OVERVIEW
Zero no Kiseki or Trails From Zero is a JRPG developed by Nihon Falcom. It is part of the large 'Kiseki' or 'Trails' series featuring extremely rich world building, a massive cast of wonderful characters, and interweaving, multi-layered story line. Unfortunate, this particular entry (as well as its sequel Ao no Kiseki or Trails to Azure) have never received a western release. A high-quality fan-translation is about to be released curiosity of the people of at The Geofront (Find them and their amazing project here!). As the game features extensive voice acting, the goal of this project is to try out an high-quality English fan-dub based on this upcoming translation.
GOAL
As this is a massive game with an extraordinary amount of text, attempting to immediately do the ENTIRE thing is far lo large of a scope. As such, this project will be focused on first dubbing only the game's intro mission, and possibly the full Prologue later on if things work out.
PROCESS
If accepted, you will be sent an invitation to a private discord group with the other actors. You'll be given full scripts with the your lines as well as additional context on things such as character motivation, subtext, and how particular lines should be delivered. After which, you will be free to record the lines and send them in at your leisure (although for the sake keeping the project from taking years on end, if you take too long, you will be asked to either deliver the lines or a new actor will be cast.)
Also, though anyone is welcome to audition, the hope is to eventually dub at least all of the game's major scenes (if not the whole game) so being able to help out on the side for the long haul would be preferable.
Promotion of the project on social media is not required. Though it would be nice. (Especially for The Geofront crew, as the overwhelming amount of work done for this has been from them.)
REQUIREMENTS
DISTRIBUTION
The planned distribution will be via a downloadable file with the voice lines in it. To play the game with the voices, you will need to install the EVO voice patch. After which you will simply need to replace the japanese voice files with the english ones.
FINALLY
My hope with this project is the help bring this beloved game to new groups of people, as well as provide a more engaging experience for those who love to hear strong voice acting paired with an amazing cast of characters. I hope some of you can fall as much in love with this story and these characters as I and many others have.
Give it you best, and have fun!!
BIO: Main Protagonist. A recent graduate of the Crossbell Police Academy and a young detective, Lloyd is assigned to the newly formed “Special Support Section” upon returning to his home: Crossbell City.
PERSONALITY: Lloyd is very tactically minded. He is an extremely logical thinking and constantly tries to assess his situation and surroundings. At the same time, he isn’t the most self-confident person at the start. While not one to back down from a fight and willing to put his life on the line to protect others, he also can be a little too apologetic and doubts himself.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This character is the protagonist, and as such has the most lines by far. As a result, I am currently planning on voicing him myself. HOWEVER, as I want this dub to be the best it can be, if anyone else would like to try out for him, feel free! I hope to be blown away!
"...My name is Lloyd Bannings, and I was born in Crossbell. I’ve been living abroad until a short while ago. "
[CONTEXT: Formally introducing himself to a group. ]
"Special Support Section…? I don’t remember that name ever popping up during my time at the police academy. "
[CONTEXT: Introspecting to himself. ]
"W-wait a second! Test or not, why are WE the ones going into an area infested with monsters. Isn’t that a job for the Guardian Force?"
[CONTEXT: Confused and almost demanding an explanation. ]
BIO: An elegant young woman with a formal upbringing. Extensively studied politics and law as well as traveled the continent before joining the Special Support Section.
PERSONALITY: On the surface, Elie is a very sweet, soft spoken young woman with a proper and somewhat formal upbringing. At the same time, she does find enjoyment in the occasional teasing and sarcasm towards her fellow SSS members.
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Elie MacDowell. I’m Crossbellan, much like yourself. "
[CONTEXT: Confident and formally introducing herself. ]
"Our enemy is like a spider, hiding in the shadows and pulling the strings of its web. But we’ve come a long way. We can bring them to justice. "
[CONTEXT: About to begin a super important mission, but with confidence they will defeat their enemy.]
"I didn’t know Guy… I didn’t know your brother… But, I can say one thing: the one who has pulled us together until now is none other than you yourself. "
[CONTEXT: Trying to softly comfort a disheartened Lloyd. ]
BIO: A battle-hardened young man, and the oldest member of the Special Support Section.
PERSONALITY: Randy has a laid back personality and likes to have fun more than anything. However, he has a strong elder brother sense to his friends and does not take 'nonsense' from anyone.
REFERENCE: Jonah Scott: https://youtu.be/KqAcLTJQLik?t=1629
"Yo, I’m Randy. Randy Orlando. My hobbies include flirting with lovely ladies, gamblin’, and checkin’ out sexy new mags like “Hot Shot. Y’know, that kinda stuff."
[CONTEXT: Introducing himself, clearly & confidently not caring what anyone else thinks of his ‘hobbies’. ]
"Phew, now that’s a relief. I thought we were gonna be trudging’ through some nasty-ass sewage, honestly."
[CONTEXT: Relieved to know his mission will be less uncomfortable.]
"Guess that means we’ll run into more supernatural scum, huh? Man, I’m getting chills down my spine already."
[CONTEXT: Mildly sarcastic, but still taking the situation seriously. ]
BIO: A young girl who works for the Epstein Foundation. Transferred to the police’s Special Support Section to test out a new “orbal staff.”
PERSONALITY: Monotone in almost all lines. Rarely shows emotion. Occasion dabbles in a bit of dry sarcasm, however. Can get annoyed with perceived stupidity. Tio loves all things cute, especially Mishy (Crossbell's mascot), but does not like to admit it.
REFERENCE: Kayli Mills | https://youtu.be/S_ogix55kNM?t=1682
"Tio Plato. Leman State. A pleasure to meet you. "
[CONTEXT: Said flatly, as if to be as efficient as possible. ]
"For a ‘certified detective’ you are exceptionally slow. I believe I made myself clear. What do you fail to comprehend? "
[CONTEXT: Flatly irritated with what she perceives as incompetence.]
"...Yes. Maybe this shaft was built to be a staircase toward Gehenna. Where Aidios was renounced and the devils were worshiped... "
[CONTEXT: A sliver of emotions cracking through. Like an ice-cold shiver shot down her spine. ]
BIO: Crossbell Chief of Police, and the commanding officer of the Special Support Section.
PERSONALITY: Comes off as constantly disinterested, with a “I don’t care. Let’s just get this over with” attitude. Despite this, he does genuinely care about making the SSS a success, despite not having a lot of confidence in it working out.
"Yup. I look forward to working with you. Then again, who knows if this team will last for more than six months? "
[CONTEXT: Saying this like "Whatever. This is probable going to fail, so let's just get it over with.]
"Hey! Got cotton stuck in your ears? Give them a little introduction, got it?"
[CONTEXT: Mildly irritated that someone seems to being ignoring him.]
"Allright, greenhorns. Time to perk up. So you’ve been wondering what kinda responsibilities the Special Support Section is going to have, huh? "
[CONTEXT: Trying to poke a little fun, though he's still pretty "whatever" about the whole situation.]
BIO: Receptionist at Crossbell Police. Young and eager to make a good impression and do her job the best she can.
PERSONALITY: Upbeat and friendly...maybe a tad bit too much. She really wants to do her best, but can come off as a mildly airhead at some points.
"Good day, and welcome to the Crossbell Police Department. How can I help you? "
[CONTEXT: Happily welcome someone who just wanted into the Police Station. ]
"This is pretty abnormal. There’s no information in the system about a new recruit coming for assignment today… Um, are you sure you weren’t supposed to go to the Crossbell Guardian Force?"
[CONTEXT: Trying to help someone out, but vary slightly concerned she may have screwed up. ]
"Wow! You managed to pass the detective exam?! That’s amazing! It’s not everyday you see a newcomer this qualified!"
[CONTEXT: Momentarily forgets what she’s supposed to be doing. Too impressed by this person’s abilities. ]
BIO: An A-Rank Bracer (a public-service mercanry) of Crossbell city. He is one of the greatest warriors in the land.
PERSONALITY: A mature man with a ton of battle experience, he speaks directly an confidently. Very fatherly.
"What you did was incredibly foolish. What would you have done if no one showed up to rescue you?"
[CONTEXT: Stern, reprimanding a child. He is harsh, but does so to make the child understand.]
"Hmm...Well, you two are unharmed, so we'll leave it at that."
[CONTEXT: Having made his point, his tone drops to something softer.]
"Good. No dawdling, then. Never let your guard down, until you're certain everything is over."
[CONTEXT: Speaking to adults in this case. He is much more matter of fact, as if doling out this kind of advice is a common occurrence for him.]
BIO: Reporter for Crossbell News.
PERSONALITY: Top-tier reporter, always eager to get the latest scoop. Will brave the most dangerous situations for a good story. “Just-the-facts” kinda girl when it comes to info gathering, but doesn't mind giving her articles a sightly biased slant to make them ore exciting. Believes her journalism will can do a lot of public good.
"Hey there, Mr. Arios! Accomplishing yet another amazing feat, eh?"
[CONTEXT: Meaning behind her words: "you just got me another great story, huh?"]
"How you brilliantly saved these boys, who ended up falling in danger, due to the city's careless facility management...!"
[CONTEXT: Dramatically trying to make Arios sound great, while also spinning the story in her own intended direction.]
"Hmm. I tend to write a lot of stuff in those articles, but please don't pay too much attention that, okay?"
[CONTEXT: Casually dismissing her sensationalism, like she's use to doing this sort of thing.]
BIO: Cecil is a nurse at St. Ursula Medical College. She was the fiance of Lloyd's older brother Guy, and still remains a loving older sister figure to Lloyd even after all these years.
PERSONALITY: Cecil is a very sweet and caring young woman, but speaks with a strong sense of authority and confidence.
How do you do! I am Ciel Neues. *giggle* It seems you're all Lloyd's co-workers? A pleasure to meet you.
[CONTEXT: Introducing herself. Very polite and open, able to make anyone feel at ease instantly.]
Thank goodness it's really you! When I called the Police department, they told me to call this number.
[CONTEXT: Re leaved to be finally speaking to Lloyd, who's basically her family. Hasen't had the chance to do so in a long time.]
Mom and Dad have been worried about you all this time...but...I'm so happy. You've finally come back to Crossbell.
[CONTEXT: So overcome with happiness at hearing from her 'brother', she is on the verge of tears.]
BIO: A police officer in Crossbell and Lloyd's older brother. He passed away a few years prior to the start of the game.
PERSONALITY: Best big bro. Overflowing with confidence and determination, but not at the expense of caring for those closest to him, particularly his brother and fiance.
Word of advice, Lloyd: to be a man, you have to be wiling to tackle the issues you're facing head-on. Follow your heart and intuition, and grasp the truth with your own two hands.
[CONTEXT: Giving advice to his younger brother. Trying to inspire confidence as well as caution.]
NOTE: He has the fewest lines in the section that I am dubbing. (Only one other). However, he has many more as the game goes on, if I get to dubbing more later on.
BIO: An old man Lloyd meets on a train at the start.
"Hah. A dream, eh? Were you, perhaps, being swarmed by hordes of sexy ladies?"
[CONTEXT: Teasing the young Lloyd, with a hint of "god, I wish that were me."]
"Bah. Whether they side with the Empire or the Republic, they’re nothing but a bunch of megalomaniacs. Can’t trust anyone except for old Mayor MacDowell."
[CONTEXT: Going on an over-the-top political rant.]
"Ah, that reminds me. Seeing as how you just returned, do you have a place to stay? If you don’t, I can introduce you to the inn over on East Street. Lovely place."
[CONTEXT: Open and friendly. Best grandpa.]
BIO: An old lady Lloyd meets on a train at the start.
"Oh, pardon us. I know its been awhile since you last saw your hometown. We didn’t mean to ruin your return. "
[CONTEXT: Realized what she said may have upset Lloyd. ]
"Dear, calm down… Sorry about that. He tends to get carried away when it comes to politics. "
[CONTEXT: Apologetic, almost like she's saying "Oh, that guy. Him and his politics."]
"Oh no. I won’t stand for that. Back in my day, we lived by a code: 'Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.' "
[CONTEXT: In response to being asked by somone if they can carry her luggage, but that person would be late for work as a result.]
BIO: A pair of young boys the heroes save at the start of the story.
"...What do I do...? If this keeps up, I'm..."
[CONTEXT: Terrified, thinking he and his friend might die because of him.]
"Y-yeah. I could have handled those monsters myself..."
[CONTEXT: Trying to sound brave, but really scared out of his mind.]
"Woooohooooo! This is the greatest day of my life!"
[CONTEXT: Just got saved by the absolute coolest swordsman in the country.]
