Haven: A Strowlers story

Strowlers is an open source story universe that anyone can use and add too. This is a script for the cutscenes that i made for a potential game that me and my team mates came up with that takes place in the Strowlers universe.

PROLOGUE

SCROLLING TEXT

Black backdrop, Wall of text slowly appearing letter by letter line by line.

Long ago, the creatures and beings that proliferated our myths, legends and fairytales walked amongst us. Some believe they were the incarnations of untrained magic users drawing from the Source, accidentally bringing their subconscious fears and fantasies to life. Others believe that they were as real as we are and that over the millennia they were driven to the fringes of human societies until the 19th century when human expansion reached its peak, driving the last of them back to the planes in which they came.

Crusader slashing sword down on a “witch”.

Regardless of who is right, what is true is that magic was driven to near extinction by religious zealots…

Image of the renaissance-era blueprints.

...and a revolution of logical, scientific thinking, and by the early 19thcentury, magic had all but disappeared. Until...

Picture depicting a battle during WW I

...the harsh realities of World War I, caused those in power to desperately seek any kind of edge they can grasp over their enemies…

Image depicting a Table discussion between politicians, military leaders and arcanologists, all wearing WWI era appropriate attire.

...allowing them to be receptive to more unorthodox pursuits, bringing magic and arcanologists back into the forefront and consequently…

Image depicting Arcanologists creating horrors and using magic on a WWI battlefield.

The trenches of the Great War, where they brought to life such monstrous horrors that attacked anyone and everyone without any regard for faction or allegiance...

Image depicting protester, protesting magic users at the senate building as acanologists walk up the steps escorted by armed guards.

And by the end, the survivors of the “War to End All Wars” demanded protection from the arcanologists and their monstrous creations.

Image depicting arcanologist scientists working on the suppression collars.

Understanding the consequences of leaving their emotions and talents unchecked, the arcanologists worked hard for a solution and ironically created the source of their own enslavement, suppression collars.

Image depicting ARC agents using excessive force subduing and collaring magic user.

With cultures steeped in religious certainty and mixed with an unhealthy dose of fear, western societies, now armed with a means of controlling magic users, began a campaign of subjugation of magic users that left no corner of the globe unaffected.

This trend would continue, until one day Haven…

Images depicting multiple eras of refugees coming to haven.

...an island micronation whose history is comprised of one wave of refugees seeking refuge from war and oppression after another…

Image of a Politician giving a speech outside on a podium speaking to a crowd.

Shocked the world when they decided to continue in its proud tradition and open its borders to magic users.

Image of Strowlers living in peace.

At first, everything was looking up, as the magic users who took up Haven’s invitation would say. Peace and acceptance for the first time in a long time.

Image of the leader of Veritas, Romulus, and some of his goons.

However, good things don’t last. Soon after, Veritas, a magic user extremist group decided to take advantage of Haven’s slack government and dense magic user population to set up a base of operations and start recruiting for their cause.

Image of the local leader of the secret agents and some of their underlings.

Not long after them, Secret agents started to arrive under the people’s noses.

Black background

With the two groups confined to a small island, inevitable fighting ensued, with the innocent Strowlers caught in the middle…

END OF PROLOGUE

Act I

SCENE I

INT. CITY BUS - DAY

ECLAIRE and DANTE sit side by side on the long wall bench of a public bus. News on the radio talks about a recent ARC operation.

DANTE

Damn ARC Bastards.

Eclaire SHUSHES Dante.

ECLAIRE

(In a hushed voice)

Quiet, Dante! You don’t know who could be listening.

DANTE

Yeah, yeah.

Dante waves off Eclaire and the two sit in silence for a moment.

DANTE (CONT’D)

I still can’t believe they nabbed Lucas.

Eclaire’s expression softens

ECLAIRE

I’m sorry Dante, I tried to convince him to come. But…

DANTE

Yeah…

Dante Sighs.

DANTE (CONT’D)

I know.

An explosion rips through the city block. The bus SCREECHES to a halt. Some bus passengers scream and cry out. Dante and Claire, as well as numerous others, fall to the floor.

DANTE (CONT’D)

What the hell was that?

Dante rubs his temples.

ECLAIRE

Come on.

Eclaire pulls Dante to his feet and the two make it to the front of the bus. The driver is unconscious. Dante opens the bus door and Eclaire and Dante step out of the bus.

EXT. CITY BLOCK - DAY

Eclaire and Dante Look ahead and see a fight between Veritas and Secret Agents.

DANTE

Is that Veritas?

ECLAIRE

Looks like it, but who the hell are the guys they’re fighting?

DANTE

Don’t know, but they sure as hell remind me of ARC agents.

Dante cuffs his left hand to his mouth while raising his right above his head and balls it into a fist.

DANTE (CONT’D)

(Yelling)

Hey Veritas! Kick their asses!

Eclaire smacks Dante on the back of his head. Dante recoils. Eclaire grabs Dante and drags him to the side.

ECLAIRE

(shouting quietly)

Shut up! Are you crazy! Someone’s going to think we’re with them!

Dante rubs the back of his head.

DANTE

So? They are fighting for our rights.

ECLAIRE

So? Dante, they are terrorists! They’re not fighting for us, they are fighting for themselves.

Dante shrugs.

DANTE

One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.

ECLAIRE

Enough! We are done talking about this. Are we clear?

DANTE

(says with heavy sarcasm)

Yes, moooom!

Éclair crosses her arms. Eclaire glares at Dante.

ECLAIRE

Oh, I am so getting you back for that later!

Eclaire grabs Dante’s arm. Eclaire pulls Dante away.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

Come on, let’s get out of here.

END OF SCENE I

SCENE II

EXT. CITY BLOCK – DAY

Eclaire and Dante kneel behind a wrecked car. Eclaire and Dante peer over the car and see ROMULUS surrounded by SECRET AGENT LEADER and 6 of his SECRET AGENT underlings with their guns pointed at Romulus.

SECRET AGENT LEADER

(confident and commanding voice)

Surrender and come quietly Romulus, our you will be eliminated.

Secret Agent Leader pulls a repressor collar out from behind his back. Romulus laughs maniacally.

ROMULUS

(yelling)

Bwahahaha! Foolish mortals, you think you have bested me! Wrong! I am one of the gods’ Chosen! And you are naught but wretched worms beneath my boot!

Romulus raises his arms and draws upon the Source.

ROMULUS (CONT’D)

(yelling)

Behold my Power!

Romulus manifests 3 Horrors. the Secret Agents shield their eyes and recoil. The 3 Horrors push past the agents and head off into the city in different direction. Romulus escapes into a different direction than the Horrors. Romulus laughs maniacally. The Secret Agents Recover.

SECRET AGENT LEADER

(yelling)

Shit! You six prioritize the Horrors, split up and eliminate them. I’ll go after Romulus!

SECRET AGENT(x6)

Sir!

The 6 Secret Agents Salute. Secret Agent Leader runs toward the direction that Romulus ran off toward. The 6 Secret Agents split into groups of 2 and chase after the Horrors. Dante gasps loudly. Eclaire covers his mouth with her hand and drags them both down behind the car. Secret Agent Leader pauses. Secret Agent Leader looks toward the car that Eclaire and Dante are hiding behind. Secret Agent Leader continues on toward Romulus’ direction.

END OF ACT I

ACT II

SCENE I

INT. ECLAIRE & DANTE’S HOME - KITCHEN - MORNING

Eclaire emerges from her room and into the kitchen. The light is already on.

ECLAIRE

(groggily)

Dante, put some coffee on.

Eclaire opens the refrigerator. Eclaire bows over to peer into the refrigerator. Eclaire realises that the kitchen is silent. Eclaire straightens and looks around.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

(raised voice)

Dante?

Eclaire notices a NOTE on the kitchen table. Eclaire walks over to the kitchen table and picks up the note to read it.

NOTE

Elcaire,

By the time you are reading this, I have already left. I’m going to join Veritas. I know that if I had stayed, you would have tried to talk me out of it, probably with a lot of yelling and head slapping. But all joking aside, I can no longer sit back and watch as our people are persecuted and oppressed. I need to do something, I can’t just hide on this island and let what happened to Lucas happen to others. I’m a man now, and this is my decision.

Your loving brother,

Dante

Eclaire CRUMPLES the note in her hand. Eclaire GRITS her teeth.

ECLAIRE

Dante, you damned idiot! When I get my hands on you, I'm going to do a whole hell of a lot more than yelling and head slapping!

Eclaire ignites the note in her hand. Eclaire STOMPS out the front door and SLAMS it behind her.

EXT. SLUMS - ECLAIRE & DANTE’S HOME - FRONT DOOR - MORNING

Eclaire is standing in front of her front door.

ECLAIRE V.O.

(inner monologue)

That moron couldn’t have gotten far. If I hurry maybe I can catch up to him before he does anything more stupid. Veritas has practically taken over the slums. Lets see if I can get any information out of the local boss.

END OF SCENE I

SCENE II

EXT. SLUMS - DAY

Eclaire stands before MARCELLUS.

MARCELLUS

So this is the little spitfire that has been causing us some trouble.

ECLAIRE

I’ll get straight to the point. My dumbshit of a little brother up and decided he was going to join your little group this morning. Where is he.

Marcellus scratches his chin and ponders.

MARCELLUS

Can’t quite say I’m aware of any new recruits. Though it isn't my station to be made aware of such things unless it's pertinent to me.

ECLAIRE

But you can point me to where I can find out.

Marcellus grins.

MARCELLUS

Indeed I could, but if what you say is true and he has joined us, that would make him my ally. Why would I betray my ally?

Eclaire gives Marcellus a hard stare.

ECLAIRE

In case I didn't make myself perfectly clear the first time. You will give me the information I need. If you do not give it willingly…

Eclaire places her left hand on her hip and keeps her right arm close to her body and raises her right arm at the elbow. Eclaire looks at her right hand and creates a globe of fire in her hand. Eclaire looks back at Marcellus and gives him a hard glare.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

Then I will purge the information from you. Make your choice.

Marcellus gives a hearty full-bodied laugh.

MARCELLUS

Come then! Let's see what you're made of little girl!

Marcellus’ grin broadens. Marcellus shifts into a fighting stance. A glint of insanity shows in Marcellus’ eyes.

END OF SCENE II

SCENE III

EXT. SLUMS - DAY

Marcellus plants his left knee and hand on the ground. Marcellus pants heavily. Eclaire stands before Marcellus. Eclaire plants her left hand on her hip and leans over Marcellus.

ECLAIRE

Now, will you tell me what I want to know? Or shall I get to purging?

Marcellus lets out a hearty but subdued laugh.

MARCELLUS

That will be unnecessary. You have proven yourself worthy. Though I hope you will choose to join us. Veritas could use someone of your caliber.

ECLAIRE

That won’t be happening. Just tell me what i want to know, or else...

Eclaire creates a globe of fire in her hand. Marcellus’ face turns ashen.

MARCELLUS

Very well. You’ll want to go…

END OF ACT II

ACT III

SCENE I

EXT. WAREHOUSE - WAREHOUSE FRONT ENTRANCE - NIGHT

A low level Veritas member stands guard stands guard in front of the entrance. He is shocked by a lightning spell, convulses and falls forward, unconscious. Eclaire strides into view from off camera.

ECLAIRE

(inner monologue)

This looks like the place Marcellus told me about. Though, for someone as egotistical as Romulus, it must have been hard for him to settle for such a shitty looking hideout with that superiority complex of his.

Eclaire enters the Warehouse.

END OF SCENE I

SCENE II

INT. WAREHOUSE - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

Eclaire walks into a dark room. Romulus claps. Eclaire spins toward the clapping.The lights come on. Romulus sits upon a throne.

ROMULUS

I must congratulate you on making it this far.

Eclaire relaxes her stance. Eclair walks toward Romulus and stops at the center of the room.

ECLAIRE

You must be Romulus.

ROMULUS

And you are Eclaire.

Eclaire shows a surprised expression.

ROMULUS (CONT’D)

Oh, your little brother has told us much about you.

Eclaire spreads her legs apart, shifts her weight to her left leg and places her left hand on her hip. Her right arm arrest at her side.

ECLAIRE

And? Where is that shit for brains? I would very much like to speak to him.

Romulus looks up and taps his right hand index finger on his lips.

ROMULUS

Mmmm. I’m afraid I can’t quite say.

Eclaire Sighs.

ECLAIRE

So it's going to be like that huh?

Eclaire raises her hands into a guard.

ROMULUS

Yes, I suppose it is.

Romulus stands up and steps down from his throne.

END OF SCENE II

SCENE III

INT. WAREHOUSE - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

Romulus falls back onto the steps of his raised throne. Eclaire stands a few paces in front of him.

ROMULUS

(shocked)

Impossible! I’m supposed to be the…

ECLAIRE

Blah blah blah, I don’t give a shit. Now…

Eclaire swagers up to Romulus. Eclaire bends down and grabs Romulus by the collar of his shit and tugs until they are face to face.

ECLAIRE

(voice dripping with anger)

Where is my brother!

ROMULUS

How? How can you be this powerful? How can someone as powerful as you be hiding out here on this island and not fighting the Imperiti!

Eclaire shakes Romulus.

ECLAIRE

I don’t give care about your squabbles, it’s not my fight. Just tell me where my brother is!

ROMULUS

Not your fight?

Romulus laughs hysterically.

ROMULUS (CONT’D)

Are you sure about that?

ECLAIRE

If you say one more word that doesn't tell me where my brother is…

Eclaire lets go of his collar with her right hand and makes a globe of fire. Eclaire gives Romulus a hard stare.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

I start searing.

ROMULUS

I was telling the truth when I said I don’t know where he is…

Eclaire pushes her globe of fire closer to Romulus’ face.

ROMULUS (CONT’D)

...However, I do know who does.

ECLAIRE

Enough of your games! Tell me where he is!

Eclaire puts the globe of fire next to Romulus’ eye. The fire singes Romulus’ hair. Romulus puts his hands up in surrender.

ROMULUS

The Imperiti! The Imperiti have him!

ECLAIRE

What!

Eclaire recoils.

ROMULUS

He has sent out on an initiation mission and he got captured. That’s all I know I swear!

ECLAIRE

You…

Eclaire begins to shove her globe of fire at Romulus. Romulus closes his eyes and shys away. Romulus puts his hands up to protect his face. Marcellus barges in.

ECLAIRE

Boss! Oh hello miss Eclaire Am i Interrupting?

Eclaire stops and looks at Marcellus. Romulus opens his eyes and looks at Marcellus.

ECLAIRE

We were just finished.

Eclaire looks back at Romulus and drops him. Eclaire puts out her fire and takes a few steps back. Romulus gets up and fixes his clothes.

ROMULUS

What is it Marcellus?

MARCELLUS

Right. The Imperiti are raiding the base we need to leave.

Romulus nods. Marcellus and Romulus approach a secret exit behind the throne.

ROMULUS

(to Eclaire)

Wait.

Romulus stops and turns toward Eclaire.

ROMULUS (CONT’D)

Join us Eclaire. You are too powerful to stand on the sidelines. Join us and I promise, together we will save your brother.

ECLAIRE

No.

ROMULUS

So be it.

Eclaire watched Romulus and Marcellus leave through the secret passage and it closed behind them. Eclaire turns toward the passage she entered from and can stomping ahead. Secret Agents Storm in and surround Eclaire, Flashlights bind Eclaire. Eclaire raises her arms. Secret Agents take her to the floor on her stomach with her hands behind her back. AMBER strides up to Eclaire and looks down at her. Eclaire looks up at Amber. Amber pulls out a suppression collar and collars Eclaire. Eclaire convulses and passes out.

END OF ACT III

ACT IV

SCENE I

INT. SECRET AGENT’S SECRET BASE - FIRST BASEMENT FLOOR - INTERROGATION ROOM - MORNING

Eclaire wakes up tied to a chair, in a dark room with a spotlight fixed on her.

ECLAIRE

Wow, talk about cliches.

Eclaire squints her eyes and looked down and to the side to shield her eyes from the bright spot light. Amber slowly paces back and forth in front of Eclaire, hands behind her back, holding a computer tablet, but her eyes never leaving Eclaire.

ECLAIRE

Are you going to say something or are we going to continue this ridiculous charade.

Pregnant pause.

AMBER

Eclaire Guerra, age 26, disappeared from her family home 7 years ago with her brother, Dante, when it was discovered he possessed magical talents.

ECLAIRE

Wow, you guys sure did your homework. What next you going to tell me my favorite soft drink is Cola? Ha! Hate to break it to you but it’s…

AMBER

Root beer.

Eclaire flinches.

ECLAIRE

...Ye-yeah, that's right. How did...

Amber interrupts her before continuing. Circling around Eclaire.

AMBER

Known association with the magic extremist group Vida y Libertad.

Eclaire, stares at the wall in front of her, gritting her teeth.

AMBER (CONT’D)

Suspected of multiple accounts of theft, arson, and assault. Last known location was Cazumel, Mexico. Current location was unknown until suddenly reappearing at the headquarters of the terrorist cell known as Veritas.

Amber stops circling behind Eclaire’s chair and brings her head close to her ear.

AMBER (CONT’D)

(cold and commanding)

Tell me Eclaire, where is your boss.

Eclaire’s eyes bug out.

ECLAIRE

Amber? Is that you? Shit girl, long time no see? I thought you got nabbed by ARC.

Amber walked around to the front of Eclaire and pulled down her balaklava. Amber crossed her arms over her chest while shifting her weight to her left foot.

AMBER

I’m not here to rekindle old friendships Eclaire. Tell me where Romulus is.

ECLAIRE

Romulus? Why would I know where that pretentious cunt is?

AMBER

You work for him don’t you?

ECLAIRE

Me? Work for Romulus?

Eclaire gives a full bodied laugh.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

Oh, that hurts don’t make me laugh too hard.

Eclaire calms down.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

Why would you think I work for him.

AMBER

You were in his throne room.

ECLAIRE

Yeah, to kick his ass.

AMBER

Oh, just your friendly neighborhood Strowler, keeping your community safe, dealing out vigilante justice?

ECLAIRE

Shit no, you know me better than that.

Amber bends over, placing her left hand on Eclaire’s armrest, putting her face right in front of Eclaire’s.

AMBER

I do know you better than that. Just tell me where he is Eclaire.

ECLAIRE

For god’s sake Amber I was there looking for Dante.

Amer’s face twitches.

AMBER

Dante? What did that idiot do this time?

Eclaire sighs

ECLAIRE

(dejected)

Playing freedom fighter.

Amber stares at Eclaire. Amber straightens up and places her left palm on her forehead and her right hand which is gripping her tablet on her hip.

AMBER

Damnit, now we’re back to square one.

ECLAIRE

Yeah, too bad you weren't a few minutes earlier you would have caught him before he left down his secret passage.

Amber stares at Eclaire.

AMBER

Don’t you mess with me Eclaire. What secret passage.

ECLAIRE

The one in the throne room, behind the throne. He left down it right before your goons arrived.

Amber looked to the ceiling and let our a scream of frustration.

AMBER

It would have been helpful to have known that earlier!

ECLAIRE

Oh I’m sorry, I could have told you earlier but someone knocked me out with a suppression collar. Oh wait, that was you.

Eclaire shrugged.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

Though I did manage to beat one piece of information out of him.

AMBER

Yes?

ECLAIRE

He said…

Claire Gave amber a hard glare.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

(cold and bloodthirsty)

That you have Dante...

Amber Flinched. Amber accessed her tablet.

AMBER

(hesitantly)

We do.

ECLAIRE

Is he alright?

AMBER

For now.

Amer sighs.

ECLAIRE

Amber…

Amber put her left hand up.

AMBER

Don’t. I know what you’re going to say, so don’t.

Eclaire glared at Amber.

ECLAIRE

How many times have I saved your ass.

AMBER

Eclaire, don’t.

Amber tenses up and grits her teeth.

ECLAIRE

How many!

Amber loosens her body and sighs.

AMBER

(defeated)

Give me some time.

Amber Leaves. Game flashes and Eclaire’s suppression collar unlocked and fell off.

ECLAIRE

(inner monologue)

Well, i’ll be damned.

Eclaire burns her restraints off and gets up out of the chair.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

(inner monologue)

It seems Amber came through. Now let’s find Dante and get the hell out of here.

END OF SCENE I

SCENE II

INT. SECRET AGENT’S SECRET BASE - FIRST BASEMENT FLOOR - DANTE’S HOLDING CELL - MORNING

Eclaire uses lighting to open the locked door.

ECLAIRE

Dante!

Eclaire looked around the room. Dante is not there. A buzz comes from the intercom.

SECRET AGENT LEADER

(intercom)

I have your brother...

DANTE

(intercom)

Eclaire! Run, get out of here!

SECRET AGENT LEADER

(intercom)

If you want him. Come to the Second floor.

The intercom buzzes.

ECLAIRE

(inner monologue)

Damnit. I should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.

Eclaire sighs.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

(inner monologue)

Guess I’ll have to step into the lion’s den.

END OF SCENE II

SCENE III

INT. SECRET AGENT’S SECRET BASE - THIRD BASEMENT FLOOR - MORNING

Eclaire steps out of the elevator. Secret Agent Leader holds a bound Dante.

ECLAIRE

I don’t know who you are, but if you do not let him go, you will regret the day you were born.

SECRET AGENT LEADER

Now that you are here I have no more use for him.

Secret Agent Leader releases Dante. Dante runs to the side, separating himself from Secret Agent Leader. Eclaire scrunches her face.

ECLAIRE

What the hell do you want?

SECRET AGENT LEADER

Truthfully? I’d like to recruit you. You come very highly recommended from my second in command.

Eclaire flinched at the mention of Amber.

SECRET AGENT LEADER (CONT’D)

Have no worry for Amber, she made a mistake and will be punished for it. But nothing that cannot be forgiven.

ECLAIRE

Who says I was worried?

Secret Agent Leader stared at her but said nothing..

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

Anyways, if you think I will join you, then you are out of your mind.

SECRET AGENT LEADER

Amber said much the same.

Eclaire and the Secret Agent Leader silently circled each other.

ECLAIRE

I don’t suppose you're going to just let us walk out of here.

Secret Agent Leader drew his gun.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

I guess that’s a no.

Eclaire sighed and manifested her magic.

END OF SCENE III

SCENE IV

INT. SECRET AGENT’S SECRET BASE - THIRD BASEMENT FLOOR - MORNING

Secret Agent Leader kneels on the floor. Eclaire goes up to Dante, Hugs him, Removes his Collar, and helps him undo his bindings. Dante manifests a globe of fire and walks up to Secret Agent Leader and aims at his head. Eclaire grabs Dante’s hand.

ECLAIRE

No.

Claire pushes Dante’s hand down. Dante looks at his sister.

DANTE

But sis, he’s…

ECLAIRE

I did not work so hard to save you, only for you to become the very monster that they fear you to be.

Eclaire Glares at him. Dante looks back down at the Secret Agent Leader and extinguishes his fire. Eclaire smiles.

ECLAIRE (CONT’D)

Good, now let’s get the hell out of here.

Dante and Eclaire start to head toward the elevator. Secret Agent Leader grabs Eclaire’s arm. Eclaire looks down at him.

SECRET AGENT LEADER

This isn’t over Eclaire Guerra. One day you will have to decide which side you are on.

ECLAIRE

Perhaps, but that day is not today.

Dante and Eclaire enter the elevator.

EXT. SECRET AGENT’S SECRET BASE - FRONT ENTRANCE - DAWN

Eclaire and Dante walk side by side supporting each other. Eclaire slaps Dante on the back of The head. Dante recoils.

ECLAIRE

That’s for being a moron and making me work my ass off to come bail you out again.

Image freezes and fades into credits.

END OF STORY