Game Writing #3 – A narrative inspired by Raid: Shadow Legends
What is the connection between game writing and game streaming? A passion for video games of course! In this third installment in a series of game writing narratives an interesting connection between streaming and writing is explored to look at a different angle to gaming. I would urge those passionate about gaming to explore all avenues, because you never know where it might lead you right?
I am very excited to welcome our readers here at the Everyday Magazine to another gaming and entertainment piece which in my opinion should inspired you all to adventure into unknown territories of gaming. As always we continue with the narrative around what is happening with Juliana our main character and delve into a game writing script that takes her deeper into her journey to save Teleria.
Before we introduce Raid: Shadow Legends I would like to pause for a moment and help you consider a life beyond gaming as a hobby. Would you consider being a games writer even if the industry is competitive? How about game streaming as a freelancer?
I have recently launched my own gaming stream and during the pandemic it became a hugely successful avenue to explore for many gamers especially – from my observations and experiences – with the Gen Z population. Though Youtube is still at the forefront of connecting with huge numbers of potential subscribers, the constant grind has meant a small handful of individuals have broken into the Insider’s top 26 successful Youtubers. In an effort to create a more inclusive community especially within the gaming scene, to break way from the ‘elite’ top gaming YouTubers, the doors have opened to a large and growing community of gamers on Twitch instead. The combination of Twitch and Discord has meant gamers are able to connect easily with other gamers, to enjoy streaming their games to other gamer geeks, support their fellow gamer channels, and even sit together as a community to play in groups. How awesome is that right? Furthermore, the essence of Twitch gaming in my experience over the past 2 months of streaming has been: the idea that we support each other to grow. You don’t need to be a ‘gaming personality’ or ‘gaming influencer’ providing content in a one-directional capacity to the world out there. This is all based on community and collaboration. I have seen a young teenager gain huge traction on Twitch within days. Yes, exactly, this is the power of Twitch! Meanwhile, to shamelessly plug this into my article: if you want to join the fun just head on over to my channel!
A Brief Introduction
Raid: Shadow Legends is a turn-based RPG which can be played on PC or mobile device. What I love most about Raid is that it is a fantasy-themed game; I am a great fan of fantasy and prefer it to sci-fi (Oh no! Shock horror!). What also drew me to the game are the fantastic graphics and the fabulous array of races. From High Elves to Banner Lords, the choices are endless – in fact it boasts over 300 characters. Every character is deliciously decorated in stunning armour, you find it hard not to gasp at their magnificence. Taking place in the wonderous realm of Teleria, your characters fight their way through dangerous fortresses lined with villainous enemies, from castles, dungeons, deserts and temples. It is a bewitching game, full of exciting battles, strategic gameplay, and endless choices for the player to upgrade their characters into powerful warriors. I am so addicted to the game, I spend countless nights raiding to gain experience, to collect potions, to complete challenges and to collect precious shards. Afterall, every shard has the ability to resurrect a new champion which will fight beside you in an effort to overthrow the evil Siroth who has cast a dark shadow upon Teleria. The Arbiter, a beautiful red-head mysterious warrior, is the resurrector who brings your character to life and relies on you to fight against evil and help resurrect more warriors to come to battle. What I love about each resurrection of a warrior is the excitement of ‘who will be my next warrior?’.
Again, if you missed first and second in this series of gaming script writing then why not head back and read them so that you are able to catch up on the storyline. As usual, being a storyteller, my recent gaming experiences have affected my writing to the point that I have dreamt out new stories based on the characters in the gaming world. The story in this third in the series of game writing scripts continues leading the reader to new territories. What could happen next? Stick around to read on as I reimagine the world of Raid and we follow we follow Juliana, our main character to continue the series; I am profoundly inspired by female empowerment and so my storyline is geared around a female warrior as the core character of my narration.
Again, for the purpose of creating enticing narration, though the game writing is in the format of a ‘gaming script’ it is in actual fact written as a narrative storyline in order to suit the generalist reader. My aim is to make my game writing accessible to a broad reader base and taken this article in the direction to propose the narrative as such. I do not pretend to be a professional games writer and any professionals in the gaming industry please leave your judgements at the door. This piece is ‘inspired’ by the game Raid and my passion for gaming.
EXT. Teleria Catacombs - nightfall
The camera slowly moves forward over the map of Teleria and focuses onto desert land then vanishes through the surface underground into a an underworld of catacombs.
Juliana, our main character sworn into the Sacred Order faction comes into focus. Beside her stand Woad-Painted, Shaman and their new recruit and protector Vergis.
The Arbiter has sent word that the team must push on into the Catacombs at Narbuk.
Narrator (V.O.)
As Teleria descends into nightfall a heavy dark shadow continues to cast itself across the land. The evil Siroth has taken hold of both the lands of Teleria and the Underworld. Juliana and her trusty companions are the only hope for Teleria now. Joining the ranks of the powerful trio of Princesses is the High Elf, Vergis. He has been tasked as the protector and defender of the team. Their destiny has lead them deep into the Catacombs of Narbuk where the stench of death is rife. As Juliana ventures on to follow in the footsteps of her foretold destiny, she takes on the task to fight to the death against villainous enemies in the depths of the underground, her goal to find the light at the end of the tunnel which will lead her and her companions again to daylight. But, will the team make it out alive? Or is there a sudden twist of fate that beholds their collective destinies?
Juliana, Shaman, Woad-Painted and Vergis approach the Catacombs from the West of Teleria and enter deep into underground tunnels leading to the tombs of the dead and the undead. Supporters of the evil Siroth are encountered upon their decent.
Juliana
Remind me again why we have to be here? It wreaks of bones as dead flesh!
Shaman
Because you trust me and as your right hand I told you that in my dreams it has been foretold we must enter the Catacombs.
Woad-Painted
Uh! I think that stench is coming from that Undead Horde fast approaching us!
Vergis
Quick Juliana, come here! I will protect you with a healing and protection spell so you can go into battle defended!
Vergis, the High Elf, raises his magic staff to the heavens and applies an ALLY PROTECTION and a CONTINUOUS HEAL BUFF on Juliana
Juliana
Come on team. Charge!
Juliana HACKS her SWORD and instantly kills one enemy. Another sets a POISON on her and CONTINUOUS HEAL helps to DEBUFF the POISON. Woad-Painted is HIT by an enemy but is protected also as a TEAM member by the ALY PROTECTION spell and managed to deal a damaging HIT to the enemy. Shaman takes a powerful BLOW killing an enemy instantly. Vergis follows on with a critical BLOW to an enemy but is critically HIT back.
As the team battle on in the Catacombs they come face to face with the BOSS.
Ma’Shalled
Infidels! You shall face my WRATH for daring to enter the sacred ground of the Undead!
Vergis
So, Thenasil, my brother. The dark hordes finally took your soul as you swore allegiance to the undead?
Woad-Painted
Brother?! This creature? What on Teleria is going on here?
Vergis
Thenasil used to be my brother in arms, a High Elf, until he decided he wanted to become a LEGENDARY. He sealed his fate with Siroth…
Ma’Shalled
My sire Lord Siroth made me LEGENDARY! Powerful beyond measure! And all I needed to do was to sign away my soul to become the all-powerful leader of this magnificent place – the Underworld, the undying realm, home to the Undead Hordes! And now, you will feel my power!
The BOSS casts a HEAL REDUCTION spell. Since he used to be a High Elf, he knows that Vergis holds the ability to grant continuous healing and attempts to DEBUFF Juliana. Vergis however enters the fight first and gets hit. As he received a critical HIT in the previous battle he sustains deadly injuries. Vergis DIES.
Juliana
Vergis NO! This can’t be! You were meant to be my protector! [GASPS in despair]At arms you devilish creature!
Juliana charges and deals a CRITICAL HIT. Woad-painted and Shaman follow behind and deal CRITICAL HIT thus beating the BOSS.
Upon the defeat of the BOSS of the Catacombs a burial tomb is revealed. Shaman approaches the tomb. According to her shamanic predictions this burial ground would reveal an ally. As she pushes away the lid of the tomb an ANCIENT SHARD is found inside. The RESURRECTION of Banshee from the Undead Horde faction.
Banshee
Thank you for releasing me from my eternal grave! I am Banshee, I tried to fight against Lord Siroth when he tried to take over the Underworld and he banished me to this… tomb for eternity.
Woad-Painted
How can we trust that you from the Undead Horde? Shaman, how could you release this… undead being?!
Banshee
I am indebted to you for releasing me. It is the Rule of the Underworld that any Undead Soul released becomes your servant. I am you servant!
Juliana
Any ally sworn to assist us is one ally we can count on. Welcome to the team!
Woad-Painted
Fine. But we need to keep going and find a way out of this hell!
Juliana
Yes, but before we do Vergis deserves a proper burial. The tomb Banshee was resurrected from is a fitting burial for a fallen warrior in the underworld…
The four warrior women place the body in the tomb and close the lid. Nearby, through the maze of skulls and coffins, they come across an open space with a circular platform. Above is an opening to the skies about 100 metres high.
Woad-Painted
Well, I guess that’s the only sign of moonlight we are going to see tonight…
Juliana
Tonight we rest under the moonlight. Tomorrow we find a way out of here.
As they fall asleep the moonlight changes position. It starts to shine so brightly that the reflections of the moonlight meet in the middle of the circle as if by magic. A large CRASHING sound and 3 tombs open lining the edge of the circular platform.
[Tomb 1] Catacomb Councillor
Who dares awaken the sacred undead council!
[Tomb 2] Dark Elhain
Rise infidels!
[Tomb 3] Dark Athel
It’s time to meet your death!
Juliana
Warriors, attack!
Juliana makes a CRITICAL HIT to the Catacomb Counciller while Banshee follows behind with KILL. Woad-Painted and Shaman deal DEADLY DAMAGE to Dark Athel and Dark Elhain who are KILLED. They WIN.
Two ANCIENT SHARDS are revealed. The RESURRECTION of Elhain and Athel.
Elhain
You released us from the clutches of the Catacomb Councillor! We fought with all our might and… lost. He took our souls and made us Undead Horde. The most horrific punishment! Thank you brave warriors. I am Elhain from the High Elves Faction. The Arbiter has tasked me and my companion here to help save Teleria…
Athel
…until we failed and our souls were taken. Greetings warriors. I am Athel from the Sacred Order faction.
Juliana
The Sacred Order? A fellow! I was sworn into the Order by Vergis… [she sighs] before he was killed.
Elhain
Wait, Vergis is dead? This cannot be! The Arbiter swore he would be our protection, to save Teleria. It has been foretold by the High Elves Council.
Juliana
I’m afraid it is true. We lost Vergis…
As Juliana speaks a band of Undead Horde strike. The team are all HIT and weakened by the number of enemies.
Woad-Painted
Juliana, I’m hit! We aren’t going to make it. There is too many of them!
Juliana
If only Vergis was here to protect us with his DEFENCE!
Shaman
I’m hit too! We must retreat!
Elhain
No! We must fight! To the death!
Elhain releases several arrows and deals a HIT to ALL enemies. Suddenly, Juliana receives a CRITICAL HIT.
Juliana
Vergis… my dear protector, I will meet you in the next life…
Shaman
No, Juliana! [casts a SPELL]
Banshee
You shall meet your death! Soulless creatures! [casts a CURSE]
Banshee’s curse KILLS several enemies. As Juliana falls to the ground hurt, fear rushes over Shaman who casts a spell using the limited powers she has left. She UNLOCKS a magical POWER unknown to her. A REVIVING spell.
Suddenly, a tomb appears and within it emerges Vergis.
He places CONTINUOUS HEAL , an INCREASE SPEED, and a REFLECT DAMAGE on Juliana. She gets up and fights, until the enemy is KILLED. Vergis places ALLY PROTECTION and INCREASED DEFENCE and SHIELD on Woad-Painted, Elhain and Athel as they continue to ATTACK. Shaman and Banshee continue to fight alongside their team members until they are all KILLED. They WIN.
Juliana
Shaman! Vergis! How did you revive him?
Shaman
It has been foretold in my dreams that you, Juliana, would help me release my powers. I had no idea how. But, it happened. Welcome back my friend!
Vergis
I am glad to be back! Elhain I thought you were lost to the Dark side?!
Athel
Ah! That’s my fault. Elhain was assigned by the High Elves Council to join me, a member of the Sacred Order to fight against the enemies under Siroth. But, we were defeated. The Catacomb Council took our souls, held us for eternity under the Dark side. Until our friends here defeated the Catacomb Councillor and released our souls from eternal doom!
Vergis
Yes, it is the fate of members from the High Elves faction to protect warriors from the Sacred Order. Its is the will and the way of the High Elves Council who are the creators and protectors of the Sacred Order – warriors who are sworn into the faction with the aim to save Teleria. It is not your fault Athel, this is the rule.
Elhain
No. It is my fault. I was the assigned High Elf to Athel, but… I am not a defender like you, Vergis. I am an attacker. We nearly lost again today because we didn’t have YOU! A powerful protector!
Shaman
As a Shaman, my dreams have foretold that as the fight goes on and the enemies get stronger, our brave leader Juliana would PERISH without her protector. Vergis, it is foretold that a powerful protector is the only one that can help us win again Siroth. Juliana, our powerful attacker needs you our powerful defender.
Juliana, the leader, Vergis, the protector, and their team, Shaman, Banshee, Elhain and Athel venture through the Catacombs to escape back onto the surface.
This storyline script is the third in a series which will be published every month telling the story of Juliana, a member of the Sacred Order on her journey to save Teleria. Further game writing scripts with follow over the next months, so if you enjoyed my story inspired by Raid: Shadow Legends, make sure to keep reading my work to follow in this series of gaming script narratives.
Ever wanted to try out game writing and struggled with how to start? Well, you can read my first game writing articles here where I mention a lot of resources you can read.
Sometimes getting a job in the games industry is daunting, and roles like ‘Game Writer’ are extremely competitive to achieve. However, the new generation of gamers have come up with exciting new ways to be successful financially with gaming through Live Game Streaming on Facebook Live, Youtube Live, and Twitch. The pandemic has really boosted the online gaming community as gamers have found innovative alternatives to connect with people, and gaming communities. It’s an exciting time for technology and gaming, driven primarily from Generation Z, 16-something year old gamers are seeing themselves finding a hobby or even a pocket-money option with game streaming. Clever, young, intuitive gamers who know how to use Twitch, who understand techniques related to growing their community do well in streaming. Game streaming is a new future for the gaming world and creates communities where they didn’t exist before that are supportive.
In this article I touched upon Twitch and games streaming as a topic to explore around gaming. If you have thought about being a serious gaming streamer here is some advice on how to do so on Twitch and gain a community of followers! And don’t forget to come join me on my channel sometime – pop by and say hi!
Written by Maria Nicolette
Hi! I’m Maria Nicolette, a writer and contributor to The Everyday Magazine.
I’m an ambitious disabled woman. I write about my passions in an authentic voice and absolutely abhor toxic positivity. So, don’t ask me to sugar-coat the truth!
My topics of interest are:
Diversity: disability and female empowerment,
Wellbeing: mental health, gardening, hobbies
Art and culture: street art, contemporary art
Luxury lifestyle: fashion, travel, beauty
Entertainment: movies, music, gaming.
I love writing in all it’s forms. I am an author under the pen name Elaunda Rox, dedicating all my time to my writing.
I have written short stories inspired by my studies at Wellesley University on Creative Writing, I have taken part in NaNoWriMo and NYCmidnight. I also love poetry and young adult fantasy fiction; You can see my work on www.elaundarox.co.uk.
I love MMO and RPG gaming, watching Netflix series – currently love His Dark Materials by fantasy fiction author Philip Pullman – I adore fantasy art my favourite being Anne Stokes whom I met personally. I am besotted by anything dark and gothic; vampyres, goth music, and dragons! My favourite comics are Lady Mechanika and Monstress.
My dreams: to write a graphic novel, to be in a fantasy anthology with other fantasy fiction artists, to be in a female lead goth band, to be an actress in my own fiction novel turned TV series, and to meet Keanu Reeves!