The Madness of Chartrulean (Podcast)

The Madness of Chartrulean is a full cast science fantasy podcast produced by Packhowl Media. Season 1 was released between September 8th and December 15th, and contained 13 episodes, 5 story compendiums, two deleted scenes and 1 "minisode."

## The Story

Chartrulean has been gifted with an extraordinary mind. Because of his significance to Arcas’ religious authority, the Jhardeho Order, he was born into a messianic role he did not want. His ultimate rejection of that role led to his exile. But a threat to his world called him back.

In order to save Arcas, Chartrulean ushers in a new era that embraces so-called “abominable technology”—the kind that makes men lust for power. At the heart of his technology is a mysterious cosmic energy called azurea, and nine prototype warships designed to harness it.

The Nine pause an interstellar war, forcing a diplomatic solution. A fraught political landscape now lies ahead, and being the “most powerful man on Arcas” isn’t something Chartrulean is equipped to handle.

Will the Age of Azurea be Arcas’ rebirth, or humanity’s downfall?

## Themes

The story carries themes of anxiety, imposter syndrome, and trauma. These things are shows through soliloquys and Charturlean's internal dialogue, which are often layered and frenetic.

### The Deification of Technology

The story follows a superman named Chartrulean. On one hand, he is a messiah-like figure who was gifted with divine abilities to help guide humanity on a course toward “true enlightenment.”

On the other hand, Chartrulean is an inventor and prodigy shipbuilder, trying to do what he believes is social good. Despite his messianic status, he lacks empathy and shuns the volatility and short-sightedness of very the people he is supposed to help. He must learn his place in his world’s fraught social and political landscape while facing tremendous doubt about how humanity will ultimately use his work.

The Madness of Chartrulean is an allegory for our own society’s deification of technology. But it also speaks to creators of all kinds who question the social impact of their work. Unlike other tales of supermen, the focus on Chartrulean’s character is his emotional vulnerability. He is an introvert suffering from imposter syndrome, anxiety, and trauma.

## The Cast

### Main cast

* Aud Andrews as Chartrulean
* Cal Barton as Young Chartrulean
* Boyd Barrett as Artedemis
* Chris Bellinger as Loris, Jhardekai (Starmaker), Jhardekai (Wolf)
* Magnus Carlssen as King Starbringer
* Christian Collado as Havelion
* Jonathan Cox as Lybender and War Hawk #2
* Adrian Galley as Maldoro
* Angela LaRocca Hochman as Cythaelia
* Michelle Kelly as Vetra
* Kathleen Klein as Princess Sophrosyne Starbringer
* Amina Koroma as Pytra
* Steve Lefever as Magogoso
* Stacey Lightman as Shan
* Heath Martin as Loam, Captain of the Guard, and Announcer
* Shogo Miyakita as Dr. Fillion
* Punyaha Mukherjee as Abraset
* B. Narr as Queen Hona and banquet attendee Bressa Nellings
* Adam Neill as Chamberlain Yoba
* Karin Neill as Yulia
* Nina Nikolic as Borsha
* Karl Nordman as Ambassador Grobien
* Kennedy Phillips as Ambassador Drechen
* Abraham Shaw as Josquin
* Kathryn Vinclaire as Sisten Eunstice
* Reginald West as Admiral Lapadine
* Danielle Yonkers as Prince Imsep Starbringer
* Michael de la Mancha

### **Paladins**

* Maximilian J. Contreras as Famke
* Maxine du Maine as Nicola
* Dallis MacKenzie as Homena
* Israel Omodi as Abruc
* Josh Portillo as Quay
* Sivan Raz as Sunyata
* Kieran Regan as Corbin

**Starmakers**

* Chris Bellinger as Jhardekai
* Willy Zep as Jhardeka

### **War Hawks**

* Morrison James as Wak Hawk #3
* Larry Oliver as War Hawk #1

### **With appearances by**

* Margaret Ashley as Caretaker
* Margaret Ashley as The Bogited Woman
* Bryan Bachman as New Regime Operative
* Jacob Bachman as Child Chartrulean
* Claire Bachman as Boethema Child
* Megan Bernasco as Dua 642 and Seminary Girl
* Robert Bilodeau as council member Rackly Braistwin
* Quinn Ford as banquet attendee and council member Quigley Flobarts
* Morgan Ganahl as council member Maril Gan
* Bradley Gareth as council member Bralter Gest
* Xander Grant as protester Xenden Volas
* Delvin Green as guard Denin Greton
* David Izquierdo as the Royal Messenger
* Nick McCue as protestor Noka Morely
* Hussein "HSE" Mohammed as council member Hurn Minoot
* Alyssa Murakami as protestor Arkim Moser
* Madeleine Norton as guard Mina Nador
* Ray O'Hare as banquet attendee Rulan Omberson
* Daniel Whalen as banquet attendee Dolan Wot
* Ty Wilkins as Yoba's Assistant
* Charles Wilson as excavation worker Corbis Walder

## Crew

* Written and Produced by H.M. Radcliff
* Original score by Sean Renner, performed by Sean Renner and the Invoke String Quartet
* Sound design by H.M Radcliff and Will Fox
* Mix by Edward Calvey, and H.M. Radcliff
* Casting by Julie Cunningham and Aud Andrews
* Episode 2 and 4 in-world music by Alexandre Miller
* Episode 10 speakeasy background music by Blank Hellscape