The first few pages of a screenplay based in the EQ2 world of Norrath. More to come.... EXT. QEYNOS HARBOR - DAY Crowds of people jostle among the colorful merchant stalls, while sailors and dock hands work the tall ships laden with goods. XEPHYER, a good looking rake outfitted in fine leather armor, with flamboyant boots, cape and hat, winds his way through the crowd. He is obviously well known, and greets many sailors, merchants and dock hands. EXT. THE MERMAID'S LURE - CONTINUOUS The door to the MERMAID's LURE opens and two drunk sailors stumble out, bumping into Xephyer. SAILOR 1 (startled) Pard'n me cap'n SAILOR 2 Aye. Begg'n the Cap'ns pardon. XEPHYER A bit early to be adrift mates. SAILOR 2 Not quite adrift cap'n. SAILOR 1 Aye - we're tack'n cap'n. The pair laugh, and Xephyer joins in as the two sailors stumble off, and Xephyer enters the tavern. INT. THE MERMAID'S LURE - CONTINUOUS A dark tavern with a dozen tables, about a half of which are occupied by a mix of sailors, dock hands, and a few mercenary-types. SIRANA ROHAND, a pale and fragile looking girl of 20, serves the tables. Xephyer glances around the room and heads toward a table in the rear where a pair of armored-figures sit. XEPHYER Gentlemen. GRIMSFELT You're late. Xephyer pulls out a chair sits at the end of the table, to the left of GRIMSFELT, a fireplug of a DWARF, with a long golden beard and outfitted in black plate armor. XEPHYER I didn't realize that this morning was a precise time. GRIMSFELT We're not gonna be starting with... MESTIRFIN reaches a hand out and places it on Grimsfelt's shoulder. His delicate features betray his HAFL-ELF heritage. He too is outfitted in dark armor, with his long black hair worn in a silver-clasped ponytail. MESTIRFIN Grims - the Captain is right. We didn't specify a time. Mestirfin pauses to wave to the barmaid. MESTIRFIN (CONT'D) But, one would have thought - knowing how we operate - he would have made an effort to arrive sooner. SIRANA Sirs? MESTIRFIN Xegonberry brandy SIRANA I'm sorry sir. We've Jumjum brandy - will that do ya? MESTIRFIN (disgusted) It will apparently have to. GRIMSFELT Any Dwarven ale? SIRANA Aye sir. We've a cask of Haddek's finest. Grimsflet nods. SIRANA (CONT'D) For you Cap'n? XEPHYER Fayberry's fine Sirana. Mestirfin waits till Sirana moves from the table before continuing. MESTIRFIN In the future, Captain - I'd advise you make an effort to respond to our summons in a more timely manner. XEPHYER I'll try. Bristlebane only knows how unpleasant it must be to spend time amongst yourselves. GRIMSFELT Ya [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] foul-mouthed sea... Mestirfin once again calms Grimsfelt with a hand to his shoulder. MESTIRFIN Grims - let's not let one such as this get under our skin. We're here for business. Xephyer leans back in his chair, and props his feet on the table. XEPHYER That's exactly why I'm here. What do you have in mind Mestirfin? Sirana returns with the drinks, and the trio remain silent as their beverages are placed in front of them. They remain silent until Sirana departs. MESTIRFIN We have come into posession of a certain - umm - delicate piece of cargo. One that shouldn't remain in the jurisdiction of the Queen for very long. Xephyer drops the front legs of his chair to the floor, and scoots closer to the table. MESTIRFIN (CONT'D) We need someone to make a delivery for us. We hope that that someone would be you. XEPHYER And where would this cargo need to go? MESTIRFIN That information would be provided on sailing. XEPHYER And how large is this cargo. MESTIRFIN Not to worry - its small enough to fit into any of your holds. XEPHYER (laughing) You are a wealth of information. Anything else I need to know? GRIMSFELT Aye - I'll be coming with you to the Shrine of Thunder and take the... XEPHYER (Interrupts) Lavastorm? You need this to go to Lavastorm? MESTIRFIN (Glares at Grimsfelt) Thats enough! We'll speak no more of this until we have your answer Captain. XEPHYER That's quite the voyage, to be sure. When do you need my answer, Mestirfin? MESTIRFIN As quickly as possible. We have... The tavern door swings open and three armed city guards rush into the room. GUARD 1 Hold and lay down your weapons, by order of the Queen! GRIMSFELT Guards! Grimsfelt draws his axe and simultaneously grabs his tankard of ale from the table before flipping the table onto its side with a swift kick. MESTIRFIN Stall them Grims! Mestirfin rolls off his chair, and digs into a small pouch at his belt. Grimsfelt finishes off his ale and throws the empty tankard at the guards. Xephyer takes advantage of the confusion to slip around the room behind the bar. MESTIRFIN (CONT'D) Now! Grimsfelt heaves his axe striking the lead guard in the chest as Mestirfin throws a small vial at the guards feet. A thick white smoke quickly envelopes the room as the remaining guards stumble in confusion looking for the pair. EXT. ALLEY BEHIND THE MERMAID'S LURE - CONTINUOUS The rear tavern door opens and Sirana and Xephyer step out. SIRANA Quickly! Xephyer scans the alley then gives her a quick kiss XEPHYER Always a pleasure Sirana! Xephyer heads down the alley toward the front of the Tavern, where SHOUTING can be heard. EXT. THE MERMAID'S LURE - CONTINUOUS Smoke pours from the front door of the tavern, as patrons stream out coughing. A small group of guards are moving the patrons out of the way, searching for their suspects. Xephyer turns quickly away and heads into the heart of Qeynos Harbor, away from the docks. EXT. QEYNOS HARBOR - CONTINUOUS After crossing the bridge over the canal, Xephyer slows his stride and relaxes. KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE Captain. Xephyer turns to find KNIGHT CAPTAIN STEELGAZE, a hulking figure in polished plate armor with a small group of guards. XEPHYER (Nods) Captain. KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE I believe you should come with us. Xephyer looks at the guards for a moment, then back over to the canal, then back to the guards. XEPHYER I was just coming to find you - there is something I think I need to report. Message Edited by Rastim on 04-04-200610:24 AM
EXT. CASTLE STEPS IN NORTH QEYNOS - DAY The guards usher Xephyer toward the castle steps. At the base of the steps, GUARD WILIAMSON, an attractive woman in her late 20s, armored in fitted chain, stands watch. XEPHYER Bresia! GUARD WILLIAMSON Xephyer... Guard Williamson stops and drops her smile as Knight Captain Steelgaze swings his head to look at her. Xephyer smiles and winks at her, before being directed up the stairs by the guards XEPHYER So - an audience with her Majesty or her Majesty's jailer? KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE Her Majesty's executioner if I had my way. XEPHYER Not a terribly pleasant fellow today - your armor too tight Captain? GUARD 2 Hold your tongue and get up the stairs. KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE Oh - I'm pleasant enough - it's just the present company I have an issue with. XEPHYER (looking at the guards) I can see your point. Tough working with this lot, eh? Knight-Captain Steelgaze gives Xephyer a slight shove KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE Up. Xephyer and the guards continue up the massive staircase. XEPHYER You never did answer my question, Captain. Beat. KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE You're not under arrest - though Marr knows you've done enough to deserve it. Someone wants to see you. That's all I know. The group reaches the top of the stairs where a pair of guards stand before a giant set of steel re-enforced wooden doors. The pair of guards come to attention as they recognize Knight-Captain Steelgaze. DOOR GUARD 1 Sir! KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE I've Captain Xephyer for the Chancellor. DOOR GUARD 1 We'll take him sir. KNIGHT-CAPTAIN STEELGAZE Very well Sergeant. Knight-Captain Steelgaze and his men head back down the stairs, and DOOR GUARD 2 steps behind Xephyer. DOOR GUARD 1 Captain Xephyer - your weapons please. Xephyer nods and unbuckles his sword belt and hands it to the Guard. DOOR GUARD 1 (CONT'D) Is that all? Xephyer holds up a finger, and then bends down, removes a dagger from his boot, and hands it to the guard. DOOR GUARD 1 (CONT'D) Anything else? XEPHYER No - that's ...ummm, wait. Xephyer removes his floppish hat, and unwinds a deadly looking garotte from inside the hat. He hands this to the guard. XEPHYER (CONT'D) There you go. The guard looks at Xephyer for a moment. DOOR GUARD 1 Follow me Captain. The guard turns to open the massive door. XEPHYER Oh - one second. Xephyer reaches behind his back under his cloak, pulls out a vicious curved dagger and hands this to the guard. DOOR GUARD 1 (exasperated) Is that it? No other weapons? XEPHYER Just my wit, and disarming good looks The guard standing behind Xephyer gives him a shove forward through the door. DOOR GUARD 2 We should be safe enough. INT. QEYNOS CASTLE HALLWAY - DAY Xephyer walks down a wide hallway, lined with torches and rich tapestries. The footsteps of Xephyer and the guard leading the way echo off the stone walls. Xephyer starts to whistle and is silenced by a look from the guard XEPHYER Not a music lover I see. The pair arrive at a closed door. The guard raps on the door and it swings inward. DOOR GUARD 2 Go on - the Chancellor is waiting. INT. QEYNOS CASTLE AUDIENCE CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS The room is dominated by a large intricately carved wooden table, circled by a dozen high-backed chairs with an elaborate throne at the head of the table. The back wall of the room is lined with floor to ceiling tapestries, while enormous paintings of martial scenes adorn the other walls. Xephyer enters the room and notices CHANCELLOR PREL, a heavyset man in his late 60s, with a mustache too small for his face, robes too tight for his girth, and a staff too tall for his height. CHANCELLOR PREL I sent for you an hour ago. XEPHYER I'm here now. CHANCELLOR PREL Take a seat. Xephyer approaches the throne and begins to sit, but is stopped by the BANGING of Chancellor Prel's staff on the floor. CHANCELLOR PREL (CONT'D) What are you doing! Xephyer moves to the chair next to the throne and sits. XEPHYER Sitting. Chancellor Prel fusses with his robes and moves toward the table. CHANCELLOR PREL You are unbelievably arrogant. XEPHYER I try. CHANCELLOR PREL (striking his staff on the table) Enough! You need to learn your place. Do you know who I am! XEPHYER I'm guessing the Chancellor. CHANCELLOR PREL Exactly. When you speak to me you are addressing the Queen. XEPHYER Oh - I'm sorry your majesty. Based on the statues and paintings, I always thought you were thinner and more, uh, feminine. Chancellor Prel is bright red with anger. He swings his staff at Xephyer's head. Xephyer easily ducks and the staff glances off the top of Xephyer's chair and flies from the Chancellor's hand. CHANCELLOR PREL You will pay for those insults! The Chancellor scurries after his staff. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (O.S.) Chancellor. The Chancellor spins around at the sounds of the voice coming from the direction of the tapestries. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE, a stunning women in her late-20s, enters the room from behind the tapestries. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (CONT'D) That will be enough Prel. Xephyer, on hearing the Queen's voice, springs from his chair, and kneels with his head bowed. CHANCELLOR PREL But this, this rogue is not fit to breathe the air in Qeynos. He has no respect for authority. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Chancellor Prel - thank you - but that will be all. Chancellor Prel looks between Xephyer and the Queen for a moment. He is still breathing hard. CHANCELLOR PREL It's not safe. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Chancellor - I said that will be all. XEPHYER Your Majesty, forgive me. I did not know you were here. Chancellor Prel picks up his staff and waddles toward the door, passing close to Xephyer as he goes. CHANCELLOR PREL (whispers) Swine. You'll pay. XEPHYER (still with bowed head) I'm looking forward to it. Chancellor Prel exits the room and Queen Antonia Bayle walks to the throne. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Please Captain. Rise and take a seat. XEPHYER Your majesty. Again, I apologize. I meant no disrespect to you. Xephyer waits till the Queen is seated on the throne before taking a seat. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE But the same can't be said for my Chancellor I take it. Xephyer offers a smile and spreads his hands. The Queen LAUGHS. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (CONT'D) Captain, I'm afraid I will have to ask you to be serious for a time. I've asked you here as there is something you can do for Qeynos. XEPHYER Your Majesty? QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE First, I must have your word that as a loyal subject of Qeynos you will keep what I am to say within you. XEPHYER (smiling) Of course. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Captain. This is a grave matter - and assurances are not to be asked for or given lightly. XEPHYER Certainly your Majesty. Forgive me. I am and will always be a loyal subject. I will keep what I hear to myself. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Thank you Captain. First, there is something you should see. Queen Antonia Bayle removes an unadorned gold band from her finger and places it standing upright on its side between herself and Xephyer. She then spins the ring. It spins, slowly at first but gradually faster and faster. XEPHYER What..? QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Just watch The ring spins so fast that it is just a blur. Suddenly the air above the ring shimmers and a scene appears floating in the air above the ring. The scene shows a group of goblins destroying what appears to be a temple. XEPHYER Is that the temple of... The Queen raises her hand and silences him, as the scene shifts. Message Edited by Rastim on 04-11-2006 04:56 AM
The shimmering shows unusual carved stone totems before shifting again, this time to a scene of a man strapped to a table, with a group a white robed figures comprised of Erudite, Teir'Dal, Iksar, and Humans. The man on the table screams as he is tortured. The scene then fades and the ring stops spinning. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Not a pleasant sight. XEPHYER I'm afraid I don't understand my Queen. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE The ring was given to me by Oracle Liandrin - I'm unsure how it reached the oracle. XEPHYER It showed goblins inside Qeynos - at the Temple of Life. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Yes. The ring shows what may be, what is, and what has been. If we can not change the events in motion, none of us are safe. Xephyer picks up the ring and looks at it, then hands it back to the Queen. XEPHYER So the goblins within Qeynos - that is what may be? QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Yes. The stone totems the ring showed - those are apparently a key. The Concordium identified one of them as the Totem of Innoruuk Bane - thought to only be a myth. The totem, from the Age of Champions, is said to hold the spirit of the warrior who freed Feriona Vie and destroyed the body of Innoruuk. The Concordium speculate the totem rested deep below Qeynos for centuries. Now, however, it has been unearthed. We fear it is being shipped from Qeynos. If it goes the protection it has provided will be no more. XEPHYER My Queen, that certainly wasn't what has held Qeynos together. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE No - but the Concordium believe it was an integral part of the balance which let good hold sway here. The good which it holds help keep the Gnolls at bay, and the goblins relegated to the fringes. XEPHYER And the man on the table? QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Duke Vhel. He was on a diplomatic mission to discuss this. XEPHYER The Iksar and Teir'Dal - did he go to Freeport? QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (nods) Those around him wear the symbol of the Surgeons of Solace - the dark hand behind the Freeport Infirmary and Lunacy Asylum. XEPHYER I've never heard of it. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE I'm not surprised. A creation of Lucan D'Lere - a bastion to feed the necromancy that thrives there. XEPHYER My Queen - I am honored you have shared this with me, but I'm unsure how I can help. The Queen stands and walks to the tapestries at the back of the room. She pulls one aside slightly and speaks to someone, then turns back toward Xephyer QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Captain. We both know what you do for a living. We also both know your crew have ties to not only Qeynos, but Freeport and Maj'Dul. XEPHYER We would never jeopardize the security of Qeynos. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE No one is suggesting that Captain. A servant enters from behind the tapestry. He carries a a rolled parchment. The servant genuflects before the queen, offering the parchment, which she takes. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (CONT'D) Thank you. That will be all. The Queen places the parchment on the table and unrolls it to reveal a crude map, with symbols covering the outer edges. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (CONT'D) This was recovered from a raid on the Lion's Mane in South Qeynos. Xephyer stands and moves close to the Queen to examine the parchment. XEPHYER From the shape, I'd say that was Lavastorm. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Yes Captain, it is. Xephyer steps back from the table and looks at the Queen - who is still examining the map. XEPHYER I was approached today by Mestirfin. He had cargo that had to go to Lavastorm. The Queen slowly re-rolls the parchment and turns around to face Xephyer. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE They are moving faster than we expected. The guards are out rounding up the fences, facilitators, and the like. XEPHYER I was actually with Mestirfin when his arrest was attempted. He had cargo for Lavastorm. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Attempted? XEPHYER It seems they escaped. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE Guards! A armored figure rushes into the room from behind the tapestries. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (CONT'D) Redirect the searches. It is Mestirfin we need. The Guard bows and runs out of the room. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (CONT'D) We have much still to discuss, but little time. Tell me, will you help Qeynos. Will you help your Queen? XEPHYER (Bowing deeply) Of course your Majesty. My life, my ship, my crew are at your disposal. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (smiling) Thank you Captain. The guards will provide you with a pass, and a writ of my pleasure. Use it to outfit today, and be back here before the sun sets this evening. Be sure you are ready to sail at a moments notice. XEPHYER As you wish, your Majesty. QUEEN ANTONIA BAYLE (Taking Xephyer's hand) Thank you Captain. EXT. STARCREST COMMUNE - DAY Xephyer walks along the street, passing Erudites in various activities: playing chess, in heated debates, haggling for goods. EXT. QEYNOS EXCHANGE - STARCREST COMMUNE - CONTINUOUS Xephyer stands before a large inn. A battered sign over the door identifies it as the Qeynos Exchange. INT. QEYNOS EXCHANGE - STARCREST COMMUNE - CONTINUOUS Xephyer enters a large inn room. A bartender is busy in the corner wiping the bar-top, as a pair of human patrons stare at their drinks. Xephyer sees JERBEN SLEEPWELL, a stout man in his late 40s. XEPHYER Jerben! How's business? JERBEN SLEEPWELL Ah - business. Everyone wants something. The rooms are too dark, the common room is too noisy. Fix this, fix that. Bah. XEPHYER Glad to see things are looking up! JERBEN SLEEPWELL What do ya want Xeph. Xephyer looks at Jerben, with an eyebrow raised. JERBEN SLEEPWELL (CONT'D) I'll not be call'n ya Cap'n if that's what you're wait'n for. The two stare at each other for a moment - then Xephyer breaks out in laughter, followed closely by Jerben. XEPHYER It's been a long time since we sailed Jerben. JERBEN SLEEPWELL Aye it has. I do miss it a wee bit. XEPHYER The sea never lets go, that's for sure. JERBEN SLEEPWELL I'm sure ya didn't come to see my pretty face. What do ya need? XEPHYER I'm looking for someone. JERBEN SLEEPWELL Oh no - Xeph. Ya don't be want'n to see him. Remember last time. XEPHYER Let me worry about that. Is he here? JERBEN SLEEPWELL Aye - he's in his room, with his [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] books and enough candles to burn the whole place down. XEPHYER Can you get him down here for me? Jerben motions to ANGELINA, a woman in her mid-30s, wearing too much make-up and an outfit that leaves little to the imagination. JERBEN SLEEPWELL Angelina - run upstairs and tell Xestinoro someone needs to see him. ANGELINA Sure Jerben. Angelina starts to head upstairs and notices Xephyer. ANGELINA (CONT'D) Well Hi Captain. I didn't notice you come in. Like some company? XEPHYER I always appreciate your company Angelina - but I've some business to attend. Maybe this evening? Angelina continues up the stairs ANGELINA I'll hold you to that. JERBEN SLEEPWELL What do ya need Xest for? XEPHYER I'm sailing soon, and I could definitely use him. JERBEN SLEEPWELL You do remember the toad incident, right?
