DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS
"Requiem"
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. PLAIN OF DREAMS - ESTABLISHING
A surreal, fog-shrouded plain, stark and brooding. In b.g.,dimly
glimpsed through the mists, are monoliths of basalt that suggest
huge Stonehenge-like dolmens and menhirs. We cannot tellif it is
day or night -- the gray fog itself seems luminous. SFX:FARAWAY
WINDS.
DUNGEON MASTER (O.S.)
Venger?
ANOTHER ANGLE
DUNGEON MASTER stands in the midst of the desolation, looking about
him. He is not afraid; on the other hand, he doesn't lookoverjoyed
at being here.
VENGER (O.S.)
I am here, old man.
Dungeon Master turns in time to see a MAGIC BOLT SPLIT a monolith.
It CRASHES to either side, revealing VENGER amidst the swirling
fog. He looks down at Dungeon Master.
VENGER (CONT'D)
Dungeon Master, you are a fool.
FAVORING DUNGEON MASTER
He raises a polite eyebrow, but does not reply.
VENGER (CONT'D)
Your pupils are doomed to failure.
They are brave only because they know
you stand behind them.
DUNGEON MASTER
Not so. They can triumph over anything
in the Realm -- as you well know. They
will not fail.
CLOSE ON VENGER
He scowls, then smiles craftily, as if an idea has just occurredto
him.
VENGER
Well, then -- perhaps you would not be
adverse to a test of their courage?
ON DUNGEON MASTER
He looks wary.
VENGER (O.S. CONT'D)
We shall see how brave they are when
you turn away from them. If they
succeed, they will find the Key.
DUNGEON MASTER
And if they fail -- what do they lose?
ON VENGER
He raises a fist CRACKLING with Kirbyesque power.
VENGER
Everything. Their weapons -- and
their lives.
CLOSE ON DUNGEON MASTER
He bows his head and folds his hands together.
DUNGEON MASTER
So be it.
SHOCK CUT TO:
EXT. MOORS - DAY
As the seven heads of an enormous HYDRA lash straight at us! SFX:
HISSING. PULL BACK to include BOBBY, HANK, ERIC, DIANA, SHEILA,
UNI and PRESTO, all running for their lives across a moody expanse
of swampy moors with the hydra in hot pursuit.
KIDS
(ad lib)
Look out! Run! Here it comes!
(Etc.)
HYDRA
(roars)
REVERSE ANGLE - OTS HYDRA
Lumbering forward, big enough to CRUSH small trees under its feet,
its heads SNAPPING and HISSING at our guys.
HYDRA
(hisses)
ERIC
Do something, Hank! You're the
leader!
ON HANK - RUNNING
He stops and fires an energy arrow up O.S.
ON HYDRA
The energy arrow streaks INTO SHOT and wraps about the hydra's
necks, pinning them together for an instant. But the hydraBREAKS
the glowing bonds and keeps coming.
HANK (O.S.)
It's too strong!
ON ERIC - RUNNING
One of the heads swoops down, grabs Eric by the cape and lifts him
up O.S.
ERIC
Haaaallp!
ON BOBBY
He swings his club at a dead tree, KNOCKING it loose from its
roots. The tree begins to topple.
BOBBY
Timberrr!
ON HYDRA
Still holding Eric with one of its beaks. The tree falls INTO
SHOT and the head dodges, releasing Eric as it does so. Eric
falls O.S.
HYDRA
(hisses)
ON GROUND
Eric sprawls in the mud.
ERIC
(impact grunt)
He rolls over and scrambles out of the way of another striking head,
just in time.
ERIC
This thing's got more heads than
Tiamat!
ON DIANA - RUNNING
She dodges one head and leaps over another.
DIANA
There's no place to hide! It's
gonna get us, sooner or later!
ON PRESTO, SHEILA AND UNI
Cornered against a small spur of rock by two SNAPPING, HISSING heads,
Presto has no room to use his hat.
HYDRA
(hisses)
PRESTO
It's got us cornered!
UNI
(frightened whinny)
ON BOBBY
He raises his club over his head.
BOBBY
Hang on, Sis! I'm coming!
A head swoops down INTO SHOT and seizes Bobby's club, lifting him
from the ground. He dangles helplessly.
BOBBY
Whooah!
ON ERIC
Scrabbling across the marshy ground on his hands and knees. There's nothing funny about this -- he's crawling for his life. Thenhe
looks up O.S., and grins in sudden relief.
ERIC
All right! Everything's gonna be
okay now!
He points O.S.
ON HANK AND DIANA
Backing up warily before another SNAPPING head, Diana holding itoff
with her staff. Hank has an arrow nocked. They riska look up
O.S., and then grin in relief.
HANK
Dungeon Master!
THEIR POV - DUNGEON MASTER
Standing on an overhang of rock, looking down on the kids, who arearrayed in a loose semicircle with the hydra in the middle, its heads
weaving on long, snaky necks.
KIDS
(ad lib)
Dungeon Master, help! Get us out
of this! Take care of this thing,
willya? (Etc.)
ON DUNGEON MASTER
He is looking down O.S. at them with a grim expression on his face.
DUNGEON MASTER
You got into this by yourselves, my
young friends --
CLOSE ON HIM
His expression is more than grim now -- it's stern, unforgiving.
DUNGEON MASTER (CONT'D)
-- Now get out of it by yourselves!
He turns his back and steps down off the rock, disappearing from
view.
CLOSE ON ERIC
He stares up O.S. in disbelief.
ERIC
(despairing disbelief)
Huh?!
He reacts in fear to an O.S. ROAR.
HIS POV - HYDRA HEAD
Lunging straight for us!
HYDRA
(roars)
FAVOR ERIC
Hank dives THROUGH SHOT, knocking Eric out of the way as the beak
SNAPS on empty air.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Hank pulls Eric to his feet. Eric has a look of sick betrayalon
his face.
ERIC
I don't believe it! He deserted
us!
ON HANK
Another O.S. ROAR snaps him around.
HYDRA (O.S.)
(roars)
HANK
We'll worry about that later -- if
there is a later!
He FIRES three energy arrows O.S. in quick succession.
ON PRESTO, SHEILA AND UNI
Still trapped by the hydra's heads. An arrow ENTERS SHOT and
STRIKES the rock wall to one side of them, SPLITTING a fissure
down the middle of it. They scramble through it.
UNI
(squeal of fear)
ON BOBBY
Still dangling from one of the hydra's beaks. The second arrow
STRIKES the club, knocking it free of the beak's grasp. Bobby
lands and runs O.S.
BOBBY
(lands, runs)
ON DIANA
Still fending off another head with her staff.
HYDRA
(roars, hisses)
DIANA
(effort)
The third arrow steaks INTO SHOT and EXPLODES like a flare before
the hydra's eyes, causing it to jerk back.
HYDRA
(surprised hiss)
Diana leaps over a low spur of rock and runs O.S.
ON RIDS - DOWNSHOT
They regroup, weapons at the ready, as the hydra lurches menacingly
toward them again. Uni shrinks back against Bobby.
HYDRA
(menacing hiss)
SHEILA
It just keeps coming! What're we
gonna do?
ON HANK
He looks about desperately, then spots something O.S.
HANK
This way! Move it!
He runs O.S.
WIDE ANGLE - MARSH
The kids run THROUGH SHOT, tripping on roots and patches of mud,
SPLASHING through noxious pools, getting their clothes caught on
bushes. Their faces are full of fear. Uni gallops alongsidethem.
The hydra is right on their heels as they run for their lives.
HYDRA
(roars, hisses)
ON HANK - RUNNING
His eyes fixed on something ahead O.S. From behind one ofthe
heads GAINS INTO SHOT, almost within reach of him.
HANK
(runs)
PAN AHEAD TO INCLUDE a nasty looking bog -- a pool of green, slimy
water that looks like it could kill a bubonic plague bacillus.
HANK'S POV - BOG
PUSH IN on it, HANDHELD TRUCK, as if we were running toward it.
HANK (O.S.)
(effort)
Get ready --
OVERHEAD SHOT - WIDE
The kids and Uni reach the edge of the bog.
HANK (CONT'D)
Now! Scatter!
They break off to either side, running along the edge of the bogas
the hydra's momentum carries it ahead into the morass.
HYDRA
(hissing)
ON HYDRA
It blunders in the middle of the bog with a tremendous SPLASH! Mud
and slime fly everywhere. The hydra sinks in the morass,floundering helplessly, its heads STRIKING and SNAPPING futilely as itROARS and
HISSES angrily.
HYDRA
(angry roars, hisses)
ANGLE INCLUDES KIDS
They regroup on the edge of the bog, out of the hydra's reach.
They're exhausted, mud spattered, breathing heavily. Prestoslumps
to his knees. Bobby huddles in Sheila's cloak. Dianaleans wearily
on her staff. Uni sprawls in the mud. Hank braces himself,hands
on knees.
HANK
(breathing hard)
We did it. We're still alive.
ON ERIC
He looks grim.
ERIC
Yeah -- no thanks to Dungeon Master.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SALT FLATS - CROSSROADS - EVENING
The two suns are low in the sky, shading the salt flats red. The
kids, still looking much the worse for wear, are at the junction
of two roads through the wasteland, neither of which look
particularly appealing, though the east fork appears the better
traveled.
CLOSER
A signpost of weathered gray wood is mounted at the crossroads.
One of the signs has fallen; the other hangs from a single rusty
nail, pointing at the sky. Presto looks at it.
PRESTO
According to this, the Flame
Mountains are -- that way.
He points straight up, mimicking the sign.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Bobby picks up the other sign, rubs some rime from it.
BOBBY
(reads)
"This way to the Sea of Sorrow."
WIDE ANGLE
Sheila looks at the two roads.
SHEILA
Great. Which road leads where?
ON ERIC
He looks very down.
ERIC
Who cares? It doesn't matter.
(beat)
I can't believe he would just abandon
us like that.
He starts to trudge down the eastern fork.
FAVORING HANK
He realizes it's up to him to make a decision. He looks fromone
road to the other, then points to the western fork.
HANK
We go west, Eric.
Eric just looks at him. He makes no move to return.
ERIC
Why?
HANK
It's downhill. We're more likely
to find water.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Eric returns to the crossroads, looking at Hank. He's frowning
slightly. The other kids watch uneasily; they sense tension.
ERIC
The other way's a better road --
might lead to a town.
Hank is somewhat nettled, but trying to keep his cool.
HANK
I'm the leader, Eric. You said so
before -- remember?
TWO SHOT - HANK AND ERIC
Eric steps up to Hank, locking gazes with him.
ERIC
I was under a lot of pressure then.
Maybe I see things clearer now.
(beat)
Maybe it's time we had a little
election. Whattaya say, Presto?
REFIELD to include the others as Eric turns to Presto for support.
Presto looks at the others nervously.
PRESTO
Uh -- well, the eastern road does
look better ...
WIDE ANGLE
Bobby steps over to Hank, as does Uni. Diana is already by Hank's
side.
BOBBY
Yeah? Well, I think the west road
looks better.
Uni looks at Eric disdainfully.
UNI
(horselips)
ANOTHER ANGLE - FAVOR SHEILA
Sheila looks uncertain; as always, she tries to mediate.
SHEILA
Now wait a minute, Bobby --
BOBBY
(interrupting)
Keep out of this, Sis!
Sheila, stung, takes a step backwards, which puts her closer to
Eric. A full-blown ARGUMENT erupts, the kids SHOUTING andpointing
fingers at each other accusingly. Hank is the only one whodoesn't
take part in it; he looks from one side to the other in shocked
disbelief.
KIDS
(ad lib)
You don't know what you're
talking about! Aw, dry up!
You're always throwing your
weight around! (Etc.)
FAVORING HANK
He steps between the two factions and raises both hands.
HANK
(shouts)
Hold it, hold it!
The others stop and look at him.
HANK (CONT'D)
C'mon, we all know what this is
really about. We're not mad at
each other -- we're mad at Dungeon
Master.
The others know he's right; they look embarrassed, avoiding each
other's gaze.
CLOSE ON HANK
He makes a helpless gesture.
HANK (CONT'D)
I don't know what to tell you --
except that it's getting dark, and
we'd better find a place to camp.
(beat; to Eric)
You want the point, Eric? You got
it. Lead the way.
FAVOR ERIC
He looks somewhat resentfully at Hank, then turns and takes the
eastern road O.S. The others follow him. Hank watchesthem go.
Bobby and Uni are the last; Bobby turns and looks back at Hank.
Hank follows, stone-faced.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SEA OF SORROWS - NIGHT - CLOSE ON DRIFTWOOD
A pile of weathered wood on the sand. An energy arrow fromO.S.
STRIKES it, turning it into the flames of a campfire. PULLBACK
to show the kids and Uni sitting on stones and logs around the
fire. Hank slings his bow and sits down with them. In b.g. we
can see the moons' reflections shimmering on the surface of the
sea. SFX: BREAKERS.
DIANA
Maybe it wasn't really Dungeon
Master ...
FAVOR ERIC
He pokes at the flames with a stick. SPARKS scatter.
ERIC
It was him. D'you think I wouldn't
know him?
(beat; bitterly)
This whole Realm is a dungeon, y'know
that? And we're all prisoners. We
thought Dungeon Master was our friend,
but it turns out he's just another
guard.
FAVOR SHEILA
She huddles closer to the fire, shivering more from fear than
cold.
SHEILA
What're we gonna do now? If Dungeon
Master's abandoned us, who's gonna
help us?
VENGER (O.S.)
I will help you.
WIDE ANGLE - ALL
They know that voice. In an instant all are on their feet,weapons
ready, staring into the darkness that surrounds the fire.
DRAMATIC ANGLE - VENGER
He steps out of the darkness into the flickering light of the fire.
PULL BACK to include the others. Uni hides behind Bobby. Venger
holds out his hands in a gesture of peace.
VENGER
Be at ease, my young enemies.
I shall not harm you.
ON HANK
Watching suspiciously from behind a nocked energy arrow.
HANK
Move very slowly, Venger.
ON VENGER
One corner of his mouth lifts slightly at Hank's warning. He
looks at the kids.
VENGER
So Dungeon Master has finally
shown his true colors. Have you
never wondered why his advice
always led you into battle, and
never back to your world?
ANGLE INCLUDES KIDS
Eric, Sheila, and Presto look somewhat uncertain. Bobby, Diana
and Hank still hold their weapons at the ready. The BREAKERScounterpoint the uneasy silence.
VENGER (CONT'D)
It has been convenient for you to
see Dungeon Master as good, and me
as evil. But things are not that
simple.
ON VENGER AND CAMPFIRE
Venger stares broodingly into its flames.
VENGER (CONT'D)
I have granted you your lives before.
Aid me now, and I shall grant you your
dearest wish -- I will send you back
to your own world.
CLOSER
He makes a gesture at the flames. They BLAZE UP, forming a
miniature portal in which can be seen the amusement park.
ON ERIC, SHEILA, PRESTO
They stare longingly at the flickering image.
VENGER (O.S. CONT'D)
Far to the south lies Realm's Edge.
There you will find a cenotaph -- an
empty tomb. Within it is a key, which
you must cast into the Abyss.
WIDE ANGLE - ALL
Venger makes another gesture and the image vanishes in sync witha
particularly loud CRASH OF SURF.
VENGER (CONT'D)
Do this, and you will go home. You
have my word.
The flames BLAZE UP again, higher than ever. When they diedown,
Venger has vanished.
ON KIDS
They look at each other, speechless. Suddenly Hank fires the
nocked arrow O.S. skyward in a gesture of defiance. It EXPLODES
above them like a flare, providing eerie light.
HANK
Forget it, Venger! No way we're
working for you!
CLOSER
Eric steps forward.
ERIC
Wait a minute, Hank. What choice
do we have? Dungeon Master's
abandoned us -- Venger may be our
only ticket home.
Presto steps INTO SHOT alongside Eric.
PRESTO
I think Eric's got a point, Hank.
Venger's ruthless, but he's got a
code. I believe him.
Sheila joins them.
SHEILA
So do I. All I want is to go home
-- and I don't care who's responsible
for sending us there.
ANGLE FAVORS HANK, BOBBY, UNI, DIANA
They look at the others incredulously.
DIANA
You guys can't be serious. You know
Venger's bad news.
Hank steps toward Eric, extends a handtoward him.
HANK
Eric, we gotta stick together --
ANOTHER ANGLE
Eric brushes his hand aside.
ERIC
(angry)
Why, Hank? We always stick together
-- and it hasn't gotten us home.
(beat)
You guys can do what you want -- but
we're going after that key.
He turns and EXITS SHOT. Prestohesitates, then follows. Sheila
turns, then looks back at Bobby.
SHEILA
Bobby -- won't you change your mind?
ON BOBBY
He looks very young and uncertain,but he shakes his head and
moves closer to Hank.
BOBBY
I think you're making a mistake,
Sheila.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Sheila turns and runs into the darknessafter the others. Hank,
Bobby, Diana and Uni watch her go. SFX: BREAKERS.
WIPE TO:
EXT. SEASHORE - NIGHT
The breakers, foamy with salt in solution,CRASH on the rime-
crusted shore. An ancient galleonis wrecked there, sails hanging
in tatters, salt stains glitteringin the moonlight. Eric, Presto
and Sheila ENTER SHOT and climb ontothe canted deck.
ERIC
Think you can make this thing
fly, Presto?
ON PRESTO
He takes off his hat and makes magicpasses over it, frowning in
concentration.
PRESTO
Magic in the hat be free; let us
use the sky as the sea.
WIDE ANGLE
A shimmering arc of magic light ERUPTSfrom the hat, engulfing the
galleon and lifting it, with muchCREAKING and SNAPPING of aged
wood, free of the sand.
CLOSER ON THEM
The ship rises, the remnants of sailsFLAPPING uselessly. Eric
faces the bow, looking grimly ahead. Sheila stands behind him.
SHEILA
Are we doing the right thing,
Eric?
Eric doesn't look at her.
ERIC
I don't know. But we're not
turning back.
CUT TO:
EXT. CAMPFIRE - ON HANK, DIANA, BOBBY,UNI
Standing by the dying embers of thefire, watching the silhouette
of the galleon sail across the threemoons.
HANK
We've got to get to Realm's Edge
first, somehow --
An O.S. ROAR interrupts him; they alllook O.S. and react.
BRONZE DRAGON (O.S.)
(roars)
THEIR POV - SEASHORE
A huge BRONZE DRAGON lands at the water'sedge, its wings spraying
foam and sand.
ON KIDS
Bobby steps back warily, raising hisclub.
BOBBY
Just what we need -- more problems!
UNI
(horselips)
Diana steps forward.
DIANA
Wait, Bobby. That's a bronze dragon
-- it might help us.
ON BRONZE DRAGON
It watches Diana as she steps forward,her staff raised. She TAPS
it gently on its horns with her staff,like a mahout gentling an
elephant. With a SNORT, thedragon lowers its head.
BRONZE DRAGON
(snorts)
Diana looks at the others triumphantly.
DIANA
All aboard!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Bobby, Uni and Hank join Diana on thebronze dragon's broad back.
There is room enough for Uni to huddlebetween two of the dragon's
huge dorsal plates. Diana sitsbehind the beast's horns.
HANK
I hope you know what you're
doing, Diana.
DIANA
So do I.
WIDE ANGLE
She TAPS the dragon's horns again. With a THUNDERCLAP of wings
the great creature lifts into thenight sky.
AERIAL LONG SHOT - BRONZE DRAGON ANDFLYING GALLEON
The bronze dragon flies after the shrinkingform of the galleon,
as we --
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. REALM - AERIAL SHOT - DAWN
Much the same shot as before, withthe bronze dragon still pursuing
the flying ship. They are flyingsouth over a rocky, barren land
which rises to mountains in the distance. To the west the two suns
are rising.
ON BRONZE DRAGON'S BACK - PANNING
Diana, Bobby and Uni are asleep, curledup in the hollows between
the plates, well ahead of the STROKINGwings. Hank stands in
another hollow, looking grimly ahead,the WIND ruffling his hair.
PUSH IN on him as he stares O.S. afterthe galleon. Suddenly
Diana's hand ENTERS SHOT and toucheshis shoulder. He turns to see
her behind him, rubbing her eyes sleepily.
DIANA
(sleepily)
You should get some sleep.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Hank looks off into the distance, frowning.
HANK
Why do you think we're here,
Diana?
DIANA
In the Realm?
(beat)
I always thought it was to defeat
Venger.
Hank looks ahead again.
HANK
So did I -- but I'm beginning to
wonder. Maybe Venger's right about
one thing -- maybe things aren't
that simple.
BOBBY (O.S.)
Hey, look!
ANGLE INCLUDES BOBBY
Be and Uni are now awake. Hestands atop one of the plates,
pointing ahead excitedly.
THEIR POV - FLAME MOUNTAINS
They are approaching the range of mountainsnow, and we can see
they consist of active volcanoes. Curtains of smoke and ash
hang over bubbling cauldrons of lava. Incandescent fountains shoot
up. None of the peaks are inthe throes of a major eruption, but
all together they present a dangerousgauntlet to run. SFX:
RUMBLING, BUBBLING LAVA.
ON GALLEON - PANNING
It weaves its way through the deadlypeaks. Eric looks over the
side and GULPS as they pass very closeto a lake of fire.
ERIC
(gulps)
Hey, we're slowing down, Presto!
ON PRESTO
He takes off his hat and shakes itas though trying to dump more
magic out of it. Nothing happens.
PRESTO
I think my spell's running out of
gas!
WIDE ANGLE - ALL
Sheila looks back O.S.
SHEILA
They're gaining on us!
THEIR POV - BRONZE DRAGON
Flying through the clouds of ash. We can see Hank leaning around
one of the plates, looking down.
HANK
Stop, you guys! Please!
REVERSE ANGLE
Eric looks up defiantly.
ERIC
No way! This is our last chance
to go home!
ON HANK - PANNING
He looks angry. He pulls backan arrow.
HANK
Have it your way --!
Diana grabs his arm.
DIANA
Hank! What're you doing?
HANK
I'm gonna force them down!
He pulls free of Diana's arm and FIRESthe arrow down O.S.
ON ERIC
He raises his shield; the arrow RICOCHETSfrom it O.S.
DOWNSHOT - VOLCANIC CRATER
The arrow plunges straight down intothe the seething molten rock,
setting off a tremendous ERUPTIONthat hurtles straight up at us!
ON GALLEON - MOVING
A rain of fiery fragments SHOWERS downon its deck, setting the
bits of sailcoth afire. Glowingclouds surround the ship. Sheila
and Presto crowd under Eric's shieldas chunks of brimstone bounce
off it. Smoke obscures the scene.
ERIC, SHEILA, PRESTO
(fearful walla)
ON BRONZE DRAGON - MOVING
Bank, Bobby, Uni and Diana stare inhorror O.S.
BOBBY
Hank! What've you done?!
ON VOLCANO
Red-hot boulders are hurled from itscrater into other nearby ones.
The entire side of a neighboring peakBLOWS OUT, sending a searing
STONE WIND -- a deadly cloud of incandescentgas and powdered stone
-- O.S.
ANGLE INCLUDES HANK, BOBBY, DIANA,UNI
Reacting in fear as the STONE WINDBOILS toward them.
HANK, DIANA, BOBBY, UNI
(fearful walla)
ON BRONZE DRAGON - MOVING
It turns in an attempt to escape thewall of superheated stone mist swiftly overtaking it as we
FADE OUT
END ACT ONE
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. FLAME MOUNTAINS - DAY
ERUPTIONS proceeding in full force,and the STONE WIND hurtling
toward the bronze dragon, who is attemptingto outrun it.
ON BRONZE DRAGON'S BACK - PANNING
Hank, Diana, Bobby and Uni hold onfor dear life. Hank looks
back at the approaching WIND, cominglike a roiling black wave.
HANK
It's too fast for us!
UNI
(frightened whinny)
FAVORING DIANA
She reaches forward with her staffand TAPS the dragon under the
jaw.
DIANA
Go up! Up!
WIDE ANGLE - BRONZE DRAGON AND STONEWIND
The bronze dragon swoops up O.S. PAN TO FOLLOW as the boiling crest
of vaporized rock just misses it.
EXT. LAVA PLAINS - DAY
With the Flame Mountains in the distancepainting the sky a baleful
red. Rivers of lava glow alongthe horizon. The exhausted bronze
dragon lands in f.g.
CLOSER ON BRONZE DRAGON
Hank, Diana, Bobby and Uni disembark,and the bronze dragon flies
O.S. The four of them, grim-faced,turn to look back at the range of
fire in the distance. Bobbyis crying.
BOBBY
(sniffling)
They didn't make it, did they?
DIANA
(false cheer)
Sure they did! They've come through
tougher spots than this!
Bobby ignores her, looking at Hank.
BOBBY
Hank?
TWO SHOT - HANK AND BOBBY
Hank stares O.S. at his friends' funeralpyre. His shoulders
drop; he bows his head.
HANK
I'm sorry, Bobby. It was my fault.
Bobby turns away. Diana ENTERSSHOT and puts her hand on Hank's
shoulder.
DIANA
What do we do now, Hank ?
Hank straightens; life must go on.
HANK
The volcanoes won't let us go
back. We'll have to go on -- to
Realm's Edge.
Hank turns and looks in the other directionO.S., as does Diana.
THEIR POV
The plain rises for a considerabledistance, and ends at the edge
of a cliff which stretches in eitherdirection as far as they can
ee. At the edge, barely visible, isthe cenotaph -- a lonely,
crumbling tower on the edge of theworld.
WIPE TO:
EXT. ANOTHER PART OF PLAIN - DAY
Eric, Sheila and Presto are pickingtheir way over the cracked
Black lava plain. The wreckedand smoldering galleon is visible in
b.g. Sheila scrambles to thetop of an angled slab and looks O.S.
this way and that.
SHEILA
Bobby? Bobby?!
ON ERIC
He looks up O.S. at her.
ERIC
Any sign of them?
HIS POV - UPSHOT - SHEILA
The WIND plucking at her cloak. Shelooks around a final time,
then lowers her head.
SHEILA
Nothing. They must've been --
She hides her face in her hands andsinks to her knees on the slab.
RESUME ERIC
He looks down at the ground also. Presto ENTERS SHOT, looking at
him sympathetically.
PRESTO
It's not your fault, Eric.
ERIC
Yeah, right. Somebody else used my
shield to bounce a flame arrow into
a volcano.
(beat)
If you hadn't gotten your magic hat
to bail us out, our gooses would be
charcoal now.
WIDE ANGLE
Sheila climbs down to join them.
ERIC (CONT'D)
Come on. The least I can do is
find Venger's key and get you two
home.
He turns and trudges O.S. Presto,looking concerned over his
friend, follows. After a beat,Sheila brings up the rear. There
are tears on her face.
WIPE TO:
EXT. REALM'S EDGE - ESTABLISHING -DAY
The cenotaph rises, skyscraper high,on the edge of the cliff.
PUSH IN on a moucharaby near the top,where two figures stand:
Venger and Dungeon Master. Theylook down O.S.
VENGER
You will lose, old man. Their
desire to return to their home is
stronger than anything else.
Without your support they will
crumble.
ON DUNGEON MASTER
He looks concerned, but is determinednot to let Venger get to him.
DUNGEON MASTER
Their courage will not fail them.
They will do what has to be done.
THEIR POV - DOWNSHOT - LAVA PLAINS
We can see the two groups of kids makingtheir way slowly toward
the tower from opposite sides. The rough terrain hides each group
from the other.
VENGER (O.S.)
We shall see. That which is in
the cenotaph will test their
courage.
WIPE TO:
EXT. CENOTAPH ENTRANCE - ESTABLISHING- DAY
A huge door in the shape of a stylizeddragon's head, the open
jaws framing the entrance. Hank,Diana, Bobby and Uni ENTER SHOT
and stand before it.
DIANA
We're here. Now what do we do?
Hank leans wearily against the door.
HANK
I don't know, Diana. I think we've
gone as far as we can go.
(beat)
I guess I've lead us straight to
disaster.
INCLUDING DIANA, BOBBY, UNI
They look at each other; they don'tknow what to say. Uni nuzzles
et Hank, who rests his head on hisarm in an attitude of despair.
then:
ERIC (O.S.)
Hey, look on the bright side -- you
beat us here.
They all snap around and stare O.S.,then react in joy.
HANK
(disbelieving joy)
Eric!
THEIR POV - ERIC
Standing atop a small rise, his capeflowing behind him, looking
cocky. Sheila and Presto scrambleup into view behind him.
SHEILA
(ecstatic)
Bobby!
She runs down O.S.
SHEILA AND BOBBY
They run toward each other and embrace. PULL BACK to include the
others as they take turns huggingeach other. Uni capers about
them all, BLEATING in joy.
UNI
(happy unicorn bleats)
KIDS
(ad lib)
Boy, am I glad to see you! We
thought you were goners! How'd
you get out of that? Let's never
split up again! (Etc.)
FAVORING HANK AND ERIC
With their arms around each other'sshoulders.
ERIC
I'm sure glad you guys are okay.
Now all we have to do is get that
key and we can go home.
Hank steps back from Eric. Helooks surprised.
HANK
You're not still planning on that,
are you?
ANGLE INCLUDES ALL
We see that, consciously or not, they'vedivided into two groups
again.
ERIC
You bet we are! I want to sleep in
my own bed tonight!
DIANA
Eric, you're already sleeping --
and dreaming -- if you think Venger's
gonna follow through on his promise.
SHEILA
If there's even the slightest chance,
we've gotta take it.
FAVORING HANK
He stands before the door.
HANK
Forget it, Eric! Nobody opens this
door!
ON ERIC AND PRESTO
Eric stares defiantly O.S.
ERIC
That's what you think! Presto, show
him!
PRESTO
(doubtfully)
Well -- okay ...
Presto takes off his hat and aims itO.S. A bolt of magic force
ERUPTS from the hat O.S., surprisingthe young magician as much as
anybody.
PRESTO
(surprised grunt)
ON HANK
He tries to dodge as the the bolt streamsINTO SHOT, but a tendril
of it lifts him and gently sets himaside, while the main force of
the bolt BATTERS through the cenotaph'sdoor, SPLINTERING it.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Eric, Presto and Sheila run forward,into the cenotaph.
ERIC
That's three, Presto. You're on
a roll.
ON HANK, DIANA, BOBBY, UNI
Trapped by the dissipating coils ofPresto's spell.
KIDS
(struggle)
By the time they free themselves, theothers are out of sight.
HANK
We've got to stop them -- they're
playing right into Venger's hands.
TRACK WITH THEM as they run into thecenotaph.
INT. CENOTAPH - ESTABLISHING
A huge empty chamber, with a side doorleading to a stairwell.
Eric, Presto and Sheila have alreadystarted up it when an energy
arrow BURSTS in the air ahead of them,bringing them to a halt.
ON ERIC
He looks back O.S. REFIELD toinclude Hank, Bobby, Uni and Diana
standing in the doorway. Hankhas another arrow drawn.
HANK
Don't do it, Eric!
ERIC
(quietly)
How you gonna stop me, Hank?
ON HANK
He has an arrow drawn, but not raised. Now he raises it. Diana
and Bobby look at him anxiously.
HANK
I don't know -- but neither of
us want to find out.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Emphasizing the standoff for a moment;then the floor suddenly
shakes, accompanied by a deep RUMBLING. Everyone looks about apprehensively.
SHEILA
What was that?
ON FLOOR
The RUMBLING comes again, much loudernow. Huge flagstones CRACK.
The cracks web out from the center,becoming fissures. From the
fissures flow viscous, jelly-likestreams of translucent
protoplasm.
ON DIANA, HANK AND OTHERS
The streams flow toward them, pseudopodiarising and questing
blindly for them. Hank pushesDiana and Bobby toward the stairs.
HANK
Get off the floor -- quick!
WIDE ANGLE
They run quickly up the stairs. The floor is now covered with the
semi-solid mass, which begins flowingafter them. It rises and
forms into a huge, amoeba-like creature. SFX: GURGLING, SLURPING.
REVERSE ANGLE
Hank, Diana, Bobby and Uni join theothers, and they all back up
the stairwell. The amoeboidsurges after them, almost flowing over
Uni's front hooves. She dancesback wildly to avoid it.
UNI
("yuck!")
ANOTHER ANGLE
the kids back up the stairs, weaponsready. The amoeboid flows glutinously after them.
DIANA
What is it?
PRESTO
Whatever it is, it knows what we
are: lunch!
FAVOR HANK
He aims the arrow he nocked earlierdown O.S.
HANK
Yeah? Let's see if it likes its
food spicy.
He FIRES the arrow.
ON AMOEBOID
Almost filing the stairwell below them. The arrow streaks toward
it. A pseudopod rises and engulfsit without visible effect, save
for a luminous rippling that spreadsdown the pseudopod. Then the
entire mass surges forward again.
ERIC (O.S.)
(gulps)
Looks like it liked it just fine!
ON KIDS
Presto steps forward, one hand stirringthe air over his hat.
PRESTO
Lemme try!
His hand dips into the hat and pullsout a glowing sphere of magic,
which he hurls O.S.
ON AMOEBOID
It absorbs the magic ball much as itdid the arrow, and with much
be same result. It flows towardus faster than ever.
AS BEFORE - PRESTO
He looks crestfallen. The groupcontinues backing up the stairs.
The amoeboid is gaining on them.
PRESTO
Where's Steve McQueen when you need
him?
DIANA
We'd better think of something.
This bowl of jelly means business.
FAVOR BOBBY
He hefts his club determinedly.
BOBBY
Yeah? Well, so do I!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Bobby runs forward O.S. Sheilagrabs for him but misses.
SHEILA
Bobby! Be careful!
ON AMOEBOID
THE Lovecraftian horror rises aboveBobby threateningly as he steps
INTO SHOT. Bobby SMASHES hisclub against one wall of the stairwell,
then the opposite wall. Thewalls CRACK and CRUMBLE, BURYING
the amoeboid beneath tons of debrisas Bobby dashes back O.S.
ON KIDS
They retreat from the dust and flyingfragments of rock.
SHEILA
Bobby? Are you all right?
A beat; then Bobby runs out from thethick cloud of dust.
BOBBY
Good news and bad news -- that
thing's been buried --
ANGLE ON DUST CLOUD
It clears, revealing that the stairwellis blocked.
BOBBY (O. S. CONT'D)
But we can't go back down.
FAVORING HANK AND ERIC
Eric looks at Hank in satisfaction.
ERIC
Which means we have to go up.
Hank looks at him and nods slowly.
HANK
You win -- for now.
WIDE ANGLE - ALL
They turn away from the cave-in andcontinue up O.S.
WIPE TO:
INT. SANCTUM - ESTABLISHING — DAY
The topmost part of the cenotaph isthe sanctum -- a huge,
cathedral-like chamber with a giganticvault on one wall and an
ornate sarcophagus in the middle ofthe floor, the lid carved in
the shape of a figure in repose. The wall opposite the vault has collapsed, revealing the abyss beyond theRealm. The stairwell
opens off another wall. Vengerand Dungeon Master stand beside
the sarcophagus.
DUNGEON MASTER
They are coming, Venger -- doubtful
and suspicious of each other and
their quest, but still coming.
VENGER
Bah! They can yet fail -- and they
will.
ANGLE ON VENGER
He looks down at the carved figureon the sarcophagus lid with an
unreadable expression, then turnsaway. We cannot see the features
on the figure from this angle.
VENGER (CONT'D)
Do not celebrate your victory yet,
old one.
ON DUNGEON MASTER
He approaches the sarcophagus lid andlooks at it. We still can't
see what's on it clearly.
DUNGEON MASTER
(cryptically)
It is not I who will be the winner,
Venger -- it is you.
A FOOTFALL O.S. causes him to turn.
DUNGEON MASTER (CONT'D)
They are here.
ON STAIRWELL
Eric, leading the rest, comes intoview. He stops and looks
around him O.S.
ERIC
So this is it. Doesn't look like
much.
ANGLE INCLUDES SANCTUM
Which is now empty, save for the sarcophagusand the kids. Diana
points toward the broken wall andthe abyss beyond.
DIANA
(awed)
Look ...
ON BROKEN WALL
The kids approach cautiously and lookout over the ultimate gulf.
BOBBY
(awed)
It goes on forever ...!
THEIR POV - REALM'S EDGE
An endless cliff dropping into themists of night thousands of
miles below. Stars twinkle inthe depths. Barely visible is the
suggestion of titanic, continent sizedpillars that support the
Realm.
ON VAULT
Sheila approaches the vault. Almost hidden among the ornate
intaglio of its surface is a keyhole.
SHEILA
There's a keyhole here. This is
a door.
ON SARCOPHAGUS
Presto steps up to the sarcophagusand looks at the face of the
figure carved on it. He reactsin astonishment.
PRESTO
Look -- on the lid! It's --
CLOSE ON LID
At last we see clearly the carved figure. It is a man in warrior's
garb, arms crossed on his chest. His face, though noble and serene
and lacking the fangs, horn, wings,and other accouterments of evil, nevertheless is unquestionably thatof Venger.
PRESTO (O.S. CONT'D)
Venger!
ANOTHER ANGLE
The others gather around, staring atthe figure.
BOBBY
I don't get it. Who'd want to make
old hornhead look good?
FAVORING ERIC
Looking down at the figure.
ERIC
Only one way to find out.
(beat)
Open it.
WIDE ANGLE
The kids all line up on one side ofthe sarcophagus and push at the
heavy stone lid. With a GRATINGof stone on stone, it slides over.
CLOSE ON SARCOPHAGUS
As the lid moves slowly to one side,revealing the interior of the
sarcophagus. It is empty, savefor an ordinary brass key lying at
the bottom. PUSH IN on it.
ON ERIC
He reaches in and grabs the key.
ERIC
We've got the key! Now all we've
got to do is throw it in the abyss
and we' re home free.
He turns toward the abyss. HankENTERS SHOT, blocking his path.
HANK
Don't you get it yet? We'll never
get home by trusting Venger.
ANGLE INCLUDES OTHERS
As Hank and Eric face off.
ERIC
Outta my way, Hank.
Hank shakes his head.
HANK
No! I'm right about this -- I
know it!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Eric raises his shield -- and then,suddenly, all of them are
thrown off their feet by the SHATTERINGof the floor next to the
sarcophagus.
KIDS
(surprised walla)
ON FLOOR
The amoeboid rises from the floor,pseudopods lashing out in all directions. The kids scatter to avoidit.
KIDS
(ad lib)
Look out! That thing's back
again! Watch out for those
tentacles! (Etc. )
ON ERIC
Bolding the key. A pseudopodsurges THROUGH SHOT, STRIKING his
shield and sending him sprawling O.S.
ERIC
(impact grunt)
ON EDGE OF FLOOR
Eric lands near the edge of the abyss. He looks at the key, then
raises his hand to throw it in.
CLOSE ON HIS HAND
Bank's hand ENTERS SHOT and grabs hiswrist.
HANK
No!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Eric tries to pull his hand from Hank'sgrasp.
ERIC
Let me go!
ON DIANA
Backing up before a surging wave ofthe amoeboid, her staff held
out before her. A pseudopodextrudes from the main mass and wraps
about her staff, pulling Diana towardit. Diana braces her feet,
but the thing is too strong for her.
DIANA
(struggles)
ON PRESTO
Holding his hat out before him as hebacks away from the oncoming
horror.
CLOSE ON HAT
It glows, but before anything can emergea pseudopod wraps about
it, closing it and seizing Presto'sarms.
ANOTHER ANGLE
Presto is lifted off his feet. He dangles helplessly in the
pseudopod's grasp.
PRESTO
Hey!
ON ERIC AND HANK
They are on their feet now, both holdingonto the key. Hank's back
is to the abyss.
ERIC
Let me do it! Do you want to be
a prisoner here forever?
CLOSE ON HANK
His eyes widen in sudden realization.
HANK
Eric! Remember what you said about
this whole Realm being a dungeon?
ON ERIC
Still holding onto the key as Hankspeaks.
HANK (O.S. CONT'D)
I think you were right! We're all
prisoners here -- including Venger!
And this is the key!
ON UNI
Backed into a corner. A pseudopodwraps about her and lifts her
O.S.
UNI
(bleat of fear )
ON SHEILA
She flips her hood up over her headas another pseudopod reaches
for her. She becomes invisible,but the amoeboid evidently uses
other senses than sight to track itsprey. It wraps about Sheila' s
invisible form.
SHEILA (V.O.)
(screams)
The hood falls away and she becomesvisible again as she is lifted,
kicking, off the floor.
ON BOBBY
Backed into another corner, swinginghis club to keep a pseudopod
at bay. He sees what's happeningO.S.
BOBBY
Sheila! Uni!
He raises the club over his head andSLAMS it down on the floor.
WIDE ANGLE - AMOEBOID
The SHOCK WAVE ripples through itsprotoplasmic form, causing it
to drop Sheila, Uni, Diana and Presto.
SHEILA, UNI, DIANA, PRESTO
(impact grunts)
ON HANK AND ERIC
The SHOCK WAVE rocks them both; Hanklets go of the key, drops his
bow and staggers backward. Hehovers for a second, arms
windmilling, on the edge of infinity-- then falls.
HANK
(trailing cry)
ANOTHER ANGLE
Eric lunges for him, but it's too late-- he's gone.
ERIC
Hank!
ON AMOEBOID
It's recovered from the effects ofBobby's blow. The kids are
grouped together now. The amoeboidflows toward them like a sentient wave, surrounding them.
ANOTHER ANGLE
They try to free themselves, but it'slike trying to run through
heavy oil. The protoplasm flowsup around them -- another moment
and it will encase them completely.
KIDS
(struggle)
ON ERIC
He looks back toward his O.S. friends,then at the abyss. He
looks at the key in his hand.
WIDER ANGLE
Venger suddenly MATERIALIZES beforehim. He points toward the
abyss.
VENGER
The key, Cavalier! Throw it into
the abyss -- or you will never see
your home again!
ON ERIC
He looks at the abyss, then O.S. inthe opposite direction.
HIS POV - VAULT
PUSH IN on it, emphasizing the keyhole.
RESUME ERIC
He makes his decision -- he turns andruns for the vault!
ON VENGER
He spreads his wings in wrath.
VENGER
(roars)
Stop!
Be hurls a MAGIC BOLT O.S.
ON ERIC - RUNNING
The bolt SPLASHES against his shield,staggering him, but he keeps
going.
ON VENGER
He raises his hand to hurl anotherblast, but just then a pseudopod
ENTERS SHOT, wrapping about him, pinninghis arms. He struggles.
VENGER
(struggles)
ON VAULT
Eric comes to a halt before the vault.
ERIC
Hank, you'd better be right --!
He thrusts the key into the lock andturns it.
ON VENGER
He frees himself of the pseudopod witha BURST of magic. His eyes
grow wide as he realizes he's toolate.
VENGER
No!
ON VAULT
The massive door swings open. A cascade of coruscating light
bursts forth, momentarily silhouettingEric, who staggers backward.
The pyrotechnic forces sweep outwardO.S. APPROPRIATE SFX.
ON KIDS
The amoeboid's mass has nearly risenover their heads when the
EFX wash over it. The amoeboidshimmers and VANISHES in a burst of
brilliance. The kids fall tothe floor.
ON VENGER
He steps backward, holding his handsout in a futile attempt to
warn off the magic, which engulfshim.
VENGER
(cry of fear)
CUT TO:
EXT. CENOTAPH - LONG SHOT
Streams of magic BURST from the tower,spreading away from Realm's
Edge and O.S.
EXT. FIELDS - DAY
Several SERFS toiling among crops. A magic bolt from the vault
IMPACTS near them like an incandescentmeteorite, and a portal
opens there, showing the single sunof Earth shining over a medieval town. The serfs drop their mattocksand rush toward the portal.
SERFS
(happy cries)
EXT. PLAIN - NIGHT
Another magic bolt ZAPS a portal neara group of LIZARD MEN. The
world opened for them is that of atropical jungle, with three red
suns shining above it. The lizardmen rush into the portal.
LIZARD MEN
(hisses)
WIDE ANGLE - REALM - PANNING
A SLOW PAN that shows bolts from thecenotaph descending in all
parts of the Realm, creating portalswherever they STRIKE.
EXT. VENGER'S CITADEL - DAY
ORCS, BULLIWOGS and other servantsof Venger flee in terror as a
bolt arcs toward the citadel.
ORCS, BULLIWOGS
(panicked cries)
CLOSER
SHADOWDEMON emerges, reacts to theapproaching destruction, then hightails it O.S. A moment later thecitadel is STRUCK AND
DESTROYED by the bolt.
CUT TO:
INT. CENOTAPH - VAULT
As the last of the magic streams outand O.S., leaving Eric
sitting, dazed, before a huge, emptyvault. Diana, Sheila,
Presto, Bobby and Uni run INTO SHOT. Presto helps Eric up.
ERIC
(awed whisper)
Did you see that?
PRESTO
You kidding? We were all ringside.
DIANA
Looks like Hank was right ...
ON ERIC
He reacts to this in shock.
ERIC
Hank!!
He rushes O.S. The others follow.
ON EDGE OF ABYSS - UPSHOT
The kids gather around the edge ofthe abyss and look down,
fearing the worst. Then theysmile in relief.
HANK (O.S.)
Well, don't just stand there --
REVERSE ANGLE - DOWNSHOT - HANK
Hanging from a rocky outcropping overthe abyss.
HANK (CONT'D)
Get me outta here!
ANOTHER ANGLE
Diana extends her staff to Hank. It glows as he pulls himself up
hand over hand to stand beside them. He picks up his bow and
looks O.S.
HANK
Hey! What's happening to Venger?
They all look O.S. and react as shimmeringlight begins to bleed
INTO SHOT.
THEIR POV - VENGER
Still wrapped in the luminous spell. It TRANSMOGRIFIES him,
changing him into the noble, majesticfigure whose likeness is
carved on the sarcophagus. Helooks down at himself in disbelief.
When he speaks, his voice is thatof Venger, but without the
sinister reverb.
ON KIDS
Watching in awe. Hank raiseshis bow in a gesture of triumph.
HANK
I was right! Our mission in the
Realm was not to defeat Venger --
it was to redeem him!
WIDE ANGLE - KIDS AND VENGER
As the new Venger approaches the kids. Then, before them all, a
burst of prismatic light appears andforms into Dungeon Master.
He looks at Venger, and smiles. Venger kneels before him.
VENGER
Father -- I have returned.
CLOSER - KIDS, DUNGEON MASTER, VENGER
Uni nuzzles Venger's hand as DungeonMaster, tears in his eyes,
turns toward the kids.
DUNGEON MASTER
(emotionally)
Thank you, my young pupils. You
have done the one thing it was not
in my power to do -- you have
returned my son to me.
The kids look at each other in confusion.
ERIC
(to Dungeon Master)
You're Venger's father?
PRESTO
There's not a big family
resemblance ...
ON VENGER
He smiles.
VENGER
Thousands of years ago, I chose to
follow another Master -- one of evil.
I imprisoned in this cenotaph all that
which Dungeon Master had given me.
And now you have set me free.
ANGLE INCLUDES VAULT
Dungeon Master raises his hands, anda final bolt streaks from the
vault, IMPACTING near the kids andforming a portal. Within it
they can see the amusement park.
KIDS
(gasps)
DUNGEON MASTER
And you have given those trapped in
this Realm their freedom. I can do
no less for you. You are free to
return to your world now, if you
wish.
ANGLE ON KIDS
They look at each other in disbelievingjoy as Dungeon Master
continues.
DUNGEON MASTER (O.S. CONT'D)
Or you may stay here, in the Realm.
There is still much evil to be dealt
with, and many adventures yet to be
had.
WIDE ANGLE
The kids and Uni stand in front ofthe portal, with Dungeon
Master on one side and Venger on theother.
DUNGEON MASTER (CONT'D)
The choice, my children, is yours.
The kids look at each other, grinning,tears of happiness in their
eyes, ready to make their greatestdecision of all, as we PULL
BACK, through the broken wall of thecenotaph, BACK, rising over
Realm's Edge, BACK STILL FURTHER,craning up above mountains,
through clouds, until at last we encompassan incredible vista:
the Realm itself, with its myriadlands and lifeforms, its dangers
and its joys; a new Realm now, butstill, and always: the Realm
of Dungeons and Dragons.
FADE OUT
THE END