**SORRY THE AUDIO JUMPS SO FAR AHEAD. DON'T KNOW WHY IT DOES THAT
We are looking for cast members for the audiobook written by Zero Angel. This is mostly a passion project at this state, but we are looking to bring the best out of every step. The intent is to have a fully dramatized book that incorporates a Narrator and a kick-ass cast. So far, we have a fully composed demo (That is one hour long) with a full cast of actors for it.
Going forward we will need to fill several roles. A lot of the cast members will be playing multiple parts. So please feel free to SHOW YOUR DIVERSITY.
We are looking for all walks of life. This is a fantasy novel after all.
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PLOT SYNOPSIS:
For Val, the questions don't matter. If there's a chance he can help, he's going to put it all on the line. The Throne of Ao stands towering over realms torn apart by war--it is a great mesa that houses mysteries that were old when the world was new. Mysteries that may lead Val to the legendary Panacea. Here will be the site of Val's greatest trial.
Val's mother fell to the Culling. The Elder and founder of his hometown is dying now. The Culling is an enemy that no one expects the young warrior to fight: a cancer that feeds on magick.
Together with his best friend Uri and the gnomish empath Maryl, Val leaves everything behind for the chance to find a cure. This is his Lifequest. This is how he will come of age or die trying.
Will Val, Uri, Maryl and the other companions they meet on their journey be able to make the sacrifices necessary to save each other? To save Val's elder and those afflicted by the Culling? Can Val save everyone?
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This project will be a direction heavy project. ALL CAST CHOSEN WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO TAKE DIRECTION.
DIRECTION NOTES:
I look forward to hearing you all and I plan on giving feedback where I can.
BRASS TACKS: It will be very rare that you play only one role in this. With respect to this the PFH rate will be $40 for the time you put in. (Ex. 1/4 hour will be paid at the full hour. A line by line deliverable will be attached to the payment to justify labor payment). This is an ultra-low budget project. I will be adding roles in this solicitation. Please keep coming back for more. We will do this work on a Chapter by Chapter basis with a tentative schedule for chosen actors on when they will be needed. PAYMENTS WILL BE HANDLED VIA PAYPAL OR VENMO.
Tired and lonely. But experienced with the feeling. She does not let her affliction keep her from seeing the best in others.
[Somewhat tired sound. You sound amazed at the protagonist's achievements for his stature compared to you.]
"I am maze-touched, and you are the one they say will end this war and cure the disease afflicting me. All of this after merely defeating Gredoir…I had imagined you would be taller."
[You know the young man's attempt will be futile but you are touched by his caring and determination]
“You are welcome to try would-be savior.” (After the spell fails) “I thank you for the attempt, the short one is correct however. Maybe you can save all of us, but not if you die trying to save me.”
[She has just been asked about her affliction. A hint of lonliness in seeing the world in the way she does.]
“The Maze is your concept of reality. It is a lie, designed to confuse you. It throws obstacles in your way and leads you down dead-ends. Most creatures, even my fellow minotaurs, are unable to see the Maze for what it is. Those who are able to are known as mazewalkers. They see it as the lie it is, and are able to see through the lie to the truth, or they are able to create more lies for others to see.”
(Johnny Depp Type) [Go for a take with an English and America accent]
The current leader of the town of Delanstand and descendent of the legendary Delan. Fiancé of Hilde Aspal.
(Wanting to wrap up the fight)
“Hold warrior. I don’t think I can afford to let this fight continue. I can see from your gaze that you don’t recognize the weapon. This is a dwarven pistol. With but a click of my finger it will put a hole in your head,”
(Apologetic that the MC feels he is the villain)
“I’m not the man you think I am. I am Lord Mirem Talworth, direct descendant of Delan Talworth, and leader of Delanstand, there is no question about that. But what I do today, the steps I have taken the last few years—these are things I do for my people.”
(Calmy trying to resolve the misunderstanding)
“Listen, Valistair. I am doing everything I can to save my people, but it’s not me they’re in danger from. If I had not brokered a deal with the Slaughterer the entire region would have been overrun by now.”
(Angelina Jolie in her late 20's type) A retired knight and former adventurer, Hilde Aspal is the fiancée of Mirem Talworth. She is a master of battle.
[Go for a take with an English and America accent]
(Proud but not over the top. Make it feel like you are genuinely looking at these individuals)
“I am Hilde Aspal, retired adventurer and guide. I know your names. Although Val left out the fact that you were a gnome. This is not the place for discussions. We should leave now before dawn so we do not have any problems.”
(This is more of a pragmatic point of view. Don't feel the need to over ephesize anything)
“That’s an interesting weapon you carry, we’ll practice together once we reach the base of the resistance. Val could use some practice with us as well.”
(Quietly to the group)“We’re here, (Projected to the woods) It’s alright, Saerul. These travelers want to help. Mirem agrees with me.”
An atypical dwarf more interested in other races than his own. Egari is an Earth priest of some power, and so his eccentricities are all the more heartbreaking to his fellow dwarves.
[In response to a question about why your beard is gone.]
“Shaved it off in protest of the war.” (rubs his face)“I do feel almost like I’m one of those moon-blasted fools that shave their faces so their beards will not get in the way of their weapons, or like a master smith who keeps his face so close to the forge that no hair will grow on it, but I am still me.”
“Of course, boy. Have to make sure you’re not spies for any of the other guys. I may be protesting the war, but I’m not about to let us lose it either.”
[Explaining the concept of Lunebanes in a somewhat charming tour guide manor.]
"Lunebanes dedicate themselves to hunting down those creatures. They regularly arm themselves with cold iron, silver, mithril and other pure metals of the earth, but such is their obsession that they turn their back on the community"
Deckard Saerul is a roguish character with a lifespan apparently longer than his capacity for mead. Deckard seems to have a hand in everything.
(Give a British and American take.)
[After cheekily, picking the pockets of the MCs as a jest]
“Only seventeen copper pieces. Hardly worth the effort. No stealing amongst allies anyways one of the rules. Always need to have rules; otherwise you wouldn’t know what you were breaking.”
[Panacea = pa·nuh·see·uh]
“Some legends are truer than others. At least the Panacea is something that will bring happiness to many if it is found. If you pledge yourself to our cause here, I will help you take a step closer to your legends.”
“The first casualty of any battle is the plan, Uriel. A commander needs to think on his feet. Had your group not come, this would not be the plan, but you know as well as I that no one here is as strong as you. You are full of lightning, fury and power, and I know you and your friends can do it
(Think a more playful Gandalf without the tired voice.)
An otherworldly capable magickal healer. Incredibly old but very sharp.
[Panacea = pa·nuh·see·uh]
"Yes, that plant you see growing there is the Panacea. Your friends are quite alright, although a bit shaken after that elementalist’s spell. Uri is his name? Oh, Uriel, forgive me. I did not mean to assume. Not normally this good at it, but your thoughts are quite powerful.”
[Panacea = pa·nuh·see·uh] ]
"Indeed! Nearly as great as the Panacea itself—it is the Elixir! A few drops of it will purify and empower a dozen gallons of normal water. Why, a single drop can keep a man sustained for a week.”
“Such formality from one that blocks his mind from me?” (snort) “In the end, I suppose all things must end. Just do me a favor, will ya’?”
(Go for eastern European accent)
“The acting leader of the giants around the Throne of Ao, Gredoir is a spectacular wrestler and politician.
[Towering over the MC by a whole 10 feet.]
“Why do you challenge us, little one? Do you have a death wish?”
[Dismissive]
“The culling?! It affects more than just your kind, small one. All creatures of hume stock can come down with it. Even one with our royal blood. But there is no cure.”
[In response to the MC asking why Gredoir has faith in him.]
“Look to your friends and ask them the same question. It amazes us that you four have traveled so far from your homes in search of the Panacea. Even amongst our people, the Panacea is rarely believed, but we have come to the same conclusion as you: it has to exist. Our father has become king of the giants because he was willing to take chances where others would stick to tradition. Now it is our turn to believe. "
A princess of Norai, blessed by the Warrior. Not to be taken lightly as an adversary.
[Schaele is pronouced sh-ale, like the mineral]
“I am Schaele! Princess of Norai!”
[In response to insubordination]
“No, she wouldn’t, but please, continue disobeying. I do enjoy it.”
“We’re wasting time. Yeras, take your troops and lead a charge into the orcish force.”
A young female shadow dancer from the east. Frequently speaks before she thinks
“Will you be returning to Grandfather’s school to report then?”
“It would be an honor to do so for Valistair, son of Ordamir as well. But you have barely given us any information to report.”
“Of course we will witness you, Mazen Tekiom,” (To her companion) “Right?”
This character uses sexuality and bargaining to bend one of the MCs to her will. She is ultimately a dark entity with another agenda.
(In reponse to a MC leering at her.)
"You are most definitely enjoying the view now.”
[DON'T over emphasize "...tied up". Yes it's a double-entendre but we don't need to beat people over the head with it.]
“Ah, the attraction of the forbidden. Attraction for those that tortured you. Tell me elementalist, do you like being tied up?”
“The magick?” (leans into the MC of this scene) “Do you think my charms are the only thing I came to bargain with?”
One of the greatest generals of Morin, Yeras is a slave in service to Princess Schaele. He is believed to have been one of the consorts of Queen Annorentia in his youth.
Looking more for Asian actors on this one, as the accent lines more typically to east asian regional accents (mostly Japanese) We want you to be authentic. This character is inpired by Toshiro Mifune
If you are non-asian talent seeking this role, please feel free to audition. But, I would encourage you to use accents that don't come across as insensitive. Authenticity is key.
“Did you not know that all males of Norai are slaves from birth? It is my privilege to be owned by Princess Schaele, may the Sun illuminate her. You gasp, but it would be no different if I were general in a different kingdom. We are all slaves in the eyes of royalty.”
“Norai will not tolerate actions such as these, and furthermore, we believe the attack was a ploy in order to assassinate the crown princess of Norone herself. Were it not for the efforts of a strange group of creatures passing by, she may have been lost to us. I can guarantee if that happened all of the armies of Norai would come here to wreak the vengeance of the Queen.”
“I’ve been commanded to stop you from continuing. But seeing as how I am sure Val will defend the minotaur in question, and I am bound by my ownership to her highness to not bring harm to him until she herself ends his life, I do not see how I can interfere any further than I already have,” he paused. “It appears as though my hands are tied. Next time, I am sure my lady will be a bit more specific with her instructions.”
