Entry 10: Act I of the Script

I've written almost all of Act I of the script. I searched and searched for an awesome template that had a dialogue tree format, where I could just input the information and it would organize it for me. Alas, I found no such thing, not for free anyway. I'm modeling my script after the scripts in my text book for my Narrative Content class, Creating Emotion in Games by David Freeman.


Act I, Scene I – Warfield
Declan is on a warfield. The sun is setting and the sky is streaked with red clouds. There are dead bodies strewn everywhere. He turns to see his wife, fighting by his side.

(DECLAN V.O.)
We were commanded to fight and given no reason. I told my wife not to come, but she said she’d never leave me to die by myself, soaked with the blood of men from foreign lands. Her powers are waning and yet she stands by my side. Still, I’m glad of it. She’s already saved my life today…more times than I care to count.

BEAT

Act I, Scene II – Declan’s House

MAYA
Darling, how are your wounds healing?

DECLAN
They’re fine. I’m more worried for you, Maya. Why are your powers failing?

MAYA
I don’t know. I’m a mage. This is my livelihood, Declan. Without them, I… it takes so much energy to cast now, I’m exhausted afterwards.

DECLAN
You shouldn’t have followed me to war.

MAYA
(lovingly)
What can I say? I’m stubborn, I refuse to leave you, husband.

DECLAN
Yes, and now I must leave you. I’m going to find a cure, Maya.

MAYA
Leave me? I’m going with you.

DECLAN
(a) The townspeople already resent us, and their dependency upon us. If they knew you were powerless, there might be an uprising.
(b) Absolutely not, it’s too dangerous. You’re staying here.

MAYA (IF PLAYER CHOOSES A OR B)
(reluctantly)
I suppose you’re right. I hate that you must go alone, but I’m a liability aren’t I?

DECLAN
A liability? No, you’re my wife. Bar the door when I leave, and open it only for me.

MAYA
Alright. Richard might be able to help, be sure to go see him. And please, be careful.


DECLAN
I love you. I’ll return when I know more.

BEAT

Act I, Scene III – Town

Declan walks into town. It is quiet and sunny, yet there is an undertone of tension. Townspeople are busy going about their day, and pass by Declan with only cold regard.

(DECLAN V.O.)
I can only imagine what it must be like for Maya to lose her powers. Obsolete, like a priest who’s lost his faith, or a warrior succumbing to the infirmities of old age. She has always been faithful. I won’t allow her to fall. Not like this.

BEAT

NPC HOUSE 1

NPC 1 (MALE)
(brusquely)
Eh, what do you want?

DECLAN
(a) Sorry to bother you, but I have a problem.
(b) Cheerful, aren’t you? I’ve got some questions.
(c) I can see I’m not wanted here. I’ll leave.

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES A)
So? What about it?

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES B)
Snarky, aren’t you? That won’t make me want to help you.

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES C)
Good. I don’t sell to your kind anyway. (end conversation)

DECLAN
(a) Have you heard of anything strange lately? Any strange illnesses?
(b) I know someone who’s very sick, and I need help.

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES A)
Erm…no, not so much.

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES B)
What do you think I can do for you?

DECLAN
(a) I just need to know who I can talk to.
(b) You’re not going to be very useful to me, are you?
(c) I’m wasting my time here, goodbye. (end conversation)

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES A)
I don’t know anything, and you’re botherin’ me, so leave. (end conversation)

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES B)
Smart comments like that will get you in trouble. Say, aren’t you the sorcerer that killed all the crops with that ill-advised spell?

DECLAN
(a) I was trying to help, but the farmers didn’t follow my directions, so their crops died.
(b) Yes, I am. What of it?
(c) I’ll be going now. (end conversation)

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES A OR B)
My sister is a farmer. Her youngest son starved to death because of your foolishness!

DECLAN
(a) I’m very sorry, truly. But I was only trying to help.
(b) If your sister were more intelligent, I’m sure that could have been avoided.

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES A)
Save your apologies! It won’t bring my nephew back! (attacks player)

NPC 1 (IF PLAYER CHOOSES B)
You’ll pay for what you did, you bastard! (attacks player)