Heart of Ice
KiaraRedVA | Kiara Dougherty for Astrid
Main and only role for this project that needs high-skilled VA. The story focuses on this character, her personality and relationship with player controlled character - Player.
"Astrid, daughter of Eivor, tough, skilled warrior from cold Roscrea island. Her will is hardened like her steel in harsh winters and bloody battles. It may seem she knows neither fear nor fatigue."
Astrid is a 23 year old warrior from boreal island of Roscrea in Sea of Ghosts situated north of Tamriel. At the first glance she has bad temper, closed nature and waywardness. But as you (Player and Astrid) become familiar you recognize her fears, her passion, her interest, etc. You see that she is not a cold-hearted machine, but there is caring and and kind companion hiding inside.
The character has fully described backstory made solely by me. The story counts up to 2 thousand of lines for Astrid, including both story and miscellaneous lines (the latter can be heard at different circumstances depending on your location/current relationship rank etc). Gradually she becomes more and more soft - this is the keystone of the story: to show change of a character.
From the voice actor I need to feel that vibe of shift in character: from cold-hearted warrior, inhibiting her own emotions and feelings to a loving and caring companion.
Role does not contain any NSFW topic and is strictly lore-friendly (no dirty talk or whatsoever), however, suggestive lines are presented (like: "I love you!")
My idea and vision about Astrid's voice was inspired by America Ferrera's character from "How To Train Your Dragon" movie franchise, however, this is not about accent, but for the audacity, courage, confidence and energy o'her in this role that I love. You can listen to four examples from link below.
https://soundcloud.com/smashman1/sets/examples/s-QVBk1rwgIKJ
Another example would be Laura Bailey's Wei from DOTA 2: https://dota2.fandom.com/wiki/The_Disciple%27s_Path/Responses
There you can find every single line of the character: vigorous, confident and with attack
Update: audition lines shortened a bit.
- english
- female young adult
- videogame
- video game
(Very straightforward, assertive, confidently) My name is Astrid of Haraldson clan. I am the mightiest warrior of Roscrea. My reaction is instant, my hand is fierce, my steel is swift.
Everything I have and achieved I owe to my raise. There is no place for feelings, for compassion in true warrior's life. I must be cold-blooded in fight to survive.
(Surprized, enlightened) Wait, glacier? Wait, wait… It just came to me. (Happy, with broken voice) I am – the glacier. And you set it on fire! You are my betrothed. (Surprized again, confused) Wait, did she mean that my spouse be the one, who…I will fall in love with? I can't believe I didn't see this earlier.
Ah, forgot to add! Discord: kiaradougherty | Website: https://kiaradoughertyva.carrd.co/
Hey! I'd say you did one of the best impressions yet, I can almost fell tears in your eyes when you say the last line! I like your recording very much, but...you have quite a strong rival =D
Thank you! I'm glad I could match the voice well! From the samples given it felt very much in my wheelhouse as I'm American, and I have a younger sounding voice naturally.
Haha, there's a lot of talent around, but I'm happy my audition stood out regardless! It was a joy getting to audition for her. :)
So, for this moment, I have chosen 7 VAs from 44 submissions total. You are one of them. I would like you to voice a small dialogue (context given) and I'll implement this example in to the game to let you see how it looks like. Are you interested?
Yeah, absolutely! I'm a little busy for the next few days as I'm in the middle of moving and I'm leaving later today, but I'll have my recording space set up fairly quickly once I'm there, so if there's no rush then I'd be happy to record the lines first thing. :)