Not long after the Tribe of Gods shaped the world and enkindled the stars, the many races were led to name their lands. The plains of Human Wynland, the dunes of Dwarven Kanduk, the mountains of Orcan Workingar. And the three Gods--as unique in morality as their own elements, bestow their unique elemental magic to the few they deem worthy. Rhuadu—Chieftan of Gods, grants the gift of fire and strength, Duinna—Nature’s Guardian, the power of enchantment and alchemy, and Koannus—the Deep God, grants power over sea and soul.
Three there were. Now only two remain to grant their power.
The story centers on a girl named Bri, a jaded barmaid who's father--the man who slew Rhuadu has passed away, leaving her a struggling barmaid. When a Mage called Villadius find her, he sends her away on a quest across the world to discover how her father killed a God, and how it can either be undone, or done again in the war against the Deep God. Who empowers an Elvan Sorceress across the ocean, the rightful Empress with ambitions to surpass her Empire's former might.
~
The word fantasy isn't my favorite, but it gets the point across. It had a snowball effect in my brain from a series of "what if's" when thinking of the genre until I had a story worth telling. And with Song of Ice and Fire audio books, the Hobbit soundtrack, and the Star Wars Radio Play all in my iPod, I fell in love with this format.
Though I hope to encapsulate the world of high adventure and myth beyond that of Celtic and Arthurian stories (even though they're amazing), and subverting some of the expectations of the genre along the way. With Elves inspired by the Greco-Roman time period. Dwarven realms resembling North African kingdoms. Orcs inspired by early Scandinavian culture and myth. Drawing from legends and historical figures like Thangbrand the Priest or Cheng I Sao, to form an episodic fantasy series in podcast form, told with vivid sound effects, music, and of course--voice talent.
A series outline has been written as well as four scripts. I'm about half-way done with the first Chapter in terms of audio editing. With luck, I hope to have a release format similar to We're Alive: A Story of Survival. (Albeit a 30 minute format instead of 50).
(Warning: mild language, smoking and alcohol use, battle sequences. TV-14)
Rates:
As of now: compensation for recordings are at $0.17 per script line (essentially a half sentence of 5-8 words). Rounded off to the highest. For example Bri, who speaks 169 times in Chapters 1 & 2 together (313 script lines), is $53. A reoccurring role like Ultovin would make $15 for his appearance in Chapters 1 & 2.
We will have a Patreon page, and the podcast will be open for sponsors. If/when it gains some traction, all rates will be put into review. But until then I’m going in under the assumption it’ll fall completely on me for funding, which I’m totally prepared for. Still, I want to be fair, but at this time this is the only rate I can promise—it’s also the rate for which I’ve paid voice actors before for other projects.
Above all, I want to work with people who love voice acting for the fun of it. I love working on this stuff and hope to collaborate with people who love it too.
How to Audition:
Since this is an Audio Drama, all of the show's emotion and humor must be conveyed through the character's voices, so be sure to show off your emotional range.
Note: We value acting ability over a voice that matches a character, so don't let your vocal pitch deter you from auditioning.
We welcome auditioning for multiple roles as long as you can make each of them a bit different!
DEADLINE: JUNE 5th 12:00 AM Central Time!
Main Cast (1F/6M/1U)
[I'd like to note that this is the cast as it is in Chapters 1 & 2, when Bri is distinctly out of her element. More female additions to the cast are to come, including another voyager, and the villain I've teased in the description.]
We look forward to working with you guys! Also happy to answer any and all questions in comments or as a PM. Or even directly sent to my email.
Our reluctant and rebellious point of view character. Barmaid, and daughter of the famous trickster who killed Rhuadu--ending his magic in the world. Her rose colored glasses and ear for stories have been crushed in the fallout when the Chieftain of Gods was slain. Knowing all too well the true price of seeking glory. Spending her days following her fathers' death serving drinks, indifferent to the wars of Humans and Elvans.
All of that ends when Villadius--an ex-magic user, comes to her Inn. And not long after it’s discovered some remnant of Rhuadu’s magic lingers in her, enabling her with powers similar to that of a Mage of Rhuadu (called a Magnir). This puts her in immediate danger from Sorseers. Servants of the Deep God. And she is sent on a journey to discover her true nature, if only to absolve herself of the curse.
She does by no means start as a hero, nor a powerful but reluctant waif. She’s jaded and sarcastic. Embittered in her time as a barmaid. Though with moments of vulnerability. In the brief time we see her as a barmaid she’s a little faux-flirtatious—as part of the job.
Note: Since this is an audio based production, and she’s the main character, she’ll do a lot of talking to herself.
Voice: Early twenties. Light Irish accent (her accent will be the basis of the Gathland accent). I say light, so that it’s less jarring to hear some common phrases that would otherwise juxtapose the sort of medieval fantasy setting.
“(Groans) I’ve heard the tale so many times since I was born, any bard here can recount it for a copper. Look, I have patrons, you better get on your way Elvan man. [Villadius offers coin] Oh ...
All right then, but you better swear by your pointed ears to make it quick, ask away."
“Dad wanted me to see the world. He promised to leave Gath with me so that we could travel. Behold the sights beyond the hills of our home. It wasn't until I was older I realized half of all children were promised the same thing. Then they make the same promises to their children. They want it to be true ...”
"So it is you! You're the stranger from the ... Oh! I didn't know under that hood you were a ... well ... [Orc?] Well yes. I'm sorry I've never seen an ... Orc up close before."
A nomadic Orc ranger, putting some distance between himself and his homeland. Reclusive--as you’d have to be if you were trying to keep a low profile from Humans, who hate his kind on principle, and especially Orcs who would no doubt recognize him. He’s minding his own until he is swept into Bri’s quest. Which is no bother to him since they’re heading takes him further away from Workingar.
Voice: Nordic, Scandinavian, or Norwegian inspired (German is the closest relative I could find in the categories). Whatever accents fits however, will be the inspiration for the Orcish accent.
Restrained gravel. Like a hardened warrior poet. Less like a traditional barbarian.
[When trying to pass as a hooded Human]: “I am a traveler of sorts. I have been in the wild for many days. I pray you pay me no mind. Thank you for the lamb, the hearth, and for the room in your stable.”
[What are you doing far away from Workingar?] “Avoiding Workingar. I cannot return there. They are beyond reason, beyond hearing my side of a terrible tale. The answer to my crime is death and I have accepted it. Alone, without honor, and far from home.”
[When confronting bandits, before a fight] “Where is the fourth? [The what?] The fourth. I doubt you would have the courage to take us three, if you numbered the same or less. [To Calan] Young man. I want you to watch this, if you hope to be as great a swordsman as your father someday.”
A roguish Elvan smuggler and scoundrel, the pragmatic counterpart of Jenquo. Two gentlemen of fortune, far from their homelands who are both out for their tails. A charmer, a schemer, and an excellent fighter.
Voice: The Elvans of Hymerthral are Latin inspired--so Greek, Spanish, or other Mediterranean accents like Turkish can serve as inspiration (his voice will be the basis of the Elvan accent--at least his region). Charming and quick tongued, yet also deadpan, with more biting scorn and sarcasm mostly directed at his companions.
“We prefer “independent seafarers”. But I'm afraid for transport of the discreet variety, we'll need some additional fees for the many tolls, and guards, and for the risk me and my partner here put ourselves I’d say about … Twenty gold pieces?”
[Mounting suspicion of Taruk] “Yes, you are handy with these sails my friend. You Orcs are known for using long ships, and staying close to land—where you can see all the vulnerable villages on.”
[Have you been here] “I’ve been to many towns like this one, Aradjar, Huanhai—“ [But have you been to this one] “(Laughs) ... No. But you've seen one Pirate port you've seen them all, I just need to find the man in charge. Or woman.”
A dauntless Dwarf of Kanduk, and Iriklas' partner. In contrast to Iriklas’ pessimism and calculating approach to life, Jenquo is cavalier, fun loving, and impulsive. Opting to follow the quickest path to fortune, or take on every threat with a battle cry and thrust of his fish spear. He’s also the more empathetic of the two. The more moral and encouraging.
I want him to subvert the Dwarven stereotype. With him being less of a fat grouchy comic relief, but a headstrong fun-loving warrior--who’s just a little compressed.
Voice: African inspired accent (his voice will be the basis of the Kanduk accent). Though not so heavy it impedes his line delivery which is clever though occasionally obtuse.
“I will not have it from you, we’re taking this chance. The Wizard is desperate, but so am I! Beside my stomach cries with insatiable rage. [To Villadius] We accept your job offer Wizard man. The girl will be safe with us at her back.”
[After witnessing an awkward interaction between Bri and Calan] “You should have complemented her hair. Women want you to notice when it changes. No, you can't go back in and make the comment. The moment has passed. I weep for you boy, I truly do.”
"The boy has been taken overboard, I must save him!" [You’re going to die you fool!] “Dying is the last thing I’ll do! HAHA!” [Leaps into the fight]
“Your only concern child is staying with the boat and out of trouble. Without you there is no voyage … Also no pay, let us not forget that.”
The voice that recounts the tale, introduces the podcasts, and narrates scene transition and backstory. A tambourine wielding actor/singer of either Gathland or Wynhold, recounting the story years later in romantic prose.
Voice: Bardic, romantic. Less of a regal and epic Cate Blanchet narrator, more the type of narrator who would play a lute by a hearth as they recount the story. Who can make the fantasy prose come to life while also selling words like “podcast” or “website” in the credits.
“With the swelling dark of sea below and the storm above, not far from the lights of the Enduring City--Hymerthral, there sways the noble sails of an Elvan ship. Even under the sting of salt and the pelt of rain, they are a fair race to look upon, with skin the color of young oak trees and hair black and shining as obsidian. But though the Admiral of the Elvan fleet and his Lieutenant hardly look a day over twenty, they have waged human lifetimes at war, and their speech is not so fair.”
"Of all the powers that came and left this world, one that refuses to die is the power the Deep God--of death itself. Or "near death", as Ultovín has experienced at this hour, for he is a man who's pain in the past is relieved with his will to seize the future."
“The Call of the Flames, a Fantasy Play. Chapter One: The Barmaid, Part One of Two.”
A stable boy who believes he’s descended from a famous Knight during the founding of the Wynland Kingdom. He’s in love with Bri—though he’s not sure how to admit it, or act on it.
He’s closer to the hero’s journey archetype than anyone else, though his naivety, and his archaic ideas of chivalry lead him on a path different from Bri. A path that panders to his fantasies, and not the reality of the quest at hand. In his heart he longs for belonging, a need that can easily be exploited.
Voice: Twenties. He’s got the voice of naïvety, yet potentially heroic. Gathish accent (celt inspired, so Scottish, Irish, both or either can be influences), however he’s descended from Wyns, if you are better with a more English sounding accent then that can be factored in easily.
“My father was a Knight of the Burning Sword, one of King Ardrun the First’s Court. Serving his King and the Chieftan of Gods with his sword, Silver Song. [Where is it now?] I … I don’t know, I—“ [You aren’t his legitimate son are you?] “That’s none of your concern! I carry his blood and that’s all I need to know."
(Fearful, bluffing) “Stay away from us! Go back to your homeland. Leave me and my friends be.” [Or else?] “You’ll soon find out. Come on!"
An Elvan Magnir, who incites the quest to Bri—as well as functions as the point of view character for political matters in Wynhold. He’s a council member, and anointed magic user who once drew power from the Chieftan of Gods, who’s seat is under threat by his lifelong friend--turned rival: Ultovin—a Sorseer who draws from the Deep God.
His role in Chapter 1 & 2 is big, though he doesn’t join the voyagers on their quest. Appearing briefly thereafter.
Voice: Formal, more regal sounding than Iriklas. If anything it should give the subject matter of his dialogue weight--also allowing for moments of hilarity at his expense. The Elvans of Hymerthral are Latin inspired--so Greek, Spanish, or other Mediterranean accents like Turkish can serve as inspiration (his voice will be the basis of the Elvan accent of his region).
“Hymerthral is my home my Lady, and it is indeed far across the sea. But I have lived west of the Wynland Kingdom well before you were born. So it was neither a long nor short journey for me.”
“We Magnir have lost all our power--including far speech.” [It was only a joke.] “In poor taste. Do you jest about sight to a man who’s gone blind? I have to actually *send* letters now by horseback or by birds ... Fickle beasts.”
"I'm afraid because of my interest, Ultovin be be looking for you. And for that you can never return home. I cannot promise you fortune from your voyage Bri nor that you will return, only that perhaps you will find resolve, for your father and for your--
An Elvan, the most powerful Sorseer of his order, the order of the Deep God. Having learned from the mistakes of his Master, he understands that the true power in the world is not in Magic, but in influence. And has allies in every realm, wearing his cultural gifts to display his strength, earning him the nickname of “Manticore”. He is the right hand of the Elvan Queen, and has been sent by her to plant the seeds for her conquest in the Human lands now that Rhuadu is dead. Though with the appearance of Bri—and her unexpected connection with the Chieftan of Gods, his sights have set on her.
Unlike Villadius--who looks on their past friendship with disgust, Ultovin is saddened that the two became enemies. While Ultovin sought a way to heal the rift, Villadius definitively picked a side with his order: the Magnir. Making Villadius in a lot of ways the unsympathetic one.
Voice: Because of his habit of using a spell that involves drowning, his voice is husky and frightening. Doing his appearance no favors. Cold, knowing. Never the cackling villain, he has remorse, and duty. Accented—like Iriklas or Villadius though it should be distinctive.
“The Deep God is my servant and I am his, we draw the blood from your mouth until you pale … and die!” [To his other followers.] “Do not look away, it's important to look upon your sacrifices, even as their blood pools at your feet, and meets the sea.”
[Addressing Villadius] “Do you remember when we used to exchange our scrolls and books? We would finish them ahead of our fellow students. After reading over the ways of our Order. To question every lesson we were given … Do you no longer wish to understand me friend? Are we to be the enemies as our elders taught us to be?"
The Captain of Guard in Wynhold--the Capitol of this land. A hard man who's loyalty is easily bought by Ultovin.
"These two vagabonds didn't pay the docking fee. What of it? What's your business in Wynhold? Speak! Or I'll have you arrested too!"
"I said, stand aside! Surround them--!" [Taruk's hood falls] "He's an ORC! Kill it!"
The stern Innkeeper who's sheltered Bri for her life following her father's death.
"Bri, your father killed his God. He went to the Mountain and slew him. Who are you going to pray to? Hm? Which God will welcome him into their after life? I'm going to have a drink."
"Listen here girl! After your father died, I took you in when I didn't have to, I pay you generously, allow you your own room! (Coughs)"
