The Masterpiece is a visual novel, a type of game that focuses on branching paths and decision-making. The game is narrative and detail-heavy, and has simple gameplay mechanics. It will be around 12k words. This is the final part of a series, and the rest of the games can be viewed here: https://itch.io/c/3683672/the-deity-machine-series
Decisions and branching paths: Players make decisions throughout the game, which keep them alive or directly impact their ending outcomes…there will be a total of 7 endings.
THE PLOT
Roll up! Roll up! Come one, come all for the ‘side show of a lifetime!’
The vampiric threat is over! The Deity Machine has been destroyed and now…vampires are no longer a menace to society!
You and your Fae friend, Isidore, are the last two at ‘Vorsch’s Magical Side Show’, which is better known as ‘the Masterpiece’. Guests who are the last in attendance are treated to an extra special show and ‘behind the scenes’ look at the side show and how it all works.
But what starts as a fun night of magic and whimsy becomes sinister as the cast becomes increasingly hostile and suspicious due to your Fae friend…who is beginning to act more than a little suspiciously…
What is the truth behind Isidore’s strange behaviour…and will you both survive your magical experience at ‘The Masterpiece? Will you ‘run away and join the show’...
Or will you fail to escape altogether?
Technical requirementsAs the recording setups are all different- no problem, please do your best, don't fret too much and send what you can.
However, a good set-up is important; please remove background noise and use a good quality microphone in order to submit your audition, as sound quality will be assessed, not just your performance.
Normalise all to -1db (remove pops, don't clip and keep your performances clean).
Please record in mono. The project will require you to record in .ogg format.
Thank you so much to everyone who has auditioned for this project! Because we've had so many great auditions, it may take us a few days to get back to everyone. We will offer the roles out to the successful actors, but we will also feedback to everyone who has taken the time to submit.
Thank you once again, and bear with us for just a little longer.
Pronouns: He/Him
Age: 20s
Species: Fae
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Personality type: ISFP
Favourite things: His best friend, Theatre & performance, wine
Least favourite things: His father, societal expectations, hot weather
Essential Plot points: If anyone was going to ‘run away to the circus’, it’s Isidore. He’s spent his entire life pretending to be ‘good boy’ who does whatever ‘daddy tells him’ and being ‘the apple of mummy’s eye’. But now he’s at the side show and before he’s stepped into the door, he’s vowed that he won’t leave the same way he came in. However, Isidore is an entitled brat, mixed signals have turned him into a monster (doted on by mummy and emotionally abused and screamed at by daddy), Isidore thinks he ‘deserves the world’, because of what he’s endured…and that turns him into a horrible person towards the end of the game.
Performance:
Isidore presents as a most distinguished gentleman from a regency romance novel, though he isn’t exactly who he seems. While he may appear pompous and somewhat silly at first, it quickly becomes apparent that this is a front he uses to hide his "true self" and his emotional insecurities and to lessen the impact of his problematic behaviour. Isidore goes through many changes within the span of the game, both physically and mentally. Isidore requires a lot of stretch in his performance as he can be extremely possessive and manipulative, hysterical and desperate, and even emotionally vulnerable.
“Oh, the one has always been a bit of a scaredy cat deep down. Staying out after curfew gives them the heebyjeebies! But it’s fine, My Father will square any issues away, licketysplit!”
“DON’T YOU START! LISTEN, ALDORA, GIVE IT TO ME NOW! YOU’RE IN NO POSITION TO SAY ‘NO’ TO ME!”
“...Well, it doesn’t matter. You’ll understand when you join the side show too.”
Pronouns: He/They
Age: +2000 Was in the primordial soup (looks 20s)
Species: Vampiric Jellyfish deity
Alignment: Lawful evil
Personality type: ISFP
Favourite things: Love and romance, music and astral lights
Least favourite things: loneliness, consumerism and chaotic noiseness
Essential Plot points: Everything was going so well for Vesper, but losing his polycule caused deep unrest in the previously quite naive soul. But as it was, Vesper had nowhere to go once the Deity Machine was disbanded and found himself following Artie to ‘the sideshow’. Vesper was surprised to find how ‘desirable’ he was when in his ‘merman’ form, and has now tasted the very bitter side of ‘being beautiful’ - being gawked at and commoditised daily. Without the loves of his life, Vesper finds life in a tiny tank quite suffocating. He is wistfully dreaming of a better life…and finding a new love to dote over. Vesper doesn’t want to be a bad person, but push his buttons and you may find yourself... ‘in the drink’...he is discreetly a ‘blood enjoyer’.
Performance: Vesper appears to be a fairly simple person to parse. He’s ‘beautiful’, ‘well-mannered’ and ‘aesthetic’, but deep down, he is deeply jealous, lonely and angry. Vesper hasn’t been ‘of flesh’ for very long…he had expected to feel as if he were part of a collective when he was ‘like everyone else’, but instead, he feels the opposite…alone and ‘alien’ to those around him.
“Young Man, what’s the hurry? Please be careful, you could trip and hurt yourself.”
“Please read the rules more carefully. ‘You can have whatever you want (subject to availability’). So…to be very specific, I am not available right now.”
“The tank is just a place to exploit what I am. It used to mean everything to me…but the things and beings that made it meaningful are gone. It’s just a glass prison…where people gawk and stare at the ‘merman’ trapped inside…”
Pronouns: He/She/They/It
Age:??? (looks 20)
Species: No one's exactly sure…some kind of vampire…
Alignment: Chaotic neutral
Personality type: ESFP
Favourite things: Jokes and Riddles, Making new friends, Cooking
Least favourite things: Routine, Bees, Silence
Essential Plot points: After the deity machine was closed down…Artie wanted a new look, vibe and entire personality; that’s exactly what Artie did...being a botanical vampiric shapeshifter is neat! Become a mushroom by eating mushrooms! Fun. However, Artie has…’ mellowed’ to the point of being a much better entertainer than a scientist these days. Artie jumped at the chance of being part of the sideshow and is arguably terrible at playing their beloved recorder…but seems to enjoy being an extremely chill and puzzle-oriented being. They’re probably not going to care if you like their puzzles or not, because Artie knows that here’s a level of ‘cool’ that no one else will understand except Artie. In reality…Artie sucks at the recorder, does do pretty good puzzles, but has a marmite sense of humour that some will find hilarious…but others will either scratch their head…or find it deeply offensive. Artie isn’t in the business of hurting people…just really confusing them.“Was it enjoyable? The Flowerberry maze of wonder? It was so neat! I liked the Blackheath jumpscare…hahaha, what a gnarly old mannn. Love that guy.”
“You know…you shouldn’t be meandering around backstage…that’s where all the accidental murders occur. What do you mean? Of course, a murder can be an accident.”
“Do I like sucking blood? I mean…maybe a little bit. But I LOVE sucking honeysuckle…I did that one time and my hair went crazy big and pink! That was quite the fashion statement. Hooooo, so anyway…would you prefer to be poisoned or stabbed? Doctor D would like to know…for user research purposes…”
Pronouns: He/him
Age:??? (effectively 25)
Species: Normal vampire (not a deity)
Alignment: Lawful good
Personality type: ISFJ
Favourite things: Reading books, chatting and learning about other cultures
Least favourite things: Depraved behaviour, bullying and shouting
Essential Plot points: Once a loved ‘doll child’ of Jasinda and destined to be the ‘Count of all vampires’, Matthius was quickly ‘shelved’ when better ‘doll children’ came along (that was…’deities’ who were more highly valued than him). Wounded, but self-respecting, he stole his own doll child manifestation from ‘the cupboard’ and took care of himself. Little did he know that action would have dramatic repercussions. When the ‘deity machine’ was destroyed, Mattihus was the only doll-child left. He now hides his true identity from the world… However, Matthius is every inch a gentleman. He is polite, kind and merciful. If only given a chance…he would be a Count better than any other…he is composed and often focused on positive goals and outcomes.
Performance: Matthius demonstrates a remarkable sense of respect for those he deals with. How you treat him is quite important…treat him with kindness and you will receive it back tenfold. Insist on experiencing ‘hedonistic’ pleasures and well…he doesn’t like that at all, but can be quite a seductive, thirsty man and ‘put on the show’. (For RD returnees…he’s a big Helmrick fan, but is far less miserable…he’d be an awesome Count.)
“I was once a vampire of noble birth, but…circumstances as they are…mean I am…’an entertainer’ now.”
“As you like it, of course. Perhaps…this kind of humiliation satisfies you. But given sociopolitical constraints, I am in no position to deny you anything.”
“...Don't you see? Your friend…has led you into this…he is convinced it is a trap. I hear all of his thoughts in my head.”
Age: 100ish (looks 30)
Species: Vampire Cleric to Serpentus (not a deity)
Alignment: Chaotic neutral
Personality type: ENFJ
Favourite things: Magic, Entrepreneurism and Cherries
Least favourite things: War, Violence and Bureaucracy
Essential Plot points: A respected vampire cleric once upon a time. The vampiric/Fae war and the mysterious disappearance of a ‘Greater Deity’, would leave most people clutching at straws. But not Vorsch. He understood the will of Serpentus perfectly, to look after the vampires who were left…and put on a show whilst doing it. Deeply committed to the spirit of fun, Vorsch is ever the entertainer…but to think him ‘silly’ would be a big mistake. This Cleric was known as ‘the best in class’ for a reason.
Performance: A suave entertainer and superb magician, Vorsch can switch gears unlike anyone else in the entire cast of the game. He is a ‘fully rounded man’, the role has stretch, he’ll be happy, sinister, nice, angry and so on. He’s usually charming and finds being hammy ‘incredibly low-brow’... due to previously being a cleric, he believes that entertainment is for the sake of ‘art’, not for the sake of ‘fame’...which means the quality of what he does can’t be beaten. He is sophisticated and is always looking to demonstrate the incredible class and skill of the vampire race. He does tend to ‘act’ his role, and some players might suspect that something is going on behind the scenes.
“Yes, my dear Faeling, a sideshow! Marvel at the marvels that others only dream of! Behold the beauties that are beyond your wildest dreams! Embrace the magical, the incredible, the strange and bizarre!”
“You will do exactly what I, the High Vampire Cleric of Serpentus, tell you to do. This collar is a symbol of humility. You little wretch.”
“You may be surprised to hear this, but my standards for new talent are astonishingly high…and your little friend…Well, I don’t think he has what it takes to cut the mustard.”
Pronouns: He/They
Age: 25
Species: Lesser Moth Deity
Alignment: Neutral Good
Personality type: INFP
Favourite things: Helping others, Flowers, Blood (Though he’d never admit to liking it so much)
Least favourite things: Dwight, Small spaces, Sunny days
Essential Plot points: Life at the ‘Perfect Specimen’ has been difficult for Teagan. He was once a Fae but was victim to one of ‘Doctor Dwight’s’ experiments and became a ‘vampiric Moth deity’ as a result. However, he has become the lesser deity of the good-aligned ‘Chimaera’ and has found his true path. Teagan now tries to help those who find themselves in the clutches of evil vampires and whilst he hasn’t resolved all his conflict with Dwight, he is becoming stronger every day.
Performance: After his haunting ordeal in The Deity Machine, Teagan has settled into his new role as the Moth deity and has slowly grown in confidence. Softly spoken with a gentle warmth, Teagan is highly compassionate and always offers help to those who need it. He is open and honest about the horrors he went through and has a strong determination to save as many people as he can from Dwight's clutches. Though Teagan acts as a protector, they are still young compared to the majority of the cast and will speak as a peer to the player.
“I’m sorry, there isn’t a lot of time. Are…you alright?”
“...It will look like a world you cannot comprehend. I have seen visions of it myself. But…”
“...You have no power over me anymore, Fox.”
Pronouns: He/him
Age:...Deity wave one +1000 (looks 35ish)
Species: Vampiric Chimaera Deity
Alignment: Neutral good
Personality type: INFJ
Favourite things: Nature, Performing arts and Custard buns
Least favourite things: War, snobbery and name-calling
Essential Plot Points: Valen has been nomadic for many years. Finding himself completely alone as his lesser deity disappeared and his own high cleric vanished without warning. He was once a leading force on the front lines of the vampiric war. To be clear, he hated the war, but he wanted the people to see that he was willing to fight alongside them, whilst most deities distanced themselves from the ‘realities’ of the struggle. Valen was deeply traumatised by the war and lives a simple life now. Unbeknownst to many, Valen is also the ‘Astral Beast’, a creature who can bend space and time. Despite this, he keeps it a secret, revealing his abilities to the wrong people would have devastating political consequences.
Performance: A calm and collected soul with a magnificent presence (despite his attempts to hide it), Valen is a deeply mystical being who often looks at the ‘big picture’, but is also committed to the well-being of every creature and is interested in ‘the greater good’. Brilliantly minded, but reluctant to flex his strengths as it might draw attention. Valen is serious, his mind is often on a million things at once… but sometimes, one might feel as if he is ‘gazing off’, in reality, he is playing out the whole ‘Butterfly effect’ in his mind.
“...You’re thinking of the wrong question. How was the deity machine allowed to be built in the middle of the Fae heartland the first time around?”
“This will be hard to accept, but your friend had always intended to do this to himself. We have been following the Masterpiece…and there was no plan to ‘turn’ anyone against their will…”
“...Child, I am more than a Chimaera. I am…in fact…the Astral Beast. This is something I can do…instinctually.”
Pronouns: They/them
Age: +1000 (but don't dare say an age over 30)
Species: Vampiric Crocodile Deity
Alignment: Chaotic evil
Personality type: ESTP
Favourite things: Scalpels, Surgery and Fashion 💅
Least favourite things: Cleaning the lab, Crying and Weakness
Essential Plot points: The destruction of the ‘Deity Machine’ labs wasn’t ideal for Remy, but being resilient, they’ve found a new way to get by… Remy can admit, even though Vorsch is only a cleric, he’s incredibly skilled at navigating modern social-political structures and has a flair for showing the best of the vampire race. Remy is willing to behave for Vorsch’s sake…but they’re just waiting for an excuse to…mame someone. They’ll do anything to protect Vorsch’s work, and if that ‘anything’ involves chopping off a finger or two…even better.
Performance: Remy is highly adaptable and seemingly very approachable, even friendly, weaving their way through social situations to get the best outcome (for themselves). It is sometimes difficult to discern if Remy is being genuine, using sarcasm or testing you for your reaction. As a crocodile deity, Remy has a strong bite in more ways than one, if the conversation isn’t heading in the direction they want, Remy will suddenly turn violent before you can even react. These moments happen in short bursts and Remy will quickly return to their sociable self in a matter of moments if the discussion is ‘course corrected’.
“Okayyy, let’s see what we got here. Oh…a ‘not’ Fae...didn’t expect that! I’m Remy, nice to meet you, wouldn’t want to eat you. Well…not unless I was really desperate.”
“I was hoping we’d have a pleasant conversation today. That’s becoming increasingly unlikely. What a drag, looks like my 6-inch scalpel will make an appearance after all…”
“So…what’s wrong with that friend of yours? Strange guy, isn’t he? I thought I had problems…but that one…he’s a ticking timebomb, wouldn’t you say?”
Pronouns: He/Him
Age: (+1000) (looks 30 on a good day 😅)
Species: Vampiric Fox Deity
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Personality type: INFJ
Favourite things: Science, Poisonous Tea, Neville (The Panther Deity)
Least favourite things: Pompousness, Vegetables, Parties
Essential Plot points: The Deity Machine was Dwight’s pride and joy…but it’s destruction saw the end of his dream, to rebirth the vampiric species and find his beloved ‘greater panther deity’. However, Vorsch has negotiated Dwight’s release…arguing the Fae would not be able to ‘manage’ him in the same way that Vorsch could. This is true…Dwight has been successfully distracted by Vorsch’s incredible magic/scientific feats to make the show better than ever. However, crossing paths with Doctor Dwight is a bad idea…and if left unchecked…Dwight will be more than happy to demonstrate his radical views on ‘vampiric supremacy’...and show off some of his ‘scientific flair’ whilst he’s at it.
Performance: To Dwight, people can be categorised into two categories: predators or prey...and he considers most prey. He tends to act differently depending on who he is talking to. Irritable and cold to the ‘uninteresting’ and smothering and affectionate to those he ‘values’, but he will exude superiority and a smug sense of ‘generosity’. If challenged, he is unstable and resorts to anger, irate and inflammatory. Dwight knows that experiments (and his personal goals) take time to yield results; he will get what he wants….eventually. Sometimes, he has to play the long game and ‘behave’.
“I do not know why you would be so aggressive to such a…gentle and harmless creature, but it will not be tolerated…least of all by me. Not to worry…I am certain I can make…use...of you”
Well, it is good to see a fledgling doing so well. My congratulations Teagan. You may not have been Perfect, but you are certainly impressive.”
“Try again. You know that you should never disagree with me.”
