"The Duke Wilhausen" Visual Novel Project

"The Duke Wilhausen" Visual Novel Project

Project Overview

"The Duke Wilhausen:" a dark fantasy Visual Poem experience


"The Duke Wilhausen" is an upcoming Visual novel in development by the writer of the poem, Skye, and her small women-led team of indie devs. This epic narrative poem centers on the titular Duke, whose journey epitomizes the human struggle between the desire and fear of changing oneself. It is a work of philosophical and environmental literature, which encourages the role of natural reflection in human lives.


The story follows Wilhausen, who dwells in an old castle until a traveler appears, prompting him to resolve his conflict between fealty and wanderlust. It is set in a fantasy world with curses, dark towers, and mythical nymphs. The main conflict is in the form of internal struggles between the characters and their natures.


This poem was inspired by media such as the classic point-and-click adventure game ‘Quest For Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness,’ the movie adaptation of ‘The Last Unicorn,’ Romanticist poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge, and other similar literature and art.


VA Casting Details


Our team is now looking to cast Voice Actors for the project! We are looking for 100% human-created work. No AI music, no AI art, no AI voices. We want to work with real people who want to create a work of art.

  • YOU MUST BE ABLE TO READ POETRY NATURALLY. The text is written in verse, with dynamic line breaks in iambic pentameter.

    • The text should be read with natural pauses at commas, periods, and other punctuation, rather than pausing at line breaks.

  • All team members will be required to read the manuscript before beginning the project to familiarize themselves with the themes, characters, and style. The text is about 45 pages of poetry. If this does not appeal to you, then it's probably not the right match.

  • Example Poem Formatting:

    • The Gate of Wendempfang creaked in protest,

      ‘Why do you raise me at such an hour?’

      While he worked the Duke answered its behest

      And said, “Someone has come to my tower.”


Follow the project on Social Media

Latest Updates

  • Final Cast List Update

    The Duke turned to Alden, “You’re the first one,

    “Who’ll hear the truth of my duty and right.

    We’ve officially got the castings in order, including the Singer for the Chorus role. If you have not heard back from us by this time, it means you were not selected for the role. We thank you again for sharing your time and talent, and had to make some difficult decisions regarding the casting due to the overwhelming response. We even ended up splitting the Singer role into two parts because of such strong auditions. We hope you’ll continue to follow the Duke’s journey!

    Here’s the final cast list—updates are in bold.

    “The Duke Wilhausen” Official Cast List

    Singer: FaithTheBean and Marcie Dunn

    Narrator (Parts): David Wamala

    The Duke Wilhausen: Pharaoh_Parker

    Alden: Chris Warzynski

    Narrator (Chorus): Candace Marie

    Eichhornia: SailorMoonBeam88

    Elodea: Timira!

    Pistia: Kylie Rutzen

    Canna: Ada E. Maslow

    Thank you for your support so far!

  • Official VA Cast & Singer Role Closed

    …This astounded the fledgling wanderer

    With a joy like that of exploration,

    And he soon found himself a panderer

    To this odd, newfangled occupation…

    Thank you again to everyone who shared their voices with the project. We now have our final cast list for “The Duke Wilhausen.” We were impressed by the variety and talent of over 800 auditions and ultimately had to decide which voices best fit the character, theme, and tone of the project. We hope you will continue to follow the Duke’s journey as we bring the project to life on Steam!

    “The Duke Wilhausen” Official Cast List

    1. Narrator (Parts): David Wamala

    2. The Duke Wilhausen: Pharaoh_Parker

    3. Alden: Chris Warzynski

    4. Narrator (Chorus): Candace Marie

    5. Eichhornia: SailorMoonBeam88

    6. Elodea: Timira!

    7. Pistia: (decision extended until Aug 16th)

    8. Canna: Ada E. Maslow

    In other news, the Singer Role has closed for auditions as well. We will be reviewing submissions this week and contacting people the week of September 21st.

    Thank you for your support so far! We're on our way to bringing this dark fantasy to life!

  • Thank you & Singer Role Open!

    “...What warmth, what comfort, what reprieve,

    Like leaves floating atop a trembling stream,

    To know with certainty I have a friend…”


    “The Duke Wilhausen” team is grateful for the unexpected turnout for VA auditions: over 800! We’re so thankful that this project resonated with so many of you. Thank you for sharing your voices. We will be reviewing auditions this week. Please note that, due to the overwhelming number of submissions, we will not be able to provide individual feedback. 

    We’re looking for a singer!

    We’re now open for our final role, a female singer for the Chorus sections, as the nymphs. Please check out that role for details. And if you auditioned to VA one of the nymphs, and you also sing, we highly encourage you to audition for this singer role. Please make a note in your submission if you also auditioned to VA one of the nymphs.

    Follow The Duke on social media to see how the project develops–we’ll be sharing some more of the art very soon!

  • Audition Review Update

    Thank you everyone who has auditioned for “The Duke Wilhausen” so far. We have had nearly 600 auditions for our visual novel project! It means so much to see so many people interested in the project and resonating with the Duke’s story. Thank you all for your time and effort. 

    Auditions will close in just a few days on August 31st, so I wanted to give an update on the selection process and timeline. 

    VA Selection Timeline

    Aug 31: VA auditions close.

    September 1-7: review of auditions

    September 7-11: shortlist created

    • We may request additional recordings from shortlisted submissions to make final decisions

    September 14: final cast list posted, 

    We’re astounded by the audition response and are excited to cast our VAs. Keep an eye out on CCC and follow us on social media for important casting updates. And watch out next week for a special announcement!

Project Roles: Singer (Chorus) Narrator (Parts) The Duke Wilhausen Alden Narrator (Chorus) Eichhornia Pistia Elodea Canna Audio Engineer
Singer (Chorus)
Singer Singer
Singer (Chorus)
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 200 USD
Role assigned to: FaithTheBean Marcie Dunn

We are now looking for a female singer for sections in the Chorus of the poem that are set to music. During the narrative, the four nymph sisters will sing short interludes about the events going on in the text. Rather than having four different singers harmonizing for these songs, we will have one female lead sing all the parts, representing the nymphs.


If you auditioned to voice any of the nymph roles (Eichhornia, Pistia, Elodea, Canna, Narrator [Chorus]), and you are also a singer, we encourage you to audition for this role. In your audition, please let us know that you also auditioned to VA one of the nymphs.


There are four voices required, and the ranges for each part are as follows:

  • Soprano, with a range of A#5 - A#6

  • Soprano, with a range of C#5 - D#6

  • Mezzo, with a range of A#4 - A#5

  • Contralto, with a range of A#3 - C#5

  • If able, please let us know your comfortable vocal range. Being able to cover the full vocal range is not necessary, as we can adjust the pitch accordingly in post-production, but the vocalist should be able to sing at least the Mezzo part comfortably.


The total length of all of the finished songs will be around 15 minutes, though some voices (such as the Contralto) will have much less.

Voice Style: 

  • The vocalist should have a clear, feminine voice, with the ability to harmonize with themselves or another vocalist. The vocalist should also be able to clearly enunciate the lyrics, and pronounce unusual words and names as directed (no "cursive singing", for example).

  • The ideal singer would not have an overly raspy or twangy voice, but if this is something you want to audition for, I implore you to audition even if you don't exactly fit all the parameters laid out; these are guidelines instead of hard and fast rules, and all vocalists will be earnestly considered.


Audition Process


  • Submit a demo reel, with an emphasis on harmonization, as this is the most important aspect of the songs.


Since this is a role that compliments voice acting, vocalists will be chosen based on suitability for the songs and parity with the chosen VAs. Manipulation of the final recordings (for example, equalization, noise removal, pitch correction, addition of effects like reverb, etc.) should be expected.


I'll be happy to address any comments, questions, or concerns in the comments or at splashbun at gmail dot com.

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • female adult
  • singing/vocals
  • visual novel
  • singing/vocals
  • video game
Other info:
  • acapella singing
  • alto to mezzo soprano

  • Please upload your demo reel, including examples of harmonization and vocal range.

Save This Role Hear all 23 Apply / Audition
Narrator (Parts)
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Narrator (Parts)
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 750 USD
Role assigned to: David Wamala

  • This is the bulk of the lines. The narration is the core of the work, where all the rhythm, meter, and rhyme are on full display. 

  • Voice style: solid male voice, thoughtful, not too slow or fast on delivery, no guttural or raspiness, think of him like an audiobook narrator.

    • Reference: the voice of John Rhys-Davies as Narrator in Quest for Glory IV.

  • [photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels]

Language:
  • english
Voice description:
  • audiobook
  • male adult
  • video game
  • visual novel

  • [Expository, Desolate] An old castle stood on a rocky edge/ Balancing over a chasm’s ledge/ On the brink of a land where green things grow,/ Where mountains rush forth breaths of winter snow./ In these dim days of old this castle stood/ At the end of a trail-less, frightful wood,/ Rebuking passage to faraway lands./ Long ago rain renounced these once-rich plains—/ Only the brambles and castle remained--/ All else withered to a desert of sand.

  • [Dramatic, Fearful] At once something loosed, some frightening thing/ Turned in Wilhausen, like the ruined bells/ In his bell-tower that refused to ring./ Yet he helped the man down, and with a bow/ Welcomed him to the castle anyhow./

  • [Wistful, Amazed] The Duke Wilhausen stared, mind open wide,/ Captivated by the traveler’s tale,/ Eyes sparkling with dreams of faraway sails,/ Of faraway ships on faraway tides./ A pulsing energy surged in his veins,/ As if in hearing of what he might deign,/ He could regain a shred of his lost youth.

Save This Role Hear all 166 Apply / Audition
The Duke Wilhausen
Voice Actor Voice Actor
The Duke Wilhausen
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 350 USD
Role assigned to: Chephren Parker

  • Wilhausen: pronounced “will-house-en” 

  • Wendempfang: pronounced "ven-dem-fahng"

  • The protagonist: he is a cursed man who has lived alone in a castle for almost 100 years. He is cold, distant, and conflicted. The Duke looks like an OLD MAN, that is part of his curse. Sometimes, he appears YOUNG. It has been 100 years since he has met and spoken with another person.

  • Voice style: as an old man, the Duke should sound deeper, weary, disinterested, but not full-force ‘old man voice’. 

  • As a young man, the Duke should sound commanding and assured with a tinge of anxiety.

Voice description:
  • video game
  • audiobook
  • male adult
  • visual novel

  • {AS AN OLD MAN} [Sorrowful, dignified] “In his bed with labored breathing he died, /Leaving me the last of the Dukes inside /An unfamiliar dark I’d never known /Until then. Finest robes I dressed him in /And brought him to the Wellaway alone…”

  • {AS AN OLD MAN} [Offended, Terrified] “I’d not just be abandoning a place. /I’d be slighting, deserting kin of old, /Without fairly leaving a single trace /Of my lineage. Though our goals were duds, /Castle Wendempfang is as much my kin /As my own departed flesh and blood!”

  • {AS A YOUNG MAN} [Wistful, Conflicted] “I’d much rather imagine brighter lands / Like the ones you described to me last week; /I’d much rather think that I too could stand /On a shining beach bordering the sea. /Or climb up a peak without clouds to blind; /My heart yearns to break these inherited binds, / But how strong are the ties of fealty!”

Save This Role Hear all 95 Apply / Audition
Alden
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Alden
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 225 USD
Role assigned to: Chris Warzynski

  • Alden: pronounced “all-dehn”

  • The secondary protagonist: he is a high-spirited wanderer who leaves his small farm life in order to explore the world, before discovering the Duke’s castle and befriending the Duke. He is passionate about nature, animals, and has a sense of devotion to the Duke.

  • Voice style: mid-range and rogueish, not raspy or guttural. Clear and bright.

Voice description:
  • male adult
  • audiobook
  • video game
  • visual novel

  • [Passionate, Urging] “Fidelity and unbound wunderlust,/ You can realize both if you adjust./ I think of my sister and my brother,/ Always, of my father and my mother,/ And our acreage providing food and wealth,/ Always of the state of their aging health—/ They know how I feel when they think of me;/ I did not forsake them…but was set free.”

  • [Ecstatic, Vibrant] “I’m alive!”/[...] “Alive as if life has only begun.”

Save This Role Hear all 143 Apply / Audition
Narrator (Chorus)
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Narrator (Chorus)
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 200 USD
Role assigned to: Candace Marie

  • This is the voice for the Chorus sections which occur in-between the Parts and follow the Nymphs activities. This is a smaller narration role, as it is broken up by a lot of dialogue between the nymphs. These are written in a Greek meter, without rhyme, so just focus on reading it naturally and not forcing a rhythm.

  • Voice style: pensive female voice, not too slow or fast on delivery, lower pitched.

    • Reference: not to be cheesy, but Galadriel’s narration at the beginning of the Lord of the Rings.

  • [Photo by Gu Bra on Pexels]

Voice description:
  • video game
  • audiobook
  • female adult
  • visual novel

  • [Expository, Wise] The nymphs knew not time as worldly men knew time/ but loved and flourished in the garden’s safety,/ long 'til the house housed only one, the Duke Wilhausen, last in his line.

  • [Somber, Thoughtful] Wilhausen’s withdrawal and Alden’s aging concerned her,/ drawing her gaze to the vines of/ ivy winding down the wall. How long for it to wind to darkness?

  • [Pleased, Vibrant] The limestone eaves sparkled with seasonal rain/ and the little pond refreshed its old waters./ The sisters kept busy with weeding and planting for summer.

Save This Role Hear all 77 Apply / Audition
Eichhornia
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Eichhornia
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 160 USD
Role assigned to: SailorMoonBeam88

  • Pronounced “eye-corn-ee-uh”

  • The eldest sister of the nymphs. She is a wise soul, protective of her sisters and her garden. She holds a secret wish: to meet the Duke, and spends her nights watching him from her tower.

  • Voice style: wise, lower-voiced, compassionate yet stern.

Voice description:
  • video game
  • visual novel
  • female adult
  • audiobook

  • [Firm, Experienced] “Elodea, don’t be so harsh. Remember /a descendant doesn’t inherit the guilt /of the past, lest one’s burdens never wither,”

  • [Tender, Knowing] “But now you’re here and I won’t mask my fondness./ Come sit here, my lord. A bad storm must have raged /for you to seek me. It must be about Alden? You know no others.”

Save This Role Hear all 92 Apply / Audition
Pistia
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Pistia
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 50 USD
Role assigned to: Kylie Rutzen

  • Pronounced “piss-tee-uh” or sometimes “piss-tyah”

  • Second eldest nymph. She is quick to state her opinion, unafraid of judgement or etiquette. 

  • Voice style: a bit of a rasp/scratch, mid-range register, short and quick pronouncement.

Voice description:
  • female adult
  • video game
  • audiobook
  • visual novel

  • “Still, he spoke as if Baumalric didn’t claim /the prairie like a tyrant,” [...]/That man started everything, and Duke Wilhausen venerates him!”

  • "We wanted to plant it when we settled,/ But the right time to plant, we did not find,/ So the seed stays with us ‘til we presume/ To do so, one day when the desert blooms./ And newfound life will spring from its petals!”

Save This Role Hear all 53 Apply / Audition
Elodea
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Elodea
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 50 USD
Role assigned to: Timira!

Pronounced “ell-oh-dee-uh”

Third eldest nymph. She is coy and brash. She’s the trickster, stirring up gossip and romance.

Voice style: playful, coy, mid-high range, bold and teasing

Voice description:
  • female adult
  • audiobook
  • visual novel
  • video game

  • [Overdramatic, Playful] “Oh, my striking Alden, now wilting instead! /Where’s your beauty gone? And why?”

  • [Sarcastic, Teasing] “Pssst, I thought we were supposed to be kept/ In hiding,” [...]

Save This Role Hear all 72 Apply / Audition
Canna
Voice Actor Voice Actor
Canna
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 50 USD
Role assigned to: Ada E. Maslow

  • Pronounced “can-uh”

  • Youngest nymph. She is shy and reserved. Quiet and often hangs back, but occasionally speaks her mind.

  • Voice style: soft, quieter, not too breathy, on the cuter side

Voice description:
  • female young adult
  • audiobook
  • visual novel
  • video game

  • [Innocent, Wondering] “Do you think the sea has lily-pads? Or blooms /trailing its edge, like our own pond?”

  • [Quiet, Reassuring] “Together in suffering we’ve both grown./ It’s for neither to condemn nor condone./ The past is far removed by miles and miles./ Your line has persisted, and so have we./ Let old transgressions be as they might be.”

Save This Role Hear all 83 Apply / Audition
Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer Audio Engineer
Audio Engineer
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 1500 USD
Role assigned to: Sophie Song

I am seeking an Audio Engineer to help with the coordination and organization of both VAs and audio files. This includes working with Poetry, that is, rhymed and metric verse. The text is 3,500 lines of poetry. But when measured into actual sentences is less lines than that. Pay-rate is flexible, but looking at an overall audio budget of $2500-3000 (including VAs and audio engineer).


Looking for help with the following:

  • formatting script for VAs
  • scheduling and planning of project timeline with me and team
  • coordinating auditions, casting, retakes, and recording of VAs
  • editing audio files for consistency and quality
  • formatting/naming audio files to be input into Ren'py
  • basically someone to manage the audio element of the Visual Novel

Language:
  • english

  • *Say something you think would fit*

Save This Role Hear all 22 Apply / Audition
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