What is Stardrifters?
Stardrifters is a 3D animated sci-fi action adventure cartoon featuring a group of five space outlaws and their journey to find their way in a vast alien world. Our heroes are Maya Chambers; the cheerful daughter of Starknight Nova; one of the greatest alien outlaws to ever surf the stars; and her best friend Tyler Green; an ex-cop from planet Earth thrown into an alien world he can't quite understand. Together they must live off the grid, avoid the prying eyes of the Supremacy, and free her father Vega from the clutches of the illusive Dragon King; an infamous revolutionary who seeks to unite all stardrifters under his budding kingdom; the Outbound Branch. Within this warring cosmos, Maya and Tyler meet many allies and make enemies, including the cunning politician Valerie Gladian, the crude mercenary Spade, the Dragon Slayer Le’von Evoress, and more!
Art Disclosure
I am currently using my character sheets as drawn by myself to represent these characters for a visual, but do know we have commissioned art and 3D Models, just not of these characters specifically. These drawings are not true representations of what the show will look like, only to give the VA an idea of what the character looks like.
Rules of Entry!
All participants are required to have a discord account. Winners will be invited to the project server and receive the script. I have no preferences for hardware as long as it sounds clear and doesn't peak.
I. World Building - The Starscape
The world of Stardrifters is referred to as the Starscape. It encompasses an expansive reach of space with several planets, peoples, monsters, and governments. I will be taking a moment to run down the key players. This way character descriptions down below will be more clear with the broader context.
II. World Building - The Supremacy
The Supremacy is the starscape’s most prominent government; a unified coalition of planets that span the wide range of the known universe. There are many exceptions to their influence and much of the show displays the ongoing conflict between the Supremacy and those who seek to abolish its reign or simply live outside its reach. The Supremacy is dictated by several planetary councils, including a high chairman to maintain order. Despite its preaching, the Supremacy is prone to much corruption and with little to oppose, few can hope to stand against it. The Supremacy’s practices are often extreme, occasionally immoral, and sometimes hypocritical, leading to a great rise in criminality in its people, turning many citizens to drifter or worse, revolutionists.
III. World Building - Outbound
Outbound refers to any area unclaimed by the Supremacy’s authority. Whether they are rogue, savage, hidden, unified, or separate, these areas are free from the Supremacy's control akin to that of ‘No Man’s Land' or ‘Uncharted Territory.’
IV. World Building - Stardrifters
Stardrifters or ‘drifters’ as they are often called refers to space outlaws who exist outside the authority or the Supremacy. They are often painted as terrorists, but not all drifters are nefarious. Some drifters are mercenaries, some are noble, some are savage, and some are rebels. It is a general term for ‘intergalactic outlaw' and applies to most characters within the show, including our main characters hence the name Stardrifters.
V. World Building - The Outbound Branch
The Outbound Branch is a league of alien societies recruited and unified under Crono for the express purpose of serving him and his ultimate ambition to dethrone the Supremacy. The Outbound Branch is a direct counter to the Supremacy’s tyranny and unlike the Supremacy which is run beneath a council, Crono’s Outbound Branch is a monarchy that answers to him as the one true king of the free world. The settlements of Outbound feature species of aliens oppressed by the Supremacy, species deemed too rugged and unwieldy to properly integrate and thus Outbound is a much more loose and diverse set of individuals. Additionally there is a greater emphasis on combat, nobility, and the hidden arts of ancient magic.
VI. World Building - Delta Federation
The Delta Feds are a small band of rebels who operate independent of the Supremacy seeking to combat against Crono’s growing Outbound Branch. The group is run by Ava Stella and its primary concern is with Crono rather than Outbound, seeing great danger within his endless ambition. If he is to succeed in his conquest of the Supremacy they fear he will rule absolute and plunge the world into a new dark age. The organization contains only one settlement of land, hidden away from the Supremacy on the planet Corveria.
VII. World Building - The Mohan Empire
Before the dawn of the Supremacy and before the age of the outlaw, there was another super power that ruled the starscape; the Mohan Empire. The alien species known as the Mohan's; formidable demons of the cosmos, powerful warriors who once served their emperor, Markus Asmodeus. Unlike the Outbound Branch and even the Supremacy, the Empire was cruel, unforgiving, and completely absent of remorse. The Mohan's enslaved many species. They believed in survival of the fittest, a fixation on power, glory, and subjugation. Within the setting of the show, the Mohan Empire has been long abolished, destroyed by the Supremacy in the events of the Mohan War. The remaining Mohans were integrated into their government leading to the modern events of the show. However, beneath the surface the Empire dwells in the shadows biding time till their inevitable return.
VIII. World Building - Planet Earth / Haven
Within the starscape, Earth is a hidden planet. Very few know of its existence. The humans know nothing of the alien worlds beyond their stars are considered a myth, a myth rarely told referring to the planet as Haven. Earth has little screen time in the show, but has significance since both our main protagonists Maya and Tyler were born there. They must keep its existence a secret and defend it from those who seek to find it.
Thank you everyone for all your submissions and efforts to the show! I appreciate all of you!
We are nearing the end of the Casting Call! There are only a few roles left so I have decided to extend the Deadline from September 30th to October 10th!
I appreciate everyone's contributions and if you have not gotten a role, know that there will be another Casting Call moving forward for background characters! So there is another opportunity for you around the corner!
The almighty Warchief of Aljuzu. Argos rules over the Aljuzu Salazian tribe with an iron fist. She is a formidable opponent, hardened by a life of hunting, and takes her place beneath Crono as one of his high elites of the Outbound Branch. She is equal parts warrior and seductress, a dominating force who enjoys toying with both enemies and allies alike. Despite her flirtations, she rarely indulged in romantic affairs, all a game of dominance with no real strings attached.
She is self-indulgent, remaining loyal only to those who prove their worth. Her goal is to become Crono’s most trusted ally, earning her way to seize his power and resources anyway she pleases. She does not seek to betray Crono, but merely prove herself as his greatest ally; the only one who deserves to be his equal.
Faction:
Outbound Branch
Appearance:
Salazian (salamander woman), tall, fit, tribal, age 30-35
Voice Reference:
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxIgegWiCsaBH709uQsstv2RqD0QEGb7Ig?si=hmq4WEG54UCwVRJu
(Confident/Appreciative): “Consider it done. The other tribes… may need further convincing. I shall take that responsibility upon myself, spread the news of your… generous offering. You have made a powerful ally in Aljuzu.”
(Flirtatious): “So curious. These tribal markings produce molten heat at my command. I am one of the few to acquire them. You’ll find I possess many secrets… if you are willing enough to find them.”
(Outraged): “With all due respect, Lord Crono, you are making a huge mistake. First you choose that amateur, Revrous, to lead your combat operations, and now you bring this wretched prisoner… this murderer of your people to battle along your side? I am the only one who has proved to be your true successor. These fools will not suffice.”
High Elite of the Outbound Branch, Lady Revrous rules over the settlement of New Sanctuary in Crono’s kingdom and takes a special place in the ranks as his most trusted ally. Saved during a siege of her village, Crono took in Revrous and her Yeral kin under his new kingdom of Outbound, putting her forever in his debt. In the innocent eyes of Revrous, Crono is more than a king; a messiah who has given her everything she could ever hope for in life, saving her people from certain death.
Revrous is a simple-minded character. Most see her as naïve, hyperactive, and foolish. This, however, is far from the truth as while Revrous may seem ditzy, she possesses much knowledge of government and is an extremely skilled battle tactician. She exudes a giddy, positive admiration for Crono, who she often refers to as master, despite his pushback. Her role in the show is to be an antagonist, but more than anything else, to show that not everyone beneath Crono is as cruel as he is. Revrous is the positive leader that Crono knows he cannot be and thus plans to one day have her take his place when his reign meets its end.
Faction:
Outbound Branch
Appearance:
Yeral (wolf woman), short, age 20-25
Voice Reference:
I wasn't able to find an exact example for Revrous. I'm up for different interpretations on this one. I'm thinking something squeaky and vibrant, youthful, and gremlin-esc. Almost like a female Igor, but not as monstrous, if that makes sense? Like someone who’d say “yes, master” and rub their hands together - that kinda thing, but still bubbly and cutesy.
(Embarrassed): “Master’s home? Gah, Master!!! I wasn't expecting your arrival to be so soon. Sorry about the mess. I was… keeping busy, heh heh.”
(Triumphant): “Crono is more than a king! He is the strength we draw from, the pride and soul of our people!”
(Somber/Introspective): “This title you have given me… “Revrous”. I worry I may not live up to its reputation. You saved us in times of darkness. One day I wish to protect you like you did us.”
Courageous leader of the Delta Federation. Ava Stella is a rogue Salazian who broke away from her savage tribe in hopes to find purpose elsewhere as a rebel of those who seek to control others. She found her Salazian brethren to be primitive and was disgusted by their warring ways.She stands as an exiled member of her species, finding herself intrigued with possessing knowledge beyond her limitations, delving into computers and technology opposed to the magical witchcraft roots of her tribe.
Despite her lonely way of life, she remains positive, a spunky go-getter who stands for what she believes in. She’s a bit awkward, always trying to break free from her instincts and adapt to new customs. She struggles to make friends and often has to appear tougher than she feels she is.
Ava’s role is incredibly important to the story as when she meets one of our protagonists Tyler, she becomes infatuated by his character, heavily relating to his “fish out of water” dilemma and helping him come into his own as a great fighter as he helps her find her purpose in life beyond the fight. The two are inseparable and her character becomes an integral part of Tyler that he always carries with him.
Faction:
Delta Federation
Appearance:
Salazian (salamander woman), tall, age 25-30
Voice Reference:
I am open to interpretations on Ava’s voice. I would prefer something both stoic and nurturing, something kind, but also protective when it needs to be.
(Joyous/Wholesome): “Hahaha, well aren’t you in high spirits? Perhaps we can skip straight to training, just for today. I must admit you are becoming quite the promising warrior. You may be mentoring me soon enough.”
(Desperate): “No, you can’t-not yet! I promise… Crono can be defeated. Please… I just need more time.”
(Inspiring/Dismal): “Never give up! You’ve come too far to doubt yourself now! This island… my legacy… they are in your hands, Tyler. No matter what happens… I will always be with you, even in death.”
Supreme Chairman of the Supremacy Aether Council, Jane Swanson, finds herself with the burden of leading the entire planet of Aeon. Swanson is a well-meaning woman, often cold in her demeanor - a bitter, jaded woman, caught between the struggle of morality and justice. She finds herself in shoes no one else could fill, more of a prison than an opportunity, but cherishes it nonetheless - to be gifted with such leadership. She stews over the weight of her power, feeling a lack of guidance that leaves her constantly stressed. Her intent is noble, but she finds herself tantalized by the prospect of letting go, giving in to more extreme methods as the war with Outbound becomes ever more dire. Her role in the show is consistent. As the leader of the Aether Division Council, she appears commonly to speak on behalf of the planet and its citizens.
Faction:
Supremacy (Aether Division)
Appearance:
Drid (amphibian woman), classy, short, experienced, age 35-45
Voice Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/clip/Ugkx3yOqq7Qff5BJ-Sfd8PmW0VYi_DoLNoRk
(Joyful/Nurturing): “Reeves! Thank the Leviathan, you’re alright! Are you hurt? Tell me you’re okay.”
(Dismal): “I have failed my duties as High Chairman. The founders will be most displeased with me.”
(Righteous): “That's enough! I lead this planet, and by my decree I shall have you tried for your crimes and executed for your blasphemy!"
The lavish chairman, with a passion for faith. Zylux represents the Ministry of Faith on the Aether Division Council. She's brash, a bit playful, and has a knack for fashion. She's a very kind soul and is one of the few chairman with many redeemable qualities, though she can be quite obnoxious sometimes, even if her heart is in the right place.
Faction:
Supremacy (Aether Division)
Appearance:
Drid (amphibian woman), age 25-30
Voice Reference:
https://youtu.be/M9Usg9uXcSM?t=47(Playful): “Oh, Valerie~ Where's my little grumpy gal off to? Ah, back to the dingy office? I think you'd feel a lot better if you got out more. There's a lot more to life than paperwork, you know?”
(Fearful/Hopeful): “Such destruction… I pray the Leviathan will guide us in these times of darkness.”
(Annoyed): “Will you two oafs quit your bickering?! I can hardly hear myself think!”
An old rival to Vega, Vlado takes his place beneath Crono’s ranks as one of his Lesser Elites. A cocky, pompous, egotistical maniac, Vlado has no consideration for others. He merely serves Crono as a means to an end. He harbors a deep hatred for Vega, willing to commit any act if it meant his suffering. Much like Vega, he was born a Valkir on the planet Evonia, serving in the great war that destroyed their home. Soon after they both found the Starscape, making a name for themselves as drifters. However, a conflict in ideology would pit them against one another as Vlado saw an opportunity to rule over others while Vega sought only to protect those who would not protect themselves.
After Vega’s twenty-year disappearance, Vlado found himself in dire times as without Vega to oppose the Supremacy, they’d soon be after all the prominent drifters who roamed the stars untamed. It is here that he would join under Crono ranks, serving his cause, and joining the ranks of the Outbound Branch. Vlado's role in the show is that of a very minor antagonist, someone there to flesh out the world and history of Vega’s impact on the galaxy as the Starknight. His role, although brief, is a very important one.
Faction:
Outbound Branch
Appearance:
Valkir (bird man), short, age 30-35
Voice Reference (German Accent):
https://youtu.be/MSLDsMm6afE?t=114(Amused/Smug): ““Ah… there he is. Oh, how I adore seeing you in chains. Surprised to see me? After all this time, alas… your greatest enemy, Vlado Kaiser, lives.”
(Enraged): “We were gods! Every one of us - free to live a life unchained by the system!”
(Accepting Death): “So that’s how it is then?”
The chauvinistic chairman, with a knack for vehicle engineering. Gungyr's factory produces all manner of transportation vehicles, from cars, boats, and even warships.
Faction:
Supremacy (Aether Division)
Appearance:
Corverian (Insectoid), dapper, elderly
Voice Reference:
I have no reference video in particular for Gungyr. I am open to different interpretations. I'm thinking something old time-y, monopoly, distinguished gentleman type vibe with a little old rasp in there to show his age as an old man.
(Shocked/Outraged): “Impossible! There's no force powerful enough to destroy one of my Hydra ships! They're composed of the toughest alloys money can buy!”
(Prideful/Joyful): “Keep your chin up, boy! It’s not every day that you get to meet a man like me!”
(Skeptical/Annoyed): “I, for one, am highly skeptical of Ultor’s methods. His radical tactics could harm the council’s reputation. Without limitation, he is nothing but a brute and a liability!”
The maturing housemaid of Vega’s estate. Being a human from Earth, Carolynn has no idea about Vega’s true identity as an alien outlaw. She's been a good friend of his for years, having helped raise his daughter Maya after the death of her mother Mary when she was young. Carolynn cares deeply for Vega and Maya. She sees Maya as her daughter. She fancies Vega, often engaging in playful flirtation when nobody is looking, though their relationship is complicated.
Carolynn is a woman of simple pleasures, an exotic and occasionally obnoxious woman of class with a heart of gold. She's clingy and a bit of a gossip queen, often being nosey, prying into people's business while pretending to be none the wiser. She is particularly protective of Maya despite her reluctance to accept her as a mother figure.
Faction:
N/A (Earthling)
Appearance:
Human, Classy
Voice Reference:
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx65BpT7Uyfe4MaGEB1JfWwwMUJnB87T9a?si=GrxfFKyLBuKDTh0D(Playful): “Hahaha, Oh, Arthur… you make me blush!”
(Kind/Somber): “I know you don't always wanna listen to what I gotta say, sweetheart, but your father loves you. He just ain't the best at showing it.”
(Annoyed/Caring): “Listen, may not be your mother, Mai, but I love you just as much as a mother should! All I want is the best for you, sweetheart!”
The illustrious inventor and leading innovator of robotics technology, James Price, takes center stage as one of the Supremacy's most brilliant minds. His company, Price Enterprise, produces androids and security equipment for consumers and the Supremacy’s military, making him a most useful asset to them. Price, being from the days of the Mohan Empire, is not fond of the Supremacy, openly dismissive and mocking their decisions in his occasional political affairs as a public speaker. In secret, however, Price worked closely with Vega during his Starknight days, providing personal equipment for him on his outlaw journey.
Price is a very jaded man, one who enjoys the simple, more primitive aspects of life, but surrenders himself to the daily menial ongoings of robotics and politics. He finds himself trapped in a world he does not particularly care for and yet excels as one of its greatest, regardless. Though not a hateful man, he finds himself looking down on others. He keeps his melancholy boredom to himself, often putting on a more jolly persona to get him through the day as a more unassuming old man. Price's role in the show is a complicated one that evolves over time. He mainly acts as Tyler's mentor, providing him with gear much as he did Vega before, though this time there is more of a father and son dynamic as opposed to he and Vega who were more like brothers.
Faction:
Supremacy (Aether Division)
Appearance:
Mohan (tiefling), bulky, classy, wise, age 45-50
Voice Reference:
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxK1kaqRUab5WPnj5qilu8lHhyrcq7KDze?si=nwcW7_fip7hZUnFq(Celebratory/Cautious): “Ho ho!! Tyler, my boy, you've done it! …and in record time too. I reckon your progress is most impressive! Don't get too big for your britches just yet. There is much work to be done. Keep that head of yours in check or you just might find it off your shoulders.”
(Somber/Aggravated): “My company has forged every one of their security drones, including Ultor’s armor. It's state-of-the art, personally crafted by my own two hands. My greatest regret is lending my technology in service of the Supremacy. I built my androids to increase efficiency and heal this world, not for this menial warfare!”
(Triumphant/Righteous): “I grow weary of watching this sink into that mad dragon’s chaos! It's time we take it back. Stand your ground. It's not over yet.”
The mysterious and formidable guardian of Dragon Gate Prison. The Baron appears as a large plated behemoth, its features muddied and indistinguishable. Beneath the plated exterior holds a dark force puppeting its humanoid form; the ancient beast known as the Naga. Once defeated in combat, five snakeheads burst from its armor, altering its form to the true power imprisoned within. The prison keeper we see is nothing more than a husk, an ongoing effort from Crono to entrap the spirits of ancient beasts into controllable guardians. The Baron’s role is a minor antagonist, utilizing two voices for its separate forms. This role is for its humanoid golem-esque form, where it resembles more of a demon knight.
Faction:
Outbound Branch
Appearance:
Baron (metallic dark knight), ancient, ethereal
Voice Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMd--Wyfw0g&list=RDnMd--Wyfw0g&start_radio=1&pp=ygUKZG9vbSBkb2dtYaAHAQ%3D%3D(Sinister): “To them you are legend… but not here. Here you are nothing but a man… a prisoner… a fool!”
(Threatening): “I told you once, no man escapes this prison alive, not even you, Star-Knight.”
(Enraged/Fearful): “Mortal fool! You know not what you have wrought!”
The mysterious and formidable guardian of Dragon Gate Prison. The Baron appears as a large plated behemoth, its features muddied and indistinguishable. Beneath the plated exterior holds a dark force puppeting its humanoid form; the ancient beast known as the Naga. Once defeated in combat, five snakeheads burst from its armor, altering its form to the true power imprisoned within. The Baron is nothing more than an experiment, an ongoing effort from Crono to entrap the spirits of ancient beasts into controllable guardians. The Baron’s role is a minor antagonist, utilizing two voices for its separate forms. This role is for its Naga form, resembling a five-headed snake emerging from the baron’s cracked armor.
Faction:
Outbound Branch
Appearance:
Naga (five headed snake beast), ancient, ethereal
Voice Reference:
(Overjoyed/Manic): “HAHAHAHA, FREE AT LAST!!! FOR OUR FREEDOM WE GIVE YOU… EXTINCTION.”
(Enraged/Fearful): “NOOO!!! NOT IMPRISONED AGAIN!! DAMN YOU, DRAGON KING!!! NARAKA TAKE YOU!!!”
(Arrogant): “YOUR DESTRUCTION IS AT HAND, MORTAL FOOL!!!”
Supreme Commander of the Supremacy's forces, Ultor, leads the ranks of all military operations. He's notable for his quick temper and abrasive personality. Once Ultor and his Yeral brethren were enslaved under the oppressive rule of the Mohan Empire. His injuries from this war are made apparent by his thick-plated cybernetic armor. Now Ultor commands a powerful army and, thanks to his near-perfect track record on the battlefield, he has the utmost authority within the Supremacy’s government. This, however, makes Ultor cocky, willing to break almost any rule if it means upholding what he sees as justice. He is an extremist, a brute, and a terror on the outlaws who roam the starscape, harbouring a special hatred for all who defy the Supremacy. Ultor serves the role of an unpredictable antagonist for our heroes, featuring a prominent rivalry with our protagonist, Tyler, specifically. Despite his barbaric nature, he is a schemer, always one step ahead of Tyler and ready to exact his revenge.
Faction:
Supremacy (Aether Division)
Appearance:
Yeral (wolf man), bulky, heavily armored, age 40-50
Voice Reference:
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxIRsCgcnxNFms8NEEPU01k4pr_6U5AC5S?si=Kdh3fKvrr8gOp7rN
(Pompous/Diabolical): “On the contrary, dear David, Ultor supersedes all. As stated in Supremic Doctrine Section 626; he who is deemed Supreme Enforcer may only be held liable for acts of violence by his assigned high chairman, planetary leaders, and grand founders. As long as there is probable cause for said violence, he shall not be penalized for said action… and probable is for Ultor to decide.”
(Prideful/Impressed):: “Hahaha, it’s good to see a man of taste wandering these cursed streets. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, citizen. Perhaps one day Ultor shall see you occupying his ranks, fighting on the side of justice.”
(Sinister/Demeaning): “Did you really think you could incentivize me with currency? Four-thousand chips… you mistake me for a commoner!”
The mysterious mercenary known as Cole Khillman is a peculiar one to be sure. He’s a jaded man, hardened by years of intensive missions. Once he got by on odd jobs, a hired hand for the criminal underground. Now he fights for the side of justice, working under Ava’s Delta Federation. He takes no pride in what he does, seeing his missions as a menial aspect of reality he’s hopeless to change. While his character is minimal within the setting, we know Cole has a son, one that he heavily disagrees with, but values. His decision to work for Ava and fight against Crono is motivated by his son’s admiration for heroic outlaws, and by doing some good he wishes to repair the relationship with his son. Cole’s role in the pilot is minimal, but important as he rescues Vega from his prison and broadens his appreciation of a world he hoped to forget.
Faction:
Delta Federation
Appearance:
Drid (amphibian man), tactical armor, militaristic
Voice Reference:
https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxMUeNdpWvumrExqzXgS89s4S5YO30N-rY
(Formal): “Cole, Cole Khillman, at your service.”
(Amused) “Would you believe me if I told you it was my birth name?” (no.) “Then congrats, you’re not as stupid as the others.”
(Annoyed): “And you plan to wander aimlessly in search of that answer? You risk your life over nothing!” *sigh* “You hero types are all the same. There’s a clock tower just beyond these barracks, right in the center of town. Reach the top in one piece, and you will find the ruler of this settlement. If anyone has the details on his location, it’s her.”
Currently we have one 3D Modeler and a 3D animator, but as time progresses it has become clear to me that we are in need of a bigger crew on the animation and modeling side of things. I'm looking for passionate modelers who are willing to make this dream happen. This role is a lot more involved than the VAs and as an animation team, my goal here is for us to all help each other out, communicate, and achieve something truly great. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions or interests in the role.
*Say something you think would fit*
