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.