat her up, and Dr. Polly keeps her distance too. Except for Taro. Something about that person elicits constant eye rolls from Polly, which is a rare sign of emotion from them.
Dr. Polly has a smoky voice that feels like a perpetual whisper, drawn out over each syllable deliberately.
- androgynous
...I believe I made myself clear that the subterranean levels were off-limits, Taro. The danger posed is too great to risk.
is something the matter...? I can vouch for the legal... procurement... of this item...
As for the swordsman... ... ...you also possess great strength. But I suspect you will not demonstrate it for me.
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