WELCOME TO THE ADVENTURE!
For those of you who may not know, The Adventure Zone is an RPG podcast started by brothers Griffin, Justin, and Travis McElroy along with their father, Clint. The original D&D campaign they started chronicled the journey of Magnus, Taako, and Merle, and their quest to recover dangerous artifacts, save the world, and have a laugh while doing it! The original campaign, now known as "Balance" went over so well with fans that the McElroys teamed up with artist Carey Pietsch to bring the first arc of the campaign, "Here There Be Gerblins" to a retooled Graphic Novel.
That's where all of you and I come in. I want to take this work and bring it to life. I think this is great way to promote the graphic novel and allow aspiring voice actors to cut their teeth on something new. I plan on adapting the entirety of the first graphic novel in multiple parts and upload them to my Youtube channel in small installments. The first volume is 256 pages, and they do have plans to make more, so I'm hoping to make this a long-lasting project. ARE YOU DOWN?
REQUIREMENTS FOR AUDITIONING
Other than that, I'm down to answer any questions you may have. Shoot me a message with any comments, questions, or concerns you have, and feel free to audition for as many roles as you see fit. Best of luck to all of you, I look forward to working with everybody who makes the cut!
This is one of our lead characters, if you're cast to play him, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
Magnus is a Human Fighter and carpenter, with a proficiency in almost everything! He's reckless, a bit overconfident, and is seriously lacking in tact. However, his battle prowess combined with a love of adventure and helping the innocent make him a force to be reckoned with, and he gladly rushes head first into danger...much to the chagrin of his party members.
For Magnus, I'm looking for a gruff, confident sounding voice in the Mid-to-Low range.
Voice reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_QzOGRcr0c&t=48s
Trust me, if the law hassles us, I'm the guy you want at the front of the wagon. But look, if you want to drive so bad, I might let you spell me the next time the dwarf has to stop for a "pee break"
(Contemplative) I would say he sounds G'Nash-ish. I don't want to cast aspersions, and I don't want to judge a book by its cover, but that certainly sounds like the voice of a creature that would probably be known as G'Nash.
(Alright, how about some yelling lines?)
(Confident) I DO THAT!
(Threatening) CALL THEM OFF YOU BASTARD
Preapare to do battle with... (overly confident) MAGNUS AND HIS ROAD DOGS! (realizing he's alone, knows he's absolutely boned) ....oh shit.
This is one of our lead characters, if you're cast to play him, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
Merle is a Dwarf Cleric, who travels the land, armed with his Extreme Teen Bible, spreading the word of his patron deity Pan. He's definitely a bit on the dull side and spiteful to a fault, often coming up with wild plans that tend to backfire or invariably get his party into even deeper trouble. He may also very well be the /worst/ Cleric of all time, tending to favor his war hammer, and his favorite spell, Zone of Truth, over ACTUALLY HEALING HIS PARTY! Despite his questionable life choices and use of his Cleric abilities, Merle truly believes in the value of life and nature, and he's a loyal friend to his fellow party members.
For Merle, I'm looking for an older voice in the Mid-to-Low range. His player Clint spoke in a slight southern accent, and I believe if fits the character nicely.
Here is a voice reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcRLXkxJbkA
Voice reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_QzOGRcr0c&t=48s
May I Say somthing? (Excited) Have you hear the word of Pan today?
(Indignant) I would be more comfortable if you would let ME decide where my blood is going to be coming from!
(Cocky) Yes! I cast Zone of Truth, which forces you to only say true statements! No one within the ares can resist its power! Including mys- (realizing what a huge mistake that was) Ah dammit!
This is one of our lead characters, if you're cast to play him, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
Taako (y'know, from tv?) is an Elf Wizard, and easily the most selfish of the party. He's crass, silver-tongued, pompous, constantly finding ways make himself more wealthy, often screwing over Magnus and Merle in process. Despite not being the best person, Taako is an insanely talented wizard and chef, and when he's not trying to talk his way out of a fight or getting others to do his dirty work for him, he is a powerful asset to the party, and generally the reason that Magnus and Merle haven't gotten themselves killed yet.
For Taako, I'm looking for a more pompous voice in the Medium range. He tends to be very dry and sarcastic, so try your best to bring out his mannerisms more than match his voice
Here is a voice reference:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1A0pHzXUYw
(Bitter) Oh, don't WORRY, Magnus, you just run off and leave us to take care of the wagon! Totally cool! Suuuper, cool.
(Has no time for spouting exposition) Listen, we all know you guys are gonna just go in there no matter what I say, so I'm not describing any more shit in the room. Just come on.
(casual) Oh yeah, my dude...(suddenly gravely serious) we're killin' everybody.
(Battle cry) ABRACA-FUCK YOU!
This is one of our lead characters, if you're cast to play him, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
Griffin is your Dungeon Master, your best friend, and you connoisseur of fine banana vore. Griffin serves as the narrator and frequently pops into the story to chat with our 3 main characters, often teasing them, giving them pointers, and sometimes cracking jokes along side them. It's almost as if he's playing a game of D&D with his family. Huh...how bout that?
Griffin is the only role that I would ideally prefer a voice match for, as he is...well...an actually living person. Do your best to try and match his cadance.
Here is a reference for his voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DiGaJfzUJg
(Concerned) I don't know, I don't think you could have cut him in half any harder than that..
(Excited) Now, you need to do some kind of incantation, I guess. Some really tight shit.
(Immediately disappointed and annoyed) Perfect. Wonderful. Tolkien-esque.
Gentleman....Weclome...To Final Boss Territory! Let's get it on!
A man of unkown class, Barry is one of the employers of our heroes. He's rude, self-serving, and more than willing to pawn off any dangerous activities on the boys while he drinks in the safety of town.
NOTE: This character plays a much bigger role much later in the story, but his role is much smaller in this .
For Barry, I'm looking for another Mid-to-Low range voice, just try your best with what you think sounds appropriate.
Here is a reference if it helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4f2ekWpnAU
(Extremely greatful) Thank you thank you, gentle soul. I will never forget the kindness you have done for me. (Confident) My name is Barry Bluejeans and I am ready to kick some Goblin ass!
(Condescending) I thought you were some big hero! Does widdle Merle-y need somebody to hold his hand?
It would be EQUALLY bad for my career if I JUST FUCKING DIE. You go be heroes! I'm headed down to "Three Sisters" to get my mead on!
An Orc Fighter, Kilian is an employee of The Bureau of Balance, a secret society that tasks her with eliminating dangerous targets seeking powerful magic items. She encounters our heroes on their quest, and while she is physically unable to tell them about what she is doing there, she tries her damndest to work with them and keep them out of harm's way. She is easily frustrated and short-tempered, which makes working with Taako, Magnus, and Merle, kind of a living nightmare for her at first
NOTE: Thisis a recurring character, if you're cast, I hope you will consider returning to play her in future installments
For Killian, I'm looking for a Mid-range voice, clearly an adult woman with a short fuse that's just trying to keep it together.
Here is a reference if it helps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdXmeCr-Phs
(Beyond annoyed) Will you three JUST, SHUT, UP!? I am VERY busy right now, trying to save the world. I really don't want to take the time to stomp you into jelly. At the same time, I can't have you screwing up my mission, so I'm trying to figure out what to do with you.
(Completely at her wit's end) I promise: I will tell you as soon as I am LITERALLY ABLE TO.
(Lying through her teeth, trying to sound comforting) They're going to be fiiiine
(Absolutely livid) OF COURSE I'M LYING!
Originally known as Klaarg in the Podcast, G'Nash is a Bugbear that runs the gang of Gerblins that our heroes first encounter at the beginning of their adventure. He starts out as quite monstrous, a ball of pure rage a malicious intent, but after Taako casts Charm Person on him, his personality completely flips. While under the spell, he is polite, friendly, and willing to help Taako out with anything.
For G'Nash, I need to be able to hear two different voices from you. The first is deep, gravelly, angry voice, make him sound like a genuine monster. The second voice should be civil, gentle, perhaps apply a proper English accent. The two voices should be like night and day.
Note: This is a recurring character. If you are cast, I hope you would be willing to return to voice this character in the future
Here's a reference for the more monstrous voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cj8d6EcFp0 @ 30 seconds in
And the more civil voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2JNyJ-IVDA @ 25 seconds in
(Enraged, Monsterous) YOU THREW MY WOLF IN THE FIRE! That was my FAVORITE WOLF AND YOU JUST THREW HIM RIGHT INTO THE FIRE!
(Civil, super polite, friendly) Do you guys need some money? Can I just give you everything I have? Maybe some Oolong?
*Just attacked by his underling*
(shocked) Oh....(suddenly resolved to fight back) I'll be damned, it's true! This will have to go into your personnel file!
Originally known as Yeemik in the Podcast, Yahvvie is a Gerblin that strong-arms our heroes into fighting G'Nash. He is slimy, underhanded, and uses whatever leverage he can to bend people to his will. Unlike the other Gerblins, Yahvvie is quite tactful, and speaks quite calmly.
For Yahvvie, try to think slimeball politician, Lower range on the voice. He's a creature of deception, not outright violence
Apparently Griffin wants him to be voiced by Kelsey Grammer, so here's that voice reference for you!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDFr_qNO_Vw
(Commanding) HEY ASSHOLES! Put. Your weapons. Down.
(Civil, trying to strike a bargain) I don't think anyone in this room wants to get stabbed any more than we already have, so I've a proposition for you. I will let you leave, alive with Barry Bluejeans here. If you do one teensy-tiny thing for me
(Bone chillingly malicious) I want you to murder my boss.
Also known as the Black Spider, Magic Brian is a Drow Wizard that serves as the sort of Final Boss of this story arc. He constantly slides back and forth between flamboyantly silly to gravely intimidating. He's considered a powerful wizard by many, which comes as a surprise to our heroes, who beat him quite easily
For Magic Brian, just go wild. Keep your voice in a higher range, thrown on a silly accent, and just go right over the top.
Here's a voice reference for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WsC0vdzztk
(Airy and silly) I haven't really vorked out a catchy name for this place. "Lair" is a little on-the-nosey..."HQ" sounds a little corporate...oh, let's just go with (suddenly very threatening) "Last Resting Place"
(Confident) Now it is my turn to ask a question. (Accusatory) How the FUCK do you know about this magical mine of (slowly losing confidence in his words).....uh........mine...?
(Impressed) Vell! You silver-tongued devil, you! I appreciate your...somewhat backhanded compliment. (Becoming more grave with every word) Unfortunately, I find your solution....unsatisfactory. I'm afraid this is where our pleasant chat ends.
Originally known as Gundren Rockseeker in the Podcast, Bogard is a Dwarf Engineer, the employer of our heroes, and the cousin of Merle. Bogard is a Dwarf with a chip on his shoulder. He has a deep hatred of orcs, and when he comes in contact with the magic gauntlet he was searching for, he becomes a seething ball of rage and flames, and the final antagonist of the story arc.
Bogard's voice should sound deep and gruff, like he smokes a pack a day. Don't hold anything back with those screaming lines, really sell the overwhelming anger this man feels.
Here's a voice reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3cGLifD7N8
(Angry) This Gauntlet is my birthright! There's NO WAY I am giving this thing up to YOU!
(Furious) ATTACK ME!? WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO ATTACK ME? NOW THAT I FINALLY HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET RID OF ALL THE DAMN ORCS!!!
(Exhausted, a moment of calm and fear, spoken softly) I....I don't think I can....I'm scared...and I'm weary...and I hurt...
The Gerblins are just minor minions for our heroes to slay. They answer to G'Nash and Yahvvie, and they basically treat raiding and pillaging like an office job.
I don't really have any specific voice in mind for these guys, so have fun with it!
Gerblins, ATTACK!
Just Improv some lines for these little guys. Give me some basic office chatter in your best voice for goblins
Look, quite frankly, this isn't really necessary, I have no issues editing this together myself. But for the sake of getting each installment out faster, it would be awesome to have an editor who can work faster and more efficiently than I can. If you're interested, just pm me and link me to some of your work.
Say something you think would fit
