![Mass Effect: Hephaestus [BETA]](https://d1m9vqlvl3fy94.cloudfront.net/project/attachment/23026/logo1.png){kind=logo}
ATTENTION:
Due to a major malfunction with The Sims 2 engine and game on my current computer, I am unable to do any sort of crucial progress. I'm currently using my old laptop, but it's going slowly. The project itself isn't dead. I am still going to proceed with it... but at a slower pace than previously expected. However, as of right now, I'm currently in need of more Extra voices.
Warning: This is is going to be a long thread. It will be divided into several topics. I would appreciate if you could take your time into reading each one of them or those who are of your interest and let me know your thoughts down below. You're free to audition as to many characters as you wish.
Topics:
- Small Introduction
- What is Mass Effect: Hephaestus
- Plans
- How you can help
- Possible future
- The Voice Acting
Small Introduction
Even though this isn't exactly the best place to introduce myself, I'll do so as quickly as I can.
My name is Marco, I am nineteen years old and I'm currently studying Cinema and related Media at a local university. I'm also an editor and I've been editing since late 2006; I even opened a YouTube channel a decade ago where I've posted all sorts of videos and projects. One of these projects was a full-length film that began production in late of 2014. It was inspired by a known and hyped franchise at the time and was finally released in September of last year. You can see some of my works related to the Mass Effect series here.
What is Mass Effect: Hephaestus 
Mass Effect: Hephaestus is a full-length film where The Sims 2 and Source Film Maker's engines and resources are used in order to bring it to life. It'll feature a completely new story that shares no connection to the main characters of the original trilogy; the new characters will be fully voiced, both humans and aliens alike with their proper accents and sound editing; an original or familiar soundtrack and some references to the original games and other known properties.
What's the basic premise of this project? It is still raw, but it'll centre itself around a space station that carries around 300 humans was tasked to colonise a new world that is believed to support life. They will inspect and properly engineer the planet, making sure that it will be ready for future generations as Humanity is still expanding itself throughout the Milky Way. Being located rather far from the nearest Mass Relay, the trip itself would take up to a few days, but the station receives a distress signal and decides to go check it out. They find out a scattered a maroon scavenger team that apparently was attacked but could not remember what had happened. They bring the aliens back to their ship and welcome them, but things start heading south from there onward as inexplicable events began unravelling.
Plans
As previously mentioned, it is still raw. Only a handful of characters has been creating. Until June a script will be made, and hopefully, the proper development will start around Summer. Even though I successfully managed to complete my previous work and release it, it went through a tough and long process. There was a lack of organisation from the people who took place in it and from my part as well. The script was mostly improvised and divided into chapters to facilitate shootings. I was also still inexperienced and even swapped editing softwares midway. This time around I plan to be more organised, start off by managing a script, handling a team, shoot, editing and wrap it all up. After a year studying, I have learned many new things and plan to use them.
What I require for a team is the following:
- Writers[Required]
I need people who can help me out during the script's development. Help me improve the character's traits, surroundings and the overall feel and logic of the story. With a solid script, the project will reveal a much brighter future.
- Lore Experts[Required]
I'm no expert in the Mass Effect's lore. I know the essentials and perhaps even more than I can imagine, but I need someone to help me keep things in check, to avoid causing plot-holes and holes to the universe itself.
- The Sims 2 Experts[Optional]
People who know how to properly manipulate the game, and provide aid when needed.
- Editors[Optional]
This is optional. I am fully capable of editing the whole project for myself, but having someone more experienced than I am for special additional effects and tips would be a huge improvement.
- SFM Animator[Required]
This one is extremely important. Due to The Sims 2's limitations, I am unable to capture space and the image of a space station floating around. It is possible to do this project without it, but it will certainly underwhelm it.
- Voice Actors[Required]
This one is obvious. I'll require a solid cast for each character even if the cast itself isn't massive. Anyone can join as long as they meet certain requirements.
- Image Editors[Required]
People who can use Photoshop or anything of those sorts would be helpful for posters and any other similar media.
- Testers[Required]
People who can give me their opinions on what has been done so far, point out what they believe is right and wrong and what could be added.
How you can help
This will be a non-profitable piece of fiction. No currency will be made and sorted out regarding the project. But if you are willing to help, you can do easily so. If you meet any of the requirements stated above, please comment down below or send me a note. I also have a Skype and Discord and I'm constantly active there, so feel free to ask me for their tags. I really wish to move on with this project and make it happen'. It would be awesome!
The Voice Acting
Since this project is still at its BETA phase and official shootings won't start until July, I would like to search for actors as soon as possible and keep in contact with them. This way I'll be able to update each person and provide any sorts of questions and important information.
Anyone can audition as long as they believe that they are capable of delivering an acceptable performance. Accents are only guidelines.
Sandra Gibb is the protagonist, and the film evolves around the character. She is twenty-four years old, and an inspiring artist. Alongside other 300 people, she was picked for the Hephaestus Project in order to colonise a new human world. One of her biggest idols is commander Shepard, and she always found the commander fascinating, even before the Normandy crew was assembled. Her life was pretty generic back on Earth. She had a sister named Becca and both always got into fights as they barely shared any resemblance. Their mother always wanted to protect her daughters and would try to keep them inside of an idealistic world.
Personality traits:
Adventurous
Aspiring
Clever
Friendly
... and loves hamsters.
[Desbelief/Excitement] "I still can't believe it. So many signed up for this and I was accepted. I can't wait to see what lies ahead!"
[Exposition/Grief "I grew up back on Earth, small family. There was just me and my sister, Becca. We never got along... but my mother was always there for me. She had to keep us safe since our father was out there. He just... stopped bringing news. My mother never told me why. I think she was scared that we couldn't handle the truth."
[Alarming/Restless] "They're dead? What do you mean, they're dead? The Alliance funded this project! There's no way the engines would die like that! The communications are off, we're stranded! We need to find a way out of here..."
Marcus Stevens was still a teenager when humans and turians waged in war. He learned all about its horrors and still found it unfair for humanity to be denied of a seat on the council for so long. He joined the military as soon as he turned 18 and worked with the Alliance until he was almost forty. He decided to pursue politics and spent nearly seven years trying to convince his superiors that humanity could explore new territories. That dream finally came true.
Personality traits:
Aspiring
Intriguing
Charismatic
Methodical
Optimistic
[Demanding] "I'm the captain of this vessel, and I'm the one suited to carry on with the orders! You have no right to implement such authority against me!"
"A distress call? Didn't the records reveal that this sector was yet to be discovered? Are you sure that it's not some ancient message? No? Very well then. I'm positive that we can halt for the time being."
[Caring] "I'm glad that you're here... For the first time in years... I feel... hopeless. I've always wanted the best for humanity. Never expected for everything to turn out like this. For years I dreamt about this, and now it's all coming down to me like an avalanche."
Emily Logan is a spacer. She was born in space, daughter of two engineers. She never stepped foot on a real planet and besides her home, the other only place she has paid a visit was the Citadel back when inscriptions were still online. Most of her life was spent around machines and books; Emily was right one of the first picks to the project.
Personality traits:
Intelligent
Sarcastic
Close-minded
Practical
Resourceful
[Exposition] "I was born in space. I didn't have many friends... and as many dates as a girl would've wanted to, but I was happy. Everyone was too busy minding their own business, so naturally, I did the same. I'm one of the best damn engineers around this station. I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to build a home."
[Awe] "I was never a fan of turians. I'm glad we won't be seeing any of them where we're going. The asari however, those are a different story. I've never seen such beautiful people before..."
[Alarming] "How many times do I have to tell you? It wasn't a malfunction! Someone sabotaged our comm channels, the engines and the med bay! Ever since we gave those aliens safe-haven everything has been so complicated!"
Robert Garcia, also known as "Lusty Bobby" is the son of Sophia and Gabriel Garcia. They suggested bringing him along as he had nowhere else to go. Bobby wasn't okay with the idea and dyed his hair in order to... rebel against his parents. Both of his parents only noticed it a few weeks later.
Personality traits:
Anticipative
Punk
Exciting
Ferocious
[Chill] "Hey yo! IIf you think I'm just here because my parents know how to work, you're damn wrong! I can stand up for myself! Show me a krogan and a turian... or even, a kr-utian and I'll tear them to pieces!
[Embaressed] "Haha, that's a funny joke!... Wait, it wasn't a joke? You serious? Man, you aliens are so full of it."
[Angry] "Don't ya even start! All my life I've been ignored by the two only people who "cared" for me! I don't care what you think of me or my hair! You're not gonna stand in mah way!"
Thery Pound is in charge of purifying the air and water upon arrival at the new planet. With a set of gadgets and tools, she and a team will study the conditions of most types of materials and check if the local fauna is 100% safe for consumption. Inside the vessel, her role is almost minimal. She sometimes helps the cook but spends most of her hours taking pictures with an old-school camera that she found on the extranet.
Personality traits:
Adventurous
Flexible
Freethinking
Stubborn
[Eagerness] "Let me take one more picture, please? I need to get this album finished before we arrive!"
[Irony] "You mean... I'm not supposed to be here in my quarters playing with my omni-tool and arranging the thousands of pictures that I've been gathering since day 1? That's too bad."
[Problematic] "The coordinates are right!... I think. What is even my role here? I only know how to work with purifiers, not engines, controls or artificial intelligence... [Correcting] I mean, virtual. "
Lizbeth Coppock is part of the military team of the Hephaestus, tasked to ensure safety and that all protocols are followed by the staff.
Personality traits:
Dutiful
Admirable
Strong
Healthy
[Biased/Sarcasm] "You appear to have mistaken me for someone who gives a shit, sir. My duty here is to be certain that everyone survives the trip. I'm not here to waste time playing games!"
[Barking] "You heard the man, keep moving! Those aliens won't save themselves!"
"I could literally use a coffee right now."
Gabriel Garcia is another member of the military. He's the kind of husband who's rarely home because of his job. He is ruthless and wants the mission to succeed no matter what.
Personality traits:
Forceful
Honest
Liberal
Demanding
Important: Accent is only a guideline. If you're capable of speaking english, you can join in as well.
[Annoyed] "Perhaps we should've left him to rot back on Anhur... the kid's been nothing but trouble! He even dyed his hair! He'll be the death of me, I tell you..."
"Keep your voice down... We're not alone here. On my signal, we shoot. No questions asked."
"Get lost kiddo."
Sophia Garcia was born in Germany but moved out at a very young age and quickly revealed interest for the military. She is an officer who spent most of her career away from the frontlines. She cares deeply for her son, but isn't capable of showing it due to her busy schedule.
Personality traits:
Busy
Distracted
Workaholic
Planful
Important: Accent is only a guideline. If you're capable of speaking english, you can join in as well.
"I'm sorry Robert, but I need to keep everything well-organized if we want to fully colonize this world. There is no room for silly mistakes."
[Alarmed] "Some of the folders are... missing. That can't be possible. Euthenia, who was the last user to access the files and under whose authority?"
"I still remember the time where my parents used to bake me some Bethmännchen. Feels like years since I've paid them a visit."
Colleen Close lived most of her life on Eden Prime. She quickly got to work at her own clinic, but was approached by Marcus Stevens a few months prior to the Geth's attack.
Personality traits:
Well-read
Sympathetic
Generous
Decent
[Informative] "Did you really think one doctor was enough? We're in space; one is never enough. Unlike Heakida who is mostly specialised in psychology, my area is pathology. While she attends to the minds, my duty is to stop anyone from bleeding out."
[Nostalgic] "I had my own small clinic back at Eden Prime. Such a beautiful place, I might say. It's a shame what happened. I'm glad I was back at the Citadel then. I'll be forever grateful to Marcus for having contacted me before the Geth attacked. I lost my husband during the attack, but my job has kept my mind busy."
"Your stress levels are off the roof, Sandra. You need to be more careful, okay?"
Felix Woodbead is the main pilot of the Hephaestus station. He's the one mostly in charge of the wheel alongside other few members. He mostly trusts Euthenia as he supervised her maintenance schedule before they left Earth. He doesn't take things too seriously most of the time, but respects everyone appropriately, even aliens.
Personality traits:
Relaxed
Sly
Dorky
"Good morning Captain. The ship's a breeze this morning; nothing to report. "
"Euthenia? Could you take care of things for a few minutes? I need to... ya know, deport the 'cargo' downstairs. It won't take a while."
"Pfft! No way she would go offline! I mean, if she was to die on us or something, then the station would be vulnerable. I know it's an old station, but still... We're gonna spend a few weeks out in there space. Who knows what can happen'?"
Asari are a mono-gender race. They are distinctly feminine in appearance and possess maternal instincts. Their unique physiology, expressed in a millennium-long lifespan and the ability to reproduce with a partner of any gender or species, gives them a conservative yet convivial attitude toward other races
Heakida is a long-time friend of Captain Marcus Stevens. The whole initiative was purely meant for humans, but the Captain suggested that Heakida was one of the best when it came to scientific medicine and that she would prove to be a great asset, especially in psychology.
Personality traits:
Efficient
Disciplined
Dedicated
Cultured
Articulate
[Informative] "I managed to analyse one of the rescued scavengers. He appears to suffer from an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His records were kept rather bland. I will run more tests tomorrow."
[Sulky] "The only reason why you're here is because it was given me a chance to bring someone "right-minded". Truth be told, you are only here because I owed you a share of favours. I should have repaid them sooner..."
[Conflicted] "By the goddess! She was shot!? Put her over there and keep it pressured while I see what I can do!"
Asari are a mono-gender race. They are distinctly feminine in appearance and possess maternal instincts. Their unique physiology, expressed in a millennium-long lifespan and the ability to reproduce with a partner of any gender or species, gives them a conservative yet convivial attitude toward other races
No one can tell just how old Liossa is, but one thing is for sure, she has attitude. Dancer, commando, mercenary, chef, librarian... Liossa has found her way into everything one way or another.
Personality traits:
Cocky
Seductive
Colorful
Daring
Dramatic
[Seductive] "Oh darling, don't be like that. Whether you like it or not, you can't live without me. After all, I was the one who got you off that club, wasn't I? You owe me this chance more than anything."
"Humans can sometimes be so boring... I'm going to miss the krogan. Ohh, just to think about the times they could keep a girl happy and safe... only to demand more and get blasted through the nearest window. Good times, good times..."
[Rude] "Oh boo-whoo! If I die here, I'll kill you myself you scum-worthy piece of silk trash!"
The quarians are a nomadic species of humanoid aliens known for their skills with technology and synthetic intelligence. Since their homeworld was conquered, the quarians live aboard the Migrant Fleet, a huge collection of starships that travel as a single fleet.
Cera'Yas nar Fanna is a young quarian who left for her Pilgrimage. All young quarians are required to undertake a Pilgrimage outside the fleet in order to pass into full adulthood and is an opportunity to experience the outside world. Naturally, Cera was extremely excited, but her first few routes lead down bad ways. She ended up in Omega, a haven for criminals and was stripped of all of her credits. She was offered a chance to join a crew and explore, earning a chance to get back her lost money and continue her journey.
Personality traits:
Shy
Naïve
Witty
Sentimental
Resourceful
IMPORTANT!
Her accent isn't supposed to be only russian! Any kind of accent is acceptable as long as it can mimic one of a quarian or follow the Eastern European pattern!
"Keelah se'lai..."
[Hopeful] "I hope that you have enough chemics to keep me alive... I'm afraid of catching an infection..."
[Exposition] "My name is Cera'Yas nar Fanna. I'm on my Pilgrimage. My family gave me a few credits so that I could explore the galaxy, but I got tricked and lost all of them when I visited Omega. I couldn't even afford transport! Because I'm so good with tech, a group of exploers asked me if I wanted to join them... and here I am."
The drell are omnivorous reptile-like humanoids with an average lifespan of 85 years. Drell appearance is very similar to asari and humans, but their muscle tissue is slightly denser, giving them a wiry strength.
Not much is known about Kolri. He likes to keep everything to himself. He was once very religious but chose to abandon that path for unknown reasons. He was part of a group of scavengers and possible bounty hunters.
Personality traits:
Secretive
Quiet
Discreet
Relentless
"My intentions are my own. I do not plan to share them; My thoughts and activities are unknown to others; they are my secrets, and I will forever hold them."
[ View-Narrating a flashback/Apologize]" As the sun sparkled across the river, water rising as he looked upon her, she felt his touch, but was strengthened by the bond that existed between them... (Pause) Sorry. That was nothing but an old memory.
[Alarmed] "Close the door! Don't let any of them inside!"
Euthenia is Hephaestus' station Virtual Intelligence(VI). It is responsible to provide information to whoever approaches or contacts her. She is also in charge of keeping all of the crucial data and information flowing, keeping track of all personel.
"Hello, and welcome to Project Hephaestus. If you are here, then that means that you are one of the 300 chosen to be part of the new human colonisation procedure to the recently discovered planet Hephaistos. This vessel can hold up to nearly 350 passagers, and it contains all suitable needs for an enjoyable voyage. If you have any further questions, please do no hesitate to contact me."
"Planet Hephaistos, also known as planet 2212, was discovered by Lyudmila Chernykh 205 years ago. It was considered a minor planet but after a thorough investigation and close inspection by a small crew, it was deemed reliable and supportive of humanoid lives. Its atmosphere and colour scheme is similar to Mars."
"I'm sorry, but you do not meet the qualified requirements and authorization to acess this panel. Please contact a superior and try again later. Thank you."
The Alliance News Network (ANN) is a galactic news broadcasting network. It was founded during the early decades of human space exploration and was originally a low-profile news organization known mostly for a series of exposés during the war. With a focus on galaxy-wide reporting, the ANN opened bureaus on planets across known space, winning a few awards for excellence and earning a multi-species audience.
"Admiral Peter Mikhailovich issued a public statement of support for the batarian fighters: “As we fight for survival, we must give all due respect to our new allies,” said the veteran of the Skyllian Blitz. “These warriors are fighting alongside races they had once declared undying hatred for, and doing so without the slaves to treat their injuries, as they were accustomed to. They wish to prove that they can shoulder any burden and fight any opposing force, no matter how horrific the casualties they will incur doing so. We owe them that chance.”"
"Interplanetary Combatives Training (ICT)
is the Systems Alliance’s premier leadership and combat expertise
course, dedicated to battling the threats of the 22nd century. The
Interplanetary Combatives Academy, informally called “the villa,”
recruits officers from all branches of Earth’s major military powers;
the finest candidates may attend the school’s primary location at Vila
Militar in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The trainees undergo brutal courses,
content varied depending on how many times they have trained at the
school."
"The Alliance’s prominent role in the Reaper War means that many N7
soldiers have been called upon to train alien species in asymmetric,
anti-Reaper warfare, taking advantage of their expertise in fighting on
alien worlds. From a command perspective, these are designated “N7
forces” because of the status of their commanding officer; it does not
mean that all the soldiers under that CO are N7s themselves. These
mixed-species teams have given the galaxy some of their most valuable
victories. Conventional wisdom holds that small, elite ground troops,
such as the N7s, cannot possibly win a war against foes with space
superiority, such as the Reapers, but long odds do nothing to diminish
the spirits of the Milky Way’s finest combatants.”"
A mysterious entity apparently finds its own way onboard shortly after the remaining scavengers were found. Some of the colonists believe that they are not alone will sometimes experience delusions, claim that someone is stalking them and talking to them while they sleep.
[Inconspicuous] "Do not try to deny it. You belong to me now."
[Fake reassurence] "Do you believe that your friends will save you? They are meaningless. Do as I say and you will be rewarded."
[Frightener] "You will obey me! Everyone shall succumb to my will!"
The chances of requiring more voices for extra characters is there. It's a huge vessel after all. Feel free to try as many accents and improvisations as possible.
[Civilains]
"Euthenia, I would like to know how long it'll take until we arrive?"
"Is there anything in particular that my family and I should know about these aliens?"
"I have no idea what she meant. Maybe you should check on her tomorrow."
"The food here is awful. I miss the sushi back at the Citadel."
[Authority]
"Sir, you're not supposed to be here. Please, turn around."
"Something wrong, ma'am?"
"Please remain calm, there is nothing to worry about. Everything is under control."
"Please show me your authentication to this sector."
[Workers]
"Dammit! There was a breach on this side of the wall. Think it'll be an easy fix?"
"Is there anything that you would like to drink tonight?"
"We're about to approach a meteor zone, are you positive that this is the best course of action, sir?"
"I'm not really familiar with the station's design... but I think that it's down the hallway."
