TBF, Mags, you have been doing a lot of the heavylifting for the quest, so this will be in good hands.
To be clear to everyone, this is just me burning out on imagination of the quest, since my muse has been hitting me over the head a lot with so many different ideas that I just can't find myself too interested in this.
I'll still hang out here, though, since this still does have a sepcial place in my heart.
I'd like to thank you all for making this a wonderful experience while it lasted.
I'd also like to thank @Magoose, @Fluffy_serpent, and @Martin Noctis for doing so much to help prepare and write this quest. I couldn't have done it without you all.
@overmind What kind of budget are you looking for Solomon Kane? @Duke William of What kind of budget are you looking for Dracula? If I know what you both feel is the ideal budget for those two then I can make something for Conan as I'm unsure of how much we should go with SFX and stuff, just that we make it over 10 mil.
So, I decided to write another Solomon Kane pitch, and for this adventure I decided to go and adapt the adventures that basically introduced the character to me; his story of Solomon Kane in Africa...which is when I ran into a bit (okay, a HUGE!) of a problem. Howards' novels of Solomon Kane in Africa are a bit...let's call them a product of their time. I mean, the adventures are amazing, Solomon is on top form...and the description of the monsters are just truly horrific. You can see the very creatures Solomon fights against.
...Then you have to deal with the casual racist remarks and description of the inhabitants of the continent, their customs, and their perceptions and they are just...no. Really, no. What the hell man!
Regardless, the point of the matter is, the stories themselves are good, and the characters which are given personalities are entertaining and enjoyable to read. I feel that they can be adapted in a way that keeps the spirit in which they were written, and avoid the pitfalls of the era in which they were written. These are some of the darkest stories among the collection of Solomon Kane tales, if only because so many die and there's hardly anything good that comes out of it, and I hope that I've managed to do justice to them.
As such, I give you:
Movie Pitch: Solomon Kane
in The Shadows of Africa
GENRE: Adventure/Fantasy/Action
SUBGENRE: Dark/Historical
FORMAT: Movie (Franchise)
Solomon Kane: A Puritan man from Devonshire, Solomon Kane is a man led by both, his faith and his wanderlust, into a myriad of situations that common men would have died or lost their mind. Though stoic in personality, he also possesses a dry wit and sense of humor when he's near friends or people he trusts.
N'Longa: Medicine man and healer from Africa. An old man who tends to be jovial and smiles a lot at life. After all, he's seen most of life, both the good and the bad, and finds that anger in it just makes it more miserable. Better to just laugh at good or bad fortune wherever it may be. Having magic powers also helps of course.
Julien "Le Loup" Leblanc: Notorious slave trader and pirate of the English Channel. He's a man of passions and appetites that he slakes like a wolf, without any concerns for his victims. He made a small fortune out of thieving, raping and slave trading, a fortune that is now been reduced to nothing due to the persecution by Solomon Kane.
Queen Nakari of Negari: A former slave of the Oyo Empire. Nakari carries the mental scars of the abuse she suffered, it has warped her perception to that of "Masters and Slaves" and she's determined to be the Master no matter what. During her escape she found the lost city of Negari, and rose through her cunning into the position of power she's in today.
High Priest Lemiah: Atlantean former priest of Golgor, the Destroyer. He found Nakari and took her in as one of the Slave-Acolytes of the cult. Harsh and demanding, he lost control due to Nakari's manipulations, and was kept alive in order to extract his secrets. His hatred of the world in now only eclipsed by the hatred towards Nakari.
It's dark, the moon shines bright yet no one would notice inside the dark temple in a forgotten city. Many are inside waiting for the moment, the exultation, the sacrifice. They wait with baited breath for the moment. The dais is red with the dried blood of countless sacrifices done through generations as the leering skull at the top watches over all...
The moment arrives as the moon reaches its zenith and shines through the aperture at the top, illuminating the fiendish design within. A woman, garbed with the clothes of royalty, her skin dark like any daughter of Africa, approaches the dais, the sacrificial knife in her hand as the struggling maiden is carried by the Priests. With a quick movement she plunges it deep into her heart, the blood running and spreading, the eyes of skull at the top shine with unholy lust for the lifegiving liquid.
The men and women inside the temple holler, the woman at the top raises the knife, promising the future to them. The hour is near! Soon, Golgor will be among us!
We turn now to a different sight, as a ship moves through a stormy night near the coast of Africa, the moon occasionally shining through the clouds, but those moments are rare. The thunder and lightning reverberate, the surf moving the ship from side to side as the crest from the waves batters the hull and decks. Groaning from the ship is heard as it tries to keep itself together, while the crew is moving from side to side and around the ship; fixing the sails, keeping the water out, trying to steer the ship to stop it from capsizing. Yet it seems it's not enough as more and more we see the ship breaking.
Yet in the middle of the deck there's an area where many try to avoid, as two men are locked in deadly combat. A tall man in Puritan garbing wielding his rapier with deadly intent and accuracy faces against a roguish looking captain who uses everything in his power to keep one step ahead from the man's deadly blade. Thus we see Solomon Kane, Puritan wanderer now facing "Le Loup", a slave trader that has ravaged the English, French and Spanish coasts. At last, after so many months of chase, he has no place left to run.
Stab. Lunge, Punch. Both sides use any and all tricks that they can think of to kill the other. Le Loup angrily insults Solomon for how much of a nuisance he's been during his entire chase, and that he did this all for a single woman. Solomon replies that one innocent is one to many and he's to be sent to God's justice. Their fight continues even as the ship breaks around them until, finally, the storm proves too much. The ship capsizes, sinking as the Keel finally breaks and there is no more support. The rigging and sails falls as the crew jump overboard and try to survive by catching any part of the flotsam or wreckage. Solomon and Le Loup try to fight even as they hold on to what they can to survive.
A grand wave pushes them all, and it turns black.
Solomon is on a beach unconscious, small remains of the ship strewn about. There is jungle all around, and his body feels too weak to move as he barely hangs on to consciousness. The last thing he sees before fainting is the shape of human forms moving through the jungle towards his position.
As Solomon is unconscious, he dreams of what brought him on his chase; Finding a young woman near death, clearly raped and brutalized and then thrown away near a forest. Trying to ease her suffering and learning of the man who did this to her: The notorious Slave Trader/Pirate Julien Leblanc, also known as "Le Loup" for his voracious and savage ways. Solomon gave her a proper burial when she died and then went on the hunt for Le Loup!
Through many tribulations he had to go; scenes pass through his mind of fighting him and his men inside a cave before the perfidious man abandoned them to run. Chases through London where he only escaped by taking a woman hostage, a chase through many vessels in the sea where his small fleet of three ships were whittled down as Solomon Kane made sure to keep the chase; England, France, Spain, all the way to the coast of that dark continent; Africa. Where the final confrontation took place and Solomon was finally...
He awakens. He finds himself bandaged and nearly healed, his possessions on one side of the room he's in. A room he does not think he's been in before. Solomon gets up and looks at the window to see...
A village...a well ordered and clean village with people going to and from on their work; there a man selling wares, on another side a woman and her daughter watering water, guards along the way patrolling. It all seems so similar to Solomon, save for the architecture and nature around him, yet instead of seeing similar European men he sees men of Africa, all dark in color, wearing clothing that while deemed somewhat scandalous back in England he has to admit fits for such an unmerciful hot climate such as this. So, this is where Le Loup fled now, into the heart of Africa itself.
Solomon has not been the only one who been watching, as soon others on the outside see him and point at him, the one white men in their community. A messenger is immediately sent to whoever is in charge as Solomon quickly enters the hut once more and gets his weapons ready, just in case he's to be taken prisoner again. He hears the rustling of someone entering his home and turns seeing...
An old man dressed in the African style of his community with a big staff on hand. A white beard denotes his age, while the laughter lines of his face denote his temperament. To give truth to his deduction the man laughs as he banters with Solomon over his actions and concerns, Solomon being on the backfoot during most of their conversation as the man enjoys surprising him with different topics or just, well, "trolling" him for fun. Solomon learns that the old man's name is N'Longa, the Chief Healer of the village, and he's been taking care of him ever since he was found.
After a bit of a back and forth between them N'Longa asks Solomon if he's doing well enough to meet the Village Chief. Solomon replies that he is and they move through the village, under the looks of the men, women and children, who seem as fascinated by the sight of Solomon as he is for them. He arrives at the central building where the Village Chief welcomes him, tells him of how he was found, and asks how he came to be here. Solomon notices that the guards inside are tense and ready to attack at a moment's notice.
Solomon tells him of the chase of a man known as "Le Loup" in order to bring him to justice. At the sound of Le Loup many of the guards emits growls of anger, as well as the village chief, but he also asks N'Longa if he's telling the truth, which N'Longa says he is. The Village Chief then relaxes and orders his men to be at ease.
Turns out Le Loup has been a constant thorn and terror among their communities. The man is a beast who takes not only slaves but free men as well, attacking the villages of the Oyo Empire (like the one they're in) and taking all men and women they can carry no matter their station. The Village Chief had been concerned Solomon was working with le Loup as among the wreckage where they found him, there were also the bodies of Le Loup's crew, but no sign of Le Loup.
Solomon seems glad to hear of it. The village chief offers him hospitality until he's all better, and N'Longa convinces Solomon to accept, which he eventually does.
Meanwhile, deeper inland, where the mountains reside lays a city forgotten by time and men, a place which can only be entered by a path unknown nor found by any living being that has not traversed it before. Int he long abandoned city one can see the splendor of ages past, of a long history moving thousands of years back, a city that is now inhabited by many tribes if different dark-skinned people, all under the rule of the Priesthood of Golgor and its Queen, the ruler of them all; Nakari. The very one who plunged the knife upon the innocent maiden, the one who now holds court and sees the new prisoners brought by her agents. A man who promises slaves and sacrifices due to his perfect knowledge of the area.
The man known only as Le Loup.
A week passes as Solomon Kane recovers. Solomon is surprised as he knows he shouldn't be healing this quickly, yet the medicine given by N'Longa seems to work miracles. He asks N'Longa how is it possible to recover so quickly, N'Longa goes unusually serious as he replies "Magic"...and after a few seconds of silence laughs and leaves the room leaving Solomon to grunt in annoyance. With his quick recovery he does not remain idle as he makes sure to carry his weight and help in the community in any way, he can to repay them. As he says, "idleness is the devil's workshop", which has him learn much about the community, their customs and their beliefs.
Near the end of the week he sees the village in an uproar as near the Village Chief's residence a group of well-dressed men approach, by their bearing and clear well-off clothes they seem to be merchants, though they look harried and tired, like they haven't had a good night's sleep for a while now. They make their case to the Village Chief that the roads have become now infested with Gorillas, which should not be as it threatens the flow of goods through and from between them all. They want the Village Chief to do something about it.
Solomon asks N'Longa about what Gorillas are, to which N'Longa laughs, giving him a quick explanation and asking if his land's road are peaceful. Solomon replies that mostly they have to fend wolves. The Village Chief has his men prepare to guard the roads, to which Solomon asks to join in order to help. After a bit of a back and forth he agrees, and by the next day they are all moving in the last direction the traders gave them.
Solomon is clearly not in his element, his clothes make it hot for him, and while there clearly is a road, he can't seem to track very well the signs of Gorillas passing save by the footsteps they leave. The rest of the group pass the time teaching him what to look for and what should be avoided, some of them more respectful than others as they make camp for the night and setting up the watch for all.
Nothing happens during the night, even as Solomon (it's his watch) is prepared. As the light of the day appears and Solomon moves to let the next Watch for their turn, he hears small noise. Solomon stops, perhaps it's nothing, but he's not taking chances as he gives the alarm, a second before the roar of Gorillas are heard and they burst in order to attack the group. The guards use their tactics to fight them as a group, but Solomon, who has yet to integrate, does not know of them so he has to fend one on his own. During the chaos he uses his rapier and fists to keep him back and try to stay away from the monstrously strong creature.
The other guards have their hands full so it's up to Solomon to deal with the Gorilla in front of him. The fight goes back and forth as Solomon has to make sure that any strike, he does have his full strength in order to harm it, yet also move fast enough to avoid being grappled or hit. Solomon goes for a final gambit where he moves inside the Gorilla's guard, letting himself be caught, yet giving a final strike straight up through the head, killing it instantly. The other guards have managed to drive the other group as well, with casualties on both sides. With the death of many of their comrades they have no choice but to return back to the village.
When back in the village, with the proof of their kills with them, they explain to the village chief what they fought and how many they were. The traders are pleased as they can now continue on their journey, though the Village Chief gives orders to increase the patrols and security in case the survivors return. Solomon looks and finds N'Longa, looking oddly worried for the usually cheerful man. When asked N'Longa says how the Gorillas came in too large numbers. Usually, if they ever came, it would be in one or even two, but this time...this was bigger, a full-on migration from what the guards mentioned...He looks at Solomon directly in the eyes, his own shining by lights not seen. He can feel it in the wind, he says, there's something coming. Something that pushed the Gorillas out of their own lands, something...
The Fire burns, the land is ravages, and of the once prosperous village there is nothing but the burning broken foundations left. The sounds and cries of the people abound, calling the name of their dead, or mewling in the throes of death. The smoke rises to the air, blocking the sight of the moon with its thickness. Many groups of men laugh, jeering at their crying prisoners as they are tied and put on special carts to be sent back to their base. The leader of this expedition looks on stoically at the destruction, calling out to the man who is technically above him when it comes to the attacks.
Le Loup comes forward, a smirk on his face as he comments on the through job they've done. The leader remains silent, focusing on the job at hand, the Queen demands more sacrifices and Le Loup promised to deliver, didn't he? Le Loup laughs, he did promise, though they are going faster than he expected. They are now near the border where he usually trades, and from there 2 more villages before he runs out of former trading partners. They'll have to move quickly though, as these close the Oyo Empire will notice them if they tarry.
The Leader nods, as he's not worried. The Queen has sacrificed much for their victory after all, enough for them to win, he declares, as shadowy forms appear behind and above him.
Back with Solomon. He's asleep inside the home given to him, the night is silent with only the sound of crickets chirping breaking the monotony. All around the village the night guards move with both, resolution yet also security that nothing can attack them now. Some of them even yawn as they feel like going to bed. Men and women, families, all asleep in peace. It is N'Longa who feels it first, waking up in a hurry and running out. Solomon is the second, his years of experience having honed his instincts razor sharp. The sound of crickets have disappeared, absolute, complete silence abounds as feeling of heaviness is felt. The guards, so safe and sure before start feeling it, slowly at first but growing ever stronger as they look at all sides and shadows.
It happens before anyone can think. One moment a guard is there, the next…he isn't. He's soon accompanied by more, each one's yells growing ever distant. The guards group together, looking at all sides, N'Longa and Solomon run into each other, each looking for the threat...and Solomon finds it first, driving his rapier upwards, the steel punching through what can only be called a demonic entity with wings, its reptilian head emitting a fearsome cry before falling silent. Yet not for long, as soon echoing cries bellow through the night as more and more now attack directly at the village, the silent surprise having been spoiled now.
Fire spreads as more of the creatures' swarm and swoop through the village. People run and fight, some lasting longer than others. The guards fight together and protect the civilians as they try to escort them to a safe location. The Village Chief's home is on fire, the first one being hit, as chaos reigns over most of the village. Solomon and N'Longa move together, Solomon making sure to protect the old healer as he becomes figure to rally around. N'Longa, still having the authority in the village, manages to coax a group of guards to join them as they find more survivors to protect.
They face another attack by more of the flying Harpies, one that breaks their formation, forcing them to scatter as more die around them. Solomon fights like a man possessed, trying to help, to protect them in any way, yet fails as more are dragged or killed. It eventually comes down to him and N'Longa...and the latter is struck, a deep gash that on anyone else might be crippling, on him is lethal. Solomon still tries to carry him but N'Longa refuses, and gives him his staff, telling him to use it on a strong bodied opponent before pushing him with the last of his strength.
Solomon can only stand there, with the village on flames and flying monsters all around. Before he picks a direction and runs, fighting his way through the village, finding a path and running, the sights of men and women being captured seared into his eyes.
We follow Le Loup and the men under "his " command. He swaggers more than walks, feeling himself superior to everyone around, giving orders with a casualness and disrespect as if entitled to everything and anything because he's himself. The men obey only after looking at the Leader who gives the go ahead. The Prisoners are tied and unable to escape, and whoever tries is made an example to the others.
Le Loup is a clear foil to Solomon Kane; he's lazy, leaving the work to everyone, has no respect to those who are imprisoned nor those he has under his command. It is made clear here that he treats them the same way he would treat his own crew and men, feeling empowered due to the clear authority that was given to him by Queen Nakari, and even making plans for the future in ways he can gain even more power and manipulate her for his own ends.
They move forward through dangerous and steep terrain, with many twists and turns as they enter through hidden areas cleverly disguised to the naked eye. Moving through a dark cave many tremble in fear as they are guided deep inside to what many may think is their final resting place. The darkness is only kept at bay thanks to the torches lit by their captors. They move deeper inside, sounds and echoes in the cave startle them again and again, yet are also drowned under the sound of the overseers' warnings.
They arrive at a near perfect smooth wall, one that is at the dead end of the cave, with no way out. There is confusion as the Leader approaches the wall, and feels it. No one can see exactly what he does, but from a moment to the next there is a sudden groan as the wall of rock lifts by itself revealing an illuminated passage, one clearly made by human hands who blind the eyes of those who had become accustomed to the darkness. The astonishment in their faces lasts for only a small moment as they are quickly pushed and manhandled inside, the captors the last to enter as the rock once more seamlessly lowers and stays in place, once more drowning the cave in night, with no signs of any light.
For a moment, all is dark and silent...then the sound of a spark, the light of torch being lit, and the figure of a man as he approaches the wall.
Solomon Kane is here, and his quarry finally led him to his burrow. He'd been following them from afar, making sure to not be noticed, taking notes of the many places one could hide or be led to. He's hungry and tired, it's been more than a day since he last ate, and he's been forced to watch the many deaths of the survivors from the attacks, being able to do nothing save pray for their souls as he watched them being herded for some sinister purpose. Le Loup did not escape his sight either, clearly the man was responsible in some way for the attacks carried out by the name of the Leader of the captors; Queen Nakari, they called her. She, just like Le Loup, would pay for their bloodthirsty and brutal attack on the innocent.
He once more touches the staff tied to his back, the very staff N'Longa gave him. For a moment he looks at it, thinking back on their last conversation and request. he could have left it behind, perhaps even should as its weight might become a hindrance later on. Yet for some reason he never does, he feels eyes looking at him, and a similar laugh whenever he just grabs onto it. Solomon approaches the wall and inspects it, trying to find the place, which after much trial and error he does, the wall lifting once more, the light threatening to blind him for a moment before he adjusts and enters to see...
Murals...murals everywhere. Ancient by their style and fading colors, as they can be seen illuminated by the light of torches along the path. As he walks, he sees images of men in boats, monsters in sea and air following them. Sometimes fighting them, sometimes fighting for them, all moving from one place to another. One has a cliff, another shows an Egyptian figure, many show islands he recalls having the shape of those found at the Aegean Sea. He continues walking, his ears attentive for any sound, yet his eyes looking at the murals as he approaches the path. A final one shows the most splendid sight he's ever seen; a magnificent city on an Island, with building taller than those of London, ships coming to and from its many ports around, a true gem of the sea even with his limited knowledge.
Solomon move through the last part of the hall, ever deeper into what is clearly part of a building and finds the exit only to see...
A city, as old as time. The style give it a look closer to the ancient buildings of Rome and Greece, yet much of them have been reclaimed by nature. There is hardly any light, as the city exists under the mountain, yet it was clearly not built from it. The top has an opening from where sunlight and moonlight can enter and illuminate for at least a while what at first glance seems to be a dead city. Yet from afar he can see movement, guards and people alike. Solomon soon moves forwards, making sure not to be noticed as he tracks his quarry once more.
Once more back with Le Loup and the prisoners, he sees them being taken to the temple, with its wide spacious area. As they walk forward, they see on the sides more of Queen Nakari's men, armed and ready to fight, yet at their sides and in front are beings that can't be called quite human; Le Loup's seen the flying Harpies that Nakari could command before they died, but these creatures give him the creeps, as he's seen where they came from, and what is necessary for their creation.
Their legs and arms were distended beyond regular length, their skin was stretched all over their body, revealing sharp rows of teeth. Their heads had been elongated to look longer than it should, but the eyes...the eyes showed that there was no animus, no intelligence behind. Only a never-ending hunger, kept at bay by the command of their Master...or Mistress in this case. These creatures that once were men, yet no longer.
There is noise as the temple amplifies even the lowest voice. A call for silence is made as the much-awaited Queen is presented with all her titles announced. She makes for a regal figure, as she stands in front of the dais, her voice carrying over the entire massive temple, as she speaks to the prisoners; she tells them of the plans for conquest, of their sacrifice and how they can be a part of it despite their own weakness. If they prove themselves strong then they can share of the blessings of Golgor, and if weak they will share his curse.
Le Loup laughs understanding what the Queen is doing; putting them against each other to get the allegiance of the winners. Le Loup prepares himself for the show when he's grabbed and dragged to the prisoners as well. He's stunned at first then starts yelling questions and demands at Nakari. But Nakari is calm against his vitriol; she knew of his plans long ago, she knew that he had been trying to suborn her men, and in being found out so easily he's only shown weakness and unworthiness of being one of the powerful ones in her Kingdom. le Loup tries to argue they still need him, but Nakari counters that with his help they'd managed to get all the sacrifices they needed just in time for Golgor's ascension...but she will grant him a chance to prove himself; fight and live.
From a hidden place Solomon sees the preparations as the prisoners are divided in two camps and given weapons, Le Loup also among them, his face now showing fear more than anything. At the signal of the queen the fight begins, at first everyone is hesitant, yet an attack on Le Loup soon has everyone join in the melee, while the Queen's men look and cheer for the blood that soon flows, the giant skull's eyes flashing red with every life taken.
Unlike the fighting that goes on Le Loup tries to find a way to escape, almost making it to the Queen in his intention to hold her hostage, only for her to display strength beyond what her frame would suggest and put him in the dais. Le Loup tries twisting and screaming to no avail before he looks at the direction Solomon is hiding from. Their eyes lock for a moment before Le Loup tries reaching out in fear, right at the moment when the ceremonial knife pierces his heart and he knows no more.
Solomon has seen enough and moves to leave, yet the Queen also noticed Le Loup's final act and sees Solomon, sending her guards to look for him. Golgor's blessings and curse now move through the living and death from the death match; the living now accepted as part of them, while the death transform into the monstruous beings that accompany them.
Solomon runs through the many halls, making marks with his sword wherever he goes to form a path he may remember. His escape is thwarted however due to the guards knowing the area better, causing them to fight. Solomon's skills with his sword are considerable, but his body is still weak from hunger, thus he can only fight (and kill) some of the guards before he's overwhelmed, his rapier lost in the middle of the fight. With his last burst of strength he takes N`Longa's staff and bashes the head of one of the guards before he's finally knocked out and loses consciousness. Unknown to him, the moment the staff hit, there were bright sparks that staggered said guard.
Solomon is taken by the surviving guards (including the one he'd knocked out) towards the torture chambers, where the Queen herself will make a point to visit and make sure he reveals every bit of information he may still possess.
Solomon walks through the dark. He can barely see anything in front of him or back, only an all-consuming darkness that has no beginning nor end. As he moves, he hears voices calling his name, he runs to said voices, but the sound starts coming from different directions. He calls out to whoever is there before he sees the silhouettes approach from the dark; it's the creature he saw in the temple, the abominations born from the dead. They all come for him, shouting his name. Solomon prepares to fight, but seeing them closer he remembers them; it's the men and women from the community he stayed with, the ones he could not save. As they cry his name and attack, Solomon remains in place as they swarm him, making no move to defend himself...
Solomon awakes, startled. It was a dream, he's now in a room filled with torture devices, chained to the wall as he waits for the arrival of the Queen. As his eyes adjust to the darkness, he sees that in a different corner of the room there is another person. A bronze skinned man, hailing from Greece if his features are anything to be guided from. He's clearly seen better days as the wounds around his body would suggest, yet he can also see signs that there are far older wounds below that have already scarred; This prisoner, whoever he is, has been here for a long, long time now.
Solomon waits in the darkness until a visitor arrives, the Queen herself accompanied by her guards. She inspects Solomon as she speaks, revealing she knows his identity thanks to the many times Le Loup seemed to curse at him during his stay, and she's impressed. To have found out their city, sneak inside, even kill many of her men. If she respects anything it's strength, and he possess it in spades. She gives him a chance to join her and her new conquest.
Solomon is about to reject when a harsh laugh is heard through the room. The prisoner had been awake and listening to everything she said, and now takes the chance to mock her. He calls her weak, someone who can only surround herself with those stronger because she never could fight anyone on her own. She was, and will always remain, nothing but a slave.
Nakari's face twists in rage and near madness as she starts beating on the man, who just continues laughing as if to mock and spite her. Queen Nakari eventually tires but her face and temperament is still in full anger. She once more speaks to Solomon to get him to join her, though Solomon refuses. Nakari feels insulted, perhaps believing Solomon agrees with what the man says, and gives orders to her guards to kill both of them as she prepares for the final ceremony tonight.
Nakari leaves the room, both guards take their weapons. Solomon tries to stand with what little strength he has, determined to fight till the bitter end. As the first guard makes to attack...he's suddenly struck down by the second guard who plunges his spear deep into the first one's side, right before he drops it and grapples with him, both sides almost equal save for the wound the first one received. The Second guard manages to get into a good position and strangles the neck of the first one, leaving him alone with both prisoners.
The second guard smiles, as he then laughs, looking at Solomon and thanking him for following his instructions; this is a good strong body indeed.
Solomon's mind flashes back to N'Longa's death and his request to use his staff on a strong opponent, the mannerisms, the laugh, the voice...
"N'Longa?"
"In the Flesh! Well, not my flesh obviously..."
Solomon asks how...he died; he saw it! N'Longa replies Solomon has his God, but N'Longa's Gods are different. He declines to comment more on the situation as he releases Solomon before telling him what he's been able to find out: Whatever this place is has existed for longer than one could expect, many of the inhabitants are descendants of those who lived here before, with different new people coming in just recently and added to their ranks. Her magic...is beyond anything N`Longa has seen before, both ancient yet weak at the same time, but also growing stronger, like preparing for something bigger.
The man still in chains laughs then, even when so harmed he finds the situation funny. Solomon confronts him, asking him if he knows anything about what's going on. The man replies vaguely at first, clearly disdainful of them all, before telling them of what they truly face; The man was once High Priest Lemiah of this city, Negari, a colony of Atlantis itself. Because of his connection to the Atlantean God of Destruction, Golgor, he was able to retain his youth for thousands of years, keeping the inhabitants under his command, even leading them out on occasions in order to "bring in" more "Fresh blood" to keep the people from growing to sickly in the future.
Who knew that one of those brought would be their doom. Nakari back then was just another girl brough in to serve. Yet he saw her talent and thought to nourish it to become a true servant of his and Golgor. Her rage at the world and Lemiah for their actions had twisted her however, molding her mind into a belief of "Might makes Right", and dedicating herself to never be helpless or weak again. She managed to usurp Lemiah's position, proclaiming herself Queen over Negari, and kept him here just for the pleasure of breaking him...which she hasn't managed so far.
They ask Lemiah about what she plans to do, if only to save everyone. Lemiah laughs in their face; He's a priest of Golgor, the God of destruction, what does he care if people live or die? However, for the hatred he carries towards Nakari, he will tell them...The moment Golgor marked them their fates were cast. The final ceremony will grant them all his blessing; to forever kill, to forever hunger, to forever roam the Earth in order to destroy in his name!
With that final proclamation Lemiah has a seizure, he speaks of Atlantis, his home, his family, all calling to him, as he finally breaths his last.
Solomon recalls what he saw before; the blessing of Golgor, the curse of Golgor...they're both the same! Nakari only led them on because she needed certain groups altogether, to drive tension and distrust between them, to keep them at each other's throat while she remain in power as the only one.
Lemiah was right, she is afraid.
Nakari is preparing the final touches for the ceremony that will bring Golgor into the world, all her followers and creatures are assembled inside the Temple as the time approaches and the moon reaches its Zenith, turning into a bright red as the Skull's eye sockets glow in the same color.
Solomon and N'Longa arrive at the temple, but N'Longa can feel the current of magic approaching, the time of the ritual is at hand. The men inside the temple are doomed now, and soon the rest of the world. N'Longa has a plan though, but he will need Solomon to open a path to the top. When Solomon agrees N'Longa puts his hand on his shoulders, shining a bit as Solomon feels his energy and strength coming back. Solomon is a bit in awe, N'Longa looks at him smiling as he says "Magic" once more, and both prepare for their role to play.
Nakari stands beneath the Skull of Golgor as its glow surrounds everyone, transforming them into the same creatures they'd once feared. Nakari is focused on her final triumph so she does not notice at first when Solomon creates a path for N'Longa to reach the area near the Skull, then start climbing over it. She gives the command to her new army to end their lives as N`Longa keeps on climbing and Solomon holds the creatures back, giving him the time needed to do whatever he needs to do...
Solomon fights, he takes down many of them, yet soon he sees that they can recover fast, inhumanely so. The perfect army, the prefect destroyers, with no weaknesses he can see. Nevertheless he fights, even as he takes more wounds and loses strength, all in order to give N'Longa the time he needs. N'Longa reaches the summit, He can see the moon and the opening from where the light comes. He concentrates as the magic in him builds up, right till the moment he needs it, he smiles as he looks upwards and screams, a screech so inhuman that reverberates inside and causes even the dead to hold to where their ears where for a moment, yet even that does not stop them for long.
But it was enough.
The moon and light is suddenly covered as legions of Vultures enter and dive for the creatures, they who were dead incarnate are helpless as the Carrion Birds start scratching at them and eating them with relish. The once fearsome and unstoppable army now reduced to only a meal as chaos runs through the entire temple.
Solomon takes a breath as he sees the chance to end it all. He runs through the openings left by the fleeing/"dying" creatures and reaches Nakari before she can flee. They both engage in a brief, if brutal, fight where Solomon stabs her through the heart, ending her reign once and for all.
The death of Nakari, of the final Priest of Golgor, causes a chain reaction as the temple starts breaking down, bringing the city down with it as well. Solomon and N'Longa escape, running and using the signs Solomon left before in order to not get lost. Both sides cooperate and help each other, reaching the hall with the murals just as the entire edifice is coming down, jumping right out as the path is blocked forever.
Solomon and N'Longa come out of the cave, share a few words between each other, before N'Longa offers to guide him to the nearest port. Solomon accepts, leaving behind the forgotten city.
The End.
A.N: Well then, what do you guys think? I've tried taking the best parts of the stories to adapt, while also trying for a less prejudiced view of Africa that Howard had put in them. The title as well was selected because Solomon, through the movie, would be facing opponents connected to Africa in some way.
@overmind What kind of budget are you looking for Solomon Kane? @Duke William of What kind of budget are you looking for Dracula? If I know what you both feel is the ideal budget for those two then I can make something for Conan as I'm unsure of how much we should go with SFX and stuff, just that we make it over 10 mil.
Conan in OTL had a budget around 30 mill, but its production ahd a lot of legal issues that may have increased it. Also, 12 mill of the budget went to marketing. I'm thinkin for this Conan, if we want to make it better than OTL, then perhaps a 50 to 60 mill budget would be appropriate.
For Solomon Kane I was envisioning around 40 million if we want it to be as accurate and with SFX as well. We do want top actors for both movies and that would cost money. These movies I feel are going to be our Blockbusters, and as such will need the funding. Besides, if there is money leftover then we can recoup it to our Warchest, right @Magoose ?
I found Solomon Kane through one of the Short stories Howard wrote.
And oh boy is it amazing.
Men shall die for this…
Now I honestly think that Howard's ideas and stories were meant for the audiences of his time and that i think as he grew to be a better writer in Conan, he… well dropped quite a few of those things that made Kanes tales questionable.
now onto the rewards, as I have a very strong feeling that it will be written. John does love sword and sorcery after all.
Here are the rewards:
[]Men shall die for this (unknown effect)
[]The Savage Tales (As Solomon Kane begins production Martin gains a newfound love for the character.)
[]And Then Mike had an idea(Mike has an idea to make production easier)
These movies I feel are going to be our Blockbusters, and as such will need the funding. Besides, if there is money leftover then we can recoup it to our Warchest, right @Magoose ?
@overmind What kind of budget are you looking for Solomon Kane? @Duke William of What kind of budget are you looking for Dracula? If I know what you both feel is the ideal budget for those two then I can make something for Conan as I'm unsure of how much we should go with SFX and stuff, just that we make it over 10 mil.
now onto the rewards, as I have a very strong feeling that it will be written. John does love sword and sorcery after all.
Here are the rewards:
[]Men shall die for this (unknown effect)
[]The Savage Tales (As Solomon Kane begins production Martin gains a newfound love for the character.)
[]And Then Mike had an idea(Mike has an idea to make production easier)
Or used in Marketing. But if it's not it will go back to the war chest
Okay so I decided to give Solomon Kane and Conan each 40 million, which is double Conan's OTL budget of 20 Million and 10 million more than Empire Strikes Back. I decided to give Dracula a 30 million budget and it's 10 million less mainly because it's a lot more grounded than Solomon Kane and Conan as aside from the Vampirism it's just a historical drama/action movie.
TITLE: Across America in 90 Days GENRE: Comedy/Adventure SUBGENRE: Biopic FORMAT: Movie BASIC PROMPT:
Plot:
On May 19th of 1903, a lively debate was taking place at the University Club of San Francisco. Club members discuss the merits of the newfound invention and popular fad of the wealthy, cars. While some are receptive to the automobile, nearly all agree that it is an overpriced and complicated hunk of junk that is just a impractical trend and soon the rich will come to their senses and continue to use their faithful steeds to travel through the city and country.
As the discussion ends, one man chimes in from a chair in the corner. He strongly refutes the belief that cars are a simple fad, and believes that they are the future. This is not based off of expertise or involvement in the auto industry, for this man was just a very enthusiastic fan of cars and wouldn't take to their being slandered by ignorant snobs. This man is Horatio Nelson Jackson, a doctor from Vermont who stopped by after searching for gold and silver in Alaska. The "Snobs" find this statement to be odd and politely disagree, but Horatio humorously escalates the conversation, taking every criticism as a personal insult and valiantly defending the car as if his wife's honor is on the line when the snobs just want to move on. One of the snobs makes a bet to Horatio, if he believes so much in the car then how about traveling from the west coast to the east coast in 90 days in one, all for a reward of $50. The other members laugh at this offer, seeing it as an obvious joke, but Horatio takes it completely at face value and accepts, proclaiming he shall be the first man to travel from San Francisco to New York in a car. Bewildered, the club members accept and so begins the first road trip in American history.
The scene changes to Horatio conversing with his wife and explaining of the bet he undertook. The scene sort of sets the tone for the movie as expectations are set up about this being some sort of dramatic confrontation between spouses of the sudden impulsiveness of the decision, but Horatio's wife just nonchalantly accepts and wishes him luck, then taking the train back to Vermont.
Horatio then begins what at first looks like an epic montage of preparing for his trip, only to spend the entire montage looking lost and just asking himself questions, not having the first idea on what the hell to do. Knowing his limits, Horatio decides to enlist the aid of a partner for the expedition, his friend and car mechanic Sewall Crocker. At first Sewall is against the idea, viewing it as a frivolous waste of time, however Jackson's casual offering of thousands of dollars in salary quickly changes his tune and Sewall gets invested in planning the journey, slowly finding himself genuinely attached to the adventure and wanting to be an explorer like his childhood heroes Lewis and Clark.
Sewall suggests Horatio buy a Winton as the most optimal car for their journey. Horatio purchases it from a Wells Fargo banker who has the only Winton in town. The banker is a scummy man who overcharges for the Winton which has gone through considerable wear and tear. But because Sewall suggested he get a Winton and Horatio was loaded, he just bought it at an overcharged price and named it The Vermont. Sewall and Horatio get into preparation for the journey with Sewall teaching Horatio how to drive and maintain the car to hillarious hijinks of driving wildly through a dense turn of the century San Francisco. After many days of preparing, the two set out on their journey, the score makes it out to be the start of a very epic and grand journey, only for most of the bystanders being very disinterested and apathetic to the whole venture while the Winton humorously breaks down every couple of dozen feet, with Sewall forced to make quick repairs as the music starts, and then they go off again only to break down.
From here the journey is not a standard structured film but is more of a loose narrative that focuses on the experience that Horatio and Sewall go through rather than an organized hero's journey. There is a broad narrative of the growing friendship between Horatio and Sewall and the many comedic struggles they go through in completing the journey where at several points it looks as if all is lost before a stroke of great fortune aids the two in continuing forward. The overall point of the movie is something along the lines of "It's not about the destination, it's about the journey." While the historic accomplishment of the men is important, what matters about the film is the journey they took in crossing America and seeing so many wonderous sights and interesting people they never could have accomplished through horseback and railroad.
Some important plot points story beats are:
The screwball humor of The Vermont constantly breaking down every few miles and the persistence and creativity that Horatio and Sewall used to keep it running.
The experience of The Vermont traveling through many small towns of America where the town went into hysteria at the sight of an automobile, the first time they had ever seen one in their lives with everyone in town rushing to see the sight and acting like it was the greatest thing they ever saw in their life.
The slapstick humor of the two men traversing through harsh weather with an open roof car and finding creative ways to get through hostile environments.
Horatio and Sewall making frequent stops at isolated homesteads across the way and meeting many wacky and colorful characters.
A running gag of Horatio frequently writing to his wife and saying "Well it's been pretty rough so far, but once it gets to the next town it'll get easier." and repeating the same thing each letter despite the increasing difficulty.
The pair bent sent 108 miles wildly off course due to purposeful misdirections by a woman so her family could see a car.
The Vermont breaking down in an open field and being towed to the nearest town by a kind rancher and his horse.
A man who had no idea that car's exist coming across the sight of The Vermont and having a panick attack because he believed it was a train that was about to run over him, making a mad panicked dash to release his horses before they were run over, only for The Vermont to casually pass by.
Horatio's wild travels in running or biking to previous towns to get parts to fix the broken down Vermont or get back something he lost.
Bud getting seperated from Horatio and Sewall in Chicago and having a wild adventure before reuniting with the two men.
At the end of the first act, Horatio encounters a man who offers to sell him a dog to become their mascot. Horatio, wanting a mascot because it was a cool idea and he liked dogs agrees, and thus Bud joined the team. In the middle of the movie, the road trip becomes a race when word of the trio's journey spreads across America and they become instant celebrities. Seeing as how they actually having a shot in completing the road trip, two auto companies Packard and Oldsmobile decide to enter the race to prove that their cars are the best. Horatio, Sewall and Bud do not learn that they are part of a race for many days. When they do learn, while Sewall panicks, Horatio is unphased, believing that they already have what it takes to win and he thinks its neat that he became part of an impromptu national race. While the movie is hinted at changing to a wild and wacky race, this is anti-climatically halted when it's quickly shown that Horatio has no chance of being beaten due to the Packard team sabotaging themselves by taking a scenic route through highly difficult terrain and Oldsmobile starting so late that they were barely crossing the Rockies as Horatio and Sewell reached the Appalachian.
After 63 days, the trio manage to successfully reach New York City, being hailed by the public as heroes. Horatio and Sewall part their ways with Sewall heading back to San Francisco on train (Humourously stating he's had enough car rides for one lifetime) while Horatio goes home with his wife to Vermont in The Vermont with the two formally adopting Bud as part of the family. Horatio's brothers would come in their own cars to help him and his wife return home when The Vermont broke down, but their own cars would break down and Horatio using all he learned from Sewall would fix The Vermont and tow both his brothers cars home, showing his growth. The closing shot of the film shows the Jackson family triumphantly parking The Vermont in their garage, only for the car's drive chain to snap off and fly onto the ground, the only part of the car which had survived with no difficulty throughout the trip. The last line is Horatio realizing to his horror that he never got the $50 from the bet.
Cast:
Horatio Nelson Jackson: A very eccentric and odd man of sorts, Horatio is the unconventional protagonist and hero of the story, having started the journey just to prove a point to strangers he had just met and willing to spend a good chunk of his fortune to win just $50. Horatio has two sides to him, the ridiculously relaxed and nonchalant Doctor who just takes whatever life throws at him without complaint and the heavily passionate and driven explorer who refuses to give up and double's down on the most minute and pointless challenges. While seemingly like a crazy man, Horatio is a decent person who is loyal to Sewall and does his best to play his part in completing the journey.
Sewall K. Crocker: The straight man and audience surrogate of the film, Sewall is a blue collar everyman who joins Horatio on his journey at first for monetary reasons but later through sharing the trials and experiences of the trip becomes just as passionate about completing the journey. Sewall is a simple and practical man who is very resourceful and is often stumped by Horatio's whimiscal actions. Ideally played by Ron Howard.
Bud: Bud is the faithful canine companion to Horatio and Crocker who is introduced in the middle of the film and becomes a sort of mascot for the adventure and emotional support to help the duo through hard times. He is a very good boy. To be played by a white American Bulldog.
TITLE: Final Curtain Call GENRE: Tragicomic Musical
FORMAT: Movie BASIC PROMPT: A struggling playwright is attempting to write his magnum opus when a friend/loved one passes away. He buries himself in his work in an effort to hide from his feelings regarding the death. With the exception of the bookends the film takes place mostly in the world of the play with the "real world" frequently breaking and influencing the story as the man is writing it. The actor playing the playwright naturally also plays the leading man in the play. The film climaxes in the man realizing that he can use the play to come to terms with his grief and, in a meta twist, reveals that he's basically written a stage play version of the film itself.
Side note: this idea literally came to me in a dream. I'm not joking.
Seeing as we weren't quite able to get the rights to Ocean's Eleven, I do hereby propose an alternative: the Parker series by Donald Westlake (under Richard Stark). There's twenty-four books in the series, and it very rarely gets adapted, the last time being five years ago (and only one book), so there's a lot of potential here for heist shenanigans.
The Score by Dave and Farah Alistair [ Crime (Heist) / Thriller]
Logline: Parker, a professional thief, sets out to plan and execute the heist of a lifetime, but when his partners betray him, he must use all of his skills and cunning to get revenge and get away with the score.
Synopsis: Parker is a highly skilled thief who has made a career out of pulling off high-stakes heists. When a wealthy businessman approaches him with the opportunity to steal a priceless diamond, Parker sees it as the chance to make his biggest score yet.
He assembles a team of expert thieves and begins to plan the heist, meticulously mapping out every detail and contingency. But as the day of the heist approaches, Parker begins to suspect that his partners may be planning to double-cross him.
When the heist goes wrong and Parker is left for dead, he sets out on a mission of revenge, determined to get back what was taken from him. He uses all of his skills and resources to track down his former partners and get the score that he was promised.
As he navigates the dangerous world of organized crime and ruthless criminals, Parker must stay one step ahead of the law and his enemies. But with his expertise and determination, he just might be able to pull off the ultimate heist and get away with the score.
"The Score" is a thrilling crime drama that combines intricate planning and high-stakes action with a complex and compelling lead character. With a cast of talented actors and a gripping storyline, it is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
...Then you have to deal with the casual racist remarks and description of the inhabitants of the continent, their customs, and their perceptions and they are just...no. Really, no. What the hell man!
Only tangentially related, but this line prompted this question in my head and I want to put it out there into the aether. You know how there are people who say certain individuals were "racist, even for the standards of the time," but how do they know? Like, how do they measure that? It wasn't like they can go around doing a racism census or something. Are there scientific tiers of racism? I don't know, it's just one of those stupid little things that I've always wondered about but never bothered to look up.
[X] The Cinematic Plan
-[X] Steven Spielberg: The Playground ($25 Million) Release: Summer 1978
--[X] Serve as Executive Producer and Ask to Star in the Film
-[X] Martin Scorsese: Solomon Kane ($20 Million) Release: Winter 1978
--[X] Give it to Mike: Give Mike one of the two films that he requires for his deal
-[X] Brian De Palma: The Kung Fu Kid ($10 Million) Release: Spring 1978
--[X] Serve as Executive Producer
@Magoose I also added the release dates as expected by the latest update. Do I need to be more specific or is this fine?
Edit: Just my two cents, are we sure we wanna release both Solomon Kane and Conan both at the same time? I was actually hoping to have an end credit scene/easter egg scene for Conan in Kane.
So guys, I had a thought for the Conan films. Assuming we do a trilogy, we can have Steven direct the first one, Da Palma direct the second one and Scorsese the third one, that way each of them bring their strengths to the overall character but in different ways.
Edit: Just my two cents, are we sure we wanna release both Solomon Kane and Conan both at the same time? I was actually hoping to have an end credit scene/easter egg scene for Conan in Kane.
How would this work? I mean, Conan existed in the Hyberean Age, and Solomon Kane is set in Germany in 1555, what would be the connection between them that could serve as an Easter Egg?
How would this work? I mean, Conan existed in the Hyberean Age, and Solomon Kane is set in Germany in 1555, what would be the connection between them that could serve as an Easter Egg?
A sword 🗡️ or amulet that is related to the Conan stories.
Though I am not proposing a team up movies like Avengers or putting a continuity timeline. But imagine 4-5 years down the line when we have released Conan, Kane, Sonja we can have like 1 event movie where time portals can bring the heroes together either in past or present cannon time to face worldly threats.
Again, not proposing a continuity timeline but an event movie on the scale of Avengers where these heroes share the screen together.
Hey Magoose, I have a quick question about some of the omake awards, just trying to see if anything came of them since it's been years in-story.
So, the Classics Have Just Been Added To: How has the discovery of so many Roman artifacts and records impacted fiction? Was there a small Classical Antiquity boom that led to authors tweaking some of their works?
The Brave Irish Lads: What kind of effect did this have on Ireland? Was it about History, the IRA or Irish Neutrality?
And Now, American Guncultre Can Be Safe For Kids...Kinda: Did Airsoft arenas explode across California (and the rest of the country) because of Bruce's involvement? Especially after Star Wars, since I have no doubt Bruce tried to get a few of the blasters made into actual airsoft rifles.
TITLE: The Executive and the Stuntman
GENRE: Action
SUBGENRE: Comedy
FORMAT: Film
BASIC PROMPT: A stuntman has to save a movie executive by using his skills outside of the movie set against the Chinese Triad. Based on the true story of Micheal Eisner and Jackie Chan's flight from Hong Kong
Hey guys, I was thinking about future opportunities, mainly the movies that Warner did in OTL but will no longer do thsi time around.
And the one that mostly stuck in my mind is All The President's Men, an amazing story of the journalists who broke open the whole Watergate Scandal. It's an amazing movie with some of the best acting I've seen.
Now, Robert Redford was the one who bought the rights for the book is based on and hired a writer for the story. So, what do you guys think of getting in contact with Robert Redford and offering him the chance to make the movie come true?
Now, Robert Redford was the one who bought the rights for the book is based on and hired a writer for the story. So, what do you guys think of getting in contact with Robert Redford and offering him the chance to make the movie come true?
Hey guys, I was thinking about future opportunities, mainly the movies that Warner did in OTL but will no longer do thsi time around.
And the one that mostly stuck in my mind is All The President's Men, an amazing story of the journalists who broke open the whole Watergate Scandal. It's an amazing movie with some of the best acting I've seen.
Now, Robert Redford was the one who bought the rights for the book is based on and hired a writer for the story. So, what do you guys think of getting in contact with Robert Redford and offering him the chance to make the movie come true?
George actually had a HUGE hateboner for Nixon, to the point that Palpatine is explicitly modeled in his eyes to be Space Wizard Nixon. So not only would George be all for it, but it might be one of the few films he'd be motivated to Direct.
George actually had a HUGE hate boned for Nixon, to the point that Palpatine is explicitly modeled in his eyes to be Space Wizard Nixon. So not only would George be all for it, but it might be one of the few films he'd be motivated to Direct.
Either that, or we can try and contact Alan J. Pakula to direct it like in OTL. I don't think he's in contract to any specific studio, and he is an award nominee (Back when the awards actually meant something) so he's very talented as well.
