CASTING PREREQUISITES; Adult, Male, North American Accent, Any Ethnicity (Requires deep, gravelly voice. Think Keith David).

NOTE; Script and budget are WIP, and as such are not listed at final values.

This is a long-term role, as the ARTIFICIAL FAULTS story will be told over multiple seasons. If you have any questions regarding the role or the project, just let me know!

The Provocateur is a secondary character in the ARTIFICIAL FAULTS story, and the main antagonist of the first season. An aspiring revolutionary, the Provocateur's ultimate goal is fill the power vacuum in the galaxy, and have his actions result in his own species' rule of the galaxy, hoping his smaller actions will bring enough of them to rise up in the face of an alliance which he believes will spell certain doom.

However, aspiring is the key word. The Provocateur struggles to balance being the leader his cause requires, and being the leader his soldiers respond to. Caught in a struggle of being better than those who have come before him, or embracing their reign of tyranny, he seeks change for the galaxy through any means necessary. 

These are the following audition scenes, you only have to read Provocateur's dialogue;

SCENE 1: PROVOCATEUR REGROUPS WITH TWO OF HIS CAPTAINS AS THEY PROVIDE A MISSION REPORT, AS THEY ARE UNSURE OF THEIR FATE.

Within a communications broadcast, Provocateur holds a conversation with another of his soldiers.

PROVOCATEUR

And our Scavengers? How goes their efforts?

ELITE SOLDIER 6

They have not reported in for a few cycles, but their last status indicated they are nearing another possible weapons cache. Despite the war’s end, humanity’s progression for the “cleanup” of their world remains idle.

PROVOCATEUR

Which is precisely where we insert ourselves.

ELITE SOLDIER 6

Indeed. We have collected a vast array of weaponry since our stationing on this planet. Our strength increases.

PROVOCATEUR

The time to bolster our actions with this arsenal is already upon us. What is the status on our relocation efforts? The Augury of Edict has served us well as our base of operations since we remained on this planet after the war’s end, but its energy signatures are bound to be detected by the humans eventually.

ELITE SOLDIER 6

By your own command, none of our forces shall begin to move until this warship is fully dormant and undetectable. However, we currently struggle with the completion of engine deactivation. There are many automated systems we do not quite understand yet. Such tasks were reserved for the Huragok, our Engineers during our time in the Covenant.

PROVOCATEUR

I understand. They served their purpose, after all. If there is any instance in which my aid is required, inform me. I will do what I can.

ELITE SOLDIER 6

By your word, Provocateur. Is there anything else you wish to discuss?

The Provocateur shifts his vision away from the projection of Earth. He takes a few steps to the opposite end of the table, thinking for a moment.

PROVOCATEUR (LOW)

No. That is all.

The communications cut.

Provocateur looks back towards the projection of Earth. He shakes his head, huffing.

PROVOCATEUR (ANNOYED)

Hmph.

He begins to walks towards the front of the ship’s bridge, directly in front of the outside view.

Provocateur looks up at Earth’s bright blue sky, engulfed in its hue.

He reaches out. He lifts his four-fingered hand high above his head, pressed against the durable glass protecting him from the elements. 

He continues to stare, lost in gaze. Provocateur does not observe Earth’s sky. He looks past. Far past.

Suddenly, the main entrance to the bridge whirrs and thrusts itself open automatically to make way for Xoto and Kryda. 

The Provocateur looks over his shoulder, before releasing his hand from the glass, and turning to face his soldiers. The pair and their commander speak up as they continue to walk towards each other, meeting face to face.

PROVOCATEUR (BOLD)

Xoto ‘Sakunom. Kryda ‘Grazam. Welcome. How are you? I understand it was quite a journey back to return here.

XOTO (LOW)

We are... well.

KRYDA

The journey was no matter. I have studied this land well enough to traverse with ease.

PROVOCATEUR

That is pleasing to hear. The better we understand the enemy’s home, the better we understand them.

Xoto and Kryda remain silent, looking off to the side. The Provocateur ever so slightly tilts his head, confused.

PROVOCATEUR

I am also aware you two return from your deployment. Placed on the trail of our attackers from our previous encampment. What are the results?

Xoto and Kryda look at each other, worried. They think for a moment, before Xoto speaks up.

XOTO (WORRIED)

It... did not go as expected. We lost many of our soldiers. The Spartans and their aid from one of the Arbiter’s own were more... formidable, than we expected.

PROVOCATEUR (STERN)

A great cost. We will honor them in time. And our adversaries? What of them?

KRYDA (LOW)

They grow... stronger. More skilled. We failed to claim any of their lives. A thousand apologies, Provocateur...

Kryda bows his head. Xoto notices, and does the same.

They await a response. Initially, Provocateur gives no response.

Seconds feel like days for Xoto and Kryda as they await their judgement.

It arrives. 

The Provocateur places his hand on Kryda’s shoulder, between the armored plates of his combat harness.

PROVOCATEUR

You have done well. If our combat with these adversaries has elevated, that means everything is going according to plan.

Xoto and Kryda raise their heads, looking at each other in confusion, before back to the Provocateur. 

XOTO (QUESTIONING)

According to plan..?

PROVOCATEUR

Yes. The more ferocity and resources that are poured into our conflict with them, there will only be more eyes that will witness it. It comes at an immediate cost, but it is one I know we will see fulfilled in our future.

KRYDA (PLEADING)

But... we have failed you! We have squandered our chance at glory and accomplishment. Surely there is wrath you wish to inflict upon us.

PROVOCATEUR (CONFUSED)

Glory?

XOTO (CORRECTING)

Your response is... unexpected, Provocateur, that is all. Many thanks for your praise. We will return to our stations and prepare our next move. Come, Kryda.

They both bow their heads once more, before turning to leave. The Provocateur watches in silence, turning himself back to the width of the ship’s bridge, pondering. 

SCENE 2: PROVOCATEUR EDUCATES HIS SOLDIERS, PROVIDING THEM INSIGHT INTO THE ART OF WAR AND THE WEAPONS THEY USE.

Suddenly, behind the gathering chimes in the Provocateur’s low, gravelly trill itself.

PROVOCATEUR (ENCOURAGING)

No, no, by all means. Continue the demonstration. Don’t mind me.

The four Elites, startled, turn quickly, straightening themselves immediately in their leader’s presence. He stands tall, the four familiar lights lining across the front of his helmet glowing strongly as ever.

KRYDA

Provocateur! A thousand apologies... we were simply... testing the new arsenal brought to us by the Scavengers since their return. Following, I was to inform you directly after we were sure of their operating ability.

The Provocateur approaches the gathering as Kryda explains.

PROVOCATEUR

But of course. If we are to use these new additions in our efforts, there is no use in a weapon that has been rusted and rendered by the ever-constant passing of time.

He looks down at the remaining weapons. One final choice in the pile remains untested; a mighty, radiating block with various curves and accents sits idly. A very long handle protrudes from the bottom of it, requiring a user’s full strength and size to handle. Yet another blade rests opposite its glowing points. 

PROVOCATEUR

Hmph. I am quite familiar with this one. Tuza, if you would?

Tuza walks over, and reaches over to grasp the weapon. He heaves it, requiring both hands of his strength to properly handle it. He lifts it, the largest block high above his head. Kryda looks over, lowly growling.

PROVOCATEUR

Tell me, are any of you aware of this weapon’s title?

ELITE SOLDIER 4

Yes. That... is known as the Gravity Hammer. 

PROVOCATEUR

Indeed. In the Covenant, only the most ferocious and prestigious of the Jiralhanae... or the Brutes, as you prefer to call them, were allowed to wield these. They viewed it as a symbol of those attributes. It is a blunt, yet highly destructive tool. Though I despise the beasts.... they are quite effective at craftsmanship.

Kryda speaks up, to compliment the Provocateur.

KRYDA

Indeed! Most fitting insight to be proclaimed by yourself, Provocateur. 

Tuza looks towards Kryda in confusion, shaking his head.

PROVOCATEUR

Ease yourself, Kryda. Now, Tuza, describe it to us. How does the hammer feel in your grasp?

TUZA

It is... potent. It is of great strength, and is eager to release that strength.

KRYDA (CHIMING IN)

Precisely modeled after their creators who wielded it. However, just as their most skilled could release great strength, they must also be aware when to reserve it.

PROVOCATEUR

Intriguing responses, the both of you. However, there is one key element that differs how the Brutes this weapon, and how we use it. Can any one of you describe it?

The Elites look around at each other, confused.

ELITE SOLDIER 2

We are... unsure, Provocateur.

PROVOCATEUR

The answer is this; The Brutes would have you believe that same ferocity and prestige are necessary to wield the Gravity Hammer and its power. However, as Tuza will show us...

The Provocateur nods towards Tuza. He nods in response, and heaves the weapon in his grip. Tuza swings the hammer away from the group, and pounds it on the ground beneath. A shockwave emits from the frontal block, gravity itself distorting around the area. Various leaves and branches fly in different directions, and Tuza himself is lifted off the ground but for a moment as the weapon releases a charge.

PROVOCATEUR

It is not. In the hands of the Brutes, as I said, it is a symbol of those attributes. In our hands, it is only a highly destructive tool.

The Elite soldiers listen intently, focused directly on Provocateur as he speaks to them.

PROVOCATEUR

Whereas the Brutes were blinded and blunted with such petty nonsense while they were within the Covenant’s armada... we are focused. We are precise. We see past the need to place this weapon in our minds as a “symbol”. All we see… is a tool. And all we require to use it, is our focus. Our precision. Our mission. With these attributes, we may use any tool we desire while we remain on this planet. Do you understand?

The Elites take but a moment to absorb the information, before gazing back upon the Provocateur in unison.

KRYDA (BOWING HIS HEAD)

Yes, Provocateur! Glory to your wisdom!

A second Elite joins Kryda in bowing his head. Soon after, the third, as well as Tuza, follow.

PROVOCATEUR (CONCERNED)

Hmm...

KRYDA (RAISING HIS HEAD)

Come, you three! Let us share this wisdom with the others of our ranks.

TUZA (SARCASTIC)

Of course, Kryda. Lead us.

The group begins to head back towards the Augury of Edict, newly grasped Brute weapons in hand.

Provocateur gazes upon the group as they leave, before sanding along under the shadow of his warship. He briefly reaches outward to address them, but stops himself.

These are scenes that encapsulate the range of the Provocateur's character and the expectations to set within his role! If you have any further questions or thoughts regarding this, please let me know!