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- on February 20th 2017, 1:27 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Super-Shorts - by GamerZack87
- Replies: 58
- Views: 11034
Crystals of Silveria Super-Shorts - by GamerZack87
Blooper Reel of Silveria, Vol. I- Spoiler:
- You like outtakes, right? Well, here are some of the pilot episode's handpicked moments which stood out as the outtakiest of outtakes. Get ready for the first instalment of the Blooper Reel of Silveria!
(This is a slightly-revised version of the outtakes post from the original series hub and guidebook thread)
***
S1E01 The Seventh Crystal, Part I
As he turns around a bouncy ball lands next to his foot. He looks at the ball, then at the two boys running towards him.
Boy #1: Good morning, Mr. Zed!
Zed: Good morning! How are you?
Boy #1: Very good!
Boy #2: It’s my birthday today!
Zed: Ah, and this must be your present.
Boy #2: Yes it is!
Boy #1: Will you kick it over please, sir?
Zed: Sure.
Zed kicks the ball into a camera lens, causing the camera to topple over. The cast and crew burst into laughter.
Boy #2: You hit it!
Zed: YES! I’m going to the World Cup!
The crew start laughing again.
Zed: And they said I was bad at soccer!
***
A young elf woman with long brown hair, purple eyes and a purple robe enters town. She is carrying a silver staff, its only feature being a purple orb at one end, which is partly-engulfed by a finely-sculpted dragon. She makes her way over to the two boys, still playing with their ball.
Amethyst: Good morning, boys.
The boys look at the young woman, and an expression of surprise spreads across their faces.
Boy #1: Flip! It’s a dwarf! I mean…it’s an ehehelf!
Boy #2: HAHAHA! She’s an elf! Look at the pointy ears!
Amethyst: My ears hear the faeries! They call me a “dwarf”! HAHAHA!
Boy #1: Okay, okay, let’s try that again!
***
She makes her way over to the two boys, still playing with their ball.
Amethyst: Good morning, boys.
The boys look at the young woman, and an expression of surprise spreads across their faces. The first boy bursts out laughing, which prompts the other cast members to laugh as well.
Boy #1: I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Let’s try that again!
***
She makes her way over to the two boys, still playing with their ball.
Amethyst: Good morning, boys.
The boys look at the young woman, and an expression of surprise spreads across their faces.
Boy #1: Flip! It’s an elf!
Boy #2: Are you sure? She looks more like a dwarf to me!
The first boy and Amethyst start laughing.
Boy #1: That was perfect! Why would you-
Boy #2: I’m sorry! I couldn’t resist!
***
Zed and Amethyst walk to the top of a hill covered in short, green grass.
Amethyst: Okay, here we are.
Zed: This is the meadow near my house.
Amethyst: It is the perfect place to test your-
Amethyst starts coughing.
Zed: Are you-
Amethyst: I’m sorry! I swallowed a fly!
Mak’s voice: Well, your mouth was wide open in that take!
The cast and crew start laughing.
Amethyst: You’re not even IN this scene!
Mak’s voice: Well, my makeup and prosthetics take ages to apply! I was having a break!
Bryn’s voice: Oh yeah? Try green-screening for seven hours straight!
The crew start laughing.
Amethyst: Okay, let’s try that one again!
***
Amethyst holds up her staff again.
Zed: Okay, here I go.
Zed holds up his right hand, aiming it in front of him.
Zed: Magic Missile!
Zed pauses for five seconds.
Cameraperson: Uh…we got it.
Amethyst: Oh, sorry. I forgot my line!
Zed laughs.
Zed: “Impressive! Another perfect hit!”
Amethyst: Oh, haha! Okay, one more time!
***
An elderly gentleman with a long white beard greets them.
Newt: Well, if it isn’t young Zed. Why, I haven’t seen you in here since the Winter Festival!
Zed: The which festival?
Newt suddenly chuckles.
Newt: The Astral Festival! Oh, my memory’s not what it used to be!
The cast and crew laugh.
Newt: Listen, sonny, and I’ll tell you a story about when milk was delivered to your home and DVDs didn’t have bonus material!...okay, let’s try again.
S1E02 The Seventh Crystal, Part II
Amethyst and Zed walk past the fountain.
Zed: Well, I guess that was slightly informative.
Amethyst: Even the littlest knowledge can change the world.
Zed: True…
Zed pauses.
Zed: I’m sorry, I forgot my line!
Amethyst laughs.
Amethyst: You’re a mage now! You need to study your lines!
Zed laughs.
Zed: I just remembered my line!
***
Amethyst: Even the littlest knowledge can change the world.
Zed: True…and…nope. It’s gone again.
Amethyst: Honestly…
The crew and Zed laugh. Amethyst chuckles.
Zed: Okay, okay, this time I’ll do it for real!
***
Amethyst: Even the littlest knowledge can change the world.
Zed: True. So, what crystal does my boon provide?
Crewmember: Right words, wrong order!
The crew and Amethyst laugh.
Zed: What? But I…oh. Hahahahahahaha! Now THAT’S progress!
***
Three human males, presumably fighters, are gathered around a short-bearded dwarf wearing silver armour.
Thobrun: So there we were, surrounded by twelve Elek worshippers. They outnumbered us two-to-one, and the rogue very nearly gave us the slip!
Fighter #1: Rogues’ll do that to ya if ya let ‘em!
Thobrun: Ye think I’d let the rogue abandon us like that? When facing evil, we all must stand together and help however we can! I’d never let’m avoid Alistair’s goals!
Fighter #2: So what did you do?
Thobrun: Um…we took them out fer afternoon tea!
The cast and crew laugh.
Thobrun: I fergot my line! Let’s try again!
***
The party walks along a forested path heading in the direction of Silveria City. Zed speaks to the orcborn.
Zed: Thank you for giving me a chance.
Mak: Amethyst says you’re great, so that’s good enough for me. Just be careful.
Zed: I will.
The orcborn smiles. Thobrun slips a hat in the shape of a yellow chicken onto his head. The crew starts laughing.
Mak: So you really have no idea where-
Mak turns around to look at Thobrun. The cast start laughing.
Mak: Okay, what is he wearing?
Thobrun: D’aw…the wee girl wanted te rest on my heed!
Mak: Somebody take that thing off of him before I really start to laugh!
Thobrun: Bwaaaaak…bwak bwak!
The cast and crew get into hysterics.
Mak: Okay…okay…go again!
***
Brocc: Well, I won’t make that mistake again, okay?
Bryn: Oh? Then where is your precious familiar right now?
Brocc: Uh…scouting ahead.
Bryn: My point.
Thobrun: Come on, you two. You should stop your bickering fer once and help me look fer my chicken!
The cast and crew burst into laughter. Mak is nearly crying.
Mak: I told…you…not to mention the chihihihihickehehen!
***
Four male humans, two with round ears and two with slightly-pointed ears, and a female human with slightly-pointed ears cross the bridge. They are wearing silver armour and helmets. The female human walks over to Mak.
Woman: Cynthia Meadows, guard-captain of Silveria City.
Thobrun: I must say, lass, yer hair is as golden as the feathers on my chicken! Perchance, have ye seen her?
The cast and crew start laughing again.
Mak: Can’t you go one scene without mentioning that thing?!
***
Zed takes a third mouthful of water.
Cynthia: That is it over there. We should arrive within the hour.
Zed takes one look at the giant citadel and spits out his water again.
Zed: That place is huge!
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: It appears even bigger once you enter.
Thobrun: Bwak!
The cast and crew laugh again. Mak laughs the loudest.
Mak: Every time, dude! Every freaking time!
- on February 9th 2017, 4:55 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Origin of Zed - A Chromaicora Adventures Trilogy by GeekyGamerZack
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1409
Origin of Zed - A Chromaicora Adventures Trilogy by GeekyGamerZack
Origin of Zed, Part I: The Water Pendulum- “Synopsis”:
- A young man named Zander finds himself in a mysterious realm of fantasy, apparently ending up there through a process known as “sightshifting”, though his arrival within a column of light is considered out-of-the-ordinary. A fellow sightshifter named Tad decides to help the young man get back to the mundane realm, but the fact that Zander has no memory of his past may cause more than a few problems. Zander soon learns of an object known as the “Water Pendulum”, which may prove useful in his endeavour, but the item proves to be capricious, evading in an attempt to not be found! Will Zander and Tad be able to find the pendulum?
Cast
Zander – A human of the mundane who manages to sightshift into the fantastic realm with no memory of how he arrived, he struggles to find a mysterious, evasive object that is the key to his journey.
Tad Shyff – A sightshifter who is a surfer in the mundane realm and a spellcaster in the fantastic realm, he decides to assist Zander in his quest for the pendulum.
Siren – A young woman who enjoys scuba diving, she runs a surf and dive shop with her best friend, Tad.
Belle and Jack – Tad and Siren’s roommates, they do their best to welcome Zander into their group of friends…though possibly a little TOO much, in Belle’s case…
Verdann – A wood elf who journeys with Tad in the fantastic realm, he is surprised about Zander’s apparent knowledge of his people.
Dr. Erik Hollows – A lecturer at Belle and Jack’s university, he knows much about sightshifting and urges Tad to help Zander in his quest for the pendulum.
“Are you an alien?! Like, seriously?!”
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Terra: AfternoonChildren of the Overlay…
…fruit begins to grow.
Pendulums swinging to-and-fro…
We see a view of a busy street, with cars driving along the road and round-eared humans walking along the footpaths. We zoom in to a view of an unusually-tall young man with ginger buzz-cut hair, steely greyish-blue eyes and golden eyebrows. He trudges along, seemingly disoriented, as he rubs the side of his forehead with his right hand. He speaks with an Australian accent.
Man: No...it's not possible. It couldn't...nngh!
The young man seems to be slightly frustrated about something. A young woman with blonde hair in tightly-curled bangs notices him.
Man: My head...my mind…is...
Woman: Are you alright? Did you knock your head?
Man: Huh?
The young man takes his hand away from his forehead and examines it.
Man: Oh, no...I didn't knock it. It's just that...well...my memories are rapidly disappearing.
Woman: Your memories?
Man: Yes. Like...my mother...like, do I even have a mother? Or a father? I just don't know...
Woman: That seems pretty bad...do you want me to call you an ambulance?
Man: Pendulum...what is the pendulum...?
Woman: I'm gonna call for help.
The young woman pulls a mobile phone from her bag and dials a number, then places the earpiece next to her right ear. After a moment, she speaks.
Woman: Ambulance please.
Man: My name...it's Za-...uh...Za-...? What the...?!
Woman: Yeah, I have a young man with me who claims to be losing his memory, and I suspect he may have been hit over the hea-
The young woman pauses, and her eyes widen.
Woman: Sorry, I gotta go.
The young woman hangs up and slowly puts her phone in her bag without taking her eyes off the young man.
Man: Wait...what about the ambulance?
Woman: Y-Your hand...?
The young man looks at the back of his right hand. The mark of the multiverse glows on it with metallic-cyan light.
Man: How long has that been there...?
The young woman claps her hands to her mouth and muffles a scream. She pulls her now-shaking hands slightly down and manages to speak.
Woman: Y-Your eyes?!
We cut back to a view of the young man, whose eyes now glow with metallic-cyan light.
Man: What's wrong with them?
Woman: Are you an alien?! Like, seriously?!
A brown leather-gloved hand drops onto the young woman's right shoulder, which startles her. A blonde-haired, young-looking man with bright blue eyes is standing there, staring at the other young man.
Blue-Eyed Man: I suggest we move back.
Woman: What?! Who are you, and what is going on?!
Blue-Eyed Man: My name is Herikios, and you are about to witness a false awakening...a large one at that.
Herikios gently pulls the young woman back.
Woman: Wait...doesn't he realise what's happening?
Herikios: Yes and no. He's...in a trance.
Man: The fruit of the overlay...?
Herikios: He helped me so very long ago. Now it is time for me to help him.
Woman: But...who is he?
The pattern of the multiverse appears beneath the young man's feet in metallic-cyan light.
Herikios: One day, he will be known as Zed. For now, though, his name is-
A column of metallic-cyan light erupts from the ground around "Zed". As it does so, a pulse emerges from it, shattering nearby windows and setting off alarms.
Woman: What the...?!
We cut to a view inside the column. "Zed's" eyes and mark still glow with metallic-cyan light.
"Zed": What's...going...YEAAAAAAAGH!
***
Origin of Zed, Part I
The Water Pendulum
A Chromaicora Adventure
***
Scene 2: Unknown Location: Early Morning
"Zed" awakens in an unfamiliar bed. He looks around the room, which seems as though it's from another time period.
"Zed's" thoughts: Did I travel back in time...?
Voice: You know, most people end up in their underwear the first time they sightshift.
"Zed": Hm?
"Zed" looks over at a nearby table, and sees a blonde-haired young man sitting in a chair. He is dressed in medieval fantasy-inspired attire. He speaks with an American accent.
"Zed": Sightshift?
Man: Yeah, it's a rare ability that few people possess.
"Zed": What does it do?
Man: With it, we can peer through an intangible barrier into another realm.
"Zed": Wait...for real?!
Man: Oh yes. Although...
"Zed": What is it?
Man: Your entrance was...well, it was somewhat unexpected.
"Zed" sits up, pushes down his covers and swings his legs to the side of the bed, sitting comfortably. He continues to chat with the young man.
"Zed": Unexpected?
Man: Usually, when people sightshift, their eyes go all metallic-bluish, followed by sort of "rippling" through the barrier into the other realm. You, however, appeared in a column of light.
"Zed": I did?
Man: Oh yeah, it was quite the spectacle. Everyone was watching it!
"Zed": Well, I don't remember it.
Man: You...kind of fainted when you appeared. Luckily, I was there to catch you.
"Zed": Actually, I don't remember...anything.
The young man raises one eyebrow.
Man: Seriously?
"Zed": My past is a complete blank.
Man: Well, do you remember your name, at least?
"Zed": Za- Uh...Za- Um...no, sorry.
Man: No need to apologise. I'm...gonna call you Zander.
Zander: Zander? Hm...I like it!
Man: Cool. Oh, you can call me Tadpole. Tad! Um...I-I'm...Tad.
Zander: Nice to meet you, Tad.
Tad: Let me get you some stew.
Tad stands up and heads for the door. He stops and turns to face Zander.
Tad: Oh, there's something else.
Zander: Yeah?
Tad: Just before you fainted, you mentioned something about a "pendulum". Do you remember?
Zander: Pendulum...? Sorry, no.
Tad: I thought so.
Tad leaves the room. Zander notices the back of his right hand.
Zander: There's something about my hand...I can almost remember...
The mark begins to glow with metallic-cyan light. After a brief moment, it stops glowing, leaving no sign of being there.
Zander: Maybe that mark is a side-effect of sightshifting...?
Voice: What mark?
Zander looks at Tad, who stands with two wooden bowls.
Zander: I don't know...but I think I remember...something...
Scene 3: Umbel: Fantastic Realm: Late Morning
Zander and Tad walk through a marketplace in the town of Umbel. Many people seem to stare at Zander, whose outfit consists of casual clothing like that of our world.
Zander: I feel as though people are staring at us.
Tad: They are.
Zander: But why?
Voice: Ah, Tad. It is good to see you, my friend.
A male elf with long, green hair walks up to Zander and Tad.
Tad: Oh, hey, Verdann.
Verdann: I wondered when you would return to this land.
Tad: Yeah, I've been really busy in my homeland.
Verdann looks at Zander, who seems to be trying to figure him out.
Verdann: And you must be a new arrival. I imagine you have many questions about this place...
Zander: You're a verdelv, right?
Verdann appears surprised.
Verdann: Well, I am impressed. Very few new arrivals know the true name of my people.
Zander: Yeah...though I have no idea how I know that.
Tad: Zander here sightshifted to this place yesterday evening. He was unconscious for fourteen hours.
Verdann: Is that significant?
Tad: Not sure. But his entrance was spectacular.
Verdann's eyes widen.
Verdann: This...unusually-attired human is the source of the beacon?!
Zander: Unusually-attired...?
Tad: Indeed.
Verdann: Then we must journey at once to the Umbel Guardian's home. Surely she will know of Zander's origin!
Tad: The Umbel Guardian?
Tad ponders for a moment.
Tad: It's worth a shot. Let's go! Zander, stay close to us. You're drawing attention to yourself, and that might not be a good thing.
Tad's thoughts: Especially if Skorc finds out...
Tad and Verdann begin walking. Zander follows behind, his long legs easily able to keep up with the others.
Scene 4: Guardian's Home: Umbel: Fantastic Realm: Late Morning
Zander, Tad and Verdann enter the home of the Umbel Guardian. They sit at a small, round table with an aqua-trimmed azure tablecloth draped over it.
Zander: This is nice.
Tad: You haven't seen ANYTHING yet, Zander!
Voice: Welcome, travellers from the realm adjacent! Welcome to this, the home of the Umbel Guardian!
An elderly woman with a hair bun is suddenly sitting on the opposite side of the table. Zander is surprised.
Zander: WHOA! How did you do that?!
Guardian: Ah, a good oracle never divulges the secret of her abilities.
Tad: Nice to see you again, Guardian.
Guardian: Ah, Tadpole! Still not grown into a frog, I see? EHEHEHEHEH!
Tad: Uh...yeah...
Verdann: The reason we are here today-
Guardian: No no, do not speak. In fact, you are barred from speaking for the rest of this visit!
Verdann appears disappointed. The Guardian examines Zander.
Guardian: Ah, it is you...the man with no past.
The Guardian looks into Zander's eyes, which causes him to look away.
Guardian: Yes, I see much mystery in you, young man. You found this realm without looking into it!
Tad: He didn't sightshift?! But-
Guardian: Tadpole, you know better than to speak while I work my magic.
Tad: Sorry.
Guardian: Now, I have peered into your mind and examined your heart, but...I am embarrassed to admit that not even I am able to glean much at all!
Zander appears surprised.
Guardian: This has only happened once before, many moons ago. The other individual-
The Guardian pauses.
Guardian: No no, this session is about you, one with hair of fire and essence of water. Hm...I see you waking up, breaking free of the shackles of fate. I see a mysterious object, a pendulum, and a key to your true potential. You also seem to have a strong link to the force of magic that permeates this place, so it would be prudent of you to learn to use it in some way. The pendulum-
The Guardian noisily guzzles a glass of water.
Guardian: My apologies. Talking leaves my throat parched. Now, the pendulum is closer than you may think, so find it, and never lose it. Understand?
Zander nods.
Guardian: See, Tadpole? This lad knows not to speak when I perform my magic!
Tad facepalms.
Scene 5: Surf and Dive Shop: Mundane Realm: Late Morning
A young woman with long, reddish-brown hair is examining some air cylinders in the local surf and dive shop. Tad walks into the shop, now wearing attire like that of our world.
Tad: Hey Siren, sorry I'm late!
The young woman stands up and turns to face Tad.
Siren: You were supposed to be here an hour ago.
Tad: I know, but I was helping someone.
Siren: Wait! Don't tell me. Um...let's see...
Siren focuses on Tad.
Siren: You were in the fantasy realm-
Tad: Fantastic realm.
Siren: Yeah, that too. Um...you were helping a new arrival named...Ted?
Tad: No, Zander. You are way off today! I'm just gonna tell you.
Siren: *Sigh* ...okay, shoot.
Tad: So this guy, Zander? He arrived in the fantastic realm through...unconventional means.
Siren: Meaning?
Tad: He didn't sightshift to get there.
Siren: Wait...for real?!
Tad: Oh yeah! He arrived in a column of light, of all things.
Siren: I don't believe it...
Tad: No, it's true, I swear!
Siren: No, I mean I envisioned a beacon of light when I read your mind.
Tad: Oh, you did, did you?
Siren: Anyway, please continue.
Tad: Okay, so he had this weird, glowing mark on his hand-
Siren: The circles and dots, you mean?
Tad: Yeah! Oh, you've seen it too.
Siren: No, but you said you've seen it before.
Tad: I did? Oh yeah...
Siren: Sorry for interrupting so much.
Tad: Nah, it's cool. Oh, and the best part?
Siren: Yeah?
Tad: Zander arrived fully-dressed. He wasn't in his underwear!
Siren appears surprised.
Siren: You mean to tell me that there's a guy in the fantastic realm...dressed like someone from ours?!
Tad: Yeah! The people in Umbel can't figure him out.
Siren: Well, you know what you have to do, right?
Tad: Um...
Siren: You, my friend, need to take him to buy some clothes.
Tad: Uh...isn't that YOUR job, Siren?
Siren: Usually, yes, but in case you hadn't figured it out yet, I can't sightshift. You, however, can.
Tad: Uh...okay. I better go and do that right now.
Siren: What?! But...your shift!
Tad: This guy needs help. For all we know, he could be stuck there!
Siren: I can't check all of this equipment alone!
Tad: Then call Jack. He knows all about that stuff.
Siren: I...fine. Go help that guy.
Tad: Will do.
Tad runs out of the shop. Siren whips her mobile phone out of her pocket and searches through her contacts.
Siren: If only I could visit that place...
Siren holds the phone up to her right ear.
Siren: Jack? It's Siren...fine, thanks for asking. And you...? Great. Listen, I need a favour...
- Spoiler:
- Scene 6: Umbel: Fantastic Realm: Early Evening
Zander and Tad walk through the town square. Zander is now dressed in medieval-fantasy-inspired attire.
Zander: Uh...did we really need to get rid of my other clothes?
Tad: Well...
Zander: What?
Tad: While it's true that most people here know that another realm exists, they're led to believe that it's a lot like this place. That includes fashion.
Zander: Oh.
Tad: It's probably better to keep the mundane realm a secret from the people here. Oh, and vice-versa for people in the mundane realm.
Zander: No problem.
Zander sniffs the air.
Zander: Is this place near the ocean?
Tad: No...?
Zander: Oh. Weird, I can smell seawater.
Tad: Oh, that's probably me. I went for a surf earlier.
Zander: They have surfing here?
Tad: No, dude, in OUR realm.
Zander: Oh, right.
Tad: Don't feel bad. You're still getting used to this place.
Zander sighs.
Zander: I suppose I have to, since there's no way for me to get back.
Tad: What do you mean?
Zander: Well, I found out that only sightshifters can travel from this realm to the other, and...well...
Tad: You're not a sightshifter.
Zander: Correct.
Tad: Darn it, I hadn't even considered that.
Zander: Eh, it's fine. I get the impression that I wanted a sea change anyway.
A pulse of energy emerges from Zander's body, and his eyes glow with metallic-cyan light. After a moment, Zander's eyes return to normal.
Zander: That was weird...
Tad: Uh...Zander?
Zander: Yeah?
Tad: How do I put this delicately...eh, screw it. You sightshifted.
Zander: Wait...what?!
Tad: You sightshifted...the other way!
Zander: Seriously?! I can go back?!
Tad: Yeah! Well...you'll probably end up in the middle of nowhere, but-
Zander: Wait...what?!
Tad: The way sightshifting works is complicated. The first time you do it, you end up in the same part of the world in the other realm, but you leave a checkpoint of sorts in the original one. Every time you sightshift, you leave a marker in the previous realm that causes you to always return to that spot, no matter how far you travel in the current realm.
Zander: I think I get what you're saying. So when I sightshift to the mundane realm, and then I sightshift back here, I'll return to this exact spot?
Tad: Exactly! Now, this spot in the mundane realm is probably somewhere in the outback, but my checkpoint is on the east coast. You see the problem, right?
Zander: Yep. I'd be in the middle of the desert without food or water, and probably kilometres from the next town.
Tad: Or you could end up in a point of civilisation. We won't know unless you take the plunge.
Zander: Is that wise?
Tad: Yeah! You can always come back here if you need to.
Zander: So I could be stranded here anyway...
Tad: That's the worst case scenario. You couldn't return to the mundane realm, but at least you'd be able to survive.
Zander: Okay. What do I do?
Tad: Focus on what you saw during that moment.
Zander: Well, I know it's going to sound weird, but I saw the-
Zander shifts through the barrier, which ripples with metallic-cyan energy.
Tad: He did it! He actually did it!
Tad waits for Zander to return. After a brief moment, Zander ripples back.
Tad: Well?
Zander: Well, I was near a large city.
Tad: Wait...but the closest city to this spot in the mundane realm is-
Tad thinks for a moment.
Tad: Where exactly did you end up, dude?
Zander: On a beach.
Tad's thoughts: No, it couldn't be...
Tad: Okay, sightshift back to the mundane realm, then walk five paces away from the ocean.
Zander: What will that do?
Tad: I want to check something.
Zander: Uh...okay, here I go.
Zander ripples away. Tad waits a few seconds.
Tad: Okay, my turn.
Tad ripples through the barrier, his outfit changing into a black wetsuit with lime green trim. Tad's eyes widen.
Tad: No freaking way...
We cut to a view behind Tad. As the view pans to the right, we see Zander standing in his underwear, a pair of black boxer shorts.
Zander: Uh...hi.
Tad: We need to go.
Zander: We do?
Tad: Yeah. There's someone you need to meet.
Zander: Who?
Tad: A guy who knows more about sightshifting than I do. His name is Erik.
Scene 7: University: Mundane Realm: Late Morning
Herikios stands at the front of a lecture hall dressed in a tweed suit and blue bowtie. He appears to be teaching a class. Tad and Zander walk in.
Herikios: "And the spellcaster of a different walk"...does anyone have any idea what that could mean?
A male student with wavy, not-quite-shoulder-length hair and glasses raises his hand. He speaks with an Australian accent.
Student: I assume it means that he's a different kind of magic-user, one who casts spells through unconventional means.
Herikios: Excellent observation, Jonathan.
Jonathan: I play a lot of RPGs.
Herikios: Well, roleplayers often display vast imaginations.
The bell rings.
Herikios: And that marks the end of today's lecture. Oh, be sure to read the copy of the novel you've each been provided, and I'll see you on Tuesday.
The students pack up their things and begin to leave. Herikios notices Zander and Tad.
Herikios: Jonathan!
Jonathan: Yes?
Herikios: I must speak with you.
Jonathan: Okay.
Jonathan approaches Herikios, followed by Tad and Zander.
Tad: Hey, dude!
Jonathan: Oh, what are you doing here?
Tad: Actually, Zander-
Tad gestures to Zander.
Tad: -and I are here to see your lecturer.
Jonathan: Oh. Uh, hi! Call me Jack.
Jack holds out his hand to Zander.
Zander: Oh, uh...Zander.
Zander shakes Jack's hand.
Jack: Oh, and this is Dr. Hollows.
Zander looks at Herikios. An unfamiliar voice echoes in his mind.
Zander's thoughts: My name is Herikios, but my friends call me-
Herikios: Erik Hollows, lecturer of the literary and performing arts.
Jack: He also teaches swordplay.
Zander looks at Erik.
Zander: Hi...uh...
Erik: Yes? What is it?
Zander: I get the feeling that I've seen you before...
Erik's thoughts: I sense it...the awakening has begun...
Erik: Are you a student here, Zander?
Zander: No, uh...at least I'm pretty sure...
Tad: Zander sightshifted from the fantastic realm.
Erik: He did, did he?
Erik's thoughts: How can that be possible...?
Tad: Yeah, but he didn't sightshift INTO it!
Jack: Hold on...I thought all sightshifters come from this realm.
Tad: Yeah, they do.
Jack: Then...how did Zander get there in the first place?
Voice: Get where?
A girl with curly blonde hair in a loose bun walks in. She speaks with an Australian accent.
Jack: Oh, uh...Belle! What...uh...what are you doing here?!
Belle: I thought we were getting lunch after class.
Jack: Yes, but yours isn't finished yet!
Belle: Oh, we were rehearsing a play, but the lead had to go home. Gastro.
Jack: Oh, uh...what about the understudy?
Belle: Oh, she also had to leave.
Jack: Don't tell me she has gastro as well.
Belle: No, her boyfriend walked in with a single red rose, got onto one knee and said, "You are the love of my life. Will you marry me?" And...she said yes!
Jack: Aw...
Belle: And then they left for the airport, right then and there. Needless to say, we were all dismissed from class.
Belle looks at Zander.
Belle: Oh, who's your friend, Tad?
Tad: This is Zander, a guy I'm helping out.
Belle: Oh, nice to meet you.
Zander: Thanks. Nice to meet you too.
Belle: Thank you. You know, you're kind of cute...in a baby-faced sort of way.
Zander: I am?
Belle: Yeah! Do you wanna-
Jack grabs Belle's hand and starts pulling her away.
Jack: Okay, let's go get lunch.
Belle: What?! But...Zander and I were gonna exchange mobile numbers!
Jack: No you weren't.
Belle: Oh, you're such a stick-in-the-mud!
Tad widens his eyes.
Tad: Wow...
Zander: We couldn't exchange numbers anyway. My phone's completely bricked. Plus, it's in your house in the fantastic realm.
Tad: True...oh crap! I hope Norbert doesn't see it!
Zander: Norbert?
Tad: A gnome in my adventuring party. He's also my roommate there.
Zander: Oh.
Tad: Then again, he doesn't go through my belongings.
***
A male gnome with purple hair opens drawers in Tad's home. He has the same voice as Brocc, Furbendink and Sven.
Norbert: Underwear...books...busted smartphone...wow, Tad keeps a lot of useless junk in his drawers...
***
Erik: It matters not how Zander arrived there. What's important is that he is now a sightshifter, and he needs someone to guide him. Tad, you will be his guide in this endeavour.
Tad: Okay then.
Zander: Good, 'cause I need to get back there and find out more about that pendulum.
Erik’s thoughts: How does he know of the pendulum...?
Erik: I know where it is.
Zander: You do?!
Tad: Where is it?
Erik: It is here, in the mundane realm. Its current position is...brine.
Zander: Brine? So it's in the ocean?
Tad: Do you know where, Erik?
Erik: Try the cove near the city.
Tad: Great! Zander? You should go to this place this afternoon.
Tad hands Zander a business card. Zander examines it.
Zander: A surf and dive shop?
Tad: Yeah! Ask for Siren, and say you want to take a scuba course. Oh, and tell her I sent you.
Zander: Really?
Tad: Yeah! I'll pay for the course.
Zander: You'd really do that for me?!
Tad: Hey, if it helps you find the pendulum...
Zander: Thank you.
Tad: I gotta go, but look for Belle and Jack in the campus café. They'll give you a lift.
Zander: Thanks.
Tad: Later, Erik.
Tad leaves. Zander turns to face Erik.
Zander: I better go. Have a good day.
Erik: To you as well.
Zander raises his hand, then turns to leave.
Erik: Zander?
Zander looks at Erik.
Zander: Yeah?
Erik: We will meet again.
Zander: Not a problem.
Zander leaves the classroom.
Erik: It seems like only yesterday that I met him...but he still has much growing to do before he meets me properly.
Scene 8: Surf and Dive Shop: Mundane Realm: Early Afternoon
Belle is driving her car, with Zander to her left in the front passenger seat and Jack in the back seat behind Belle. The car pulls up just outside the surf and dive shop.
Belle: Well, here we are.
Zander: Thanks for the lift.
Belle: Don't mention it. Have fun!
Zander: Will do!
***
Zander enters the shop and looks around. The walls and displays are lined with surfboards, wetsuits, BCDs and other goods for aquatic activities. Siren sees Zander and walks up to him.
Siren: Can I help you?
Zander looks at Siren.
Zander: Oh, uh...I was just looking around.
Siren: Okay, well, if you need anything-
Zander: Well I- Oh...sorry, I interrupted.
Siren: No, it's fine! Go ahead.
Zander: Well actually, I was recommended to come to this place by...Tad?
Siren: Oh, you're a friend of Tad's?
Zed: Sort of. It's complicated.
Siren nose-laughs.
Siren: Things are often complicated with that guy.
Zander: It seems so. Oh, I'm Zander, by the way.
Siren: Siren. It's a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of Tad's is welcome here.
Zander: Thanks.
Zander looks around.
Zander: Oh, Tad said I'd be interested in diving.
Siren: Oh, you're better to do that in warmer weather.
Zander: Like, summer, you mean?
Siren: Sure, but the water warms up from about mid-October onwards.
Zander: I did not know that.
Siren lets out another nose-laugh.
Siren: So, did you just move here?
Zander: Oh no no no, I'm...travelling.
Siren: Travelling...?
Zander: In a way, yes.
An expression of surprise spreads across Siren's face.
Siren: No way. Y-You're THAT Zander!
Zander: Oh, blast! My cover is blown!
Siren laughs.
Siren: Yeah, Tad said he met you in the fantasy realm.
Tad yells out from the back room.
Tad: Fantastic realm!
Siren: Whatever!
Tad walks into the room.
Tad: Hey, Siren, you wanna check these regs for me? I think a couple are worn out.
Zander notices Tad.
Zander: Tad! What are you doing here?
Tad: I work here...? Didn't I tell you?
Zander: I don't think so, no.
Tad: Ah, my bad.
Tad looks puzzled.
Tad: Zander, why are you here?
Zander: You asked me to come, remember?
Tad: Oh, that's right! I forgot about the course!
Siren: What...uh...what course, Tad?
Tad: I sent Zander here to request a scuba course. It's...kind of urgent.
Siren: Why would a scuba course demand such urgency?
Tad: It's a little complicated.
Siren rolls her eyes.
Siren: It always is...okay, Zander, let's get you prepped.
Zander: No problem.
Siren leads Zander into the back room.
Siren's thoughts: Why am I envisioning a pendulum in a frozen sea...?
Scene 9: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
A male human with blue eyes, fair skin, black, slicked-back hair and a bluish-grey robe stands on a silver pedestal in a round room that seems to be comprised of rainbow energy. A female human with tan skin, brown eyes, long, wavy, fiery-orange hair and a reddish-grey robe enters the room and approaches the male human.
Woman: How goes the observation?
Man: I am tracking the Water Pendulum, but...something is happening.
Woman: Oh?
Man: It seems to be behaving erratically, as though-
Woman: -in synchronisation with the Fire Pendulum.
Man: How did you guess?
Woman: I have noticed the same observations with the Fire Pendulum’s behaviour.
Man: Is it too soon for the pendulums to activate?
Woman: I know not. But Viridius and Violetta assure me that the Earth and Air Pendulums remain dormant.
Man: I am beginning to wonder if it was a mistake to leave the Water Pendulum be for so long, Crimsona.
Crimsona: As am I, Ceruleus. But what is there to do?
Ceruleus: Might I suggest relocating the Water Pendulum?
Crimsona's eyes widen.
Crimsona: But is that wise? Even if we were to send the Water Pendulum to a safer location, there is no guarantee that both it and the Fire Pendulum would return to a state of dormancy. In addition, the Water Pendulum could end up anywhere.
Ceruleus: I am aware of both points, sister, but-
Crimsona: -you believe it to be the best course of action.
Ceruleus: I simply feel that keeping all the pendulums within such close proximity to one another is unwise. It may be better to relocate them to nearby worlds within the outer ring.
Crimsona: You may be right about that, Ceruleus, but until every pendulum activates-
Ceruleus: -they must be left alone.
Ceruleus sighs.
Ceruleus: But let us hope that no other entity locates them before they have a chance to activate...
- Spoiler:
- Scene 10: Cove: Mundane Realm: Morning
Zander and Tad sit on the back of a boat in the cove. Zander is wearing a black wetsuit with cyan trim, whereas Tad is wearing his green-trimmed wetsuit. Zander is also wearing a pair of yellow fins and a pair of blue-trimmed gloves, whereas Tad is putting on a pair of green fins, though he is not wearing gloves. Both Zander and Tad wear BCDs equipped with all the bells and whistles, including a tank of pressurised air. Zander is holding a yellow full-face mask equipped with a communication device, while Tad has a green version of the same mask and device.
Tad: ...and...there! My fins are equipped!
Siren calls out from the front of the boat.
Siren: Equipped? I think you're spending too much time in the fantasy realm, Tad.
Tad: Fantastic realm!
Siren: Whatever! I just wish I was diving today instead of you!
Tad: But...you dive almost every day! And I don't get to as often as you do, Siren!
Siren: Well, whose fault is that, Mr. Surfer Dude?
Tad: Besides, Zander and I are in this together!
Siren: Well, I guess you have a point!
Tad turns to face Zander.
Tad: Okay, Zander, are you ready to do this?
Zander: Absolutely!
Tad: Then let's go!
***
Zander and Tad submerge into the water. They both have their masks equipped.
Tad: So, any idea where this pendulum could be?
Zander: Not a clue.
Tad: Well, keep a look out for it.
Zander: No problem. Whoa...
Tad: What is it?
Zander: This is weird. It's like I'm floating along!
Tad: Didn't you already do an open water dive, though?
Zander: Well, yes...
Tad: Then you should know what it feels like underwater.
Zander: This is different. It's like...I'm being pulled along by...something.
Tad: Actually, now that you mention it-
Just then, a trio of glowing orbs appears in front of Zander and Tad. The middle one is larger than the others, and cyan in colour; the one on the left is azure, and the one on the right is aqua.
Tad: Whoa...what could THAT be...?
Zander: If I didn't know any better, I'd say that that was the-
An orb of white light emerges from the centre orb and floats to the left one, with the centre orb having shrunk and the left one now bigger than the others.
Zander: What the...?!
The orbs disappear. Almost immediately, the water becomes noticeably cooler.
Tad: Was that the pendulum?!
Zander: It didn't look like one!
A beeping noise appears out of nowhere.
Tad: Whoa! Is that the lights trying to speak with us?!
Zander: No, it's your communicator.
Tad: Huh...? Oh, right.
Tad presses a button on his communication device.
Tad: You've reached Casa de Pizza, the freshest pizzas in town. Pick up or delivery?
Siren: Everything okay down there?
Tad: Uh...sure, why do you ask?
Siren: Because you haven't released the marker yet!
Tad: Oh, nuts! Sorry, Siren, we just got a little distracted by...something.
Siren: Oh, for the love of-
Siren sighs.
Siren: I knew I should have been the one to take Zander for his first full dive...
Tad: No no, it's fine! Look, here comes the marker now!
Tad opens a pouch on his BCD, releasing a blue object that floats to the surface.
***
We cut to a view of the surface. The object splashes up, and a flag unfurls.
Siren: Okay, I see it.
***
We cut back to Zander and Tad underwater.
Siren: Just pay more attention next time.
Tad: Will do. Thanks.
Siren: Have fun, Zander!
Zander: Thank you!
Tad: Okay, we need to try and find those lights. Surely they're an indication of the pendulum's location.
Siren: Pendulum? What pendulum?
Tad: Siren?! Wh-Why didn't you turn off communications?!
Siren: Me? You're the one in control of the comms, Tad!
Tad: What are you talking-
Tad closes his eyes.
Tad: Right...I should've realised.
Siren: Honestly, Tad, sometimes I wonder if your I.Q. really is as high as you say it is...
Tad: Hey, there are many ways to measure intelligence, Siren. Some are much more subtle than others.
Siren: Right...which is why you lose every trivia night we attend.
Tad: I told you already, the quizmaster has it in for me! She hates me!
Siren: What?! Belle doesn't hate you!
Tad: Wait...BELLE'S the quizmaster?!
Siren: Obviously!
Tad: But...she doesn't wear makeup!
Siren: Not usually, no, but she does when she isn't at home or studying.
Tad: Huh...I was wondering what she meant when she said, "I'll make the next trivia night easier for you, Tad"...
A slapping sound is heard.
Tad: What was that?!
Siren: Only the sound of my palm making contact with my face.
Tad: Oh, good. I thought something was wrong for a moment.
***
We cut to a view of the boat.
Siren (softly): Clearly there is if you don't recognise people when they use makeup.
Tad: What?!
Siren: I said, "Clearly there's food such as bread and pies we ought to bake up".
Tad: Good idea, although neither of us knows HOW to bake bread and pies.
Siren: Well, we could take a cooking class at the university.
***
We cut back to a close-up view of Tad underwater.
Tad: True, true...or we could keep letting Belle and Jack cook for all of us.
Siren: Now THERE'S that I.Q. rating of yours!
Tad: Yeah, 'cause why cook when someone else can do the work for us? Though we DO usually get stuck with the dishes...maybe there's a way out of that as well...
Siren: Okay, okay, think of a plan later, Captain Whiz-Guy. Right now, you and Zander need to find this "pendulum" of yours. Wait...Zander's been awfully quiet...
Tad: Hey, yeah...Zander? Come in! Zander...?
Tad spins around and looks at Zander.
Tad: Oh, Zander! You had me worried, dude!
Zander: Uh...
Tad: What? What is it?
Zander: We...have an eensy problem.
Tad: What do you mean?
Zander: Well...we've sort of ended up who-knows-where.
Tad: What? How can you tell?
Zander: My first clue is the enormous skull below us.
Tad: Enormous...skull?
Tad looks down. An enormous reptilian skull sits on the seafloor.
Tad: WHOA! How did that get there?!
Zander: And that's not the weirdest part.
Tad: Wait...then what-
Zander: Follow me to the surface.
Zander and Tad slowly inflate their BCDs and head for the ocean's surface. After reaching the surface, both divers open the air valves on their masks, allowing them to conserve tank air. Tad's eyes widen as he gazes upon a nearby rocky beach with a panorama of a bright blue mountain range in the distance.
Tad: What the...where are we?!
Zander: I don't know, but something tells me we're not in Kansas anymore...
Scene 11: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Zander and Tad explore the mysterious ocean in which they've arrived.
Zander: This is too weird...
Tad: You're telling me!
Zander: I mean...you're absolutely certain that we didn't sightshift into the fantastic realm?
Tad: I'm positive. If we did, we'd be in the middle of Umbel Plaza right now, and...well...
Zander: Then there must be another world...
Tad: Whoa, hold up there, Zander! THREE realms?! I'm positive that there are only two!
Zander: Hm...
Tad: What is it?
Zander: Well, you know how I told you that there was a mark on my hand that glowed with a bluish light?
Tad: Yeah?
Zander: Well...that very same mark is glowing again...through my glove!
Tad looks at Zander's hand, and is immediately startled.
Tad: WHOA!
Zander: I know, right?
Tad: I know that mark!
Zander: Wait...what?!
Tad: I glimpsed it in a tome I was studying in the fantastic realm. Apparently it's some kind of map.
Zander: So I have a map on my hand?
Tad: Maybe...still, it's worth investigating.
Zander: I guess so...
Zander and Tad pause.
Zander: Do you hear that?
Tad: Yeah...sounds like...singing?
Zander sees a large, shadowy shape moving towards them.
Zander: Could it be a whale?
Tad: I don't know, maybe?
As the creature approaches, Zander and Tad's eyes widen: it appears to resemble a large seahorse, with cyan scales covered in azure and aqua splotches; the most unusual feature is a mane of dark cyan kelp along its head and neck.
Zander: Is that a-
Tad: Seahorse? I would say so.
Zander: But it's the size of an ACTUAL horse!
Tad: It seems friendly.
Zander: I agree.
A calm, masculine voice echoes in Zander and Tad's minds.
Creature: Follow...
The creature begins to swim away. Zander and Tad begin to follow it. They look at each other.
Tad: This is amazing! An unidentified animal!
Zander: It's amazing! It's-
Zander looks ahead.
Zander: -gone.
Tad: Gone? How could it be-
Tad looks ahead. The creature has disappeared.
Tad: Oh.
Zander: Was it real, or just an illusion?
Tad: Not sure. It seemed real, though.
A beeping sound is heard.
Tad: It came back!
Zander: I...think that was your communicator again.
Tad: Oh yeah...heheh...my bad.
Tad presses a button on his communicator.
Tad: Welcome to Casa de-
Siren: Tad! Oh, thank goodness! I was worried sick!
Tad: You were?
Siren: You suddenly stopped talking, and...well...
Tad: Yeah...
Siren: First Zander, then you...oh! Did you find Zander?
Zander: Yellow.
Siren: Oh, what a relief! Are you okay?!
Zander: Fine. We-
Siren: Wait! Don't tell me! Let's see...um...
Tad: Here we go again...
Siren: You were on a dragon made of metal, and then you found a seahorse covered in kelp.
Tad: Um...you're half-right.
Erik's voice appears over the network.
Erik: I assure you that, in a sense, Siren is completely correct.
Tad: What the...Erik? How are you communicating with us?! Is he in the boat with you, Siren?!
Siren: Uh...
***
We cut to a view of Siren in the boat.
Siren: That's a negative, I'm afraid.
***
We cut back to a close-up of Zander and Tad.
Tad: Then-
Erik: Turn around, Tadpole.
Zander and Tad spin around and see Erik in mostly-cyan dive gear similar to their own.
Tad: You were here this whole time?!
Erik: Not exactly.
Zander hears Erik's voice in his mind.
Erik's voice: You suffer from seasickness?
Zander: Well, no.
Erik: I'm sorry?
Zander: If I got seasick, I probably wouldn't be able to dive, right?
Erik's thoughts: How can he have memories of events he has yet to experience...in places he has yet to visit?
Erik: Hm...possibly. In any case, it is my duty to inform you both that-
Tad: Wait! Before you say anything, I need to ask you something.
Erik: Of course, Tadpole.
Tad: Okay, have you ever heard of an enormous blue seahorse with seaweed hair?
Erik: Why do you ask?
Tad: Zander and I...well...we both saw one. Just moments ago, in fact.
Erik: Hm...it sounds like a creature from Greek lore known as the hippocamp.
Zander: I've heard of those. They're a chimera that's part-horse and part-fish.
Erik: I'm impressed. You are quite knowledgeable, Zander.
Zander: Thanks.
Siren: Uh...fellas?
Tad: Yeah?
Siren: Could we have this conversation back on the boat, please?
Tad: What?! But...we haven't finished our dive yet!
***
We cut back to Siren.
Siren: You've been underwater for an hour-and-a-half!
Tad: We have?!
Siren: Yes, which I think is plenty of time for Zander's first full dive.
***
We cut back to Zander, Tad and Erik.
Tad: But what about the pendulum?!
Erik: Alas, it has changed position again.
Tad: Oh, great...
Erik: Its new position is ice.
Zander: So we need to explore Antarctica or something, then?
Erik: Do not worry, Zander. When the pendulum is ready to be found, it will find its way.
Zander: Fair enough.
Tad: Well then...I guess we should head back to the boat?
Erik: Agreed.
The trio swims towards the boat.
Tad: So...any particular reason you're diving without a buddy, Erik?
Erik: Ah...
Tad: Not setting a good example for Zander, are you?
***
The trio - plus Siren - is in the boat.
Zander: Well, that was fun.
Tad: Yeah, but we didn't find the pendulum.
Siren: Oh yeah, you wanted to tell us something, right, Dr. Hollows?
Erik: Ah, yes. Zander, Tad, you both accidentally drifted into another world.
Tad: Then there IS a third dimension...
Erik: Actually, I meant you travelled to a world other than this one, far from both the mundane realm and the fantasy realm.
Siren: Fantastic realm!
Tad: You finally got it right, Siren!
Siren: Hey, yeah! "Fantastic"!
Zander: So which world did we visit?
Erik: It is a land where dragons of gleaming scales take on a humanoid form and coexist in relative peace.
Tad: For real? Whoa...
Siren: I don't know...how could you possibly know all this, Dr. Hollows?
Erik: I am afraid that is all I can tell you for now.
Tad: And there's Erik's signature catchphrase...
Erik: Oh, but do not tell anyone else of your venture. If they were to find out-
Tad: Say no more! Your secret's safe with us.
Erik: Thank you.
Erik's thoughts: I suspect that Zander will soon undergo another false awakening. It is as though he is subconsciously preventing himself from achieving his true potential, but...
Erik looks at Zander.
Erik's thoughts: ...his next false awakening could leave him stranded far from this place. Perhaps it is time for the pendulums to find new homes...otherwise the Water Pendulum could put Zander in danger from...the Noc-
Tad: Uh, Erik?
Erik: Yes?
Tad: You're spacing out a little.
Erik: My apologies. Now, there is something you must do, Tadpole...
Tad: Sure.
Erik: Take Zander back to Umbel. I suspect the Water Pendulum will manifest itself again soon, and he will be needed there when it does...
Scene 12: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Erik enters the room of rainbow energy. He approaches the pedestal, where Crimsona and Ceruleus stand with two other individuals: a male syl human with long blonde hair, light brown skin, green eyes and a greyish-lime robe; and a female syl human with short brunette hair, pinkish skin, hazel eyes and a greyish-purple robe. The four robed individuals turn to face Erik.
Male Syl: Ah, Herikios.
Female Syl: You have finally arrived.
Erik: Forgive my tardiness, Viridius and Violetta, but I bring news.
Ceruleus: We have already detected the activation of the Water Pendulum.
Erik: I witnessed the pendulum's activation myself, and my ally has informed me that the Fire Pendulum, located in New Frontier, has also begun to activate.
Ceruleus: Then we must take action at once. Crimsona?
Crimsona: Indeed, brother. We must begin the procedure of extracting, and then relocating, the pendulums. If we do not-
Violetta: I fear it may be too late, cousin. There are reports of the menace becoming unsettled within their world, and they may soon attempt to target the pendulums.
Viridius: Then we must act now.
Ceruleus: Herikios, make sure that your protégé remains safe until the pendulums have been relocated.
Erik: It would be my honour.
Erik bows, then turns around and leaves the chamber. The four robed individuals face each other.
Ceruleus: Let us hope we are not too late...
Scene 13: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
We fade into a view of a mysterious chamber. A number of tubes containing shadowy, masked figures is inside. We pan to a view of one such chamber; we see a close-up of the figure's eyes, which appear to be closed. Almost immediately, both eyes open, the irises glowing with silvery light. The figure speaks with a digitally-distorted voice.
Figure: Wakey-wakey. It's time to continue searching for them.
A navy blue pixellated shimmer appears in both irises.
Scene 14: Aquo City: Fantastic Realm: Late Afternoon
Zander and Tad arrive in the city of Aquo, the apparent "source of the water element" in the fantastic realm.
Tad: Well, here we are.
We hear a loud voice in the distance that resembles that of Brocc, Furbendink, Sven and Norbert.
Voice: You call this udon? The tempura is overcooked, the broth tastes like tapwater and I don't think naruto is supposed to be orange and yellow in colour! It's WHITE with a PINK swirl! Honestly...
Tad: Sounds like someone who knows their cuisine.
Zander: Indeed. So how long do we need to stay here?
Tad: Not sure. Erik said that we need to wait for the pendulum to "reach the water position", which could take hours.
Zander: Oh. So...should we head to the tavern? I hear they're having a "stew festival", whatever that is.
Tad: Sure.
Scene 15: Tavern: Aquo City: Fantastic Realm: Late Afternoon
The scene wipes to that of a medieval-inspired tavern. Zander and Tad sit at a table, a big bowl of stew in front of each of them. Zander scoops a chunk of meat from the bowl and eats it. An expression of joy appears on his face.
Zander: This is the best thing I've ever tasted!
Tad: I knew you'd like it, Zander!
Zander: So what is it?
Tad: Drake and seven-vegetable stew. It's the chef's specialty.
Zander: Drake? As in duck?
Tad: Well, actually...
Zander: Oh...OH! You mean-
Tad: Yeah...drake meat comes from reptilian beasts called, well, drakes.
Zander: Huh. Well, I like it anyway.
Tad: I know what you mean. I was also put-off when I first tried it, but-
Tad's eyes widen.
Tad: Wait...you're not disgusted by this meal, Zander?!
Zander: No. Why would I be?
Tad: Well, it's lizard meat served with carrots, potatoes, peas-
Zander: They put PEAS in this stuff?! Yeugh!
Tad: Oh boy...
At that moment, Zander suddenly ripples through the barrier.
Tad: What the...? Why did he suddenly sightshift away? The peas aren't THAT terrible!
Tad stands up and ripples through the barrier into his apartment.
Tad: Zander, I-
Tad looks around. Zander is nowhere to be seen.
Tad: Where did he go...?
Scene 16: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Zander is standing in a tube of rippling metallic-cyan energy; he is back in his mundane realm outfit. A number of homonid humans dressed in suits surrounds the tube, each of them pointing a device that slightly resembles a high-tech water pistol at him.
Zander: What the...?!
Man #1: Extraction of sightshifter successful.
Man #2: I can't believe this machine actually worked! So who do we have here?
Woman #1: Uh...noone, sir.
Man #2: Noone?
Woman #1: Apparently.
Woman #2: But we've clearly captured a sightshifter.
Woman #1: Yes, but he's not showing up in any government records. Birth certificate, blood type, reference number...they're all absent, as though-
Man #2: -he's been wiped from this world. But how-
Man #1: Uh...sir? You'd better take a look at this.
The agents look at Zander, whose eyes glow with metallic cyan light.
Woman #1: Is he supposed to be able to do that...?
Man #2: Negative. That is NOT an attempted sightshift!
Woman #1: Then-
A pulse of cyan energy bursts from Zander's body, dispelling the barrier and setting off the sprinkler system.
Man #2: Quick! Use your sleep pistols!
Woman #1: But the gas will have no effect while the sprinklers are going!
Man #2: But he's gonna get away!
The mark of the multiverse begins glowing on the back of Zander's hand with red light. The same mark then appears underneath Zander’s feet, which glows with red-tinged light.
Woman #1: Wh-What are you?!
Zander: I...I don't kn-
A column of red light erupts from the ground around Zander. After a brief moment, the column retreats into the ground, and the mark disappears. The agents all appear puzzled.
Man #1: Why are we all here?
Woman #2: Weren't we about to try and extract a sightshifter to study...?
Man #1: Oh yeah...so why are the sprinklers going?
Woman #1: Oh, great! The sprinklers have ruined the machine! It'll take months to construct a new one!
Man #2: Then get to it, agent!
Woman #1: Yes, sir!
Man #2's thoughts: Every time we try to capture a sightshifter...
Scene 17: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Erik enters the rainbow energy room, where Ceruleus is waiting for him.
Erik: You wished to see me?
Ceruleus: The plan to relocate the pendulums was met with complications.
Erik: Complications?
Ceruleus: It seems that an outside force unknowingly intervened and attempted to capture your protégé. He underwent a false awakening, and...
Erik: And...?
Ceruleus: He was sent to somewhere within Universe 1 of the Outer Ring.
Erik: But that is the location of-
Erik pauses.
Erik: Where is he?
Ceruleus: We are attempting to locate him, but in the meantime-
Erik: -I must be patient.
Scene 18: Mysterious Coastline: Early Afternoon
Zander walks along the coastline he and Tad visited earlier. His hair and clothes are still damp, and he appears confused.
Zander's thoughts: This place seems familiar, but...
Voice: You appear distressed, stranger.
Zander looks ahead at a humanoid dragon with shiny mint-green scales and cyan-coloured leather armour.
Zander: WHOA!
Dragon: I would be happy to assist you, if you like.
Zander: Oh...uh...th-thank you...
Dragon: Can you tell me your name?
Zander: Uh...I think it starts with a "Zed"...
Scene 19: Mundane Realm: Terra: Afternoon
The dark figure from before hides in an alleyway.
Figure: I must find it…the Water Pendulum…
The figure makes a fist with his right hand and presses its largest knuckle with his left. His body ripples, and his outfit changes to one similar to that of our world. The figure’s breather and the distortion in his voice seem to disappear.
Figure: There. Now I can blend in better without drawing attention to myself.
Figure’s thoughts: The Water Pendulum must be found…it is the key to restoring and expanding my people…
A navy blue pixellated shimmer appears in the figure’s eyes, his face seemingly cold and expressionless.
Scene 20: Unknown Location: Evening
Zander lies asleep in a bed, tossing and turning.
***
We zoom inside his mind, and see an image of a silver dragon. It roars and flaps its wings, as though taking off to begin flying, but the dragon starts to glow brightly with cyan light. The light stops glowing, and in the dragon’s place is a shining sword forged from silver, glowing softly with cyan light.
***
We zoom out to a view of Zander’s closed eyes, which suddenly open, and begin to glow with cyan light.
***
To be Continued in The Silver Dragon Blade...
***
End Credits
***
- on February 8th 2017, 5:22 am
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- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
- Replies: 16
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Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
Episode 14: The Royal Homecoming- “Synopsis”:
- Emily returns to her home in Goldenia, where her family are...royalty?! Her brother Aurec is a watertouched, and his elemental nature has caught the attention of a mysterious trio of individuals who wish to experiment on the young syl. Meanwhile, Zed finally rejoins his allies, but something is amiss: the Azure Crystal has mysteriously started to malfunction! Can the young spellcaster solve this potential problem?
New Characters
Lord and Lady Summershire – Emily’s parents and the reigning monarchs of Summershire, they are persistent in trying to get Mak and Emily to reveal their feelings for one another.
Lord Aurec of Summershire – Emily’s older brother was born a watertouched, and has caught the attention of three mysterious individuals. Can his sister save him in time?
"It is so good to be home..."
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Dragon’s Tower: Early Afternoon
Zed and Erik reach the top of the Dragon’s Tower. The view of the lands of the Silverian Empire and the Damantia Sea is breathtaking. In the centre of the tower’s roof is a large pedestal marked with the symbol on Zed and Erik’s right hands.
Erik: The pinnacle of the Dragon’s Tower. You can see for miles up here!
Zed: Whoa…awesome.
Zed and Erik look around.
Erik: I…expected to see the Icon up here.
Zed: So did I.
Erik: I doubt the Emperor would send us on a wild drake chase. There must be a reason why we are here…
Suddenly, a soft glow of light emerges around the outside of the pedestal. The mark on Erik’s hand begins to glow brightly.
Erik: My mark…
Zed: I think you need to stand on the pedestal.
Erik: I am not sure about this, Zed…
Zed: Why else would we be here? I’m sure the pedestal will take you to the Icon.
Erik: Me? Why not you? You bear the Azure Crystal.
Zed: Because you were the one who was supposed to find the Icon. I have to return to my own time.
Erik: You are right.
Erik approaches the pedestal, standing in its centre and turning to face Zed.
Zed: We will meet again. I still need to meet you for the first time.
Erik smiles.
Erik: Of course, Zed.
The pedestal is engulfed in bright light. The mark appears under Zed’s feet and glows with cyan light. A column of light erupts from the floor surrounding Zed.
Zed: Here we go…
Erik’s voice seems to echo from thin air.
Erik’s voice: This is not your world, Zed…
Zed: Erik?
The column of light recedes into the ground, leaving Zed standing in the middle of a bustling city. A few people stand and stare at him, but most simply continue with their busy lives.
Zed’s thoughts: Am I back?
Voice: You certainly are, Zed.
Zed spins around and sees Erik – the Erik he knows – standing there.
Zed: Erik!
Erik: So now we are properly acquainted.
Zed: Did you meet the Icon? What are they like?
Erik: I am sure you would like the Icon very much, Zed.
Zed: Cool. So…where are we?
Erik: This is Summershire City, in the Kingdom of Goldenia.
Zed: Goldenia? Awesome!
Erik: Come. There are some people who wish to meet with you.
Zed: Lead on, Mentor!
***
Opening Credits
***
Scene 2: The Golden Dew Tavern: Afternoon
Zed and Erik enter the tavern. Zed sees the Crystalbound and Kendall sitting at a table and begins to approach them.
Thobrun: -and then I dropped my hammer onto his noggin! Let me tell you he was stumblin’ around like a-
Thobrun stops talking as the party realises Zed is present.
Zed: Hey, guys.
Brocc: Zed! It’s really you!
Mak: Zed!
Mak leaps to his feet and locks Zed in a hug.
Mak: Where were you?! We were so worried!
Bryn: Give the boy a chance to speak, “Dad”!
Mak lets go of Zed.
Mak: Sorry.
Mak looks over at Erik.
Mak: Thank you for looking out for him, Erik.
Erik: My pleasure, Mak.
Zed: Wait a minute…did something happen between you two since I left?
Mak: In a sense, yes.
Bryn: We were ambushed by those two goons again-
Zed: Trent and Kara, you mean?
Bryn: Oh, that’s right! You haven’t been acquainted with Brent and Sara, have you?
Zed: Brent and Sara?
Brocc: Let me backtrack a little bit for you…
***
An arrow whizzes past Mak’s head.
Bryn: Oh, for the love of truffles!
Brent and Sara stand right in the party’s path.
Brent: Hello, Crystalbound.
Sara: Hello, Crystalbound.
Brent: I just said that!
Sara: I know, but I wanted to say it too!
Brent: You can’t just take my words like that! I, Brent, have standards, and those standards don’t include some half-witted barbarian stealing my thunder!
Sara! I am not unliterate! And I am not a thief!
Sara points at Bryn.
Sara: THAT is a thief!
Bryn: Hey! Don’t go pointing your sausage-finger at me, sister!
Sara: I am not your sister!
Bryn: No, it’s a…oh, never mind…
Mak: I take it you’re going to try and round us up again?
Brent: However did you guess?
Brent smiles cruelly.
Mak: Because you’re all so…
Brent: Talented?
Mak: Predictable.
Brent frowns.
Brent: How dare you?!
Mak: The four of you always try to capture us and take us to this “Mistress” of yours, and every time some guy or another comes along and stops you without us lifting a sword.
Brent: And just who do you expect will stop us this time?
Erik: Allow me to attempt such an endeavour.
Erik steps in front of the Crystalbound.
Brent: And who on Junihoshi are you?
Erik cocks one eyebrow.
Erik: Does the name “Hippocamp” ring any bells?
Brent: No, not…WAAAAAAAAH!
***
Mak: Let’s just say that Erik and I have come to an…“understanding” of sorts.
Zed: As long as you guys are finally getting along, it’s fine.
Brocc: So what was it like in the past?
Zed: Well, I-
A blank expression appears on Zed’s face. He turns to look at Erik.
Zed: Did you tell them?
Brocc: Tell us what?
Zed: Never mind.
Erik’s thoughts: They learned of our past exploits from some artefacts in Mak’s father’s collection.
Zed’s thoughts: Really?
Erik’s thoughts: I’m sure I forbade the Emperor from recounting our endeavours. I wonder why she went ahead and had them crafted behind my back.
Zed’s thoughts: She must have had her reasons.
Erik’s thoughts: I certainly hope so, Zed.
Brocc: Uh…Zed? You’re spacing out a little.
Zed: Uh…oh, right. I started out in the Ethereal Expanse.
Bryn: I knew you were sent to another plane! Brocc, hand it over!
Brocc: Ah, crumbs.
Brocc hands 5gp to Bryn.
Zed: Then a genie sent me to some weird desert world.
Brocc: Another world, you say? Bryn?
Bryn: Ugh…fine.
Bryn gives Brocc 10gp.
Amethyst: You both wagered on Zed’s location?
Kendall: But why?
Bryn: We were both in distress, alright? It took our minds off his absence.
Brocc: Yeah, what she said!
Mak: Both of you ought to be ashamed of yourselves!
Mak’s thoughts: Boy, I could use some dough right about now…
Zed: Oh, and then I ended up 250 years in the past.
Mak: Bryn, Brocc…both of you fork it over.
Bryn and Brocc look at each other and give each other a sly smile.
Bryn: Looks like you won the bet, Makkmak.
Bryn and Brocc each begin to hand 10gp to Mak. Emily looks at Mak.
Mak: What bet? No…hand me those dough cakes you’re holding.
Bryn: Why would you want our cakes?
Mak: I’m hungry.
Brocc: But Bryn, you said we could frame Mak into claiming a fake wager he didn’t make with us, just to see if Emily would-
Bryn slaps the back of Brocc’s head.
Brocc: OW! I mean…a fake wager? What’s a fake wager? A…potato segment…covered in flaked…fish?
Bryn: That’s a “flake wedge”, you dolt! It’s a Granrelmian delicacy!
Brocc: Whatever. The important thing is Zed’s back, safe and sound.
Mak: I missed you buddy.
Amethyst: We all missed you a great deal, Zed.
Voice: Twelve Stars! It’s Lady Emillia!
The party turns to look at two teenage girls, a homonid and a syl, both in simple clothing. They seem to be looking at the party.
Girl #1: I had no idea she was back in Summershire!
Girl #2: I had no idea I’d ever meet her in person!
Kendall: Uh…there must be some mistake.
Girl #1: We don’t make mistakes, sir. Your party priestess is most definitely Lady Emillia, the Amberbound.
Brocc: Lady Emillia? Emily, I thought your name was…well, Emily.
Emily: My full title is Lady Emillia of Summershire. I usually go simply by Emily Summers, which is my legal name.
Bryn: But “Lady” implies that you are-
Mak: Yes, Bryn, Emily is royalty.
Three individuals at a nearby table observe the party. The sides of their faces are marked with purplish-pink crystalline patterns. The first is a female homonid human, while the other two are male homonid humans.
Figure #1: Bingo, our way into Summershire Palace.
Figure #2: We should be able to follow them undetected using our cloaks.
Figure #1: In this place, our magentia reserves are dangerously low.
Figure #3: Then we should redirect the energy consumption of our other crystal functions and focus on a single ability at a time.
Figure #2: A single ability at a time? What are we, savages?
Figure #3: As I understand, it is how many people lived day-to-day, before advanced crystal tech became mainstream.
Figure #1: Then we will live as our elders once did long ago, at least until our research is complete.
Figure #2: Ugh…fine, but you owe me big time, both of you.
The three individuals become invisible in a purplish-pink cybernetic animation sequence.
Scene 4: Summershire Palace: Afternoon
Two syl humans, a lady and a gentleman, sit in a rather lavish parlour. Each of them holds a cup of tea and a saucer. The gentleman sips his tea, then places his cup gently into the saucer.
Gentleman: I must say, this tea is most exquisite.
Lady: If my understanding is correct, these tea leaves are imported from Verdelvum.
Gentleman: Ah, a sign of quality to be sure. We really must visit Verdelvum, sweetheart.
Lady: Of course, darling.
Both people smile at one another. A loud knock sounds on the parlour doors.
Gentleman: Enter.
The doors swing open, revealing a butler, the Crystalbound and Kendall. The party follows the butler up to the gentleman and lady.
Butler: Lord and Lady Summershire, I present the Lady Emillia of Summershire and her companions: Amethyst Lunerosée, Sir Makkmak Clay of Cuprumo, Paladin Thobrun Angus Steelanvil, the Lady Bryn of Platinia, Broccoli Choy Verdann Svetlana Asparagustus Anchovius Wheatcream Bucknoodle Hairy Squirty Windy-
Brocc clears his throat.
Butler: Erm…Pharrschott, Kendall Silvertooth and…Zed.
Gentleman: That will be all.
Butler: Very good, sir.
The butler bows, then turns around and exits the room. Lord Summershire stands and walks over to Emily. Emily looks into Lord Summershire’s eyes. A smile slowly spreads across both their faces.
Lord Summershire: My Emillia.
Emily: Father.
Lord Summershire and Emily hug. Lady Summershire stands and walks over to her husband and daughter, embracing them both.
Lady Summershire: It is wonderful to see you again, sweetheart.
Emily: I missed you so much, Mother.
The family separates and faces the Crystalbound. Lord Summershire faces Mak.
Lord Summershire: You kept your word, Sir Makkmak. My daughter is safe.
Mak: It was my honour, M’Lord.
Mak kneels.
Lord Summershire: You really do not need to be so formal.
Mak slowly stands upright.
Mak: Apologies, M’Lord.
Lady Summershire: If there is any reward you request, please, let us know.
Mak: Having your daughter in my life, Milady, that is reward enough.
Lord Summershire: Say no more. The household of Summershire will see to the wedding arrangements personally.
Mak and Emily both panic.
Emily: What?! No, no…we do not wish for marriage!
Mak: The two of us are…good friends!
Emily: Uh…exactly! Eheheheheh…
Lord Summershire frowns.
Lord Summershire: Very well. The servants will see you to your rooms. You are our honoured guests. Welcome to Summershire Palace!
Mak: Thank you, M’Lord.
The party, except for Emily, bows. The entire party then leaves the room and closes the door behind them.
Lord Summershire: I fail to see why Emillia and Sir Makkmak will not wed.
Lady Summershire: It is clear as day that they care deeply for one another.
Lord Summershire: Any fool would see it, would they not?
Lord and Lady Summershire giggle.
Lord Summershire: In time, they will realise their feelings for one another.
Lady Summershire: Indeed.
Scene 5: Palace Courtyard: Early Afternoon
A male syl human with glistening black hair, azure eyes and shimmering blue specks on his cheeks walks through the palace courtyard. He speaks with a posh accent.
Gentleman: Ah, what a splendid day to be outdoors. There is not a cloud in the sky, the birds are chirping…what could possibly spoil my afternoon?
The three individuals from before appear around him in a purplish cybernetic flash.
Figure #2: Oh, I have a couple of ideas.
The figure wraps his arms around the gentleman. All four individuals disappear in a purplish cybernetic flash.
***
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*WARNING: Dwarven beverages only suitable for dwarf consumption. You have been warned!
***
- Spoiler:
- Scene 6: Sorceress’ Throne Room: Unknown Time of Day
Brent and Sara walk up to the Sorceress of Winter.
Sorceress: You have both failed me…again!
Brent: Apologies, Mistress, but-
Sorceress: I have no desire to hear your petty excuses! The ice vault longs for new captives.
Brent: No, please! Anything but that!
Sorceress: Then I will summon-
Brent: NO! Not those two! I, Brent, cannot bear the thought of anyone upstaging me, which those two stuck-up so-and-sos will surely do!
Sorceress: Very well…I will decide what punishment to give you later. In the meantime…
Two ice constructs walk behind Brent and Sara, grabbing them.
Sorceress: You may spend some time in the ice vault.
Brent: What?!
Sorceress: I cannot have you running around this fortress willy-nilly, can I?
Sara: Oh, lighten up, Brent. It’ll be just like taking a nap.
Brent thrashes around as the ice constructs carry both him and Sara into the ice vault.
Brent: No! You cannot do this to me! I am the great hunter, Bre-
The door to the ice vault seals shut.
Sorceress: Winter is afoot…the perfect time for me to enact my plan.
The Sorceress smiles cruelly.
Scene 7: Emily’s Room: Summershire Palace: Afternoon
Emily and Mak enter Emily’s bedroom.
Emily: It is unchanged from when I last left here.
Mak: It’s a little ostentatious, don’t you think?
Emily: I admit, it is a little bit too lavish for my liking, but it is where I grew up. Over time, I have become accustomed to the perks and privileges.
Mak: I still don’t see why we need to sleep in the same bed, though.
Emily: My parents have always longed for me to find a partner of my own.
Mak: Well, the look your father gave us…I suspect they always knew we’d be together.
Emily: Well, it is much too early for us to declare-
Voice: Lady Emillia! Lady Emillia!
A maid runs into Emily’s bedroom.
Maid: Forgive my intrusion, Milady! It…it…
Emily: Please, calm yourself!
The maid is still in a panic.
Emily: Heather, please try to calm down.
The maid lets out a big breath and tries to relax.
Emily: Now, please, tell me what troubles you.
Heather: It’s your brother, Milady!
Emily: Aurec?
Heather: He’s been abducted!
Emily’s hands fly to her mouth.
Scene 8: Parlour: Summershire Palace: Afternoon
Lord and Lady Summershire are surprised at the news.
Lord Summershire: You are certain?!
Emily: Heather swears it to be true!
Mak: She said the kidnappers seemed to disappear in an unusual flash of magenta.
Lady Summershire: By the Twelve Stars! You must find him at once!
Emily: My crystal has begun to glow. I suspect it is a beacon which will guide us to Aurec.
Mak: We’ll try our best to bring him back, M’Lord…Milady.
Mak bows.
Lord Summershire: You may go.
Mak: Very good.
Lady Summershire: Please, try to bring back your brother, safe and sound.
Emily: I will try, Mother.
Mak and Emily leave the parlour, closing the doors behind them.
Lord Summershire: If this endeavour fails to bring them together, I know not what will.
Lady Summershire: Thinking of our daughter’s future even when our son is in peril?
Lord Summershire: I take no favourites when it comes to our children.
Lady Summershire: I do wonder…
Scene 9: Magic Guild: Summershire City: Afternoon
Zed enters the Magic Guild, the branch of the Adventurer’s League for wizards, mages and spellswords. Zed walks up to Erik.
Erik: Ah, Zed. Welcome.
Zed: I need to find out something.
Erik: Of course.
Zed hands his member’s card to Erik.
Zed: It says I’m a full member of the Adventurer’s League, but it says I’m a spellsword instead of a wizard.
Erik: Ah…
Zed: What I want to know is why I’m a full member and not a probationary one.
Erik: Well, that time I gave you your member’s card…I may have upgraded you to full member’s privileges without you having to wait a year.
Zed: You can do that?
Erik: Of course.
Zed: But…why did you?
Erik: I first met you 250 years ago. That’s a far cry from just one year.
Zed: So the time-traveller clause takes effect?
Erik: It does exist in the Adventurer’s League charter.
Zed: Wait…you helped write the charter?
Erik: Maybe…
Zed: Oh.
Zed pauses.
Zed: Maybe you can help me with my other problem, then.
Erik: Of course.
Zed reaches into his clothing and pulls out his crystal. The cyan light within it is resonating.
Erik: Fascinating…
Zed: What does this mean?
Erik: It would seem that you are close to finding the crystal’s true owner.
Zed: Then Axian was right…
Erik: Ah, yes…how is Axian?
Zed: Well, I was unconscious for most of my encounter with him, so I didn’t have a good chance to get to know him. Anyway, the bottom line is that this crystal belongs to someone named Mara.
Erik: Mara? But that cannot be…
Zed: You know her?
Erik: Not exactly. I have met some of her family, though.
Zed: Who is she?
Erik: Another time, Zed.
Zed: How did I know you were going to say that?
Erik: Maybe you’re psychic.
Zed: We’re all psychic, Erik.
Erik: Have you been listening to Tamamaki’s teachings?
Zed: Well, maybe a little.
Zed pauses.
Zed: Wait…where is Tamamaki-kun?
Erik: He has made his way to the Shuken-Kin Temple. Rest assured that he arrived safely.
Zed: That’s good to hear.
Erik: Indeed.
Zed: So…want to get some lunch?
Erik: Of course.
Zed and Erik leave the guild hall.
Scene 10: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Aurec lies tied up to an operating table. He struggles to break free of his bonds. The three figures stand around him.
Aurec: Do you not know who I am?! Unbind me at once!
Figure #1: We do know what you are, watertouched.
Figure #2: Where we come from, there are no watertouched. We are taking the opportunity to study you.
Aurec: To what end?
Figure #1: Our findings will aid us in developing new forms of crystal tech, the likes of which the world has never seen.
Aurec: “Crystal tech”? Your words mean nothing!
Figure #3: The results of this research will make us rich beyond our wildest dreams! I can practically taste the diamond spring water!
Aurec: You are mad if you think you will be able to dissect a member of royalty and get away with it!
Figure #1: There is nothing you can do.
Voice: No, but we can!
The three figures look over at Mak and Emily.
Figure #1: How on Vitrumund did you find this place?!
Mak: Let’s just say we had a little guidance from a crystal…
Emily: Aurec!
Aurec: Emillia? What are you doing here?!
Emily: We came to rescue you!
Aurec: It is not safe, sister! You must leave!
Emily: Not without you, dear brother!
Figure #1: Enough of this! There is no way you can win!
Mak: Oh yeah?
Mak steps forward and draws his sword.
Mak: Try me.
Figure #1: That primitive weapon is no match for our might.
Mak: We’ll see.
Mak swings his sword at the figure. Suddenly, the crystal markings on her face light up, and a purplish barrier surrounds her. As Mak’s sword makes contact, it sends a surge of energy through his body. The orcborn flies backward and hits a wall, then he falls to the ground, knocked out.
Emily: Makkmak!
Aurec: Sister! Leave now! Before it is too late!
Figure #1: You would be prudent to adhere to your brother’s words, Emillia.
Emily frowns.
Emily: You may call me “Emily”. HYAAAAAAAH!
Emily runs forward and swings her hammer. It glows with golden light, and she strikes the figure, sending her flying against a wall and knocking her to the ground. The figure pants heavily.
Figure #1: Impressive. You actually made a hit on me.
Emily: I am guided by the light of Marilina Silverblade.
Figure #1: You may have bested me, but you will not defeat my allies.
Emily spins around just in time to see the other two figures approach. Their crystalline markings glow, and waves of purplish energy emerge from their outstretched hands, surrounding Emily. An aura of golden light surrounds her, drawing out the remaining energy from the individuals.
Figure #3: Wh-What’s going on?!
Figure #2: Our magentia reserves…they’re depleting rapidly!
Figure #3: What do we do?!
Figure #2: We won’t have enough energy to open a doorway home!
Figure #3: But…I have a date tonight!
Energy stops flowing from the other two figures. They collapse to their knees, exhausted and panting heavily.
Figure #1: But…how?
Emily: Never mess with a Crystalbound!
Scene 11: Dining Hall: Summershire Palace: Evening
Emily’s family, the Crystalbound, Kendall and Erik sit at a long table brimming with all sorts of food.
Mak: You were awesome, Ems.
Emily: Are you trying to copy Zed, Makkmak?
Aurec: Sir Makkmak is right, Emillia. In the face of danger, you stood your ground and stopped the assailants. You truly are my rescuer.
Lord Summershire raises his goblet.
Lord Summershire: A toast. To Lady Emillia, whose bravery and courage aided her in rescuing her brother.
Everyone raises their goblets.
Lord Summershire: To Lady Emillia!
Everyone else (except Emily): Lady Emillia!
Emily: I did not complete my task alone. I was assisted by-
Lord Summershire raises his goblet again.
Lord Summershire: A toast. To Sir Makkmak of Cuprumo, who aided Lady Emillia in saving her brother.
Everyone raises their goblets.
Lord Summershire: To Sir Makkmak!
Everyone else (except Mak and Emily): Sir Makkmak!
Emily: No, no…I meant-
Aurec raises his goblet.
Aurec: A toast. To Herikios Woodhollow, who apprehended the thugs and took them to the proper authorities.
Everyone else raises their goblets.
Aurec: To Herikios!
Everyone else (except Mak, Emily and Erik): Herikios!
Emily: I meant that the light of Marilina Silverblade herself was what removed the strength of the individuals. I was merely its conduit.
Lord Summershire: In any case, we did not expect such bravery from our only daughter.
Lady Summershire: We are very proud of you, Sweetheart.
Emily: Thank you Mother, Father, Aurec.
Lord Summershire: Now, let us feast before the food grows cold!
Brocc: Now THAT’S an order I can get behind!
Everyone begins eating the wonderful food.
Scene 12: Sorceress’ Throne Room: Unknown Time of Day
Trent, Kara, Brent and Sara stand before the Sorceress of Winter.
Sorceress: The four of you are a disgrace. After several attempts to capture the Crystalbound, you have failed to bring me even one of them.
Trent: Apologies, Mistress.
Brent: We have failed you one too many times, but never again.
Sorceress: Agreed. I will give you one final chance to apprehend the Crystalbound and bring them before me. One week from today is the Winter Festival, the greatest celebration of this time of year. Those fools are headed for Goodheart’s Pass, the hometown of dear Thobrun, to attend the festivities. The perfect time to make our move.
Sara: Ooh, can we attend the festival too?
Sorceress: Of course. The easier you blend in, the easier it will be to round up the Crystalbound whilst their guard is down.
Kara: But what about the mysterious individual who follows them, Mistress?
Sorceress: I admit, it will be difficult to capture them with him around, so we will have to lure them away from him, even for just a moment.
Brent: And then…we strike!
Sorceress: Exactly. Now go!
The Dark Crystalbound bow to the Sorceress, then turn around and leave the room.
Sorceress: At last, vengeance will be mine…
***
End Credits
***
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- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
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Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
Episode 13: The Lonely Orcborn- “Synopsis”:
- Mak returns to his home in Cuprumo, a kingdom in the country of Coppelia, where he learns of a possible lead on his mother. A fellow orcborn raised in a tribe of nomadic sand orcs takes an instant liking to Mak, and offers to help him in his quest. Meanwhile, Zed meets a young Erik on the island nation of Damantia, who reveals that the then-existent Silverian Empire is starting to wane. The presence of two Azure Crystals in the same time period seems to be causing the Silverian Crystals to react to Zed’s presence, possibly alerting him to the Emperor herself! What will Zed do?
New Characters
Herikios Woodhollow – This is the very same Erik that Zed knows 250 years in the future, but what does the young spellsword have in common with Zed?
Thookli – This orcborn girl is part of the tribe of sand orcs who seem to know the whereabouts of Mak’s long-lost mother. But what secret will affect her future?
Orc Chieftain – A nameless orc who leads the nomadic tribe of sand orcs...at least, Mak THINKS he’s nameless.
"We both have the same mark on our right hands? How is this possible?!"
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Souwest Village: Morning
Zed faces Erik, who is standing in his home’s doorway.
Zed: …Erik.
Erik: Ah, then Vel has already told you my name.
Zed: No, he…he failed to mention it.
Erik: Then how do you-
Zed: How is this possible? How can you be here?!
Erik: Well, I took a sea vessel from the mainland of Silveria, like most who visit this island.
Zed: That’s not what I meant…
Erik: Then please, enlighten me.
Zed: Okay, I know this is going to sound strange, but…I know you.
Erik: You know me?
Zed: Yes, but not now. In the future.
Erik: The future?
Vel: Zed claims to be from our world over two centuries from now.
Erik: I see… but I don’t quite understand how I could exist so many years from now. The average human lifespan is-
Zed: A little more than 120 years.
Erik: Precisely. My future self must be of a good age to exist for so long.
Zed: Well, actually, he doesn’t look any older than you do now.
Erik: Honestly?
Vel: But that is impossible! The only way Herikios could live longer than his natural lifespan is if he were of another race.
Erik: And I know full well that I am indeed a homonid human.
Zed: This doesn’t add up…
Zed looks at both his and Erik’s glowing marks.
Zed: And why do we both have the same mark on our right hands?
Erik: I feel that we have a lot to discuss. We must return to the mainland post-haste!
Zed: A sea voyage? Uh-oh…
Erik: You suffer from seasickness?
Zed: I have no idea.
Zed’s thoughts: Maybe this is why Erik…uh, future Erik…has such an interest in me. But what does it all mean?
***
Opening Credits
***
Scene 2: Theodor’s Home: Cuprumo Kingdom: Morning
The Crystalbound, Kendall and Theodor sit in a rather ornate living area. Artefacts from across the world line shelves, cabinets and other surfaces.
Theodor: So how are you all settling in?
Amethyst: Perfectly, Monsieur. Your collection of treasures is remarkable.
Bryn: Indeed. A bit ostentatious for a simple librarian, yes?
Theodor: Ah, I was once a librarian, but I am now a fully-qualified historian and adventurer. I’ve been exploring the ruins of the world for almost a decade now.
Bryn: Mak, how could you not have known?
Mak: Well, I left home when I was fourteen to become a squire to a fine knight.
Kendall: You were fourteen?!
Mak: Of course. A lot of fighters claim that the best knights are trained from an early age.
Theodor: We still kept in regular contact for all that time, however.
Bryn: And you didn’t bother to mention you’d become an adventurer?
Theodor: I didn’t want Makkmak to worry about me. After his mother left, I thought it best to keep his mind at ease.
Brocc: Wait…your mother isn’t-
Mak: No, Brocc, she isn’t. She was taken captive by a brutal orc chieftain.
Amethyst: Mak, I had no idea!
Theodor: The chieftain heard about Makkmak’s mother conceiving a child with a “weakling”, and threatened to take him away and leave him in the middle of the Elbok Wasteland. A toddler wouldn’t be able to survive for very long in that horrid place.
Emily: That’s awful!
Theodor: So my wife made the ultimate sacrifice. She gave herself willingly to the chieftain in exchange for Makkmak’s safety.
Bryn: And you haven’t seen her since…
A glum expression spreads across Mak’s face. Brocc bursts into tears.
Brocc: Oh, Mak! I had no idea you were so heartbroken! (sniff) WAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAH!
Thobrun pets Brocc on the shoulder.
Thobrun: Aw, there, there, wee one. I’m sure there’s good news around the corner.
Mak suddenly perks up.
Mak: That’s right! Dad, you mentioned about an orcborn having a lead on Mom?
Theodor: Oh…yes, that’s right. She’s staying in this very town.
Brocc: Mak’s mother is in town?!
Bryn: No, you dweeb! The orcborn who has a lead on her! Uh…right, sir?
Theodor: That’s correct, uh…Bron?
Bryn: Bryn, actually.
Theodor: Oh, my apologies.
Theodor’s thoughts: She kind of reminds me of ol’ Sheamus...
Mak: Take me to her! Now!
Scene 3: Sea Vessel: Morning
A huge wooden sailing ship crosses the sea. Zed stands on deck staring into the horizon. Erik walks up to him.
Erik: We should make landfall within the hour.
Zed: I still don’t get it…
Erik: Believe me, I am having trouble comprehending the situation myself.
Zed: We both have a weird glowing mark on our right hands, we both have no memory of our respective pasts, and to top it all off, we both seem to have stopped ageing.
Erik: My earliest memory is from roughly one decade ago. I awoke atop a bed made of leaves in the middle of a forest. The first thing I saw when I awoke was a beautiful woman, with leaves strewn through her auburn hair. She asked me my name, a question which I was unable to answer. She then designated me “Woodhollow”, a druidic name, and offered to take care of me until my memories returned.
Zed: Was she a druid?
Erik: I assumed so, and my assumption was proven correct when she introduced me to the rest of her circle. Every woman in her druidic circle was a nymph, a spirit of nature, including herself.
Zed: Then you were in North Dryantel.
Erik: Indeed I was. I came to refer to her as “Okaasan”, a Draconic word for “mother”. She nurtured me and took care of me, bringing out my best qualities. But my memory did not return.
Zed: A feeling I know only too well…
Erik: Okaasan decided it was best for me to speak with Naturia herself, for only she would be able to release that which is locked within. After completing the ritual meant to contact the manifestation of nature…
Erik pauses.
Erik: The mark on my hand appeared, and glowed the brightest shade of cyan. Many of the other druids took it as an omen, a sign of great things to come. Okaasan merely saw it as the true nature of her adopted son beginning to emerge. Five years ago, she sent me here, to the great continent of Silveria, in order to find someone who could help me.
Zed: Half a world away from all you knew…
Erik: Indeed. I sought out as many oracles as I could find, but aside from my elemental attribute, none could determine my traits within. All I was told was that I would encounter another like myself, who knew me well, but I had yet to meet.
Zed: Then I was always meant to be here…
Erik: It would seem so.
A loud horn sounds throughout the ship.
Voice: (yelling) Land ho!
Erik: I see the Dragon’s Tower up ahead! We will soon reach the Empire of Silveria!
Zed: Wait…the Silverian Empire still exists in this time period?!
Erik: Of course. Why do you ask?
Zed: Well, in my time, the Empire of Silveria has collapsed, and not many know of it.
Erik: Honestly?
Zed: Yes!
Erik: Then the rumours of the Empire’s wane are true…
Erik pauses.
Erik: Be sure to keep your crystal hidden. If the Emperor were to find out you have it-
Suddenly, a bright cyan light emerges from within Zed’s outfit. Two guards in silver armour are alerted to the light and approach.
Erik: Oh dear…
Guard #1: That light…could it be…?
Guard #2: You there! Reveal what is hidden within your unusual garb!
Zed: Uh…okay.
Zed reaches into his shirt and pulls out his crystal. It glows incredibly bright.
Guard #2: Where did you get this?!
Zed: It was given to me.
Zed begins to panic.
Guard #1: We thought the crystals would only function for their true owners!
Guard #2: You must meet the Emperor! You will be greatly rewarded for this, sir!
The two guards kneel and bow to Zed.
Erik: You just became the most important person in the Empire.
Zed appears shocked.
Scene 4: Mak’s Hometown: Late Morning
Theodor leads Mak, Amethyst, Emily and Bryn through a busy street.
Bryn: I can’t believe how hot it is here!
Mak: Well, it IS on the Kobelian border, Bryn.
Bryn: I know that, I just wasn’t ready for it.
Mak: Is that why you’re not wearing your armour?
Bryn: Mostly, yes.
Mak: Mostly? What possible reasons could you have for not wearing-
Theodor: We are here, son.
Mak: Oh.
***
The party enters The Charging Santvak Tavern. A lone orcborn sits at a table, away from the other patrons. The group walks over to her.
Theodor: Thookli, this is my son, Makkmak.
Mak: Call me “Mak”. Everyone else does.
Emily: Not everyone, Makkmak.
Mak blushes.
Thookli: Well met, Mak. You may call me Thookli.
Mak: Thookli…nice name.
Thookli: Thank you.
Mak: Uh…my father says you may know the whereabouts of my mother?
Thookli: Ah, yes…I will take you to my tribe. Our chieftain was the last to see her.
Mak: And where are they?
Thookli: Across the border. They are making camp at an oasis in the desert.
Emily: In the desert?
Thookli: Not to worry, I will take care of you both.
Mak: Of course, I appreciate…wait, us both?!
Thookli: Of course. It would be wonderful if your mate journeyed with us.
Mak: My mate?!
Emily: Oh no, we’re not a couple! Definitely not!
Mak: Right, yeah! Us, a human and an orcborn? Heheh…
Emily and Mak both sweat a little bit.
Emily and Mak’s thoughts: My mate…hm…
Emily: I would be happy to accompany Makkmak.
Mak: Uh, right! Us Crystalbound have to stick together!
Thookli: Then we will leave at once. Come.
Mak turns to face Amethyst.
Mak: Let the others know where we are, okay?
Amethyst: It would be my honour, Mak.
Scene 5: Emperor’s Throne Room: Early Afternoon
The Silverian Emperor, a syl human with long, blonde hair and silver bangs, sits on her throne. Two large doors at the opposite end of the massive room swing open, revealing the two guards, Zed and Erik. The guards lead Zed and Erik up to the Emperor.
Guard #1: Emperor Silveria, I present Zed the Azurebound and his companion, Herikios of Goldwaldun.
Emperor: Thank you, that will be all.
Erik’s thoughts: In case you were wondering, the Emperor is almost always the first-born female of the previous Emperor. The term “Empress” is not known to the inhabitants of the Empire as there is no need for gender distinction.
Zed’s thoughts: Got it…wait, how are you talking to me telepathically? Are you an esper?!
Erik’s thoughts: I will explain later, Zed.
Emperor: Welcome, Zed the Azurebound and Herikios of Goldwaldun.
Erik: It is an honour, Emperor.
Erik bows his head.
Zed: Thank you, Emperor.
Zed bows his head.
Emperor: Raise your heads.
Erik and Zed raise their heads.
Emperor: I was beginning to doubt that the crystals would find an owner. According to their creator, the first to activate should have been the Magenta Crystal, but that is not due to happen for approximately 200 years.
Erik: That is correct, Emperor.
The Emperor takes on an inquisitive tone.
Emperor: Then how is it that the Azure Crystal is the first one to activate?
Erik: Well…uh…
Erik pauses.
Emperor: Now, now, there is no need to be coy with me, Herikios. Zed…
The Emperor turns to face Zed.
Emperor: You are not from this world, are you?
Zed: Not exactly, Emperor. I hail from 250 years in the future.
Emperor: Hm…I believe your story. How else would you be in possession of a fully-active Azure Crystal?
Zed: Then you do believe me?
The Emperor smiles.
Emperor: Of course. The protectors of the crystals report that they are all safely guarded…including the Azure Crystal.
Zed: I see…
Emperor: The best course of action is to help you return to your own time. But in order to do this, you must complete your purpose in this time period.
Erik: Pardon my interruption, Emperor, but what is Zed’s purpose in this time period?
Emperor: Our oracles see that Zed is here to aid the one who would eventually assist him.
Erik: And who is that, Emperor?
Emperor: An Icon.
Erik: An Icon, Emperor?
Emperor: One of great power and knowledge, a mortal blessed with the gift of ages.
Erik: And you think Zed is here to help such an individual?
Emperor: I do, Herikios. I am appointing you as Zed’s assistant in this endeavour.
Erik: Me, Emperor? Am I really so important?
Zed’s thoughts: Wow, maybe Erik and I are more alike than I realised...
The Emperor smiles.
Emperor: How long have we known one another, Erik?
Erik: Five years, Emperor.
Emperor: You would consider us friends, yes?
Erik: Y-Yes, Emperor.
Emperor: Then I would trust none other for this task.
Erik: Yes, Emperor.
Erik bows his head, followed by Zed. Both men raise their heads, turn around and head for the door.
Emperor: And Erik?
Erik and Zed stop walking. Erik looks back over his right shoulder.
Erik: Yes?
Emperor: Do call me Silveria.
Erik: I will…try to keep that in mind.
Erik and Zed walk out the doors, which swing shut. The Emperor sighs.
Emperor: I have reminded him for half a decade, yet he still calls me “Emperor”…
***
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***
- Spoiler:
- Scene 6: Theodor’s Home: Late Afternoon
The rest of the party is in the living area. Amethyst examines the artefacts on the shelves.
Brocc: So what are we supposed to do?
Bryn: Well, Mak’s Dad said to make ourselves at home, so that’s just what I’m doing.
Brocc: But he’s not even here.
Bryn: So?
Brocc: So do you really think it’s a good idea to raid his fridge and make yourself a gigantic snack?
Bryn speaks with her mouth full.
Bryn: What? A girl’s gotta eat, Brocc!
Amethyst: By the Twelve Stars…
Thobrun: What is it, lass?
Amethyst: This tablet…
Bryn: What about it?
Amethyst: You will think I am mad…
Bryn: What? Spit it out!
A crumb flies out of Bryn’s mouth and onto Theodor’s couch.
Bryn: Oops.
Amethyst: According to this tablet, two individuals named Herikios and Zed-
The party suddenly stares at Amethyst.
Amethyst: -were appointed as members of Emperor Silveria XVII’s Guard!
Bryn: Zed! But no…it couldn’t be OUR Zed.
Thobrun: Bryn has a point. That tablet must be hundreds o’ years old!
Amethyst: But the fact that Herikios is also mentioned suggests that-
Brocc: -Zed’s in the past! That’s where he is! Or when he is. Yeah, the second one.
Bryn: Ooh, good thing Mak’s not here! He’d throw a major wobbly knowing Erik’s involved in all this!
Scene 7: Desert Oasis: Evening
Mak, Emily and Thookli approach the oasis.
Mak: I suddenly have the urge to punch someone in the face…ah, it’s probably nothing.
Thookli: We are here.
Mak and Emily examine the camp. A number of tents made from animal skins lay strewn around the oasis.
Emily: This is wonderful! I have always longed to visit a sand orc encampment!
Thookli: Makkmak, has your father told you much of your heritage?
Mak: Not particularly. Why do you ask?
Thookli: Your mother is from this very sand orc tribe.
Mak: Really?
Thookli: Indeed. Come, I will take you to the Chieftain.
Mak: Lead on!
***
Thookli leads Mak and Emily inside the largest tent. The ceiling is so high that all three individuals are able to stand upright comfortably. The Chieftain sits cross-legged atop a thick fur blanket.
Thookli: Father, this is Makkmak and Emily.
The Chieftain grunts.
Thookli: They wish to know information on Karessa’s whereabouts.
Chieftain: Makkmak and Emily. I welcome to tent. Sit, sit.
Mak and Emily sit on the carpeted ground and cross their legs.
Emily: It is an honour, Chieftain.
Chieftain: No, no, honour mine.
The Chieftain places his left hand on his chest for a moment.
Chieftain: I trust journey was good?
Mak: Oh, yes, very much so. I’d never tried stewed cactus before. It was very appetising.
Chieftain: Ah, good, good. Stew cactus is Thookli specialty. But she is warrior, first and foremost.
Emily: I must admit, your Common is most impressive.
Chieftain: Ah, thank! Thookli is good teacher!
The Chieftain chuckles.
Chieftain: I see Karessa in Big-Chip Mountain Pass, with dangerous cliff orc. Two of them. Very nasty folk.
Mak: Cliff orcs? But…what would they want with my mother?
Chieftain: Their leader threaten, say they will take Mak to Elbok Waste and abandon. Karessa have good heart, offer herself in place.
Emily: Your mother must love you a lot, Makkmak.
Mak: That’s why I need to find her.
Chieftain: Cliff orc tribe very strong, very savage. This tribe stay away, for safety. Sure?
Mak: Yes, I am sure.
Chieftain: Then go with Thookli. Protect you both. Tomorrow.
Emily: Our thanks, Chieftain.
Mak: Thank you, sir.
Chieftain: Mak and Emily not weaklings. Heart of sand orc. Nice couple.
Mak: Oh, we’re not a couple!
Emily: Most definitely not! Eheheheheh…
Chieftain: Sure? Chieftain see sparks between.
Thookli: That’s what I said!
Mak: Trust us, we’re not a couple…
Mak and Emily look at each other from the corner of their eyes and start to blush, then look back at the Chieftain.
Scene 8: Desert Oasis: Pre-Dawn
Mak stands staring at the oasis, a reflection of the purplish sky on its surface. A cold wind blows through the encampment. Emily emerges from a tent and walks over to Mak.
Emily: It is cold, Makkmak.
Mak: I know. I was just thinking.
Emily: About?
Mak: A lot of things. Mom…Zed…Erik… And not just them. When I say a lot of things, I’m not talking in small amounts. I’m talking full blown crises fighting for space in my mind.
Emily: When you were wounded by Brent and Sara and taken away, I was scared that I would never see you again.
Mak: I know what you mean. The whole time we were being dragged along, my thoughts weren’t of my agonizing pain, or where Zed was, or even about my mother…well, those things were still on my mind, just a little bit.
Mak turns to face Emily.
Mak: The one thing I thought about most was you, Ems. The whole time, I worried about your safety.
Emily: Those were my exact thoughts of you.
Mak and Emily smile. Their eyes twinkle. As they close their eyes, they slowly tilt their heads and move towards one another. Their lips make contact and they kiss for the first time, just as the sun rises in the distance.
***
We cut to a view of Brocc asleep in bed. He sleep-talks loudly.
Brocc: Woohoo! It’s about…(snore)…time…
***
Mak and Emily break away from each other and open their eyes, smiling at each other. The camera pans slightly, revealing that Thookli is standing there.
Mak: That was…
Emily: Indeed…
After a brief pause, Mak looks at Thookli.
Mak: Thookli! A-Are we ready to leave?
Thookli: Of course.
Mak claps his hands together.
Mak: Great! Let’s go and find my Mom!
Scene 9: Outside the Dragon’s Tower: Morning
Erik and Zed stand facing the entrance to the Dragon’s Tower, an enormous spire with a gleaming metallic finish.
Zed: The Dragon’s Tower?!
Erik: Of course. That’s where the oracles said the Icon would be.
Zed: I don’t think I can go in there.
Erik: Are you not an adventurer?
Zed: Only a probationary one.
Erik: But you possess amazing skills, Zed. Surely you have already been inducted as a full member!
Zed: You only inducted me as a trainee. I’m not qualified to enter a B-Class dungeon!
Erik: Really? I did? Oh dear…
Erik thinks for a moment.
Erik: Now, you say that I inducted you, yes?
Zed: Well, technically, yes…
Erik: So therefore, I should legally be able to induct you as a full adventurer right now. What’s 250 years of time difference where a time-traveller is concerned?
Zed: I’m pretty sure it doesn’t work like that.
Erik: Where is your membership card?
Zed: Right here.
Zed pulls out his member’s card and examines it.
Zed: “Zed Starmute, 1st-Level Homonid Spellsword. Magic Guild: Full Member.” Wait…what?!
Erik: See? I knew my future self would have thought of everything!
Zed: But…I’m not a spellsword! I’m a wizard! I’ve never even held a sword before!
Zed puts his member’s card away.
Zed: Well…I guess technically I can go inside, then.
Erik: Then let us enter!
***
Zed and Erik stand inside the dungeon surrounded by a swarm of cakeflies.
Zed: I knew it was a mistake to enter here!
Erik: I don’t understand…cakeflies should not attack unless one of us has-
Zed: Just like I told your future self, I always carry some cakes with me in case of emergency!
Erik: Well, what should we do?
Zed reaches into his satchel and pulls out two breathers.
Zed: Put this on!
Erik: What is it?
Zed: No time! Just put it on now!
Erik: As you command!
Zed and Erik quickly don the breathers just in time to protect them from the cakeflies’ slumber dust.
Erik: This device is incredible!
Zed: Keep it. Now, let’s run!
Erik: Agreed!
Zed and Erik race towards the next flight of stairs.
Scene 10: Big-Chip Mountain Range: Late Morning
Mak, Emily and Thookli approach the cliff orc stronghold.
Thookli: Follow my lead.
Mak: Wait…we’re just going to march into their camp?!
Thookli: Of course.
Mak: But…aren’t they cliff orcs?!
Thookli: Just trust me. They will not harm us.
Mak: O-Okay then…
The party approaches two guards. Thookli turns to face Mak and Emily and raises her right hand.
Thookli: Wait here, okay?
Mak: Uh…sure.
Thookli approaches the orcs. Both orcs cross their axes, blocking the orcborn’s path. All three speak in Orcish.
Thookli: (Greetings.)
Guard #1: (State your business.)
Thookli: (My companions and I wish to enter your stronghold.)
Guard #1: (What business does a group of three weaklings have in our stronghold?)
Thookli: (We wish to speak to the one called Karessa.)
The two orcs whisper to each other.
Guard #1: (Very well, you may enter.)
Thookli: (My thanks to you both.)
Thookli gestures Mak and Emily to approach. Mak and Emily walk up to Thookli. Just as Thookli takes a step forward, the second guard stops her.
Guard #2: (Why do you wish to speak to Karessa?)
Thookli: (For reasons of kinship.)
The second guard examines both orcborn.
Guard #2: (Then you have one hour.)
Thookli: (That is all we need.)
***
The party enters a room within the stronghold. A lone orc woman sits in a chair, polishing an axe.
Thookli: Hello.
The woman looks up at Thookli, then over at Mak, then at Emily. A tear rolls down her cheek.
Karessa: Son? Daughter?
Mak: Why does everybody think we’re a couple?!
Karessa: It IS Makkmak!
Karessa drops the axe and cloth and runs over to Mak, embracing him in a gigantic hug.
Karessa: I did think I would not see Makkmak again!
Mak begins crying.
Mak: I missed you so much, Mommy!
Karessa promptly drops Mak and embraces Thookli.
Karessa: Thookli! My Thookli!
Thookli: Wait! Why are you hugging me?!
Mak flies back onto his feet. Karessa lets go of Thookli.
Mak: Wait…Thookli’s my sister?!
Thookli: What?!
Karessa turns to face Mak.
Karessa: Yes. When Chieftain of cliff orc tribe threaten Theo and Makkmak, Karessa offer to take place. Chieftain take Karessa away for 21 years. What Karessa not know at time is carrying baby. Then, six months later, Karessa give birth to daughter, Thookli. Karessa secretly give baby to sand orc Chieftain, so can live in peace.
Thookli: I had no idea I had a brother…
Karessa: But now, 21 years later, Karessa free to go home.
Mak: Wait…so the 21 years you’ve been gone were-
Karessa: -prison sentence, yes.
Mak: But how could you be tried as a cliff orc when you were part of a sand orc tribe?
Karessa: Karessa mother, Makkmak and Thookli grandmother, was cliff orc. That make Karessa tried as cliff orc when marry to human Theo.
Mak: So I’m a quarter-cliff orc?!
Emily: I guess that explains your temper, then!
Mak: What the…Brocc?! How do you keep-
Mak looks at Emily, who has a beaming smile on her face.
Mak: A sense of humour…now that’s a side of you I’ve never seen before.
Emily: Oh?
Mak: I think I could get used to that side.
Emily giggles.
Scene 11: Theodor’s Home: Late Morning
Mak, Emily, Thookli and Karessa enter the living area. The rest of the party and Theodor sit on the couches and chairs.
Mak: We’re home!
Theodor looks over at the group. A look of surprise appears on his face.
Theodor: Karessa?
Karessa: Theo.
Theodor slowly stands up and walks over to Karessa. He wraps his arms around her, and she does so in kind. They nuzzle each other’s foreheads.
Theodor: My Karessa…I never thought I would see you again.
Karessa: I miss Theo so very much. Karessa stay for good.
Theodor looks at Thookli.
Theodor: Thank you.
Thookli nods.
Mak: It gets better. Thookli is…your daughter!
Theodor: My daughter?!
Theodor and Karessa let go of one another. Theodor walks over to Thookli and examines her.
Thookli: It’s as much a surprise to you as it is to me…Father.
Theodor: I see it now. You have my eyes…and your mother’s tusks.
Brocc: Well, you’ll never guess what happened to me. I dreamt that Mak and Emily kissed!
Mak: What?!
Brocc: Yeah, in front of an oasis in the middle of the desert, the sun rising as you-
Mak: Okay, I think we’ve had enough of Brocc’s fantasies, don’t you?!
Emily: Eheheheheh…
Theodor’s thoughts: The Ruby Temple…I must prepare to journey to it once again…
Scene 12: En Route to Goldenia: Early Afternoon
The Crystalbound, Kendall and Tamamaki walk along a road. The trees lining it are shedding their leaves.
Mak: So, any news about Zed?
Amethyst: It’s funny you should mention it, Mak.
Bryn: Your father has a number of artefacts which mention Zed.
Mak: Really?!
Amethyst: He is in the past, assisting Herikios.
Mak: Wait…Erik’s there too?! I knew I couldn’t trust that guy!
Brocc: It gets better! The artefacts mention where he returns in this time period!
Mak: Where?
Bryn: A place called Summershire.
Emily: But that is my homeland! It is a part of Goldenia Kingdom!
Mak: Then we make tracks to Goldenia!
The party continues walking along the road. Just then, an arrow whizzes past Mak’s head.
Bryn: Oh, for the love of-
To be Continued...
***
End Credits
***
- on January 26th 2017, 9:44 pm
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- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
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Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
Episode 4: The Shrouding Storm- “Synopsis”:
- Alek has been drummed out of Stormshroud Academy, and Kendall and Zed are determined to find the true culprit. But how will they react when they learn that the mastermind behind the framing of Master Stormshroud…is Master Stormshroud?
New Character
Alek – Stripped of his title and kicked out of the academy, Alek returns to make trouble. But Amethyst senses something wrong with her dear friend. Will the truth be revealed?
“You two are to serve my will. Now, obey!”
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Amethyst’s Quarters: Stormshroud Academy: Night
Amethyst sits in her room, trancing. A knock sounds through the door, and Amethyst awakens.
Amethyst: Please enter.
The door opens and Alek walks in. Amethyst gasps, an expression of surprise on her face.
Amethyst: Alekzander!
Alek: Pardon the intrusion. Were you trancing?
Amethyst: I was, but it was not the most restful trance.
Amethyst looks at Alek.
Amethyst: Explain what happened, if you please.
Alek: Well, the guards charged me with mindless vandalism, threw me in the slammer…
Amethyst: Yes?
Alek: …and then Kendall and Zed paid for my bail.
Amethyst: Oh, that is good news. But surely you mustn’t have caused that destruction. It isn’t in your nature.
Alek: You are correct. However…
Amethyst: Yes?
Alek: Several eyewitnesses reported seeing me conjure an illusory beast. Zed and Kendall claimed that they encountered such a beast in the hallway beneath the main stairs.
Amethyst: Then we must find the true culprit.
Alek: Amethyst…I’ve…I’ve been dismissed from the academy.
Amethyst: What?! But…you are innocent!
Alek: Indeed. That is why it is up to you, and Kendall and Zed, to find the true culprit.
The door bursts open.
Kendall: You can count on us!
Alek: Kendall?! How long have the two of you been standing there?!
Kendall: Not long, master! Ready to be a detective, Zed?
Zed: Yeah! We’ll be just like Clayton!
Kendall: Who?
Zed shrugs.
Zed: I dunno. It just popped into my head.
Kendall: I see…
Alek: I am counting on you. Together, you should be able to find out who did this.
Amethyst: We will not let you down.
Zed’s thoughts: Really? Clayton? I need to control my quirkiness a little better…
***
Opening Credits
***
Scene 2: A Lush Paradise: Late Morning
Brocc lies on a deckchair on a tropical beach, sipping a fruity beverage.
Brocc: Ah! This is the life. Who’da thunk that I, Brocc Verdann Farshot, would propel to super-stardom as the greatest singer in the world? I have my own private hotel in Euroria, for crying out loud!
The picture zooms out to show a ridiculously-massive hotel in the background behind Brocc, with a green neon sign reading “Brocc Hotel”.
Brocc: Where’s that hot towel I ordered?
Voice: Hot towel for you, sir?
Brocc turns to face Mak dressed in nothing but underwear, cufflinks and a bowtie, a towel draped over his arm.
Brocc: Thank you, butle-WHOA! For the love of Gnomsland my homeland, put some clothes on or something!
A gigantic wave splashes over Brocc.
Brocc: GAH! I’m soaked! This outfit cost me 500 gold! It’s ruined!
***
Water splashes onto Brocc again, causing him to stir.
Brocc: Ungh…500 gold…
Voice: Oh, thank goodness! I thought you’d never awaken!
Brocc looks up and sees a beautiful young woman standing over him.
Brocc (charismatic): Well, I’m feeling much better, thanks to your helpful assistance.
Girl: Oh, that is good news. Please, come back to my place and I’ll give you a good breakfast.
Brocc (charismatic): Oh, rescue AND breakfast? You’re really being too generous. We should…let our emotions blossom first. But if you insist…
Girl: Oh, I do insist. My new husband is a fantastic chef.
Brocc (charismatic): Well, that is rather…uh…d-did you say “husband”?
The girl smiles.
Girl: Oh, yes. I’m sure he’d be happy to cook a meal for a poor, hungry boy such as yourself.
A blank expression quickly emerges on Brocc’s face.
Brocc: Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-
Girl: Are…you okay, young man?
Brocc: Fine! Just fine! I…just remembered I have some business to take care of!
Girl: Oh…we do have a toilet…
Brocc: That’s fine! Thank you for your help. Bye!
Brocc dashes away.
Girl: What an unusual boy. Now how will I spread word-of-mouth about the restaurant? Oh well, I’ll just give the 500 gold to charity instead.
Scene 3: Stormshroud Academy: Late Morning
Kendall sniffs the air in the ruined hallway.
Kendall: It’s definitely illusory…though I can hardly work out how such a creature could be manifested in a physical form.
Zed: Maybe a combination evocation-illusion spell?
Kendall turns to face Zed.
Kendall: That is brilliant! How did you come up with that?
Zed: What?
Kendall: A fusion of evocation and illusion magic could theoretically result in an illusory monster being able to cause needless destruction.
Zed: Oh.
Kendall: And whilst it is true that Master Stormshroud specialises in the school of illusion, he has trouble performing evocations. Therefore, it narrows down to two possibilities: either Master Stormshroud has been lying for years, and can in fact combine both schools into a single powerful form of magic, or…
Laura runs up to the two “detectives”.
Laura: There you are! Zed, there is a matter of-
Kendall (raised voice): MASTER STORMSHROUD WAS FRAMED!
An elderly woman walks down the hallway.
Woman: Shh!
Kendall: My apologies, ma’am.
Zed: Isn’t that the librarian?
Kendall: Indeed it is.
Zed: Huh. Now, you wanted something, Laura?
Laura: You must come with me, Zed. It is a matter of urgency.
Zed: It is?
Laura: Indeed. A bright light is emanating from your room.
Zed: A bright light? That could mean…MY EGG IS HATCHING!
The librarian walks past again.
Librarian: Shh!
Zed (soft voice): Sorry…
Laura: Wait, who’s watching the library?
***
The two bullies run around the library throwing books at each other.
Bully #1: Hey, Kel! Have a taste of My First Alchemy!
The bully throws a children’s book at Kel. Kel dodges it and picks up another book.
Kel: Oh yeah, Ned? Why not try Cantrips for Beginners?
Kel throws the book at Ned. Ned fires a magic missile at it, destroying it.
Ned: Haha! Take THAT, cantrips!
Alek’s voice: NEDFORD AND KELBORT! COME HERE AT ONCE!
Ned and Kel sheepishly walk over to Alek.
Ned: We’re sorry, Master Stormshroud.
Kel: It won’t happen again.
Alek: You’re absolutely right about that! Now come with me.
Ned: But-
Alek’s eyes glow bright blue.
Alek (angry tone): Now!
***
Kendall: I’m sure it’s fine.
Laura: Zed! We must hurry.
Zed: Agreed!
Scene 4: Zed’s Dormitory: Stormshroud Academy: Late Morning
The egg rests on a table, glowing brightly. Zed walks in and runs over to it.
Zed: My egg!
Laura: What is happening?!
Zed: I have no idea!
Laura: Should we get an instructor to help?
Zed: It won’t work. Alek’s the only one who can help, and he’s not here at the moment.
Zed’s irises begin to glow with a soft, cyan light. Zed slowly moves his hand towards the egg.
Laura: Z-Zed? What are you…what are you doing?
Zed does not respond. As his hand approaches the egg, his crystal begins to glow brightly. Laura watches as Zed’s hand touches the egg, causing a column of light to erupt from it. Zed pulls his hand away, and the shell shatters, sending lumps of silver scattering across the table. The light from the egg dissipates, revealing a tiny, silver nanodragon coiled up on the table. The nanodragon lifts its head, opens its wings and stands to face Zed.
Laura: This is astonishing! I’ve never witnessed such an event!
Nanodragon (telepathy): What name do you choose for me?
Zed speaks the name of his choice, his voice echoed and distorted in an almost-otherworldly tone.
Zed (distorted voice): Argen!
Zed’s irises and crystal return to normal. A puzzled look appears on Zed’s face.
Zed: What happened? I must’ve zoned out or something.
Laura: Your egg…it…
Zed: My egg hatched? Sweet!
Argen: I am your familiar, Argen. We are now as one, Zed.
Zed: Hi, Argen!
Laura: Not once have I witnessed a nanodragon familiar being born…until now.
Zed: I’m just upset that I missed it…and yet, I don’t really think I did.
Argen: Never mind. There’s probably loads of things for us to see in future.
Zed: Yep.
Kendall runs into the room.
Kendall: Laura! Zed! And…uh…
Zed: This is Argen.
Argen: Hi!
Kendall: Greetings. Uh…oh! Yes! You must hurry!
Laura: For what reason?
Kendall: It’s Ned and Kel! They are…please, just come!
Zed: Ned and Kel?
Laura: The two individuals who insulted you in class yesterday.
Zed: Really? They insulted me?
Laura: They called you…well… “Cantripper”. I’m so sorry!
Zed: That’s an insult? I just thought they were making a joke.
A quizzical look appears on Kendall and Laura’s faces. Kendall shrugs it off.
Kendall: Look, please, just hurry!
Kendall’s wolf features become more prominent. He howls as he races out the door.
Laura: Wait for us!
Laura begins to run to the door. Argen flies up to Zed’s right shoulder.
Zed: How were your first two minutes of life?
Argen: Awesome! It’s like an adventure or something!
Zed: Get used to it. I think this is your life now, buddy.
Argen: Sweet!
Zed and Argen race out the door, forgetting to close it behind them. The mysterious figure from before slips into the room from the opposite side of the hallway. She has bright pink hair tied into ponytails, bluish eyes, and somewhat revealing pink shugenja attire. She checks around the room, picking up a piece of eggshell. She examines it closely, then puts it into a pouch at her waist.
Girl: Perfect.
The girl sneaks back out of the room, disappearing down the same direction of the hallway.
***
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***
- Spoiler:
- Scene 5: Headmaster’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
Headmaster Stormshroud sits in his chair, reading a heavy book. The doors suddenly burst open, revealing Ned and Kel.
Headmaster: What in the world are you two doing?!
Ned and Kel’s eyes flash bright blue once. The two students walk over to Headmaster Stormshroud and hold him down by the shoulders.
Headmaster: Unhand me at once!
Alek’s Voice: Oh, I think we can arrange that.
Alek walks into the office and approaches the desk.
Headmaster: Alekzander! I thought I dismissed you!
Alek: Oh, you did, and I’m wallowing in my own self-pity at The Arbour Beast tavern.
Headmaster: What nonsense are you babbling?
Alek: Nonsense?
Headmaster: Indeed! How can you be in a tavern if you are standing right here?
Alek: You honestly fail to recognize me?
Headmaster Stormshroud’s eyes widen.
Headmaster: No! No, it cannot be! It simply cannot be!
Alek: And yet, it is. Now, we shall begin…
***
Zed, Laura and Kendall head towards Headmaster Stormshroud’s office. They hear him cry out and race inside. Alek has his arm outstretched, his hand glowing with blue energy and aimed at Headmaster Stormshroud, who is suspended in mid-air. Ned and Kel stand nearby, their faces lacking in expression. Kendall snarls at Alek.
Kendall: Master? What are you doing?!
Alek loses concentration, dropping Headmaster Stormshroud. Time seems to slow down as Laura throws a feather into the air.
Laura: “Pyxel, spirit of the Fae, answer my request: Feather Fall!”
Time seems to return to normal as Laura points her wand at Headmaster Stormshroud, who gently floats to the ground.
Headmaster: Oh, dear me!
Alek slowly turns to face Kendall.
Alek: Ah, Kendall. Kendall, Kendall, Kendall…whatever am I to do with you?
Kendall: It WAS you! YOU caused all this!
Alek: Of course I did!
Laura: But…why?
Alek: Does there need to be a reason?
Everybody stares at Alek.
Alek: Oh, fine. I’ll explain. I simply wanted to rule the academy.
Headmaster: You’ll pay for this, L-
Alek turns to face Headmaster Stormshroud.
Alek: “Silence!”
Headmaster Stormshroud loses the ability to speak.
Alek: Now, where were we? Ah, yes. I’ve been coveting the top spot for a very long time. Longer than anybody can imagine. Longer than any of you have been alive.
Kendall: But Zed and I are only a few years younger than you.
Alek: Then I’ve been coveting it since I was a baby!
Alek looks at Laura.
Alek: You appear to be fading away, and soon you’ll be less than a passing memory!
Laura: What?!
Kendall: Hey, leave my sister alone!
Alek: You defy your master, puppy?
Kendall: I don’t care who you are! Nobody insults my family nor I!
Alek: And yet here I am.
Alek looks at Zed.
Alek: Oh…
Alek continues to stare at Zed.
Alek: Yes…I sense much potential in you. You, who are not what you claim to be. You swing to and fro…going from here to there…flowing as the fastest stream, yet solid as frigid ice, and deeper than the saltiest ocean. You have the potential to do great things. As my apprentice, I can make that happen. What say you, Zed?
Zed: Uh…but I already have an instructor.
Alek: So be it. As for the rest of you…
Alek holds his hand in the air, enveloping Kendall and Laura in a blue light. Their eyes flash once, and their expressions disappear.
Alek: You will now serve my purpose. Now, capture the cantripper for me, won’t you?
Thralls: Catch the cantripper…
Zed: What?!
The enthralled mages slowly walk over to Zed.
Thralls (repeated): Catch the cantripper…catch the cantripper…
Zed pulls out his wand.
Zed: “Sleep!”
Alek: “Dispel!”
Zed’s spell fizzles out.
Zed: Forget this!
Zed runs out of the room, heading for Amethyst’s quarters, followed by Alek and the thralls…except Laura, who snaps out of Alek’s control.
Laura: Wait…the spell didn’t work on me?
Laura’s eyes briefly glow with white light.
Laura: Oh! I must warn Master Stormshroud!
Laura leaves the room and runs down a different hallway.
Scene 6: Temple of Marilina: Early Afternoon
Brocc stumbles into the temple, gasping for air.
Brocc: I…think I…lost…those…dogs…
Priestess: Oh, welcome to the Temple of Marilina. May I offer you our services?
Brocc: Oh…I don’t…I don’t think…you can…help…I…revere…Sbenmor…Glinkle…gom…
Priestess: Oh, nonsense! The Temple of Marilina welcomes all. Now, come with me.
Emily: Oh, Brocc! Whatever happened to you?
Brocc: Bad song…thugs…dogs…drakes…five…hundred…gold…
Emily: I will take him off your hands, if you please.
Priestess: Of course, sister. By all means.
Emily and the priestess bow to each other. The priestess calmly walks away. Emily turns back to Brocc.
Emily: Now, let’s get you healed, and you can tell me all about your city-wide escapades.
Bryn pokes his head around the corner.
Bryn: Uh…Ems?
Emily: Yes, Bryn?
Bryn: The big guy wants to see you.
Emily: Okay, I will be there shortly.
Bryn: No prob.
Bryn disappears back around the corner.
Emily: I will have to hear your tale later, Brocc.
Emily bows and walks away.
Brocc: But…you didn’t…heal me yet…
Priest: Oh, my word! You poor young boy! Please, come with me at once!
Brocc: I’m…not young…I’m…a…a…
Priest: Now, now, don’t be shy. I will heal your wounds.
The priest ushers Brocc away from his spot.
Brocc: But…but…
Scene 7: The Arbour Beast Tavern: Mid Afternoon
Alek sits in a chair in the tavern, drinking a mug of water. Two men at a nearby table talk amongst themselves.
Man #1: Did you hear? Stormshroud Academy’s been attacked by an evil spellcaster!
Man #2: Oh well, it was bound to happen sometime.
Alek groans.
Man #1: Apparently, he had a bronze dragon with him. I’m surprised it didn’t just destroy the school!
Man #2: No, no, no…it was a bronze nanodragon! It was tiny enough to perch on his left shoulder.
Alek: A bronze nanodragon? No…it can’t be…
Man #1: Funny to think, innit? A dragon on a human’s shoulder.
The man looks at Alek, noticing the blue nanodragon perched on his right shoulder.
Man #1: Oh, just like his!
Laura runs into the tavern and looks around. She spots Alek and runs towards him.
Man #1: Wait…is that a student from that school?!
Laura runs up to Alek.
Laura: Master Stormshroud! Zed is being attacked by an imposter of you!
Alek: How did you-
Laura: No time to explain! We must go now!
Alek swallows the last mouthful and stands up. He turns to face the two men.
Alek: Sorry, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have a school to save.
Alek and Laura run swiftly out of the tavern. The two men turn to face each other again.
Man #2: Far as I’m concerned, the education system today’s beyond saving. All this newfangled learning and all that.
Man #1: Agreed.
The two men grunt and nod once, before taking a mouthful from their mugs.
Scene 8: Amethyst’s Quarters: Stormshroud Academy: Mid Afternoon
Amethyst sits in a chair reading a book. A frantic knock sounds through the door.
Amethyst: Oh, please enter!
The door suddenly swings open and Zed races inside, closing and locking the door behind him.
Amethyst: Oh, Zed! Is something the matter?
Zed: Alek’s gone berserk! He’s turned the others into thralls! And now he’s coming after me! And he was saying weird stuff about me, too, like I have potential to do…something, and-
Amethyst: Calm down, Zed!
Zed calms down and takes a deep breath, then exhales.
Amethyst: Now, please calmly tell me what has happened.
Zed: Well-
The door suddenly bursts open, revealing Kendall, Ned and Kel.
Thralls (continuous): Catch the cantripper…
The thralls approach Zed. Zed starts to panic again.
Alek’s Voice: That’s enough. Well done, you caught the cantripper!
Alek walks into the room.
Alek: Have you had time to consider my offer, Zed?
Amethyst: Who are you?!
Alek: Why, it’s me, Amethyst, your beloved friend Alek.
Amethyst: You are not Alek! You are an imposter!
Alek: Of course I’m Alek. Remember all the adventures we shared?
Amethyst: I know my friend, and he would never perform such an atrocious act!
“Alek” slowly shifts to a stern emotion.
“Alek”: So you’ve figured it all out, have you?
Amethyst: Who are you?
“Alek” begins to pace back and forth.
“Alek”: You know that many things have an opposite, two sides to every coin if you will.
Amethyst: Of course, it is one of the guiding principles of the spellcaster.
“Alek” turns his head to look at Amethyst as he continues to pace.
“Alek”: Well, I am Alek’s opposite. His “evil twin”, if you wish to use that awful cliché.
Amethyst: I had no idea that Alekzander had a brother.
“Alek”: Well, now you do. Aren’t you lucky, dear Amethyst?
“Alek” stops pacing and stands facing Amethyst, carefully examining her.
“Alek”: Ah, it seems that Alek is not the only one to have kept a secret. It seems that you are hiding a very big secret, Amethyst…if that even is your real name!
Amethyst: Of course it is my real name!
“Alek”: Then tell us, what are you hiding?
Amethyst: I have nothing to divulge to you.
“Alek”: So you are hiding something, then? Go on, tell me. I won’t tell anybody, I swear.
Alek’s voice: Leave her alone, brother!
A smile spreads across the imposter’s face.
Imposter: Ah, brother! At last you have graced us with your presence!
The imposter spins to face Alek and Laura.
Imposter: Alekzander. Always a pleasure to see your face.
Alek: Hello, Lillian.
Lillian (childish tone): Shut up! Don’t tell them my real name!
Lillian looks at Laura.
Lillian: The spell didn’t work on you…?!
Laura: I guess you’re not as powerful as you thought!
Lillian: This coming from the prissy little hedge mage daughter of Jules Goldenclaugh?
Laura’s eyes begin to glow with white light.
Laura: You leave my father out of this!
Lillian: Oh dear, whatever am I going to do? The wimpy witch of Silvertooth Town is going to beautify me with her pixie magic!
Alek: Leave her alone, Lillian!
Lillian: Oh, I will! She’ll soon be long gone anyway! Don’t think I don’t know what she is becoming, Alek!
Zed’s thoughts: Metalin…why is that familiar…?
Alek crosses his arms.
Alek: Why did you do it, brother?
Lillian: Isn’t it obvious? You always got the royal treatment! You were offered a position as illusion master, a title I should have received! YOU STOLE MY POSITION IN THE ACADEMY!
Alek: You could have been master of evocation.
Lillian: Of course I could have, if evocation was my strong suit! But like you, illusion is my strongest class. We both wanted that position. After all, we’re the same in that regard, aren’t we…brother?
Alek sighs.
Alek: We were once so alike, you and I. Our skills in illusion were so alike that we often pretended to be each other. But we became unique individuals, and we are now so very different that it’s easy to tell us apart.
Lillian: Nonetheless, I will conquer this school, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Alek sighs again, and holds up his hand.
Lillian: What are you doing?
Alek: Forgive me, brother…
Alek’s hand and eyes glow, and Lillian snaps into a trance. The enthralled students snap out of their state.
Kendall: Ungh…what happened?
Alek: My brother tried to conquer the school and make you his thralls. I placed him in a trance until he is dealt with by the authorities.
The headmaster runs into the room.
Headmaster: Amethyst! I-
The headmaster looks at everybody.
Headmaster: Oh. So…
Alek: Indeed, it is all over.
Headmaster: Very well, then.
Zed looks at Laura. Laura looks back at Zed.
Zed’s thoughts: I hope Laura will be okay…
Laura’s thoughts: I just know Zed will be fine...
Scene 9: En Route to the Eastern Gate: Silveria City: Early Morning
The team heads through the city on their way to the next adventure.
Mak: So this…Lillian guy is Alek’s evil twin brother?
Amethyst: Indeed.
Bryn: Hahahaha! “Lillian!”
Amethyst: He also tried to sway Zed over to his cause.
Thobrun: It didn’t tempt ye, lad?
Zed: Of course not. No way would I serve a creep like him!
Amethyst: Fortunately, he is safely locked inside a magic-proof cell. There is no way he can escape.
***
A guard sleeps outside a cell, a ring of keys at his waist. A tiny bronze nanodragon sneaks over to the keys and carefully snatches them, taking them back to the cell. It drops the keys into Lillian’s open hand.
Lillian: Thank you, incompetent guard, for this wonderful gift.
A cruel smile spreads across Lillian’s face.
***
Thobrun: That’s a relief. So I’ve been meaning to ask ye, lad. What’s with the dragon on yer shoulder?
Zed: Oh, Argen?
Argen: I’m Zed’s familiar. Nice to meet you all.
Bryn: He…has your accent. That’s…weird.
Amethyst: Actually, it is common for intelligent familiars to take on aspects of their master’s traits.
Bryn: You mean that streak of green fur on the cat’s back isn’t fungus?
Brocc: HEY! Tabby has a luscious coat! Her fur is an extension of my own…hair.
Bryn: Keep telling yourself that, Brocc.
The group laughs.
Zed’s thoughts: Laura Goldenclaugh…do I…have a crush on her?!
Scene 10: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
The pink-haired girl approaches the throne of the mysterious woman. She holds out her hand, revealing the piece of silver eggshell she collected earlier.
Girl: Mistress, I have brought you a gift.
Woman: You have done well, Kara. Now, you may prepare for your journey.
Girl: It is my honour to serve you, Mistress.
***
End Credits
***
- on January 26th 2017, 9:40 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3873
Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
Episode 3: The Magical Academy- “Synopsis”:
- Amethyst brings Zed to Stormshroud Academy, where she soon discovers that Alek, a former apprentice of her mentor’s and one of her dearest friends, has already become an academy master at the young age of 32! While catching up with one another, they soon discover that there are mysterious events happening all over the surrounding area. Could their origin be within the academy’s walls?
New Characters
Alek Stormshroud - Amethyst’s closest friend and a former apprentice of her old mage mentor, he has apparently become the academy master of illusion at the youngest age on record. Alek is apparently causing needless destruction on the school and is dismissed. But did he do it?
Kendall Silvertooth - Alek’s apprentice and one of his brightest pupils, he is determined to find out more about these puzzling events around the academy, and to find out if his master truly is the culprit.
Laura Goldenclaugh - Kendall’s younger sister and quite the mage in her own right, she assists her brother and Zed in finding clues.
Zed’s Familiar - Zed manages to bond with a familiar of his own during this episode. What could it be?
“I sense something within her…”
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Outside Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon
Amethyst and Zed stand at the gate outside the prestigious Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, an enormous campus nestled within Silveria City’s Mage’s District.
Amethyst: Here it is, Zed: Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, the most prestigious magic college in all of Ornoposia. I spent most of my time as an apprentice within these very walls, and I loved every second…
Amethyst’s thoughts: …even though it took me 35 years to master the art...
Zed: It’s incredible…
Amethyst: Shall we enter?
Zed: Yes please!
Scene 2: Entrance Hall: Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon
The gigantic wooden doors swing open as Amethyst and Zed enter the main building. Zed marvels at the dark brown wooden architecture, which is carved into a number of intricate patterns and shapes.
Amethyst: I, too, marvelled at the architecture when I first came to this place.
Zed: It’s amazing…the attention to detail…it must have taken years to complete!
Amethyst: Indeed.
Male Voice: How did you enter this building?!
A man walks down the gigantic staircase and begins to head for Amethyst and Zed.
Man: Only students and faculty are able to enter this academy.
The man walks over to Amethyst. A smile spreads across his face.
Man: Of course, former students must know how to enter.
Amethyst smiles.
Amethyst: Alekzander Stormshroud. It has been too long.
Alekzander: Amethyst Lunerosée. It is good to see your sweet smile again.
Alekzander looks at Zed.
Alekzander: Is this your apprentice, Amethyst?
Amethyst: Indeed. This is Zed Starmute.
Alekzander: Good to meet you, Zed. Call me Alek. Everybody else does.
Zed: Good to meet you too.
Alek: Is there a reason you two have come here?
Amethyst: Well, I have just begun to teach Zed how to-
Voice: ALEK!
An elderly gentleman runs downstairs up to Alek.
Alek: What is the matter, Headmaster?
Headmaster: The drakes have escaped from the barn! They are running rampant around campus! They almost tackled the groundkeeper into the pool - and he cannot swim!
Alek: Then we must hurry! Amethyst? Zed? I could use your assistance.
Amethyst: We would be more than happy to assist!
Alek: Then let us go!
The three mages race out of the door.
Headmaster: Good luck to you all!
Alek: Thank you, Headmaster!
Headmaster: I certainly made the right choice by making him an academy master. Oh well, back to sorting paperwork.
The headmaster begins heading upstairs.
***
Opening Credits
***
Scene 2: Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon
Amethyst, Zed and Alek walk into the entrance hall from outside.
Alek: I must say that was exhilarating! I have not had this much excitement for quite some time!
Amethyst: Indeed. Your skills have improved greatly since last we met.
Zed: I thought that would be more dangerous than it was.
Amethyst: Whatever do you mean?
Zed: Well, I thought we were going to be chasing gigantic lizards with sharp teeth and claws, not…ducks.
Alek laughs.
Alek: We would not be so careless as to keep reptilian drakes inside a wooden barn on campus grounds, Zed.
Zed: That’s a relief.
Alek: No no, we keep those inside the monster enclosure. That’s it, just over there.
Alek points to a metal building at a far corner of campus grounds, surrounded by a high, jagged-metal fence and a deep moat. Loud roars can be heard from within. Zed squeals.
Zed: Th-That’s less comforting.
Alek: Relax, Zed. No monster has escaped from there in thirty years. And even that was just a minor threat.
Zed: Really?
Alek: Oh, yes. All that dragon did was eat half the animals in the barn and destroy the left side of the dormitories. And the language he used was so…colourful, to say the least. I was two years old at the time, yet I still remember the incident vividly, so there is no need for concern.
A shocked look spreads across Zed’s face.
Amethyst: Uh…why don’t we head inside and have a good meal?
Zed: D-Dragons! I-In the sch-school…
Scene 3: Temple of Marilina: Late Afternoon
Mak, Emily and Bryn enter the Temple of Marilina, a shrine dedicated to Marilina Silverblade, a human paladin who was ascended and became a Celestial Being. Bryn feels as though he is out-of-place.
Bryn: I don’t even revere Marilina. Why did you bring me here?
Mak: You know exactly why, Bryn.
Bryn: Oh, it’ll clear itself up eventually.
Mak: Are you absolutely sure?
Bryn: Well…not really, no.
Emily: Just speak with the High Priestess. She will do all she can to help.
Bryn: Fine…
Scene 4: Temple of Marilina: Late Afternoon
High Priestess: I am afraid there is nothing I can do.
Mak: But what about him?
High Priestess: It will clear up eventually.
Bryn: HA! What did I tell you?
Emily: We thank you, High Priestess.
Emily bows. The High Priestess bows right back.
High Priestess: May Marilina guide you on your journey.
Bryn: Well, this was a waste of time.
Mak: Visiting the Temple of Marilina is never a waste.
Bryn: I just hope my buddy Brocc is having the time of his life.
***
Brocc is pursued through a deserted alley by two human thugs wielding big clubs.
Thug #1: I’ll teach you to sing like a screeching elbok!
Brocc: I was just trying to entertain people!
Thug #1: Well it sounded like you were deliberately mocking our voices!
Thug #2: We’ll pound you, you no-good kid!
Brocc: Oh, Thobrun! Where did you go? I need you NOW!
***
Mak: When is Brocc not having the time of his life?
Bryn: True…
Emily walks up to Mak and Bryn.
Emily: I must meditate and replenish my celestial magic.
Bryn: In that case we’ll look for the nearest nightclub.
Mak: Bryn! We are in a sacred temple!
Emily: Mak, please. The two of you should go and entertain yourselves. I will be quite a while.
Mak: Very well. We will be back here in two hours.
Emily smiles.
Emily: I look forward to it.
Mak smiles.
Mak: Okay, Bryn. Lead the way.
Bryn: With pleasure!
Scene 5: Stormshroud Academy: Late Night
Zed is asleep in bed. He is awoken by a small, bright blue orb of light hovering above his bed. The orb floats over to his door.
Zed: What the…?
Zed climbs out of bed, puts on his shirt and boots and makes his way over to the door, opening it. The orb floats out of the door and makes its way down the corridor. Zed follows it.
***
The orb floats up to a door labelled “Familiar Studies”. Zed walks up to the door.
Zed’s thoughts: I can’t go in there at this time of night!
The door swings open. Zed looks down and sees what resembles a tiny blue dragon no taller than Zed’s shin on the ground.
Zed: A dragon?
Zed hears a familiar voice from within the room.
Voice: A nanodragon, actually. One of the most elusive creatures of all.
Zed: Oh, Alek.
Alek: Please, come in.
Zed: Okay.
Zed walks into the classroom. Inside are a number of white tables and grey chairs. Posters describing various creatures cover the walls. A counter runs along the back wall with five eggs nested on top of it. A large blackboard is mounted on the left wall with the words “Master Stormshroud” and “Familiar Studies” written on it in white chalk.
Alek: I apologise for disturbing your rest.
Zed: It’s fine.
Alek: Did you like my illusion?
Zed: That thing was a spell?
Alek: Indeed. Illusion is my specialty school of magic.
Zed. Oh.
Zed looks around the room.
Zed: Why am I here?
Alek: Tell me Zed, what was the first thing you noticed in this room?
Zed: Uh…the nanodragon. Why?
Alek: When a student is ready to choose his or her familiar, they must enter this room. It is almost certain that the first thing they notice will be one of the seven posters mounted on the wall. Each one depicts an animal well-suited for being a familiar.
The nanodragon climbs up onto Alek’s right shoulder, draping its tail over his left shoulder. It looks over at Zed and speaks with a masculine voice.
Nanodragon: The animal depicted on the poster is recommended to the student as his or her perfect match. The fact that you first noticed me and not one of the posters means that your perfect match may, in fact, not be any of the animals in question.
Zed: Oh…
Nanodragon: What was the next thing you noticed?
Zed: Uh…the eggs on the bench-top.
Alek: The eggs appear ordinary, with plain, beige shells, yet you took notice of them. Why is that?
Zed: I’m not sure. I just thought they looked cool.
Alek: Pick up the first egg that caught your eye.
Zed walks up to the eggs, which he notices appear somewhat bigger than a hen’s egg. He picks up the egg between the middle one and the right-hand one.
Alek: Now speak the bottom-most word on the blackboard.
Zed: Uh… “Familiar!”
The egg begins to glow, its shell turning a shimmering silver. The egg then stops glowing.
Alek: You have now bonded with your familiar, connecting you both for eternity.
Zed: My familiar is an egg?
Alek: For now, yes.
Zed: Interesting.
Alek: You should return to your room. I trust you need to rest some more.
Zed: It couldn’t hurt.
Alek: Good. I have some business to which I must attend. Goodnight, Zed.
Zed: Goodnight.
Zed leaves the room. Alek closes the door.
Zed: Okay, I have a nanodragon egg. Hey there, little guy.
Zed's thoughts: Look at me, I'm talking to an egg. I wonder when it will hatch...
A mysterious figure lurks in the darkness, watching as Zed heads back to his room. The figure is mostly obscured, with the only visible feature being one end of a quarterstaff with fuchsia-coloured ribbons wrapped around it.
***
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***
- Spoiler:
- Scene 6: Illusion Studies: Stormshroud Academy: Morning
Zed is seated at a desk in a classroom surrounded by a number of other students. Two male students of about seventeen years of age talk amongst themselves.
Student #1: Heh, get a load of the new guy!
Student #2: Yeah, what is he, a giantborn?
Student #1: Last I checked, giantborn were savage brutes. I didn’t know they could use magic.
Student #2: And he’s, like, fifty. Isn’t he a bit old to be starting magic classes?
The two young men snicker. A female student in her twenties scolds them.
Student #3: Enough! You two are worse than a couple of elboks!
Zed looks at the female student.
Zed’s thoughts: Wow, she seems…what’s the word?
Student #1: Whatever.
Student #2: Spoil-sport…
Alek walks into the classroom, his familiar perched on his shoulder.
Alek: Good morning, class.
Class: Good morning, Master Stormshroud.
Alek sits at his desk.
Alek: We have a new student joining us today. His name is Zed Starmute and he joins us all the way from-
Student #1: I think we know where he’s from, Master.
Student #2: (cocky tone) Yeah, all giantborn originated in Tundwaldun!
Zed: Tund…wahl…doon?
The student to Zed’s right, a male wolfborn, whispers to him.
Wolfborn: (I’ll explain later).
Zed: Thank you.
Alek: There are, in fact, several giantborn who live in Goldenia. But Zed is not a giantborn.
Student #2: So what is he, some oversized freak of nature?
Student #1: Ooh, nice one!
Alek: He is a human, just like the both of you.
Student #1: No kidding.
Alek: I am serious. And the two of you are wearing my patience.
Student #1: He’s really a human? Incredible…
Alek: I assure you it is quite true. Zed, why don’t you tell the class about yourself?
Zed: I’ll do my best.
Zed stands up and turns to face the class, clearing his throat.
Student #2: (mocking tone) Everybody quiet so the new guy can speak.
The female student hits the second student.
Student #2: Ow! Master Stor-
Alek points at the student, a stern look on his face. The student settles down.
Zed: Well, I don’t remember my full name, so I’ve been going by the name Zed. I don’t remember anything about my life up until just over a year ago when I wandered into a small town. An elven mage named Amethyst took me on as her apprentice, and-
Student #3: Excuse me for interrupting, but did you say you are the apprentice of Amethyst Moondew?!
Zed: Yep.
Student #3: Isn’t she your former associate, Master Stormshroud?
Alek: Indeed, and she is still one of my oldest and dearest friends.
Student #3: Then you must be quite the spellcaster by now, Zed.
Zed: Well…I’m still mastering the basics. I’m good at cantrips, but…
Student #2: (mocking tone) What’s your favourite spell?
Zed: Prestidigitation.
Student #1: Well, we’d expect nothing less from a lowly cantripper!
The two bullies laugh loudly. Alek becomes angry.
Alek: That is it! Both of you, to the headmaster’s office!
Student #2: It was worth it.
The two students head to the door. The first one turns back and looks at Zed.
Student #1: I’ll be seeing you later, cantripper!
Alek: Out!
The students leave the classroom, closing the door behind them.
Alek: Right, now we may proceed with the lesson. Zed, if you have any questions, Kendall here-
Alek gestures to the wolfborn.
Alek: -will be able to assist you.
Student #3: I would be willing to assist also, Master Stormshroud.
Alek: Of course, Laura. I’m sure Zed will appreciate the aid.
Zed: Thank you.
Alek: Now, if you open your books to chapter three, page ten, we can continue our study on summoning phantasms…
Scene 8: Campus Grounds: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
Zed, Kendall and Laura sit on a bench underneath a tree.
Zed: …and then my hair turned blue!
Laura laughs.
Laura: That must have been quite a shock for the store owner!
Zed: Mr. Newt? He was really startled! But at least then I knew I had some kind of arcane talent.
Kendall: Well, Laura and I are from a family which is devoted to the arcane arts.
Zed: You two are related?
Laura: Well…in a way, yes. We are siblings.
Zed: Really? But…you’re a human and Kendall’s a wolfborn!
Kendall: Allow me to explain. We share the same mother, but our fathers are different. My father was a werewolf, and Laura’s is human.
Zed: Oh, okay then…
Kendall: I still have fond memories of my father. He would always stand up for me when other children teased me about my lupine features. I remember we would go camping every summer, and on the night of the full moon we would sit on the cape and howl for hours. If anybody had lived there it would have driven them mad!
Zed: He sounds wonderful.
Kendall: He was…until one night, when he simply vanished.
Zed: Oh…
Kendall: We were told by the town guards that there was no trace of him, and that he may as well have been dead. I was distraught for months. Eventually my mother remarried. At first I was unsure, but eventually I grew to love my new father. Laura’s arrival helped solidify my bond with him.
Laura: We are a very tight-knit family. The losses we’ve suffered have only brought us closer together.
Zed: I wish I could tell you about my family, but I can’t even remember my own name.
Laura: Oh, I’m sure you will remember eventually, Zed.
Zed: Maybe. Still, my new adventuring companions are like my surrogate family.
Kendall: That’s the spirit, Zed! Now, how about we proceed to the dining hall for some lunch?
Zed: Definitely!
The trio begin to head for the dining hall.
Zed’s thoughts: I need to try and figure out Laura…there’s definitely something about her...
Scene 9: Inside Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
Zed, Laura and Kendall proceed towards the dining hall. Zed notices a glow coming from down a hallway.
Zed: What’s that?
Kendall: I know not. We must be cautious.
Zed and Kendall begin to proceed down the hallway. Kendall turns back to face Laura.
Kendall: Are you coming?
Laura: Actually, Kenny, I’ll stay here. I’ll leave the investigating to the master apprentices.
Kendall: Very well.
Laura’s thoughts: Why am I so interested in Zed’s hand…?
Zed and Kendall turn left into another hallway. They see a swath of destruction: paintings crooked, carpeting in shreds and furniture splintered and broken. Deep claw marks line the wooden walls.
Zed: What could have done this?
An eerie roar bellows from around the corner, and a gigantic, ghostly-blue monster emerges from the right-hand hallway staring straight towards Zed and Kendall. Zed begins to panic.
Kendall: What IS that thing?!
Zed: You mean you don’t know?
Kendall: I’ve never seen a creature like it!
The creature runs towards the two of them. Zed and Kendall cry out loud. Zed’s crystal lets out a bright blue glow which surrounds them both, scaring away the monster.
Zed: That was close…
Kendall: How did you do that?!
Zed: Huh? Oh, my crystal must have protected us.
Zed reaches into his shirt, pulling out the crystal and showing it to Kendall.
Kendall: Well, that is quite the artefact. It is lucky you possess it.
Zed: Yep. So…should we tell somebody about that creature?
Kendall: Yes. We should tell the headmaster.
Scene 10: Headmaster’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
The old man from earlier sits in a big, brown leather chair, its sides adorned with finely-sculpted golden dragons. He takes a sip from a teacup, then rests it in a saucer which he places on his desk. A knock sounds through the door.
Headmaster: Enter.
The heavy wooden door opens with a loud groan, and Zed and Kendall enter.
Kendall: Headmaster Stormshroud?
Headmaster: Ah, Kendall, please enter. Do sit down and help yourself to a biscuit.
Kendall: Thank you kindly, but unfortunately I am unable to eat chocolate.
Kendall and Zed sit on seats facing the headmaster. The headmaster stares at Zed’s right hand for a moment, before snapping back to reality.
Headmaster: Now, what may I do for you gentlemen?
Kendall: We’d like to report a sighting of a monster within the campus walls.
Headmaster: Oh no…the dragon hasn’t escaped from his enclosure again, has he?
A look of horror spreads across Zed’s face.
Kendall: Oh no, nothing like that.
Headmaster: Frightful creature. Off his rocker, don’t you know? He was part of the janitorial staff until he snapped. Now he spends his days cooped up in his cage hollering off swears like they’re going out of fashion.
Kendall: It’s a blue phantasm.
Headmaster: A blue phantasm?
Kendall: Yes, resembling an arbour beast, only much more fearsome. It has destroyed the hall under the main stairs.
Headmaster: Well, we will look into this matter right away. In the meantime, why not head to the dining hall for a spot of lunch? It’s Stew Tuesday today. A nice bit of braised drake with fresh vegetables…delicious!
Kendall: Thank you, Headmaster.
Zed and Kendall leave the office, closing the door behind them.
Zed: I think I like drake stew...
Kendall: That is good. This school has the best drake stew in the-
Kendall’s ears suddenly stand up.
Kendall: Oh! There’s Laura!
Zed: Where? I don’t see-
Kendall: Downstairs just under our feet.
Zed: How did you know that?
Kendall: Wolfborn have an acute sense of hearing.
Zed: Oh. Nice!
Kendall heads down the hallway, with a bemused Zed following closely behind.
Zed’s thoughts: Okay, why can I suddenly feel her presence…?
Scene 11: Alek’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Evening
Amethyst and Alek sit on a couch in Alek’s office, reminiscing about their respective times serving as apprentices to their mage master, Mr. Newt.
Amethyst: …and then he singed his eyebrows!
Alek: Oh, that sure sounds like him!
Amethyst: They took years to grow back. There were still bald patches by the time I completed my apprenticeship!
Alek: I noticed them when he first accepted me as his new apprentice. He gave me a quizzical expression which seemed to read, “Why on Junihoshi are you staring at me like that, boy?”
Amethyst: And what happened next?
Alek: He asked me, “Why on Junihoshi are you staring at me like that, boy?”
The two friends laugh.
Amethyst: Oh, he was a quirky individual, wasn’t he?
Alek wipes a tear from his eye with a gloved finger.
Alek: Which only added to his charm.
Amethyst: Indeed.
Amethyst and Alek make eye contact.
Amethyst: It is so good to catch up with you again, Alekzander.
Alek: And you as well, old friend.
Three city guards burst into the office.
Guard #1: Alekzander Stormshroud?
Alek: Yes?
The other two guards approach Alek.
Guard #1: You are under arrest for extensive damages to Stormshroud Academy by way of a conjured illusory beast.
The guards grab Alek’s hands and bind them together with handcuffs.
Alek: May I ask why you believe this to be so?
Guard #2: Two students reported the destruction to Headmaster Eugolelias Stormshroud, who also claimed to have seen a bright blue illusion being controlled by an individual matching your description.
Alek: But…I did no such atrocity!
Guard #3: Come on, you can plead your case back at the precinct.
The guards pull Alek from the room.
Alek: Amethyst! Find Kendall and let him know what has happened!
The guards close the doors. Amethyst stands staring at them in a state of mild shock.
To be Continued…
***
End Credits
***
- on January 25th 2017, 3:36 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3873
Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
Episode 2: The Seventh Crystal, Part II- ”Synopsis”:
- Amethyst takes Zed to meet the rest of the party at a curiously-named tavern in the middle of nowhere. The party leader, an orcborn warrior, sees the young wizard as completely inexperienced, and ultimately refuses to let him join them on their adventure! Can Amethyst change the swordsman’s mind?
New Characters
Mak Clay - A surprisingly-intelligent orcborn who shares leadership of the party with Amethyst, he owns the Crimson Crystal.
Emily Summers - A syl human priestess with a sweet and caring personality, she owns the Amber Crystal.
Thobrun Steelanvil - A dwarven paladin with a righteous personality and a fondness for mead, he owns the Tawny Crystal.
Bryn - A halfling rogue who hides more than his fair share about himself from everybody, he owns the Cerulean Crystal.
Brocc Farshot - A gnome bard with the brightest green hair and an apparently-terrible singing voice, he owns the Green Crystal.
“You mean I came all this way for nothing…?”
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Newt’s Cottage: Morning
Amethyst and Zed are seated in armchairs surrounding a small table. Newt is looking through his bookcase. He pulls a book from the shelf.
Newt: Ah, yes. Here it is.
Newt walks over to the table and sits in an armchair. He places the heavy book onto the table and opens it, flipping through pages until he finds the right one.
Newt: This page contains all I know of the Silverian Empire.
Zed: It’s blank.
Newt: You are correct. Now…
Newt places his hand above the page.
Newt: “Reveal!”
The page begins to glow. As it does so, words and images appear on the page.
Zed: Incredible…
Amethyst: Indeed.
Newt: The Silverian Empire stretched beyond the borders of Ornoposia all the way to Granrelm, Tundwaldun, Gnomsland, Verdelvum, Luminelvum, Oscurelvum and Kobelia, with smaller settlements in most other continents.
Amethyst: They must have been well-known then.
Newt: Oh, they were. The empire was made up almost entirely of Ornoposian humans, who spread their culture and customs, and indeed the Common tongue, to all corners of Junihoshi.
Zed: So what happened to it?
Newt: Like all good things it came to an end, but not without leaving behind its legacy.
Amethyst holds her crystal within her delicate fingers.
Amethyst: The crystals…
Newt: A mere fragment of a much larger collection of artefacts, many of which remain concealed within ancient ruins and other places ravaged by monsters.
Zed: So the city-state of Silveria was the capital of the empire?
Newt: That is most likely. It would have been the last bastion of the empire left in a world teeming with chaos.
Zed: Chaos?
Newt: Indeed. War had broken out across the empire as factions began to emerge, each claiming ownership of the dominion. They fought for decades, civilisation crumbling away, until only the Kingdom of Silveria remained.
Zed: So what could have protected Silveria from the chaos?
Newt: My guess is it was the Celestial Beings themselves who ceased the bloodshed, restoring order to Junihoshi.
Amethyst: Could they be allowed to interact directly with mortals?
Newt: In times of crisis they have been said to descend and lay aid to the peoples of Junihoshi. Their direct involvement was obviously the only way to bring peace to a troubled world.
Zed: And the artefacts?
Newt: Nobody knows their true purpose. Indeed, few even know of their existence.
Zed: Then there’s no way of knowing what the crystals do.
Amethyst: I know of one of their functions. They each provide a small boon to their respective owners. My crystal, for example, provides a slight increase in intellect.
Newt: If that is true, then there is a much greater goal intended for them.
Zed: Will it be possible to figure it out?
Newt: In time, you will learn the full extent of your gift.
Newt smiles at Zed.
Newt’s thoughts: Amethyst will guide you well, of that I am certain…
***
Opening Credits
***
Scene 2: Town Square: Late Morning
Amethyst and Zed walk past the fountain.
Zed: Well, I guess that was slightly informative.
Amethyst: Even the littlest knowledge can change the world.
Zed: True. So, what boon does my crystal provide?
Amethyst: Alas, I know not.
Zed: Really? Whoa, that’s mysterious…
Amethyst: We have one more place to visit before we must go.
Zed: Oh, I have a toilet in my house if-
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: I have something else in mind. Follow me.
Amethyst walks past Zed. Zed begins to follow.
Zed: Lead on, Master mage!
Scene 3: Taylor’s Treasures: Late Morning
Zed and Amethyst enter Taylor’s Treasures, the little bell jingling as the door opens and closes.
Zed: Of course. There’s no better place in town to buy adventuring gear.
Amethyst: So I have seen.
Mrs. Taylor heads downstairs.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, I wondered if you’d pop in before you left.
Zed: You heard?
Mrs. Taylor: Of course, lad. Mr. Newt tells me everything.
Zed: Wow, news travels fast in this town!
Mrs. Taylor: I took the liberty of preparing your supplies.
Mrs. Taylor heads behind the counter, reaching under it and pulling out a box containing some adventuring gear. She places the box on the counter.
Mrs. Taylor: Okay, this is your adventurer’s kit.
Mrs. Taylor pulls out a blue-coloured leather shoulder bag and places it on the counter.
Mrs. Taylor: It has a collapsible bedroll, food, a pre-filled waterskin and some other bits and bobs. It’ll come in handy.
Mrs. Taylor pulls out a bag and places it on the counter.
Mrs. Taylor: This is a breather. It’s a special mask for you to wear in case you run into a gas trap while exploring a dungeon. I’ve always thought the latest technology should be practical and useful.
Zed: Gotta love those zenoxans.
Mrs. Taylor: And this…this is a special gift from me.
Mrs. Taylor reaches into the box and pulls out a silver recorder and a navy blue velvet bag with drawstring.
Mrs. Taylor: I thought you could use a new flute. This one is supposed to make the most pleasant music, so I’ve been told.
Zed: Oh, Mrs. Taylor…
Mrs. Taylor: Come, lad. You do so much for me. This is my way of thanking you.
Mrs. Taylor smiles. Zed reaches into his pocket, pulling out the two halves of his wooden recorder. He assembles it and holds it out to Mrs. Taylor.
Zed: I want you to have my old flute. To remember me by.
Mrs. Taylor and Zed exchange recorders. Mrs. Taylor smiles.
Mrs. Taylor: I’ll treasure it every day, lad.
A tear rolls down Zed’s cheek. He holds out his hands. Mrs. Taylor steps forward and embraces Zed with a big hug.
Mrs. Taylor: Take care of yourself, lad. Find your place in the world.
Zed: I’ll try to come back one day.
Mrs. Taylor: You try your hardest, Zed Starmute.
Mrs. Taylor and Zed let go of one another. Zed walks over to the counter.
Zed: Should I pay for these?
Mrs. Taylor: Amethyst already took care of it.
Zed looks at Amethyst, a puzzled look on his face.
Amethyst: I put the money on the counter while you were saying your farewells.
Zed smiles.
Zed: Thank you.
Amethyst: Just doing my duty.
Zed removes his cape, places the satchel over his shoulder, re-dons his cape, opens a front pocket and places the breather inside. He picks up the flute, disassembles it, places it into the velvet bag, pulls the drawstring and places it into his pocket.
Zed: Thank you for everything, Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: It was my pleasure, lad.
Another tear rolls down Zed’s cheek as both he and Amethyst leave the shop, the bell jingling as they do so. Mrs. Taylor watches them as they disappear from view.
Mrs. Taylor: We will meet again, lad…
Scene 4: En Route to The Name Pending Tavern: Early Afternoon
Amethyst and Zed walk along a well-worn road, wooden fences separating it from some green meadows.
Amethyst: You seem to have a strong bond with Mrs. Taylor.
Zed: I don’t know where I would be without her.
Amethyst: Is she a family member?
Zed: No.
Amethyst: She treats you like a son nonetheless.
Zed: She was the first one to help me when I stumbled into town.
Amethyst: Had something happened?
Zed sighs.
Zed: I have no memory of my life prior to walking into town. It was late one night, and I was wearing some weird clothes. I was confused, and I didn’t know what was happening.
Amethyst: That sounds awful.
Zed: Nothing felt right whatsoever. Then I came across Taylor’s Treasures. I walked inside and explained everything to Mrs. Taylor. She took me in and gave me a place to sleep and work.
Amethyst: No wonder you are very close to one another.
Zed: Mrs. Taylor took me to the best oracles when they came to town, but they couldn’t figure out which constellation I was born under. They called me a blank slate, which earned me the nickname “The Star Mute One“. It’s as though I hadn’t existed prior to that moment. And yet I know I’ve lived for a while before that.
Amethyst: So you wish to find the place from whence you hail.
Zed: That’s part of my goal, yes.
Zed thinks to himself.
Zed: So you’re the guardian of the crystals?
Amethyst: I am indeed. On my one-hundredth birthday, my grandmother told me that I was chosen by my father to find the secret of the crystals. The crystals glowed as the box containing them was handed to me, meaning that I had indeed been chosen by them as their distributor. I was told to find the owners of the crystals and journey with them, and together we would find out their true purpose. It took 45 years before I found the second crystal owner.
Zed: And who was it?
Amethyst smiles at Zed.
Amethyst: Why don’t you wait until we reach the tavern? I am sure the suspense will lead to a much greater surprise.
Zed: Fair enough.
Scene 5: The Name Pending Tavern: Afternoon
Amethyst and Zed enter the tavern. Zed looks around and sees a few adventurers sitting at tables. Three human males, presumably fighters, are gathered around a short-bearded dwarf wearing silver armour. The dwarf speaks with a thick Scandinavian-infused Scottish accent.
Dwarf: So there we were, surrounded by twelve Elek worshippers. They outnumbered us two-to-one, and the rogue very nearly gave us the slip!
Fighter #1: Rogues’ll do that to ya if ya let ‘em!
Dwarf: Ye think I’d let the rogue abandon us like that? When facing evil, we all must stand together and help however we can! I’d never let’m avoid Alistair’s goals!
Fighter #2: So what did you do?
Dwarf: What else could we do? We showed ‘em who’s boss! They won’t be hurtin’ anyone anytime soon!
The dwarf swallows a mouthful of mead from his mug. Amethyst walks over to the dwarf. Zed follows behind.
Amethyst: Good afternoon, Thobrun. I gather you are telling stories of our exploits to these gentlemen?
Thobrun: Indeed I am, Amethyst. I’m teachin’ ‘em how to fight evil as best they can.
Thobrun sees Zed standing behind Amethyst.
Thobrun: And this must be the young wizard Amethyst believes is the seventh crystal owner.
Zed: H-Hi. I’m Zed.
Thobrun stands up. He stands at about two-thirds the height of Zed, though he is broadly-built to make up for it.
Thobrun: Good to meet you, Zed. Thobrun Steelanvil, son of Angus and Helga of Goldwaldun, and Paladin of Alistair Goodheart.
Thobrun bows. Zed bows right back.
Thobrun: Can I buy ye a drink, Zed?
Zed: Oh, I don’t drink alcohol.
Thobrun: Oh, no problem, lad. I can respect that.
Amethyst: I was just going to introduce Zed to the others.
Thobrun: I think they’re in the den upstairs.
Amethyst: Are you ready to meet your future companions, Zed?
Zed: Yep. Lead the way.
Amethyst: Very well.
Amethyst climbs the stairs, with Zed following behind. Zed looks around, and sees a male halfling in dark blue leather armour, a male gnome with green hair and a blonde human girl with slightly-pointed ears wearing golden-yellow chainmail.
Amethyst: Bryn? Brocc? Emily? Allow me to introduce the seventh member of our team, Zed Starmute.
Zed waves.
Zed: Hi.
Bryn speaks with what sounds like a slightly-Cockney English accent.
Bryn: Well, well, well, how did I know it’d be another human?
Bryn walks over to Zed. He stands at roughly half Zed’s height. His slick black hair curves forward at its base. He has no facial hair.
Bryn: Name’s Bryn. The Loveable Rogue.
Bryn holds out his hand. Zed bends down slightly and shakes hands with Bryn.
Bryn: Ah, so you know the Granrelmian bow. I respect that, Zed.
Zed: Your friend downstairs said the same thing.
Brocc speaks with what sounds like a European-infused American accent which sounds slightly elevated in pitch.
Brocc: Amethyst, he’s huge! Are you sure he isn’t a giant?
Bryn: Of course he isn’t, Brocc! Look at his build. He’s definitely a human.
Brocc walks over to Zed and looks up at him. He is slightly taller than Bryn, though most of the added height is his tall, spiky hair.
Brocc: Oh, you’re right. Sometimes it’s hard to tell. I’m Brocc Farshot, and I’m an entertainer! A bard! A lyricist!
Bryn: You can’t sing!
Brocc: No, but I still write songs, don’t I?
Bryn: Well, I can’t argue with that logic.
Zed examines Brocc closely.
Brocc: What? Do I have something on my face?
Zed: No, it’s just…
Brocc: What?
Zed: No, it’s probably nothing.
Brocc: Oh. Okay then...
Emily walks over to Zed. She smiles sweetly and speaks with a soft, feminine voice.
Emily: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zed. My name is Emily Summers, and I am a priestess of Marilina Silverblade.
Emily curtsies. Zed bows.
Zed: Is that everyone?
Amethyst: There is still one more member you must meet.
Zed: I thought so.
Bryn: He’s in the shower.
Amethyst: Really?
Bryn: I know, we were surprised as well.
A door opens, and a male orcborn steps through. He is not wearing a shirt. He rubs his black hair with a towel, then slings the towel over his right shoulder. He walks up to Amethyst and speaks with a rough American voice.
Orcborn: Amethyst. You’re back!
Amethyst: Indeed.
The orcborn looks at Zed.
Orcborn: I thought you said you were bringing back the most naturally-talented spellcaster in that town.
Amethyst: I have. This is Zed.
Orcborn: He can’t be more than 25 years old. That’s not experienced enough.
Amethyst: Actually, he is-
Orcborn: It doesn’t matter. He’s still not experienced enough. Look…he’s got green written all over him!
Brocc: Hey, I am NOT-
Everyone looks at Brocc. A huge drop of sweat slides down the side of his face.
Brocc: I mean…uh…never mind!
Orcborn: Our mission is very dangerous. Who’s gonna protect this kid if he gets into trouble?
Amethyst: I believe that’s your job.
Orcborn: I don’t want to see another innocent get hurt.
Amethyst: Please! At least let him prove himself.
Orcborn: I’m sorry, but it’s too risky. First thing tomorrow, we’re taking him back to wherever he came from. I can’t put him in any danger.
Amethyst: But-
Orcborn: That’s final!
The orcborn returns to his room. A bitter sting of disappointment spreads across Zed’s face. Amethyst hangs her head and sighs.
Amethyst’s thoughts: I must convince him to let Zed stay…it is crucial to our quest…and to Zed’s...
***
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***
- Spoiler:
- Scene 6: The Name Pending Tavern: Evening
The orcborn stands outside the tavern, watching the sun set. Amethyst steps outside and walks over to him.
Orcborn: How’s the kid doing?
Amethyst: I know not. He has yet to leave his room.
Orcborn: What’s he been doing all this time?
Amethyst: He is practising magic so he can be skilled enough to become an adventurer one day.
Orcborn: He’s got spirit, I’ll give him that.
Amethyst: Indeed.
Orcborn: But spirit alone isn’t enough for the life of an adventurer.
Amethyst: He is a naturally-gifted mage.
Orcborn: And that‘s a good thing, right?
Amethyst: I shall attempt to clarify. Most people who aspire to be mages must study for decades in order to master their craft. It takes skill and precision for us to even cast a basic spell before we master the arcane.
Orcborn: So how is Zed different?
Amethyst: Zed is one of the rare few who uses magic naturally, without needing to spend hours memorising spells from a book. I tested his use of magic missile yesterday and his accuracy was surprising. It is imperative that-
Orcborn: If you’re trying to change my mind…
Amethyst: Need I remind you that we are both leaders of this expedition?
Orcborn: I was going to say, “If you’re trying to change my mind, it’s working“. I’m still a little unsure about this…
Amethyst: The crystal responded to his touch.
Orcborn: It did?
Amethyst: It glowed the brightest shade of cyan the moment he put it around his neck.
Orcborn: You sure it wasn’t just a coincidence?
Amethyst: The crystals never make mistakes.
The orcborn thinks to himself, then sighs.
Orcborn: Alright, I’ll give the kid a chance.
Amethyst: Excellent. He will be pleased to hear the news.
Amethyst turns and starts to walk back to the door. She stops and turns around to face the orcborn again.
Amethyst: You refer to him as “kid”. You do realise that you are younger than him, do you not?
Orcborn: By adventuring standards, he’s a fledgling.
Amethyst: True.
Amethyst turns around and enters the tavern.
Orcborn: Well, I guess I’ll tell him he can stay then…
The orcborn turns and enters the tavern.
Scene 7: The Name Pending Tavern: Early Morning
Zed opens his room door and steps into the den. Amethyst is studying her spellbook in preparation for the day. She stops reading and looks up at Zed, smiling.
Amethyst: Good morning, Zed.
Zed: Good morning!
Amethyst: Well, you seem cheerful!
Zed: Your friend told me I could stay in the party!
Amethyst smiles.
Amethyst: That is good! I assume you slept well, then?
Zed: Yep, much better than usual. I had the dream again, but it’s starting to make more sense. I tried trancing before going to bed, just to see if it would help.
Amethyst: Did it have any effect?
Zed: Well, I had better control of my dream. This time I held off casting light during the ice room bit.
Amethyst: What did you see?
Zed: I saw five people at the opposite end, but it was so dark that I couldn’t make out what they looked like. They just stood there, not moving or making a sound. Then a silver dragon appeared above us and landed in front of me facing them. It roared, and the person in the middle turned into a white dragon and attacked it. They fought for what seemed like hours, although it was only mere moments. Then the white dragon grew to a massive size, and that’s when I cast Light again.
Amethyst: Perhaps next time you should let the white dragon continue to grow. There is obviously some significance.
Zed: I guess so. Oh yeah…and I dreamed about this weird glowing orb that moved back and forth, shifting between shades of blue. Is that weird?
Amethyst: Dreams can be unusual. Now come. We must eat a good breakfast in preparation for the day.
The orcborn climbs up the stairs.
Orcborn: Come on, you two. Time for breakfast.
Amethyst: We will be down momentarily.
Orcborn: Okay.
The orcborn turns and climbs back down. Amethyst heads for the stairs, with Zed following behind.
Scene 8: En Route to Silveria City: Morning
The party walks along a forested path heading in the direction of Silveria City. Zed speaks to the orcborn.
Zed: Thank you for giving me a chance.
Orcborn: Amethyst says you’re great, so that’s good enough for me. Just be careful.
Zed: I will.
The orcborn smiles.
Orcborn: So you really have no idea where you came from?
Zed: That’s right. My past is a complete blank.
Orcborn: Maybe you’re from another continent.
Zed: You think so?
Orcborn: Well yes. Your accent’s definitely not Ornoposian.
Zed: Really?
Orcborn: Yeah! As for me, I was raised in Coppelia by my father. My best friend was a koble named Knight.
Zed: I’m sorry, what’s a koble?
Bryn: You’re joking, right?
Zed: Nope, I’m serious.
Bryn: Well, they‘re reptilian people who are about the height of a bolgard.
Zed: Bolgard?
Bryn: Wow, you really can’t remember who you are, can you?
Amethyst: One of Zed’s primary goals is to learn about his past.
Brocc: I could try to help him remember with a bardic song.
Bryn: No! No singing! The last time you sung, your cat ran away for days!
Brocc: She didn’t run away! I sent her to scout for the next town.
Bryn: And did she find it?
Brocc: Well…she found somebody’s camp.
Bryn: A camp of gobbos, if I’m not mistaken? And she led them right to us.
Brocc: Well, I won’t make that mistake again, okay?
Bryn: Oh? Then where is your precious familiar right now?
Brocc: Uh…scouting ahead.
Bryn: My point.
Thobrun: Come on, you two. You should stop your bickering for once.
Zed: Is that your cat?
An orange tabby cat walks up to the team.
Brocc: Tabby! You’re back! What did you find?
Tabby meows. A look of dread spreads across Brocc’s face.
Brocc: Uh, there’s a group of scary looking thugs at the bridge.
Emily: They were not there two days ago. What business do they have with the bridge?
Bryn: That answer your question, Emmy?
Bryn points to a sign with the words “TOLL RODE” crudely written in black paint.
Thobrun: Oh, great. Barbarians.
Orcborn: Be realistic, Thobrun. No barbarian can write that well!
Emily: This is bad. Very bad.
Brocc: Emily, settle down. You’re scaring Zed.
Zed: Actually, I’m not-
Brocc: Don’t worry, my friend! There’s no need to be af-fr-fraid…
Brocc’s teeth begin to chatter.
Orcborn: Just relax. We’ve been in worse situations before.
Bryn: Name one time.
Orcborn: Gobbo siege of that village two weeks ago.
Bryn: Okay, I guess that was slightly worse…
Emily: I needed to heal a quarter of the villagers.
Bryn: Whatever. The point is that barbarians are mindless, savage-
Orcborn: Bryn, shut it! We’re here.
Bryn looks up at the barbarian guarding the bridge.
Bryn: Oh…heheh…hello!
Barbarian: The toll is 5 gold each for you to cross. So…one, two, four, five, six, eight, twelve…32 gold total.
Bryn’s thoughts: And here’s the result of today’s education system…
Orcborn: We’re not paying.
Bryn: What?!
Orcborn: Why should we pay to cross a bridge that’s free for us to cross any other time?
Barbarian: Because my club says you’re giving us gold.
Orcborn: Well my sword says otherwise.
Bryn: Now come on, be reasonable!
Orcborn: I am being reasonable, Bryn.
Barbarian: Look, just pay us the money and nobody gets hurt!
Orcborn: Can you even spell “money“?
Barbarian: M…un…e?
Orcborn: Wrong answer.
Barbarian: I AM NOT UNLITERATE! Fellas, get over here and teach these guys how to spell pain!
Orcborn: P-A-I-N!
Barbarian: RRRRRRRRAWRRRRRRRR!!
The barbarian rushes towards the orcborn and swings his club at him. The orcborn bends backwards, unsheathes his sword and slashes the barbarian’s pectoral muscle. The barbarian roars and swings his club at the orcborn, who blocks the club with his sword.
Orcborn: All of you! Get Zed to safety!
Bryn: Uh, that’s going to be a problem, fearless leader.
Four barbarians approach the group from behind.
Barbarian #2: Where do you think you’re going?
Bryn: Uh, we were just going to head back to the tavern and have a nice relaxing bath!
Barbarian #3: Nobody’s going anywhere till we’ve dealt with your leader.
Amethyst points her staff at the other barbarians.
Amethyst: “Hypnotism!”
A wave of purple light engulfs the barbarians, leaving them dazed and confused. She turns to face the barbarian leader, who is still pushing his club against the orcborn’s sword. The barbarian bellows and pushes the orcborn towards the edge of the cliff. The orcborn regains his balance, but is cornered with nowhere else to go.
Barbarian Leader: That river’s moving mighty fast. Might we be near a W-O-H-T-A-F-O-H-L?
Orcborn: A what?
Barbarian Leader: A WATERFALL!
The other barbarians regain their senses and join their leader in surrounding the orcborn.
Barbarian #4: I hope you can swim…and survive a two-foot plunge down a waterfall!
Bryn: Two feet? Could you BE any thicker?!
Amethyst: This is bad! We cannot attack them all at once!
Emily: But if we fail to do something he will be thrust into the river anyway!
Barbarian Leader: Say my regards to your ancestors for me!
The barbarian leader raises his club. Zed suddenly steps forward, pulls out his wand and points it at the barbarians.
Zed: STOP!
The barbarians turn around to face Zed. They take one look at his wand and start laughing.
Barbarian #5: What can you do with that thing? Poke our ribcages?
Barbarian #4: Look, he thinks he’s a big tough man with his tiny sword!
Barbarian Leader: Put your stick away, little boy. Grown-ups are talking.
Barbarian #2: Yeah, there’s nothing you can-
Zed’s eyes begin to glow with cyan light.
Barbarian Leader: What the-
Zed: “SLEEP!”
As Zed’s word echoes, a wave pulses from the tip of his wand, engulfing the barbarians in a pale blue light. They collapse to the ground in a deep slumber. Zed’s eyes return to normal.
***
We cut to another place, where a mysterious figure in a dark robe and breather looks up.
Dark-Robed Guy: The awakening…it has begun...
***
We cut back to the bridge. The other Crystalbound stare at Zed, dumbfounded.
Orcborn: What the…?!
Thobrun: How did you do that, lad?!
Bryn: I thought you were just an apprentice!
Amethyst: As I said to you all, Zed is a natural mage.
Brocc’s thoughts: Wow, he’s even more powerful than I thought he’d be!
The orcborn steps over the barbarians and walks over to the party.
Orcborn: I guess Amethyst was right. You have talent.
The orcborn sheaths his sword and holds out his right hand. Zed grabs it and clenches. The two men release their grips.
Orcborn: Thank you for helping me.
Zed: No problem.
Orcborn: I just realised I haven’t told you my name yet. Mak Clay, warrior. And I’m happy to have you on board, buddy.
Zed: Thank you.
A woman’s voice echoes from the other side of the bridge.
Voice: Are you alright over there?
Mak: We could use some help with these barbarians over here.
Voice: We will be right over.
Bryn: We?
Four male humans, two with rounded ears and two with ears like Emily’s, and a female human with ears like Emily’s, cross the bridge. They are wearing silver armour and helmets. The female human walks over to Mak.
Woman: Cynthia Meadows, guard-captain of Silveria City.
Cynthia looks down at the unconscious barbarians.
Cynthia: Ah, I see you succeeded in apprehending the thugs. Come. We will escort you to Silveria City to organise payment for your assistance.
Scene 9: En Route to Silveria City: Early Afternoon
The party travels with the guards across a well-worn road through an open plain. The barbarians are linked together by iron chains.
Cynthia: These thugs have been causing trouble in the region for weeks.
Amethyst: Did nobody attempt to apprehend them?
Cynthia: Most people who could help were preoccupied with other quests. The few who remained were overly cautious and chose not to assist.
Mak: Well, what was the bounty on these guys?
Zed takes a mouthful of water from his waterskin.
Cynthia: 2499 gold.
Zed turns his head and spits out the water.
Mak: I’m surprised nobody wanted the bounty.
Cynthia: Well, considering you assisted us with no desire to claim any reward money for their capture, as well as the level of skill involved…
Zed takes another mouthful of water.
Cynthia: … I am obliged to double the reward.
Zed turns his head and spits out the water again.
Bryn: Careful there, Zeddy, or you’ll have no water left till we reach the city!
Zed takes a third mouthful of water.
Cynthia: That is it over there. We should arrive within the hour.
Zed takes one look at the giant citadel and spits out his water again.
Zed: That place is huge!
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: It appears even bigger once you enter.
Bryn: Oh, you’re going to love it, Zed! It’s wall-to-wall shops, taverns and entertainment!
Emily: We must visit the Temple of Marilina when we enter.
Thobrun: And the Temple of Alistair.
Bryn: And a nightclub!
Mak: There’s plenty of time to explore the city once we sort out these gentlemen.
The barbarian leader spits at Mak.
Mak: Looks like Zed’s a bigger man than this guy after all!
Everybody laughs as they continue to head towards Silveria City.
Scene 10: Unknown Location: Unknown Time
The mysterious man who spied on Zed and Amethyst in The Budding Alchemist walks along a narrow blue carpet in a gigantic icy room up to a glass throne. He has tanned skin and a buzz-cut, and is wearing brown hide armour marked with black stripes. He kneels and looks up at the female figure sitting in the throne.
Man: I bring news, Mistress. The elf known as Amethyst has given the Azure Crystal to a young wizard named Zed.
Figure: So, the crystals have all found their owners. Trenton, I am sending you and Kara to retrieve Amethyst and her companions. Bring them to me.
Trent: It will be done, Mistress.
Figure: And Trenton? I want them alive. Is that understood?
Trent: Yes, Mistress.
The figure’s blue lipstick-covered lips twist into an evil smile.
Figure: Good.
***
End Credits
***
- on January 25th 2017, 3:33 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3873
Crystals of Silveria Remastered - A Series by GeekyGamerZack
Welcome, fans and fans-to-be, to Crystals of Silveria Remastered, the official first season of the Chromaicora Adventures! Whether you're new to the tales of Zed Starmute and the Crystalbound or you've read every episode of the original to the point that you can recite every scene from memory, rest assured that this is the definitive experience, with every episode revised and brought up to speed with more recent projects, and new and exciting plot details added which expand the story.Without further ado, I present the very first episode of Crystals Remastered, The Seventh Crystal. Let the tale commence!
***
Episode 1: The Seventh Crystal, Part I
- ”Synopsis”:
- During what seems like just another day at work, a young man named Zed encounters a mysterious elven mage who wishes to take him on as her apprentice. But there’s more to Amethyst’s request than training a budding spellcaster: she believes that Zed is the seventh member of her team, each member of whom is entrusted with a mysterious crystal of unknown origin and significance. Will he accept the elf’s offer?
Cast
Zed Starmute - A young man with a knack for the arcane and little knowledge of the world outside his secluded community.
Amethyst Moondew – A 150-year-old elven mage who dragged her companions all the way to the faraway town to find Zed, she owns the Magenta Crystal.
Let the tale commence!
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Zed’s House: Early Morning
The sun rises over a secluded township in the middle of a vast green plain, the citizens slowly awakening one-by-one and preparing for their day. Shops filled with all sorts of wares open their doors; bakers begin baking bread, cakes and other tasty treats; the owners of The Naked Drake tavern prepare the daily breakfast specials. In a small house on the outskirts of town, a young man is in a restless slumber, tossing and turning. His eyes suddenly fly open and he sits up in his bed.
Young man’s thoughts: Whoa, those dreams are getting even more intense than usual.
The young man swings his legs around to the side of his bed, placing his feet gently on the floor. He stands up and walks over to his wardrobe, pulling out a white long-sleeved shirt and brown pants. He pulls the shirt over his head, pushing his arms through both sleeves. He then sits back on his bed, pushing his legs through the pants, then he stands up and pulls them over his waist, zipping up the zipper and securing the button. He then sits down once again and pulls a pair of clean socks from his drawer, separating them and pulling them over his feet. Finally, he grabs a pair of tall brown boots, checking them for bugs before pulling them onto his feet. He stands up and walks into his washroom. He gazes into his mirror, opening his mouth and biting onto his hand. The man’s hand glows with a bright blue light, illuminating his entire mouth for a moment before dissipating. He turns on a tap and rinses a cup, then fills it with water. He takes a mouthful and sloshes it around, spitting it into the sink. He then empties the cup and turns off the tap.
Young man: There! A clean mouth for a fresh new day.
The man thinks to himself, then realises something.
Young man: Oh, my hair!
The man holds his hand over his forehead. His hand glows. As he moves it upward, his messy, bright red hair spikes vertically. He moves his hand away, and it stops glowing.
Young man: Right. Breakfast.
The young man heads downstairs, grabs a banana from his fruit bowl and eats it. He discards the peel in the compost box, then washes his hands and dries them. He picks up a pair of brown gauntlets and puts them on, then he makes his way to the door and grabs his brown sleeveless jacket. He puts it on and does up the buttons. He then opens the door and steps through it, closing it behind him. Finally, he locks the door with his key. As he turns around a bouncy ball lands next to his foot. He looks at the ball, then at the two boys running towards him.
Boy #1: Good morning, Mr. Zed!
Zed: Good morning! How are you?
Boy #1: Very good!
Boy #2: It’s my birthday today!
Zed: Ah, and this must be your present.
Boy #2: Yes it is!
Boy #1: Will you kick it over please, sir?
Zed: Sure.
Zed kicks the ball to the boys. The second one grabs it.
Boy #2: Thanks, Mr. Zed!
Zed: No problem.
Boy #1: Are you going to work then?
Zed: Yep.
Boy #1: Okay then.
Zed: Enjoy your birthday!
Boy #2: I will, Mr. Zed!
The boys run off with the ball. Zed smiles and shakes his head slightly, then makes his way into town.
***
Crystals of Silveria Remastered: A Chromaicora Adventure
***
Scene 2: Town Square: Morning
Zed makes his way through the town square. Already, people are milling about, ready to do some early morning shopping. Zed walks up to a crowd of people who are gathered around a travelling entertainer. He breathes a jet of flame through his mouth and the crowd claps. Some people deposit copper and silver pieces into a hat, which is on the ground next to the man. Zed deposits two gold pieces into the man’s hat. The man faces Zed and does a gentlemanly bow. He then picks up three balls and begins to juggle. The crowd claps and cheers as Zed makes his way to Taylor’s Treasures. A bell jingles as Zed opens the door and walks inside, closing the door behind him. The shop’s shelves are lined with various trinkets and wondrous items. A middle-aged woman with glasses heads downstairs into the small shop.
Zed: Good morning, Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, good morning, young Zed. Here bright an’ early for work, are you?
Zed: I sure am.
Mrs. Taylor: That’s grand. How was your night, lad?
Zed: I had another weird dream. I kinda figure it might have something to do with my past.
Mrs. Taylor: Well, they say that dreams are the gateway to another world. Maybe your past has fled to it.
Zed laughs.
Zed: You never know, I guess.
Zed looks around the shop.
Zed: So, what am I doing today?
Mrs. Taylor: Inventory. I’m just waitin’ for the delivery man to arrive. He’s late again!
The bell jingles as the door opens. The delivery man walks in.
Deliveryman: Mornin’, Mrs. Taylor!
Mrs. Taylor: Mornin’, Mr. Deliveryman. What have you got for us today?
Deliveryman: Three big boxes o’ wondrous items for ya.
Mrs. Taylor: Oh, grand. Just leave ‘em next to the counter.
Deliveryman: Will do, Mrs. Taylor.
The deliveryman unloads the boxes next to the counter. He heads backward towards the door, opening it. The bell jingles as he retreats backwards through it.
Deliveryman: Have a good day, you two!
Mrs. Taylor: Will do.
Zed: You too.
The door closes. Zed picks up the smallest box, places it onto the counter and opens it with a small knife.
Zed: Are these bags of holding?!
Mrs. Taylor: Aye, they are, lad. They can hold many times more items than meets the eye. Perfect for the travelling adventurer.
Zed: Awesome!
Mrs. Taylor: Right, I’d like you to put ‘em on display in the shop window. Try to make ‘em look enticing for anybody who might want to buy one.
Zed: We haven’t seen any adventurers in here for months. Do you think we’ll be able to sell them?
Mrs. Taylor: Oh, I hope so. Adventurers may not often come here, but when they do, we need to be prepared.
Zed nods.
Zed’s thoughts: I wonder what it’d be like to be an adventurer…
Scene 3: Outside Zed’s House: Early Afternoon
A young elf woman with long brown hair, purple eyes and a purple robe enters town. She is carrying a silver staff, its only feature being a purple orb at one end, which is partly-engulfed by a finely-sculpted dragon. She makes her way over to the two boys, still playing with their ball.
Young woman: Good morning, boys.
The boys look at the young woman, and an expression of surprise spreads across their faces.
Boy #1: Flip! It’s an elf!
Boy #2: I heard that the long ears of the elves can hear the voices of the faeries!
Boy #1: Wow, is that true miss?!
The young woman giggles.
Young woman: Well, I hear that children can hear the faeries’ voices…if they listen hard enough.
Boy #2: Wow! That’s incredible!
Young woman: I was wondering if you would be kind enough to assist me.
Boy #1: Of course! We’ll help however we can!
Young woman: I’m looking for the young man who lives in that house.
The young woman points the orb end of her staff at Zed’s house.
Boy #1: Oh, you mean Mr. Zed! He’s at work right now.
Boy #2: I think he works in a shop called Taylor’s Trinkets.
Young woman: Many thanks. You have been most helpful.
The young woman bows gracefully, then makes her way into town. The boys turn to each other with excitement.
Boy #2: Children can hear the voices of faeries!
Boy #1: I’m going to listen to a faery first!
Boy #2: No, it’s my birthday, so I’m going to hear one first!
Scene 4: Town Square: Early Afternoon
The young woman makes her way to the entertainer, a crowd of people still gathered around him. He performs a small dance, then stops and raises his arms into the air. As he does so, two jets of confetti seem to burst through the ground next to him straight into the air. The young woman is amused by the entertainer’s illusion and deposits five gold pieces into his hat. The man looks into his hat, a big smile on his face, before he sings and dances excitedly. The crowd laughs as the young woman makes her way to the shop. She stops and checks the sign.
Young woman: Taylor’s Treasures…I am sure this must be the shop to which those boys were referring.
The young woman enters the shop, the little bell jingling as she opens and closes the door. Mrs. Taylor greets her with a smile.
Mrs. Taylor: Welcome to my humble shop, lass. If there’s anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask.
Young woman: Actually, I was wondering if you could assist me with locating an employee of yours. Somebody named “Mr. Zed“, I believe.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, Zed. One of my most dedicated staff members. I’m sorry, lass, but he’s out having lunch right now.
Young woman: Ah, I see. When he returns, would you please be so kind as to ask him to meet me in The Naked Drake?
Mrs. Taylor: The tavern? Oh, he never sets foot in there, lass. Don’t ask me why. I suppose I could pass on the message though.
Young woman: Many thanks to you, ma’am. My name is Amethyst, by the way.
Mrs. Taylor: A pleasure. I’ll pass on your message, don’t you worry.
Amethyst: Again, many thanks to you.
Amethyst bows gracefully to Mrs. Taylor, then leaves the shop, the bell jingling as she exits. Mrs. Taylor laughs.
Mrs. Taylor: The Naked Drake…I wonder how they came up with that name.
Mrs. Taylor begins to sweep the floor with a broom.
Scene 5: Taylor’s Treasures: Early Afternoon
Zed enters the shop, the little bell jingling as he opens and closes the door.
Zed: I’m back, Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, Zed. There was a young lass in ‘ere earlier asking for you.
Zed: M-me?
Mrs. Taylor: Aye, lad. She seemed very eager to meet you.
Zed: Well that’s odd. Do you know who it was?
Mrs. Taylor: I’m not sure. All she said was to look for Amethyst at The Naked Drake.
Zed: The tavern? I don’t go in there.
Mrs. Taylor: I know, lad. She seemed sure you’d go, though.
Zed: Well, I guess I could take a look in there.
Mrs. Taylor: You do what you feel is right, lad.
Zed: Okay, I’ll go there first thing after work.
Mrs. Taylor: Well then, I think that’ll do for your shift today.
Zed: What? But I still have work to do!
Mrs. Taylor: Come now, lad. You do a lot for me. Take the afternoon off. You won’t lose pay for it.
Zed: I’m not concerned about the money. I am curious to know what that girl wants with me, though.
Mrs. Taylor: Very well. I’ll see you next week, then.
Zed: Okay. Have a good day.
Mrs. Taylor: To you as well, lad.
Zed exits the shop, the little bell jingling as he does so.
Scene 6: The Naked Drake: Afternoon
Zed walks inside the tavern. It is practically deserted, save for a couple of individuals at different tables.
Zed’s thoughts: Huh. This place isn’t so bad.
Zed walks up to the bartender behind the counter.
Bartender: Welcome to The Naked Drake. I am Warren, co-owner of this tavern. Is there anything I can get you, sir?
Zed: Uh, no thanks. I’m looking for someone named Amethyst.
Warren: Ah, you must be Zed. Amethyst is at the table just there.
Warren points to the table nearest the counter. Amethyst is seated, her staff laid out across the tabletop.
Zed: Thanks. Have a good day.
Warren: If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Zed: No problem.
Zed walks over to Amethyst. Amethyst looks up at Zed, then stands up.
Amethyst: You must be Zed.
Zed: How did you guess?
Amethyst: You’re the first person to walk up to me today, so naturally I assumed that you are the one for whom I am searching.
Zed: It’s nice to meet you.
Amethyst: To you as well. My name is Amethyst Moondew, elven mage. You…are much taller than I thought you would be. Taller than most humans I have met.
Zed: A neighbour of mine calls me “the gentle giant“.
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: I knew I would like you. Come, we must practice.
Amethyst picks up her staff and starts to head towards the door.
Zed: Practice what?
Amethyst stops and turns to face Zed, a smile on her face.
Amethyst: Your magic, of course!
Amethyst turns back and once again heads for the door.
Zed: How did you know I could use magic?
Zed starts to follow Amethyst.
Scene 7: Meadow: Afternoon
Zed and Amethyst walk to the top of a hill covered in short, green grass.
Amethyst: Okay, here we are.
Zed: This is the meadow near my house.
Amethyst: It is the perfect place to test your abilities.
Zed: I should let you know, I’m not the best at using magic.
Amethyst: Everybody is inexperienced at first. With time, your abilities will develop.
Amethyst holds up her staff. A glowing purple orb appears in mid-air ten feet in front of Zed.
Amethyst: Would you please demonstrate your use of magic missile?
Zed: Uh, okay. I’m a bit rusty, but here goes.
Zed raises his right hand, aiming it at the orb.
Zed: “Magic Missile!”
A small bright-blue marble flies from Zed’s hand, striking the orb right in the centre. Both the marble and orb disappear in a flash of light.
Amethyst: A perfect hit! Well done!
Zed: I don’t know how I did that!
Amethyst: Okay, now for something trickier.
Amethyst holds up her staff again. Another purple orb appears ten feet in front of Zed, except this one moves slowly back and forth from left to right.
Zed: Okay, here I go.
Zed holds up his right hand, aiming it in front of him. Zed focuses on the path of the orb.
Zed: “Magic Missile!”
Another blue marble flies from Zed’s outstretched hand, striking the orb in the middle and causing them both to disappear in a flash of light.
Amethyst: Impressive! Another perfect hit!
Zed: I’m not even very familiar with magic missile!
Amethyst: Shall we try one last test?
Zed: Well…okay then.
Amethyst: Very well.
Amethyst holds up her staff again. A third orb appears ten feet in front of Zed, moving slowly clockwise in a perfect circle. Zed stretches out his hand, focusing on the orb’s path.
Zed: “Magic Missile!”
A blue marble flies from Zed’s hand, striking the top-left of the orb. The orb falls to the ground, disappearing in a flash of light as it makes contact.
Amethyst: Not as perfect, but still a hit. I’m impressed.
Zed: Thank you.
Amethyst: I have a gift for you.
Zed: A gift? For me?
Amethyst reaches into her satchel, pulling out a wooden box with a silver clasp. She undoes the clasp, swinging the box open so that Zed can gaze upon the contents. Inside the box are seven alcoves, with one of the alcoves containing a triangular, cyan-coloured crystal.
Amethyst: This box contains the seventh in a set of crystals. My allies and I have each of our lives entwined with one of the crystals. It is my assumption that you are to be the owner of this one, the Azure Crystal.
Zed: Me? Are you sure?
Amethyst: There is only one way for me to truly be sure.
Zed: I don’t know…I don’t really see myself as being very special.
Amethyst smiles.
Amethyst: The crystal will tell you if you’re special.
Zed: Really?
Amethyst: The crystals select their owners. They see the truth of their owners’ potential. Clutch it. We will know if it is meant to be.
Zed steps forward. He reaches out his hand and picks up the crystal. As he opens his hand, the crystal’s centre glows with a bright light.
Zed: Whoa…that is awesome!
Amethyst: It seems as though your potential is greater than you realised.
Zed watches as the crystal’s light fades slightly, still glowing dimly in its centre.
Amethyst: This crystal is meant for you, Zed. When you wear it, you will form an eternal bond with it.
Zed: Like this?
Zed places the crystal around his neck. The light within its centre shines bright enough to illuminate the immediate area, before returning to a low level of constant light within the centre.
Amethyst: It would make me so happy for you to become my apprentice. Together with my allies and I, you may see the wonders of this land, and beyond. I could train you to master your talent.
Zed: I…I don’t know what to say.
Amethyst: Would you like to become an adventurer?
Zed thinks to himself briefly.
Zed’s thoughts: Maybe by adventuring, I can figure out who I truly am.
Zed: Okay, I’ll do it!
***
Commercial: Are you an adventurer who’s just come to town? Then stop by Taylor’s Treasures! We have everything for the budding traveller from adventuring gear to wondrous items and everything in between. We have the cheapest bags of holding in the region - never lose your most valuable items again…for less! Taylor’s Treasures, just around the corner from The Naked Drake!
***
- Spoiler:
- Scene 8: Zed’s House: Late Night
Zed lies in his bed, his covers pulled up to his chest. His arms lie across his pillow. An orb of light is suspended above him, illuminating the room.
Zed’s thoughts: I can hardly believe it. Soon I’ll be leaving to go on an adventure. I have no idea what I’ll be able to do, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it.
Zed reaches across to his bedside table, picking up the crystal.
Zed’s thoughts: Amethyst said I have a permanent link with this thing, but I’m still not sure what it’s for. Maybe it’s meant to give me some sort of powers, or increase my arcane abilities.
Zed places the crystal back onto his bedside table.
Zed’s thoughts: I’ll ask Amethyst in the morning.
The orb of light dispels. Zed pulls his arms under his covers and turns onto his right side. He soon drifts into a shallow sleep.
***
Zed walks through a mysterious forest.
Zed: Hello?! Is anybody here?!
Almost immediately, the temperature drops. Zed’s breaths become visible as frost encrusts all of the trees.
Zed: This is bad! It’s not even close to winter!
Dwarf: It’s the Winter Festival, lad! Time for us to get drunk!
Zed: Who are you?
Dwarf: Why, it’s me, D. Wharf! The lovable rogue!
Zed: Uh…okay.
Dwarf: Say, that’s a pretty necklace. A pretty necklace for a pretty lass!
Zed: Uh, this is a special artefact. And I’m a guy, not a girl!
Dwarf: Of course you are, little boy!
Zed: What did you call me?!
A wall of water whirls around Zed, freezing solid. The walls stretch out, leaving Zed in a dark, icy room.
Zed: What’s going on?! This isn’t funny!
An evil cackle fills the room, echoing off the walls. Zed suddenly raises his hand in the air.
Zed: “LIGHT!”
Bright light quickly fills the room.
***
Zed suddenly awakens and sits up, breathing heavily.
Zed: That dream again…
Scene 9: Zed’s House: Early Morning
Zed sits in a chair, playing a wooden recorder. A knock sounds on his door. He splits the recorder in two, places the pieces into his pocket, then stands up and walks over to the door, opening it. Amethyst is standing there.
Zed: Oh…uh…good morning.
Amethyst: Good morning. Are you rested and ready for today?
Zed: I did my best, I guess.
Amethyst: That is good to hear. Come. We must make preparations for our journey.
Zed: Okay, I just need to get some things first.
Amethyst: Please take your time.
Zed: Okay, be right back!
Zed closes his door. A few moments later he opens it, stepping through and closing it behind him. He locks the door with his key.
Zed: Okay, I’m ready.
Amethyst: Excellent. Let us head into town to purchase supplies.
Zed: No problem.
Scene 10: Town Square: Morning
Zed and Amethyst walk up to a shop door. The sign above it reads Silver Buckle Clothing.
Amethyst: First, we must purchase a new outfit for you to wear.
Zed: I don’t know, this place looks expensive.
Amethyst: Never fear, Zed. A good quality outfit is just what you need.
Zed: I guess so…
Zed and Amethyst enter the shop. A well-dressed gentleman greets them from behind the counter.
Gentleman: Welcome to Silver Buckle Clothing! I am Eduardo, your guide to the world of chic fashion. How may I help you today?
Amethyst: My apprentice is in need of a new outfit.
Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit.
Eduardo: Oh yes…I see what you mean. Hm…now, what sort of apprentice is he? Knight’s apprentice, mage’s apprentice…?
Amethyst: A mage’s apprentice.
Eduardo: Of course! I might have guessed from your lovely violet tunic! It simply screams modern elven mage! And it matches your eyes perfectly! Ooh, and I just love the sash!
Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit some more.
Eduardo: Hm…we need to update your look. The whole brown-on-white thing is too archaic. Today’s young mage needs to wear something more modern and vibrant. Hm…okay, I see you wearing something…azure.
Zed: Azure’s my favourite colour.
Eduardo: Ah! I knew it! Eduardo, you are a genius!
Eduardo looks around. He plucks a pale blue shirt from a clothes rack, giving it to Zed.
Eduardo: This would make the perfect base for your outfit.
Eduardo then plucks a pair of blue pants from another clothes rack.
Eduardo: And this will add a pleasant contrast to it. Now, into the change room you go!
Eduardo motions Zed into the change room. Zed turns around.
Zed: I don’t know about this…it seems expensive.
Eduardo: Don’t worry about price! A good outfit is an expensive outfit!
Eduardo closes the curtain on the change room.
Zed: Ooh, comfy! And it fits really well!
Eduardo: You doubt my talents for choosing an outfit?
Zed: No no no, this is great!
Zed opens the curtain. Eduardo nods with his bottom lip protruding.
Eduardo: A great improvement. I think we’ll stick with your previous look, but with modern designs and more blue. Wait here while I get your leathers.
Eduardo walks into another room.
Zed: Leathers? Aren’t they…bulky?
Amethyst: Leather armour is bulky. Leather clothing is lightweight and flexible.
Zed: Ah, good. I read that mages need mobility when casting spells.
Amethyst: My curiosity has piqued. How talented are you with casting spells?
Zed: Well, I’ve always been good at cantrips, and I can do some evocations pretty well. I’ve also learned to do a bit of other magic as well.
Eduardo returns carrying some boxes.
Eduardo: I checked your old boots for size and picked out the perfect pair for you. Try these on.
Eduardo hands a box to Zed. Zed sits down, opens the box and puts on the boots, which are made of dark blue leather. Zed stands up and takes a few steps.
Zed: These are so comfy.
Eduardo: And here are the matching gauntlets.
Eduardo hands another box to Zed. Zed opens the box, removing a pair of gauntlet gloves made of thin, dark blue leather. He pulls them on and flexes his fingers and wrist.
Zed: These are better than my old gauntlets. They mould right to my hand!
Eduardo: I also have a belt…
Eduardo hands a black belt with a silver buckle to Zed.
Eduardo: …and a vest.
Eduardo hands an azure leather sleeveless jacket to Zed. Zed equips himself with the belt, attaching it to the buckle, then he puts on the jacket and does up the buttons.
Zed: This is awesome!
Amethyst: I think we have found a perfect outfit for you, Zed.
Eduardo: No.
Amethyst: No?
Eduardo: No. It is not yet perfect. It needs a certain…oomph that says modern mage’s apprentice.
Zed: Like a robe or cloak?
Eduardo: I think something more your age category would be better…oh! Wait here!
Eduardo walks away, plucking a folded piece of clothing from a shelf. He walk back and hands it to Zed. Zed unfurls it and puts it on.
Zed: A cape?!
Eduardo: Oh, yes. All the young mages in Silveria wear capes. It’s fast becoming the latest fashion trend.
Zed: Well, I guess this outfit is good. But…how much will it cost?
Eduardo: For you, I’ll give you a special deal. Just 7 gold pieces!
Zed: Well…I guess it is for my new role as an adventurer…
Zed reaches for his coin sack.
Amethyst: Wait, Zed! I will pay for your outfit.
Zed: Are you sure?
Amethyst: Of course. A mage’s duty is to pay for her apprentice’s starting equipment.
Amethyst hands 7 gold pieces to Eduardo.
Eduardo: Thank you very much! I trust you are happy with your new look?
Zed: I sure am. Thank you!
Scene 11: Street: Morning
Zed and Amethyst walk down a street.
Zed: Thank you for buying my new clothes.
Amethyst: It is my pleasure, Zed. Now, we need to buy you the most important piece of equipment for any mage.
Zed: An implement?
Amethyst: Indeed.
Zed: I know just the place: The Budding Alchemist! Mr. Newt will have just the implement I need!
Amethyst’s thoughts: Newt…? Could it be…?!
Zed leads Amethyst to another door. The sign above the door reads The Budding Alchemist. Zed opens the door, motioning Amethyst to enter. Amethyst nods once and enters the building, followed by Zed. An elderly gentleman with a long white beard greets them.
Gentleman: Well, if it isn’t young Zed. Why, I haven’t seen you in here since the Astral Festival.
Zed: Sorry, Mr. Newt. I’ve been busy for the past couple of weeks.
Newt: How are your dreams?
Zed: Getting even weirder. I had the ice forest one again last night.
Newt: You’ve had that one more often in recent days, haven’t you?
Zed: Yep. It seemed even more real last night.
Newt: Well, I’m sure you will learn the secret behind it eventually.
Mr. Newt notices Amethyst.
Newt: I’ve been expecting you, Amethyst.
Amethyst’s thoughts: How did he…?
Amethyst: It is a pleasure, Mr. Newt. Please excuse my bluntness, but how did you know I would visit you?
Newt: Why, the lovely Mrs. Taylor mentioned you last night over a cup of tea.
Zed: News sure travels fast in this town.
Newt: Thank you so much for taking the time to instruct Zed in the art of magic. I would myself, but I’m too old. I’ll leave it up to the younger generation.
Zed: Remember when I first came in here?
Newt: Like it was yesterday. You picked up a book of cantrips out of curiosity.
Zed: I was interested in magic but thought I was too old to learn it.
Newt: Then you started to read the cover, and turned your hair blue!
Zed: It caught your attention, but I had no idea what was going on cause I couldn’t see the top of my own head!
Mr. Newt chuckles.
Newt: Oh, I laughed for two minutes. I finally managed to tell you that you are a naturally-gifted mage, but you were too busy panicking about your hair.
Zed: Good times…oh, that’s right! Mr. Newt, I was wondering if you could help me choose my implement.
Newt: Of course, lad. Do you know what kind of implement suits you best?
Zed: Hm…I’ve never given it much thought.
Newt: Might I suggest a wand? It’s portable and lightweight, and easy to equip in a pinch.
Zed: Sounds good.
Newt: The wands are right over here.
Mr. Newt leads Zed to a display containing a selection of wands.
Zed: How will I know which one is the right one for me?
Newt: You will know as soon as your eyes meet with it.
Zed looks around. He spots a silver wand adorned with a carving of a dragon at its far end. He walks over to it and picks it up. Almost immediately, a bright blue glow surrounds him. He reaches into his shirt and pulls out the crystal, which is also glowing with a bright blue light.
Newt: No…it cannot be!
The light dissipates. Mr. Newt walks over to Zed.
Newt: Zed! You did not tell me you had an artefact of the Silverian Empire!
Zed: The Silverian Empire?
Zed looks over at Amethyst.
Amethyst: I have not heard of such an empire.
Newt: Then there is much you both must learn. Come. We will discuss it further in my house.
The three people step out of the shop. A mysterious figure lurks in the shadows.
Figure: So it is true. I must tell my mistress at once.
The figure turns and steps back into the shadows.
To be Continued…
***
End Credits
***
- on January 24th 2017, 1:30 pm
- Search in: PlaystationWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Feature: Our Favorite New Games of 2016 (PS3 Edition)
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2174
Feature: Our Favorite New Games of 2016 (PS3 Edition)
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Stayin' Alive...
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To say that the PS3 has had remarkable longevity is an understatement, the system just keeps on going with hit after hit, admittedly the pacing slowed down significantly after Trails of Cold Steel II and Attack On Titan released in September. Still it was a decent year to be a PS3 owner!
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#3:The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel.
Yes, we know the game was released during the week of Christmas 2015 in North America, but that's close enough to 2016 in our opinions. The game is a fantastic turn-based JRPG with some rather unusual gameplay features.
Overall the game is good, but is WAY too slow and is for all-intents-and-purposes a prologue to part II. The game is still a great edition to any JRPG fan's library of games! Our review of the game will be released later this week so keep your eyes peeled for it!
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#2:Attack On Titan.
Few series in anime or video games are quite as frightening or disturbing as Attack On Titan and while the games are toned down compared to the highly graphic nature of the anime series, they're still plenty scary in their own right. The game is very action oriented and has you taking on 50+ foot giants using crazy acrobatics and a certain transformation of a main protagonist to even the odds out a bit. Overall if you like action-horror titles Attack On Titan should be right up your alley!
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#1: The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II.
The pacing of the story is far better and more consistent in this second volume of The Trails of Cold Steel mythos in The Legend of Heroes franchise. There's alot more action this time around and there is a shift of focus to actual war and freely traveling the world rather than school-life and linear field studies. These changes along with tweaks to the battle system make The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II our pick for the best PS3 title of 2016!
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What do you think of our favorite PS3 games of 2016? What would your choices be? As always be sure to let us know in our comment section below!
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#BestOf2016 #PS3 #PSN
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- on January 17th 2017, 2:58 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria Super-Shorts - by GamerZack87
- Replies: 58
- Views: 11034
Crystals of Silveria Super-Shorts - by GamerZack87
Abridged Crystals of Silveria: The Seventh Plot Device, Part ISPOILER WARNING! There are spoilers for those who have yet to read Crystals of Silveria! Read at your own risk!
- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Zed’s House: Early Morning
The sun rises over a secluded township in the middle of a vast green plain. In a small house on the outskirts of town, a young man is in a restless slumber, tossing and turning. His eyes suddenly fly open and he sits up in his bed.
Young man (thoughts): Whoa, I need to stop eating muddvak cheese before bed…
The young man, now dressed, walks into his washroom. He gazes into his mirror, opening his mouth and biting onto his hand. The man’s hand glows with a bright blue light, illuminating his entire mouth for a moment before dissipating. He turns on a tap and rinses a cup, then fills it with water. He takes a mouthful and sloshes it around, spitting it into the sink. He then empties the cup and turns off the tap.
Young man: Nothing like making your own magical toothpaste!
The man thinks to himself, then realises something.
Young man: Oh, this is an animé, so my hair is supposed to be spiky if I ever want to be a main character!
The man holds his hand over his forehead. His hand glows. As he moves it upward, his messy, bright red hair spikes vertically. He moves his hand away, and it stops glowing.
Young man: Okay, time to eat a banana that will taste like garbage due to me cleaning my teeth BEFORE eating!
The young man opens the front door and steps through it, closing it behind him. As he turns around a bouncy ball lands next to his foot. He looks at the ball, then at the two boys running towards him.
Boy #1: Good morning, Mr. Zed!
Zed: Good morning, Steve! How are you?
Boy #1: My name’s not Steve!
Boy #2: Good morning, Mr. Zed!
Zed: Oh, hi, Steve!
Boy #2: My name’s not Steve, either.
Boy #1: Can we have our ball back, please?
Zed: Sure thing, Steve!
Zed kicks the ball to the boys. The second one grabs it.
Boy #2: Thanks, Mr. Zed!
Zed: No problem, Steve!
Boy #1: My name’s not Steve! It’s Alfre-
Zed: Sorry, Steve, I can’t chat right now. I have to go to work.
Boy #1: Okay then…”Steve”!
Zed: Bye-bye!
Boy #2: Bye-bye, “Steve”!
The boys run off with the ball. Zed smiles and shakes his head slightly, then makes his way into town.
Zed’s thoughts: Wait…so…is my name actually Steve…?
Scene 2: Taylor’s Treasures: Morning
Zed makes his way to Taylor’s Treasures. A bell jingles as Zed opens the door and walks inside, closing the door behind him. A middle-aged woman with glasses heads downstairs into the small shop.
Zed: Good morning, Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, good morning, young Zed.
Zed looks around the shop.
Zed: So, I see the walls are still lemon meringue-coloured…
Mrs. Taylor: You skipped breakfast again, didn’t you? I keep telling you to eat first and THEN brush your teeth! Honestly, I had no trouble teaching that to my son, Ted!
Zed: Wait…so your son’s name ISN’T Steve?!
The bell jingles as the door opens. The delivery man walks in.
Deliveryman: Mornin’, Mrs. Taylor!
Mrs. Taylor: Mornin’, Mr. Deliveryman. What have you got for us today?
Deliveryman: Three big boxes o’ wondrous junk for ya.
Mrs. Taylor: Oh, I hope it’s those underpants of supreme comfort I ordered!
Zed picks up the smallest box, places it onto the counter and opens it with a small knife.
Zed: Sorry, Mrs. Taylor, it’s just full of brown, non-descript bags.
Mrs. Taylor: Oh, bummer! You may as well put ‘em on display then, lad. Then you can knock off work early and go get a lemon meringue from the bakery.
Zed: You’re so nice, Mrs. T!
Mrs. Taylor: Please don’t call me that, Zed…
Zed: Sorry. So…do you think I’ll ever become a main character?
Mrs. Taylor: With hair THAT spiky, lad, I’d be half-surprised if an elf carrying a plot device didn’t walk in here during the next scene!
Zed nods.
Zed’s thoughts: I hope you’re right, Ted-Steve’s mother…
Scene 3: Taylor’s Treasures: Early Afternoon
A young elven woman enters the shop, the little bell jingling as she opens and closes the door. Mrs. Taylor greets her with a smile.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, I’ve been expecting you...
Young woman: Bonjour, mademoiselle. My name is Amethyst Lunerosée, and I am looking for someone with particularly spiky hair to accept a plot device that will make him – or her – a main character.
Mrs. Taylor: What a coincidence! My spikiest-haired employee was just saying that he wants to become a main character!
Amethyst: That is wonderful!
Mrs. Taylor: I’ll tell him to meet you in the tavern, even though he never sets foot in there and wouldn’t do so otherwise.
Amethyst: Merci, mademoiselle.
Scene 4: The Naked Drake: Afternoon
Zed walks inside the tavern. It is practically deserted, save for a couple of individuals at different tables.
Zed’s thoughts: Why couldn’t Mrs. Taylor have arranged for me to meet that person in the toy shop? I like the toy shop…
Zed walks over to Amethyst. Amethyst looks up at Zed, then stands up.
Amethyst: You must be Zed.
Zed: How did you guess?
Amethyst: Because your hair is so…spiky!
Zed: Oh…right.
Amethyst: Anyway, my name is Amethyst Lunerosée, and I am a wood elf from…uh…Verdelvum…the place where wood elves live. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, monsieur.
Zed: If…you’re a wood elf, then why do you keep using words from the Light Elvish language?
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: Spoilers, sweetie.
Amethyst picks up her staff and starts to head towards the door.
Zed: Wait…what’s a spoiler?
Zed starts to follow Amethyst.
Scene 5: Meadow: Afternoon
Zed and Amethyst walk to the top of a hill covered in short, green grass.
Amethyst: Okay, here we are.
Zed: The meadow near my house?
Amethyst: Is it? Well, that’s suspiciously convenient…
Zed: Why did you bring me here?
Amethyst: I will show you.
Amethyst reaches into her satchel, pulling out a wooden box with a silver clasp. She undoes the clasp, swinging the box open so that Zed can gaze upon the contents. Inside the box are seven alcoves, with one of the alcoves containing a triangular, cyan-coloured crystal.
Amethyst: This box contains the seventh in a set of plot devices that will make you, Zed Steve Starmute, a main character, better known as a Crystalbound.
Zed: I…can be a main character…?!
Amethyst: I just said we’re called the-
Zed: Wow…
Zed steps forward. He reaches out his hand and picks up the crystal. As he opens his hand, the crystal’s centre glows with a bright light. Zed places the crystal around his neck. The light within its centre shines bright enough to illuminate the immediate area, before returning to a low level of constant light within the centre.
Zed: I’m a main character!
Scene 6: Street: Morning
Zed and Amethyst walk down a street.
Zed: Thank you for buying my new clothes.
Amethyst: It is my pleasure, Zed. Now, we need to buy you a wand that later turns out to be your long-lost sword.
Zed: What? But wizards don’t use swords! Why would I have a sword?
Amethyst: Spoilers, sweetie.
Zed leads Amethyst to another door. The sign above the door reads The Budding Alchemist. Zed opens the door, motioning Amethyst to enter. Amethyst nods once and enters the building, followed by Zed. An elderly gentleman with a long white beard greets them.
Gentleman: Ah, Zed. Still having bizarre dreams?
Zed: Yes, Mr. Steve Newt.
Newt: You do know that muddvak cheese before bed will cause weird dreams, right?
Zed: Yes, Mr. Steve Newt. Sorry, Mr. Steve Newt…
Newt: I suppose you’re here for your swo- I mean…a wand that clearly isn’t yours until you buy it?
Zed: Yep.
Newt: Very well.
Mr. Newt notices Amethyst.
Newt: Ah, my former apprentice. It is good to see you again.
Amethyst: Oh, now I remember you! You used to be my teacher!
Newt: Yes, yes I did.
Mr. Newt leads Zed to a display containing a selection of wands.
Zed: How will I know which one is the right one for me?
Newt: Well, it CERTAINLY isn’t because it was yours and you recognise it, even in a different form!
Zed looks around. He spots a silver wand adorned with a carving of a dragon at its far end. He walks over to it and picks it up. Almost immediately, a bright blue glow surrounds him. He reaches into his shirt and pulls out the crystal, which is also glowing with a bright blue light.
Newt: No…it cannot be!
The light dissipates. Mr. Newt walks over to Zed.
Newt: Zed! You did not tell me you had a plot device!
Zed: That’s because it was only given to me yesterday…
Newt: Oh. Well, we must go to my house and discuss it further.
The three people step out of the shop. A mysterious figure lurks in the shadows.
Figure: Oh, man…they locked me in here! Didn’t they know I was here? I might be locked in here for hours...I guess I'll trash the place, then! Heheheh...
- on September 12th 2016, 10:16 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: The First Pendulum (Zed's Origin Story) - A Webseries by GeekyGamerZack
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2077
The First Pendulum (Zed's Origin Story) - A Webseries by GeekyGamerZack
- The First Pendulum - Log 12:
- Scene 1: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Erik enters the room of rainbow energy. He approaches the pedestal, where Crimsona and Ceruleus stand with two other individuals: a male syl human with long blonde hair, light brown skin, green eyes and a greyish-lime robe; and a female syl human with short brunette hair, pinkish skin, hazel eyes and a greyish-purple robe. The four robed individuals turn to face Erik.
Male Syl: Ah, Herikios.
Female Syl: You have finally arrived.
Erik: Forgive my tardiness, Viridius and Violetta, but I bring news.
Ceruleus: We have already detected the activation of the water pendulum.
Erik: I witnessed the pendulum's activation myself, and my ally has informed me that the fire pendulum, located in Frontier, has also begun to activate.
Ceruleus: Then we must take action at once. Crimsona?
Crimsona: Indeed, brother. We must begin the procedure of extracting, and then relocating, the pendulums. If we do not-
Violetta: I fear it may be too late, cousin. There are reports of the menace becoming unsettled within their world, and they may soon attempt to target the pendulums.
Viridius: Then we must act now.
Ceruleus: Herikios, make sure that your protégé remains safe until the pendulums have been relocated.
Erik: It would be my honour.
Erik bows, then turns around and leaves the chamber. The four robed individuals face each other.
Ceruleus: Let us hope we are not too late...
Scene 2: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
We fade into a view of a mysterious chamber. A number of tubes containing shadowy, masked figures is inside. We pan to a view of one such chamber; we see a close-up of the figure's eyes, which appear to be closed. Almost immediately, both eyes open, the irises glowing with silvery light. The figure speaks with a digitally-distorted voice.
Figure: Wakey-wakey. It's time to continue searching for them.
A pixellated shimmer appears in both irises.
Scene 3: Aquo City: Fantastic Realm: Late Afternoon
Zander and Tad arrive in the city of Aquo, the apparent "source of the water element" in the fantastic realm.
Tad: Well, here we are.
We hear a loud voice in the distance that resembles that of Brocc, Furbendink, Sven and Norbert.
Voice: You call this udon? The tempura is overcooked, the broth tastes like tapwater and I don't think naruto is supposed to be orange and yellow in colour! It's WHITE with a PINK swirl! Honestly...
Tad: Sounds like someone who knows their cuisine.
Zander: Indeed. So how long do we need to stay here?
Tad: Not sure. Erik said that we need to wait for the pendulum to "reach the water position", which could take hours.
Zander: Oh. So...should we head to the tavern? I hear they're having a "stew festival", whatever that is.
Tad: Sure.
Scene 4: Tavern: Aquo City: Fantastic Realm: Late Afternoon
The scene wipes to that of a medieval-inspired tavern. Zander and Tad sit at a table, a big bowl of stew in front of each of them. Zander scoops a chunk of meat from the bowl and eats it. An expression of joy appears on his face.
Zander: This is the best thing I've ever tasted!
Tad: I knew you'd like it, Zander!
Zander: So what is it?
Tad: Drake and seven-vegetable stew. It's the chef's specialty.
Zander: Drake? As in duck?
Tad: Well, actually...
Zander: Oh...OH! You mean-
Tad: Yeah...drake meat comes from reptilian beasts called, well, drakes.
Zander: Huh. Well, I like it anyway.
Tad: I know what you mean. I was also put-off when I first tried it, but-
Tad's eyes widen.
Tad: Wait...you're not disgusted by this meal, Zander?!
Zander: No. Why would I be?
Tad: Well, it's lizard meat served with carrots, potatoes, peas-
Zander: They put PEAS in this stuff?! Yeugh!
Tad: Oh boy...
At that moment, Zander suddenly ripples through the barrier.
Tad: What the...? Why did he suddenly sightshift away? The peas aren't THAT terrible!
Tad stands up and ripples through the barrier into his apartment.
Tad: Zander, I-
Tad looks around. Zander is nowhere to be seen.
Tad: Where did he go...?
Scene 5: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Zander is standing in a tube of rippling metallic-cyan energy; he is back in his mundane realm outfit. A number of homonid humans dressed in suits surrounds the tube, each of them pointing a device that slightly resembles Alph's spitter from Mask of Akanius at him.
Zander: What the...?!
Man #1: Extraction of sightshifter successful.
Man #2: I can't believe this machine actually worked! So who do we have here?
Woman #1: Uh...noone, sir.
Man #2: Noone?
Woman #1: Apparently.
Woman #2: But we've clearly captured a sightshifter.
Woman #1: Yes, but he's not showing up in any government records. Birth certificate, blood type, reference number...they're all absent, as though-
Man #2: -he's been wiped from this world. But how-
Man #1: Uh...sir? You'd better take a look at this.
The agents look at Zander, whose eyes glow with metallic cyan light.
Woman #1: Is he supposed to be able to do that...?
Man #2: Negative. That is NOT an attempted sightshift!
Woman #1: Then-
A pulse of cyan energy bursts from Zander's body, dispelling the barrier and setting off the sprinkler system.
Man #2: Quick! Use your sleep pistols!
Woman #1: But the gas will have no effect while the sprinklers are going!
Man #2: But he's gonna get away!
The mark of the multiverse begins glowing on the back of Zander's hand with red light. The same mark then appears underneath Zander, also glowing with red light.
Woman #1: Wh-What are you?!
Zander: I...I don't kn-
A column of red light erupts from the ground around Zander. After a brief moment, the column retreats into the ground, and the mark disappears. The agents all appear puzzled.
Man #1: Why are we all here?
Woman #2: Weren't we about to try and extract a sightshifter to study...?
Man #1: Oh yeah...so why are the sprinklers going?
Woman #1: Oh, great! The sprinklers have ruined the machine! It'll take months to construct a new one!
Man #2: Then get to it, agent!
Woman #1: Yes, sir!
Man #2's thoughts: Every time we try to capture a sightshifter...
Scene 6: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Erik enters the rainbow energy room, where Ceruleus is waiting for him.
Erik: You wished to see me?
Ceruleus: The plan to relocate the pendulums was met with complications.
Erik: Complications?
Ceruleus: It seems that an outside force unknowingly intervened and attempted to capture your protégé. He underwent a false awakening, and...
Erik: And...?
Ceruleus: He was sent to somewhere within Universe 1 of the Outer Ring.
Erik: But that is the location of-
Erik pauses.
Erik: Where is he?
Ceruleus: We are attempting to locate him, but in the meantime-
Erik: -I must be patient.
Scene 7: Mysterious Coastline: Early Afternoon
Zander walks along the coastline he and Tad visited earlier. His hair and clothes are still damp, and he appears confused.
Zander's thoughts: This place seems familiar, but...
Voice: You appear distressed, stranger.
Zander looks ahead at a humanoid dragon with metallic-aqua scales and cyan-coloured leather armour.
Zander: WHOA!
Dragon: I would be happy to assist you, if you like.
Zander: Oh...uh...th-thank you...
Dragon: Can you tell me your name?
Zander: Uh...I think it starts with a "Zed"...
To be Continued in The Silver Dragon Blade...
- on March 18th 2016, 9:59 pm
- Search in: Media
- Topic: Gaming on Twitter
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3463
Gaming on Twitter
Share a selfie of you with a screenshot of the secret character [Only admins are allowed to see this link] for a chance to win! [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
— Renegade Kid™ (@RenegadeKidLLC) [Only admins are allowed to see this link]
- on March 6th 2016, 8:45 pm
- Search in: WiiWareWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Feature: WiiWareWave Top 5: Most Memorable Antagonists of The Xeno Series!
- Replies: 5
- Views: 4126
Feature: WiiWareWave Top 5: Most Memorable Antagonists of The Xeno Series!
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Villains In A Strange, Foreign Land!
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Whether you love them, or hate them, or love to hate them, these are our top 5 picks for the most memorable antagonists from the entire Xeno franchise! Do be warned, however that several major spoilers are revealed in this article so use caution when reading our list if you haven't played all of the Xeno games yet.
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#5: Id
Id is an alternate personality of the main protagonist of Xenogears, Fei Fong Wong and is incredibly evil and violent, unlike his kind counterpart Fei. When Id takes over Fei his eyes, hair, and skin color completely change. This transformation occurs several times throughout the story and sometimes creates chain reactions so terrible that many innocents perish at his hands, because of his unpredictable appearances and horrificly atrocious bouts of violence we feel that Id deserves a spot on our list!
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#4: Myyah Hawwa
Basically an entity who has lived for many millenia by snatching other people's bodies and using them as her host vessel, she is a very evil and sadistic character in Xenogears who was responsible for the collapse of many civilizations throughout her existence. She is a very manipulative being who pulls many strings to get what she wants. She even took over Fei Fong Wong's mother, Karen Wong, however Karen Managed to overpower her in order to save her son, however in doing so she paid the ultimate price.
Myyah Hawwa's manipulative personality and the fact that she's literally responsible for the deaths of billions of people is why she was chosen as the fourth most memorable character in our list of the most memorable antagonists in the Xeno series!
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#3: Albedo Piazzolla
An artificially created life form and major antagonist in Xenosaga Albedo is the twin brother of Jr. and is an immortal. He enjoys the pain, suffering, and deaths of humans and blames them for his misery of being unable to die. He has destroyed human colonies and towns and is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. He even despises his own kind for siding with the humans and envies their lack of immortality.
Albedo's frightening nature and the fact that he cannot die is why he was chosen as the third most memorable character in our list!
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#2: Dickson
Dickson is seen as a protagonist during the first two thirds of Xenoblade Chronicles' story, however after Shulk manages to strike a truce between his people and the leader of Mechonis, Dickson betrays him a shoots him in the back, allowing the god of the Bionis, Zanza who possessed Shulk during the group's first visit to Prison Island, unbeknownst to Shulk or anyone else besides Dickson, to emerge.
He later reveals himself as one of Zanza's deciples, and eventually faces off against Shulk, Fiora, and the rest of the group when they revisit Prison Island and when Shulk fatally wounds him he seems rather proud of the fact that Shulk overcame the challenge and surpassed him. His not-so-evil nature at the end of his life is one of the biggest reasons why we chose Dickson as number two in our list of most memorable antagonists in the Xeno series!
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#1: Zanza
Originally a scientist on a space colony orbiting Earth, Zanza started an experiment that destroyed the entire universe! He and his scientific colleague Mayneth were the sole survivors and were reborn as gods in this newly created reality. Originally kind-hearted, he eventually became twisted and began to fear the Homs, and his other creations and so he decided to create a cycle of destruction for those who lived on Bionis "himself".
He later possesses Shulk and even kills Mayneth and the entirety of the Mechonis. He tries to entice Shulk to become his deciple, but Shulk refuses and eventually kills him. The fact that he destoyed the entire universe and kept killing the entirety of the Bionis population time and again is why Zanza was the clear choice to be number one on our most memorable antagonists in the Xeno series list!
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There you have it! From Id, to Myyah Hawwa, and Dickson, to Zanza these are the antagonists that really stood out to us in the various Xeno series titles, as always be sure to let us know what you think of our choices in our comment section below!
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#Exclusive #Feature #Top5 #WiiWareWave #WiiU #PSX #PS2 #New3DS #XenobladeChronicles #XenoSaga #Xenogears
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- on February 16th 2016, 3:58 pm
- Search in: Wii U eshop Reviews
- Topic: Wii U eShop Reviews Hub
- Replies: 7
- Views: 4220
- on February 14th 2016, 12:39 pm
- Search in: WiiWareWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Feature: WiiWareWave Top 5: Most Memorable Protagonists of The Xeno Series!
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3371
Feature: WiiWareWave Top 5: Most Memorable Protagonists of The Xeno Series!
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Foreign Heroes In A Strange Land!
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The Xeno series has been quite popular over the years with 6 unique entries in the JRPG series and the last two being Nintendo exclusive titles. To celebrate the success of Xenoblade Chronicles X's western release, we'll be publishing two Top 5 lists for the series. One for the most memorable protagonists and another for most memorable antagonists! We hope that you enjoy these exclusive features!
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#5: Fei Fong Wong
Fei Fong Wong is the main protagonist in Xenogears. Fei is a very strong-willed character who often suffers from amnesia in the game and has a tendency to completely lose control of himself when his emotions are heightened due to traumatic events or anger. He is a strong fighter who uses "chi" to deal great damage to his enemies.
He has a tragic past that he's unaware of at first and also has a very volatile personality accompanied by apparent split-personality syndrome. Despite all of his issues he still tries his best to help as many people as he can and has a great level of personal growth during the game's story which is why we think that Fei Fong Wong is a deserving character that belongs on our list of most memorable Xeno series protagonists!
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#4: KOS-MOS
KOS-MOS from Xenosaga is an android developed by the interstellar corporation, Vector Industries. She is designed to act based upon the probability of success and the relevance of a situation to the survival of the human race, however, any threats that endanger Shion Uzuki, one of her creator's, cause KOS-MOS to temporarily ignore these protocols. She seems very sentient and intelligent, however lacks basic emotional traits.
KOS-MOS is mankind's last line of defense against the interstellar threat endangering their existence. She is extremely powerful and capable of transforming her hands and hair into spectacularly overpowered weapons. She also has a forcefield that protects her from most threats. Her kick-butt nature and incredible fight scenes make her a perfect candidate for our list, however her lack of emotions and growth during the Xenosaga titles prevent her from reaching the top three choices for most memorable protagonists in the Xeno series.
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#3: MOMO
MOMO is an artificially created human in Xenosaga known as a Realian. She tends to be very shy and has a crazed fanbase that wishes to either cause her harm or kidnap her during the course of the series. She also shares the traits of a magical girl, wielding magic, and transforming. She appears to be around 12 years old and has a personality to match her looks. Her relationship with her mother and the story behind her creation as well as her personal growth during the series are some of the many reasons why we've chosen her for this top 5 feature!
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#2: Fiora
Fiora is number two on our list because of the unique and well-thought-out storyline regarding her in Xenoblade Chronicles. Those of you who haven't played the game yet and don't want the story of Xenoblade Chronicles to be spoiled, stop reading now!
- Spoiler:
- Fiora is an unusual case as she "dies" very early on in Xenoblade Chronicles, but plays a huge role in the game especially mid-late in the story! She eventually is resurrected as a half-human, half-mechon and rejoins the party. There's definitely feelings between her and Shulk which grow as the game progresses.
Her personality at times can be a little strange, but she's a genuinely good person who really grows alot during the game. She's very level-headed and usually keeps calm during dangerous situations which makes her an asset in the story-driven battles.
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#1: Shulk
It should come as no surprise that the Monado-wielding protagonist of Xenoblade Chronicles is our choice for the most memorable Xeno series protagonist as he's easily the most widely known character in the series thanks to his appearance as a playable Smash character in Super Smash Bros. 4!
Shulk is a kick-butt character who comes into possession of the Monado, the only blade in the world capable of destroying the mechon menace bent on destroying the Homs race "essentially Bionis' version of humans" He is a very intelligent and reliable person who rarely gets angry, but when he does he fights with reckless abandon.
He grows alot during the course of the story and eventually makes a world-changing decision that affects the entire universe. The scope of Shulk's importance to the fate of the Bionis and his inclusion in Smash 4 are two big factors as to why we chose him as #1 in our list!
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There you have it! This is our list of most memorable protagonists from the Xeno series of games! From the emotionally unstable Fei Fong Wong from Xenogears, to the seriously Kick-butt android KOS-MOS from Xenosaga, and the emotional roller coaster of Fiora from Xenoblade Chronicles, these are some seriously cool and in some cases messed up individuals who ultimately make the right choice to help their respective world's and save the day!
Did you enjoy our exclusive feature? What did you think with our choices? As always be sure to let us know in our comments section below!
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#Exclusive #Feature #Top5 #Wii #PSX #PS2 #Gaming
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- on January 10th 2016, 5:24 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Flight of Indigo Series Hub and Incognes Guidebook - By GeekyGamerZack (POLL NOW OPEN!)
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1445
Flight of Indigo Series Hub and Incognes Guidebook - By GeekyGamerZack (POLL NOW OPEN!)
Well, it's that time again, where I unveil the next chapter of the Chromaicora Adventures! The next three series, Mask of Akanius, Shell of Thal and Flight of Indigo, are to be "broadcast" at the same time, with new episodes on different days of the week. Today, though, I thought I'd give you something slightly different. Not only is it the opening scene of the entire series, but it is also a glimpse at an epic encounter towards the end of the major story arc! Enjoy!- Spoiler:
- Scene 1: Skyclamber City: Afternoon
An enormous scene of aerial combat is happening over the skies of a vast city. A large number of aerial vehicles shoot at one another with pulses of multicoloured energy. Half the vehicles are bright in colour, while the other half are dark and dull tones. In the distance is an enormous, dark-toned airship which makes its way towards the scene of the combat. A number of the smaller dark-toned vehicles fly out of an opening on its front. We hear a number of audio transmissions in the background. The first male voice speaks with a rough American accent, whereas the second speaks with a light Scottish accent.
Male voice #1: Hoo boy, NOW we got problems!
Male voice #2: Zeph, Chartreuse Squadron needs your assistance!
Male voice #1: I’ll get right on it if someone takes down this goon that’s chasing me!
A purplish vehicle flies behind a dark-toned vehicle, which is firing at another purplish vehicle. The dark-toned vehicle is blasted by the first purplish vehicle.
Male voice #1: WOOHOO! Now I can help out Chartreuse Squadron!
The second purplish vehicle flies deeper into the combat. Two female voices sound out. The first has an American accent, whereas the second has an English accent.
Female voice #1: I’ve taken a hit!
Female voice #2: Relax, I’ve got it. One repairing pulse coming up!
Another purplish ship fires a purple-coloured pulse at a fourth ship, which appears to be damaged. The damage seems to repair itself.
Female voice #1: Much obliged!
Male voice #2: Uh-oh…
Female voice #2: What is it, kid?
Male voice #2: Something’s wrong with my ship!
A third female voice sounds out, which has an American accent.
Female voice #3: Are you sure? I mean, you just got it serviced!
Male voice #2: I’m positive!
Female voice #3: Well, what’s going on?
We cut inside the cockpit of one of the purplish vehicles. A young man in an outfit consisting of shades of purple is in the seat. On his head are a flight helmet and mask, both with purple accents. He appears to be fighting to maintain the controls, even as the ship rattles and shakes.
Male voice #2: Well, the controls aren’t responding very well.
Male voice #1: Well, could you elaborate at all?
Male voice #2: It’s doing a lot of shaking.
Female voice #1: Is that it?
Male voice #2: Well…no. There’s something else…the entire control deck is glowing purple!
Female voice #2: Wait…what?!
Male voice #1: That’s not normal!
Male voice #2: I know that! What should I do?!
Female voice #2: Make way back to base and await further instructions.
Male voice #2: That…could be a problem.
Female voice #1: What are you talking about?
Male voice #2: I’m completely surrounded!
Female voice #3: Surrounded? How many ships are surrounding you? Five? Six?
Male voice #2: I…kind of lost count at fifty-
Female voice #2: Fifty?!
Male voice #2: -seven! Fifty seven enemies surrounding my ship!
Male voice #1: Hold tight, dude! We’re on our way!
Male voice #2: Thank you! I really appreciate-
A blast strikes the ship’s shield.
Male voice #2: I’m being attacked!
Another blast strikes the ship’s shield, disabling it.
Male voice #2: My shield’s down! Someone help!
Nothing but static is heard.
Male voice #2: I guess communications are down as well! Come on, girl…hold together…remember what we’ve been through, you and I! Just…huh?
A mark of the multiverse begins to glow on the back of the pilot’s right hand with purple light. His eyes begin to glow with purple light as well.
Male voice #2: What’s…going…AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!
- on October 7th 2015, 11:00 am
- Search in: WiiWareWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Feature: Our Top 5 Favorite DLC Courses of Mario Kart 8!
- Replies: 4
- Views: 2502
Feature: Our Top 5 Favorite DLC Courses of Mario Kart 8!
The Best of The Best!
It goes without saying that Nintendo has done an excellent job with the DLC in Mario Kart 8 as it oozes with quality and is quite affordable "especially the bundle with both DLC packs" but which courses do we feel deserve to be in this Top 5 list? Keep reading to find out!
#5: Cheese Land.
True to its name Cheese Land is a course made completely out of cheese! This course was originally released on Mario Kart: Super Circuit for the GBA and has been drastically updated in Mario Kart 8! Besides the graphical overhaul there are tons of changes to this impressive course. There are new shortcuts and craters that can be used for tricks all over the place. There are now hang-glider ramps and Chain Chomp hazards in the second half of the course as well! The music has been hilariously remixed with squeaking mice added in which will put a smile on your face!
Sadly the Nomadi Mice from the original track that ate away at the course are no longer present, but overall Cheese Land is a fantastic course and that's why it's number 5 on our list!
#4: Dragon Driftway.
If you're looking for a challenge that will test your drifting skills to the max, look no further than Dragon Driftway! As its name suggests the course is packed full of twists and turns and is a paradise for karters who want to get the most out of their drift boosts. The course has various hazards such us missing railing, grass in the road that'll slow you down, and even a small section of the road is missing in one brief grassy turn near the finish line!
This is a great course that requires serious skill to master, which is why it has made our pick for the 4th best DLC course in Mario Kart 8!
#3: Mute City.
One of the highlights of the first download pack, Mute City is a high-speed course that is out of this world "literally". The course is based off of the course of the same name in the F-Zero series and is equally as good as well! The course has many speed boosts and corners that will provide even die-hard karters a serious challenge! You also can only earn coins from item boxes and the coin-strips in sections of the track. There is also an incredible shortcut near the end of the course that can cut 10-15 seconds off your lap, but it requires a mushroom or starman to get across.
Overall this is a great crossover stage that any fan of F-Zero will thoroughly enjoy! That's why Mute City has made our list of best MK8 DLC courses!
#2: Hyrule Circuit.
Number two on our list is none other than Hyrule Circuit a course that takes you across Hyrule Field and then into hyrule castle, and finally will twist through a small canyon before entering Hyrule Field once again! Enemies such as Keeses and Deku Baba's make an appearance on this superb course. Also coins have been cleverly changed into rupees for this course which is a nice touch. There is even a puzzle to solve in Hyrule Castle which if solved unlocks a shortcut!
The music is one of the best aspects of the course. These reasons and more are why this course has made number two on our list of best DLC tracks in Mario Kart 8!
#1: Big Blue.
Our top pick for the best Mario Kart 8 DLC course is none other than Big Blue! Much like the F-Zero Mute City crossover course from DLC pack 1, Big Blue is a fast-paced track with many twists and turns. The coin panels from the Mute City track are back in this course. Another unique feature of this track are all of the conveyor belt sections which can really speed you up or slow you down depending on your skill of staying on the green section of the conveyor belts.
Staying in the flowing water on the mid-section of the track is also key for getting good race times! The music in this course is also absolutely gorgeous and we'd say that this track might even be the most visually appealing course in the DLC packs! Overall this course is so fun and hectic that we absolutely had to name it our top pick in our Top 5 Mario Kart 8 DLC courses!
What did you think of our choices in this Top 5 feature? Be sure to let us know in our comment section below!
It goes without saying that Nintendo has done an excellent job with the DLC in Mario Kart 8 as it oozes with quality and is quite affordable "especially the bundle with both DLC packs" but which courses do we feel deserve to be in this Top 5 list? Keep reading to find out!
#5: Cheese Land.
True to its name Cheese Land is a course made completely out of cheese! This course was originally released on Mario Kart: Super Circuit for the GBA and has been drastically updated in Mario Kart 8! Besides the graphical overhaul there are tons of changes to this impressive course. There are new shortcuts and craters that can be used for tricks all over the place. There are now hang-glider ramps and Chain Chomp hazards in the second half of the course as well! The music has been hilariously remixed with squeaking mice added in which will put a smile on your face!
Sadly the Nomadi Mice from the original track that ate away at the course are no longer present, but overall Cheese Land is a fantastic course and that's why it's number 5 on our list!
#4: Dragon Driftway.
If you're looking for a challenge that will test your drifting skills to the max, look no further than Dragon Driftway! As its name suggests the course is packed full of twists and turns and is a paradise for karters who want to get the most out of their drift boosts. The course has various hazards such us missing railing, grass in the road that'll slow you down, and even a small section of the road is missing in one brief grassy turn near the finish line!
This is a great course that requires serious skill to master, which is why it has made our pick for the 4th best DLC course in Mario Kart 8!
#3: Mute City.
One of the highlights of the first download pack, Mute City is a high-speed course that is out of this world "literally". The course is based off of the course of the same name in the F-Zero series and is equally as good as well! The course has many speed boosts and corners that will provide even die-hard karters a serious challenge! You also can only earn coins from item boxes and the coin-strips in sections of the track. There is also an incredible shortcut near the end of the course that can cut 10-15 seconds off your lap, but it requires a mushroom or starman to get across.
Overall this is a great crossover stage that any fan of F-Zero will thoroughly enjoy! That's why Mute City has made our list of best MK8 DLC courses!
#2: Hyrule Circuit.
Number two on our list is none other than Hyrule Circuit a course that takes you across Hyrule Field and then into hyrule castle, and finally will twist through a small canyon before entering Hyrule Field once again! Enemies such as Keeses and Deku Baba's make an appearance on this superb course. Also coins have been cleverly changed into rupees for this course which is a nice touch. There is even a puzzle to solve in Hyrule Castle which if solved unlocks a shortcut!
The music is one of the best aspects of the course. These reasons and more are why this course has made number two on our list of best DLC tracks in Mario Kart 8!
#1: Big Blue.
Our top pick for the best Mario Kart 8 DLC course is none other than Big Blue! Much like the F-Zero Mute City crossover course from DLC pack 1, Big Blue is a fast-paced track with many twists and turns. The coin panels from the Mute City track are back in this course. Another unique feature of this track are all of the conveyor belt sections which can really speed you up or slow you down depending on your skill of staying on the green section of the conveyor belts.
Staying in the flowing water on the mid-section of the track is also key for getting good race times! The music in this course is also absolutely gorgeous and we'd say that this track might even be the most visually appealing course in the DLC packs! Overall this course is so fun and hectic that we absolutely had to name it our top pick in our Top 5 Mario Kart 8 DLC courses!
What did you think of our choices in this Top 5 feature? Be sure to let us know in our comment section below!
- on September 24th 2015, 10:44 pm
- Search in: WiiWareWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Feature: Super Mario Maker Add-On Content We'd Like to See
- Replies: 8
- Views: 3067
Feature: Super Mario Maker Add-On Content We'd Like to See
Our ideas for potential DLC to be included in the Wii U smash hit
If there's one thing true with many Wii U games of late, it's that the experiences we have with them can be enriched with well-planned add-on content packs. In just the Mario series alone, we saw a full-blown, Luigi-themed expansion game for New Super Mario Bros. U, as well as seven characters (counting the male and female Villagers separately) and 16 additional courses for Mario Kart 8. This means that DLC is almost certainly here to stay.
Super Mario Maker is already a rich experience, with potentially limitless stages that could be created. However, that does not mean there couldn't be new content added to the game at some point which could add a far greater diversity to the experience. To wit, here are our ideas for add-on content which could be added to the game.
Idea #1: Themed Environments
Super Mario Maker already has a full suite of basic stage themes, including Ground, Underground, Water, Airship, Ghost House and Castle, which can be chosen in any of the four game themes included. But many of the diverse environments seen throughout the series are currently missing, which would be a welcome addition to the package. Such themes could include:
Desert
A staple environment since Super Mario Bros. 3, with quicksand traps and strong desert winds!
Included enemies/hazards: Pokey, Angry Sun, Tweester
Ice
Slippery floors and falling snowbanks are just the beginning in this wintry wonderland!
Included enemies: Freezy, Ice Bro
Beach
It's a lush vacation in a tropical setting, but mind the hazards across the sands!
Included allies/enemies: Dolphin, Urchin
Forest/Swamp
Avoid the poisonous purple waters by catching a lift on Dorrie's back!
Included allies/enemies: Dorrie, Scuttlebug, Skeeter
Night
A platforming adventure underneath a starry sky!
Included enemies: Chargin' Chuck, Swooper, Boomerang Bro
Mountain
Climb the cliffs and jagged peaks, but watch out for rolling rocks!
Included enemies/hazards: Boom Boom, Thwimp, Boulder
Sky
Traverse the fluffy skies, but watch your step as it's a long way down!
Included enemies/hazards: Flyin' Hammer Bro, Fwoosh
Fire
Flames fall from the sky, and the ground crumbles beneath your feet!
Included enemies: Fire Snake, Fire Bro
Idea #2: New Game Themes
We already have four complete themes based on past classics including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros. U. One thing which would help enrich the diversity of courses on offer would be to provide variations of these game themes, effectively doubling the number of game styles without needing to adjust things like jumping physics or enemy behaviour:
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
A variation of the Super Mario Bros. theme, this would be a retexture of environments and certain enemies to match the style of the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2, aka Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.
Super Mario All-Stars
This second variation of the Super Mario Bros. theme would reskin the levels and remix the music and sound effects in the 16-Bit style of the Super Mario All-Stars version of Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Advance 4
A reskin of the Super Mario Bros. 3 theme to match the style and sounds seen in its Super Mario All-Stars and Game Boy Advance versions.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
A retooling of the New Super Mario Bros. U theme with backgrounds and music from the Wii entry in the series.
Idea #3: New Ice Flower Power-Up
With just a simple shake, the objects you place in stages can change into an alternative form. A minor update could allow a second use of the Fire Flower by changing into an Ice Flower, diversifying the number of power-ups without taking up a slot in the object menu.
With these options added to the tools, the sheer potential of created courses would be unprecedented. What did you think of this list? What content would you like to see added to the game? Be sure to leave a comment below!
Big thanks to Super Mario Wiki for the images!
- on August 25th 2015, 6:21 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
- Replies: 33
- Views: 10455
Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
Episode 14: Emily’s Homecoming- Synopsis:
Emily returns to her home in Goldenia, where her family are...royalty?! Her brother Aurec is a watertouched, and his elemental nature has caught the attention of a mysterious trio of individuals who wish to experiment on the young syl. Meanwhile, Zed finally rejoins his allies, but something is amiss: the Azure Crystal has mysteriously started to malfunction! Can the young spellcaster solve this potential problem?
New Characters
Lord and Lady Summershire – Emily’s parents and the reigning monarchs of Summershire, they are unaware of the danger which threatens their son until it is too late!
Lord Aurec of Summershire – Emily’s older brother was born a watertouched, and has caught the attention of three mysterious individuals. Can his sister save him in time?
"It is so good to be home..."
- Spoiler:
Scene 1: Dragon’s Tower: Early Afternoon
Zed and Erik reach the top of the Dragon’s Tower. The view of the lands of the Silverian Empire and the Damantia Sea is breathtaking. In the centre of the tower’s roof is a large pedestal marked with the symbol on Zed and Erik’s right hands.
Erik: The pinnacle of the Dragon’s Tower. You can see for miles up here!
Zed: Whoa…awesome.
Zed and Erik look around.
Erik: I…expected to see the Icon up here.
Zed: So did I.
Erik: I doubt the Emperor would send us on a wild drake chase. There must be a reason why we are here…
Suddenly, a beacon of light emerges from around the outside of the pedestal. The mark on Erik’s hand begins to glow brightly.
Erik: My mark…
Zed: I think you need to stand on the pedestal.
Erik: I am not sure about this, Zed…
Zed: Why else would we be here? I’m sure the pedestal will take you to the Icon.
Erik: Me? Why not you? You bear the Azure Crystal.
Zed: Because you were the one who was supposed to find the Icon. I have to return to my own time.
Erik: You are right.
Erik approaches the pedestal, standing in its centre and turning to face Zed.
Zed: We will meet again. I still need to meet you for the first time.
Erik smiles.
Erik: Of course, Zed.
The pedestal is engulfed in bright light. The mark appears under Zed’s feet and glows with cyan light. A column of light erupts from the floor surrounding Zed.
Zed: Here we go…
Erik’s voice seems to echo from thin air.
Erik: This is not your world, Zed…
Zed: Erik?
The column of light recedes into the ground, leaving Zed standing in the middle of a bustling city. A few people stand and stare at him, but most simply continue with their busy lives.
Zed’s thoughts: Am I back?
Voice: You certainly are, Zed.
Zed spins around and sees Erik – the Erik he knows – standing there.
Zed: Erik!
Erik: So now we are properly acquainted.
Zed: Did you meet the Icon? What are they like?
Erik: I am sure you would like the Icon very much, Zed.
Zed: Cool. So…where are we?
Erik: This is Summershire City, in the Kingdom of Goldenia.
Zed: Goldenia? Awesome!
Erik: Come. There are some people who wish to meet with you.
Zed: Lead on, Mentor.
**********
Opening Credits
**********
Scene 2: The Golden Dew Tavern: Afternoon
Zed and Erik enter the tavern. Zed sees the Crystalbound and Kendall sitting at a table and begins to approach them.
Thobrun: -and then I dropped my hammer onto his noggin! Let me tell you he was stumblin’ around like a-
Thobrun stops talking as the party realises Zed is present.
Zed: Hey, guys.
Brocc: Zed! It’s really you!
Mak: Zed!
Mak leaps to his feet and locks Zed in a hug.
Mak: Where were you?! We were so worried!
Bryn: Give the boy a chance to speak, “Dad”!
Mak lets go of Zed.
Mak: Sorry.
Mak looks over at Erik.
Mak: Thank you for looking out for him, Erik.
Erik: My pleasure, Mak.
Zed: Wait a minute…did something happen between you two since I left?
Mak: In a sense, yes.
Bryn: We were ambushed by those two goons again-
Zed: Trent and Kara, you mean?
Bryn: Oh, that’s right! You haven’t been acquainted with Brent and Sara, have you?
Zed: Brent and Sara?
Brocc: Let me backtrack a little bit for you…
***
An arrow whizzes past Mak’s head.
Bryn: Oh, for the love of truffles!
Brent and Sara stand right in the party’s path.
Brent: Hello, Crystalbound.
Sara: Hello, Crystalbound.
Brent: I just said that!
Sara: I know, but I wanted to say it too!
Brent: You can’t just take my words like that! I, Brent, have standards, and those standards don’t include some half-witted barbarian stealing my thunder!
Sara! I am not unliterate! And I am not a thief!
Sara points at Bryn.
Sara: THAT is a thief!
Bryn: Hey! Don’t go pointing your sausage-finger at me, sister!
Sara: I am not your sister!
Bryn: Never mind…
Mak: I take it you’re going to try and round us up again?
Brent: However did you guess?
Brent smiles cruelly.
Mak: Because you’re all so…
Brent: Talented?
Mak: Predictable.
Brent frowns.
Brent: How dare you!
Mak: The four of you always try to capture us and take us to this “Mistress” of yours, and every time some guy or another comes along and stops you without us lifting a sword.
Brent: And just who do you expect will stop us this time?
Erik: Allow me to attempt such an endeavour.
Erik steps in front of the Crystalbound.
Brent: And who on Junihoshi are you?
Erik cocks one eyebrow.
Erik: Does the name “Hippocamp” ring any bells?
Brent: No, not…WAAAAAAAAH!
**********
Mak: Let’s just say that Erik and I have come to an…“understanding” of sorts.
Zed: As long as you guys are finally getting along, it’s fine.
Brocc: So what was it like in the past?
Zed: Well, I-
A blank expression appears on Zed’s face. He turns to look at Erik.
Zed: Did you tell them?
Brocc: Tell us what?
Zed: Never mind.
Erik’s thoughts: They learned of our past exploits from some artefacts in Mak’s father’s collection.
Zed’s thoughts: Really?
Erik’s thoughts: I’m sure I forbade the Emperor from recounting our endeavours. I wonder why she went ahead and had them crafted behind my back.
Zed’s thoughts: She must have had her reasons.
Erik’s thoughts: I certainly hope so, Zed.
Brocc: Uh…Zed? You’re spacing out a little.
Zed: Uh…oh, right. I started out in the Ethereal Expanse.
Bryn: I knew you were sent to another plane! Brocc, hand it over!
Brocc: Ah, crumbs.
Brocc hands 5gp to Bryn.
Zed: Then a genie sent me to some weird desert world.
Brocc: Another world, you say? Bryn?
Bryn: Ugh…fine.
Bryn gives Brocc 10gp.
Amethyst: You both wagered on Zed’s location?
Kendall: But why?
Bryn: We were both in distress, alright? It took our minds off his absence.
Brocc: Yeah, what she said!
Mak: Both of you ought to be ashamed of yourselves!
Zed: Oh, and then I ended up 250 years in the past.
Mak: Bryn, Brocc…both of you fork it over.
Bryn and Brocc look at each other and give each other a sly smile.
Bryn: Looks like you won the bet, Makkmak.
Bryn and Brocc each begin to hand 10gp to Mak. Emily looks at Mak.
Mak: What bet? No…hand me those chicken legs you’re holding.
Bryn: Why would you want our chicken?
Mak: I’m hungry.
Brocc: But Bryn, you said we could frame Mak into claiming a fake wager he didn’t make with us, just to see if Emily would-
Bryn slaps the back of Brocc’s head.
Brocc: OW! I mean…a fake wager? What’s a fake wager? A…potato segment…covered in flaked…fish?
Bryn: That’s a “flake wedge”, you dolt! It’s a Granrelmian delicacy!
Brocc: Whatever. The important thing is Zed’s back, safe and sound.
Mak: I missed you buddy.
Amethyst: We all missed you a great deal, Zed.
Voice: Twelve Stars! It’s Lady Emillia!
The party turns to look at two teenage girls, a homonid and a syl, both in simple clothing. They seem to be looking at the party.
Girl #1: I had no idea she was back in Summershire!
Girl #2: I had no idea I’d ever meet her in person!
Kendall: Uh…there must be some mistake.
Girl #1: We don’t make mistakes, sir. Your party priestess is most definitely Lady Emillia, the Amberbound.
Brocc: Lady Emillia? Emily, I thought your name was…well, Emily.
Emily: My full title is Lady Emillia of Summershire. I usually go simply by Emily Summers, which is my legal name.
Bryn: But “Lady” implies that you are-
Mak: Yes, Bryn, Emily is royalty.
Three individuals at a nearby table observe the party. The sides of their faces are marked with purplish-pink crystalline patterns. The first is a female homonid human, while the other two are male homonid humans.
Figure #1: Bingo, our way into Summershire Palace.
Figure #2: We should be able to follow them undetected using our cloaks.
Figure #1: In this place, our magentia reserves are dangerously low.
Figure #3: Then we should redirect the energy consumption of our other crystal functions and focus on a single ability at a time.
Figure #2: A single ability at a time? What are we, savages?
Figure #3: As I understand, it is how many people lived day-to-day, before advanced crystal tech became mainstream.
Figure #1: Then we will live as our elders once did long ago, at least until our research is complete.
Figure #2: Ugh…fine, but you owe me big time, both of you.
The three individuals become invisible in a purplish-pink cybernetic animation sequence.
Scene 4: Summershire Palace: Afternoon
Two syl humans, a lady and a gentleman, sit in a rather lavish parlour. Each of them holds a cup of tea and a saucer. The gentleman sips his tea, then places his cup gently into the saucer.
Gentleman: I must say, this tea is most exquisite.
Lady: If my understanding is correct, these tea leaves are imported from Verdelvum.
Gentleman: Ah, a sign of quality to be sure. We really must visit Verdelvum, sweetheart.
Lady: Of course, darling.
Both people smile at one another. A loud knock sounds on the parlour doors.
Gentleman: Enter.
The doors swing open, revealing a butler, the Crystalbound and Kendall. The party follows the butler up to the gentleman and lady.
Butler: Lord and Lady Summershire, I present the Lady Emillia of Summershire and her companions: Amethyst Moondew, Sir Makkmak Clay of Cuprumo, Paladin Thobrun Steelanvil, the Lady Bryn of Platinia, Broccoli Choy Verdann Svetlana Asparagustus Anchovius Wheatcream Bucknoodle Hairy Squirty Windy-
Brocc clears his throat.
Butler: Erm…Pharrschott, Kendall Silvertooth and…Zed.
Gentleman: That will be all.
Butler: Very good, sir.
The butler bows, then turns around and exits the room. Lord Summershire stands and walks over to Emily. Emily looks into Lord Summershire eyes. A smile slowly spreads across both their faces.
Lord Summershire: My Emillia.
Emily: Father.
Lord Summershire and Emily hug. Lady Summershire stands and walks over to her husband and daughter, embracing them both.
Lady Summershire: It is wonderful to see you again, sweetheart.
Emily: I missed you so much, Mother.
The family separates and faces the Crystalbound. Lord Summershire faces Mak.
Lord Summershire: You kept your word, Sir Makkmak. My daughter is safe.
Mak: It was my honour, M’Lord.
Mak kneels.
Lord Summershire: You really do not need to be so formal.
Mak slowly stands upright.
Mak: Apologies, M’Lord.
Lady Summershire: If there is any reward you request, please, let us know.
Mak: Having your daughter in my life, Milady, that is reward enough.
Lord Summershire: Say no more. The household of Summershire will see to the wedding arrangements personally.
Mak and Emily both panic.
Emily: What?! No, no…we do not wish for marriage!
Mak: The two of us are…good friends!
Emily: Uh…exactly! Eheheheheh…
Lord Summershire frowns.
Lord Summershire: Very well. The servants will see you to your rooms. You are our honoured guests. Welcome to Summershire Palace!
Mak: Thank you, M’Lord.
The party, except for Emily, bows. The entire party then leaves the room and closes the door behind them.
Lord Summershire: I fail to see why Emillia and Sir Makkmak will not wed.
Lady Summershire: It is clear as day that they care deeply for one another.
Lord Summershire: Any fool would see it, would they not?
Lord and Lady Summershire giggle.
Lord Summershire: In time, they will realise their feelings for one another.
Lady Summershire: Indeed.
Scene 5: Palace Courtyard: Early Afternoon
A male syl human with glistening black hair, azure eyes and shimmering blue specks on his cheeks walks through the palace courtyard. He speaks with a posh accent.
Gentleman: Ah, what a splendid day to be outdoors. There is not a cloud in the sky, the birds are chirping…what could possibly spoil my afternoon?
The three individuals from before appear around him in a purplish cybernetic flash.
Figure #2: Oh, I have a couple of ideas.
The figure wraps his arms around the gentleman. All four individuals disappear in a purplish cybernetic flash.
**********
Commercial: The Winter Festival is fast approaching, and there’s no better place to be than Goodheart’s Pass! We boast the biggest Winter Carnival in the land, with sideshows, games, and of course food! The finest dwarven chefs prepare over 200 delicacies of Tundwaldunian origin, and our selection of dwarven beverages* is matched by no other place in the land! The Winter Festival, in Goodheart’s Pass. You’d regret not being here!
*WARNING: Dwarven beverages only suitable for dwarf consumption. You have been warned!
**********
- Spoiler:
Scene 6: Sorceress’ Throne Room: Unknown Time of Day
Brent and Kara walk up to the Sorceress of Winter.
Sorceress: You have both failed me…again!
Brent: Apologies, Mistress, but-
Sorceress: I have no desire to hear your petty excuses! The ice vault longs for new captives.
Brent: No, please! Anything but that!
Sorceress: Very well…I will decide what punishment to give you. In the meantime…
Two ice constructs walk behind Brent and Sara, grabbing them.
Sorceress: You may spend some time in the ice vault.
Brent: What?!
Sorceress: I cannot have you running around this fortress willy-nilly, can I?
Sara: Oh, lighten up, Brent. It’ll be just like taking a nap.
Brent thrashes around as the ice constructs carry both him and Sara into the ice vault.
Brent: No! You cannot do this to me! I am the great hunter, Bre-
The door to the ice vault seals shut.
Sorceress: Winter is afoot…the perfect time for me to enact my plan.
The Sorceress smiles cruelly.
Scene 7: Emily’s Room: Summershire Palace: Afternoon
Emily and Mak enter Emily’s bedroom.
Emily: It is unchanged from when I last left here.
Mak: It’s a little ostentatious, don’t you think?
Emily: I admit, it is a little bit too lavish for my liking, but it is where I grew up. Over time, I have become accustomed to the perks and privileges.
Mak: I still don’t see why we need to sleep in the same bed, though.
Emily: My parents have always longed for me to find a partner of my own.
Mak: Well, the look your father gave us…I suspect they always knew we’d be together.
Emily: Well, it is much too early for us to declare-
Voice: Lady Emillia! Lady Emillia!
A maid runs into Emily’s bedroom.
Maid: Forgive my intrusion, Milady! It…it…
Emily: Please, calm yourself!
The maid is still in a panic.
Emily: Heather, please try to calm down.
The maid lets out a big breath and tries to relax.
Emily: Now, please, tell me what troubles you.
Heather: It’s your brother, Milady!
Emily: Aurec?
Heather: He’s been abducted!
Emily’s hands fly to her mouth.
Scene 8: Parlour: Summershire Palace: Afternoon
Lord and Lady Summershire are surprised at the news.
Lord Summershire: You are certain?!
Emily: Heather swears it to be true!
Mak: She said the kidnappers seemed to disappear in an unusual flash of magenta.
Lady Summershire: By the Twelve Stars! You must find him at once!
Emily: My crystal has begun to glow. I suspect it is a beacon which will guide us to Aurec.
Mak: We’ll try our best to bring him back, M’Lord…Milady.
Mak bows.
Lord Summershire: You may go.
Mak: Very good.
Lady Summershire: Please, try to bring back your brother, safe and sound.
Emily: I will try, Mother.
Mak and Emily leave the parlour, closing the doors behind them.
Lord Summershire: If this endeavour fails to bring them together, I know not what will.
Lady Summershire: Thinking of our daughter’s future even when our son is in peril?
Lord Summershire: I take no favourites when it comes to our children.
Lady Summershire: I do wonder…
Scene 9: Faerie Guild: Summershire City: Afternoon
Zed enters the Faerie Guild, the branch of the Adventurer’s League for spellswords and hedge mages. Zed walks up to Erik.
Erik: Ah, Zed. Welcome.
Zed: I need to find out something.
Erik: Of course.
Zed hands his member’s card to Erik.
Zed: It says I’m a full member of the Adventurer’s League, but it says I’m a spellsword instead of a wizard.
Erik: Ah…
Zed: What I want to know is why I’m a full member and not a probationary one.
Erik: Well, that time I gave you your member’s card…I may have upgraded you to full member’s privileges without you having to wait a year.
Zed: You can do that?
Erik: Of course.
Zed: But…why did you?
Erik: I first met you 250 years ago. That’s a far cry from just one year.
Zed: So the time-traveller clause takes effect?
Erik: It does exist in the Adventurer’s League charter.
Zed: Wait…you helped write the charter?
Erik: Maybe…
Zed: Oh.
Zed pauses.
Zed: Maybe you can help me with my other problem, then.
Erik: Of course.
Zed reaches into his clothing and pulls out his crystal. The cyan light within it is resonating.
Erik: Fascinating…
Zed: What does this mean?
Erik: It would seem that you are close to finding the crystal’s true owner.
Zed: Then Axian was right…
Erik: Axian?
Zed: Long story. The bottom line is that this crystal belongs to someone named Mara.
Erik: Mara? But that cannot be…
Zed: You know her?
Erik: Not exactly. I have met some of her family, though.
Zed: Who is she?
Erik: Another time, Zed.
Zed: How did I know you were going to say that?
Erik: Maybe you’re psychic.
Zed: We’re all psychic, Erik.
Erik: Have you been listening to Tamamaki’s teachings?
Zed: Well, maybe a little.
Zed pauses.
Zed: Wait…where is Tamamaki-kun?
Erik: He has made his way to the Shuken-Kin Temple. Rest assured that he arrived safely.
Zed: That’s good to hear.
Erik: Indeed.
Zed: So…want to get some lunch?
Erik: Of course.
Zed and Erik leave the guild hall.
Scene 10: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
Aurec lies tied up to an operating table. He struggles to break free of his bonds. The three figures stand around him.
Aurec: Do you not know who I am?! Unbind me at once!
Figure #1: We do know what you are, watertouched.
Figure #2: Where we come from, there are no watertouched. We are taking the opportunity to study you.
Aurec: To what end?
Figure #1: Our findings will aid us in developing new forms of crystal tech, the likes of which the world has never seen.
Aurec: “Crystal tech”? Your words mean nothing!
Figure #3: The results of this research will make us rich beyond our wildest dreams! I can practically taste the diamond spring water!
Aurec: You are mad if you think you will be able to dissect a member of royalty and get away with it!
Figure #1: There is nothing you can do.
Voice: No, but we can!
The three figures look over at Mak and Emily.
Figure #1: How on Vitrumund did you find this place?!
Mak: Let’s just say we had a little guidance from a crystal…
Emily: Aurec!
Aurec: Emillia? What are you doing here?!
Emily: We came to rescue you!
Aurec: It is not safe, sister! You must leave!
Emily: Not without you, dear brother!
Figure #1: Enough of this! There is no way you can win!
Mak: Oh yeah?
Mak steps forward and draws his sword.
Mak: Try me.
Figure #1: That primitive weapon is no match for our might.
Mak: We’ll see.
Mak swings his sword at the figure. Suddenly, the crystal markings on her face light up, and a purplish barrier surrounds her. As Mak’s sword makes contact, it sends a surge of energy through his body. The orcborn flies backward and hits a wall, then he falls to the ground, knocked out.
Emily: Makkmak!
Aurec: Sister! Leave now! Before it is too late!
Figure #1: You would be prudent to adhere to your brother’s words, Emillia.
Emily frowns.
Emily: You may call me “Emily”. HYAAAAAAAH!
Emily runs forward and swings her hammer. It glows with golden light, and she strikes the figure, sending her flying against a wall and knocking her to the ground. The figure pants heavily.
Figure #1: Impressive. You actually made a hit on me.
Emily: I am guided by the light of Marilina Silverblade.
Figure #1: You may have bested me, but you will not defeat my allies.
Emily spins around just in time to see the other two figures approach. Their crystalline markings glow, and waves of purplish energy emerge from their outstretched hands, surrounding Emily. An aura of golden light surrounds her, drawing out the remaining energy from the individuals.
Figure #3: Wh-What’s going on?!
Figure #2: Our magentia reserves…they’re depleting rapidly!
Figure #3: What do we do?!
Figure #2: We won’t have enough energy to open a doorway home!
Figure #3: But…I have a date tonight!
Energy stops flowing from the other two figures. They collapse to their knees, exhausted and panting heavily.
Figure #1: But…how?
Emily: Never mess with a Crystalbound!
Scene 11: Dining Hall: Summershire Palace: Evening
Emily’s family, the Crystalbound, Kendall and Erik sit at a long table brimming with all sorts of food.
Mak: You were awesome, Ems.
Emily: Are you trying to copy Zed, Makkmak?
Aurec: Sir Makkmak is right, Emillia. In the face of danger, you stood your ground and stopped the assailants. You truly are my rescuer.
Lord Summershire raises his goblet.
Lord Summershire: A toast. To Lady Emillia, whose bravery and courage aided her in rescuing her brother.
Everyone raises their goblets.
Lord Summershire: To Lady Emillia!
Everyone else (except Emily): To Lady Emillia!
Emily: I did not complete my task alone. I was assisted by-
Lord Summershire raises his goblet again.
Lord Summershire: A toast. To Sir Makkmak of Cuprumo, who aided Lady Emillia in saving her brother.
Everyone raises their goblets.
Lord Summershire: To Sir Makkmak!
Everyone else (except Mak and Emily): To Sir Makkmak!
Emily: No, no…I meant-
Aurec raises his goblet.
Aurec: A toast. To Herikios Woodhollow, who apprehended the thugs and took them to the proper authorities.
Everyone else raises their goblets.
Aurec: To Herikios!
Everyone else (except Mak, Emily and Erik): To Herikios!
Emily: I meant that the light of Marilina Silverblade herself was what removed the strength of the individuals. I was merely its conduit.
Lord Summershire: In any case, we did not expect such bravery from our only daughter.
Lady Summershire: We are very proud of you, Sweetheart.
Emily: Thank you Mother, Father, Aurec.
Lord Summershire: Now, let us feast before the food grows cold!
Brocc: Now THAT’S an order I can get behind!
Everyone begins eating the wonderful food.
Scene 12: Sorceress’ Throne Room: Unknown Time of Day
Trent, Kara, Brent and Sara stand before the Sorceress of Winter.
Sorceress: The four of you are a disgrace. After several attempts to capture the Crystalbound, you have failed to bring me even one of them.
Trent: Apologies, Mistress.
Brent: We have failed you one too many times, but never again.
Sorceress: Agreed. I will give you one final chance to apprehend the Crystalbound and bring them before me. One week from today is the Winter Festival, the greatest celebration of this time of year. Those fools are headed for Goodheart’s Pass, the hometown of dear Thobrun, to attend the festivities. The perfect time to make our move.
Sara: Ooh, can we attend the festival too?
Sorceress: Of course. The easier you blend in, the easier it will be to round up the Crystalbound whilst their guard is down.
Kara: But what about the mysterious individual who follows them, Mistress?
Sorceress: I admit, it will be difficult to capture them with him around, so we will have to lure them away from him, even for just a moment.
Brent: And then…we strike!
Sorceress: Exactly. Now go!
The Dark Crystalbound bow to the Sorceress, then turn around and leave the room.
Sorceress: At last, vengeance will be mine…
**********
End Credits
**********
- on August 24th 2015, 4:15 am
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- Topic: Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
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Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
Episode 13: Of She-Orcs and Men- Synopsis:
- Mak returns to his home in Cuprumo, a kingdom in the country of Coppelia, where he learns of a possible lead on his mother. A fellow orcborn raised in a tribe of nomadic sand orcs takes an instant liking to Mak, and offers to help him in his quest. Meanwhile, Zed meets a young Erik on the island nation of Damantia, who reveals that the then-existent Silverian Empire is starting to wane. The presence of two Azure Crystals in the same time period seems to be causing the Silverian Crystals to react to Zed’s presence, possibly alerting him to the Emperor herself! What will Zed do?
New Characters
Herikios Woodhollow – This is the very same Erik that Zed knows 250 years in the future, but what does the young spellsword have in common with Zed?
Thookli – This orcborn girl is part of the tribe of sand orcs who seem to know the whereabouts of Mak’s long-lost mother. But what secret will affect her future?
Orc Chieftain – A nameless orc who leads the nomadic tribe of sand orcs...at least, Mak THINKS he’s nameless.
"We both have the same mark on our right hands? How is this possible?!"
- Spoiler:
Scene 1: Souwest Village: Morning
Zed faces Erik, who is standing in his home’s doorway.
Zed: …Erik.
Erik: Ah, then Vel has already told you my name.
Zed: No, he…he failed to mention it.
Erik: Then how do you-
Zed: How is this possible? How can you be here?!
Erik: Well, I took a sea vessel from the mainland of Silveria, like most who visit this island.
Zed: That’s not what I meant…
Erik: Then please, enlighten me.
Zed: Okay, I know this is going to sound strange, but…I know you.
Erik: You know me?
Zed: Yes, but not now. In the future.
Erik: The future?
Vel: Zed claims to be from our world over two centuries from now.
Erik: I see… but I don’t quite understand how I could exist so many years from now. The average human lifespan is-
Zed: A little more than 120 years.
Erik: Precisely. My future self must be of a good age to exist for so long.
Zed: Well, actually, he doesn’t look any older than you do now.
Erik: Honestly?
Vel: But that is impossible! The only way Herikios could live longer than his natural lifespan is if he were of another race.
Erik: And I know full well that I am indeed a homonid human.
Zed: This doesn’t add up…
Zed looks at both his and Erik’s glowing marks.
Zed: And why do we both have the same mark on our right hands?
Erik: I feel that we have a lot to discuss. We must return to the mainland post-haste!
Zed: A sea voyage? Uh-oh…
Erik: You suffer from seasickness?
Zed: I have no idea.
Zed’s thoughts: Maybe this is why Erik…uh, future Erik…has such an interest in me. But what does it all mean?
**********
Opening Credits
**********
Scene 2: Theodor’s Home: Cuprumo Kingdom: Morning
The Crystalbound, Kendall and Theodor sit in a rather ornate living area. Artefacts from across the world line shelves, cabinets and other surfaces.
Theodor: So how are you all settling in?
Amethyst: Perfectly, Monsieur. Your collection of treasures is remarkable.
Bryn: Indeed. A bit ostentatious for a simple librarian, yes?
Theodor: Ah, I was once a librarian, but I am now a fully-qualified historian and adventurer. I’ve been exploring the ruins of the world for almost a decade now.
Bryn: Mak, how could you not have known?
Mak: Well, I left home when I was twelve to become a squire to a fine knight.
Kendall: You were twelve?!
Mak: Of course. A lot of fighters claim that the best knights are trained from an early age.
Theodor: We still kept in regular contact for all that time, however.
Bryn: And you didn’t bother to mention you’d become an adventurer?
Theodor: I didn’t want Makkmak to worry about me. After his mother left, I thought it best to keep his mind at ease.
Brocc: Wait…your mother isn’t-
Mak: No, Brocc, she isn’t. She was taken captive by a brutal orc chieftain.
Amethyst: Mak, I had no idea!
Theodor: The chieftain heard about Makkmak’s mother conceiving a child with a “weakling”, and threatened to take him away and leave him in the middle of the Elbok Wasteland. A toddler wouldn’t be able to survive for very long in that horrid place.
Emily: That’s awful!
Theodor: So my wife made the ultimate sacrifice. She gave herself willingly to the chieftain in exchange for Makkmak’s safety.
Bryn: And you haven’t seen her since…
A glum expression spreads across Mak’s face. Brocc bursts into tears.
Brocc: Oh, Mak! I had no idea you were so heartbroken! (sniff) WAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAH!
Thobrun pets Brocc on the shoulder.
Thobrun: Aw, there, there, wee one. I’m sure there’s good news around the corner.
Mak suddenly perks up.
Mak: That’s right! Dad, you mentioned about an orcborn having a lead on Mom?
Theodor: Oh…yes, that’s right. She’s staying in this very town.
Brocc: Mak’s mother is in town?!
Bryn: No, you dweeb! The orcborn who has a lead on her! Uh…right, sir?
Theodor: That’s correct, uh…Bron?
Bryn: Bryn, actually.
Theodor: Oh, my apologies.
Mak: Take me to her! Now!
Scene 3: Sea Vessel: Morning
A huge wooden sailing ship crosses the sea. Zed stands on deck staring into the horizon. Erik walks up to him.
Erik: We should make landfall within the hour.
Zed: I still don’t get it…
Erik: Believe me, I am having trouble comprehending the situation myself.
Zed: We both have a weird glowing mark on our right hand, we both have no memory of our respective pasts, and to top it all off, we both seem to have stopped aging.
Erik: My earliest memory is from roughly one decade ago. I awoke atop a bed made of leaves in the middle of a forest. The first thing I saw when I awoke was a beautiful woman, with leaves strewn through her auburn hair. She asked me my name, a question which I was unable to answer. She then designated me “Woodhollow”, a druidic name, and offered to take care of me until my memories returned.
Zed: Was she a druid?
Erik: I assumed so, and my assumption was proven correct when she introduced me to the rest of her circle. Every woman in her druidic circle was a nymph, a spirit of nature, including herself.
Zed: Then you were in North Dryantel.
Erik: Indeed I was. I came to refer to her as “Okaasan”, a Draconic word for “mother”. She nurtured me and took care of me, bringing out my best qualities. But my memory did not return.
Zed: A feeling I know only too well…
Erik: Okaasan decided it was best for me to speak with Naturia herself, for only she would be able to release that which is locked within. After completing the ritual meant to contact the manifestation of nature…
Erik pauses.
Erik: The mark on my hand appeared, and glowed the brightest shade of cyan. Many of the other druids took it as an omen, a sign of great things to come. Okaasan merely saw it as the true nature of her adopted son beginning to emerge. Five years ago, she sent me here, to the great continent of Silveria, in order to find someone who could help me.
Zed: Half a world away from all you knew…
Erik: Indeed. I sought out as many oracles as I could find, but aside from my elemental attribute, none could determine my traits within. All I was told was that I would encounter another like myself, who knew me well, but I had yet to meet.
Zed: Then I was always meant to be here…
Erik: It would seem so.
A loud horn sounds throughout the ship.
Voice: (yelling) Land ho!
Erik: I see the Dragon’s Tower up ahead! We will soon reach the Empire of Silveria!
Zed: Wait…the Silverian Empire still exists in this time period?!
Erik: Of course. Why do you ask?
Zed: Well, in my time, the Empire of Silveria has collapsed, and not many know of it.
Erik: Honestly?
Zed: Yes!
Erik: Then the rumours of the Empire’s wane are true…
Erik pauses.
Erik: Be sure to keep your crystal hidden. If the Emperor were to find out you have it-
Suddenly, a bright cyan light emerges from within Zed’s outfit. Two guards in silver armour are alerted to the light and approach.
Erik: Oh dear…
Guard #1: That light…could it be…?
Guard #2: You there! Reveal what is hidden within your unusual garb!
Zed: Uh…okay.
Zed reaches into his shirt and pulls out his crystal. It glows incredibly bright.
Guard #2: Where did you get this?!
Zed: It was given to me.
Zed begins to panic.
Guard #1: We thought the crystals would only function for their true owners!
Guard #2: You must meet the Emperor! You will be greatly rewarded for this, sir!
The two guards kneel and bow to Zed.
Erik: You just became the most important person in the Empire.
Zed appears shocked.
Scene 4: Mak’s Hometown: Late Morning
Theodor leads Mak, Amethyst, Emily and Bryn through a busy street.
Bryn: I can’t believe how hot it is here!
Mak: Well, it IS on the Kobelian border, Bryn.
Bryn: I know that, I just wasn’t ready for it.
Mak: Is that why you’re not wearing your armour?
Bryn: Mostly, yes.
Mak: Mostly? What possible reasons could you have for not wearing-
Theodor: We are here, son.
Mak: Oh.
***
The party enters The Charging Santvak Tavern. A lone orcborn sits at a table, away from the other patrons. The group walks over to her.
Theodor: Thookli, this is my son, Makkmak.
Mak: Call me “Mak”. Everyone else does.
Emily: Not everyone, Makkmak.
Mak blushes.
Thookli: Well met, Mak. You may call me Thookli.
Mak: Thookli…nice name.
Thookli: Thank you.
Mak: Uh…my father says you may know the whereabouts of my mother?
Thookli: Ah, yes…I will take you to my tribe. Our chieftain was the last to see her.
Mak: And where are they?
Thookli: Across the border. They are making camp at an oasis in the desert.
Emily: In the desert?
Thookli: Not to worry, I will take care of you both.
Mak: Of course, I appreciate…wait, us both?!
Thookli: Of course. It would be wonderful if your mate journeyed with us.
Mak: My mate?!
Emily: Oh no, we’re not a couple! Definitely not!
Mak: Right, yeah! Us, a human and an orcborn? Heheh…
Emily and Mak both sweat a little bit.
Emily and Mak’s thoughts: My mate…hm…
Emily: I would be happy to accompany Makkmak.
Mak: Uh, right! Us Crystalbound have to stick together!
Thookli: Then we will leave at once. Come.
Mak turns to face Amethyst.
Mak: Let the others know where we are, okay?
Amethyst: It would be my honour, Mak.
Scene 5: Emperor’s Throne Room: Early Afternoon
The Silverian Emperor, a syl human with long, blonde hair and silver bangs, sits on her throne. Two large doors at the opposite end of the massive room swing open, revealing the two guards, Zed and Erik. The guards lead Zed and Erik up to the Emperor.
Guard #1: Emperor Silveria, I present Zed the Azurebound and his companion, Herikios of Summershire.
Emperor: Thank you, that will be all.
Erik’s thoughts: In case you were wondering, the Emperor is almost always the first-born female of the previous Emperor. The term “Empress” is not known to the inhabitants of the Empire as there is no need for gender distinction.
Zed’s thoughts: Got it…wait, how are you talking to me telepathically? Are you an esper?!
Erik’s thoughts: I will explain later, Zed.
Emperor: Welcome, Zed the Azurebound and Herikios of Summershire.
Erik: It is an honour, Emperor.
Erik bows his head.
Zed: Thank you, Emperor.
Zed bows his head.
Emperor: Raise your heads.
Erik and Zed raise their heads.
Emperor: I was beginning to doubt that the crystals would find an owner. According to their creator, the first to activate should have been the Magenta Crystal, but that is not due to happen for approximately 200 years.
Erik: That is correct, Emperor.
The Emperor takes on an inquisitive tone.
Emperor: Then how is it that the Azure Crystal is the first one to activate?
Erik: Well…uh…
Erik pauses.
Emperor: Now, now, there is no need to be coy with me. Zed…
The Emperor turns to face Zed.
Emperor: You are not from this world, are you?
Zed: Not exactly, Emperor. I hail from 250 years in the future.
Emperor: Hm…I believe your story. How else would you be in possession of a fully-active Azure Crystal?
Zed: Then you do believe me?
The Emperor smiles.
Emperor: Of course. The protectors of the crystals report that all seven crystals are safely guarded…including the Azure Crystal.
Zed: I see…
Emperor: The best course of action is to help you return to your own time. But in order to do this, you must complete your purpose in this time period.
Erik: Pardon my interruption, Emperor, but what is Zed’s purpose in this time period?
Emperor: Our oracles see that Zed is here to aid the one who would eventually assist him.
Erik: And who is that, Emperor?
Emperor: An Icon.
Erik: An Icon, Emperor?
Emperor: One of great power and knowledge, a mortal blessed with the gift of ages.
Erik: And you think Zed is here to help such an individual?
Emperor: I do, Herikios. I am appointing you as Zed’s assistant in this endeavour.
Erik: Me, Emperor? Am I really so important?
The Emperor smiles.
Emperor: How long have we known one another, Erik?
Erik: Five years, Emperor.
Emperor: You would consider us friends, yes?
Erik: Y-Yes, Emperor.
Emperor: Then I would trust none other for this task.
Erik: Yes, Emperor.
Erik bows his head, followed by Zed. Both men raise their heads, turn around and head for the door.
Emperor: And Erik?
Erik and Zed stop walking. Erik looks back over his left shoulder.
Erik: Yes?
Emperor: Do call me Silveria.
Erik: I will…try to keep that in mind.
Erik and Zed walk out the doors, which swing shut. The Emperor sighs.
Emperor: I have reminded him for half a decade, yet he still calls me “Emperor”…
**********
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**********
- Spoiler:
Scene 6: Theodor’s Home: Late Afternoon
The rest of the party is in the living area. Amethyst examines the artefacts on the shelves.
Brocc: So what are we supposed to do?
Bryn: Well, Mak’s Dad said to make ourselves at home, so that’s just what I’m doing.
Brocc: But he’s not even here.
Bryn: So?
Brocc: So do you really think it’s a good idea to raid his fridge and make yourself a gigantic snack?
Bryn speaks with her mouth full.
Bryn: What? A girl’s gotta eat, Brocc!
Amethyst: By the Twelve Stars…
Thobrun: What is it, lass?
Amethyst: This tablet…
Bryn: What about it?
Amethyst: You will think I am mad…
Bryn: What? Spit it out!
A crumb flies out of Bryn’s mouth and onto Theodor’s couch.
Bryn: Oops.
Amethyst: According to this tablet, two individuals named Herikios and Zed-
The party suddenly stares at Amethyst.
Amethyst: -were appointed as members of Emperor Silveria XVII’s Guard!
Bryn: Zed! But no…it couldn’t be OUR Zed.
Thobrun: Bryn has a point. That tablet must be hundreds o’ years old!
Amethyst: But the fact that Herikios is also mentioned suggests that-
Brocc: -Zed’s in the past! That’s where he is!
Bryn: Ooh, good thing Mak’s not here! He’d throw a major wobbly knowing Erik’s involved in all this!
Scene 7: Desert Oasis: Evening
Mak, Emily and Thookli approach the oasis.
Mak: I suddenly have the urge to punch someone in the face…ah, it’s probably nothing.
Thookli: We are here.
Mak and Emily examine the camp. A number of tents made from animal skins lay strewn around the oasis.
Emily: This is wonderful! I have always longed to visit a sand orc encampment!
Thookli: Makkmak, has your father told you much of your heritage?
Mak: Not particularly. Why do you ask?
Thookli: Your mother is from a sand orc tribe much like this one.
Mak: Really?
Thookli: Indeed. Come, I will take you to the Chieftain.
Mak: Lead on!
***
Thookli leads Mak and Emily inside the largest tent. The ceiling is so high that all three individuals are able to stand upright comfortably. The Chieftain sits cross-legged atop a thick fur blanket.
Thookli: Father, this is Makkmak and Emily.
The Chieftain grunts.
Thookli: They wish to know information on Sarekka’s whereabouts.
Chieftain: Makkmak and Emily. I welcome to tent. Sit, sit.
Mak and Emily sit on the carpeted ground and cross their legs.
Emily: It is an honour, Chieftain.
Chieftain: No, no, honour mine.
The Chieftain places his left hand on his chest for a moment.
Chieftain: I trust journey was good?
Mak: Oh, yes, very much so. I’d never tried stewed cactus before. It was very appetising.
Chieftain: Ah, good, good. Stew cactus is Thookli specialty. But she is warrior, first and foremost.
Emily: I must admit, your Common is most impressive.
Chieftain: Ah, thank! Thookli is good teacher!
The Chieftain chuckles.
Chieftain: I see Sarekka in Big-Chip Mountain Pass, with dangerous cliff orc. Two of them. Very nasty folk.
Mak: Cliff orcs? But…what would they want with my mother?
Chieftain: Their leader threaten, say they will take Mak to Elbok Waste and abandon. Sarekka have good heart, offer herself in place.
Emily: Your mother must love you a lot, Makkmak.
Mak: That’s why I need to find her.
Chieftain: Cliff orc tribe very strong, very savage. This tribe stay away, for safety. Sure?
Mak: Yes, I am sure.
Chieftain: Then go with Thookli. Protect you both. Tomorrow.
Emily: Our thanks, Chieftain.
Mak: Thank you, sir.
Chieftain: Mak and Emily not weaklings. Heart of sand orc. Nice couple.
Mak: Oh, we’re not a couple!
Emily: Most definitely not! Eheheheheh…
Chieftain: Sure? Chieftain see sparks between.
Thookli: That’s what I said!
Mak: Trust us, we’re not a couple…
Mak and Emily look at each other from the corner of their eyes, then back at the Chieftain.
Scene 8: Desert Oasis: Pre-Dawn
Mak stands staring at the Oasis, a reflection of the purplish sky on its surface. A cold wind blows through the encampment. Emily emerges from a tent and walks over to Mak.
Emily: It is cold, Makkmak.
Mak: I know. I was just thinking.
Emily: About?
Mak: A lot of things. Mom…Zed…Erik… And not just them. When I say a lot of things, I’m not talking in small amounts. I’m talking full blown crises fighting for space in my mind.
Emily: When you were wounded by Brent and Sara and taken away, I was scared that I would never see you again.
Mak: I know what you mean. The whole time we were being dragged along, my thoughts weren’t of my agonizing pain, or where Zed was, or even about my mother…well, those things were still on my mind.
Mak turns to face Emily.
Mak: The one thing I thought about most was you, Ems. The whole time, I worried about your safety.
Emily: Those were my exact thoughts of you.
Mak and Emily smile. Their eyes twinkle. As they close their eyes, they slowly tilt their heads and move towards one another. Their lips make contact and they kiss for the first time, just as the sun rises in the distance.
***
We cut to a view of Brocc asleep in bed. He sleep-talks loudly.
Brocc: Woohoo! It’s about…(snore)…time…
***
Mak and Emily break away from each other and open their eyes, smiling at each other. We cut to a view of the opposite side of them, where Thookli is standing.
Mak: That was…
Emily: Indeed…
After a brief pause, Mak looks at Thookli.
Mak: Thookli! A-Are we ready to leave?
Thookli: Of course.
Mak claps his hands together.
Mak: Great! Let’s go and find my Mom!
Scene 9: Outside the Dragon’s Tower: Morning
Erik and Zed stand facing the entrance to the Dragon’s Tower, an enormous spire with a gleaming metallic finish.
Zed: The Dragon’s Tower?!
Erik: Of course. That’s where the oracles said the Icon would be.
Zed: I don’t think I can go in there.
Erik: Are you not an adventurer?
Zed: Only a probationary one.
Erik: But you possess amazing skills, Zed. Surely you have already been inducted as a full member!
Zed: You only inducted me as a trainee. I’m not qualified to enter a B-Class dungeon!
Erik: Really? I did? Oh dear…
Erik thinks for a moment.
Erik: Now, you say that I inducted you, yes?
Zed: Well, technically, yes…
Erik: So therefore, I should legally be able to induct you as a full adventurer right now. What’s 250 years of time difference where a time-traveller is concerned?
Zed: I’m pretty sure it doesn’t work like that.
Erik: Where is your membership card?
Zed: Right here.
Zed pulls out his member’s card and examines it.
Zed: “Zed Starmute, 1st-Level Homonid Spellsword. Full Member of the Faerie Guild.” Wait…what?!
Erik: See? I knew my future self would have thought of everything!
Zed: But…I’m not a spellsword! I’m a wizard! I’ve never even held a sword before!
Zed puts his member’s card away.
Zed: Well…I guess technically I can go inside, then.
Erik: Then let us enter!
***
Zed and Erik stand inside the dungeon surrounded by a swarm of cakeflies.
Zed: I knew it was a mistake to enter here!
Erik: I don’t understand…cakeflies should not attack unless one of us has-
Zed: Just like I told your future self, I always carry some cakes with me in case of emergency!
Erik: Well, what should we do?
Zed reaches into his satchel and pulls out two breathers.
Zed: Put this on!
Erik: What is it?
Zed: No time! Just put it on now!
Erik: As you command!
Zed and Erik quickly don the breathers just in time to protect them from the cakeflies’ slumber dust.
Erik: This device is incredible!
Zed: Keep it. Now, let’s run!
Erik: Agreed!
Zed and Erik race towards the next flight of stairs.
Scene 10: Big-Chip Mountain Range: Late Morning
Mak, Emily and Thookli approach the cliff orc stronghold.
Thookli: Follow my lead.
Mak: Wait…we’re just going to march into their camp?!
Thookli: Of course.
Mak: But…aren’t they cliff orcs?!
Thookli: Just trust me. They will not harm us.
Mak: O-Okay then…
The party approaches two guards. Thookli turns to face Mak and Emily and raises her right hand.
Thookli: Wait here, okay?
Mak: Uh…sure.
Thookli approaches the orcs. Both orcs cross their axes, blocking the orcborn’s path. All three speak in Orcish.
Thookli: (Greetings.)
Guard #1: (State your business.)
Thookli: (My companions and I wish to enter your stronghold.)
Guard #1: (What business does a group of three weaklings have in our stronghold?)
Thookli: (We wish to speak to the one called Sarekka.)
The two orcs whisper to each other.
Guard #1: (Very well, you may enter.)
Thookli: (My thanks to you both.)
Thookli gestures Mak and Emily to approach. Mak and Emily walk up to Thookli. Just as Thookli takes a step forward, the second guard stops her.
Guard #2: (Why do you wish to speak to Sarekka?)
Thookli: (For reasons of kinship.)
The second guard examines both orcborn.
Guard #2: (Then you have one hour.)
Thookli: (That is all we need.)
***
The party enters a room within the stronghold. A lone orc woman sits in a chair, polishing an axe.
Thookli: Hello.
The woman looks up at Thookli, then over at Mak, then at Emily. A tear rolls down her cheek.
Sarekka: Son? Daughter?
Mak: Why does everybody think we’re a couple?!
Sarekka: It IS Makkmak!
Sarekka drops the axe and cloth and runs over to Makkmak, embracing him in a gigantic hug.
Sarekka: I did think I would not see Makkmak again!
Mak begins crying.
Mak: I missed you so much, Mommy!
Sarekka promptly drops Mak and embraces Thookli.
Sarekka: Thookli! My Thookli!
Thookli: Wait! Why are you hugging me?!
Mak flies back onto his feet. Sarekka lets go of Thookli.
Mak: Wait…Thookli’s my sister?!
Thookli: What?!
Sarekka turns to face Mak.
Sarekka: Yes. When Chieftain of cliff orc tribe threaten Theo and Makkmak, Sarekka offer to take place. Chieftain take Sarekka away for 21 years. What Sarekka not know at time is carrying baby. Then, six months later, Sarekka give birth to daughter, Thookli. Sarekka secretly give baby to sand orc Chieftain, so can live in peace.
Thookli: I had no idea I had a brother…
Sarekka: But now, 21 years later, Sarekka free to go home.
Mak: Wait…so the 21 years you’ve been gone were-
Sarekka: -prison sentence, yes.
Mak: But how could you be tried as a cliff orc when you were part of a sand orc tribe?
Sarekka: Sarekka mother, Makkmak and Thookli grandmother, was cliff orc. That make Sarekka tried as cliff orc when marry to human Theo.
Mak: So I’m a quarter-cliff orc?!
Emily: I guess that explains your temper, then!
Mak: What the…Brocc?! How do you keep-
Mak looks at Emily, who has a beaming smile on her face.
Mak: A sense of humour…now that’s a side of you I’ve never seen before.
Emily: Oh?
Mak: I think I could get used to that side.
Emily giggles.
Scene 11: Theodor’s Home: Late Morning
Mak, Emily, Thookli and Sarekka enter the living area. The rest of the party and Theodor sit on the couches and chairs.
Mak: We’re home!
Theodor looks over at the group. A look of surprise appears on his face.
Theodor: Sarekka?
Sarekka: Theo.
Theodor slowly stands up and walks over to Sarekka. He wraps his arms around her, and she does so in kind. They nuzzle each other’s foreheads.
Theodor: My Sarekka…I never thought I would see you again.
Sarekka: I miss Theo so very much. Sarekka stay for good.
Theodor looks at Thookli.
Theodor: Thank you.
Thookli nods.
Mak: It gets better. Thookli is…your daughter!
Theodor: My daughter?!
Theodor and Sarekka let go of one another. Theodor walks over to Thookli and examines her.
Thookli: It’s as much a surprise to you as it is to me…Father.
Theodor: I see it now. You have my eyes…and your mother’s tusks.
Brocc: Well, you’ll never guess what happened to me. I dreamt that Mak and Emily kissed!
Mak: What?!
Brocc: Yeah, in front of an oasis in the middle of the desert, the sun rising as you-
Mak: Okay, I think we’ve had enough of Brocc’s fantasies, don’t you?!
Emily: Eheheheheh…
Scene 12: En Route to Goldenia: Early Afternoon
The Crystalbound, Kendall and Tamamaki walk along a road. The trees lining it are shedding their leaves.
Mak: So, any news about Zed?
Amethyst: It’s funny you should mention it, Mak.
Bryn: Your father has a number of artefacts which mention Zed.
Mak: Really?!
Amethyst: He is in the past, assisting Herikios.
Mak: Wait…Erik’s there too?! I knew I couldn’t trust that guy!
Brocc: It gets better! The artefacts mention where he returns in this timeline!
Mak: Where?
Bryn: A place called Summershire.
Emily: But that is my homeland! It is a part of Goldenia Kingdom!
Mak: Then we make tracks to Goldenia!
The party continues walking along the road. Just then, an arrow whizzes past Mak’s head.
Bryn: Oh, for the love of-
**********
End Credits
**********
- on July 26th 2015, 5:39 am
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- Topic: Mask of Akanius - A Series by GamerZack87
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Mask of Akanius - A Series by GamerZack87
Episode 1 – Akanian Knights, Part I- Synopsis:
Meet Alph, a dark-haired young man who has been journeying with his allies for quite some time now, hoping to find his place in a world of turmoil. The twelve Drachomus Empires are eternally locked in a struggle against each other, with each faction despising the others. After healing a red drachomus child from her injuries, Crynock, a cyan drachomus and one of Alph’s allies, is shunned by the girl’s family. When Ocre, another member of the party and Alph’s closest friend, fails to defend her supposed “brother-in-arms”, the two argue to the point of severing their tumultuous friendship. Meanwhile, Amy and Furbendink, Alph’s non-drachomus allies, uncover a plot to overthrow the emperor of Akanius. Problems arise, however, when the pair is sentenced to a horrible fate! Can Ocre and Crynock overcome their differences in time to save their friends?
New Characters
Alph of Akanius – An individual who looks strikingly similar to Zed, and even has a similar case of amnesia. He wears a breather most of the time due to respiratory problems triggered when he arrived in Ocre’s hometown.
Ocre of Akanius – A red drachomus marshal who took in Alph when he needed help, she has fast become his closest ally. She considers Crynock to be both an enemy and a friend, to which Alph uses the term “frenemy”.
Crynock of Soranius – A cyan drachomus paladin, he has a somewhat caring personality. Even though he is often at odds with Ocre, he still hasn’t forgotten the time she saved his life, so he tolerates her to a far greater extent than he admits.
Amy of Munthrek – A human woman with incredible psychic powers, Alph seems to secretly be smitten with her; behind her logical and intellectual exterior, Amy “secretly” has feelings for Alph as well, and hopes to one day get to know the guy behind the mask…in more ways than the obvious.
Furbendink of Wievalia – A gnome who uses magic with incredible skill, Furbendink hides his many middle names and even his last name, preferring to use the title of “of Wievalia” instead. Whether or not his names are embarrassing to him is anybody’s guess.
“You may feel alone in your situation, Alph, yet you are not alone…”
- Spoiler:
Scene 1: Akanius Plains: Morning
Zed is a young man in a seemingly isolated situation. Alone in an unfamiliar world, with not a single memory to aid him, he has adjusted to life in Junihoshi, becoming one of the Crystalbound.
Yet, he is not the only one in this situation. In another corner of the multiverse, on the world of Dracromia, a young man much like Zed in many ways has adjusted to his new life. He has made many friends – not to mention enemies – and now travels with a party as eclectic as Zed’s. Now, at last, Alph is finally about to reach a location which will begin his own quest…
Five individuals walk through a vast plain of brownish dirt and greyish-green grass. The sky is covered by dark clouds, and the air is mostly cool, except for near the puddles of lava scattered about. Leading the party are two drachomi, individuals which resemble humanoid dragons. The one on the right has red scales and wears golden armour, whereas the one on the left has bright blue scales and wears gleaming armour with a tinge of mint green. Following behind are three other individuals: a male human with rounded ears, dark, spiky hair and red clothing; a female human with slightly-pointed ears, long, dark brown hair and blue clothing; and a male gnome with purple hair and green clothing. The three individuals at the back wear special masks to help them breathe due to the thick, acrid air outside.
Gnome: Oh, how long until we reach the city?
Red Drachomus: We should arrive soon.
Gnome: But you said that an hour ago.
Cyan Drachomus: You must forgive Ocre, Furbendink. You know that she has a lot more patience than the rest of us.
Ocre: Thank you, Crynock.
Crynock: Of course you could still be thinking about your boyfr-
Ocre punches Crynock hard in his upper arm.
Ocre: I told you not to talk about him!
Crynock: I’m sorry, I just thought that it was so roma-
Ocre punches Crynock hard in his loin.
Ocre: You know where I’m punching next, right?
Crynock gulps.
Crynock: Yes. I’m still bruised from the last time you punched my butt.
Ocre: Good. Then we have an understanding.
Crynock: It seems so.
Ocre laughs loudly. Crynock chuckles nervously. Meanwhile, the male human stares up into the sky. The female human looks over at him.
Woman: What are you thinking about?
Man: Oh, I was just thinking about…nothing. It sounds silly.
Woman: No, go ahead. Tell me.
Man: Well, I know it sounds silly, but…I was trying to think of my family. You know, like do I even have a family?
Woman: Well, you must have a family out there. You couldn’t possibly exist without a mother and father.
Man: I was thinking more about siblings. I keep thinking about how awesome it’d be to have a brother or sister. And…I guess I feel like something’s missing, you know?
Woman: I wish I did. I know my family’s back in Munthrek City, running their small business.
The woman sighs.
Woman: I miss my sisters.
Man: I didn’t know you had sisters!
Woman: May and Mya. We’re triplets.
Man: Wait…so your names are Amy, May and Mya?
Amy: I know, we may as well be called the “Anagram Sisters”!
Both people laugh. The man stares at Amy.
Amy: Are you blushing?
Man: How can you tell?
Amy: I can’t. I’m just assuming because of the way you’re staring at me. It’s the shape of your eyes.
Man: My eyes?
Amy: Yes. You always squint when you smile.
Man: Well, maybe you’re right about-
A loud roar echoes through the plains.
Furbendink: WHAT WAS THAT?!
Ocre: Oh no…we must hurry if we don’t want to become lunch for the echomite!
Furbendink: WHAT?!
Ocre: Alph, get your spitter ready!
The man detaches an object resembling a high-tech water gun from his belt.
Alph: Ready! Wait, why am I the one who needs to do this?
Ocre: Because you’re the only one with a spitter that subdues foes rather than harms them!
Alph: Hold on a minute! Are you saying that this thing is impervious to harm?!
Another roar bellows outward, this time much closer to the party.
Furbendink: WE’RE ALL GONNA BECOME ECHOMITE CHOW!
**********
Opening Credits
**********
The party stands ready as another roar echoes towards them. Ocre and Crynock turn to face the others.
Ocre: You should remove your breathers for maximum clarity.
Amy: Is that safe?
Ocre: The vegetation in this area, combined with the altitude, makes it relatively safe to breathe the air.
Furbendink rips the breather from his face and breathes deeply, while Amy removes hers much more calmly. Alph keeps his breather on.
Furbendink: Hm…it still kinda stinks here. Alph, I’m glad you don’t have to put up with this stench.
Alph: Is it really that bad?
Furbendink: Oh, you have no idea how bad this smell is. It’s like…rotten fruit mixed with a steaming pile of cra-
Crynock: Furbendink! Watch your tongue!
Furbendink: I was gonna say “crab bisque”! I HATE bisque!
Ocre: Here it comes…
Furbendink: EEEP! I’ve never been so scared!
Amy: Well, there was the time you-
Furbendink: Oh yeah.
Ocre: And the time that-
Furbendink: Well, I was pretty scared that day too.
Crynock: And let’s not forget the time I-
Furbendink: OKAY! I think the viewers get that I’m the coward in this show!
Alph: And the fourth-wall demolitions expert, it seems.
Furbendink: Oh, haha. Very funny.
Alph: Can we please just deal with whatever this monster is and stop picking on Furbendink?
Furbendink: *Sniff* You really are my bestest friend…you know that, don’t you, Alph?
Alph: And you’re mine as well, Furbendink.
Amy’s thoughts: Well, just you wait until we’re together, Alph! Then WE’LL be best friends, for better or worse!
Amy smiles happily. Crynock looks at her.
Crynock: Why are you so happy all of a sudden?
Amy panics.
Amy: What?! No, I’m fine! Me, happy? Never! I’m never happy! HAHAHA!
Crynock: Very well.
A loud roar indicates the creature is almost at the party.
Furbendink: Oh…it’s here! It’s here! It’s- wait, where is it?
Ocre: Right there.
Ocre points a clawed finger at a flying beetle, about the size of a ping-pong ball. It lets out a bellowing roar.
Furbendink: Oh, it’s just a defence mechanism!
Ocre: Alph, if you would be so kind?
Alph: Oh…right.
Alph steps in front of the party and sprays mist from his spitter at the echomite, which closes into a ball and falls to the ground.
Alph: Alph and his sleep gun to the rescue.
Ocre: Oh, that’s MUCH better! Those roars really go through your ears!
The others stare at Ocre.
Ocre: What? Drachomi have super-sensitive hearing! Tell ‘em, Crynock!
Crynock: Oh, my helmet cancels out noises which are too loud for drachomus hearing.
Ocre: WHAT?! Well, thank you for telling me! I could’ve used that thing right about now!
Crynock: If I’d known, I would have shared my spare with you.
Ocre: YOU HAD A SPARE?! Ooh, you’re infuriating!
Crynock: As I implied, I would have shared mine if you’d asked.
Ocre: How could I ask when I HAD NO IDEA YOU EVEN HAD A-
Alph calls from a short distance away.
Alph: I think I see Akanius City! Whoa, it’s huge…
The others run over to Alph, who’s standing at the top of a not-too-steep slope. In the distance is an enormous city consisting of multiple domes which are connected together.
Amy: It’s magnificent! We have no such city in Munthrek!
Furbendink: Or Wievalia!
Crynock: It’s equally as impressive as Soranius City.
Alph: Which I would love to visit someday. For now, let’s go to Akanius City!
Ocre: We should arrive within the hour.
Furbendink: WOO! Let’s party!
The party begins carefully descending the slope.
Alph: So is crab bisque really that bad?
Furbendink: Oh, don’t get me started…
Alph: No, I wanna know.
Furbendink: Well…
Scene 2: Akanius City: Late Morning
The party, once again wearing their breathers, enters the airlock at the entrance to the city. The doorway seals behind them as they walk over to the gate.
Furbendink: …and that’s how I created the rainbow fart spell.
Alph: How did a conversation about soup turn into that?!
Furbendink: Ah, it’s just one of the mysteries of our time, Alph. Like, how do I know you’re not a girl under that thing?
Alph: My breather?
Furbendink: No, your…yeah, let’s go with that.
Ocre: I’ve seen Alph’s face, Furbendink. Rest assured that he is definitely male.
Amy: And soooooooo cute!
Alph looks over at Amy, who starts panicking.
Amy: I mean…I would assume you’re at least moderately attractive.
Amy fantasises about how irresistibly handsome he must be. Her fantasy is broken by a single alarm sound.
Voice: Airlock purified. You may now enter.
Amy and Furbendink remove their breathers and clip them to their belts. The gates swing open, leaving everybody except Ocre standing in awe.
Furbendink: It’s magnificent!
Amy: Incredible…
Crynock: It’s so…Akanian…
Ocre scowls at Crynock.
Ocre: What’s that supposed to mean?!
Crynock: N-Nothing, I swear!
Ocre: You better not be mocking my people, Crynock!
Crynock: No, no! I’m on a journey to see the world, and I love learning about new cultures!
Ocre: Well, you don’t usually lie…okay, I trust you.
Furbendink: Wow, Crynock. That’s the first time she ever said she trusts you!
Ocre: Shut it, grape-top!
Furbendink: My bad.
The party begins entering the city.
Alph: Of all the places we’ve been, this is by far the best one yet. I hope the people here are friendly.
Voice: STOP RIGHT THERE!
The party freezes as two red drachomus guards, a male and a female, walk up to the party.
Male Guard: And what do we have here?
Furbendink: Oh, just the tightest-knit group of travelling friends in Akanius, that’s what!
Ocre wraps her right arm around Crynock’s right shoulder and pulls him next to her. Both drachomi pull large, cheesy grins.
Female Guard: A red drachomus who’s friends with a cyan drachomus? Hm…seems suspicious to me.
Ocre: Oh, we really are-
Crynock: -good friends!
Ocre: Yeah, see? We even finish each other’s-
Crynock: -pudding!
Ocre glares at Crynock, though both drachomi still grin.
Female Guard: Well, okay then. It’s nice to see two drachomi from different backgrounds getting along so well. Go on thr-
Male Guard: Hold it!
The party members tense up again.
Male Guard: This gadget-y thing-a-ma-bob of mine is picking up an unusually high concentration of psychic activity.
Amy: Oh, that’s me. I’m a powerful esper.
Male Guard: A powerful what-what?
Amy: I can use psychic powers. Watch.
Amy focuses on the male guard’s clipboard. The pen unclips from it and floats through the air, enveloped in blue energy, before landing in the female guard’s hand. The energy dissipates.
Male Guard: Wow, that was incredible! Okay, I’m convinced! You folks enjoy your sta-
Female Guard: Just a second!
The party is fed up and groans this time.
Ocre: What now, officers?
Female Guard: Why is that human woman still wearing her breather?
Alph: Actually, I’m a guy.
Female Guard: My apologies, ma’am. Why is this “guy” woman still wearing her breather?
Ocre: Oh, he has breathing difficulties, so he needs to wear it almost all the time.
Female Guard: Oh?
Alph: I can take it off for short amounts of time to eat and drink, but most of the time-
Female Guard: Okay, I’ve heard enough. I’m going to have to ask you all to come with us to the station so we can examine you properly.
Furbendink: WHAT?! But…I wanted to explore the city!
Male Guard: All suspicious individuals must be assessed before we allow them into the city proper.
Furbendink: This is an outrage! I demand to see a lawyer!
Alph: No, it’s fine. I’ll be happy to go with you, officers.
Male Guard: You’re actually cooperating with us?!
Female Guard: If he’s cooperating, then he clearly isn’t a criminal. Okay, you’re free to go.
Crynock: Just like that?
Female Guard: Indeed.
The party sighs, then starts walking. The male guard stops them.
Male Guard: WAIT!
Furbendink appears furious.
Male Guard: We’re sorry for holding you up. It’s just that we’re hosting the Akanian Tournament this year and, well…we need to be on the lookout for spies from other factions. Here.
The male guard hands a flyer to Ocre.
Ocre: What’s this?
Male Guard: Coupons for Crimson Curie’s All-You-Can-Eat. It’s just down the road there. It’s my way of apologizing.
Furbendink: A free buffet?! Let’s go!
Furbendink races down the street, a trail of dust kicked up behind him.
Male Guard: He seems unusually excited about one free beverage.
Amy: Oh dear…he’s not going to be happy.
Female Guard: You see the future too?! Amazing…
Amy: Uh…I’m not that kind of psychic.
Amy’s thoughts: If I were, I could see myself removing Alph’s mask and gazing into his beautiful green eyes, his chiseled jaw, his perfectly-sculpted cheekbones…
Amy suddenly cries out.
Amy: Why do I keep missing the chance to see his stupid fa-
Amy looks over at Alph, who’s staring at her. She throws her arms in the air and cries out, before racing down the road, a trail of dust behind her.
Crynock: What do you see in that girl, Alph?
Alph shrugs his shoulders and makes an “I dunno” noise.
**********
Commercial: It’s Crimson Curie’s All-You-Can-Eat! We have the best food in all of Akanius! Now with 300 convenient locations empire-wide! Right now, claim your coupons for one free drink! It’s our way of giving back to you, the customer! Crimson Curie’s, where you can stuff yourself full of the finest chow in the land*!
*DISCLAIMER: May not be the finest chow in the land. You have been warned!
**********
- Spoiler:
Scene 3: Crimson Curie’s All-You-Can-Eat: Early Afternoon
The party sits at a table in Crimson Curie’s All-You-Can-Eat. Furbendink is stuffing his face with all sorts of food, from steak and noodles to chicken pie and stew. Crynock stares at him, mouth agape.
Ocre: What’s the matter, Crynock? Never seen a gnome on a food binge before?
Crynock: I can’t work out how one as small as Furbendink could fit in so much food.
Ocre: He’ll pay for it later, believe me. Gnomes may have lightning-fast metabolism, but there is a limit, if you catch my drift.
Crynock: No, I believe I do not.
Amy looks over at Alph, who is not eating anything.
Amy: Are you sure you don’t want anything?
Alph: I’m not hungry right now, thanks.
Amy attempts to tantalise him with some tasty treats.
Amy: Are you sure you don’t want some spicy cheese bread? Or a slice of super-secret recipe chicken pie?
Alph: I’ll manage.
Amy: What about some strawberry truffle-balls? Ocre says they’re your favourite!
Amy holds one in front of Alph’s face. Alph closes his eyes.
Alph: As I said, I’ll eat when I’m hungry.
Amy: Oh…fine.
Amy’s thoughts: He’s playing hard-to-get, I just know it! That just makes it all the more exciting to crack the mystery!
Amy suddenly hears a voice in the background.
Voice #1: Our plan is foolproof! The Emperor won’t know what hit ‘im!
Voice #2: What better way to overthrow the Empire than by taking out its figurehead? Haha!
Voice #1: Victory to the Aoinian Empire!
Voice #2: May our Empress Aoin reign over these Akanian fools!
Voice #1: Let’s slip out quietly before anybody notices.
Amy watches as two cloaked figures slip past the table.
Amy: Uh…if you’ll excuse me, I must be going.
Furbendink: WHAT?! You’re really going to fol-
Amy grabs Furbendink’s hand.
Amy: And I’ll need Furbendink’s help.
Ocre: Okay, we’ll meet up at the agreed location at sunset.
Amy: Of course.
Amy stands up, pulling Furbendink along as she follows the two cloaked figures.
Furbendink: Are you crazy?! We can’t stop-
Amy: Sh!
Furbendink: Fine…
Ocre: I have no idea what she’s doing, but she’s a mature, capable girl, so I trust her to look after herself. Furbendink, on the other hand…
A rumbling sound is heard.
Alph: Oh, heheh…I guess I’m hungry now.
A hissing sound is heard as Alph removes his breather. He picks up a strawberry truffle-ball and eats it.
Alph: Mmm…so good!
***
Amy and Furbendink continue to follow the cloaked figures out of the restaurant.
Amy: Hm…I feel as though I’m missing out on something important…nah! It’s just my imagination!
Furbendink: Maybe you need to use the restroom? I know I do!
Amy: You’re that afraid of a little adventure?
Furbendink: I’m a gnome. It’s only natural for me to be weary of…well, anything.
Amy sighs.
Amy: If you want to use the restroom-
Furbendink: Never mind. It’s passed.
Amy: Good, then we can focus on our mission.
Furbendink: Which is what, exactly?
Amy: Those two goons obviously wish to assassinate the Emperor. How they slipped past security is beyond me, though.
Furbendink’s thoughts: Oh, I think the security around here could use a bit of training.
Amy: Why would you say that in a public area?!
Furbendink: I said that out loud? Huh…I need to control my thoughts a little better.
Amy: Anyway, we’re trained adventurers. I’m sure we could find a way to stop them.
Furbendink: Look, Amy, you’re only 25 years old. I have YEARS more experience than you!
Amy: Which makes you how old, exactly?
Furbendink: Well, by the standard gnome years-to-human years conversion…exactly the same age.
Amy: Really? You’re 100 years old?
Furbendink: Oh come on! You’re psychic! You could have just read my mind!
Amy: Again, I’m not that kind of psychic.
Furbendink: So you keep saying, but so far the only thing I’ve ever seen you do is move objects with your mind.
Amy: Because I’m an esper, and that’s what espers do.
Furbendink: Oh. Well, that’s still subpar to magic.
Amy: Psychic powers are one of the seven varieties of magic.
Furbendink: Well…regular magic is better!
Amy: Keep down your voice! We do not want to alert the assassins to our presence!
The cloaked figures suddenly stop walking and turn to face Amy and Furbendink. Their faces identify them as blue drachomi.
Drachomus #1: Well well, looks like we have a couple of worms following us, don’t we, Voltran?
Voltran: It would seem so, Azulian.
Azulian: What should we do with them?
Voltran: I say we let them have the first move. Then, we strike!
Azulian: Good idea.
Furbendink: Oh, we can go first? In that case…
Furbendink holds out his wand.
Furbendink: “Furbendink’s Rainbow Fart!”
Both assassins suddenly let out a massive fart, and rainbow coloured mist emerges from their lower bodies.
Azulian: What the…?
Voltran: What did you just do, you little…?!
Furbendink: It’s my own special recipe. Like it?
Azulian: Why, you little…
Voltran: …purple-haired punk!
Furbendink: Amy! Now!
Amy: Uh…right!
Amy holds out her hand, manipulating the fart into the assassins’ faces.
Azulian: This is…*COUGH*…torture!
Voltran: It’s so…*ACK*…colourful!
Furbendink: And guess what? It’s gonna last for a full ten minutes! Haha! You’ve had it now!
Voice: “Dispel!”
The rainbow mist clears from the assassins’ faces. A third, female cloaked figure emerges from the shadows and stands in front of the other two.
Figure: Azulian, Voltran, I’m very disappointed in the both of you.
Azulian: We’re sorry, Bronzika.
Voltran: Sorry, Boss.
Bronzika faces Amy and Furbendink. She has a bluish-tinged scar on the right side of her face.
Bronzika: You should not have tried to stop us. Now, you will both pay!
Bronzika throws a small black orb to the ground, engulfing the immediate area in a dark shroud. Once it clears, the three drachomus assassins, Amy and Furbendink are gone.
Scene 4: Plaza: Evening
Alph, Ocre and Crynock stand in a plaza in the middle of the city. They seem to be looking out for Amy and Furbendink.
Ocre: Where are they? They were supposed to be here half an hour ago.
Crynock: I’m very worried.
Alph: Well, I’m sure they’re just-
Suddenly, an explosion erupts from a nearby building. Humans and red drachomi run around, screaming. The party runs over to the scene of the explosion. A young drachomus child sits propped up next to a building, holding her arm and crying.
Ocre: Oh no…
Crynock runs over to the child and kneels down to her level.
Crynock: Hey there. What happened?
Child: I was playing over there with my pet drake Peppers, and then…next thing I knew I was over here!
Crynock: Can you move your arm?
The child shakes her head.
Child: Nuh-uh. It hurts too much.
Crynock: Can you tell me your name?
Child: *SNIFF*…Ruby.
Crynock: Hi, Ruby. My name’s Crynock.
Ruby giggles.
Ruby: That’s a funny name!
Crynock: Well I think your name is beautiful.
Ruby smiles.
Crynock: Now, I’ll heal your arm using some of my special magic. Is that okay?
Ruby nods.
Ruby: M-hm.
Crynock: Okay then.
Crynock holds his hand over Ruby’s arm.
Crynock: “Cure wound!”
Crynock’s hand engulfs Ruby’s arm in bright cyan light. After a moment, the light dissipates.
Crynock: There. Now how’s that?
Ruby moves her arm. A big smile spreads across her face.
Ruby: You fixed my arm! Thank you very much, Mr. Crynock!
Crynock smiles.
Crynock: You are most welcome, Ruby.
Crynock holds out his clawed hand. Ruby takes it, and Crynock helps her to her feet.
Voice: Ruby!
Ruby: Daddy!
Two red drachomi, a male and a female, rush over to Ruby. Ruby runs into their open arms.
Woman: We were so worried about you! Our precious gem!
Ruby: I’m okay!
Man: What happened to you?
Ruby: I broke my arm, and that man made it better!
Ruby points to Crynock. The man lets go of Ruby and walks over to Crynock.
Man: You healed my little girl?
Crynock: Indeed.
Man: You jerk!
The man shoves Crynock.
Man: How dare you poison my daughter with your magic!
Woman: Wurmius!
Man: Stay out of this, Drasilla!
Crynock: I merely did my duty to one who was injured.
Wurmius: You corrupted her and turned her over to your side!
Crynock: I take no side. I am friend to all.
Wurmius: Not me. I would never accept a Soranian as a friend.
Crynock: That…I…
Wurmius: You don’t belong in this place. Go back to whatever cesspool you come from!
Ocre: Hey! Nobody talks to my friend like that!
Wurmius: You’re taking the Soranian’s side?
Ocre quickly holds her hand to her ear.
Ocre: Uh…well, you tell that jerk to stop being a jerk to my friend!
Ocre points to her ear.
Ocre (whisper): (I’m on the communicator.) Yeah, I hate his guts too!
Crynock: Ocre…
A tear rolls down Crynock’s cheek.
Wurmius: We’re leaving. Come along, Ruby.
Wurmius takes Ruby’s hand and starts walking her away. Ruby turns back to face Crynock, before turning her head in the other direction. Drasilla walks up to Crynock.
Drasilla: For what it’s worth, thank you.
Crynock: You are most welcome.
Drasilla: You’re very brave. You should be careful in a place like this.
Crynock: I’ll keep that in mind.
Drasilla turns and walks up to her family again. Crynock looks at Ocre, a sad look on his face.
Ocre: Oh, don’t give me that look! I have a reputation to maintain!
Crynock: I thought you, of all people, were above this prejudicial discrimination between our cultures.
Ocre: While that’s true, I would still rather keep out of any dispute.
Crynock: You initiate most of our battles.
Ocre: I said “any” dispute, not “every” dispute. And starting disputes is very different from keeping out of them.
Crynock: I can’t believe this. I thought we were friends.
Ocre: We are friends, you pale-blue dummy.
Crynock: And yet you didn’t stand up for me.
Ocre: Well, I-
Crynock: There’s more. You’re always insulting me, hitting me…I am the butt of almost every joke you make about us.
Ocre: Well, I wouldn’t turn myself into a joke, so the rest of you have to deal with it! Haha!
Crynock: Well, it’s obvious that our friendship is nothing but a joke.
Ocre: Crynock, I-
Crynock: I need some time to cool off. I’ll be heading over to the Soranian Embassy to replenish my magic.
Ocre: But I-
Crynock: Enough. I’ll meet up with you once I know the best course of action.
Crynock calmly walks away. Alph turns to face Ocre.
Alph: I’ll keep an eye on him. I’ve never seen him so angry.
Ocre: That was anger?! He was so calm that I thought he was-
Ocre sighs.
Ocre: Now I see his point. Maybe I should try to be a bit…nicer to him.
Alph: For now, just give him some time.
Ocre: Agreed. Go. Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.
Alph: I’ll meet up with you later.
Ocre: Very well.
Alph: Hey, Crynock. Wait up!
Alph runs over to Crynock. Ocre stares into space.
Ocre: I have the worst feeling…that something bad’s happened to Amy and Furbendink.
Ocre looks in a certain direction.
Ocre: Guess I’d better follow my gut.
Ocre’s belly growls.
Ocre: Or at least feed it! Haha!
Ocre walks in the direction she’s facing.
Scene 5: Prison Cell: Akanius Palace: Night
Amy and Furbendink sit in a cell inside the palace.
Furbendink: You know, this wouldn’t have happened if you’d just kept your nose out of other people’s business, right?
Amy: I was merely trying to save the Emperor.
Furbendink: Well, let me walk you through what you did wrong:
***
We cut to a scene inside a dark room.
Furbendink: Firstly, you let us get captured by those assassins…
Bronzika: Hold still while I tie you up! There!
Furbendink: No! Now I’m all tied up! Whatever will we do, Amy?
Furbendink: Then you untied the ropes with your weird mind magic…in front of the assassins…
Amy’s eyes begin to glow, and the ropes which bind her and Furbendink’s hands unravel and fall to the ground.
Amy: There.
Furbendink: And then you caused explosives to go off in the room which blasted a hole in the wall…and caused panic in the plaza!
Amy leaps in front of barrels marked “fire powder”.
Bronzika: Witch! Eat my elec breath!
Bronzika opens her mouth, releasing a bolt of electricity from it. Amy leaps out of the way, and it strikes the barrels.
Azulian and Voltran: FUUUUUUU-
We cut to just outside the building. The explosion bursts through the wall, sending Ruby flying and causing a red iguana-like creature to flee.
***
Furbendink: So naturally, we wound up arrested and thrown in the slammer.
Amy: And now the assassins will execute the Emperor. If only the guards had believed our story.
Voice: Right. Come with us, you two.
A guard opens the cell door.
Furbendink: Oh no! Are we going to be boiled alive for our crime?
Guard: Yeah, that’s right. Come with us.
Furbendink: No!
Amy: You can’t!
Guard: Come with us now.
Furbendink: “Us?” You’re the only one there.
Guard: Just for that, you’re being boiled in hot oil!
Furbendink: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
***
Commercial: Drink and Ride, You’re a Stinky Fool! This message brought to you by the Akanius City Council.
***
- on May 23rd 2015, 9:35 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Power Rangers Mushroom Force - A Series by GamerZack87
- Replies: 4
- Views: 3211
Power Rangers Mushroom Force - A Series by GamerZack87
Episode 1: The Mushroom Force Initiative- Spoiler:
- Rukiafan as Rukiafan
Marioman18 as Marioman
GamerZack87 as Zack
BurstDashV8 as Dash
Kushina as Kushina
Aqua Cherry Blossom as Eureka
and Clannad as Clannad
In...
POWER RANGERS MUSHROOM FORCE
Scene 1: Gadd Science, Inc.: Late Night
Professor Elvin Gadd, a genius scientist, is busy working on his personal computer.
Gadd: And...there. Perfect!
The power-up sound from the original Super Mario Bros. emerges from the speakers.
Gadd: Ah, I have received a personal message from Luigi! How is my old friend doing? Let's see...click! And...! Yabo yabo! This is most alarming news indeed!
An alarm suddenly sounds throughout Gadd's laboratory.
Gadd: Oh my! I must check on my top-secret project!
Gadd leaps out of his chair and races through the door.
***
Gadd bursts through another door into a room filled with high-tech equipment. In the corner of the room is an energy display case containing eight brightly-coloured Coins.
Gadd: The alarm sounded from within this room...but I fail to see what caused it to sound...
Voice: BWAHAHAHAHAAAAA!
Gadd: No...it couldn't be...?
The evil tyrant, Bowser, emerges from the shadows.
Bowser: You better believe it is! King Bowser is in the building!
Gadd: What do you want? There is nothing here you can use!
Bowser: Oh, don't give me that whole, "It's too advanced for your tiny mind to understand" speech.
Gadd: Well, there is that, but I meant-
Bowser: Gonna cut you off there, Cad. What do we have here?
Bowser approaches the energy tube.
Bowser: You a Coin collector or something, Cad?
Gadd: My name is Professor Elvin GADD, sir!
Bowser: "Sir", eh? I like the sound of that!
Bowser stares at the Coins.
Bowser: So colourful...and so much power...I want them! Give them to me!
Gadd: Yabo yabo! The Star Coins cannot be used by the likes of-
Bowser: Blah, blah, blah, "You can't have them because you're evil!" I heard it all before! Now, lower the energy-barrier...thingie.
Gadd: I will not! And the Star Coins cannot be used by you because you are the wrong species!
Bowser: Oh, so now you're being prejudist against turtles? That's cold, Cad. Real cold.
Gadd: What I mean is that you are genetically incompatible to even grasp one!
Bowser: Well, we'll just see about that...
Bowser touches the Red Star Coin, which causes all eight Coins to disappear in a flash of light.
Bowser: WHAT?! Wh-Where did it go?
Gadd: I warned you! Now the Star Coins are scattered across the world.
Bowser: Buh...buh...but I...I have to find them!
Bowser presses a button, blowing a hole in the wall. He leaps through the hole and into his Koopa Clown Car.
Bowser: You'll pay for this, Cad!
Bowser flies the Koopa Clown Car away.
Gadd: Things could not become much worse.
Speaker: MUSHROOM FORCE PROTOCOL INITIATED.
Gadd: What?! No, this is not a good time for it to begin! Oh, yabo yabo, what do I do?!
Scene 2: The Zack Cave: Evening
Zack is busy using the website WiiWareWave.
Zack: What's Rukiafan posted about my avatar...?
Rukiafan's Post: Forget Ichigo, where's Bowser Jr?
Zack snickers.
Zack: Oh, this could go on for a while...
GamerZack87's Post: Forget Bowser Jr., where's the rest of the strawberry patch?
A message reading, "You have received a Private Message from Rukiafan" appears at the top of the screen. Zack goes into his PMs and finds one from "Rukiafan" titled, "Mushroom Force Initiative".
Zack: Mushroom Force...? Rukiafan must have posted a news article.
Zack clicks the link, opening the message.
PM: MUSHROOM FORCE INITIATIVE ACTIVATED.
Zack: Okay then...?
Suddenly, Zack's screen begins swirling into a blue spiral. It emerges from his screen, pulling him through the vortex.
Zack: WHOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA- Hey, wait a second...
Zack soon realises he's standing up.
Zack: I'm not falling at all! But what is this thing...?
Zack reaches out to touch the wall.
***
The vortex disappears, leaving Zack standing in the middle of a vast plain.
Zack: What the...?
Zack examines his surroundings, recognising nothing surrounding him.
Zack: Weird...
Suddenly, another column of swirling blue energy lands next to him, before pulling back into the sky. A young man about Zack's age is standing there.
Zack: This is getting weird...
Zack examines the man, who seems to be just as confused as him. Zack's eyes widen.
Zack: Rukiafan?!
Rukiafan: You know me?
Zack: Yeah, on WiiWareWave!
Rukiafan: Hm...
Rukiafan examines Zack.
Rukiafan: ...Zack?
Zack: Yep!
Rukiafan: Whoa, it's awesome to finally meet you in person!
Zack: Same here!
Rukiafan: But...where are we...?
Zack looks around.
Zack: If I had to guess...I'd say the Mushroom Kingdom.
Rukiafan: Really? Weird...
Zack: I know...
A third vortex lands on the ground and retreats, leaving a young woman with red hair standing nearby.
Woman: Oh...what's going on?
Rukiafan: Kushina?
Kushina: Yes?
Rukiafan: We're Rukiafan and Zack, from WiiWareWave!
Kushina: Oh...
Zack: Did you both get the PM as well?
Rukiafan: I did. It said it was from Clannad.
Zack: Mine said it was from you.
Kushina: I received mine from Aqua Cherry Blossom.
Zack: So if we've all received the same message, then...
Rukiafan: ...others must be here as well!
Kushina: It appears we're in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Zack: We should look for the others.
Kushina: I agree, Zacky-chan. But where do we start?
Rukiafan notices a sign.
Rukiafan: "One-One Plains"...surely that can't be a real place.
Zack: It fits the theme, I guess.
Kushina: I just saw another blue swirl! Over there!
Rukiafan: Let's hurry!
Zack: Right!
***
The three friends arrive at the edge of a canyon. At the bottom is a rapidly-moving river.
Kushina: The swirl landed right here.
Rukiafan: But I don't see anyone...oh no. You don't think...?!
Zack: No...surely not!
Kushina looks to the base of the canyon.
Kushina: They might have fallen into the river!
The three friends look worried.
To be Continued...
- Spoiler:
Scene 3: One-One Gorge: Mushroom Kingdom: Morning
Rukiafan, Kushina and Zack try to figure out what to do.
Kushina: We must find a way to help them!
Rukiafan: But what can we do?!
Zack: Um...why is Eureka from Eureka Seven standing there...?
A young woman is standing nearby.
"Eureka": Pardon?
The young woman examines her clothes, then looks at her reflection in a nearby puddle.
Rukiafan: You're the one who landed in this spot?
"Eureka": Oh dear, I've become my original avatar on WiiWareWave lol!
Zack: Aqua Cherry Blossom...?
"Eureka": That's me! Well, more or less, anyway.
Rukiafan: Then what should we call you?
"Eureka": I guess Eureka's fine.
Kushina: It is a pleasure to meet you.
Eureka: I'm guessing you're Kushina, Rukiafan and Zack then?
Rukiafan: Yeah, it's us.
Voice: Um...could somebody help me, please...?
Zack: I know that voice...
Zack looks across the gorge, and sees a familiar individual standing on the opposite side.
Zack: Wait a second...Dash?!
Dash: Oh, hey Zack. How are you?
Zack: How did you get here?!
Dash: Good question. I was checking out some things on WiiWareWave, including your detailed story of Crystals of Silveria, when I received a Private Message from someone named Marioman. I wondered if I should check it out, so I did. Then I ended up over here.
Rukiafan: But how do we get you over to this side?!
Eureka: There's a bridge over there lol!
Rukiafan and Zack look over at a conveniently-placed bridge.
Zack: Uh...was that bridge always there...?
Kushina: Even I noticed it, Zacky-chan!
Eureka: Silly boys!
Rukiafan facepalms.
Scene 4: One-One Plains: Mushroom Kingdom: Morning
The five allies trek through the field, looking for anyone else who might be here.
Rukiafan: We've been walking for hours...
Eureka: It's only been 20 minutes.
Rukiafan: Can't we stop and rest for a moment?
A scream suddenly sounds out from nearby.
Zack: What was that?!
Eureka: I'll give you three guesses lol.
Rukiafan: Someone's in trouble!
Dash: Oh no! We should help them!
Kushina: It came from that way!
***
The five allies come across two other individuals, a young man and a young woman, surrounded by Goombas.
Woman: EEK! Marioman, we're surrounded by Goombas!
Marioman: I know what to do, Clannad!
Marioman takes a step forward.
Marioman: Hey, Goombas! Prepare to get stomped!
Goomba #1: You? Stomp us? Puh-lease!
Goomba #2: Yeah, I bet you have all the jumping prowess of a Whomp!
Goomba #3: Heheheh...good one!
Marioman: Oh yeah? Well...uh...HEEEEEEELP!
Rukiafan: Oh no! We have to do something!
Dash: I agree, but what can we do?
Goomba #4: You can't do nothin'!
Zack: I agree! We can do something!
Goomba #4: You correctin' me, noob?
Zack: What did you call me? What did that thing just call me?!
Goomba #4: I said...YOU...ARE...A...NOOOOOOO-
Voice: Oh no! I can't...I can't control this thing!
A Goomba in an enormous green shoe bounces into the fray.
Goomba #3: Wait...what are you doing?!
Shoomba: I knew piloting the motorised shoe was a mistake!
Other Goombas: NOOOOOOO!
Shoomba stomps on the other four Goombas, flattening them and turning them into white number 100s which float away.
Shoomba: No...what have I done...?!
Shoomba bounces away. The humans breathe a sigh of relief.
Clannad: That was close...
Marioman: Bit of an unusual situation, wouldn't you agree?
Rukiafan: Clannad?
Clannad: Yes?
Zack: And now, the obligatory introductions...
Scene 5: One-One Plains: Mushroom Kingdom: Morning
Marioman: So it looks like we're all in this predicament, then.
Clannad: But why are we here?
Rukiafan: Good question...
Voice: I knew it was a mistake to send Goombas to do a simple job! All they had to do was find a single Coin, and instead they wiped out each other!
Rukiafan: What is it now?!
Bowser Jr. flies down to the ground in his Koopa Clown Car. He leaps out and examines the humans.
Bowser Jr.: Well now, what do we have here...?
Zack: Y-You're...Bowser Jr.!
Bowser Jr.: Yep! I'm the Koopa Prince! And what are you all supposed to be?
Marioman: We're humans. From Earth.
Bowser Jr. (mocking tone): "We're huuuuumans! From Earrrth!" BAH!
The humans become nervous.
Bowser Jr.: You all look like a bunch of noobs to me!
An evil grin appears on Bowser Jr.'s face.
Bowser Jr.: I know just what to do with you! Koopa Troopas...ATTAAAAAAACK!
Two Koopa Troopas, one green and one red, leap out from the Koopa Clown Car.
Zack: How did they both fit in there with you?!
Bowser Jr.: You ask a lot of questions.
Zack: I like to learn stuff.
Bowser Jr.: Well, in a sec you'll learn what it's like to be hit by a Koopa Troopa shell!
The two Koopa Troopas leap inside their shells and spin towards the humans.
Humans: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!
To be Continued...
- Spoiler:
Scene 6: One-One Plains: Mushroom Kingdom: Morning
The two Koopa Troopas continue to spin towards the humans.
Rukiafan: What do we do?!
Marioman: We run!
Eureka: And just where do we run? Those Koopa Troopas are spinning towards us faster than we can escape!
Bowser Jr.: EHEHEHEHEEEEEEEH! You can't escape, "pumans"!
The Koopa Troopas close in on the humans, when suddenly they collide with each other, flinging to opposite sides of the area. They emerge from their shells and stumble around in a daze.
Marioman: Okay, now?
Eureka: Now!
The humans run to safety. Bowser Jr. leaps up and down in the air in a temper.
Bowser Jr.: NOOOOOOO! After them, you knuckleheads!
The Koopa Troopas shake their heads and return to normal, then proceed to run after the humans.
Scene 7: One-One Plains: Mushroom Kingdom: Morning
The humans run into a clearing. They slow down and start panting.
Marioman: Did we...lose them...?
Kushina: I certainly hope so.
Suddenly, a bright yellow light shines nearby. The humans are awe-struck.
Rukiafan: Whoa...what is that?
Kushina: It's so beautiful.
Zack: It's...a Coin.
Eureka: Way to dampen the mood lol.
Rukiafan approaches the Coin.
Dash: Um...are you sure that's a good idea?
Rukiafan: What? It's only a Coin. What harm could it do?
Rukiafan reaches out to touch the Coin, which slowly spins in mid-air. The others wait in anticipation as he grabs the Coin.
Marioman: ...nothing's happening.
Rukiafan: It feels warm...it's kind of nice, actually.
Zack: It sure is hot property!
A rimshot sounds. Eureka facepalms.
Eureka: Oh, brother...
Voice: Now we got you!
The humans spin around and see the Koopa Troopas running into the clearing.
Green Koopa Troopa: Now you're finished!
Red Koopa Troopa: Yeah! You goin' dooooooown!
Clannad: EEP! What do we do now?!
Kushina: Rukiafan, your Coin! Maybe it does something!
Rukiafan: O-Okay...I'll try...
Rukiafan clutches the Coin in his hand, holding his fist in front of his face.
Rukiafan: With the power of the seven Chaos Stars...I become...Super Rukiafan!
Nothing happens. Crickets chirp loudly.
Eureka: Who do you think you are, Sonic the Hedgehog lol?
Dash: Haha, good one Eureka!
Rukiafan: ...it was worth a shot...
A mysterious entity appears in front of Rukiafan. It whispers to him.
Entity: ...Yellow Ranger...
The entity disappears. Rukiafan is gobsmacked.
Rukiafan: Whoa, did you guys see that?!
Zack: See what?
Rukiafan: Never mind. Lemme try something...
Rukiafan holds the Coin in both hands, stretching them out in front of him.
Rukiafan: "SABERTOOTH CAT!"
Nothing happens. Crickets chirp loudly.
Rukiafan: Dang it!
Voice: No no! You must hold your hand high in the air, and call out, "Power of the Lightning Bolt!"
Rukiafan: Huh?
Rukiafan looks at Zack.
Zack: What? I didn't say anything.
Rukiafan: It sure sounded like you, though.
Voice: No, it was I, Professor Elvin Gadd!
Gadd arrives in the scene riding what appears to be a turbo-powered vacuum cleaner.
Zack: Professor E. Gadd?!
Gadd: We can introduce ourselves later! For now, do as I suggested!
Rukiafan: Uh...o-okay then...here I go...
Rukiafan holds his Coin in the air.
Rukiafan: "Power of the Lightning Bolt!"
Nothing happens.
Clannad: Nothing's happening.
Eureka: Oh dear, it didn't work.
Zack: Wait a sec...no cricket chirps. That means something's about to-
Rukiafan suddenly morphs into a new form in a flash of yellow light.
Zack: -happen.
Dash: Wow! That's impressive!
Kushina: You're a Power Ranger!
Rukiafan examines his new form.
Rukiafan: Amazing! I...I feel so powerful!
Rukiafan looks over at the Koopa Troopas. He points in their direction.
Rukiafan: You turtles are in trouble now!
Koopa Troopas: Uh-oh...!
To be Continued...
- Spoiler:
Scene 8: One-One Plains: Mushroom Kingdom: Morning
The Koopa Troopas stare at Rukiafan.
Green Koopa Troopa: Hey, your helmet is shaped like a Koopa Troopa!
Red Koopa Troopa: You rippin' off our style, wannabe?
Rukiafan: You'll eat those words, my friend!
Red Koopa Troopa: Ain't no way I'd be friends with some...some two-bit rip-off like you!
Rukiafan: Fine, have it your way.
Rukiafan races towards the Green Koopa Troopa, tackling into it. The Koopa Troopa retreats into his shell.
Dash: Wow, impressive!
Marioman: He's a real Power Ranger!
Rukiafan: That's one down, and one to-
The Green Koopa Troopa, inside its shell, slams into Rukiafan and sends him flying into a bush.
Zack: That Koopa Troopa just whacked Rukiafan into that green land-cloud!
Eureka: I'm pretty sure that's a bush lol.
Zack: And it's time for Zack's Super Mario Factoid!
The title screen theme for Super Mario Bros. 2 begins playing, and the curtain graphic from the character select menu appears on-screen.
Eureka: Uh...come again?
Zack turns to face the others, and the camera pans so that Zack is also facing the viewers.
Zack: If you look to my left-
A cloud graphic from the original Super Mario Bros. appears on the right-hand side of the screen.
Zack: -you'll see a cloud from the original Super Mario Bros.
Marioman: Very impressive! But...how did you make that image appear?
Zack: I'm a wizard. Anyway...
A bush graphic from the original Super Mario Bros. appears underneath the cloud sprite.
Zack: And here is a bush, also from said game. If you look carefully, you'll notice that they are exactly the same. It's just that the colours are different!
Dash: Wow, I do see that! Good one, Tomodachi-san!
Zack: And that same palette-swapping was used decades later in one of my favourite courses in Mario Kart 7!
The curtain graphic closes, then moves upwards until it disappears from the screen.
Rukiafan: Well...that was...um...educational, I guess?
Green Koopa Troopa: SURPRISE ATTACK!
The Green Koopa Troopa slams into Rukiafan again, knocking him - and the bush - across the clearing.
Rukiafan: Oh, that is IT! You're in trouble now!
Green Koopa Troopa: And just what could you possibly-
Rukiafan: I call on the Power of...LIGHTNING!
Rukiafan swings his fist at the Green Koopa Troopa. After a few seconds, a bolt of lightning strikes the Koopa Troopa from the sky, zapping him and blasting him into the horizon.
Green Koopa Troopa: YAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!1!!!!
Red Koopa Troopa: GREENY!
The Red Koopa Troopa glares at Rukiafan.
Red Koopa Troopa: Noone does that to Greenie! You're goin' down, Toad Force Yellow!
Kushina: Toad Force...?
Gadd: I modelled your friend's Power on Toad Force V. It is my favourite televisual programme!
Marioman: So it's like our world's Power Rangers, then?
Gadd: I am not familiar with "Power Rangers", but if you say it is so, then yes.
Rukiafan: No, YOU'RE going down, Koopa...Force...Red...! Yeah, you heard right!
Marioman: Yes! Rukiafan's got this!
Voice: EEEEEEEHEHEHEHEH!
Clannad: Oh dear, that cackle was frightening!
Dash: I agree.
Voice: You're all finished, humans!
Kamek flies down, riding a wooden broom.
Zack: Wow, it's Kamek the Magikoopa!
Kamek: Well, it appears I have a fan! But I'm afraid I must eliminate you anyway.
Kamek flies off into the air.
Marioman: HA! He's leaving!
Eureka: I don't think that's what he's doing lol.
Marioman: What?! Then what could he possibly do?
Zack: I have an idea. You know in Yoshi's Island, how Kamek made nearly every boss grow huge?
Marioman: Yes...?
Zack: Well, he's turning around and holding a wand.
Eureka: Uh-oh...
Clannad: Oh no!
Kamek flies over the Koopa Troopa, releasing a wave of rainbow magical energy. He begins coating the Koopa Troopa with the energy before flying past. He turns around and flies back over the Koopa Troopa, spreading more magical energy over it.
Kamek: I'm out of here! So long, humans! EEEEEEEHEHEHEHE- Oh, blast! I dropped my wand in One-One Gorge! Oh well, I won't be needing it anymore! EEEEEEEHEHEHEHEH!
The Koopa Troopa begins to grow in size, becoming monstrous in appearance at it does so.
Rukiafan: This is bad...
The Koopa Troopa finishes growing. It is now a ridiculously-colossal size, and is especially fearsome.
Giant Koopa Troopa: You cannot defeat me now, puman! WAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAH!
Rukiafan: This is bad...
To be Continued...
- Spoiler:
Scene 9: Gadd Science, Inc.: Morning
An alarm sounds throughout the lab.
Computer: GIANT MONSTER DETECTED. ACTIVATING MUSHROOM FORCE INITIATIVE: GADDMECHA PHASE.
Scene 10: One-One Plains: Mushroom Kingdom: Morning
The Giant Koopa Troopa looks down at Rukiafan.
Giant Koopa Troopa: Look at you! You're so tiny, like a little bug! I think I'll squish you just for my personal amusement!
Zack: Did growing into a gigantic monster improve your vocabulary?
Giant Koopa Troopa: I'm squishing you next, puny firetop!
Zack: But I don't have my own powers!
Giant Koopa Troopa: Then it'll be especially easy for me! BAHAHAHAHAAAAAH!
Gadd ponders for a moment, before a lightbulb appears above his head.
Gadd: I have just the solution! Mushroom Force Yellow.
Rukiafan: Uh...yeah?
Gadd: You must summon your Koopa Troopa Gaddmecha.
Rukiafan: My Koopa Dooda Whatsitnow?
Gadd: Just raise your hand in the air and say, "I summon the Power of the Gaddmecha!"
Rukiafan: Uh...okay then.
Rukiafan raises his hand in the air.
Rukiafan: I summon the Power of the Gaddmecha!
***
We cut to a view of some distant mountains. A giant yellow Koopa shell is sitting between two mountains. Two pairs of robotic legs emerge from the shell, followed by a robotic Koopa Troopa head. It lets out a classic Koopa Troopa cry, before stomping toward the battleground.
***
The Koopa Troopa Gaddmecha arrives in the battle.
Rukiafan: Whoa, it's a Koopa Troopa Mecha!
Gadd: Mecha...yabo yabo! That's a perfect abbreviation!
Zack: It's crawling on all-fours, like a Shellcreeper.
Dash: Shellcreeper? What's that?
Zack: It's an enemy which appeared in the game Mario Bros. It was replaced by Koopa Troopas in Super Mario Bros.
Dash: Oh, interesting...
Rukiafan: This is awesome! But...how do I get into it?
Gadd: Simply leap onto its head.
Rukiafan: What?! How do I do that?!
Gadd: Your Powers will assist you.
Rukiafan: Oh...cool. Here I go!
Rukiafan leaps onto the Koopa Troopa Mecha's head, leaving a trail of yellow blurs in his wake.
Rukiafan: That was cool!
Rukiafan opens the hatch and leaps inside.
***
Rukiafan: Hey, neat! I think I know how to pilot this thing! But...how could I know how to ride it?
Rukiafan removes his Star Coin from his belt buckle and places it into a round slot on the control panel. The Koopa Troopa Mecha fully activates.
Rukiafan: Haha! Now it's time to fight turtle...with...turtle...! Yeah!
Rukiafan grabs the controls, which resemble a yellow GameCube controller.
***
The Koopa Troopa Mecha charges forward, tackling into the Giant Koopa Troopa and knocking him over. The monster stands up and shakes his fists.
Giant Koopa Troopa: You'll pay for that!
The monster bites onto the Mecha's shell, clamping down and causing sparks to fly into the air.
***
Rukiafan: Whoa! I have to get free! But how..? Wait! I've got it! A little trick I learned from ol' Greeny!
Rukiafan begins rotating the Control Stick.
***
The Mecha spins in a circle, dislodging the monster and sending it flying. The monster crashes to the ground, flailing its arms and legs in the air.
Giant Koopa Troopa: Hey! You cheated! You're not a real Koopa Troopa!
***
Rukiafan: Time to finish this once and for all!
Rukiafan begins spinning the Control Stick again, then while doing so, presses and holds the A Button.
***
The Mecha spins at high speed, then charges straight at the monster.
Giant Koopa Troopa: AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!
The Mecha ploughs right through the monster. It rumbles and falls over, then explodes in a burst of rainbow energy similar to the one at the end of a boss battle in Yoshi's Island.
The others cheer and leap in the air.
Humans: WOO-HOO!
Eureka: He did it!
Dash: Great on him!
Kushina: That was amazing!
Clannad: I'm glad it's over.
Zack: I'm still awe-struck at the experience!
Bowser Jr. NOOOOOOOO! You pumans messed up everything!
***
Rukiafan: That was intense! Level clear!
Scene 11: Gadd Science, Inc.: Mushroom Kingdom: Afternoon
The humans, including a now-demorphed Rukiafan, sit at a table. Gadd sits at the far end.
Gadd: You did a fantastic effort, Rukiafan.
Rukiafan: You really think so?
The others all show their agreement.
Gadd: Oh, yabo yabo, yes! I could not have expected better from an Earth human.
Marioman: So why are we here?
Gadd: Well as you all know, the protectors of the Mushroom Kingdom are Mario and Luigi.
Eureka: Of course.
Gadd: I developed the Mushroom Force program in the event of the brothers' absence. Your arrival coincides with the disappearance of-
Marioman: Mario?
Gadd: Precisely.
Marioman: So much for getting to meet him in person...
Gadd: And, with Luigi gone on a globe-spanning adventure to locate him, the computer has automatically begun the Mushroom Force Initiative, to recruit young humans from your world who each possess knowledge of ours in order to become a team of powerful superheroes...the Mushroom Force!
Zack: So we all get to be Rangers?
Gadd: Oh, yabo yabo, yes!
Dash: Great! So...may we please know when we can have our powers?
Gadd: Unfortunately, Bowser attempted to steal the Star Coins today, which scattered across the land. You were lucky to land near the Yellow Star Coin, which meant one of you were able to obtain your Powers immediately.
Kushina: Then where are the others?
Gadd: They will make themselves known in time. Our scanners will immediately detect whenever a new one has been located. However...
Eureka: ...the Koopas will know it too.
Gadd: Exactly. That makes being the first to track them crucial. We do have one thing on our side, though.
Rukiafan: Which is what?
Gadd: The Star Coins have certain security measures placed upon them to prevent them from being used by anyone but yourselves:- The Star Coins can only be used by a human. If a non-human touches one, they will warp themselves to individual random locations.
Once a human touches a Star Coin, it will be bonded to them, and only they may use it. If someone other than another Ranger touches a Star Coin, it will immediately warp to its owner.
If Professor Elvin Gadd should touch a Star Coin, it will immediately warp to a secret location in Gadd Science, Incorporated.
Zack: It sounds like you've pulled all the stops to make this program stable.
Gadd: Oh, yabo yabo, yes! If this program were to fall into the wrong hands...still, it is a treat that you are all here to help us defend the Mushroom Kingdom!
The others become excited, though Clannad seems a little nervous.
Eureka: Um, Professor...
Gadd: Yes, Eureka?
Eureka: I was wondering why some of us look like our avatars on WiiWareWave.
Gadd: Well, the warp system isn't ENTIRELY perfect, so there may be a bit of crossover between your human and avatar forms. But rest assured that you will return to normal, should you ever return to your world.
Clannad: That's a relief.
Dash: Indeed.
Gadd: Well, shall I give you the grand tour?
Team: YEAH!
Gadd: Follow me, then.
The team follows Gadd out of the room.
Scene 12: Bowser's Castle: Koopa Kingdom: Afternoon
Bowser Jr. stands before Bowser, who is in a rage.
Bowser: And it just blew him up?!
Bowser Jr.: Yeah! I hate that yellow freak!
Bowser: This is just great! Mario and Luigi leave, and then these..."pumans"...just show up and ruin my plans for the Star Coins!
Bowser Jr.: Um...about that...
Bowser: What is it, Junior?
Bowser Jr.: One of them mentioned "Mario-Man".
Bowser: But that means...
Bowser Jr.: Mario must be helping those losers!
Bowser: Yeah, and HE'S ripping off Wario-Man! Oh, this is delicious...
Bowser Jr.: Hey, maybe we can bait Mario out of hiding!
Bowser: I like the sound of that! BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAH!
***Credits
Rukiafan
Rukiafan and Bowser Jr.
Marioman18
Marioman
GamerZack87
Zack and Prof. E. Gadd
BurstDashV8
Dash
Kushina
Kushina
Aqua Cherry Blossom
Eureka
Clannad
Clannad
bro2dragons
Bowser
passioNATE
Kamek
SuperVash
Giant Koopa Troopa
Story
GamerZack87
Artwork
GamerZack87
Casting
Rukiafan and GamerZack87
Producer
Rukiafan
Executive Producer
GamerZack87- The Star Coins can only be used by a human. If a non-human touches one, they will warp themselves to individual random locations.
- on May 16th 2015, 11:33 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Power Rangers Mushroom Force: The Series - Casting Call
- Replies: 35
- Views: 3055
Power Rangers Mushroom Force: The Series - Casting Call
Kushina wrote:I'll always be the Pink Mushroom Force gal!
Absolutely! You'll be fully credited as the Pink Ranger.
Mouser wrote:I want to be a bit-character known as Mouser #1 in an episode if you don't mind!
Sure thing. Why not play as a Mouser monster in one of the episodes?
- on May 16th 2015, 11:26 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Power Rangers Mushroom Force: The Series - Casting Call
- Replies: 35
- Views: 3055
Power Rangers Mushroom Force: The Series - Casting Call
I want to be a bit-character known as Mouser #1 in an episode if you don't mind!- on May 2nd 2015, 9:19 pm
- Search in: WiiWareWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Matter of Opinion: Could the Fabled "NintenPhone" Be Around the Corner?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1966
Matter of Opinion: Could the Fabled "NintenPhone" Be Around the Corner?
It's official: Nintendo has announced a partnership with DeNA, revealing a top-secret project with the codename "NX". Many suspect that Nintendo will soon become a competitor in the mobile market, but could this really be the case? After all, Nintendo is best known as a video game company, even though they made their start in other fields. We asked some random individuals their opinion on this hot new topic.#1: What's your opinion on Nintendo's new "NX" project?
Garlic-scented anti-hero: Wha? Why do you keep asking me these ridiculous questions?
Female primate celebrity: Oh, come on, that topic is so last season! You're as withered as that old fool, Cranky Kong.
Old fool, Cranky Kong: Oh, she is gonna get it from me! I'll make her play 40 straight hours of Donkey Kong Jr. Math, I will! THEN we'll see who's an "old fool"! HAHAHAHAHA! Nobody messes with ol' Cr[NAME REMOVED]ong!
Random Toad (I'm...pretty sure we haven't interviewed this one before...): As long as it lets me catch up on episodes of Toad Force V: Against the Shroobopolis, I'm okay with it.
Green-clad, cartoonish hero: Huh? Hyaah! Hyuh! WAAAAAAAH! Nngh... Hup! Heheh! ^_^
#2: What would you like to see in a possible "Nintendo Phone"?
Johtoese monster tamer: Oh man, what WOULDN'T I like to see? A map of the entire Johto Region, A built-in radio which picks up interdimensional stations and weird signals from strange devices, and customisable plates a la the New Nintendo 3DS!
Reigning monarch of...Salsaland? Surely that can't be a real place!: I call my friend Lu[NAME REMOVED]igi every day! I still remember the time he saved my kingdom from the evil alien Tatang[NAME REMOVED]atanga! Except he was wearing red at the time, and now he's in green...wait, was that even him who saved me?!
Sentient childlike robot: Well, I destroy evil robots all the time, but it's always a pain to contact my dad whenever I need assistance. I can't even remember his name half the time...I think it's Dr. O'Lay...or Dr. Shbright...I've been destroyed by spikes and rebuilt so often it's hard to remember certain things. But I remember who I am! I'm...Mega Boy! Or Astro Rock...? Proto Bass? Wait, that's a talking fish...
#3: Finally, do you have any questions you'd like to ask us?
Garlic-scented anti-hero: Just one: Why do you keep asking me these ridiculous questions! (bites garlic clove) It'fh mwidifufous! *MUNCH*
Random Toad (this is the same one as before, which might have actually been one from the first MoO...hey! "Matter of Opinion" shortens to "MoO"! Like a cow!): Do you mean about the phone? Or your show? Cause I have, like, over 9,000 questions about your show! Question 1: What is up with the host's accent? Question 2: Can you introduce me to Garlic-scented anti-hero? He's, like, my hero! Oops, pardon the pun! Question the Third...
Well, it seems that we have learned quite a lot about the opinions of ordinary folk like yourselves relating to Project NX. Tune in next time for a brand-new Matter of Opinion!
- on April 6th 2015, 6:59 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Neowalker - A Magic: The Gathering Adventure
- Replies: 1
- Views: 1580
Neowalker - A Magic: The Gathering Adventure
Prologue- Synopsis:
After a dangerous encounter with some mysterious individuals, my spark ignites, thrusting me through planar boundaries and into the heart of a desert on the plane of Shandalar. Although this place is deserted, I am followed by a mysterious individual who claims he can help me.
Characters
Zack, the Ink-Treader – I’m a new planeswalker who has a lot to learn...not just about where I am, but WHO I am. Why “Ink-Treader”, you might ask? Well, that’s explained later on, in the first episode.
Mysterious Stranger – This robed individual claims he can help me, but should I trust him? Or does he genuinely have my best interests at heart?
“Wait...you mean Shandalar is real?!”
- Spoiler:
Scene 1: Convention Hall: Earth: Early Afternoon
Looking back on it now, it’s amazing how mundane my life was. Still, it had its charms, but this is a new beginning for me, a fresh start. Now, I feel like I can do anyth-
Wait, maybe I should back up a little...
It all began here, at a gaming convention in my home city on Earth. Yep, you heard that right, I had to specify the world I was in! Just bear with me though, okay? Anyway...
Me: I tap two Islands and a Plains...summon a Wind Drake.
Oh yeah, this part of the story has a lot of Magic: The Gathering-related jargon, so if you feel intimidated, skip ahead to just before scene two; don’t worry, this is the only part with game-related speak. Of course, if you want to witness a jerk’s downfall, then read on...
Player #1: Oh, come on! Who puts Wind Drake into their Commander deck?
This guy is the aforementioned jerk. He was an A-grade butt the whole time.
Player #1: I mean, seriously, are you a casual player or something?
Me: Well-
Player #2: Come on, Tony, give the kid a break. This is his first time running his own Commander deck, after all.
This player was super-friendly. I wonder if she and “Tony” were a couple...
Tony: But he’s running a horrible deck! All I want to do is crush his stupid Commander.
The Commander he mentioned me using? Dragonlord Ojutai. Still one of my favourite cards to use in any format.
Player #2: Tony...
Tony: Nngh...fine! I’ll let HIM crush the noob instead.
Player #3: I have no desire to “crush” Zack. I want to see how he plays his deck.
He was running a Selesnya deck. I guess it’s a reflection of her personality or something.
Player #3: Besides, he IS still learning the intricacies of Commander.
Tony: Whatever...since when did you go all goody two-shoes, Adam?
Adam: Just because I’m playing Selesnya, you assume that I’m a “goody two-shoes”?
Tony: Well, yeah.
Adam: I’d simply rather not ruin a beginner’s first proper Commander game. We should encourage him.
Player #4: Well spoken.
Now this player seemed very wise, and I realised later that she was. She was running Ojutai as her Commander as well! The one from Fate Reforged, but still...great minds think alike!
Player #4: Now, let us play!
**********
Eventually, it was just myself and Tony left. Wait’ll you see what happens next!
Tony: And I Bolt all your other creatures. Ha! What are you gonna do about THAT, noob?
Me: Uh...my Ojutai doesn’t die from that Lightning Bolt.
Tony: What do you mean?
Me: Well, he has hexproof as long as he’s untapped, and as you can see...
Tony: Oh crap. Well, I still have a wall of fatties which are about to wipe out your life total, since you only have one measly blocker! What are you gonna do about THAT, huh?
Me: Untap...upkeep...draw a card...tap a Plains and an Island, equipping my Darksteel Plate to Ojutai. Then I tap two Plains, two Islands and an Azorius Guildgate for white...
Tony: Oh, this oughta be good!
Me: End Hostilities, destroying all creatures and all permanents attached to them.
Tony: Ha! You took out your own Commander, and you don’t have enough untapped lands to recast him! Next turn, you’re goin’ DOOOOOOOWN!
Adam: But Ojutai is indestructible due to him wearing the Darksteel Plate.
Player #2: (snickers)
Tony: Keli, did...did you just snicker at me?!
Keli: Maaaaaaaybe.
Tony: OOGH! That is IT! You’re goin’ down, pal!
Me: And because my Arcbound Ravager goes to the graveyard, I can put all seven of its +1/+1 counters onto Ojutai, making him a 12/11 flier.
Tony: Wait...what?
Me: Swing for 12, bringing you down to 7 life.
Tony: That all you got? Fine, my tur-
Me: I’m not done yet. Ojutai lets me check the top three cards of my library, choose one to put in my hand, then put the other two on the bottom. I choose...this one.
Tony: Okay, now then, my tur-
Me: Still not done yet.
Tony: But...but you only have three untapped lands and a single card in your hand! What could you possibly do to stop me overwhelming you with the humongous creatures I’m going to cast soon?!
Me: Tap two Islands and a Plains, cast Savor the Moment, allowing me to take an extra turn, skipping my untap step.
Tony: Oh no...
Me: Now, with Ojutai freshly-untapped, I re-enter combat, swinging with Ojutai and bringing you down!
Tony: I...I lost...to a noob.
Adam: Well done, Zack! You did it! You won your very first Commander game!
Tony: Well, that’s the last time I play in a five-person Commander pod at a convention.
He was dumped by Keli soon after.
Me: I...I...
Player #4: Most impressive indeed.
Me: I...?
As you can see, I was gobsmacked.
Scene 2: Outside Convention Hall: Earth: Late Afternoon
Look at my face! I still couldn’t grasp the fact that I won a game!
My thoughts: (What just happened?)
And realisation in 3...2...1...
Me: I won a game of Commander!
There we go!
Zack’s body begins to glow, his hands energised with a mysterious light. He throws his hands in the air and cries out loudly, before vanishing, leaving behind a weird symbol of swirling mist.
Scene 3: Unknown Location: Early Evening
Zack appears in the middle of a vast desert. A tiny tinge of pink hangs on the horizon, indicating it will soon be sunset. He looks around, confused about his current predicament.
Me: What’s going on? Wh-Where am I?!
To be Continued...
- on March 28th 2015, 2:21 am
- Search in: WiiWareWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Matter of Opinion: WiiWareWave's Anniversary the Talk of the Town?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2099
Matter of Opinion: WiiWareWave's Anniversary the Talk of the Town?
WiiWareWave turns 4 today, which is quite a good age for a breakout Nintendo fan community. But just how popular is it? We sent our roving reporter out into the world to hear what others have to say about this momentous event.
#1: So WiiWareWave turns 4 today...
Garlic-scented anti-hero: WiiWareWave?
Pokémon Trainer "Rad": Oh yeah, I visited that page once. Very friendly community of fellow Trainers. You said "Charivalley Forums", right?
Distinguished penguin monarch: Oh yeah, that page's tagline is hilarious! "Ride the Wave"? Only a genius of my level could come up with that!
Disgruntled elderly primate: Webforums? Feh! In my day, we got all our news from magazines such as Nintendo Courage! I got some good tips from that publication, you know! I never would have beaten StarTropics without their advice to dip the manual in water. You'd be lucky to get so much as a cheat code on a "webforum"!
Toad (Okay, I think it's the third one from the previous episode): I think WiiWareWave is brilliant! There's one member...[NAME REMOVED], I think...who wrote this one article that made me think, Wow, this is one game I HAVE to get! It was the first time I bought a game at launch, but New Toad Force V 3D is still one of my favourite games!
#2: So have you ever visited WiiWareWave in the past?
Distinguished penguin monarch: Uh...yeah, we just established that I've been to that site. Now, will one o' you Waddle Dees bring me some grub?
Red-capped space frog: Well, my Arwing's been wrecked by some fire-breathing turtle monster, but someone told me that a lady in an aqua dress can help me get back to my team. Can you help me find her ple-
Popular moustachioed hero: If you look closely in the background of-a the header, you can see me riding a Yoshi! Finally, [NAME REMOVED] is-a famous!
#3: Do you have any wellwishes for WiiWareWave and its community?
Tyrannical turtle tyrant: -and so I set fire to his ship! It was hilarious, you should've been there!...huh? WiiWareWave? Oh yeah, it's good, whatever. Anyway, have you ever seen a frog scream so loud? I was laughing so hard, I nearly sh-
Spiky blue mammal: -adow was telling me about WiiWareWave just last week. He said, "Check it out, I think you'll like it." So I did, and boy, was I impressed or what? Any website with a blue colour scheme is one I can get behind! And now they're celebrating their FOURTH ANNIVERSARY?! Good on them!
Popular moustachioed hero: I can relate to WiiWareWave, for just like-a me, they struggled to be recognised by the public. Every new web community needs to find their true strength in order to blossom into a full-fledged and recognised part of the Internet. WiiWareWave has proven to be a site truly deserving of its place and-a rank, with a friendly and active entourage of members and dedicated staff members adding new content on a regular basis. Here's hoping that more people visit in the near-a future and continue to grow WiiWareWave.
Well, there you have it. WiiWareWave has extended its reach beyond humble beginnings and become an important community on the internet. But what's your opinion? Be sure to leave a comment below.
- on March 15th 2015, 10:03 pm
- Search in: WiiWareWave Exclusive Features
- Topic: Matter of Opinion: Product Shortage Hype
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1706
Matter of Opinion: Product Shortage Hype
Here at WiiWareWave, we're not afraid to explore the opinions of others relating to what's going on in the world of Nintendo. One such issue we face as Nintendo fans is the repeated shortages of popular items such as the GameCube Controller Adapter for Wii U and the ever-collectable amiibo range. To that end, we went out and found random individuals to interview relating to this topic.#1: What's your opinion of amiibo?
Popular moustachioed hero: Oh, amiibo is-a wonderful!
Toad: They're these cool little toys which look like all these different characters.
Toad (not the same one, a different one): But the best part is that you can use them in games!
Reigning tyrant of a sizeable kingdom: I use my amiibo to totally SMASH that stupid plumber every time! I call him Li'l [NAME REMOVED]. He's like my personal minion who always does as he's told and never answers back. Plus, he reminds me of myself, heh.
Reigning monarch of a sizeable kingdom: You really grow attached to your amiibo. I would shudder to think of what might happen if I ever lost him. Oh, Ma-
Popular moustachioed hero: Mine are all Lv. 50! My brother has a LOT of-a catching up to do!
Less-popular moustachioed hero: Mine are-a Lv. 25. But, slow and-a steady wins-a the race.
#2: Have you been able to find all the amiibo you want?
Garlic-scented anti-hero: Ah, a very big question, eh?
Toad (different to the first two): Are you kidding?! I don't think there's a Toad in the kingdom who has every single amiibo! I consider myself lucky to have found the handful I own, even if it IS only 374 of them.
Island-dwelling primate in a tie: Okay! WooHOO-hoo!
Less-popular moustachioed hero: I have two amiibo. That's all I need to be happy.
Popular moustachioed hero: I HAVE ALL THE amiibo! HAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA! (throws amiibo into the air, which slowly rain down)
Toad (another different one...I'm seriously losing count): But my prized possession is this Wii Fit Trainer, which cost me 50 big ones on Wway.co.mk.
Toad (okay, let's just say that every Toad in this interview's unique): The fact that people are low enough to buy up all the most popular characters and then charge World 8-4 for them on Wway is a joke! No way I want to support those people!
Garlic-scented anti-hero: Well, the act of reselling amiibo in this fashion is pretty low, like, "bottom-of-the-DK-barrel" low...
Pirate captain who noone in this age remembers: People automatically accuse ME, not to mention my entire B- [NAME REMOVED] -g, of supporting these resellers! But let me tell you, the B- [NAME REMOVED] -ugar gang does NOT support that garlic-breathing, flatulent-
Garlic-scented anti-hero: ...but I still like to do a few "resales" on Wway.co.mk, a division of WarioWare, Inc., to fund my business. Don't tell anyone I said that, though. (winks)
Toad (another...well, actually, that's the second one again): I'll admit that I was tempted to buy a rare Toad amiibo on Wway, but then I realised that 100 Coins is just too much for something which only costs 10 at retail. Shameful, Wway. How could you condone these resellers' actions?
Less-popular moustachioed hero: I may only have-a two amiibo, and they may be a relatively low-a level, but I am lucky to have them both. Still, congratulations to my-a younger brother, Lu- [NAME REMOVED] -gi, for his dedication to collecting all-a the amiibo. He deserves a chance to excel at-a something.
#3: Lastly, is there anything you'd like to say about how you'd fix the shortage and resale problems?
Toad (okay, this one's an ACTUAL toad, with green skin and a stylish cap): Uh...can you tell me how to get back to Cornerian airspace? I think I took a wrong turn when that orange spacecraft nearly crashed into my Arw-
So there you have it. These are the opinions of just a handful of interviewees on the street, but what's your opinion? Be sure to share your thoughts in our comments section below. So until next time, have fun with your amiibo! Oh, and...uh...could anybody trade me their Nintendo Network IDs? I'd like to play online sometime. Mine is Ga- [USERNAME REMOVED] -k87. See you online!
This interview has been brought to you by Wway, the Mushroom World's online source for everything, from amiibo to Toad Force V action figures, and even officially-licensed products from WarioWare, Inc.! Wway, we have stuff!
- on March 2nd 2015, 1:24 am
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Transformers Discussion
- Replies: 19
- Views: 3362
Transformers Discussion
I just added a poll to this thread! You can vote for your favourite Beast Warriors in a series of successive polls, which will reveal the favourite overall character of the members of WiiWareWave. The one which wins will be used in my avatar and mentioned in my signature. Have fun voting!EDIT: I'll reveal the schedule below. Each poll will run for a short time, so be sure to vote!
#1: Favourite original cast member
- Spoiler:
●Optimus Primal
●Megatron
●Waspinator
●Cheetor
●Tarantulas
●Rhinox
●Rattrap
●Terrorsaur
●Dinobot
●Scorponok
#2: Favourite Series 1 Character
- Spoiler:
●Insecticon
●Razorbeast
●Armordillo
●Snapper
●Tigatron
●Blackarachnia
●Wolfang
●Polar Claw
●Inferno
●Airazor
#3: Favourite Series 2 Character
- Spoiler:
●Snarl
●Spittor
●Cybershark
●Jetstorm
●Bonecrusher
●Razorclaw
●B'Boom
●Manterror
●Claw Jaw
●Powerpinch
#4: Favourite Fuzor
- Spoiler:
●Air Hammer
●Silverbolt
●Bantor
●Torca
●Quickstrike
●Injector
●Terragator
●Sky Shadow
#5: Favourite Transmetal
- Spoiler:
●Rattrap
●Terrorsaur
●Cheetor
●Waspinator
●Rhinox
●Tarantulas
●Airazor
●Inferno (Scavenger)
#6: Favourite Transmetal 2
- Spoiler:
●Stinkbomb
●Optimus Minor
●Spittor
●Scarem
●Prowl
●Cybershark
●Iguanus
●Scourge
#7: Favourite Classic-series Transformers Combiner Character
- Spoiler:
●Mixmaster (Leader of the Constructicons)
●Silverbolt (Leader of the Aerialbots)
●Motormaster (Leader of the Stunticons)
●Hot Spot (Leader of the Protectobots)
●Onslaught (Leader of the Combaticons)
●Devastator (Combined form of the Constructicons)
●Superion (Combined form of the Aerialbots)
●Menasor (Combined form of the Stunticons)
●Defensor (Combined form of the Protectobots)
●Bruticus (Combined form of the Combaticons)
- on February 5th 2015, 11:05 am
- Search in: Latest WiiWareWave News
- Topic: Coin Shop: Update Two Physical Rewards Have Just Sold-Out In Our Forum Shop!
- Replies: 6
- Views: 2256
Coin Shop: Update Two Physical Rewards Have Just Sold-Out In Our Forum Shop!
Poster Bonanza!
We just added both of the North American Club Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Poster Sets to our forum shop! We only have one of each of the sets in-stock so you'll have to act fast if you want to purchase them! Set #1 costs 17,500 WiiWareWave Coins and Set #2 costs 20,000 WiiWareWave Coins!
What do you think of our new rewards? Let us know in our comments below!
Update:
Both poster sets have been redeemed! Congratulations to those of you who were able to purchase the poster sets! You should receive the posters within two weeks from the time we receive them from Club Nintendo.
- on January 29th 2015, 7:56 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: The Video Game Character Alphabet
- Replies: 124
- Views: 10744
The Video Game Character Alphabet
In this game we'll loop through the Alphabet from A-Z in an infinite loop using characters from video games! Here is an example of how it will work:Post #1: Axel. (Kingdom Hearts)
Post #2: Bubsy. (Bubsy)
Post #3: Crono. (Chrono Trigger)
etc. etc.
It's a new twist on the old Video Games Alphabet thread.
Edit: You can use the names of protagonists, antagonists, enemies, npc's, etc.
I'll start off!
Albel Noxx. (Star Ocean: Till The End of Time)
- on January 30th 2014, 4:23 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
- Replies: 33
- Views: 10455
Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
Episode 3: Bright Lights, Big Citadel- Spoiler:
Synopsis: Amethyst brings Zed to Stormshroud Academy, where she soon discovers that Alek, a former apprentice of her mentor’s and one of her dearest friends, has already become an academy master at the young age of 32! While catching up with one another, they soon discover that there are mysterious events happening all over the surrounding area. Could their origin be within the academy’s walls?
New characters
Alek - Amethyst’s closest friend and a former apprentice of her old mage mentor, he has apparently become the academy master of illusion at the youngest age on record. Alek is apparently causing needless destruction on the school and is dismissed. But did he do it?
Kendall - Alek’s apprentice and one of his brightest pupils, he is determined to find out more about these puzzling events around the academy, and to find out if his master truly is the culprit.
Laura - Kendall’s younger sister and quite the mage in her own right, she assists her brother and Zed in finding clues.
Zed’s Familiar - Zed manages to bond with a familiar of his own during this episode. What could it be?
There’s magic in them thar city!
- Spoiler:
Scene 1: Outside Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon
Amethyst and Zed stand at the gate outside the prestigious Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, an enormous campus nestled within Silveria City’s Mage’s District.
Amethyst: Here it is, Zed: Stormshroud Academy for Young Mages, the most prestigious magic college in all of Ornoposia.
Zed: It’s incredible…
Amethyst: Shall we enter?
Zed: Yes please!
Scene 2: Entrance Hall: Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon
The gigantic wooden doors swing open as Amethyst and Zed enter the main building. Zed marvels at the dark brown wooden architecture, which is carved into a number of intricate patterns and shapes.
Amethyst: I, too, marvelled at the architecture when I first came to this place.
Zed: It’s amazing…the attention to detail…it must have taken years to complete!
Amethyst: Indeed.
Male Voice: How did you enter this building?!
A man walks down the gigantic staircase and begins to head for Amethyst and Zed.
Man: Only students and faculty are able to enter this academy.
The man walks over to Amethyst. A smile spreads across his face.
Man: Of course, former students must know how to enter.
Amethyst smiles.
Amethyst: Alekzander Stormshroud. It has been too long.
Alekzander: Amethyst Moondew. It is good to see your sweet smile again.
Alekzander looks at Zed.
Alekzander: Is this your apprentice, Amethyst?
Amethyst: Indeed. This is Zed Starmute.
Alekzander: Good to meet you, Zed. Call me Alek. Everybody else does.
Zed: Good to meet you too.
Alek: Is there a reason you two have come here?
Amethyst: Well, I have just begun to teach Zed how to-
Voice: ALEK!
An elderly gentleman runs downstairs up to Alek.
Alek: What is the matter, Headmaster?
Headmaster: The drakes have escaped from the barn! They are running rampant around campus! They almost tackled the groundkeeper into the pool - and he cannot swim!
Alek: Then we must hurry! Amethyst? Zed? I could use your assistance.
Amethyst: We would be more than happy to assist!
Alek: Then let us go!
The three mages race out of the door.
Headmaster: Good luck to you all!
Alek: Thank you, Headmaster!
Headmaster: I certainly made the right choice by making him an academy master. Oh well, back to sorting paperwork.
The headmaster begins heading upstairs.
**********
OPENING CREDITS
**********
Scene 2: Stormshroud Academy: Late Afternoon
Amethyst, Zed and Alek walk into the entrance hall from outside.
Alek: I must say that was exhilarating! I have not had this much excitement for quite some time!
Amethyst: Indeed. Your skills have improved greatly since last we met.
Zed: I thought that would be more dangerous than it was.
Amethyst: Whatever do you mean?
Zed: Well, I thought we were going to be chasing gigantic lizards with sharp teeth and claws, not…ducks.
Alek laughs.
Alek: We would not be so careless as to keep reptilian drakes inside a wooden barn on campus grounds, Zed.
Zed: That’s a relief.
Alek: No no, we keep those inside the monster enclosure. That’s it, just over there.
Alek points to a metal building at a far corner of campus grounds, surrounded by a high, jagged-metal fence and a deep moat. Loud roars can be heard from within. Zed squeals.
Zed: Th-That’s less comforting.
Alek: Relax, Zed. No monster has escaped from there in thirty years. And even that was just a minor threat.
Zed: Really?
Alek: Oh, yes. All that dragon did was eat half the animals in the barn and destroy the left side of the dormitories. And the language he used was so…colourful, to say the least. I was two years old at the time, yet I still remember the incident vividly, so there is no need for concern.
A shocked look spreads across Zed’s face.
Amethyst: Uh…why don’t we head inside and have a good meal?
Zed: D-Dragons! I-In the sch-school…
Scene 3: Temple of Marilina: Late Afternoon
Mak, Emily and Bryn enter the Temple of Marilina, a shrine dedicated to Marilina Silverblade, a human paladin who was ascended and became an Astral Being. Bryn feels as though he is out-of-place.
Bryn: I don’t even revere Marilina. Why did you bring me here?
Mak: You know exactly why, Bryn.
Bryn: Oh, it’ll clear itself up eventually.
Mak: Are you absolutely sure?
Bryn: Well…not really, no.
Emily: Just speak with the High Priestess. She will do all she can to help.
Bryn: Fine…
Scene 4: Temple of Marilina: Late Afternoon
High Priestess: I am afraid there is nothing I can do.
Mak: But what about him?
High Priestess: It will clear up eventually.
Bryn: HA! What did I tell you?
Emily: We thank you, High Priestess.
Emily bows. The High Priestess bows right back.
High Priestess: May Marilina guide you on your journey.
Bryn: Well, this was a waste of time.
Mak: Visiting the Temple of Marilina is never a waste.
Bryn: I just hope my buddy Brocc is having the time of his life.
**********
Brocc is pursued through a deserted alley by two human thugs wielding big clubs.
Thug #1: I’ll teach you to sing like a screeching owlbear!
Brocc: I was just trying to entertain people!
Thug #1: Well it sounded like you were deliberately mocking our voices!
Thug #2: We’ll pound you, you no-good kid!
Brocc: Oh, Thobrun! Where did you go? I need you NOW!
**********
Mak: When is Brocc not having the time of his life?
Bryn: True…lucky duck.
Emily walks up to Mak and Bryn.
Emily: I must meditate and replenish my celestial magic.
Bryn: In that case we’ll look for the nearest nightclub.
Mak: Bryn! We are in a sacred temple!
Emily: Mak, please. The two of you should go and entertain yourselves. I will be quite a while.
Mak: Very well. We will be back here in two hours.
Emily smiles.
Emily: I look forward to it.
Mak smiles.
Mak: Okay, Bryn. Lead the way.
Bryn: With pleasure!
Scene 5: Stormshroud Academy: Late Night
Zed is asleep in bed. He is awoken by a small, bright blue orb of light hovering above his bed. The orb floats over to his door.
Zed: What the…?
Zed climbs out of bed, puts on his shirt and boots and makes his way over to the door, opening it. The orb floats out of the door and makes its way down the corridor. Zed follows it.
Scene 6: Stormshroud Academy: Late Night
The orb floats up to a door labelled “Familiar Studies”. Zed walks up to the door.
Zed’s thoughts: I can’t go in there at this time of night!
The door swings open. Zed looks down and sees what resembles a tiny blue dragon no taller than Zed’s shin on the ground.
Zed: A dragon?
Zed hears a familiar voice from within the room.
Voice: A nanodragon, actually. One of the most elusive creatures of all.
Zed: Oh, Alek.
Alek: Please, come in.
Zed: Okay.
Zed walks into the classroom. Inside are a number of white tables and grey chairs. Posters describing various creatures cover the walls. A counter runs along the back wall with five eggs nested on top of it. A large blackboard is mounted on the left wall with the words “Master Stormshroud” and “Familiar Studies” written on it in white chalk.
Alek: I apologise for disturbing your rest.
Zed: It’s fine.
Alek: Did you like my illusion?
Zed: That thing was a spell?
Alek: Indeed. Illusion is my specialty school of magic.
Zed. Oh.
Zed looks around the room.
Zed: Why am I here?
Alek: Tell me Zed, what was the first thing you noticed in this room?
Zed: Uh…the nanodragon. Why?
Alek: When a student is ready to choose his or her familiar, they must enter this room. It is almost certain that the first thing they notice will be one of the seven posters mounted on the wall. Each one depicts an animal well-suited for being a familiar.
The nanodragon climbs up onto Alek’s right shoulder, draping its tail over his left shoulder. It looks over at Zed and speaks with a masculine voice.
Nanodragon: The animal depicted on the poster is recommended to the student as his or her perfect match. The fact that you first noticed me and not one of the posters means that your perfect match may, in fact, not be any of the animals in question.
Zed: Oh…
Nanodragon: What was the next thing you noticed?
Zed: Uh…the eggs on the bench-top.
Alek: The eggs appear ordinary, with plain, beige shells, yet you took notice of them. Why is that?
Zed: I’m not sure. I just thought they looked cool.
Alek: Pick up the first egg that caught your eye.
Zed walks up to the eggs, which he notices appear somewhat bigger than a hen’s egg. He picks up the egg between the middle one and the right-hand one.
Alek: Now speak the bottom-most word on the blackboard.
Zed: Uh… “Familiar!”
The egg begins to glow, its shell turning a shimmering silver. The egg then stops glowing.
Alek: You have now bonded with your familiar, connecting you both for eternity.
Zed: My familiar is an egg?
Alek: For now, yes.
Zed: Interesting.
Alek: You should return to your room. I trust you need to rest some more.
Zed: It couldn’t hurt.
Alek: Good. I have some business to which I must attend. Goodnight, Zed.
Zed: Goodnight.
Zed leaves the room. Alek closes the door.
Zed: Okay, I have a nanodragon egg. Hey there, little guy.
Zed's thoughts: Look at me, I'm talking to an egg. I wonder when it will hatch...
A mysterious figure lurks in the darkness, watching as Zed heads back to his room. The figure is mostly obscured, with the only visible feature being one end of a quarterstaff with fuchsia-coloured ribbons wrapped around it.
**********
Commercial: Looking to escape the hustle-and-bustle of city life? Why not visit beautiful Lake Silveria? This quaint region is the perfect place for your family to relax and unwind. Take a dip in the country's largest natural lake, go camping in the open countryside, or visit Silvertooth, a traditional werewolf community. Lake Silveria: experience a natural wonder.
**********
- Spoiler:
Scene 7: Illusion Studies: Stormshroud Academy: Morning
Zed is seated at a desk in a classroom surrounded by a number of other students. Two male students of about seventeen years of age talk amongst themselves.
Student #1: Heh, get a load of the new guy!
Student #2: Yeah, what is he, a giantborn?
Student #1: Last I checked, giantborn were savage brutes. I didn’t know they could use magic.
Student #2: And he’s, like, fifty. Isn’t he a bit old to be starting magic classes?
The two young men snicker. A female student in her twenties scolds them.
Student #3: Enough! You two are worse than a couple of elboks!
Student #1: Whatever.
Student #2: Spoil-sport…
Alek walks into the classroom, his familiar perched on his shoulder.
Alek: Good morning, class.
Class: Good morning, Master Stormshroud.
Alek sits at his desk.
Alek: We have a new student joining us today. His name is Zed Starmute and he joins us all the way from-
Student #1: I think we know where he’s from, Master.
Student #2: (cocky tone) Yeah, all giantborn originated in Tundwaldun!
Zed: Tund…wahl…doon?
The student to Zed’s right, a male wolfborn, whispers to him.
Wolfborn: (I’ll explain later).
Zed: Thank you.
Alek: There are, in fact, several giantborn who live in Goldenia. But Zed is not a giantborn.
Student #2: So what is he, some oversized freak of nature?
Student #1: Ooh, nice one!
Alek: He is a human, just like the both of you.
Student #1: No kidding.
Alek: I am serious. And the two of you are wearing my patience.
Student #1: He’s really a human? Incredible…
Alek: I assure you it is quite true. Zed, why don’t you tell the class about yourself?
Zed: I’ll do my best.
Zed stands up and turns to face the class, clearing his throat.
Student #2: (mocking tone) Everybody quiet so the new guy can speak.
The female student hits the second student.
Student #2: Ow! Master Stor-
Alek points at the student, a stern look on his face. The student settles down.
Zed: Well, I don’t remember my full name, so I’ve been going by the name Zed. I don’t remember anything about my life up until just over a year ago when I wandered into a small town. An elven mage named Amethyst took me on as her apprentice, and-
Student #3: Excuse me for interrupting, but did you say you are the apprentice of Amethyst Moondew?!
Zed: Yep.
Student #3: Isn’t she your former associate, Master Stormshroud?
Alek: Indeed, and she is still one of my oldest and dearest friends.
Student #3: Then you must be quite the mage by now, Zed.
Zed: Well…I’m still mastering the basics.
Student #2: (mocking tone) What’s your favourite spell?
Zed: Prestidigitation.
Student #1: Well, we’d expect nothing less from a lowly cantripper!
The two bullies laugh loudly. Alek becomes angry.
Alek: That is it! Both of you, to the headmaster’s office!
Student #2: It was worth it.
The two students head to the door. The first one turns back and looks at Zed.
Student #1: I’ll be seeing you later, cantripper!
Alek: Out!
The students leave the classroom, closing the door behind them.
Alek: Right, now we may proceed with the lesson. Zed, if you have any questions, Kendall here-
Alek gestures to the wolfborn.
Alek: -will be able to assist you.
Student #3: I would be willing to assist also, Master Stormshroud.
Alek: Of course, Laura. I’m sure Zed will appreciate the aid.
Zed: Thank you.
Alek: Now, if you open your books to chapter three, page ten, we can continue our study on summoning phantasms…
Scene 8: Campus Grounds: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
Zed, Kendall and Laura sit on a bench underneath a tree.
Zed: …and then my hair turned blue!
Laura: (laughs) That must have been quite a shock for the store owner!
Zed: Mr. Newt? He was really startled! But at least then I knew I had some kind of arcane talent.
Kendall: Well, Laura and I are from a family which is devoted to the arcane arts.
Zed: You two are related?
Laura: Indeed. We are siblings.
Zed: Really? But…you’re a human and Kendall’s a wolfborn!
Kendall: Allow me to explain. We share the same mother, but our fathers are different. My father was a werewolf, and Laura’s is human.
Zed: Oh, that explains it.
Kendall: I still have fond memories of my father. He would always stand up for me when other children teased me about my lupine features. I remember we would go camping every summer, and on the night of the full moon we would sit on the cape and howl for hours. If anybody had lived there it would have driven them mad!
Zed: He sounds wonderful.
Kendall: He was…until one night, when he simply vanished.
Zed: Oh…
Kendall: We were told by the town guards that there was no trace of him, and that he may as well have been dead. I was distraught for months. Eventually my mother remarried. At first I was unsure, but eventually I grew to love my new father. Laura’s birth helped solidify my bond with him.
Laura: We are a very tight-knit family. The losses we’ve suffered have only brought us closer together.
Zed: I wish I could tell you about my family, but I can’t even remember my own name.
Laura: Oh, I’m sure you will remember eventually, Zed.
Zed: Maybe. Still, my new adventuring companions are like my surrogate family.
Kendall: That’s the spirit, Zed! Now, how about we proceed to the dining hall for some lunch?
Zed: Definitely!
Scene 9: Inside Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
Zed, Laura and Kendall proceed towards the dining hall. Zed notices a glow coming from down a hallway.
Zed: What’s that?
Kendall: I don't know. We must be cautious.
Zed and Kendall begin to proceed down the hallway. Kendall turns back to face Laura.
Kendall: Are you coming?
Laura: Actually, Kent, I’ll stay here. I’ll leave the investigating to the master apprentices.
Kendall: Very well.
Zed and Kendall turn left into another hallway. They see a swath of destruction: paintings crooked, carpeting in shreds and furniture splintered and broken. Deep claw marks line the wooden walls.
Zed: What could have done this?
An eerie roar bellows from around the corner, and a gigantic, ghostly-blue monster emerges from the right-hand hallway staring straight towards Zed and Kendall. Zed begins to panic.
Kendall: What IS that thing?!
Zed: You mean you don’t know?
Kendall: I’ve never seen a creature like it!
The creature runs towards the two of them. Zed and Kendall cry out loud. Zed’s crystal lets out a bright blue glow which surrounds them both, scaring away the monster.
Zed: That was close…
Kendall: How did you do that?!
Zed: Huh? Oh, my crystal must have protected us.
Zed reaches into his shirt, pulling out the crystal and showing it to Kendall.
Kendall: Well, that is quite the artefact. It is lucky you possess it.
Zed: Yep. So…should we tell somebody about that creature?
Kendall: Yes. We should tell the headmaster.
Scene 10: Headmaster’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
The old man from earlier sits in a big, brown leather chair, its sides adorned with finely-sculpted golden dragons. He takes a sip from a teacup, then rests it in a saucer which he places on his desk. A knock sounds through the door.
Headmaster: Enter.
The heavy wooden door opens with a loud groan, and Zed and Kendall enter.
Kendall: Headmaster Stormshroud?
Headmaster: Ah, Kendall, please enter. Do sit down and help yourself to a biscuit.
Kendall: Thank you kindly, but unfortunately I am unable to eat chocolate.
Kendall and Zed sit on seats facing the headmaster.
Headmaster: Now, what may I do for you gentlemen?
Kendall: We’d like to report a sighting of a monster within the campus walls.
Headmaster: Oh no…the dragon hasn’t escaped from its enclosure again, has it?
A look of horror spreads across Zed’s face.
Kendall: Oh no, nothing like that.
Headmaster: Frightful creature. Off his rocker, don’t you know? He was part of the janitorial staff until he snapped. Now he spends his days cooped up in his cage hollering off swears like they’re going out of fashion.
Kendall: It’s a blue phantasm.
Headmaster: A blue phantasm?
Kendall: Yes, resembling an arbour beast, only much more fearsome. It has destroyed the hall under the main stairs.
Headmaster: Well, we will look into this matter right away. In the meantime, why not head to the dining hall for a spot of lunch? It’s Stew Tuesday today. A nice bit of braised drake with fresh vegetables…delicious!
Kendall: Thank you, Headmaster.
Zed and Kendall leave the office, closing the door behind them.
Zed: Now when he says “drake”, does he mean duck?
Kendall: Uh…oh, look! There’s Laura!
Zed: Where? I don’t see-
Kendall: Downstairs just under our feet.
Zed: How did you know that?
Kendall: Wolfborn have an acute sense of hearing.
Zed: Oh. Nice!
Kendall heads down the hallway, with a bemused Zed following closely behind.
Scene 11: Alek’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Evening
Amethyst and Alek sit on a couch in Alek’s office, reminiscing about their respective times serving as apprentices to their mage master.
Amethyst: …and then he singed his eyebrows!
Alek: Oh, that sure sounds like him!
Amethyst: They took years to grow back. There were still bald patches by the time I completed my apprenticeship!
Alek: I noticed them when he first accepted me as his new apprentice. He gave me a quizzical expression which seemed to read, “Why on Junihoshi are you staring at me like that, boy?”
Amethyst: And what happened next?
Alek: He asked me, “Why on Junihoshi are you staring at me like that, boy?
The two friends laugh.
Amethyst: Oh, he was a quirky individual, wasn’t he?
Alek wipes a tear from his eye with a gloved finger.
Alek: Which only added to his charm.
Amethyst: Indeed.
Amethyst and Alek make eye contact.
Amethyst: It is so good to catch up with you again, Alekzander.
Alek: And you as well, old friend.
Three city guards burst into the office.
Guard #1: Alekzander Stormshroud?
Alek: Yes?
The other two guards approach Alek.
Guard #1: You are under arrest for extensive damages to Stromshroud Academy by way of a conjured illusory beast.
The guards grab Alek’s hands and bind them together with handcuffs.
Alek: May I ask why you believe this to be so?
Guard #2: Two students reported the destruction to Headmaster Eugolelias Stormshroud, who also claimed to have seen a bright blue illusion being controlled by an individual matching your description.
Alek: But…I did no such atrocity!
Guard #3: Come on, you can plead your case back at the precinct.
The guards pull Alek from the room.
Alek: Amethyst! Find Kendall and let him know what has happened!
The guards close the doors. Amethyst stands staring at them in a state of mild shock.
To be Continued...
**********
End Credits[/i].
**********
Episode 4: The Shrouding Storm
- Spoiler:
Scene 12: Amethyst’s Quarters: Stormshroud Academy: Night
Amethyst sits in her room, trancing. A knock sounds through the door, and Amethyst awakens.
Amethyst: Please enter.
The door opens and Alek walks in. Amethyst gasps, an expression of surprise on her face.
Amethyst: Alekzander!
Alek: Pardon the intrusion. Were you trancing?
Amethyst: I was, but it was not the most restful trance.
Amethyst looks at Alek.
Amethyst: Explain what happened, if you please.
Alek: Well, the guards charged me with mindless vandalism, threw me in the slammer…
Amethyst: Yes?
Alek: …and then Kendall and Zed paid for my bail.
Amethyst: Oh, that is good news. But surely you mustn’t have caused that destruction. It isn’t in your nature.
Alek: You are correct. However…
Amethyst: Yes?
Alek: Several eyewitnesses reported seeing me conjure an illusory beast. Zed and Kendall claimed that they encountered such a beast in the hallway beneath the main stairs.
Amethyst: Then we must find the true culprit.
Alek: Amethyst…I’ve…I’ve been dismissed from the academy.
Amethyst: What?! But…you’re innocent!
Alek: Indeed. That is why it is up to you, and Kendall and Zed, to find the true culprit.
The door bursts open.
Kendall: You can count on us!
Alek: Kendall?! How long have the two of you been standing there?!
Kendall: Not long, master! Ready to be a detective, Zed?
Zed: Yeah! We’ll be just like Shirley!
Kendall: Who?
Zed shrugs.
Zed: I dunno. It just popped into my head.
Kendall: I see…
Alek: I am counting on you. Together, you should be able to find out who did this.
Amethyst: We will not let you down.
Zed’s thoughts: Really? Shirley? I need to control my quirkiness a little better…
Scene 13: A Lush Paradise: Late Morning
Brocc lies on a deckchair on a tropical beach, sipping a fruity beverage.
Brocc: Ah! This is the life. Who’da thunk that I, Brocc Verdann Farshot, would propel to super-stardom as the greatest singer in the world? I have my own private hotel in Euroria, for crying out loud!
The picture zooms out to show a ridiculously-massive hotel in the background behind Brocc, with a green neon sign reading “Brocc Hotel”.
Brocc: Where’s that hot towel I ordered?
Voice: Hot towel for you, sir?
Brocc turns to face Mak dressed in nothing but underwear, cufflinks and a bowtie, a towel draped over his arm.
Brocc: Thank you, butle-WHOA! For the love of Gnomsland my homeland, put some clothes on or something!
A gigantic wave splashes over Brocc.
Brocc: GAH! I’m soaked! This outfit cost me 500 gold! It’s ruined!
Water splashes onto Brocc again, causing him to stir.
Brocc: Ungh…500 gold…
Voice: Oh, thank goodness! I thought you’d never awaken!
Brocc looks up and sees a beautiful young woman standing over him.
Brocc (charismatic): Well, I’m feeling much better, thanks to your helpful assistance.
Girl: Oh, that is good news. Please, come back to my place and I’ll give you a good breakfast.
Brocc (charismatic): Oh, rescue AND breakfast? You’re really being too generous. We should…let our emotions blossom first. But if you insist…
Girl: Oh, I do insist. My new husband is a fantastic chef.
Brocc (charismatic): Well, that is rather…uh…d-did you say “husband”?
The girl smiles.
Girl: Oh, yes. I’m sure he’d be happy to cook a meal for a poor, hungry boy such as yourself.
A blank expression quickly emerges on Brocc’s face.
Brocc: Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-
Girl: Are…you okay, young man?
Brocc: Fine! Just fine! I…just remembered I have some business to take care of!
Girl: Oh…we do have a toilet…
Brocc: That’s fine! Thank you for your help. Bye!
Brocc dashes away.
Girl: What an unusual boy. Now how will I spread word-of-mouth about the restaurant? Oh well, I’ll just give the 500 gold to charity instead.
Scene 14: Stormshroud Academy: Late Morning
Kendall sniffs the air in the ruined hallway.
Kendall: It’s definitely illusory…though I can hardly work out how such a creature could be manifested in a physical form.
Zed: Maybe a combination evocation-illusion spell?
Kendall turns to face Zed.
Kendall: That is brilliant! How did you come up with that?
Zed: What?
Kendall: A fusion of evocation and illusion magic could theoretically result in an illusory monster being able to cause needless destruction.
Zed: Oh.
Kendall: And whilst it is true that Master Stormshroud specialises in the school of illusion, he has trouble performing evocations. Therefore, it narrows down to two possibilities: either Master Stormshroud has been lying for years, and can in fact combine both schools into a single powerful form of magic, or…
Laura runs up to the two “detectives”.
Laura: There you are! Zed, there is a matter of-
Kendall (raised voice): MASTER STORMSHROUD WAS FRAMED!
An elderly woman walks down the hallway.
Woman: Shh!
Kendall: My apologies, ma’am.
Zed: Isn’t that the librarian?
Kendall: Indeed it is.
Zed: Huh. Now, you wanted something, Laura?
Laura: You must come with me, Zed. It is a matter of urgency.
Zed: It is?
Laura: Indeed. A bright light is emanating from your room.
Zed: A bright light? That could mean…MY EGG IS HATCHING!
The librarian walks past again.
Librarian: Shh!
Zed (soft voice): Sorry…
Laura: Wait, who’s watching the library?
**********
The two bullies run around the library throwing books at each other.
Bully #1: Hey, Kel! Have a taste of My First Alchemy!
The bully throws a childrens’ book at Kel. Kel dodges it and picks up another book.
Kel: Oh yeah, Ned? Why not try Cantrips for Beginners!
Kel throws the book at Ned. Ned fires a magic missile at it, destroying it.
Ned: Haha! Take THAT, cantrips!
Alek’s voice: NEDFORD AND KELBORT! COME HERE AT ONCE!
Ned and Kel sheepishly walk over to Alek.
Ned: We’re sorry, Master Stormshroud.
Kel: It won’t happen again.
Alek: You’re absolutely right about that! Now come with me.
Ned: But-
Alek’s eyes glow bright blue.
Alek (angry tone): Now!
**********
Kendall: I’m sure it’s fine.
Laura: Zed! We must hurry.
Zed: Agreed!
Scene 15: Zed’s Dormitory: Stormshroud Academy: Late Morning
The egg rests on a table, glowing brightly. Zed walks in and runs over to it.
Zed: My egg!
Laura: What is happening?
Zed: I have no idea!
Laura: Should we get an instructor to help?
Zed: It won’t work. Alek’s the only one who can help, and he’s not here at the moment.
Zed’s irises begin to glow with a soft, cyan light. Zed slowly moves his hand towards the egg.
Laura: Z-Zed? What are you…what are you doing?
Zed does not respond. As his hand approaches the egg, his crystal begins to glow brightly. Laura watches as Zed’s hand touches the egg, causing a column of light to erupt from it. Zed pulls his hand away, and the shell shatters, sending lumps of silver scattering across the table. The light from the egg dissipates, revealing a tiny, silver nanodragon coiled up on the table. The nanodragon lifts its head, opens its wings and stands to face Zed.
Laura: This is astonishing! I’ve never witnessed such an event!
Nanodragon (telepathy): What name do you choose for me?
Zed speaks the name of his choice, his voice echoed and distorted in an almost-otherworldly tone.
Zed (distorted voice): Argen!
Zed’s irises and crystal return to normal. A puzzled look appears on Zed’s face.
Zed: What happened? I must’ve zoned out or something.
Laura: Your egg…it…
Zed: My egg hatched? Sweet!
Argen: I am your familiar, Argen. We are now as one, Zed.
Zed: Hi, Argen!
Laura: Not once have I witnessed a nanodragon familiar being born…until now.
Zed: I’m just upset that I missed it…and yet, I don’t really think I did.
Argen: Never mind. There’s probably loads of things for us to see in future.
Zed: Yep.
Kendall runs into the room.
Kendall: Laura! Zed! And…uh…
Zed: This is Argen.
Argen: Hi!
Kendall: Greetings. Uh…oh! Yes! You must hurry!
Laura: For what reason?
Kendall: It’s Ned and Kel! They are…please, just come!
Zed: Ned and Kel?
Laura: The two individuals who insulted you in class yesterday.
Zed: Really? They insulted me?
Laura: They called you…”cantripper”. I’m so sorry!
Zed: Really? That’s an insult? I just thought they were making a joke.
A quizzical look appears on Kendall and Laura’s faces. Kendall shrugs it off.
Kendall: Look, please, just hurry!
Kendall’s wolf features become more prominent. He howls as he races out the door.
Laura: Wait for us!!
Laura begins to run to the door. Argen flies up to Zed’s right shoulder.
Zed: How were your first two minutes of life?
Argen: Awesome! It’s like an adventure or something!
Zed: Get used to it. I think this is your life now, buddy.
Argen: Sweet!
Zed and Argen race out the door, forgetting to close it behind them. The mysterious figure from before slips into the room from the opposite side of the hallway. She has bright pink hair tied into ponytails, bluish eyes, and somewhat revealing pink shugenja attire. She checks around the room, picking up a piece of eggshell. She examines it closely, then puts it into a pouch at her waist.
Girl: Perfect.
The girl sneaks back out of the room, disappearing down the same direction of the hallway.
**********
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**********
- Spoiler:
Scene 16: Headmaster’s Office: Stormshroud Academy: Early Afternoon
Headmaster Stormshroud sits in his chair, reading a heavy book. The doors suddenly burst open, revealing Ned and Kel.
Headmaster: What in the world are you two doing?!
Ned and Kel’s eyes flash bright blue once. The two students walk over to Headmaster Stormshroud and hold him down by the shoulders.
Headmaster: Unhand me at once!
Alek’s Voice: Oh, I think we can arrange that.
Alek walks into the office and approaches the desk.
Headmaster: Alekzander! I thought I dismissed you!
Alek: Oh, you did, and I’m wallowing in my own self-pity at The Arbour Beast tavern.
Headmaster: What nonsense are you babbling?
Alek: Nonsense?
Headmaster: Indeed! How can you be in a tavern if you are standing right here?
Alek: You honestly fail to recognize me?
Headmaster Stormshroud’s eyes widen.
Headmaster: No! No, it cannot be! It simply cannot be!
Alek: And yet, it is. Now, we shall begin…
**********
Zed, Laura and Kendall head towards Headmaster Stormshroud’s office. They hear him cry out and race inside. Alek has his arm outstretched, his hand glowing with blue energy and aimed at Headmaster Stormshroud, who is suspended in mid-air. Ned and Kel stand nearby, their faces lacking in expression. Kendall snarls at Alek.
Kendall: Master? What are you doing?!
Alek loses concentration, dropping Headmaster Stormshroud.
Laura: “Feather Fall!”
Laura points her wand at Headmaster Stormshroud, who gently floats to the ground.
Headmaster: Oh, dear me!
Alek slowly turns to face Kendall.
Alek: Ah, Kendall. Kendall, Kendall, Kendall…whatever am I to do with you?
Kendall: It WAS you! YOU caused all this!
Alek: Of course I did!
Laura: But…why?
Alek: Does there need to be a reason?
Everybody stares at Alek.
Alek: Oh, fine. I’ll explain. I…uh…wanted to rule the academy! Yes, that’s it!
Headmaster: You’ll pay for this, L-
Alek turns to face Headmaster Stormshroud.
Alek: “Silence!”
Headmaster Stormshroud loses the ability to speak.
Alek: Now, where were we? Ah, yes. I’ve been coveting the top spot for a very long time. Longer than anybody can imagine. Longer than any of you have been alive.
Kendall: But Zed and I are only a few years younger than you.
Alek: Then I’ve been coveting it since I was a baby!
Alek looks at Zed.
Alek: Zed? Oh…
Alek continues to stare at Zed.
Alek: Yes…I sense much potential in you. You, who are not what you claim to be. You have the potential to do great things. As my apprentice, I can make that happen. What say you, Zed?
Zed: Uh…but I already have an instructor.
Alek: So be it. As for the rest of you…
Alek holds his hand in the air, enveloping Kendall and Laura in a blue light. Their eyes flash once, and their expressions disappear.
Alek: You will now serve my purpose. Now, capture the cantripper for me, won’t you?
Thralls: Catch the cantripper…
Zed: What?!
The enthralled mages slowly walk over to Zed.
Thralls (repeated): Catch the cantripper…catch the cantripper…
Zed pulls out his wand.
Zed: “Sleep!”
Alek: “Dispel!”
Zed’s spell fizzles out.
Zed: Forget this!
Zed runs out of the room, heading for Amethyst’s quarters.
Scene 17: Temple of Marilina: Early Afternoon
Brocc stumbles into the temple, gasping for air.
Brocc: I…think I…lost…those…dogs…
Priestess: Oh, welcome to the Temple of Marilina. May I offer you our services?
Brocc: Oh…I don’t…I don’t think…you can…help…I…revere…Sbenmor…Glinkle…gom…
Priestess: Oh, nonsense! The Temple of Marilina welcomes all. Now, come with me.
Emily: Oh, Brocc! Whatever happened to you?
Brocc: Bad song…thugs…dogs…drakes…five…hundred…gold…
Emily: I will take him off your hands, if you please.
Priestess: Of course, sister. By all means.
Emily and the priestess bow to each other. The priestess calmly walks away. Emily turns back to Brocc.
Emily: Now, let’s get you healed, and you can tell me all about your city-wide escapades.
Bryn pokes his head around the corner.
Bryn: Uh…Ems?
Emily: Yes, Bryn?
Bryn: Our fearless leader wants to see you.
Emily: Okay, I will be there shortly.
Bryn: No prob.
Bryn disappears back around the corner.
Emily: I will have to hear your tale later, Brocc.
Emily bows and walks away.
Brocc: But…you didn’t…heal me yet…
Priest: Oh, my word! You poor young man! Please, come with me at once!
Brocc: I’m…not young…I’m…a…a…
Priest: Now, now, don’t be shy. I will heal your wounds.
The priest ushers Brocc away from his spot.
Brocc: But…but…
Scene 18: The Arbour Beast Tavern: Mid Afternoon
Alek sits in a chair in the tavern, drinking a mug of water. Two men at a nearby table talk amongst themselves.
Man #1: Did you hear? Stormshroud Academy’s been attacked by an evil spellcaster!
Man #2: Oh well, it was bound to happen sometime.
Alek groans.
Man #1: Apparently, he had a bronze dragon with him. I’m surprised it didn’t just destroy the school!
Man #2: No, no, no…it was a bronze nanodragon! It was tiny enough to perch on his left shoulder.
Alek: A bronze nanodragon? No…it can’t be…
Man #1: Funny to think, innit? A dragon on a human’s shoulder.
The man looks at Alek, noticing the blue nanodragon perched on his right shoulder.
Man #1: Oh, just like his!
Alek swallows the last mouthful and stands up.
Alek: Sorry, I’d love to stay and chat, but I have a school to save.
Alek walks swiftly out of the tavern. The two men turn to face each other again.
Man #2: Far as I’m concerned, the education system today’s beyond saving. All this newfangled learning and all that.
Man #1: Agreed.
The two men grunt and nod once, before taking a mouthful from their mugs.
Scene 19: Amethyst’s Quarters: Stormshroud Academy: Mid Afternoon
Amethyst sits in a chair reading a book. A frantic knock sounds through the door.
Amethyst: Oh, please enter!
The door suddenly swings open and Zed races inside, closing and locking the door behind him.
Amethyst: Oh, Zed! Is something the matter?
Zed: Alek’s gone berserk! He’s turned the others into thralls! And now he’s coming after me!
Amethyst: Calm down, Zed!
Zed calms down and takes a deep breath, then exhales.
Amethyst: Now, please calmly tell me what has happened.
Zed: Well-
The door suddenly bursts open, revealing Kendall, Laura, Ned and Kel.
Thralls (continuous): Catch the cantripper…
The thralls approach Zed. Zed starts to panic again.
Alek’s Voice: That’s enough. Well done, you caught the cantripper!
Alek walks into the room.
Alek: Have you had time to consider my offer, Zed?
Amethyst: Who are you?!
Alek: Why, it’s me, Amethyst, your beloved friend Alek.
Amethyst: You are not Alek! You are an imposter!
Alek: Of course I'm Alek. Remember all the adventures we shared?
Amethyst: I know my friend, and he would never perform such an atrocious act!
“Alek” slowly shifts to a stern emotion.
“Alek”: So you’ve figured it all out, have you?
Amethyst: Who are you?
“Alek” begins to pace back and forth.
“Alek”: You know that many things have an opposite, two sides to every coin, if you will.
Amethyst: Of course, it is one of the guiding principles of the spellcaster.
“Alek” turns his head to look at Amethyst as he continues to pace.
“Alek”: Well, I am Alek’s opposite. His…”evil twin”, if you wish to use that cliché.
Amethyst: I had no idea that Alekzander had a brother.
“Alek”: Well, now you do. Aren’t you lucky, dear Amethyst?
“Alek” stops pacing and stands facing Amethyst, carefully examining her.
“Alek”: Ah, it seems that Alek is not the only one to have kept a secret. It seems that you are hiding a very big secret, Amethyst…if that even is your real name!
Amethyst: Of course it is my real name!
“Alek”: Then tell us, what are you hiding?
Amethyst: I have nothing to divulge to you.
“Alek”: So you are hiding something, then? Go on, tell me. I won’t tell anybody, I swear.
Alek’s voice: Leave her alone, brother!
A smile spreads across the imposter’s face.
Imposter: Ah, brother! At last you have graced us with your presence!
The imposter spins to face Alek.
Imposter: Alekzander. Always a pleasure to see your face.
Alek: Hello, Lillian.
Lillian (childish tone): Shut up! Don't tell them my real name!
Alek crosses his arms.
Alek: Why did you do it, brother?
Lillian: Isn’t it obvious? You always got the royal treatment! You were offered a position as illusion master, a title I should have received! YOU STOLE MY POSITION IN THE ACADEMY!
Alek: You could have been master of evocation.
Lillian: Of course I could have, if evocation was my strong suit! But like you, illusion is my strongest class. We both wanted that position. After all, we’re the same in that regard, aren’t we…brother?
Alek sighs.
Alek: We were once so alike, you and I. Our skills in illusion were so alike that we often pretended to be each other. But we became unique individuals, and we are now so very different that it’s easy to tell us apart.
Lillian: Nonetheless, I will conquer this school, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Alek sighs again, and holds up his hand.
Lillian: What are you doing?
Alek: Forgive me, brother…
Alek’s hand and eyes glow, and Lillian snaps into a trance. The enthralled students snap out of their state.
Kendall: Ungh…what happened?
Alek: My brother tried to conquer the school and make you his thralls. I placed him in a trance until he is dealt with by the authorities.
The headmaster runs into the room.
Headmaster: Amethyst! I-
The headmaster looks at everybody.
Headmaster: Oh. So…
Alek: Indeed, it is all over.
Headmaster: Very well, then.
Scene 20: En Route to the Eastern Gate: Silveria City: Early Morning
The team heads through the city on their way to the next adventure.
Mak: So this…Lillian guy is Alek’s evil twin brother?
Amethyst: Indeed.
Bryn: Hahahaha! "Lillian!"
Amethyst: He also tried to sway Zed over to his cause.
Thobrun: It didn’t tempt ye, lad?
Zed: Of course not. No way would I serve a creep like him!
Amethyst: Fortunately, he is safely locked inside a magic-proof cell. There is no way he can escape.
**********
A guard sleeps outside a cell, a ring of keys at his waist. A tiny bronze nanodragon sneaks over to the keys and carefully snatches them, taking them back to the cell. It drops the keys into Lillian’s open hand.
Lillian: Thank you, incompetent guard, for this wonderful gift.
A cruel smile spreads across Lillian’s face.
**********
Thobrun: That’s a relief. So I’ve been meaning to ask ye, lad. What’s with the dragon on yer shoulder?
Zed: Oh, Argen?
Argen: I’m Zed’s familiar. Nice to meet you all.
Bryn: He…has your personality. That’s…weird.
Amethyst: Actually, it is common for intelligent familiars to take on aspects of their master’s traits.
Bryn: You mean that streak of green fur on the cat’s back isn’t fungus?
Brocc: HEY! Tabby has a luscious coat! Her fur is an extension of my own…hair.
Bryn: Keep telling yourself that, Brocc.
The group laughs.
Scene 21: Unknown Location: Unknown Time of Day
The pink-haired girl approaches the throne of the mysterious woman. She holds out her hand, revealing the piece of silver eggshell she collected earlier.
Girl: Mistress, I have brought you a gift.
Woman: You have done well, Kara. Now, you may prepare for your journey.
Girl: It is my honour to serve you, Mistress.
**********
End Credits
**********
- on May 11th 2013, 4:16 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
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Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
Episode 1: The Seventh Crystal, Part ISynopsis:
- Spoiler:
- During what seems like “just another day at work”, a young man named Zed encounters a mysterious elven wizard who wishes to take him on as her apprentice. But there’s more to Amethyst’s request than training a budding spellcaster: she believes that Zed is the seventh member of her team, each member of whom is entrusted with a mysterious crystal of unknown origin and significance. Will he accept the elf’s offer?
Cast
Zed - a young man with a knack for the arcane and little knowledge of the world outside his secluded community.
Amethyst - a 150-year-old elven wizard who dragged her companions all the way to the faraway town to find Zed, she owns the Magenta Crystal.
Mak - a surprisingly-intelligent orcborn who shares leadership of the party with Amethyst, he owns the Crimson Crystal.
Emily - a priestess with a sweet and caring personality, she owns the Amber Crystal.
Thobrun - a dwarven paladin with a righteous personality and a fondness for mead, he owns the Tawny Crystal.
Bryn - a halfling rogue who hides more than his fair share about himself from everybody, he owns the Cerulean Crystal.
Brocc - a gnome bard with the brightest green hair and a knack for playing the harp, he owns the Green Crystal.
Let the tale commence!
- Spoiler:
Scene 1: Zed’s House: Early Morning
The sun rises over a secluded township in the middle of a vast green plain, the citizens slowly awakening one-by-one and preparing for their day. Shops filled with all sorts of wares open their doors; bakers begin baking bread, cakes and other tasty treats; the owners of The Naked Drake tavern prepare the daily breakfast specials. In a small house on the outskirts of town, a young man is in a restless slumber, tossing and turning. His eyes suddenly fly open and he sits up in his bed.
Young man (thoughts): Whoa, those dreams are getting even more intense than usual.
The young man swings his legs around to the side of his bed, placing his feet gently on the floor. He stands up and walks over to his wardrobe, pulling out a white long-sleeved shirt and brown pants. He pulls the shirt over his head, pushing his arms through both sleeves. He then sits back on his bed, pushing his legs through the pants, then he stands up and pulls them over his waist, zipping up the zipper and securing the button. He then sits down once again and pulls a pair of clean socks from his drawer, separating them and pulling them over his feet. Finally, he grabs a pair of tall brown boots, checking them for bugs before pulling them onto his feet. He stands up and walks into his washroom. He gazes into his mirror, opening his mouth and biting onto his hand. The man’s hand glows with a bright blue light, illuminating his entire mouth for a moment before dissipating. He turns on a tap and rinses a cup, then fills it with water. He takes a mouthful and sloshes it around, spitting it into the sink. He then empties the cup and turns off the tap.
Young man: There! A clean mouth for a fresh new day.
The man thinks to himself, then realises something.
Young man: Oh, my hair!
The man holds his hand over his forehead. His hand glows. As he moves it upward, his messy, bright red hair spikes vertically. He moves his hand away, and it stops glowing.
Young man: Right. Breakfast.
The young man heads downstairs, grabs a banana from his fruit bowl and eats it. He discards the peel in the compost box, then washes his hands and dries them. He picks up a pair of brown gauntlets and puts them on, then he makes his way to the door and grabs his brown sleeveless jacket. He puts it on and does up the buttons. He then opens the door and steps through it, closing it behind him. Finally, he locks the door with his key. As he turns around a bouncy ball lands next to his foot. He looks at the ball, then at the two boys running towards him.
Boy #1: Good morning, Mr. Zed!
Zed: Good morning! How are you?
Boy #1: Very good!
Boy #2: It’s my birthday today!
Zed: Ah, and this must be your present.
Boy #2: Yes it is!
Boy #1: Will you kick it over please, sir?
Zed: Sure.
Zed kicks the ball to the boys. The second one grabs it.
Boy #2: Thanks, Mr. Zed!
Zed: No problem.
Boy #1: Are you going to work then?
Zed: Yep.
Boy #1: Okay then.
Zed: Enjoy your birthday!
Boy #2: I will, Mr. Zed!
The boys run off with the ball. Zed smiles and shakes his head slightly, then makes his way into town.
Scene 2: Town Square: Morning
Zed makes his way through the town square. Already, people are milling about, ready to do some early morning shopping. Zed walks up to a crowd of people who are gathered around a travelling entertainer. He breathes a jet of flame through his mouth and the crowd claps. Some people deposit copper and silver pieces into a hat, which is on the ground next to the man. Zed deposits two gold pieces into the man’s hat. The man faces Zed and does a gentlemanly bow. He then picks up three balls and begins to juggle. The crowd claps and cheers as Zed makes his way to Taylor’s Treasures. A bell jingles as Zed opens the door and walks inside, closing the door behind him. The shop’s shelves are lined with various trinkets and wondrous items. A middle-aged woman with glasses heads downstairs into the small shop.
Zed: Good morning, Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, good morning, young Zed. Here bright an’ early for work, are you?
Zed: I sure am.
Mrs. Taylor: That’s grand. How was your night, lad?
Zed: I had another weird dream. I kinda figure it might have something to do with my past.
Mrs. Taylor: Well, they say that dreams are the gateway to another world. Maybe your past has fled to it.
Zed laughs.
Zed: You never know, I guess.
Zed looks around the shop.
Zed: So, what am I doing today?
Mrs. Taylor: Inventory. I’m just waitin’ for the delivery man to arrive. He’s late again!
The bell jingles as the door opens. The delivery man walks in.
Deliveryman: Mornin’, Mrs. Taylor!
Mrs. Taylor: Mornin’, Mr. Deliveryman. What have you got for us today?
Deliveryman: Three big boxes o’ wondrous items for ya.
Mrs. Taylor: Oh, grand. Just leave ‘em next to the counter.
Deliveryman: Will do, Mrs. Taylor.
The deliveryman unloads the boxes next to the counter. He heads backward towards the door, opening it. The bell jingles as he retreats backwards through it.
Deliveryman: Have a good day, you two!
Mrs. Taylor: Will do.
Zed: You too.
The door closes. Zed picks up the smallest box, places it onto the counter and opens it with a small knife.
Zed: Are these bags of holding?!
Mrs. Taylor: Aye, they are, lad. They can hold many times more items than meets the eye. Perfect for the travelling adventurer.
Zed: Awesome!
Mrs. Taylor: Right, I’d like you to put ‘em on display in the shop window. Try to make ‘em look enticing for anybody who might want to buy one.
Zed: We haven’t seen any adventurers in here for months. Do you think we’ll be able to sell them?
Mrs. Taylor: Oh, I hope so. Adventurers may not often come here, but when they do, we need to be prepared.
Zed nods.
Zed’s thoughts: I wonder what it’d be like to be an adventurer…
Scene 3: Outside Zed’s House: Early Afternoon
A young elf woman with long brown hair, purple eyes and a purple robe enters town. She is carrying a silver staff, its only feature being a purple orb at one end, which is partly-engulfed by a finely-sculpted dragon. She makes her way over to the two boys, still playing with their ball.
Young woman: Good morning, boys.
The boys look at the young woman, and an expression of surprise spreads across their faces.
Boy #1: Flip! It’s an elf!
Boy #2: I heard that the long ears of the elves can hear the voices of the faeries!
Boy #1: Wow, is that true miss?!
The young woman giggles.
Young woman: Well, I hear that children can hear the faeries’ voices…if they listen hard enough.
Boy #2: Wow! That’s incredible!
Young woman: I was wondering if you would be kind enough to assist me.
Boy #1: Of course! We’ll help however we can!
Young woman: I’m looking for the young man who lives in that house.
The young woman points the orb end of her staff at Zed’s house.
Boy #1: Oh, you mean Mr. Zed! He’s at work right now.
Boy #2: I think he works in a shop called Taylor’s Trinkets.
Young woman: Many thanks. You have been most helpful.
The young woman bows gracefully, then makes her way into town. The boys turn to each other with excitement.
Boy #2: Children can hear the voices of faeries!
Boy #1: I’m going to listen to a faerie first!
Boy #2: No, it’s my birthday, so I’m going to hear one first!
Scene 4: Town Square: Early Afternoon
The young woman makes her way to the entertainer, a crowd of people still gathered around him. He performs a small dance, then stops and raises his arms into the air. As he does so, two jets of confetti seem to burst through the ground next to him straight into the air. The young woman is amused by the entertainer’s illusion and deposits five gold pieces into his hat. The man looks into his hat, a big smile on his face, before he sings and dances excitedly. The crowd laughs as the young woman makes her way to the shop. She stops and checks the sign.
Young woman: Taylor’s Treasures…I am sure this must be the shop to which those boys were referring.
The young woman enters the shop, the little bell jingling as she opens and closes the door. Mrs. Taylor greets her with a smile.
Mrs. Taylor: Welcome to my humble shop, lass. If there’s anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask.
Young woman: Actually, I was wondering if you could assist me with locating an employee of yours. Somebody named “Mr. Zed”, I believe.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, Zed. One of my most dedicated staff members. I’m sorry, lass, but he’s out having lunch right now.
Young woman: Ah, I see. When he returns, would you please be so kind as to ask him to meet me in The Naked Drake?
Mrs. Taylor: The tavern? Oh, he never sets foot in there, lass. Don’t ask me why. I suppose I could pass on the message though.
Young woman: Many thanks to you, ma’am. My name is Amethyst, by the way.
Mrs. Taylor: A pleasure. I’ll pass on your message, don’t you worry.
Amethyst: Again, many thanks to you.
Amethyst bows gracefully to Mrs. Taylor, then leaves the shop, the bell jingling as she exits. Mrs. Taylor laughs.
Mrs. Taylor: The Naked Drake…I wonder how they came up with that name.
Mrs. Taylor begins to sweep the floor with a broom.
Scene 5: Taylor’s Treasures: Early Afternoon
Zed enters the shop, the little bell jingling as he opens and closes the door.
Zed: I’m back, Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, Zed. There was a young lass in ‘ere earlier asking for you.
Zed: M-me?
Mrs. Taylor: Aye, lad. She seemed very eager to meet you.
Zed: Well that’s odd. Do you know who it was?
Mrs. Taylor: I’m not sure. All she said was to look for Amethyst at The Naked Drake.
Zed: The tavern? I don’t go in there.
Mrs. Taylor: I know, lad. She seemed sure you’d go, though.
Zed: Well, I guess I could take a look in there.
Mrs. Taylor: You do what you feel is right, lad.
Zed: Okay, I’ll go there first thing after work.
Mrs. Taylor: Well then, I think that’ll do for your shift today.
Zed: What? But I still have work to do!
Mrs. Taylor: Come now, lad. You do a lot for me. Take the afternoon off. You won’t lose pay for it.
Zed: I’m not concerned about the money. I am curious to know what that girl wants with me, though.
Mrs. Taylor: Very well. I’ll see you next week, then.
Zed: Okay. Have a good day.
Mrs. Taylor: To you as well, lad.
Zed exits the shop, the little bell jingling as he does so.
Scene 6: The Naked Drake: Afternoon
Zed walks inside the tavern. It is practically deserted, save for a couple of individuals at different tables.
Zed’s thoughts: Huh. This place isn’t so bad.
Zed walks up to the bartender behind the counter.
Bartender: Welcome to The Naked Drake. I am Warren, co-owner of this tavern. Is there anything I can get you, sir?
Zed: Uh, no thanks. I’m looking for someone named Amethyst.
Warren: Ah, you must be Zed. Amethyst is at the table just there.
Warren points to the table nearest the counter. Amethyst is seated, her staff laid out across the tabletop.
Zed: Thanks. Have a good day.
Warren: If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Zed: No problem.
Zed walks over to Amethyst. Amethyst looks up at Zed, then stands up.
Amethyst: You must be Zed.
Zed: How did you guess?
Amethyst: You’re the first person to walk up to me today, so naturally I assumed that you are the one for whom I am searching.
Zed: It’s nice to meet you.
Amethyst: To you as well. My name is Amethyst Moondew, elven mage. You…are much taller than I thought you would be. Taller than most humans I have met.
Zed: A neighbour of mine calls me “the gentle giant”.
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: I knew I would like you. Come, we must practice.
Amethyst picks up her staff and starts to head towards the door.
Zed: Practice what?
Amethyst stops and turns to face Zed, a smile on her face.
Amethyst: Your magic, of course!
Amethyst turns back and once again heads for the door.
Zed: How did you know I could use magic?
Zed starts to follow Amethyst.
Scene 7: Meadow: Afternoon
Zed and Amethyst walk to the top of a hill covered in short, green grass.
Amethyst: Okay, here we are.
Zed: This is the meadow near my house.
Amethyst: It is the perfect place to test your abilities.
Zed: I should let you know, I’m not the best at using magic.
Amethyst: Everybody is inexperienced at first. With time, your abilities will develop.
Amethyst holds up her staff. A glowing purple orb appears in mid-air ten feet in front of Zed.
Amethyst: Would you please demonstrate your use of magic missile?
Zed: Uh, okay. I’m a bit rusty, but here goes.
Zed raises his right hand, aiming it at the orb.
Zed: “Magic Missile!”
A small bright-blue marble flies from Zed’s hand, striking the orb right in the centre. Both the marble and orb disappear in a flash of light.
Amethyst: A perfect hit! Well done!
Zed: I don’t know how I did that!
Amethyst: Okay, now for something trickier.
Amethyst holds up her staff again. Another purple orb appears ten feet in front of Zed, except this one moves slowly back and forth from left to right.
Zed: Okay, here I go.
Zed holds up his right hand, aiming it in front of him. Zed focuses on the path of the orb.
Zed: “Magic Missile!”
Another blue marble flies from Zed’s outstretched hand, striking the orb in the middle and causing them both to disappear in a flash of light.
Amethyst: Impressive! Another perfect hit!
Zed: I’m not even very familiar with magic missile!
Amethyst: Shall we try one last test?
Zed: Well…okay then.
Amethyst: Very well.
Amethyst holds up her staff again. A third orb appears ten feet in front of Zed, moving slowly clockwise in a perfect circle. Zed stretches out his hand, focusing on the orb’s path.
Zed: “Magic Missile!”
A blue marble flies from Zed’s hand, striking the top-left of the orb. The orb falls to the ground, disappearing in a flash of light as it makes contact.
Amethyst: Not as perfect, but still a hit. I’m impressed.
Zed: Thank you.
Amethyst: I have a gift for you.
Zed: A gift? For me?
Amethyst reaches into her satchel, pulling out a wooden box with a silver clasp. She undoes the clasp, swinging the box open so that Zed can gaze upon the contents. Inside the box are seven alcoves, with one of the alcoves containing a triangular, cyan-coloured crystal.
Amethyst: This box contains the seventh in a set of crystals. My allies and I have each of our lives entwined with one of the crystals. It is my assumption that you are to be the owner of this one, the Azure Crystal.
Zed: Me? Are you sure?
Amethyst: There is only one way for me to truly be sure.
Zed: I don’t know…I don’t really see myself as being very special.
Amethyst smiles.
Amethyst: The crystal will tell you if you’re special.
Zed: Really?
Amethyst: The crystals select their owners. They see the truth of their owners’ potential. Clutch it. We will know if it is meant to be.
Zed steps forward. He reaches out his hand and picks up the crystal. As he opens his hand, the crystal’s centre glows with a bright light.
Zed: Whoa…that is awesome!
Amethyst: It seems as though your potential is greater than you realised.
Zed watches as the crystal’s light fades slightly, still glowing dimly in its centre.
Amethyst: This crystal is meant for you, Zed. When you wear it, you will form an eternal bond with it.
Zed: Like this?
Zed places the crystal around his neck. The light within its centre shines bright enough to illuminate the immediate area, before returning to a low level of constant light within the centre.
Amethyst: It would make me so happy for you to become my apprentice. Together with my allies and I, you may see the wonders of this land, and beyond. I could train you to master your talent.
Zed: I…I don’t know what to say.
Amethyst: Would you like to become an adventurer?
Zed thinks to himself briefly.
Zed’s thoughts: Maybe by adventuring, I can figure out who I truly am.
Zed: Okay, I’ll do it!
**********
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**********
- Spoiler:
Scene 8: Zed’s House: Late Night
Zed lies in his bed, his covers pulled up to his chest. His arms lie across his pillow. An orb of light is suspended above him, illuminating the room.
Zed’s thoughts: I can hardly believe it. Soon I’ll be leaving to go on an adventure. I have no idea what I’ll be able to do, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it.
Zed reaches across to his bedside table, picking up the crystal.
Zed’s thoughts: Amethyst said I have a permanent link with this thing, but I’m still not sure what it’s for. Maybe it’s meant to give me some sort of powers, or increase my arcane abilities.
Zed places the crystal back onto his bedside table.
Zed’s thoughts: I’ll ask Amethyst in the morning.
The orb of light dispels. Zed pulls his arms under his covers and turns onto his right side. He soon drifts into a shallow sleep.
Zed walks through a mysterious forest.
Zed: Hello?! Is anybody here?!
Almost immediately, the temperature drops. Zed’s breaths become visible as frost encrusts all of the trees.
Zed: This is bad! It’s not even close to winter!
Dwarf: It’s the Winter Festival, lad! Time for us to get drunk!
Zed: Who are you?
Dwarf: Why, it’s me, D. Brown! The Loveable Rogue!
Zed: Uh…okay.
Dwarf: Say, that’s a pretty necklace. A pretty necklace for a pretty lass!
Zed: Uh, this is a special artefact. And I’m a guy, not a girl!
Dwarf: Of course you are, little boy!
Zed: What did you call me?!
A wall of water whirls around Zed, freezing solid. The walls stretch out, leaving Zed in a dark, icy room.
Zed: What’s going on?! This isn’t funny!
An evil cackle fills the room, echoing off the walls. Zed suddenly raises his hand in the air.
Zed: “LIGHT!”
Bright light quickly fills the room.
Zed suddenly awakens and sits up, breathing heavily.
Zed: That dream again…
Scene 9: Zed’s House: Early Morning
Zed sits in a chair, playing a wooden recorder. A knock sounds on his door. He splits the recorder in two, places the pieces into his pocket, then stands up and walks over to the door, opening it. Amethyst is standing there.
Zed: Oh…uh…good morning.
Amethyst: Good morning. Are you rested and ready for today?
Zed: I did my best, I guess.
Amethyst: That is good to hear. Come. We must make preparations for our journey.
Zed: Okay, I just need to get some things first.
Amethyst: Please take your time.
Zed: Okay, be right back!
Zed closes his door. A few moments later he opens it, stepping through and closing it behind him. He locks the door with his key.
Zed: Okay, I’m ready.
Amethyst: Excellent. Let us head into town to purchase supplies.
Zed: No problem.
Scene 10: Town Square: Morning
Zed and Amethyst walk up to a shop door. The sign above it reads “Silver Buckle Clothing”.
Amethyst: First, we must purchase a new outfit for you to wear.
Zed: I don’t know, this place looks expensive.
Amethyst: Never fear, Zed. A good quality outfit is just what you need.
Zed: True…
Zed and Amethyst enter the shop. A well-dressed gentleman greets them from behind the counter.
Gentleman: Welcome to Silver Buckle Clothing! I am Eduardo, your guide to the world of chic fashion. How may I help you today?
Amethyst: My apprentice is in need of a new outfit.
Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit.
Eduardo: Oh yes…I see what you mean. Hm…now, what sort of apprentice is he? Knight’s apprentice, mage’s apprentice…?
Amethyst: A mage’s apprentice.
Eduardo: Of course! I might have guessed from your lovely violet tunic! It simply screams “modern elven mage”! And it matches your eyes perfectly! Ooh, and I just love the sash!
Eduardo examines Zed’s outfit some more.
Eduardo: Hm…we need to update your look. The whole “brown-on-white” thing is too archaic. Today’s young mage needs to wear something more modern and vibrant. Hm…okay, I see you wearing something…azure.
Zed: Azure’s my favourite colour.
Eduardo: Ah! I knew it! Eduardo, you are a genius!
Eduardo looks around. He plucks a pale blue shirt from a clothes rack, giving it to Zed.
Eduardo: This would make the perfect base for your outfit.
Eduardo then plucks a pair of blue pants from another clothes rack.
Eduardo: And this will add a pleasant contrast to it. Now, into the change room you go!
Eduardo motions Zed into the change room. Zed turns around.
Zed: I don’t know about this…it seems expensive.
Eduardo: Don’t worry about price! A good outfit is an expensive outfit!
Eduardo closes the curtain on the change room.
Zed: Ooh, comfy! And it fits really well!
Eduardo: You doubt my talents for choosing an outfit?
Zed: No no no, this is great!
Zed opens the curtain. Eduardo nods with his bottom lip protruding.
Eduardo: A great improvement. I think we’ll stick with your previous look, but with modern designs and more blue. Wait here while I get your leathers.
Eduardo walks into another room.
Zed: Leathers? Aren’t they…bulky?
Amethyst: Leather armour is bulky. Leather clothing is lightweight and flexible.
Zed: Ah, good. I read that mages need mobility when casting spells.
Amethyst: My curiosity has piqued. How talented are you with casting spells?
Zed: Well, I’ve always been good at cantrips, and I can do some evocations pretty well. I’ve also learned to do a bit of other magic as well.
Eduardo returns carrying some boxes.
Eduardo: I checked your old boots for size and picked out the perfect pair for you. Try these on.
Eduardo hands a box to Zed. Zed sits down, opens the box and puts on the boots, which are made of dark blue leather. Zed stands up and takes a few steps.
Zed: These are so comfy.
Eduardo: And here are the matching gauntlets.
Eduardo hands another box to Zed. Zed opens the box, removing a pair of gauntlets made of thin, dark blue leather. He pulls them on and flexes his fingers and wrist.
Zed: These are better than my old gauntlets. They mould right to my hand!
Eduardo: I also have a belt…
Eduardo hands a black belt with a silver buckle to Zed.
Eduardo: …and a vest.
Eduardo hands an azure leather sleeveless jacket to Zed. Zed equips himself with the belt, attaching it to the buckle, then he puts on the jacket and does up the buttons.
Zed: This is awesome!
Amethyst: I think we have found a perfect outfit for you, Zed.
Eduardo: No.
Amethyst: No?
Eduardo: No. It is not yet perfect. It needs a certain…oomph that says “modern mage’s apprentice”.
Zed: Like a robe or cloak?
Eduardo: I think something more your age category would be better…oh! Wait here!
Eduardo walks away, plucking a folded piece of clothing from a shelf. He walk back and hands it to Zed. Zed unfurls it and puts it on.
Zed: A cape?!
Eduardo: Oh, yes. All the young mages in Silveria wear capes. It’s fast becoming the latest fashion trend.
Zed: Well, I guess this outfit is good. But…how much will it cost?
Eduardo: For you, I’ll give you a special deal. Just 7 gold pieces!
Zed: Well…I guess it is for my new role as an adventurer…
Zed reaches for his coin sack.
Amethyst: Wait, Zed! I will pay for your outfit.
Zed: Are you sure?
Amethyst: Of course. A mage’s duty is to pay for her apprentice’s starting equipment.
Amethyst hands 7 gold pieces to Eduardo.
Eduardo: Thank you very much! I trust you are happy with your new look?
Zed: I sure am. Thank you!
Scene 11: Street: Morning
Zed and Amethyst walk down a street.
Zed: Thank you for buying my new clothes.
Amethyst: It is my pleasure, Zed. Now, we need to buy you the most important piece of equipment for any mage.
Zed: An implement?
Amethyst: Indeed.
Zed: I know just the place!
Zed leads Amethyst to another door. The sign above the door reads “The Budding Alchemist”. Zed opens the door, motioning Amethyst to enter. Amethyst nods once and enters the building, followed by Zed. An elderly gentleman with a long white beard greets them.
Gentleman: Well, if it isn’t young Zed. Why, I haven’t seen you in here since the Astral Festival.
Zed: Sorry, Mr. Newt. I’ve been busy for the past couple of weeks.
Newt: How are your dreams?
Zed: Getting even weirder. I had the ice forest one again last night.
Newt: You’ve had that one more often in recent days, haven’t you?
Zed: Yep. It seemed even more real last night.
Newt: Well, I’m sure you will learn the secret behind it eventually.
Mr. Newt notices Amethyst.
Newt: And you must be Amethyst.
Amethyst: I am. Please excuse my bluntness, but how did you know my name?
Newt: Why, the lovely Mrs. Taylor told me last night over a cup of tea.
Zed: News sure travels fast in this town.
Newt: Thank you so much for taking the time to instruct Zed in the art of magic. I would myself, but I’m too old. I’ll leave it up to the younger generation.
Zed: Remember when I first came in here?
Newt: Like it was yesterday. You picked up a book of cantrips out of curiosity.
Zed: I was interested in magic but thought I was too old to learn it.
Newt: Then you started to read the cover, and turned your hair blue!
Zed: It caught your attention, but I had no idea what was going on cause I couldn’t see the top of my own head!
Mr. Newt chuckles.
Newt: Oh, I laughed for two minutes. I finally managed to tell you that you are a naturally-gifted mage, but you were too busy panicking about your hair.
Zed: Good times…oh, that’s right! Mr. Newt, I was wondering if you could help me choose my implement.
Newt: Of course, lad. Do you know what kind of implement suits you best?
Zed: Hm…I’ve never given it much thought.
Newt: Might I suggest a wand? It’s portable and lightweight, and easy to equip in a pinch.
Zed: Sounds good.
Newt: The wands are right over here.
Mr. Newt leads Zed to a display containing a selection of wands.
Zed: How will I know which one is the right one for me?
Newt: You will know as soon as your eyes meet with it.
Zed looks around. He spots a silver wand adorned with a carving of a dragon at its far end. He walks over to it and picks it up. Almost immediately, a bright blue glow surrounds him. He reaches into his shirt and pulls out the crystal, which is also glowing with a bright blue light.
Newt: No…it cannot be!
The light dissipates. Mr. Newt walks over to Zed.
Newt: Zed! You did not tell me you had an artefact of the Silverian Empire!
Zed: The Silverian Empire?
Zed looks over at Amethyst.
Amethyst: I have not heard of such an empire.
Newt: Then there is much you both must learn. Come. We will discuss it further in my house.
The three people step out of the shop. A mysterious figure lurks in the shadows.
Figure: So it is true. I must tell my mistress at once.
The figure turns and steps back into the shadows.
To be Continued...
**********
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**********
Episode 2: The Seventh Crystal, Part II
- Spoiler:
Scene 12: Newt’s Cottage: Morning
Amethyst and Zed are seated in armchairs surrounding a small table. Newt is looking through his bookcase. He pulls a book from the shelf.
Newt: Ah, yes. Here it is.
Newt walks over to the table and sits in an armchair. He places the heavy book onto the table and opens it, flipping through pages until he finds the right one.
Newt: This page contains all I know of the Silverian Empire.
Zed: It’s blank.
Newt: You are correct. Now…
Newt places his hand above the page.
Newt: “Hidden Page!”
The page begins to glow. As it does so, words and images appear on the page.
Zed: Incredible…
Amethyst: Indeed.
Newt: The Silverian Empire stretched beyond the borders of Ornoposia all the way to Granrelm, Tundwaldun, Gnomsland, Verdelvum, Lumidelvum and Kobelia, with smaller settlements in most other continents.
Amethyst: It must have been well-known then.
Newt: Oh, it was. The empire was made up almost entirely of Ornoposian humans, who spread their culture and customs, and indeed the Common tongue, to all corners of Junihoshi.
Zed: So what happened to it?
Newt: Like all good things it came to an end, but not without leaving behind its legacy.
Amethyst holds her crystal within her delicate fingers.
Amethyst: The crystals…
Newt: A mere fragment of a much larger collection of artefacts, many of which remain concealed within ancient ruins and other places ravaged by monsters.
Zed: So the city-state of Silveria was the capital of the empire?
Newt: That is most likely. It would have been the last bastion of the empire left in a world teeming with chaos.
Zed: Chaos?
Newt: Indeed. War had broken out across the empire as factions began to emerge, each claiming ownership of the dominion. They fought for decades, civilisation crumbling away, until only the Kingdom of Silveria remained.
Zed: So what could have protected Silveria from the chaos?
Newt: My guess is it was the Astral Beings themselves who ceased the bloodshed, restoring order to Junihoshi.
Amethyst: Could they be allowed to interact directly with mortals?
Newt: In times of crisis they have been said to descend and lay aid to the peoples of Junihoshi. Their direct involvement was obviously the only way to bring peace to a troubled world.
Zed: And the artefacts?
Newt: Nobody knows their true purpose. Indeed, few even know of their existence.
Zed: Then there’s no way of knowing what the crystals do.
Amethyst: I know of one of their functions. They each provide a small boon to their respective owners. My crystal, for example, provides a slight increase in intellect.
Newt: If that is true, then there is a much greater goal intended for them.
Zed: Will it be possible to figure it out?
Newt: In time, you will learn the full extent of your gift.
Newt smiles at Zed.
Scene 13: Town Square: Late Morning
Amethyst and Zed walk past the fountain.
Zed: Well, I guess that was slightly informative.
Amethyst: Even the littlest knowledge can change the world.
Zed: True. So, what boon does my crystal provide?
Amethyst: Alas, I know not.
Zed: Really? Whoa, that’s mysterious…
Amethyst: We have one more place to visit before we must go.
Zed: Oh, I have a toilet in my house if-
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: I have something else in mind. Follow me.
Amethyst walks past Zed. Zed begins to follow.
Zed: Lead on, Master Wizard!
Scene 14: Taylor’s Treasures: Late Morning
Zed and Amethyst enter Taylor’s Treasures, the little bell jingling as the door opens and closes.
Zed: Of course. There’s no better place in town to buy adventuring gear.
Amethyst: So I have seen.
Mrs. Taylor heads downstairs.
Mrs. Taylor: Ah, I wondered if you’d pop in before you left.
Zed: You heard?
Mrs. Taylor: Of course, lad. Mr. Newt tells me everything.
Zed: Wow, news travels fast in this town!
Mrs. Taylor: I took the liberty of preparing your supplies.
Mrs. Taylor heads behind the counter, reaching under it and pulling out a box containing some adventuring gear. She places the box on the counter.
Mrs. Taylor: Okay, this is your adventurer’s kit.
Mrs. Taylor pulls out a blue-coloured leather shoulder bag and places it on the counter.
Mrs. Taylor: It has a collapsible bedroll, food, a pre-filled waterskin and some other bits and bobs. It’ll come in handy.
Mrs. Taylor pulls out a bag and places it on the counter.
Mrs. Taylor: This is a breather. It’s a special mask for you to wear in case you run into a gas trap while exploring a dungeon. I’ve always thought the latest technology should be practical and useful.
Zed: Gotta love those zenoxans.
Mrs. Taylor: And this…this is a special gift from me.
Mrs. Taylor reaches into the box and pulls out a silver recorder and a navy blue velvet bag with drawstring.
Mrs. Taylor: I thought you could use a new flute. This one is supposed to make the most pleasant music, so I’ve been told.
Zed: Oh, Mrs. Taylor…
Mrs. Taylor: Come, lad. You do so much for me. This is my way of thanking you.
Mrs. Taylor smiles. Zed reaches into his pocket, pulling out the two halves of his wooden recorder. He assembles it and holds it out to Mrs. Taylor.
Zed: I want you to have my old flute. To remember me by.
Mrs. Taylor and Zed exchange recorders. Mrs. Taylor smiles.
Mrs. Taylor: I’ll treasure it every day, lad.
A tear rolls down Zed’s cheek. He holds out his hands. Mrs. Taylor steps forward and embraces Zed with a big hug.
Mrs. Taylor: Take care of yourself, lad. Find your place in the world.
Zed: I’ll try to come back one day.
Mrs. Taylor: You try your hardest, Zed Starmute.
Mrs. Taylor and Zed let go of one another. Zed walks over to the counter.
Zed: Should I pay for these?
Mrs. Taylor: Amethyst already took care of it.
Zed looks at Amethyst, a puzzled look on his face.
Amethyst: I put the money on the counter while you were saying your farewells.
Zed smiles.
Zed: Thank you.
Amethyst: Just doing my duty.
Zed removes his cape, places the satchel over his shoulder, re-dons his cape, opens a front pocket and places the breather inside. He picks up the flute, disassembles it, places it into the velvet bag, pulls the drawstring and places it into his pocket.
Zed: Thank you for everything, Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: It was my pleasure, lad.
Another tear rolls down Zed’s cheek as both he and Amethyst leave the shop, the bell jingling as they do so. Mrs. Taylor watches them as they disappear from view.
Mrs. Taylor: We will meet again, lad…
Scene 15: En Route to The Name Pending Tavern: Early Afternoon
Amethyst and Zed walk along a well-worn road, wooden fences separating it from some green meadows.
Amethyst: You seem to have a strong bond with Mrs. Taylor.
Zed: I don’t know where I would be without her.
Amethyst: Is she a family member?
Zed: No.
Amethyst: She treats you like a son nonetheless.
Zed: She was the first one to help me when I stumbled into town.
Amethyst: Had something happened?
Zed sighs.
Zed: I have no memory of my life prior to walking into town. It was late one night, and I was wearing some kinda weird clothes. I was confused, and I didn’t know what was happening.
Amethyst: That sounds awful.
Zed: Nothing felt right whatsoever. Then I came across Taylor’s Treasures. I walked inside and explained everything to Mrs. Taylor. She took me in and gave me a place to sleep and work.
Amethyst: No wonder you are very close to one another.
Zed: Mrs. Taylor took me to the best oracles when they came to town, but they couldn’t figure out which constellation I was born under. They called me a blank slate, which earned me the nickname “The Star Mute One”. It’s as though I hadn’t existed prior to that moment. And yet I know I’ve lived for a while before that.
Amethyst: So you wish to find the place from whence you hail.
Zed: That’s part of my goal, yes.
Zed thinks to himself.
Zed: So you’re the guardian of the crystals?
Amethyst: I am indeed. On my one-hundredth birthday I was approached by one of the Elders of my citadel, who told me that I was destined to find the secret of the crystals. The crystals glowed as the box containing them was handed to me, meaning that I had been chosen by them as their distributor. I was told to find the owners of the crystals and journey with them, and together we would find out their true purpose. It took 45 years before I found the second crystal owner.
Zed: And who was it?
Amethyst smiles at Zed.
Amethyst: Why don’t you wait until we reach the tavern? I am sure the suspense will lead to a much greater surprise.
Zed: Fair enough.
Scene 16: The Name Pending Tavern: Afternoon
Amethyst and Zed enter the tavern. Zed looks around and sees a few adventurers sitting at tables. Three human males, presumably fighters, are gathered around a short-bearded dwarf wearing silver armour. The dwarf speaks with a thick Nordic-infused Scottish accent.
Dwarf: So there we were, surrounded by twelve Elek worshippers. They outnumbered us two-to-one, and the rogue very nearly gave us the slip!
Fighter #1: Rogues’ll do that to ya if ya let ‘em!
Dwarf: Ye think I’d let the rogue abandon us like that? When facing evil, we all must stand together and help however we can! I’d never let’m avoid Alistair’s goals!
Fighter #2: So what did you do?
Dwarf: What else could we do? We showed ‘em who’s boss! They won’t be hurtin’ anyone anytime soon!
The dwarf swallows a mouthful of mead from his mug. Amethyst walks over to the dwarf. Zed follows behind.
Amethyst: Good afternoon, Thobrun. I gather you are telling stories of our exploits to these gentlemen?
Thobrun: Indeed I am, Amethyst. I’m teachin’ ‘em how to fight evil as best they can.
Thobrun sees Zed standing behind Amethyst.
Thobrun: And this must be the young mage Amethyst believes is the seventh crystal owner.
Zed: H-Hi. I’m Zed.
Thobrun stands up. He stands at about two-thirds the height of Zed, though he is broadly-built to make up for it.
Thobrun: Good ta meet you, Zed. Thobrun Steelanvil, paladin of Alistair Goodheart.
Thobrun bows. Zed bows right back.
Thobrun: Can I buy ye a drink, Zed?
Zed: Oh, I don’t drink alcohol.
Thobrun: Oh, no problem, lad. I can respect that.
Amethyst: I was just going to introduce Zed to the others.
Thobrun: I think they’re in the den upstairs.
Amethyst: Are you ready to meet your future companions, Zed?
Zed: Yep. Lead the way.
Amethyst: Very well.
Amethyst climbs the stairs, with Zed following behind. Zed looks around, and sees a male halfling in dark blue leather armour, a male gnome with green hair and a blonde human girl with slightly-pointed ears wearing golden-yellow chainmail.
Amethyst: Bryn? Brocc? Emily? Allow me to introduce the seventh member of our team, Zed Starmute.
Zed waves.
Zed: Hi.
Bryn speaks with what sounds like a slightly-Cockney English accent.
Bryn: Well, well, well, how did I know it’d be another human?
Bryn walks over to Zed. He stands at roughly half Zed’s height. His slick black hair curves forward at its base. He has no facial hair.
Bryn: Name’s Bryn. The Loveable Rogue.
Bryn holds out his hand. Zed bends down slightly and shakes hands with Bryn.
Bryn: Ah, so you know the Granrelmian bow. I respect that, Zed.
Brocc speaks with what sounds like a European-infused American accent which sounds slightly elevated in pitch.
Brocc: Amethyst, he’s huge! Are you sure he isn’t a giant?
Bryn: Of course he isn’t, Brocc! Look at his build. He’s definitely a human.
Brocc walks over to Zed and looks up at him. He is slightly taller than Bryn, though most of the added height is his tall, spiky hair.
Brocc: Oh, you’re right. Sometimes it’s hard to tell. I’m Brocc Farshot, and I’m an entertainer! A bard! A lyricist!
Bryn: You can’t sing!
Brocc: No, but I still write songs, don’t I?
Bryn: Well, I can’t argue with that logic.
Emily walks over to Zed. She smiles sweetly and speaks with a soft, feminine voice.
Emily: It’s a pleasure to meet you, Zed. My name is Emily Summers, and I am a cleric of Marilina Silverblade.
Emily curtsies. Zed bows.
Zed: Is that everybody?
Amethyst: There is still one more member you must meet.
Zed: I thought so.
Bryn: He’s in the shower.
Amethyst: Really?
Bryn: I know, we were surprised as well.
A door opens, and a male orcborn steps through. He is not wearing a shirt. He rubs his black hair with a towel, then slings the towel over his right shoulder. He walks up to Amethyst and speaks with a rough American voice.
Orcborn: Amethyst. You’re back!
Amethyst: Indeed.
The orcborn looks at Zed.
Orcborn: I thought you said you were bringing back the most naturally-talented wizard in that town.
Amethyst: I have. This is Zed.
Orcborn: He can’t be more than 25 years old. That’s not experienced enough.
Amethyst: Actually, he is 28.
Orcborn: Still not experienced enough. He’s got green written all over him.
Brocc: Uh, I thought that was me.
Orcborn: Our mission is very dangerous. Who’s gonna protect this kid if he gets into trouble?
Amethyst: I believe that’s your job.
Orcborn: I don’t want to see another innocent get hurt.
Amethyst: Please! At least let him prove himself.
Orcborn: I’m sorry, but it’s too risky. First thing tomorrow, we’re taking him back to wherever he came from. I can’t put him in any danger.
Amethyst: But-
Orcborn: That’s final!
The orcborn returns to his room. A bitter sting of disappointment spreads across Zed’s face. Amethyst hangs her head and sighs.
**********
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- Spoiler:
Scene 17: The Name Pending Tavern: Evening
The orcborn stands outside the tavern, watching the sun set. Amethyst steps outside and walks over to him.
Orcborn: How’s the kid doing?
Amethyst: I know not. He has yet to leave his room.
Orcborn: What’s he been doing all this time?
Amethyst: He is practising magic so he can be skilled enough to become an adventurer one day.
Orcborn: He’s got spirit, I’ll give him that.
Amethyst: Indeed.
Orcborn: But spirit alone isn’t enough for the life of an adventurer.
Amethyst: He is a naturally-gifted mage.
Orcborn: And that‘s a good thing, right?
Amethyst: I shall attempt to clarify. Most people who aspire to be mages must study for decades in order to master their craft. It takes skill and precision for us to cast even a basic spell before we master the arcane.
Orcborn: So how is Zed different?
Amethyst: Zed is one of the rare few who uses magic naturally, without needing to spend hours memorising spells from a book. I tested his use of magic missile yesterday and his accuracy was surprising.
Orcborn: If you’re trying to change my mind…
Amethyst: Need I remind you that we are both leaders of this expedition?
Orcborn: I was going to say, “If you’re trying to change my mind, it’s working”. I’m still a little unsure about this…
Amethyst: The crystal responded to his touch.
Orcborn: It did?
Amethyst: It glowed the brightest shade of cyan the moment he put it around his neck.
Orcborn: You sure it wasn’t just a coincidence?
Amethyst: The crystals never make mistakes.
The orcborn thinks to himself, then sighs.
Orcborn: Alright, I’ll give the kid a chance.
Amethyst: Excellent. He will be pleased to hear the news.
Amethyst turns and starts to walk back to the door. She stops and turns around to face the orcborn again.
Amethyst: You refer to him as “kid”. You do realise that you are younger than him, do you not?
Orcborn: By adventuring standards he’s a fledgling.
Amethyst: True.
Amethyst turns around and enters the tavern.
Scene 18: The Name Pending Tavern: Early Morning
Zed opens his room door and steps into the den. Amethyst is studying her spellbook in preparation for the day. She stops reading and looks up at Zed, smiling.
Amethyst: Good morning, Zed.
Zed: Good morning.
Amethyst: How did you sleep?
Zed: Better than usual. I had the dream again, but it’s starting to make more sense. I tried trancing before going to bed, just to see if it would help.
Amethyst: Did it have any effect?
Zed: Well, I had better control of my dream. This time I held off casting light during the ice room bit.
Amethyst: What did you see?
Zed: I saw five people at the opposite end, but it was so dark that I couldn’t make out what they looked like. They just stood there, not moving or making a sound. Then a silver dragon appeared above us and landed in front of me facing them. It roared, and the person in the middle turned into a white dragon and attacked it. They fought for what seemed like hours, although it was only mere moments. Then the white dragon grew to a massive size, and that’s when I cast Light again.
Amethyst: Perhaps next time you should let the white dragon continue to grow. There is obviously some significance.
Zed: I guess so.
Amethyst: Come. We must eat a good breakfast in preparation for the day.
The orcborn climbs up the stairs.
Orcborn: Come on, you two. Time for breakfast.
Amethyst: We will be down momentarily.
Orcborn: Okay.
The orcborn turns and climbs back down. Amethyst heads for the stairs, with Zed following behind.
Scene 19: En Route to Silveria City: Morning
The party walks along a forested path heading in the direction of Silveria City. Zed speaks to the orcborn.
Zed: Thank you for giving me a chance.
Orcborn: Amethyst says you’re great, so that’s good enough for me. Just be careful.
Zed: I will.
The orcborn smiles.
Orcborn: So you really have no idea where you came from?
Zed: That’s right. My past is a complete blank.
Orcborn: Maybe you’re from another continent.
Zed: You think so?
Orcborn: Well yes. Your accent’s definitely not Ornoposian.
Zed: So where are you from?
Orcborn: I was raised in Coppelia by my father. My best friend was a koble named Knight.
Zed: I’m sorry, what’s a koble?
Bryn: You’re joking, right?
Zed: Nope, I’m serious.
Bryn: Well, they‘re reptilian people who are about the height of a bolgard.
Zed: Bolgard?
Bryn: Wow, you really can’t remember who you are, can you?
Amethyst: One of Zed’s primary goals is to learn about his past.
Brocc: I could try to help him remember with a bardic song.
Bryn: No! No singing! The last time you sung, your cat ran away for days!
Brocc: She didn’t run away! I sent her to scout for the next town.
Bryn: And did she find it?
Brocc: … Well, she found somebody’s camp.
Bryn: A camp of gobbos, if I’m not mistaken? And she led them right to us.
Brocc: Well, I won’t make that mistake again, okay?
Bryn: Oh? Then where is your precious familiar right now?
Brocc: Uh…scouting ahead.
Bryn: My point.
Thobrun: Come on, you two. You should stop your bickering for once.
Zed: Is that your cat?
An orange tabby cat walks up to the team.
Brocc: Tabby! You’re back! What did you find?
Tabby meows. A look of dread spreads across Brocc’s face.
Brocc: Uh, there’s a group of scary looking thugs at the bridge.
Emily: They were not there two days ago. What business do they have with the bridge?
Bryn: That answer your question, Emmy?
Bryn points to a sign with the words “TOLL RODE” crudely written in black paint.
Thobrun: Oh, great. Barbarians.
Orcborn: Be realistic, Thobrun. No barbarian can write that good!
Emily: This is bad. Very bad.
Brocc: Emily, settle down. You’re scaring Zed.
Zed: Actually, I’m not too bad right now.
Brocc: Oh…well, in that case…
Orcborn: Just relax. We’ve been in worse situations before.
Bryn: Name one time.
Orcborn: Gobbo siege of that village two weeks ago.
Bryn: Okay, I guess that was slightly worse…
Emily: I needed to heal a quarter of the villagers.
Bryn: Whatever. The point is that barbarians are mindless, savage-
Orcborn: Bryn, shut it! We’re here.
Bryn looks up at the barbarian guarding the bridge.
Bryn: Oh…heheh…hello!
Barbarian: The toll is 5 gold each for you to cross. So…one, two, four, five, six, eight, twelve…32 gold total.
Bryn’s thoughts: And here’s the result of today’s education system!
Orcborn: We’re not paying.
Bryn: What?!
Orcborn: Why should we pay to cross a bridge that’s free for us to cross any other time?
Barbarian: Because my club says you’re giving us gold.
Orcborn: Well my sword says otherwise.
Bryn: Now come on, be reasonable!
Orcborn: I am being reasonable, Bryn.
Barbarian: Look, just pay us the money and nobody gets hurt!
Orcborn: Can you even spell “money”?
Barbarian: M…un…e?
Orcborn: Wrong answer.
Barbarian: I AM NOT UNLITERATE! Fellas, get over here and teach these guys how to spell “pain”!
Orcborn: P-A-I-N!
Barbarian: RRRRRRRRAWRRRRRRRR!!
The barbarian rushes towards the orcborn and swings his club at him. The orcborn bends backwards, unsheathes his sword and slashes the barbarian’s pectoral muscle. The barbarian roars and swings his club at the orcborn, who blocks the club with his sword.
Orcborn: All of you! Get Zed to safety!
Bryn: Uh, that’s going to be a problem, fearless leader.
Four barbarians approach the group from behind.
Barbarian #2: Where do you think you’re going?
Bryn: Uh, we were just going to head back to the tavern and have a nice relaxing bath!
Barbarian #3: Nobody’s going anywhere till we’ve dealt with your leader.
Amethyst points her staff at the other barbarians.
Amethyst: “Colour Spray!”
A ray of multicoloured light engulfs the barbarians, leaving them dazed and confused. She turns to face the barbarian leader, who is still pushing his club against the orcborn’s sword. The barbarian bellows and pushes the orcborn towards the edge of the cliff. The orcborn regains his balance, but is cornered with nowhere else to go.
Barbarian Leader: That river’s moving mighty fast. Might we be near a W-O-H-T-A-F-O-H-L?
Orcborn: A what?
Barbarian Leader: A WATERFALL!
The other barbarians regain their senses and join their leader in surrounding the orcborn.
Barbarian #4: I hope you can swim…and survive a two-foot plunge down a waterfall!
Amethyst: This is bad! We cannot attack them all at once!
Emily: But if we fail to do something he will be thrust into the river anyway!
Barbarian Leader: Say my regards to your ancestors for me!
The barbarian leader raises his club. Zed suddenly steps forward, pulls out his wand and points it at the barbarians.
Zed: STOP!
The barbarians turn around to face Zed. They take one look at his wand and start laughing.
Barbarian #5: What can you do with that thing? Poke our ribcages?
Barbarian #4: Look, he thinks he’s a big tough man with his tiny sword!
Barbarian Leader: Put your stick away, little boy. Grown-ups are talking.
Barbarian #2: Yeah, there’s nothing you can-
Zed: “SLEEP!”
As Zed’s word echoes, a wave pulses from the tip of his wand, engulfing the barbarians in a pale blue light. They collapse to the ground in a deep slumber.
Orcborn: What the…?!
Thobrun: How did you do that, lad?!
Bryn: I thought you were just an apprentice!
Amethyst: As I said to you all, Zed is a natural mage.
The orcborn steps over the barbarians and walks over to the party.
Orcborn: I guess Amethyst was right. You have talent.
The orcborn sheaths his sword and holds out his right hand. Zed grabs it and clenches. The two men release their grips.
Orcborn: Thank you for helping me.
Zed: No problem.
Orcborn: I just realised I haven’t told you my name yet. Mak Clay, fighter. And I’m happy to have you on board, buddy.
Zed: Thank you.
A woman’s voice echoes from the other side of the bridge.
Voice: Are you alright over there?
Mak: We could use some help with these barbarians over here.
Voice: We will be right over.
Bryn: We?
Four male humans and a female human with ears like Emily's cross the bridge. They are wearing silver armour and helmets. The woman walks over to Mak.
Woman: Cynthia Meadows, guard-captain of Silveria City.
Cynthia looks down at the unconscious barbarians.
Cynthia: Ah, I see you succeeded in apprehending the thugs. Come. We will escort you to Silveria City to organise payment for your assistance.
Scene 20: En Route to Silveria City: Early Afternoon
The party travels with the guards across a well-worn road through an open plain. The barbarians are linked together by iron chains.
Cynthia: These thugs have been causing trouble in the region for weeks.
Amethyst: Did nobody attempt to apprehend them?
Cynthia: Most people who could help were preoccupied with other quests. The few who remained were overly cautious and chose not to assist.
Mak: Well, what was the bounty on these guys?
Zed takes a mouthful of water from his waterskin.
Cynthia: 2499 gold.
Zed turns his head and spits out the water.
Mak: I’m surprised nobody wanted the bounty.
Cynthia: Well, considering you assisted us with no desire to claim any reward money for their capture, as well as the level of skill involved…
Zed takes another mouthful of water.
Cynthia: … I am obliged to double the reward.
Zed turns his head and spits out the water again.
Bryn: Careful there, Zeddy, or you’ll have no water left till we reach the city!
Zed takes a third mouthful of water.
Cynthia: That is it over there. We should arrive within the hour.
Zed takes one look at the giant citadel and spits out his water again.
Zed: That place is huge!
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: It appears even bigger once you enter.
Bryn: Oh, you’re going to love it, Zed! It’s wall-to-wall shops, taverns and entertainment!
Emily: We must visit the Temple of Marilina when we enter.
Thobrun: And the Temple of Alistair.
Bryn: And a nightclub!
Mak: There’s plenty of time to explore the city once we sort out these gentlemen.
The barbarian leader spits at Mak.
Mak: Looks like Zed’s a bigger man than this guy after all!
Everybody laughs as they continue to head towards Silveria City.
Scene 21: Unknown Location: Unknown Time
The mysterious man who spied on Zed and Amethyst in The Budding Alchemist walks along a narrow blue carpet in a gigantic icy room up to a glass throne. He has tanned skin and a buzz-cut, and is wearing brown hide armour marked with black stripes. He kneels and looks up at the female figure sitting in the throne.
Man: I bring news, Mistress. The elf known as Amethyst has given the Azure Crystal to a young wizard named Zed.
Figure: So, the crystals have all found their owners. Trenton, I am sending you and Kara to retrieve Amethyst and her companions. Bring them to me.
Trent: It will be done, Mistress.
Figure: And Trenton? I want them alive. Is that understood?
Trent: Yes, Mistress.
The figure’s blue lipstick-covered lips twist into an evil smile.
Figure: Good.
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End Credits
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- on May 11th 2013, 4:15 pm
- Search in: Everything else
- Topic: Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
- Replies: 33
- Views: 10455
Crystals of Silveria - A Series by GamerZack87
Hello, fellow fantasy enthusiasts, and welcome to Crystals of Silveria, a series set within my personal Dungeons & Dragons world of Junihoshi! It is written in the style of a TV series, so you can play it out in your mind as you read it. Below is the trailer, followed by the first ever episode of the show! Enjoy!I'd just like to take the opportunity to shout out to the Draconic Translator, which has helped me translate words into the official Draconic language. It's found at: draconic.twilightrealm.com
- Spoiler:
A young man with no memory of his past and natural arcane talents...
Amethyst holds up her staff. A glowing purple orb appears in mid-air ten feet in front of Zed.
Zed: Magic Missile!
A small bright-blue marble flies from Zed’s hand, striking the orb right in the centre.
Amethyst: Impressive!
Zed: I don’t know how I did that!
A 150-year-old elf charged with a mission of unknown significance...
Newt walks over to the table and sits in an armchair. He places the heavy book onto the table and opens it, flipping through pages until he finds the right one.
Newt: The Silverian Empire stretched beyond the borders of Ornoposia.
Amethyst holds her crystal within her delicate fingers.
Amethyst: The crystals…
Newt: A mere fragment of a much larger collection of artefacts.
Amethyst: They each provide a small boon to their respective owners.
A fighter searching for his orc mother...
Orcborn: Why should we pay to cross a bridge that’s free for us to cross any other time?
Barbarian: Just pay us the money and nobody gets hurt!
Orcborn: Can you even spell “money“?
Barbarian: M…un…e?
Orcborn: Wrong answer.
A kindhearted priestess with ties to royalty...
Emily: I must meditate and replenish my celestial magic.
Bryn: In that case we’ll look for the nearest nightclub.
Mak: Bryn! We are in a sacred temple!
Emily: The two of you should go and entertain yourselves.
Mak: Very well. We will be back here in two hours.
Emily smiles.
Emily: I look forward to it.
A dwarf with countless tales of his heroic deeds...
Three human males, presumably fighters, are gathered around a short-bearded dwarf wearing silver armour.
Dwarf: So there we were, surrounded by twelve Elek worshippers.
Fighter: So what did you do?
Dwarf: What else could we do? We showed ‘em who’s boss! They won’t be hurtin’ anyone anytime soon!
The dwarf swallows a mouthful of mead from his mug.
A halfling who isn't quite what he appears to be...
Orcborn: All of you! Get Zed to safety!
Bryn: Uh, that’s going to be a problem, fearless leader.
Four barbarians approach the group from behind.
Barbarian: Where do you think you’re going?
Bryn: Uh, we were just going to head back to the tavern and have a nice relaxing bath!
And a green-haired gnome bard who can't sing for peanuts.
Brocc is pursued through a deserted alley by two human thugs wielding big clubs.
Thug #1: I’ll teach you to sing like a screeching owlbear!
Thug #2: We’ll pound you, you no-good kid!
Brocc: I was just trying to entertain people!
Thug #1: Well it sounded like you were deliberately mocking our voices!
Completely mismatched, yet they all have two things in common: a shared artefact from a long-forgotten empire entwining their lives...
Amethyst: This crystal is meant for you, Zed. When you wear it, you will form an eternal bond with it.
Zed places the crystal around his neck. The light within its centre shines bright enough to illuminate the immediate area, before returning to a low level of constant light within the centre.
Zed: Whoa…that is awesome!
...and an evil nemesis bent on their ultimate capture.
Figure: So, the crystals have all found their owners. Trenton, I am sending you and Kara to retrieve Amethyst and her companions. Bring them to me.
Trent: It will be done, Mistress.
Figure: And Trenton? I want them alive.
Trent: Yes, Mistress.
The figure’s blue lipstick-covered lips twist into an evil smile.
Figure: Good.
Their journey will take them to the farthest corners of the land...
Zed takes one look at the giant citadel and spits out his water.
Zed: That place is huge!
Amethyst giggles.
Amethyst: It appears even bigger once you enter.
...as they try to unlock the mystery of the crystals.
Newt: Nobody knows their true purpose. Indeed, few even know of their existence. There is a much greater goal intended for them. In time, you will learn the full extent of your gift.
Crystals of Silveria
Brocc: I could try to help him remember with a bardic song.
Bryn: No! No singing! The last time you sung, your cat ran away for days!
Season premiere coming soon!
- on July 27th 2011, 9:51 pm
- Search in: Site Suggestions
- Topic: Forum Rules
- Replies: 16
- Views: 6596
Forum Rules
Here are our updated forum rules so read them carefullyGENERAL RULES
#1 Be nice! Don't flame, bash other people, or troll on the forums
#2 Don't post any videos, pics, or links to illegal sites that show porn, nudity, drugs, or criminal behavior!
#3 Don't spam a topic that has already been created, if you can find it on the first two pages the topic will be locked and a link to the previously posted topic will be posted. There is a caveat however, as topics that exceed 1000 posts are automatically split and most of the previous topic's posts are archived so if this happens it is okay to have multiple instances of the thread, but only one active thread in the topic can be open at any given time.
HINTS/CHEATS Rules
#1 No discussion about Homebrew or any other illegal devices being used to cheat will be tolerated and posting such info will likely get you a warning and continued posts may lead to being banned!
#2 Even though Action Replay and Gameshark are technically legal, we don't want to endorse the use of said devices as they can brick your system so don't post codes for those devices please.
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