Free Script Outline Template
Script Outline
1. Title Page
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Game Title: Eclipse Chronicles
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Genre: Action RPG
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Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X
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Date: July 2050
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Lead Writer/Designer: [Your Name]
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Game Studio: [Your Company Name]
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Contact Information: [Your Company Email]
2. Game Overview
Logline:
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In a world where the sun is dying, players must lead a band of rebels to harness ancient magic to reignite the sun and save humanity from eternal darkness.
Synopsis:
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The game is set in a dystopian future where the sun has mysteriously begun to die out, causing widespread chaos and the collapse of civilization. Players assume the role of Liora, a young mage with the unique ability to manipulate light.
Joined by a diverse group of allies, Liora embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the sun's demise and find a way to reignite it. Along the way, players will navigate treacherous landscapes, battle formidable enemies, and make choices that impact the fate of the world.
Setting:
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World: Ecliptia, a once-thriving planet now shrouded in perpetual twilight.
Key Locations:
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Solara City: A ruined metropolis where survivors struggle to live.
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The Abyssal Forest: A dark, magical forest filled with mythical creatures.
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Celestial Sanctum: An ancient temple where the sun’s magic is believed to be harnessed.
Time Period:
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Near future, approximately 500 years from now.
Tone and Style:
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Dark and epic with a blend of mystical and futuristic elements. The visual style combines gothic architecture with futuristic technology.
3. Character Descriptions
Main Characters:
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Name: Liora
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Role: Protagonist
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Backstory: Orphaned at a young age, Liora was raised by the remnants of a magical order. She discovered her ability to manipulate light during a mysterious event involving the sun’s decline.
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Motivations: Driven by a desire to restore her world and uncover the truth about her origins.
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Relationships: Close bond with her mentor, Elder Ryn. Tension with rival character, Kael.
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Character Arc: Begins as a reluctant hero but grows into a powerful and decisive leader.
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Name: Kael
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Role: Rival/Antagonist
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Backstory: A former member of the magical order who turned against it, seeking power for himself.
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Motivations: Believes that harnessing the sun’s power for personal gain will lead to his own dominance.
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Relationships: Complicated history with Liora; sees her as both a threat and a means to an end.
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Character Arc: Evolves from a power-hungry antagonist to a tragic figure who regrets his choices.
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Name: Elder Ryn
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Role: Mentor
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Backstory: The last surviving member of an ancient order of light mages.
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Motivations: Wants to train Liora and guide her to restore balance to the world.
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Relationships: Acts as a father figure to Liora; deeply mourns the loss of his order.
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Character Arc: Provides wisdom and guidance but eventually sacrifices himself for Liora’s cause.
Supporting Characters:
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Name: Mira
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Role: Ally
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Backstory: A skilled engineer who uses technology to aid in the fight against darkness.
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Motivations: Seeks to protect the remaining survivors and create a safe haven.
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Relationships: Loyal friend to Liora; has a budding romance with another character.
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Character Arc: Develops from a lone survivor to a key team member with valuable skills.
4. Story Structure
Act 1: Introduction
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Opening Scene: Liora is introduced in Solara City, witnessing the effects of the dying sun. The scene sets the tone and stakes of the game.
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Inciting Incident: Liora’s mentor, Elder Ryn, is kidnapped by dark forces. This event propels Liora into action.
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Key Characters Introduced: Liora, Elder Ryn, Kael, Mira.
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Objective Establishment: Liora must form a team to rescue Elder Ryn and uncover clues about the sun’s decline.
Act 2: Rising Action
Major Plot Points:
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Discovery of Ancient Ruins: Liora and her team discover ancient texts revealing the sun’s connection to an ancient magical artifact.
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Battle with Kael’s Forces: Encounters with Kael’s minions and conflicts that reveal his plans.
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Journey through the Abyssal Forest: Liora gains new abilities and allies while facing trials that test her resolve.
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Challenges and Obstacles: Navigating hostile environments, solving ancient puzzles, and battling powerful enemies.
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Character Development: Liora grows from a novice to a seasoned leader; Mira’s technical skills become crucial.
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Midpoint: The team uncovers a prophecy that reveals the true nature of the sun’s decline and the cost of reigniting it.
Act 3: Climax
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Climactic Battle/Showdown: The final confrontation occurs at the Celestial Sanctum where Liora faces Kael in an epic battle involving both magic and technology.
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Revelations: Kael reveals his personal motivations and tragic past, adding depth to his character.
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Resolution of Major Storylines: Liora must make a pivotal decision that determines the fate of the world and her personal future.
Act 4: Conclusion
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Final Resolution: The sun is reignited, restoring light to Ecliptia. Liora and her allies emerge as heroes, but the world has changed forever.
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Character Wrap-Up: Liora takes on a new role as a leader of the restored world, while other characters find their own paths.
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Epilogue/Teasers for Sequel: Hints at lingering threats or new adventures that could be explored in future installments.
5. Level Design and Breakdown
Level 1: Solara City
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Objective: Establish the main conflict and introduce key mechanics.
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Key Events: Liora’s introduction, Elder Ryn’s kidnapping.
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Challenges: Navigate the ruins, avoid dark forces, rescue civilians.
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Dialogue/Interactions: Initial dialogue with Mira, brief encounters with Kael’s minions.
Level 2: Abyssal Forest
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Objective: Discover ancient artifacts and gain new abilities.
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Key Events: Solve forest puzzles, find hidden passages, combat forest creatures.
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Challenges: Navigating treacherous terrain, solving environmental puzzles.
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Dialogue/Interactions: Interaction with mystical beings, uncovering lore about the forest.
6. Dialogue and Script
Main Character Dialogue:
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Scene: Solara City - Market Square
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Dialogue:
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Liora: "We have to find Elder Ryn before it's too late."
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Mira: "The dark forces are everywhere. We need a plan."
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Character Actions: Liora and Mira investigate clues, fend off minor enemies.
Supporting Character Dialogue:
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Scene: Abyssal Forest - Hidden Shrine
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Dialogue:
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Mira: "This place is ancient. We might find something useful."
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Liora: "Stay alert. We don't know what lies ahead."
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Character Actions: Characters examine ancient inscriptions and prepare for a trial.
Antagonist Dialogue:
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Scene: Celestial Sanctum - Final Confrontation
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Dialogue:
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Kael: "You think you can stop me? The power of the sun is mine to command!"
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Liora: "The sun belongs to everyone. It will never be yours alone."
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Character Actions: Kael uses dark magic; Liora counters with light-based attacks.
7. Cutscenes and Cinematics
Cutscene 1: The Sun’s Decline
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Description: The opening cinematic showing the gradual decline of the sun and the world falling into chaos.
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Key Events: Visual representation of the sun dimming, societal collapse.
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Character Involvement: Introduction of Liora and the initial setting.
Cutscene 2: Revelation of the Prophecy
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Description: The team discovers the prophecy in the Abyssal Forest, revealing the ancient magic needed to restore the sun.
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Key Events: Ancient texts are deciphered, showing the prophecy's details.
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Character Involvement: Liora and Mira uncover the prophecy; Elder Ryn’s voice is heard.
8. Gameplay Integration
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Narrative and Gameplay Sync: The narrative drives the player’s goals, such as finding artifacts and defeating enemies. Gameplay mechanics like light manipulation are tied to the story.
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Interactive Elements: Players can interact with environmental objects to solve puzzles, engage in dialogue to shape the story, and make choices that affect the game’s outcome.
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Player Choices: Major decisions impact the ending, such as how the sun is reignited and the fate of key characters.
9. Audio and Music
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Background Music: Orchestral score with a mix of dark, mysterious themes and uplifting motifs for victorious moments.
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Sound Effects: Magical effects for light manipulation, environmental sounds for different locations, and impactful audio cues for battles.
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Voice Acting: Professional voice actors for main characters and key NPCs, including emotional and dramatic performances to enhance storytelling.
10. Additional Notes
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References and Inspirations: Influences from mythological stories about light and darkness, as well as visual and thematic elements from classic fantasy and sci-fi genres.
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Technical Requirements: High-resolution textures for detailed environments, support for 4K resolution, and integration with advanced physics engines for realistic interactions.