Writing Samples

EXT. 

At this stage of the game, Imira can be found standing in the courtyard, outside of the door where the infirmary will be located once unlocked. For now, she's made a makeshift one - two bedrolls are located underneath a small tent, with a refugee NPC laying in one of them. Various herbs, books, and medical supplies such as bandages and salves lie scattered across a small table. 

The player can approach Imira and interact 

IMIRA I wanted to thank you again for allowing me to join you. I only hope I can make myself useful. 

-> "I think you'll fit right in." 

IMIRA It means a lot to hear that. I've spent so long isolating myself, it is... a little unnerving being around so many people again. 

-> "I'm keeping an eye on you." 

IMIRA I cannot fault you for that. You've faced many hardships. In time, perhaps I may come to earn your trust. 

Regardless of choice taken, both result in the following dialogue choices. 

-> “I have some questions.”

IMIRA Please, ask me anything.

-> "How long have you been living alone in the forest?" 

-> "Where are you from?" 

-> "Why did you help us?" 

-> "Perhaps later." (this exits the conversation) 

At conclusion of each thread the player will return to the initial dialogue choices, with the option to choose another or to exit the conversation. 

-> "How long have you been living in the forest?" 

IMIRA Time seems to move so differently here, it's hard to say. When was it that Mahlon ascended the throne? Just around then, I think. 

PLAYER Then you've been here almost twenty years now. That's a long time to live out here on your own. 

IMIRA Not all on my own. Before the war came, there was a village about a day's walk away. They'd come to me when someone fell ill, or if they needed help with a birth. If I ever needed something I couldn't craft myself, I'd go there. 

Two follow up questions are given, as well as an option to skip them. Choosing either of the follow up questions will return you to the three options. 

Opt 1-> "Why didn't you just live there?" 

IMIRA The people there, they were always very kind. I'm sure they wouldn't have minded. But... well, the village is gone now, isn't it? No sense dwelling on why's or why nots. 

Opt 2 -> "You know, there's been rumors of a witch in this forest." 

IMIRA Oh? I don't think I've seen any witches around. 

PLAYER I, uh, think they might have been referring to you. 

IMIRA Oh! Oh my. Well, people do love to exaggerate, don't they? I'm hardly a witch, just a simple healer. 

Opt 1-> "That's a relief." 

Opt 2-> "I'm not sure I believe you. But alright." 

Opt 3 (redirects to main) -> "I have more questions." 

-> "Where are you from?" 

IMIRA Just a little ways into the forest, near the temple. Did you bump your head? Should I look at it? 

PLAYER I meant originally. 

IMIRA Ah! A small fishing village on the eastern coast. Nothing exciting, I promise you. 

Opt 1 -> "So why did you come here?" 

IMIRA We all have our reasons, don't we? Maybe one day I'll tell you mine. 

Opt 2-> "It sounds like you're avoiding the question." 

IMIRA I am. Ask it again another day and perhaps I'll give you a better answer. 

The player is redirected to the initial dialogue choices. 

-> "Why did you help us?" 

IMIRA I have taken a vow to follow the teachings of the goddess Samar, and part of that is aiding anyone who requests my help. You did, so I helped you. 

Opt 1 -> "That's a very admirable vow." 

IMIRA I suppose, though that is not why I chose to take it. There is a great deal of pain in the world. I do what little I can to change that. 

Opt 2 -> "Anyone? What if they don't deserve it?" 

IMIRA How philosophical of you. I suppose there are those who are deserving of a terrible fate, power-hungry leaders with no regard for the safety of their followers, selfish people who hurt and manipulate others. 

IMIRA But I am not the one to bring such judgements. If someone, anyone, reaches out their hand, I will reach out mine. 

Opt 1 -> "I can respect that." 

IMIRA Thank you for understanding. And while I may not be one for judgements, I am certain that helping you was one of my better decisions. 

Opt 2 -> "I don't think I agree with you." 

IMIRA I understand. Yet this is still my vow, and so I will uphold it. Perhaps if there are judgements to be made, you may be more suited to make them. 

If the player has gone through all the dialogue choices they are presented with three final choices to end the conversation. 

Opt 1 -> "I'm glad you're here." 

IMIRA So am I. 

Opt 2 -> "We can talk more later." 

IMIRA I look forward to that. 

Opt 3 -> "You should know, I still don't trust you." 

IMIRA Perhaps the feeling is mutual. 

Regardless of the choice taken, the conversation ends. When interacted with again, Imira will give her default responses until her next major character conversation is triggered. 

GUARD

Search the entire floor, the Praetor wants her found immediately. 

ABI

(quietly, to herself) Heck. 

Abi looks around the room she's in, trying to find an alternative way out. It's one of the vaults, filled with lots of gems and relics. She frantically starts looking at the relics to try and find something she could use. 

ABI

Where's an invisibility cloak when you need it.....? 

She tosses aside a small amulet, not noticing as it clinks on the ground, glowing. 

HUMBABA

Hey! Handle me with a little respect, you miscreant. 

Abi freezes. 

ABI

H... hello?

HUMBABA

Down here. In the bauble. You're not much of a thief, you know, you missed the Staff of Andule over there. Worth about a small moon's orbital output. 

ABI

I'm not a thief! Keep your voice down! 

HUMBABA

Oho, an assassin then? Pretty unassuming, though I suppose that's always an angle... 

ABI

(grabbing his amulet) Quiet! And I'm not an assassin! 

HUMBABA

Then what are you? 

ABI

None of your business! Now, shush, before the guards hear you! 

HUMBABA

Hmmm, why don't you tell me or I'll call the guards? I'm a loyal servant of the Empress, you see, so I can't just let some criminal go wandering around the- 

ABI

I'm the princess! Now, I order you to SHUT. UP.

HUMBABA

(quieter) Ahhhhhhh a runaway princess. Why didn't you say so? Is there a coup underway? Did you get in a fight with your parents? 

ABI

No. Why do you care? 

HUMBABA

Perhaps because I could help you out. A favor for a favor. I'm quite a powerful daemon, you see, but alas I've been trapped in this... tacky thing.

ABI

Could it be because you refuse to stop talking? 

HUMBABA

I'll have you know I was the Empress Kessamira's very favorite companion, till her husband had me locked away in here for a very innocent comment about his latest haircut. Rude man, very unfashionable. 

GUARD

Have you checked those rooms yet? 

GUARD 2

No, they're just the vaults, she wouldn't be in there. 

GUARD

And you can tell that to the Praetor when we go back empty- handed. Check them! 

ABI

Look, fine, whatever you want, just help me get out of here! 

HUMBABA

First, break this stupid amulet so I can get out. 

ABI

(briefly considers, hears the guards outside) Fine, it's a deal! 

Abi smashes the amulet, but nothing happens. 

HUMBABA

Augh, no! Who taught you the laws of magic!? You have to invoke me and break the seal! Honestly... 

ABI

Fine, how do I do that? Quick quick quick! 

HUMBABA

I, state your name- 

ABI

I, Abi- 

HUMBABA

Your full name. 

ABI

fINE. Princess Arda Bahira Ianthe of the House of Tiamat... 

HUMBABA

Do envoke the Great Daemon Lord Humbaba, in a binding contract- 

ABI

You never mentioned a contract. 

HUMBABA

One minute ago you were a princess and now you're suddenly a lawyer, come on. 

ABI

Alright, ok. Do envoke the Great Daemon Lord Humbaba in a binding contract…

HUMBABA

To be my loyal servant and follower, till the terms of agreement are reached. 

ABI

To be my loyal servant and follower, till the terms of agreement are reached, now you said you'd get me out of here so GET. ME. OUT. OF. HERE. 

HUMBABA

Right, now smash it. 

Abi smashes it again, successfully this time. There's a whole dramatic sequence with Humbaba emerging before his much more anticlimactic reveal. Rather than a great daemon lord, he is a rather underwhelming daemon the size of a small pet. 

ABI

Oh, I've made a bad deal.