Beyond the Dark Productions - ‘The Road of Shadows’ - Season 1 | Original audio drama
Project Overview
The Road of Shadows is a new mystery and suspense audio drama by Mark R. Healy. There are currently two seasons in production with more in development. Each season is ten episodes in length.
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***Payment Structure for Characters - Per Season (10 Episodes) - in USD***
Narrator / Lead (10,000+ words) : $500
Lead / Supporting (7,500 - 10,000 words) : $400
Supporting (5,000 - 7,500 words) : $250
Supporting (2,500 - 5,000 words) : $100
Supporting (1,000 - 2,500 words) : $50
Minor (less than 1000 words) : $25
Extra (less than 50 words) : Unpaid
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Synopsis: It's 1984, and Daniel Knox is on the run. He's spent his entire life evading mysterious creatures that are disguised as everyday people - the ones he calls 'Shadows'. Preying on humans in secret, the Shadows are an enigma even to Daniel. But he knows one thing for sure - the Shadows' true nature can't be seen by anyone but him. As he seeks refuge in a remote mountain community, Daniel crosses paths with a traveller who is investigating the disappearance of her sister in the same town. Gradually, the secrets begin to unravel - and for Daniel - life will never be the same again.
Disclaimer / Content Warning: This project contains horror, profanity and some portrayals of violence (gunplay, body horror, blood).
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Pete is a long time resident of the small town of Colton. He has owned various businesses over the years but currently focuses on his company Pete's Tree Services, where he employs a small crew of workers. Pete is friendly and outgoing but doesn't tolerate tardiness. He demands respect from his workers and will come down hard on anyone who crosses him. He is also given to fits of explosive anger on occasion if he believes someone is trying to take advantage of him.
Pete is well liked in town and gets on well with most people, apart from a couple of minor run-ins with the law. He does not especially like the town sheriff and makes no secret of it.
Pete likes to socialise and can often be found at the local bar or diner chatting with friends. However, he does have a dark past that he keeps secret and which only a few close acquaintances know about. Pete will do almost anything to protect this secret and over the years he has been very successful at doing just that.
(Pretending to be upset with one of his workers. Uses a low, menacing voice) “I know what you were doing. You scored, didn’t you?” (His demeanour abruptly changes; he laughs and adopts a jovial tone) “You sly bastard! I saw who dropped you off here! Yeah, the cute chick from out of town. I’ve seen half the guys in Colton try hitting on her at the bar. She’s like stone. But then you show up...”
(Genuinely infuriated after Daniel drives his truck without permission. He bursts into the diner and makes a scene) “Where the fuck is he? Daniel! There you are, you little shit stain. Who the hell do you think you are? Stealing my truck like that. Does that truck say ‘Pete’s Joyride Services Incorporated’ on the side? Huh? No, it does not. So why the hell would you go joyriding in it?”
(Warning Daniel about the local sheriff) “Listen, Daniel... this Barnes guy is a piece of work. I had a run in with him a few years back. Had a busted taillight on the truck and he tried to throw the book at me. Got in an argument and the whole thing escalated fast. He ended up tossing me in a holding cell for the night.”
Sheriff Barnes is a grizzled man in his 50s who is in charge of the Colton police department. As a sheriff in a small town, Barnes likes to run things his own way and does not tolerate insubordination. He is tough and uncompromising and despises anyone challenging his authority. He speaks in a measured, deliberate way, carefully choosing his words. Barnes runs a tight ship and has been known to pull up citizens for minor infractions that other cops might not bother with.
Barnes spent his younger years as a beat cop in the big city. There he dealt with all kinds of heinous crime - murder, assault, rape and everything in between. After several years he decided to make a change and ventured away, into small town life, where he quickly climbed the ranks. Barnes still remembers his time in the city keenly and is wary of city folk who come through his town. He keeps an especially close eye on newcomers and comes down hard on any behaviour he deems to be out of line.
Barnes has a strong bond with his deputies. While he does not fraternise with them socially, he and the deputies have a good working relationship and share the same goals. Deputies who do not align with Barnes' way of thinking find themselves on the outer and generally do not last long in Colton.
(Calm and deliberate. Giving some background about himself as he talks to a couple of newcomers to the town who he believes are up to no good. Trying to let them know he’s aware of what they’re doing) “I’ve been a lawman a long time. Started off in the big smoke, walkin’ the beat. Came across just about every kinda crime you can imagine. Drugs, stabbings, assault. Men beating up their women like they were nothing more than animals fit for slaughter. Even came across a few dead bodies here and there on my watch. Never did like the city much, to be deadly honest - too much smog, too many folk crammed in on top of each other like sardines. So I left it all behind and came out here, where the air is clean and the people are decent to one another. It was a choice, y’see. I didn’t wind up here because I was too dumb to tie my own shoelaces.”
(Lecturing Amber about her sister’s disappearance. Barnes has grown impatient with her asking questions around town and wants her to move on) “Me and my deputies conducted a full investigation into this ‘mysterious’ disappearance of your sister. There are no bodies in those hills, no witnesses, no testimonies to back up what you’re saying. That leads to one very obvious conclusion - your sister moved on. She’s not here anymore. If something happened to her, it didn’t happen in Colton. So I’ll say this to you one more time... head on up the road and try the next place, if you want. Find another sheriff to vex, because I’ve had about enough.”
(Voice raised as he addresses a crowd that has gathered at a murder scene) “Now, now... simmer down! None of you have any business being here in the first place, and you damn sure won’t be privy to confidential information regarding an ongoing police investigation! I’ve got nothing to tell you!”
John Hobbs is the owner and proprietor of Misty Pines Motor Inn. He lives and works in the small town of Colton. Although Hobbs deals with tourists on a daily basis, he is not particularly friendly and would usually prefer not to engage in small talk. He spends almost all of his time at Misty Pines and is responsible for maintenance and handyman work. He also employs a small number of maids to clean rooms and do laundry at the motel.
Hobbs doesn't trust outsiders as he has had some bad experiences with people from out of town in the past.
(Chatting, apathetic, to someone who has just come in from out of town and is considering checking into the motor inn) “Saw you driving past on that motorcycle of yours - two, maybe three times in the last half hour. Figured you were checking out your options. But if you’re staying in Colton, there’s not a lot of choice, I’m afraid. It’s my way or the highway.”
(Inspecting a room at the motor inn and notices that some property has been damaged by one of the guests. Outraged and annoyed) “Now what in the fuck is this? The alarm clock - it’s smashed to pieces. What did you do, throw it against the goddamn wall?” (The guest tries to defend their actions, but Hobbs goes on, unperturbed) “You broke the clock before you left this morning. That’s it, isn’t it? And then you figured you’d make up some bullshit story about an intruder, thinking you could escape the blame.”
(Exasperated that he has to carry out more repairs at the motor inn) “I’ve never seen a place blow so many fuses in my life. Barely a week goes by that it doesn’t happen. I mean... I love Misty Pines, but she’s sending me broke with all this maintenance shit.”
Sandy is a salt of the earth, good natured mechanic who owns and runs a garage in the small town of Colton. She is industrious and hard working, but attempts to find balance with plenty of leisure activities. With this in mind, she keeps strict business hours and tries not to make exceptions. She has learned that life is not all about work.
Sandy loves the outdoors and in particular the mountains around Colton. She hikes whenever she gets the chance. She lives alone in a modest cottage at the foot of the mountains and is content being by herself. Most mornings she takes a hot mug of coffee and an egg sandwich out onto her back porch so she can sit and take in the scenery while she eats. She lives for these moments of simple pleasure.
She is a devout Christian and always keeps the Lord in her thoughts. Although she enjoys being around people, Sandy is also a straight talker and will speak her mind when necessary. She sometimes lacks subtlety and has been known to offend people while trying to make a point.
(Discussing repairs to a motor vehicle with a city slicker who is very impatient. The repairs are significant and will take time) “Oh, you’ll need some cash, no doubt. But you need to swallow a good dose of patience first. Maybe you’re used to the big city where things get done lickety-split, but you’re in Colton now. Things take time out here.”
(Responding to a question from a customer who wants to know if Sandy completed repairs on their vehicle) “Well now, Lord knows it wasn’t easy, but... yes I did. Can’t say that machine of yours is purring like a newly fed kitten, but she’s running. Had to use a bit of elbow grease to get everything back into place just right, but... it’ll get you to wherever you’re going, I can guarantee that. I even filled up the tank for you.”
(Earnest and compassionate. Offering a kindness to a new friend who she suspects is in trouble, even though she doesn’t know the specifics of their situation) “Well, I may not look too smart, but... I’m a good judge of character more often than not. I think you’ve got a good heart. And I believe that good people deserve to catch a break now and again. Don’t you?” (The other character offers their thanks, then turns to leave. Sandy responds with this farewell) “Oh, and... whatever trouble is coming up behind you... well, I hope that you can be done with it real soon.”
Daniel Knox (aged in his early teens). Daniel is the protagonist of the story and his younger self is featured in flashbacks. At this stage of his life, Daniel lived with and enjoyed a loving relationship with his father Henry. Although he is happy most of the time, he is still struggling to establish his identity. His greatest concern is appearing to be a failure in his father's eyes. His school grades are good, but Daniel does have difficulty with some interpersonal relationships. In particular, he has fallen foul of some school bullies and it seems that every week there is another incident. Daniel is still unsure about how to deal with the situation and everything he does seems to make matters worse.
(Frightened, calling 911 after a break-in. He knows an intruder is downstairs and that his father has gone to take a look) “Hello? Yes, I’d like to report a break-in...” (Breathing heavily for a few seconds as the operator responds) “Yes, the location of my emergency is Twenty-five Maple Street...”
(Desperate, frightened as the intruder grabs him. Calling out to his father) “Dad, help! He’s got my leg! Dad...!”
(Speaking with his father. Daniel was involved in an incident with bullies at school. He is ashamed that he ran from the fight. He believes his father - a former boxer - would disapprove) “How many times have you told me you never backed down in the ring? I’m a coward, and everyone in the school knows it.”
Henry Knox is the father of the protagonist Daniel. He was murdered in a bungled home invasion when Daniel was 12 years old and features in this story via flashbacks / memories from Daniel's perspective.
Henry is a loving dad who is deeply invested in Daniel's future. He takes a great interest in Daniel's day to day life and tries to impart lessons and wisdom wherever he can. A large and imposing figure, Henry works in construction and enjoys a good relationship with his colleagues. In his younger years, Henry was a talented boxer who saw moderate success until an injury forced him out of the sport. Now in his late 30s, Henry often uses analogies and anecdotes from his boxing days to teach Daniel about how to succeed in life.
Henry is fiercely protective and would do anything to keep Daniel safe.
(Trying to console and reassure his son, Daniel, who suggests that Henry would have found a way to overcome a group of bullies without assistance from anyone else) “Sometimes your opponents are just stronger than you. You can’t take them head on. You have to run - just like you did today.” (Scoffing when his son protests) “You think I never came up against guys who were stronger than me? Faster?”
(Responding to a question about how to find an opponent’s weakness) “That all depends on your opponent. I can’t give you a silver bullet that’ll work in every encounter. But just understand this - the fight is never lost as long you’re still on your feet. Do that, and you’re still in it.”
(Cries out in pain several times as he is brutally attacked, then calls to Daniel, struggling and gasping as he grapples with the intruder) “Danny, the front door... run! Can’t... hold him...”
Mr. Simpkins is a thoughtful and conscientious librarian in the small town of Colton. He is amiable and likes to chat with anyone who is interested in a conversation. He is in his late 60s and is starting to get a little forgetful, and this is exacerbated by the fact that he is also a hoarder. The library has begun to fill with clutter and is not organised particularly well. However, Mr. Simpkins loves his work and shows up every day to make sure the library is open, despite the fact that not many people in town bother to stop by.
Mr. Simpkins lives by himself in a messy and rundown house and he has begun to fill several rooms there with books that no longer fit inside the cramped confines of the library.
In his early years, Mr. Simpkins had a long career as a police officer in Colton. He was always regarded as one of the more friendly and approachable members of the force during his years there. Even to this day he still likes to visit the station now and again to reminisce with the deputies about his younger days.
(Admonishing himself after there is an accident in the library due to poor lighting) “Ah... I should really get some more natural light down here. So dingy. The mould’s terrible for the books, too, but I can’t be bothered trying to move all this stuff to a new place.”
(Telling visitors about a former resident of the town - a man who had a strange fascination with the occult) “Oh, just a local who developed a fascination with all things macabre. Asked me to bring in all kinds of books on the occult and what-not. Had his own private collection, too, some of which he ended up donating to the library when he left. Come to think of it, that might be where that book of yours originated.”
(Dismissive, self-deprecating after he has been paid a compliment on how he runs the library) “Agh, I appreciate that, coming from a fellow librarian, but it’s in need of a good overhaul, that place. Too much junk. Like this house, I suppose. One day soon when I die, someone will have the task of cleaning out all my old rubbish here. I’ve been a terrible hoarder over the years, and well... I don’t envy the poor soul who has to do it. Might save time to just burn the whole place to the ground!” (He laughs, then remembers something else and changes topic) “Oh, that reminds me - I had something for you.”
Helen is an outgoing and exuberant young woman who likes to enjoy all the pleasures life has to offer. She is passionate and approachable, but can become downcast when things don't go her way.
Helen is currently travelling across the country on her way to the east coast. Perennially short of cash, Helen has been stopping in small country towns and finding odd jobs in order to earn some money. The journey has become an odyssey of sorts as Helen learns more about the country and herself in the process.
Although she enjoys meeting new people, Helen has recently begun to tire of small town life and yearns for some excitement. She is hoping to move onto the next stage of her journey in the near future.
(Flirting with a guy she’s interested in) “I’m Helen. I’m working at the gas station down the road. Denton’s. Every time you pull in on that motorcycle of yours I think... this time he’s gonna come over and talk to me. But it never happens.”
(Flirting. Suggesting that a guy joins her on a date at the local movie theatre) “I’m coming back here tomorrow night to watch this again. If you like, you could sit with me...? We can talk about Kevin Bacon’s dance moves and stuff...” (The guy responds that people aren’t supposed to talk in movie theatres. Helen continues playfully, in a whisper) “We’ll whisper.” (She laughs)
(Deflated, slightly bitter after her advances are turned down. The guy offers to walk her home since it’s late at night) “Don’t worry, Daniel. Nothing’s gonna happen to me. Not in this damn town.”
Freddie is a truck driver who works for Northern Pine in the town of Colton. He is rude, tactless and has a very high opinion of himself that is not necessarily shared by others. In fact, Freddie is held in low regard by many in town. His loud mouth and sarcastic attitude often draw the ire of those in the local bar or diner where he can generally be heard across the other side of the room.
Freddie has had plenty of run-ins with the law in Colton for minor infractions, such as public disturbance and destruction of property. From time to time he spends the night in a holding cell at the police station in order to cool off.
For the most part Freddie is frustrated and unsatisfied with the way his life has turned out. He always hoped to make something of himself but never managed to escape the drudgery of small town life. He drinks a lot and takes out his frustrations on those around him, often becoming cruel, inconsiderate and demeaning. He has few close friends and although he has dated a few local girls, for the most part he has spent his life single.
Freddie is very much a powder keg of angst and frustration, ready to explode at the slightest spark.
(Rude, belligerent, insulting. Addressing a female after they have just been approached by her male companion) “Who the fuck is this? This your man?” (Turns to the man) “Why don’t you go back where you came from, asshole. The lady and I are talking here.”
(Humiliated in public by a woman striking him physically. Breathless, scrambling to save face) “Sheriff Barnes, did you see that? Bitch tripped me, sent me flying! That was a cheap shot. Everyone saw it.”
(Drunk, somewhat out of breath. Ragged, voice raised as he physically attacks a motorcycle with a crowbar) “Rise and shine, fuckers!” (He grunts as he takes another swing) “This is your 4am wake up call!” (He goes on, breathless, as the owner appears) “Ah, there he is! I was just finishing up a few modifications on this-” (Accentuates the word ‘bike’ with another strike) “-bike of yours.”
Reynolds is a good natured and amiable tradesman in the small town of Colton. He works for Pete's Tree Services and tries his best to do a good job. He enjoys meeting people and gets on well with his fellow workmen. Reynolds likes to converse with visitors from out of town whenever he gets the chance. He has a good sense of humour and likes to hang out at the local bar after work, relaxing with a beer and watching football.
(Asking about a girl from out of town who recently went missing) “Oh, that was the sister, right? The one who was hanging around the diner for a few weeks? She served me a few times. Seemed real nice. Rumour is she went hiking. Might have gotten herself into trouble up there on the mountain.”
(Grunting with effort as he hauls equipment. Teasing a coworker who has been carrying a certain tool around all day) “Sheesh, man. You’re not gonna start dry humping it, are you?” (Laughs) “Just toss it over there with the other tools. Then you can help me get this shit up into the office, huh?”
(Trying to reassure a tourist who recently experienced a break-in while staying in town) “I wouldn’t worry about it. Probably a couple of young punks trying to find stuff. Cameras - tourists always have those. They can be worth a bit. Or ghetto blasters, shit like that. Anything they can fence for a few bucks.”
Lora Towney is a deputy policewoman in the small town of Colton. She is gritty and resolute and can be condescending towards many of the people she meets. Having adopted many of the values of her boss, Sheriff Barnes, Towney doesn't tolerate any nonsense. She cracks down hard on suspects and grinds them into submission with her flinty gaze and tough manner.
Towney takes her job very seriously and hopes to one day become Sheriff. She enjoys the small town life and goes to great lengths to protect the sanctity of Colton. She refrains from fraternising with those outside the police force and tends to keep to herself during downtime. She is rarely sighted at the local bar, and when she does show up, Towney maintains control of herself. She is definitely not one to 'let her hair down' in the presence of locals.
(Condescending, insulting toward a member of the public who is trying to stick her nose into an investigation) “Look, lady... I know you fancy yourself as some kind of ‘crime-solving’ mastermind, but us real cops have work to do here. Why don’t you go play Columbo somewhere else?”
(Sarcastic. Interrogating a suspect who complains that the questioning is ‘irritating’. Towney finds this ironic since the suspect herself can be irritating at times) “Oh, do you find that irritating? Is that irritating you? Seems like you can dish it up but you can’t eat it.”
(Applying pressure in an interrogation. Implying the suspect had a motive to attack the victim) “See, this isn’t the kind of wound you’d expect in a robbery or an assault from a stranger. This took time and effort. It was a crime of passion. Someone had a point to prove, here. Skin in the game.”
John Fraser is a loner who lives a secluded life in a ramshackle cabin in the mountains outside Colton. Once a resident of the town, Fraser became troubled by what he believed were evil forces acting inside Colton. Although he never saw or heard anything directly, he could not shake the feeling that a malevolent presence had invaded the town. This forced him to give up any chance of a normal life and move into the woods to distance himself from this presence.
During his time in Colton, Fraser started reading what he could on the occult, myths and demons in an attempt to understand what was happening to him. He spent hours at the local library and from time to time would request books be added to the catalogue. In time he learned about various occult symbols, spells and incantations and he used these to good effect when he relocated into the woods, adorning his cabin and the surrounding areas with wards and protections to thwart the advance of evil spirits.
In his past, Fraser was always somewhat of an outcast. His views did not necessarily gel with those around him and this caused the other locals to look upon him with derision. This only worsened when he started rambling about evil spirits, and the scorn of the townspeople was the final straw in his decision to relocate. Since he left, Fraser is never seen in town and now he is largely forgotten by almost all who live there.
(Thoughtful, gritty, somewhat ominous. Offering a dire warning) “There’s something dark in that town down there. Something evil. And not just there. It’s everywhere, like a plague across the whole land.”
(Asked to describe the evil presence he felt in the town of Colton) “It’s hard to describe. Sometimes the hairs on the back of my neck would stand on end for no reason at all. Other times, I’d feel a cold breeze blow through on a hot summer day. And I could sense something watching me... always watching. All I knew was I had to get myself out of there. I had to put some distance between me and it. Shroud myself with runes of protection...”
(Ominous. Relating a story about a missing person who was last seen with a strange companion) “And I’ll tell you one other thing, too. That companion... it had the darkness in it. That much I’ll guarantee.”
This is a Minor (USD $25) part with a larger role in Season 2
Dr. Shilling is a medical practitioner from the small town of Clifford Springs, which is located a couple of hundred miles from Colton. He has been a long time resident of Clifford Springs and has been involved in many community activities whilst there. Shilling presents himself as warm and amiable to the residents of the town, but to outsiders he is somewhat more guarded. He does not venture from the town much and rarely takes a break from work.
He sometimes assists local police by providing his medical knowledge in the case of violent crimes.
Shilling has a dark side that few ever see. He can be violent and aggressive when someone gets in his way. He goes to great lengths to keep these traits well hidden, and no one in the community suspects he is anything but a mild-mannered doctor and friend.
Dr. Shilling is introduced in Season 1. He has a much more prominent role in Season 2.
(Weakened, in pain, gritty. Struggling, but pulling himself proudly to his feet to face his executioner) “I won’t die grovelling at your feet. No. I’ll stand and face you with my head held high. And when the end times come, and Mother draws us all to her side, you will meet your fate as well.”
(Ominous, malevolent as he prepares to take an innocent life for a greater cause) “It is only I who will know the truth. Only I who will understand your true sacrifice. The others in town - my flock - they will never know. Ever since I came here, the only truth the people of Clifford Springs have understood is the whisper that passes between my lips - the voice that comes in the darkness. They listen to me. And in the end, my word becomes their truth.”
(Triumphant, powerful, condescending as he is about to redeem himself) “You thought you came to Clifford Springs to destroy me, but... oh, the irony... in reality, you’ve proven to be my salvation. You’ve given me the opportunity to restore my reputation with the Kin. When this is done, Mother’s light will shine upon me once more.”
Selina is a schoolteacher in the small town of Appleton. She is mild mannered and well regarded in the community.
No one suspects her true nature - she is a Shadow, a creature that preys on human flesh. Selina looks and sounds like a normal person and only kills in secret, hiding her monstrous nature from others in the community. She has successfully lived this double life for years with no one suspecting a thing.
Selina is pleasant and amiable when in disguise. However, when she is about to kill, Selina can become more animalistic in her behaviour. Her voice takes on a rasping, hissing quality and she adopts a cruel and predatorial tone of voice.
(Cruel, malevolent) “I don’t like his voice. We should rip his tongue out.”
(Smug, a mocking sweet and innocent tone. Enjoying the fact that she has deceived a community that she is an upstanding citizen - a schoolteacher - and no one knows the truth) “And I still am. A true role model to all of those wonderful children.”
(Makes a low, elongated moan that escalates into a high pitched, drawn out wail as she dies and crumbles into dust)
Argyle is a firefighter in a small town in the mountains. He is friendly and likes to chat with people on his morning runs around the neighbourhood.
No one suspects his true nature - he is a Shadow, a creature that preys on human flesh. Argyle looks and sounds like a normal person and only kills in secret, hiding his monstrous nature from others in the community. He has successfully lived this double life for years with no one suspecting a thing.
Argyle is pleasant and amiable when in disguise. However, when he is about to kill, he can become more animalistic in his behaviour. His voice takes on a rasping, growling quality and he adopts a cruel and predatorial tone of voice.
(Argumentative, spiteful. Sharp tone, a warning. Talking to someone he doesn’t like) “Shut up, Shilling! You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
(Low, guttural. Angry, irritated by a group of people he doens’t like) “All of you, stop talking! I’ve heard enough!”
(Makes a low, elongated moan that escalates into a high pitched, drawn out wail as he dies and crumbles into dust)
A concerned citizen of the small town of Colton who has turned up to see what's happening at the site of a murder. This type of crime is rare in the small town and there is much gossip and excitement, particularly since the name of the victim has not yet been announced.
(Calling out in a raised voice, concerned) “Sheriff Barnes! What’s going on?”
A concerned citizen of the small town of Colton who has turned up to see what's happening at the site of a murder. This type of crime is rare in the small town and there is much gossip and excitement, particularly since the name of the victim has not yet been announced.
(Calling out in a raised voice, concerned) “Is it someone from town? Someone we know?”
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