Inahtuu Kinisc. “A man with no name…” kind of, it’s hard not to share your protagonist’s name but if there’s one thing I regret, it’s sharing his. You see, I grew up, like lots of folks here in the States, with parents and grandparents who enjoyed classic Spaghetti Westerns. I grew to love them too. Inahtuu’s wandering ways are akin to the protagonists you see in the slow burning classics. He finds himself in a similar situation to those iconic figures at the start of TRoN.
Alone in a new place, he’s left to fend for himself as he searches for something. We get hints of what that is here in this opening scene but it’s something that I try to develop slowly over the first few issues of the series. Unluckily for those looking to prey on the vulnerable, Inahtuu is anything but. We will explore the term “ro’kita” that he uses to describe himself in the coming weeks, but suffice it to say that a ro’kita is capable of much more than we see displayed in the Bard’s Inn.
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About that fight in the Bard’s Inn: I’m a huge fan of Star Wars as well as epic fantasy. Both Star Wars and your favorite epic fantasy have a lot in common, expansive world building, new cultures and languages, magic systems, and yes, tavern drama. I knew that I wanted to give a subtle nod to some of my biggest influences in the genre when I introduced Inahtuu. How’d I do? Let me know below.
Before I jump into the script I wanted to say a bit about the men in the black hooded robes. They are both members of the “Children of Divinity,” a devout religious group who worship the Divine. The Divine is the major deity in The Republic Kingdom, and depending on who you ask, she is responsible for The Republic Kingdom’s ability to thrive away from the Dobashi Empire. Those guys in black would argue that the reason the war hasn’t ended between Athea and the Empire is because Atheans lost connection with their savior. Are they right? Can they even be proven wrong? Like most questions on religion, it comes down to a matter of two things: perspective and faith.
Religion is a touchy subject, it’s one of those taboo topics we tell young people never to discuss at work. I think that’s sound advice. I’ve just never really followed it. Early on in the series I do my best to set up different faith groups, belief systems, and levels of piety across Amashik. I will dive deeper when it’s relevant to the story and trust me, it will be.
On to the script:
PAGE 4 (1 Panel)
Scene 2 (1/6 pages)
Panel 1 (Splash)
Passengers (see ref #5) are filing off of a ship down a narrow ramp carrying sacks, barrels, and boxes onto a dock. INAHTUU stands out right away with his dreadlocks tied up in a knot atop his head (see ref #6). No one else has hair like his. He carries his Ya’rosa otherwise known as a man-catcher (see ref #7), which stands as tall as him. The head of it opens and closes like a carabiner on one side for subduing opponents, the opposite side of it is rounded steel for blunt attacks (see ref # 7.5) He has a satchel slung over his right shoulder, and a dagger on his hip (see ref # 8). Everything he owns is with him as he starts this new adventure. Though the reader won’t see it, inside his satchel is his helmet. Make sure the bag looks big enough for a helmet!
At the end of the dock is a modest size gate built into a wall that protected the entrance into Dunport. Its doors are swung open with people filling the dock between it and Inahtuu. The entrance to the city sits at the bottom of a long hill, not too steep, but it stretches as far as his eyes can see. Dunport was built into the side of cliffs and some of its homes, shops, and streets could be seen off in the distance. A MAN ON A BOX in an oversized cloak with a hood stands atop a box giving a speech. On the inside of the cloak’s sleeve is a symbol of a hand on fire. He seems to be focused on Inahtuu…
1 MAN ON A BOX You all owe many thanks to The Divine, as she has granted you safe passage to Her shores!
2 MAN ON A BOX Many who wish to travel here find the Expanse far too unkind.
3 MAN ON A BOX As for those among you who choose not honour Her…
4 MAN ON A BOX …know that your kind will find no peace here. For that belongs to Divinity’s Children and to us alone!
PAGE 5 (4 Panels)
Scene 2 (2/6 pages)
Panel 1
As Inahtuu walks towards the city’s gates he passes stands set up with people (see ref # 5) selling veggies, fish, pies, pastries, breads, clothing items, fishing tools, etc. Up ahead two guards stand on either side of the gate, spears in hand. The guards each wear a coat of plates for armor, each emblazoned with the Enneagram Symbol over their heart, each also wears an Italian Sallet Helmet (see ref #9 and 10). Inahtuu’s eyes are fixated on the gates as he walks. The walls and their battlements stretch as far as the dock goes in either direction.
Panel 2
As Inahtuu nears the gates, the LEFT GUARD points to him, and calls out. Inahtuu looks at the ground and tries to ignore him.
1 LEFT GUARD You! You there! Pagan!
2 LEFT GUARD What in The Divine’s name are you doing here?
Panel 3
The RIGHT GUARD follows up. Neither guard is angry, they look more like bullies in a school yard than a real threat. They both have cynical smiles on their faces. Inahtuu continues walking passed them, his face is stoic.
1 RIGHT GUARD Haven’t you bastards had enough of this place yet? Why don’t you turn ‘round ’n head back to that paradise ‘a yours?
2 RIGHT GUARD Spend some more time with your mommyand that castaway King!
1 LEFT GUARD(SFX) HaHaHaHa
Panel 4
Inahtuu formally enters Dunport. Along the road are tents, carts, stands like those on the docks, and more permanent shops also selling goods. People (see ref # 11 and 12) standing still and talking, others were shopping. Cats are seen walking around near some of the shops. In the distance was a large, though modest, gray keep (Portskeep, see ref # 13). Its battlements (walls, towers, crenellations, and machicolations) could be seen squarely within the center of the frame.
Inahtuu walks towards a building, his Ya’rosa was hanging low, his hand almost near the bottom of its wooden shaft.
PAGE 6 (5 Panels)
Scene 2 (3/6 pages)
Panel 1
Inahtuu enters an inn. Inside is a long communal table with men of varying ages (early 20’s-early 40’s) who laugh and enjoy drinks. Some raise their cups to toast. All throughout the bar men and women of the same age range are enjoying themselves. (See ref # 11 and 12) Still, none look like Inahtuu, most favor people of European descent (80%), though a small handful look like they could be from East Asia(20%). No one in the bar should be wearing any armor, other than Inahtuu who is in his Gambeson.
An innkeeper, a man named GERALT in his 40’s was behind the bar cleaning the bar top. Geralt is clean shaven, he wears a rough spun cloak, not fancy at all. His hair is long and flows freely. He resembles a hippie with mutton chops.
Panel 2
Inahtuu takes a seat at the bar. He has Geralt’s attention, though no one else pays him any mind. Geralt gestures towards Inahtuu’s Ya’rosa as he speaks. He looks confused.
1 GERALT You’ll need to check that… thresher… if you want to be served.
2 GERALT Along with that dagger at your waist.
Panel 3
Inahtuu looks towards the front door to scan the room for weapons. Geralt seeks to calm him, he looks helpful even. The crowd of people are raising their cups, men and women are all laughing. None are armed.
1 GERALT Closest farm is half a turn from here…
2 GERALT …though you’re a little early for harvest season.
Panel 4
Inahtuu lays his Ya’rosa on the bar top but keeps both hands firmly on top of it. He shifts his gaze towards the back of the bar to check the patrons in that direction. None have any weapons on them either.
1 GERALT Give it here. You can have it all back whenever you set out again.
2 GERALT I’ll keep it just behind the bar.
Panel 5
Inahtuu hands over his dagger. Geralt collects it with a smile on his face..
1 GERALT Cautious one aren’t ya? What’ll you be having?
1 INAHTUU Whatever you’re serving for dinner, a cup of water, and a room with a bed if you’ve got one.
1 GERALT Cod smattered with parsley, piss warm ale, and the first room at the top of the stairs.
PAGE 7 (5 Panels)
Scene 2 (4/6 pages)
Panel 1
Inahtuu pushes his empty plate away. His ale is noticeably untouched. Geralt restarts a conversation while examining the still full cup of ale, confused by it.
1 GERALT You travel alone often?
1 INAHTUU No.
Panel 2
As Geralt and Inahtuu continue their conversation an ANGRY PATRON enters the inn. He isn’t wearing any armor, instead he is wearing a cloak similar to the Man on The Box. He’s armed with a short arming sword at his side.
1 GERALT First time then? Hopefully you’re not too far from home…
1 INAHTUU I’ve traveled much further than this, though it was always in the company of other Ro’kitas.
Panel 3
The angry patron takes the empty seat next to Inahtuu. His face isn’t unique. He has a scruffy beard. He says nothing as he sits.
Inahtuu and Geralt both notice the sword on his hip. Geralt cuts off as the man approaches the bar.
1 GERALT Can’t say I know what those are…
1 INAHTUU My apologies, I forget myself. In Mains you’d refer to us as “hunters.” In the United Provinces they call us “catchers.”
2 GERALT Catchers, aye? What did you and your lot ca- -
Panel 4
Inahtuu keeps his head forward, as he searches for his Ya’rosa behind the bar. The angry patron’s facial expression is harsh and cold.
1 GERALT Unlike my friend here, you know the rules…
1 ANGRY PATRON Sod the rules… Just pour me a cup.
1 GERALT You know the bloody rules…
Panel 5
The angry patron, already frustrated, now slams his coin on the bar top as he speaks. Just then another, noticeably DRUNK PATRON offers to give the angry patron his drink, he raises his cup in the air, almost spilling it, he slurs his words as he speaks.
1 ANGRY PATRON Take the coin. And pour me a cup!
1 DRUNK PATRON Oh Geralt! Give the man a drink before I hand ‘em what’s left of- -
1 GERALT The hell are you doing you ungrateful sot? You know the rules! Just as well as this dew beater here!
PAGE 8 (4 Panels)
Scene 2 (5/6 pages)
Panel 1
Two guards come running into the inn looking for our angry patron, both dressed in a coat of plates and Italian Sallet helmets. They have halberds, which are rendered useless with so many innocent people around. So the guards don’t look ready for a fight. Geralt hands Inahtuu his Ya’rosa as the angry patron stands and unsheathes his sword, eyes on the guards.
1 GUARD Hey!
2 GUARD There he is!
1 SFX SHUK!
Panel 2
The angry patron clumsily hops over the bar, sword in hand, knocking over plates and cups. The drunk patron stumbles backwards, spilling his drink in the air.
1 SFX cRRash!
2 SFX (glass breaking)
1 DRUNK PATRON Bugger me!
Panel 3
The angry patron grabs Geralt by the hair and places his blade against his throat. Geralt looks terrified.
1 ANGRY PATRON Stay back! Or I’ll open ‘is throat!!
Panel 4
Inahtuu drives the steel pommel at the butt end of his Ya’rosa into the angry patron’s back. The angry patron let’s go of Geralt from the pain.
PAGE 9 (4 Panels)
Scene 4 (6/6 pages)
Panel 1
The angry patron sloppily swings his sword at Inahtuu. Inahtuu easily dodges the swing, keeping both hands on his Ya’rosa.
Panel 2
Stumbling, the angry patron turns and swings wildly at Inahtuu’s head. Inahtuu ducks the blow.
Panel 3
The guards stand in awe, the rest of patrons sit up straight, Geralt is in shock as he rubs his throat. Everyone inside is watching the fight take place off panel.
Panel 4
With the angry patron off balance, Inahtuu swings his ya’rosa, carabiner end facing the angry patron’s neck. The carabiner locks around his neck, trapping the man.
The angry patron is in obviously in pain, bleeding a bit from just underneath his eye, Inahtuu must’ve punched him while the two tussled off panel. His hands are wrapped around the Ya’rosa as he struggles to break free. The Ya’rosa is used to catch, not kill. The man will live, but he won’t get free.
1 INAHTUU Enough.
I’ve got plenty more to say, and potentially spoil, about Inahtuu and how his character develops over the course of Volume 1, so I’ll stop here. But tell me, what do you think about his character so far? Does he remind you of any of your favorite characters from the fantasy genre? If so, who?
Next up, we take a closer look at Inahtuu and what he was up to just before his arrival in Dunport. Yes, that means we are getting a flashback! I told you not to be surprised if you see one of these.
JL