Project Penumbra is an AU of the popular Sonic character, Shadow the Hedgehog. Penumbra the Hedgehog is our main character, the story centres around him, his creation and the trauma that set him off to be the power hungry demon that he is today. This is just a shortened take of some of the lore;
He was made upon the Space Colony ARK, created by Professor Svante Robotnik ( Gerald Robotnik ) and Destruction ( Black Doom ) with the intent of being a bioweapon. They didn't see much potential in him but allowed him to live as he was the most responsive of their experiments, he was assigned to Emilia ( Maria ) as a guardian and friend, to which he took the role of caretaker very seriously, looking after her well and keeping her happy. Penumbra was a sweet and caring Hedgehog, he knew just the right words to say to Emilia, he played all of the games she liked to play, he made her the happiest girl upon the ARK and they were proud to call each other best friends.
A year or so later he starts to show signs of having actual powers, and thus Svante and Destruction ran experiments on him, ran endurance tests and such to see just how his powers were coming about and just how strong they could be. Happy with Penumbra's progress, Svante wanted to take all the credit for himself. Destruction didn't like his exclusion from their mutual creation and decided that if he couldn't have Penumbra, no one could. Destruction set forth a wave of utter chaos, sending his alien forces to destroy the ARK and everything on it. As the place blew up in flames, Svante passed away in the mass, Penumbra however tried his best to assure that Emilia would be safe, leading her through all of the terror to the escape pods. He said his goodbyes and made a promise to her that nothing would hurt her anymore, nothing would hurt her ever, and he would come down to earth to find her once he fixed things here. Once ejected, he watched as Emilia's escape pod was blown up. Traumatised by the incident, he set his own path of chaos, killing all of the aliens and even the scientists that resided the ARK. Making sure nothing was left alive, which was practically Destructions plan, he had just assumed Penumbra was one of the fatal casualties.
Once alone, Penumbra used the ARK as a place of solitary confinement, he managed to fix the place up to the best of his abilities and live there for a further 20 years, letting the trauma of losing Emilia utterly consume him. He became bitter, a spawn of pure rage and hatred. Anything that would ever oppose him would end up dead and that was that. The trauma began to affect his biology, making him stronger than anything Svante and Destruction had ever intended to make.
Moss Robotnik ( Ivo 'eggman' Robotnik ) was just a baby when Svante passed away, but vowed to carry on Svante's work. He came to the ARK with some robot troops he had made, looking for Project Penumbra. Once finding the Hedgehog, he was left in a near death position by Penumbra's hands, only left alive at the offer of infinite power for the Hedgehog. That's when Penumbra set course for earth with Moss.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR AUDITIONS; once I have picked you to voice my characters, I'll be in contact with you over your provided media method ( be it discord, email or elsewhere ), while this project is non-profit and simply a passion project of mine, the roles are in fact non-paid roles for the most part, however I AM lenient towards paying for work since I feel it unfair to get people to do stuff for free ( feel free to drop links to your prices if you really would prefer some kind of pay to this, I don't mind paying out of my own pocket towards a project that is so near and dear to me. I'm easy to negotiate with too on rates! ) Working with me would include me messaging you for a number of lines that will go alongside concept art of the lines you'd be reading, any other stuff can be discussed as the time comes along. Characters other than Svante and Emilia are alive all through the project ( until potentially much later ), so you'll be given plenty of stuff to do. Svante may be dead by the beginning of the lore, but he has a fair few audio logs that would go towards Penumbra.
Thank you for auditioning and considering working alongside me for this! It really means a lot to me to get to work on a project I've wanted to do for years!
I am in need of someone/multiple people to do several compositions for this project, all in different ranged styles. Though the budget says Zero/For Fun, I am happy to pay towards getting music done for this if you state your prices or have prices listed in your profile. If you're a big Sonic fan, and know the kind of stage/scenario music that was in games such as Sonic Adventure, Heroes, Shadow the Hedgehog, and can work with genres befitting to those, then I would be happy to hear some examples and definitely consider working with you. All compositions would be without lyrics, and simply pieces in different genres such as orchestral, rock, metal, even some pop is good to go with me. Think you got what it takes, let's hear it! If you require further talking to about this to get a better idea, feel free to shoot me a message, or reply to this with work you've done outside of it to show the work you can put into it! Thanks!
Say something you think would fit
Emilia has a rather childlike voice for being a teenager, she's soft spoken but in a way that makes her seem quite sheepish. NO VOICE FX PLEASE.
If you don't want to do any of these lines, feel free to improvise based on what's been said about the lore! There's no wrong takes in terms of this!
To Penumbra, sorrowful and pleading ( stumbling over words is fine, also sniffling and such to further emphasise the misery ): " I don't want to go, I can't leave you here, please don't make me go in the escape pod. I don't want you to die, Penumbra, if this place falls to pieces with you on it, then isn't it better I stay here with you? Isn't that the brave thing to do? "
To Penumbra, playful and joyous: " Hah! I beat you again! You're either reaaaaaally bad at this game, or you're LETTING me win! Either way, I win, I win! "
To Penumbra, sheepishly: " One day, I would love to go down to Earth and see all the people... Could you imagine what they'd think if they saw you? They'd be so impressed with my grandpas work. But... Grandpa says that's a silly thought to have, that you're not ready to go down to Earth yet, you're not strong enough... But! I think you're very strong, and kind! They would love you, Penumbra, I'm sure of it. "
Being a version of Sonic, he still has that snarky attitude and persistence to keep going, though the role doesn't have to sound identical to Sonic, just the same characteristic wise. Tactile (Tac-Tile) after his second encounter with Penumbra, becomes infected with a demonic energy that Penumbra can give to people, since he is an entity of pure spite and hatred, and an infector type data virus. The voice for post-infection should be a little more beaten down, rougher, yet still have the same energy even though he's weaker. NO VOICE FX PLEASE. Feel free to improvise Sonic-Like lines as well if you don't feel like using the lines provided!
To Velocity ( AU Tails ), concerned but determined: "Hey, don't worry about it little buddy! I'm sure whatever this 'Project Penumbra' things is, it'll be no match for me, hah! Heck, for all we know it's just one big rumour, let's not get ahead of ourselves, alright? "
To Moss ( AU Eggman ) and Penumbra, heroic and hostile: " Woah, what happened to your face, Robotnik, get split open like a poached egg? Heh, no matter, let's see what this thing can really do, bring it on Penumbra! "
Post-Penumbra Infection (See Characteristics for additional details), to Velocity: " V-Velo, I'm not feelin' too good, my insides feel like they're burning up real bad, but hey, you shouldn't give up just because I'm unable to keep going. K-Keep up the great work for me buddy, yeah? Alert the others... I think I just need to.. Lay down... "
Destruction has a deep, brooding voice, whenever he speaks it is powerful, something that should be feared. ( Refer to Black Doom from the Shadow The Hedgehog game for a rough idea ) Voice FX are allowed for this role, but if you do not have the means to provide that, there's no worries, I can put FX on your lines no problem! YOU CAN USE VOICE FX!
If you don't want to do any of these lines, feel free to improvise based on what's been said about the lore! There's no wrong takes in terms of this!
To Svante ( Svan-teh ), aggressive and overpowering: " You are nothing but a weak, old man, Svante. There will be nothing left of this place once I'm finished with it, all of our hard work together shall be destroyed. I should have known from the beginning not to trust someone like you. "
To Penumbra, neutral: " You've been working hard, little Hedgehog, but I fear your goals of becoming the ultimate lifeform will be shrouded by your care for the girl. In times of desperation, loved ones should not be thought about. Are you going to be able to overcome your guardianship to usurp those below you? "
Topaz always has this alluring tone to her voice, it's her way or the highway, she's friendly and flirtatious towards Penumbra but only since his mission for unlimited power can get her closer to the Chaos Emeralds. ( Refer to Sonic Adventure 2 Rouge for voice inspo ) NO VOICE FX PLEASE. and feel free to improv about this master jewel thief at any time!
To Moss (AU Eggman), disgusted at first but then intrigued: " Ugh, what the hell happened to your face... What? ... Penumbra did this to you? You mean you found it, your grandfathers tellings were real? And here I thought he was just some crazy old man. This is great news for you, how did you even manage to get that thing to co-operate?! "
To Penumbra, curious yet alluring: " So, you're Penumbra? Quite the looker, ain't you! Listen, I know that Robotnik might have offered you unlimited power with the Chaos Emeralds, but if I'm honest, he hasn't got a clue where those things are. You should stick with me, I'LL make sure you can get your hands on them, after I get to have a look at them first, (giggle). "
XI's name is pronounced GUH-Z-EYE / GUZEYE, he is a Robot, a version of E-123 OMEGA from Sonic Heroes onward. Unlike OMEGA however, XI has much more emotion in his voice and is further advanced in technology and understanding of beings around him, Mobian, human and otherwise. So don't feel as though you have to talk monotonous and such. Voice FX are encouraged to get that robotic sound, however if you don't know how to do that, I can easily add the FX to your auditions/to the cast role for this project! Feel free to do one of the lines, all of the lines or improvise your own!
To Topaz (AU Rouge), neutral yet curious: " What is your goal with Project Penumbra, you are aware that he answers to no one, not even to Doctor Robotnik. You should know that once in possession of the Chaos Emeralds, he will not hand those prized jewels over to you. You need to re-evaluate your end-game, Topaz. "
To Robotnik, professional and stern: " I have re-located the whereabouts of Project Penumbra, Doctor. It was last seen in the central of the city known as Station Square, footage indicates that it has tackled the Mobian you loathe, Tactile the Hedgehog, with tremendous success. It is unknown where Tactile and his friends have retreated to after such a defeat. Project Penumbra is still on the loose, with two of the seven emeralds in possession. Status shows that the Emerald's powers have yet to be used. "
To Penumbra, neutral: " Project Penumbra. You must return to the lab at once, it is dangerous for you to proceed without advice from the Doctor... Stand down, allow me to lead you back to headquarters. There are GUN soldiers aware of your locations and the Doctor would prefer that you avoid the conflict for now until the locations of the other emeralds have been acquired. Will you follow? "
The commander is the highest ranking commander of G.U.N. he is in charge of everyone within the organization and he makes it very clear with his cocky and overbearing attitude towards success. There are no strict guide-lines on how he should be perceived with the voice you choose to pick for him, go wild with it! NO VOICE FX PLEASE.
To G.U.N. Soldier, annoyed and commanding: " I don't care WHAT it takes to get rid of Penumbra, I want that abomination DEAD. Many risked their lives upon the ARK before Doctor Robotnik got his grubby hands on it, and somehow that evil bastard was spared at the expense of his face. Whatever you do, even risking your own life to end that beast, must be put above all and any other tactics. Do I make myself clear? Then why are you still here, MOVE OUT. GET GOING. "
To Robotnik, angry and bitter: " How could someone like you even convince that... Thing to work alongside you. You may be worse for wear because of how it attacked you, but what did you offer to it? ...... Unlimited power? You really offered THAT THING the Chaos Emeralds? (Laughing) You really are insane aren't you? You've doomed us all. "
To Penumbra, triumphant: " It's over, Penumbra! It's time to die! There will be no escape for you now, and earth shall be safe from your evil clutches. The people of earth need not cower themselves from the likes of you anymore. "
There's nothing to really say about this role, it's a very open and small role. NO VOICE FX PLEASE, also again feel free to improvise anything!
To another G.U.N member ( lines you're responding to are in [ ] ), focused : " Any signs of the whereabouts of Project Penumbra? "
[None yet, but how can we be sure it's even still aboard the ARK?]
" Apparently it never left when this place almost blew up and is the reason that the ARK is still here. "
[Must be strong to have survived this calamity, I mean look at this place, there's no way it can be alive, right?]
" Dead or alive, the boss wants Penumbra, we have a mission to complete. "
[ Roger that. ]
Again, nothing to really say about this role, just go wild with it, NO VOICE FX PLEASE, and once more, feel free to improvise!
To another G.U.N member ( lines you're responding to are in [ ] ), concerned : [Any signs of the whereabouts of Project Penumbra?]
"None yet, but how can we be sure it's even still aboard the ARK?"
[Apparently it never left when this place almost blew up and is the reason that the ARK is still here.]
"Must be strong to have survived this calamity, I mean look at this place, there's no way it can be alive, right?"
[Dead or alive, the boss wants Penumbra, we have a mission to complete.]
" Roger that. "
Nothing much to say about this role, just have some fun with it! NO VOICE FX PLEASE.
To another G.U.N member ( lines you're responding to are in [ ] ), neutral:
" I feel like we've looked all over the place and still no sign of Project Penumbra... The Commander isn't gonna be happy with this. "
[ Relax, we'll find it, Professor Svante's grandson, Moss, hasn't been here yet and there's no way it's gone from here. ]
" What was that? Did you hear that? "
[ I didn't hear anything, you're paranoid. ]
" No I'm serious, I think I heard something, I'm going to investigate. "
[ Not on your own you're not, I'm coming with you. ]
Nothing much to say about this one again, just have fun! NO VOICE FX PLEASE.
To another G.U.N member ( lines you're responding to are in [ ] ), neutral:
[ I feel like we've looked all over the place and still no sign of Project Penumbra... The Commander isn't gonna be happy with this. ]
" Relax, we'll find it, Professor Svante's grandson, Moss, hasn't been here yet and there's no way it's gone from here. "
[ What was that? Did you hear that? ]
" I didn't hear anything, you're paranoid. "
[ No I'm serious, I think I heard something, I'm going to investigate. ]
" Not on your own you're not, I'm coming with you. "
( Svante is pronounced Svan-Teh )
Nothing much to say once more, just have fun, NO VOICE FX PLEASE, even when they're talking over the radio! :)
To himself at first, then over a radio ( no voice fx ), worried and annoyed at first, panicked later. Over the radio communications are marked in -- :
" Tch... Where did those idiots go off to?
-- This is your general speaking, any soldiers in the vicinity, respond immediately, over...
-- I repeat, any soldiers in the vicinity, respond now. Over.
..What the... Is that.. Fresh blood..?
-- I'm going to need back up at- SHIT, I HAVE EYES ON THE TARG- (Words are cut off as Penumbra attacks, improvise here how you imagine the general to sound being injured then dying.) "
This scientist is one of Svante's hardest workers, they have always been able to help when Svante and Destruction aren't around to do further testing or simply if they aren't unable to. They have a peppy and happy-go-lucky attitude towards Penumbra's advancements and are always enthusiastic towards helping. NO VOICE FX PLEASE. No restrictions of gender, could be male, female or androgynous, any accent and just have fun with it!
To Svante, obedient and keen: " I'm happy to run Penumbra's tests today, sir. You can count on me, as long as I have the test notes and what it is exactly I need to be looking for and writing down, then it's no problem at all! "
To Penumbra, happy and caring: " I'm sorry Penumbra, the professor isn't feeling awfully well today, lack of sleep or something, but if you're happy to work alongside me just for today's tests, then I'm sure we can make something work! Shall we proceed? I'll escort you to the test room. "
To Emilia, a little hesitant at first but easing into relaxed: " E-Emilia! M-Miss, you shouldn't be in here while Penumbra is working hard! B..But as long as you stay behind this glass with me, I'm sure you'll be safe, okay? Do you want to take my hand and watch him display his powers on the next test? "
Think you can make yourself sound edgier than Shadow the 'Edge'hog himself? Well now is your time to shine! Though he may be an AU of Shadow, making your voice sound like Shadow or similar to Shadow in an edgier way is all the better for this part! NO VOICE FX PLEASE.
If you don't want to do any of these lines, feel free to improvise based on what's been said about the lore! There's no wrong takes in terms of this!
Talking to Emilia, sombre yet meaningful: " You're going to be alright, Emilia. Do you remember the promise I made you when I became your guardian? I promised I would never let anything hurt you, not now, not ever. I'll keep that promise, but for now I need you to be brave and get in the escape pod, this place is going to fall apart beneath our feet and you won't survive if you stay here. Please Emilia, you can do it, alright? No need to cry, I promise I'll come down to Earth and I'll help you once more... Okay..? "
Improvise here, something distraught sounding as he watched Emilia's escape pod blow up, swearing is allowed, he's traumatised by what he's witnessed. Emotions can vary between sobbing, anger or anything you think would fit.
Talking to Moss, annoyed yet mildly intrigued: " So after you come here and disturb my solitude, all you have to offer me is 'unlimited power?' ...Tch... Fine, you have one chance to show me this power, but if this is some sort of trick, some kind of sick game to get YOUR way, you're dead meat, Robotnik. Make this offer worth both our time. "
Svante sounds like your typical middle aged, going on elderly man, there's a rasp to his voice and you can't forget the classic 'Eggman'-ish nature of his tone. NO VOICE FX PLEASE.
To himself, prideful: " These tests have been going beyond expectation, Penumbra is exhibiting powers I didn't even think were possible! With all of this power, I could really show the world just what my science is capable of, they would have no choice but to accept my creations among them, to let them into society! Ho-hoh! "
To Destruction, weak and dying: " Why..? What is the point of all of this..? You'll pay for this... You'll REGRET this... "
To Penumbra, proud and cheerful: " Well done, Penumbra! Maybe you aren't so hopeless after all, keep it up with these constant improvements and you'll be the ultimate lifeform, you're already my ultimate creation, so don't let me down, hmm? Go on, you're free to leave and do what you like now. Good work! "
Well, we all know who Eggman is, right? It doesn't have to sound like Eggman but sticking to the traits of the raspy voice and the over confidence in parts, even as he's begging for his life, are a must. Go wild with it! NO VOICE FX PLEASE.
If you don't want to do any of these lines, feel free to improvise based on what's been said about the lore! There's no wrong takes in terms of this!
To Penumbra, proud (of himself): " It's really you, you're Penumbra! I can't believe the notes of my grandfathers work up here on the ARK were true. The ultimate lifeform, right here at my disposal, get up off the floor, we have a lot of work to do. "
To Penumbra, pleading, coughing, exhausted and fighting for life: " PLEASE STOP, L-Look, I can offer you unlimited power! I believe the Chaos emeralds can be used to enhance any kind of power you have, they're on earth but p-please you have to believe me! Let me live and I promise you that you'll be unstoppable! "
To Penumbra, after being spared, pleading and tearing up: " Thank you, hah... You know for a second, my life flashed before my eyes, I really thought you were going to kill me... But enough about me, let's go down to Earth, let me show you what real power is. "
Velocity would usually sound quite sweet and bubbly, but given the situation it's never a good time to be overly sweet, once again I'm not looking for a perfect Tails voice, just something akin to that, which can be used to show that he is different from Regular Tails, you can use Tails' voice as a reference point for sure. NO VOICE FX PLEASE. Feel free to improv with some Tails-like lines too if you don't want to do any of these!
To Tactile (AU Sonic), worried ( stumbling over words is fine for this reading ): " I don't know, Tact... I was reading case files from Svante's testing and research on Penumbra, this thing seems real dangerous, I don't know if we have what it takes to defeat it... We should fall back, gather the others or something, don't you think..? "
To Tactile as he is getting infected, scared and almost traumatised ( Sniffling and stumbling over words is fine for this reading ) : " T-TACTILE! Oh my goodness, please tell me you're gonna be alright, whatever that thing did to you, I'm sure we can get out of you at the lab, please just hold on and keep conscious, w-we can get through this! "
To Duster ( AU Knuckles ), terrified: " Duster! Please help me with Tactile, whatever that Penumbra thing is, it's infected him with something, please help me do something, I don't want him to die! "
Duster has always been quite the KNUCKLE head.. hah, get it? His voice is grouchy, rough sounding, he's always got that pissed off tone about his words ( refer to the Sonic X and Sonic Adventure voices for this version of Knuckles ), once more it doesn't need to sound like Knuckles, but it's good to be quite rough with it and have that "always ready to fight" edge about your tone. When infected, his voice is drained of that emotion, it's not as strong as it once would be as he's too weak to actually try and fight. NO VOICE FX PLEASE. And again feel free to improv on Knuckles-like lines if you don't want to do these!
To Velocity (AU Tails), concerned and angry: " What the hell happened to Tact?! Penumbra did this to him? Urgh, I'll kill that thing! Where is it now?! "
To Penumbra, furious and ready to fight: " LET'S GO YOU BASTARD, THIS IS FOR WHAT YOU DID TO TACT, RRGHH-! "
To Penumbra, infected, weakened, confused, angry: " W-What..? WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?! I-Is this what you did to Tactile too? What are you, some kind of coward, c-can't defeat me yourself so you infect me with something?! "
