The Forgotten Path

Name: Edwin

Age: Mid-30s

Appearance: Rugged, with a weathered look that suggests years of outdoor exploration. He has a scruffy beard, sharp eyes that dart with curiosity, and practical attire—a weathered coat, sturdy boots, and a satchel slung across his shoulder.

Voice and Speech Pattern: Edwin speaks with a low, thoughtful tone, his voice steady but carrying a hint of weariness. His cadence reflects a person accustomed to solitude, choosing words carefully. When nervous or startled, his voice tightens slightly, but he quickly regains composure.

Personality and Demeanour:

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  Curious: Edwin has an innate need to uncover mysteries, which often leads him into situations others would avoid.


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  Resilient: While he’s not fearless, Edwin has a quiet bravery, pushing through fear to pursue answers.


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  Empathetic: He feels a deep connection to the forgotten and abandoned, driven by a desire to understand the stories left behind.


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  Reflective: A thinker by nature, Edwin’s introspective tendencies often surface in his dialogue, offering insight into his thoughts and emotions.

Backstory (Implied):Edwin’s past is hinted at through his demeanour—a traveller who has seen loss and hardship. His familiarity with survival and exploration suggests a history of searching for meaning or running from unresolved memories. This journey through the Forgotten Path aligns with his need to confront mysteries and perhaps his own inner demons.

Voice Reference: 

Sam Elliott

Liam Neeson

Jeremy Irons

Troy Baker

Extra:

Feel free to expand on the audition lines in your own unique way or read from this sample excerpt.

[Scene: Edwin standing in the ruins of the chapel, holding the leather-bound book, shadows moving unnaturally around him.]

EDWIN(softly, reading aloud, his voice tinged with hesitation)“They bound the Watcher with their sacrifice... but the curse remains. It feeds, it grows.”

He glances around the dimly lit chapel, his voice lowering, more urgent as he continues.

EDWIN(to himself, quietly but resolute)So it’s not over. Not for them... not for me.

A low growl echoes in the shadows. Edwin grips the book tightly, his voice trembling but firm as he mutters:

EDWIN(whispering, defiant)If this is what it takes... then so be it.

Name: The Shade

Appearance: A humanoid form composed entirely of shadow, constantly shifting and amorphous. Its red, glowing eyes are the only fixed feature, piercing and unnerving. The Shade’s presence distorts its surroundings, with nearby light flickering or dimming, and shadows twisting unnaturally.

Voice and Speech Pattern:

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  Tone: Deep, distorted, and otherworldly, with an echoing resonance that feels as if it comes from multiple directions at once.


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  Cadence: Slow and deliberate, with pauses that create tension, as if it weighs every word heavily.


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  Emotion: Its voice carries an unsettling mix of calm menace and restrained rage, reflecting its eternal torment and hatred.

Personality and Demeanour:

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  Malevolent: The Shade is a manifestation of the villagers’ curse, embodying the pain, betrayal, and darkness of their sacrifice.


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  Predatory: It thrives on fear and seeks to trap intruders like Edwin, playing with their resolve and slowly breaking their spirit.


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  Intelligent: It is not a mindless force but a cunning entity, understanding its role as both guardian and prisoner of the curse.


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  Reluctant: While hostile, hints of sorrow and weariness seep into its actions, suggesting it suffers as much as it torments others.

Backstory (Implied):Once human or tied to humanity, the Shade is the cursed remnant of the villager who was sacrificed to protect the village. It became the Watcher, bound to the ruins and doomed to guard the path forever.

Voice References:

Tony Todd

Kieth David

Extra:

Feel free to expand on the audition lines in your own unique way or read from this sample excerpt.

[Scene: The Shade steps forward from the swirling shadows, its voice resonating from all directions.]

SHADE (low, deliberate)You think you can walk away? That the forest will forget you?

Pauses, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably.

SHADE You are no savior, no hero. Just another soul for the darkness to claim.

Its voice grows quieter, almost mournful, as it steps closer.

SHADE (slow, weighted)They gave everything... and still, I remain. Do you know what that feels like? To be their guardian... and their prisoner?

The voice sharpens, laced with venom.

SHADE You will.

Name: Thomas

Age: Late 30s to early 40s

Role: A villager whose desperation and fear drive him to speak out against the village’s actions, despite his deep loyalty to his community.

Voice and Speech Pattern:

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  Tone: A shaky, emotional voice that conveys a blend of desperation, regret, and fear.


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  Cadence: His words are often rushed, as though he’s trying to convey urgent truths before it’s too late. However, when reflecting on the past, his voice slows, becoming heavy with sorrow.


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  Emotion: Thomas carries the weight of the village's mistakes, his speech tinged with guilt over what was done and dread of the curse they unleashed.

Personality and Demeanour:

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  Protective: Thomas deeply cares about the village and its people, even as he struggles to reconcile their actions.


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  Haunted: His experiences leave him on edge, constantly looking over his shoulder for the Watcher’s presence.


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  Brave but Vulnerable: While he tries to be strong for others, his voice reveals cracks in his resolve, exposing his inner turmoil.

Backstory (Implied):Thomas likely opposed the sacrificial ritual from the beginning but felt powerless to stop it. His warnings went unheard, and his guilt stems from not doing more to prevent the tragedy that followed. Now, his voice lingers as a spectral warning to others, hoping to spare them the same fate.

Extra:

Feel free to expand on the audition lines in your own unique way or read from this sample excerpt.

[Scene: Thomas stands in the center of the chanting villagers, his voice trembling but resolute.]

THOMAS (pleading, his voice breaking)You don’t understand what you’re doing! This... this isn’t protection—it’s a curse!

He steps forward, looking at each villager with desperation in his eyes.

THOMAS (sharply, more urgent)You think the forest will let us go after this? That it will forgive us?

He pauses, his voice lowering, filled with sorrow.

THOMAS (quietly)You’re too afraid to see the truth... and it’s going to destroy us all.

Name: Margaret

Age: Late 50s to early 60s

Role: An elder villager who reluctantly participated in the sacrificial ritual, Margaret serves as a voice of wisdom and regret. Her voice echoes through visions, warning Edwin of the consequences of the villagers' actions.

Voice and Speech Pattern:

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  Tone: Gentle and sorrowful, with a trembling quality that carries the weight of guilt and wisdom.


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  Cadence: Her speech is slow and deliberate, emphasizing each word as if trying to impart its full meaning. When reflecting on the village’s mistakes, her voice softens, tinged with pain and remorse.


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  Emotion: Margaret’s voice exudes regret, as though she carries the collective burden of the villagers’ choices. Despite her sorrow, there’s a faint hope in her tone, urging Edwin to escape their fate.

Personality and Demeanour:

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  Wise: Margaret is reflective and perceptive, understanding the gravity of the villagers’ actions better than most.


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  Regretful: She feels responsible for her role in the ritual and seeks to atone by guiding others away from the same fate.


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  Maternal: Her voice carries a nurturing quality, as though she wishes to protect others from harm despite her inability to save her own people.

Backstory (Implied):Margaret was likely a respected figure in the village, consulted for her wisdom. Though she initially opposed the ritual, she eventually succumbed to the collective fear and desperation of the community. Her lingering voice serves as both a warning and a plea for redemption.

Extra:

Feel free to expand on the audition lines in your own unique way or read from this sample excerpt.

[Scene: Margaret’s voice echoes softly through the ruins, layered with sorrow and quiet warning.]

MARGARET (softly, her voice trembling with regret)We thought we could outwit the forest, bind its power with a sacrifice... but the forest is not so easily fooled.

Her tone shifts, heavy with maternal warmth and pleading.

MARGARET (gently)If you hear me, traveller, take this as a warning. Do not linger. The path has claimed enough lives... do not let it take yours too.

Her voice lowers, almost a whisper, tinged with sorrow.

MARGARET (slowly, deliberate)Leave this place... while you still can.