Post by seekeroftales on Jan 11, 2007 14:43:24 GMT -5
Hello All;
I present this with hopes that you like the sound of it. If no one is interested, then I will scrap this and jump in on someone else's Dinotopian Project. If my ideas are too weak or wild, let me know what you are doing and I will see if I can help in any way. You may even know just exactly what you want me to do . . .
All of the below is just ideas and open to suggestion and development. Vote for what you like and against what you don't. We are going to work together on this, so I need major feedback and plenty of your ideas to work with.
If anyone else wishes to head up this project, then by all means take over. If you feel you have better concepts that the major basic ones I might feature, then don't be shy and tell me. I don't care what I help develope, I just want to get something grand done!
If you want credit for something, let me know or put your name on it. I will paste things you post below onto this origin post to flesh it out as it developes, if you make note that you want me to, or if it gets enough votes(whichever way it might work better).
~ Skyler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions and Answers regarding
The POWER OF Dinotopia Trilogy:
Unassigned 1:
Of Rosa: I've never heard of Nightriders before and I didn't know there were pteranodon riders. I thought the pteranodon territory was only near the portals to the World Beneath. Was there something mentioned about this in some Dinotopia book I haven't read yet? Or is this something of your own creation? It sound interesting and I like the idea there.
To my knowledge the "Nightriders" are my own creation and I think you are correct about the pteranodons' territory. I have only read a few of the chapter books, but I doubt there are any pteranodon riders. I am pleased that you like this concept.
Unassigned 2:
Of Rosa: So I take it that Bloodprince and his followers are bad guys, right? Who is Bloodprince, where's he from, what's the cause of his intentions, and what exactly is it that he wants to do to Dinotopia?
That supposition is correct in general, though the private motivations of Bloodprince can hardly make him a thoroughly evil character. As to his various groups of followers, they are basically allied under him but seek their own ends ultimately. Counting in Kukalad's core of "double-agents", the supporters of Bloodprince's revolutional conspiracy are a mix of loyal and double-crossing individuals, some serving their own purpose, others purely intent on stopping the growing conspiracy when Bloodprince has clearly shown his hand to all of Dinotopia and the time is deemed right by some authority, either Kukalad or members of the Saurian Council.
Bloodprince is really a prince by blood from the Outside. {I select no country because I do not know history. We might set a year according to an actual revolution and assign him to a country thusly, but I prefer not to name his country of origin definitely in the story.} He rebelled against his royal responsibilities and fully intended to renounce his claim to his father's throne when the time came. Well educated - if gilded with propagandeous thinking and viewpoints - he escaped his guardians and bodyguards and fled successfully to a seaport of his country and signed aboard a ship as a sailor. It was well-known in the outside that he had "disappeared" and rewards were offered for his safe return or information as to his whereabouts. He evaded revelation and continued to enjoy his new life as a sailor. Yes, of course he was shipwrecked on Dinotopia eventually, I'm thinking at the age of twenty-three or four. He did not choose to reveal his identity once upon the island, and assumed no airs above the natives or his fellow dolphinbacks, though the longer he lived on the island, the more he began to desire acknowledgement as to his royal standing. He discreetly sought news of his home country from new dolphinbacks and took certain steps from the outset to insure that he might be rescued or escape from the island when he might choose to do so. Several years later - after "Bloodprince" has settled into his life on the island - he receives news from a dolphinback that there has been a revolution in his country. Most of the royal family was murdered by conspirators and one of his former guardians has usurped the throne. Inclined to vengeance and having long ago warmed up to the idea of responsibility, Bloodprince now plots to escape from the island and avenge his family, then take his rightful throne. He has no plans for Dinotopia, other than to fulfill his agreement with Cillo, which is to leave the "chief" to rise to power on the island if he can, in the wake of the prince's departure.
Possible Scene Elements(Development Detail Concepts)
1 ~ Dimorphodon messenger sent to Sky City is intercepted by Pterodon.
Of Rosa: What is the message that the Dimorphodon is bringing to Sky City? Why does a Ptereranodon stop the Dimorphodon?
The exact message is undecided by myself; please suggest things, but it is a little early yet. I think its content and wording should be left open until much later in development. However, Sky City has been occupied at that point by Bloodprince's forces. The message may be to inquire of Sky City's sudden silence via its signal tower, and also through message fliers. And too, if Skybax riders have been turned away by the pteranodon riders(Nightriders), then there would have to be concern and suspicions. The dimorphodon is perhaps trying to sneak into the city. The pteranodon is acting under orders from its "master" in harmony with Bloodprince's plans. It might not actually stop the Dimorphodon; I simply thought the scene might be interesting to do. If I cannot believably justify this scene, I will cut it out of the plotline. Might you have any suggestions?
2 ~ Mammoth fells signal tower of Sky City, is killed by falling ruins.
Of Rosa: Why does a Mammoth fell the signal tower of Sky City?
Imprisoned in Sky City, its citizens need to make sure the rest of Dinotopia is draw/alerted. The felling of the city's signal tower is a signal that can hardly be missed or ignored. It is a fitting sign of distress. Also, if Bloodprince is unable to keep visitors from coming to Sky City, the downed tower will attract attention and raise questions as to the cause. I am undecided as to whether this scene occurs before the one above.
3 ~ Dolphins deliver "message shaft" to wreck diver/beachcomber.
Of Rosa: What’s a ‘message shaft’? What do you mean in 'wrecking a diver/beachcomber'?
Message shafts are logs hewn out and carved into the shape of a large crossbow bolt. They are watertight and are used to carry sealed messages beyond Halo Reef. They are designed to sink in the ocean and release their messages, which are meant to float away from the island and be retrieved in the Outside World. Bloodprince had them specially made and he has secretly used several of the on the North-east beach, to the north of the Hatchery. Their launcher is large and must be loaded by a larger saurian. Bloodprince misled a young Dinotopian boy into having his saurian companion help load the launcher.
"Wreck divers" and "beachcombers" are individuals who frequent the coast, perhaps looking for things washed ashore from wrecks. I have actually written a page on this scene. It involves a newly arrived dolphinback who has chosen to stay on the North-east shores of Dinotopia with a small group of humans who frequent the reefs and the wrecks. One of the used message shafts is towed to him on the shore by several dolphins, and he then takes it inland to the shelter where his fellow wreck divers reside the nights. (one of the other message shafts actually has its message still inside, and this comes to light later, whether days or weeks.)
4 ~ The Scentseeker party stumbles upon the Deadwalker Force.
Of Rosa: What is the Scentseeker party and the Deadwalker Force?
The Scentseeker party is a band of mixed saurians and humans which travel Dinotopian in search of new inspirations and smells. They make perfumes and can render most anything scented. This concept is open to suggestions and development like all the rest.
The Deadwalker Force is comprised of several bands of carnosaurs who have given their loyalty to either Bloodprince himself, or to Cillo, who has allied himself loosely with the prince. The concept of the Deadwalker Force was inspired by an idea I had shortly before; the Clan Fights of Rainy Basin. Contests of skill between the various species of the Basin conclued in two ways; the loser is either killed and fed upon, or spared and cast out from his/her clan. Shamed, their spirit broken, owing their lives solely to the mercies of others, they are considered as "dead" and viewed by their clan as a disgrace. Thusly is Cillo able to befriend them and earn their trust and loyalty. Cillo has planned many attacks for the "deadwalker" carnosaurs, toward the convoys passing through the Basin. Deaths among the styrachosaur guards are up and even one or two brachiosaurs have been claimed by the larger predators of the Basin under Cillo's advisement. Convoy duty is much more dangerous for the Skybax and their riders, and many may have sacrificed themselves.
5 ~ Teens scheme to "chute", by chance on the night of the Sky City Siege.
Of Rosa: What does ‘chute’ mean? Huh? A siege on Sky City? By who? What for?
The chute is a concept, a cargo tunnel carved into or even under/through the ice, down the mountain. Descent therein is naturally quicker, though more dangerous. Ascent is by a large "geared barge" driven upward in the 'chute' by larger saurians. Traction is an incorrect terms, but the climbing gears on the bottom of the barge mesh with shelves carved into a wide, raised rail which follows the middle of the chute. The dangerous thrillsport of "chuting" is not approved of and some of the teenagers in the city have been schemeing to do so. One of their number is key to their reckless plans, is a metalworker who secretly fashions the metal parts needed for a relatively safe design of the illegal "chutesled." I chose that the chute be a tunnel, just so I could have a later scene. (the allosaurus)
Siege is a very colorful term and I admit an exaggeration from what I meant. It just sounded better than "invasion and capture".
There would logically be little if any resistance to Bloodprince's allies as they marched into the city. A hostage situation developes, but Bloodprince intends no harm to anyone. As to the reason for the capture of Sky City, Bloodprince's cause requires the use of forges in some city. I'm thinking that he chooses Sky City because of its relative remoteness and due to the fact that it has several forges. (I am uncertain if Sky City actually has any forges, but I have no one to tell me.) Also, he wishes to reach the Tentpole of the Sky to acquire the maps of the World Beneath, and Sky City would perhaps be a good "jumping off point".
6 ~ Beachcombers find the buried shaft launcher, make it known.
Of Rosa: What’s a shaft launcher? Are beachcombers the people who search the ocean floor for treasures?
A "shaft launcher" is just an oversized crossbow-like mechanism mounted on a heavy frame of timbers with wheels. (see 3)
Yes and no. Some dive wrecks of ships beyond the reef with the help of dolphins and bring up various items. Others swim the waters farther inside the reef and sift through the sand(dolphin echolocation is a big help). Then there are those who might not like to swim but enjoy the sun, sand and sounds of the beaches. Mant natives might walk Dinotopia's beaches for pleasure. Who actually stumbles across Bloodprince's shaft launcher is wide open. Remember, these scenes are painted with a generality. Feel free to suggest changes and other things. Just please be able to offer some reasoning behind your suggestions, even as I try to justify my suggestions and answer your questions.
7 ~ Private inventor tells Waterfall City Council his sketchbook of concepts was stolen.
Of Rosa: Who’s the private inventor and who stole his sketchbook and why?
This inventor is just a concept. He/she has no name as yet. I toyed with the idea that it was "Blackbird" but I believe I have discounted that possibility. Perhaps inspired by the inventions of Arthur Dennison, this inventor is not known and merely does sketches and rough blueprints, which he/she may keep relatively well hidden, as some of his/her ideas might be dangerous or adapted to do harm, some of which may concern defensive measures to drive off predators in the nearby Basin. I concepted this character because I wished Bloodprince to get ahold of the note/sketchbook for his own purposes. As for who actually stole the sketchbook, it may not matter, but I have not decided yet as it might. Amid the invention concepts might be plans for a smaller version of the Rising Star.
8 ~ "Blackbird" crosses above Lower Thunder Falls on a knotted, secured rope.
Of Rosa: Who is Blackbird and what's his/her status? Why is he/she crossing above the Lower Thunder Falls on a rope? Is he/she trying sneak their way in or out of Waterfall City? If so, why?
"Blackbird's" gender is tentatively set as male, and I imagine shall remain such unless you object or have an idea later as to otherwise. {You may refer to the Trilogy Concept thread's Cast List to learn of his real name, I believe.} As to his "status" I assume this has to do with your questions which follow after. He crosses upon the rope - leaving the city - to make a start of a name for himself. This feat is very dangerous and may or may not have been attempted/done before, and there are several witnesses, whether secret or known to Blackbird himself.
9 ~ Jalif and Stry plead Kukalad's case before the Saurian Council.
Of Rosa: Who are Jalif and Stry? What has Kukalad done to be brought before the Saurian Council?
Jalif and Stry are the wardens of Kukalad, in the same fashion as Gruff and Duff are to Crabb. Whether they are the same species and their gender is so far open to suggestion, I think.
At the point of this scene, the story/movie is well along. Jalif and Stry were assigned to him due to his "confession" that he was the murderer of all those aboard the Protectorate. His involvement with Bloodprince and Cillo was generally known to the Elders of the Saurian Council, I think, but they now have come to believe that he is really part of Bloodprince's rising plan. He is brought before them again with grim prospects of being sentenced to undergo an old and little-used reforming ritual(hypnosis) to alter his mindset and render him safe to release.
Or Kukalad was working to undermine Bloodprince without the knowledge of the Council, and so when they learn of his involvement, the case seems even blacker against him.
10 ~ A child finds a message in a bottle, as does a fisherman on Outer Island.
Of Rosa: I take it these messages are the ones that Bloodprince sent out. I'll bet it wasn't his intention for them to be discovered by these Dinotopians. Do you know what the messages say?
Actually, these messages are from Kukalad. He recovered proof of his innocence(in the written form) from the Protectorate before it was sunk, and has copied it dozens of times. He gets a childish pleasure from knowing that the bottles will be found and the proof of his innocence will be held and read by many, though he doubts very much that anyone will understand what they read.
Concerning Bloodprince's messages, there were several copies sent out of two or three different ones, I think. The trick here is, as the native boy who helped Bloodprince had the good sense to demand to read the messages before they were sent, the apparent message was innocent and in line with the story that Bloodprince had told him. There is a second message - written with invisible chemicals - beneath each of the decoys. The hidden messages are instructions to Bloodprince's royal guardians in the Outworld.
11 ~ A discreet investigation of various facts is instigated by the Council.
Of Rosa: I suppose the messages were brought to the Saurian Council to be discussed, Right?
Certainly, but so you know, while I have in mind that this scene is in connection with Bloodprince's messages, it could well have to do with Kukalad's "sent proof in bottles".
12 ~ Bloodprince visits Basin Shroud to inspect the revolutional preparations.
Of Rosa: Who is making these preparations? Is Cillo and the Deadwalker Force involved?
These preparations involve many bands of followers(Nightriders, Deadwalkers, Order of the Dolphinbacks) and are driven by Bloodprince's plans. Cillo is definitely involved, as the tyrannosaurs and other larger carnosaurs he has some control over, are the muscle needed for many operations. The carnosaurs also provide the entirety of the Basin Shroud operations with the security it needs, in conjunction with a presence of the Nightriders for air patrols.
13 ~ Blackbird enters Rainy Basin and gains the loyalty of the carnosaurs.
Of Rosa: Blackbird agian. Good or bad? How does he/she gain the loyalty of the carnosaurs and which carnosaurs?
As far as good or bad intentions, Blackbird is border-line, though inclined openly to bad and privately to good. I expect an effinity could develope between Lulalad and Blackbird, and Kukalad's good-side might prevail over Blackbirds own darker side.
No carnosaurs in particular, but perhaps others which have no loyalty to Cillo. How Blackbird gains their respect and willing service, I am unsure. However, I think he proves himself, either by helping some carnosaurs in some way, or by passing some tests devised by them. A fear of the carnosaurs is naturally inherent in most humans, so if Blackbird can lay his own fears to rest, then the carnosaurs may be so impressed that they spare his life and view him with curiousity and growing respect as he proves true to his seeming fearlessness by remaining with them for a time and getting to know them.
14 ~ Kukalad seeks an audience with Crabb and tells him of Bloodprince's offer.
Of Rosa: What's Kukalad up to? It sounds fishy if he's seeking out Crabb. *grins* (a pun on words there.) Hmmm...What was Bloodprince's offer and who was he making this offer to?
Feeling wronged and seeking a means to make the Saurian Council's members regret the judgement they have passed upon him, Kukalad hopes to make himself a hero in the eyes of Dinotopia's inhabitants. Thusly he has chosen to take advantage of Bloodprince's plans and is - he thinks - stringing the prince along in order to expose him later.
After the Ruby Sunstone incident, Crabb's truest colors were known to all. Therefore, if he wished to still seek his own escape, he now has to be very discreet about it. His nearly successful attempt at escape has inspired others and he now sees the wisdom of planning and the conjoined efforts of individuals who seek a common goal. He now boasts a small following of bitter roughs and undesirables who frequent the tavern - The Backway - he uses for a front/home/hideout. He has retained the tavern's previous owner - whom he cheated out of the establishment's "deed" - as a discreet blind, so as to keep his owner and proprietorship largely unknown.
Bloodprince has learned of Crabb's ownership of the tavern and of his shifty minions - and has sent Kukalad as his agent to make a deal with him - to the end of acquiring special items/objects and manpower for security, supply procurement and later operations involving the forceful taking and occupation of various locations.
15 ~ While seeking Crabb in the Backway Tavern, Kukalad is refered to as "Black Proctor".
Of Rosa: Why is Kukalad referred to as "Black Proctor"? Is he trying to conceal his true name? Where is the Backway Tavern located?
"Black Procter" is a nickname which refers to Kukalad's "known" status as the infamous Protectorate murderer. "Kukalad" is his real name as far as I have decided, though I suppose he might have given a false name to the Saurian Council for his own personal reasons.
The Backway Tavern is located in Waterfall City's "underlevel", a system of carved buildings and streets which I do not think officially exists according to James Gurney. Its exact location should probably have something to do with "backway" - perhaps being off of the cargo chute - though this may actually be an obscure reference to something else.
16 ~ Crabb escapes from his guardians with the help of Bloodprince's agents.
17 ~ Kukalad meets his guardians and decides to keep playing as though guilty.
18 ~ The Protectorate's dead are buried, its cargo unloaded.
19 ~ Allosaurus accidentally breaks through the crust and slides down Sky City's chute.
20 ~ The Basin Shroud Camp tests some of its engines of war.
I present this with hopes that you like the sound of it. If no one is interested, then I will scrap this and jump in on someone else's Dinotopian Project. If my ideas are too weak or wild, let me know what you are doing and I will see if I can help in any way. You may even know just exactly what you want me to do . . .
All of the below is just ideas and open to suggestion and development. Vote for what you like and against what you don't. We are going to work together on this, so I need major feedback and plenty of your ideas to work with.
If anyone else wishes to head up this project, then by all means take over. If you feel you have better concepts that the major basic ones I might feature, then don't be shy and tell me. I don't care what I help develope, I just want to get something grand done!
If you want credit for something, let me know or put your name on it. I will paste things you post below onto this origin post to flesh it out as it developes, if you make note that you want me to, or if it gets enough votes(whichever way it might work better).
~ Skyler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Questions and Answers regarding
The POWER OF Dinotopia Trilogy:
Unassigned 1:
Of Rosa: I've never heard of Nightriders before and I didn't know there were pteranodon riders. I thought the pteranodon territory was only near the portals to the World Beneath. Was there something mentioned about this in some Dinotopia book I haven't read yet? Or is this something of your own creation? It sound interesting and I like the idea there.
To my knowledge the "Nightriders" are my own creation and I think you are correct about the pteranodons' territory. I have only read a few of the chapter books, but I doubt there are any pteranodon riders. I am pleased that you like this concept.
Unassigned 2:
Of Rosa: So I take it that Bloodprince and his followers are bad guys, right? Who is Bloodprince, where's he from, what's the cause of his intentions, and what exactly is it that he wants to do to Dinotopia?
That supposition is correct in general, though the private motivations of Bloodprince can hardly make him a thoroughly evil character. As to his various groups of followers, they are basically allied under him but seek their own ends ultimately. Counting in Kukalad's core of "double-agents", the supporters of Bloodprince's revolutional conspiracy are a mix of loyal and double-crossing individuals, some serving their own purpose, others purely intent on stopping the growing conspiracy when Bloodprince has clearly shown his hand to all of Dinotopia and the time is deemed right by some authority, either Kukalad or members of the Saurian Council.
Bloodprince is really a prince by blood from the Outside. {I select no country because I do not know history. We might set a year according to an actual revolution and assign him to a country thusly, but I prefer not to name his country of origin definitely in the story.} He rebelled against his royal responsibilities and fully intended to renounce his claim to his father's throne when the time came. Well educated - if gilded with propagandeous thinking and viewpoints - he escaped his guardians and bodyguards and fled successfully to a seaport of his country and signed aboard a ship as a sailor. It was well-known in the outside that he had "disappeared" and rewards were offered for his safe return or information as to his whereabouts. He evaded revelation and continued to enjoy his new life as a sailor. Yes, of course he was shipwrecked on Dinotopia eventually, I'm thinking at the age of twenty-three or four. He did not choose to reveal his identity once upon the island, and assumed no airs above the natives or his fellow dolphinbacks, though the longer he lived on the island, the more he began to desire acknowledgement as to his royal standing. He discreetly sought news of his home country from new dolphinbacks and took certain steps from the outset to insure that he might be rescued or escape from the island when he might choose to do so. Several years later - after "Bloodprince" has settled into his life on the island - he receives news from a dolphinback that there has been a revolution in his country. Most of the royal family was murdered by conspirators and one of his former guardians has usurped the throne. Inclined to vengeance and having long ago warmed up to the idea of responsibility, Bloodprince now plots to escape from the island and avenge his family, then take his rightful throne. He has no plans for Dinotopia, other than to fulfill his agreement with Cillo, which is to leave the "chief" to rise to power on the island if he can, in the wake of the prince's departure.
Possible Scene Elements(Development Detail Concepts)
1 ~ Dimorphodon messenger sent to Sky City is intercepted by Pterodon.
Of Rosa: What is the message that the Dimorphodon is bringing to Sky City? Why does a Ptereranodon stop the Dimorphodon?
The exact message is undecided by myself; please suggest things, but it is a little early yet. I think its content and wording should be left open until much later in development. However, Sky City has been occupied at that point by Bloodprince's forces. The message may be to inquire of Sky City's sudden silence via its signal tower, and also through message fliers. And too, if Skybax riders have been turned away by the pteranodon riders(Nightriders), then there would have to be concern and suspicions. The dimorphodon is perhaps trying to sneak into the city. The pteranodon is acting under orders from its "master" in harmony with Bloodprince's plans. It might not actually stop the Dimorphodon; I simply thought the scene might be interesting to do. If I cannot believably justify this scene, I will cut it out of the plotline. Might you have any suggestions?
2 ~ Mammoth fells signal tower of Sky City, is killed by falling ruins.
Of Rosa: Why does a Mammoth fell the signal tower of Sky City?
Imprisoned in Sky City, its citizens need to make sure the rest of Dinotopia is draw/alerted. The felling of the city's signal tower is a signal that can hardly be missed or ignored. It is a fitting sign of distress. Also, if Bloodprince is unable to keep visitors from coming to Sky City, the downed tower will attract attention and raise questions as to the cause. I am undecided as to whether this scene occurs before the one above.
3 ~ Dolphins deliver "message shaft" to wreck diver/beachcomber.
Of Rosa: What’s a ‘message shaft’? What do you mean in 'wrecking a diver/beachcomber'?
Message shafts are logs hewn out and carved into the shape of a large crossbow bolt. They are watertight and are used to carry sealed messages beyond Halo Reef. They are designed to sink in the ocean and release their messages, which are meant to float away from the island and be retrieved in the Outside World. Bloodprince had them specially made and he has secretly used several of the on the North-east beach, to the north of the Hatchery. Their launcher is large and must be loaded by a larger saurian. Bloodprince misled a young Dinotopian boy into having his saurian companion help load the launcher.
"Wreck divers" and "beachcombers" are individuals who frequent the coast, perhaps looking for things washed ashore from wrecks. I have actually written a page on this scene. It involves a newly arrived dolphinback who has chosen to stay on the North-east shores of Dinotopia with a small group of humans who frequent the reefs and the wrecks. One of the used message shafts is towed to him on the shore by several dolphins, and he then takes it inland to the shelter where his fellow wreck divers reside the nights. (one of the other message shafts actually has its message still inside, and this comes to light later, whether days or weeks.)
4 ~ The Scentseeker party stumbles upon the Deadwalker Force.
Of Rosa: What is the Scentseeker party and the Deadwalker Force?
The Scentseeker party is a band of mixed saurians and humans which travel Dinotopian in search of new inspirations and smells. They make perfumes and can render most anything scented. This concept is open to suggestions and development like all the rest.
The Deadwalker Force is comprised of several bands of carnosaurs who have given their loyalty to either Bloodprince himself, or to Cillo, who has allied himself loosely with the prince. The concept of the Deadwalker Force was inspired by an idea I had shortly before; the Clan Fights of Rainy Basin. Contests of skill between the various species of the Basin conclued in two ways; the loser is either killed and fed upon, or spared and cast out from his/her clan. Shamed, their spirit broken, owing their lives solely to the mercies of others, they are considered as "dead" and viewed by their clan as a disgrace. Thusly is Cillo able to befriend them and earn their trust and loyalty. Cillo has planned many attacks for the "deadwalker" carnosaurs, toward the convoys passing through the Basin. Deaths among the styrachosaur guards are up and even one or two brachiosaurs have been claimed by the larger predators of the Basin under Cillo's advisement. Convoy duty is much more dangerous for the Skybax and their riders, and many may have sacrificed themselves.
5 ~ Teens scheme to "chute", by chance on the night of the Sky City Siege.
Of Rosa: What does ‘chute’ mean? Huh? A siege on Sky City? By who? What for?
The chute is a concept, a cargo tunnel carved into or even under/through the ice, down the mountain. Descent therein is naturally quicker, though more dangerous. Ascent is by a large "geared barge" driven upward in the 'chute' by larger saurians. Traction is an incorrect terms, but the climbing gears on the bottom of the barge mesh with shelves carved into a wide, raised rail which follows the middle of the chute. The dangerous thrillsport of "chuting" is not approved of and some of the teenagers in the city have been schemeing to do so. One of their number is key to their reckless plans, is a metalworker who secretly fashions the metal parts needed for a relatively safe design of the illegal "chutesled." I chose that the chute be a tunnel, just so I could have a later scene. (the allosaurus)
Siege is a very colorful term and I admit an exaggeration from what I meant. It just sounded better than "invasion and capture".
There would logically be little if any resistance to Bloodprince's allies as they marched into the city. A hostage situation developes, but Bloodprince intends no harm to anyone. As to the reason for the capture of Sky City, Bloodprince's cause requires the use of forges in some city. I'm thinking that he chooses Sky City because of its relative remoteness and due to the fact that it has several forges. (I am uncertain if Sky City actually has any forges, but I have no one to tell me.) Also, he wishes to reach the Tentpole of the Sky to acquire the maps of the World Beneath, and Sky City would perhaps be a good "jumping off point".
6 ~ Beachcombers find the buried shaft launcher, make it known.
Of Rosa: What’s a shaft launcher? Are beachcombers the people who search the ocean floor for treasures?
A "shaft launcher" is just an oversized crossbow-like mechanism mounted on a heavy frame of timbers with wheels. (see 3)
Yes and no. Some dive wrecks of ships beyond the reef with the help of dolphins and bring up various items. Others swim the waters farther inside the reef and sift through the sand(dolphin echolocation is a big help). Then there are those who might not like to swim but enjoy the sun, sand and sounds of the beaches. Mant natives might walk Dinotopia's beaches for pleasure. Who actually stumbles across Bloodprince's shaft launcher is wide open. Remember, these scenes are painted with a generality. Feel free to suggest changes and other things. Just please be able to offer some reasoning behind your suggestions, even as I try to justify my suggestions and answer your questions.
7 ~ Private inventor tells Waterfall City Council his sketchbook of concepts was stolen.
Of Rosa: Who’s the private inventor and who stole his sketchbook and why?
This inventor is just a concept. He/she has no name as yet. I toyed with the idea that it was "Blackbird" but I believe I have discounted that possibility. Perhaps inspired by the inventions of Arthur Dennison, this inventor is not known and merely does sketches and rough blueprints, which he/she may keep relatively well hidden, as some of his/her ideas might be dangerous or adapted to do harm, some of which may concern defensive measures to drive off predators in the nearby Basin. I concepted this character because I wished Bloodprince to get ahold of the note/sketchbook for his own purposes. As for who actually stole the sketchbook, it may not matter, but I have not decided yet as it might. Amid the invention concepts might be plans for a smaller version of the Rising Star.
8 ~ "Blackbird" crosses above Lower Thunder Falls on a knotted, secured rope.
Of Rosa: Who is Blackbird and what's his/her status? Why is he/she crossing above the Lower Thunder Falls on a rope? Is he/she trying sneak their way in or out of Waterfall City? If so, why?
"Blackbird's" gender is tentatively set as male, and I imagine shall remain such unless you object or have an idea later as to otherwise. {You may refer to the Trilogy Concept thread's Cast List to learn of his real name, I believe.} As to his "status" I assume this has to do with your questions which follow after. He crosses upon the rope - leaving the city - to make a start of a name for himself. This feat is very dangerous and may or may not have been attempted/done before, and there are several witnesses, whether secret or known to Blackbird himself.
9 ~ Jalif and Stry plead Kukalad's case before the Saurian Council.
Of Rosa: Who are Jalif and Stry? What has Kukalad done to be brought before the Saurian Council?
Jalif and Stry are the wardens of Kukalad, in the same fashion as Gruff and Duff are to Crabb. Whether they are the same species and their gender is so far open to suggestion, I think.
At the point of this scene, the story/movie is well along. Jalif and Stry were assigned to him due to his "confession" that he was the murderer of all those aboard the Protectorate. His involvement with Bloodprince and Cillo was generally known to the Elders of the Saurian Council, I think, but they now have come to believe that he is really part of Bloodprince's rising plan. He is brought before them again with grim prospects of being sentenced to undergo an old and little-used reforming ritual(hypnosis) to alter his mindset and render him safe to release.
Or Kukalad was working to undermine Bloodprince without the knowledge of the Council, and so when they learn of his involvement, the case seems even blacker against him.
10 ~ A child finds a message in a bottle, as does a fisherman on Outer Island.
Of Rosa: I take it these messages are the ones that Bloodprince sent out. I'll bet it wasn't his intention for them to be discovered by these Dinotopians. Do you know what the messages say?
Actually, these messages are from Kukalad. He recovered proof of his innocence(in the written form) from the Protectorate before it was sunk, and has copied it dozens of times. He gets a childish pleasure from knowing that the bottles will be found and the proof of his innocence will be held and read by many, though he doubts very much that anyone will understand what they read.
Concerning Bloodprince's messages, there were several copies sent out of two or three different ones, I think. The trick here is, as the native boy who helped Bloodprince had the good sense to demand to read the messages before they were sent, the apparent message was innocent and in line with the story that Bloodprince had told him. There is a second message - written with invisible chemicals - beneath each of the decoys. The hidden messages are instructions to Bloodprince's royal guardians in the Outworld.
11 ~ A discreet investigation of various facts is instigated by the Council.
Of Rosa: I suppose the messages were brought to the Saurian Council to be discussed, Right?
Certainly, but so you know, while I have in mind that this scene is in connection with Bloodprince's messages, it could well have to do with Kukalad's "sent proof in bottles".
12 ~ Bloodprince visits Basin Shroud to inspect the revolutional preparations.
Of Rosa: Who is making these preparations? Is Cillo and the Deadwalker Force involved?
These preparations involve many bands of followers(Nightriders, Deadwalkers, Order of the Dolphinbacks) and are driven by Bloodprince's plans. Cillo is definitely involved, as the tyrannosaurs and other larger carnosaurs he has some control over, are the muscle needed for many operations. The carnosaurs also provide the entirety of the Basin Shroud operations with the security it needs, in conjunction with a presence of the Nightriders for air patrols.
13 ~ Blackbird enters Rainy Basin and gains the loyalty of the carnosaurs.
Of Rosa: Blackbird agian. Good or bad? How does he/she gain the loyalty of the carnosaurs and which carnosaurs?
As far as good or bad intentions, Blackbird is border-line, though inclined openly to bad and privately to good. I expect an effinity could develope between Lulalad and Blackbird, and Kukalad's good-side might prevail over Blackbirds own darker side.
No carnosaurs in particular, but perhaps others which have no loyalty to Cillo. How Blackbird gains their respect and willing service, I am unsure. However, I think he proves himself, either by helping some carnosaurs in some way, or by passing some tests devised by them. A fear of the carnosaurs is naturally inherent in most humans, so if Blackbird can lay his own fears to rest, then the carnosaurs may be so impressed that they spare his life and view him with curiousity and growing respect as he proves true to his seeming fearlessness by remaining with them for a time and getting to know them.
14 ~ Kukalad seeks an audience with Crabb and tells him of Bloodprince's offer.
Of Rosa: What's Kukalad up to? It sounds fishy if he's seeking out Crabb. *grins* (a pun on words there.) Hmmm...What was Bloodprince's offer and who was he making this offer to?
Feeling wronged and seeking a means to make the Saurian Council's members regret the judgement they have passed upon him, Kukalad hopes to make himself a hero in the eyes of Dinotopia's inhabitants. Thusly he has chosen to take advantage of Bloodprince's plans and is - he thinks - stringing the prince along in order to expose him later.
After the Ruby Sunstone incident, Crabb's truest colors were known to all. Therefore, if he wished to still seek his own escape, he now has to be very discreet about it. His nearly successful attempt at escape has inspired others and he now sees the wisdom of planning and the conjoined efforts of individuals who seek a common goal. He now boasts a small following of bitter roughs and undesirables who frequent the tavern - The Backway - he uses for a front/home/hideout. He has retained the tavern's previous owner - whom he cheated out of the establishment's "deed" - as a discreet blind, so as to keep his owner and proprietorship largely unknown.
Bloodprince has learned of Crabb's ownership of the tavern and of his shifty minions - and has sent Kukalad as his agent to make a deal with him - to the end of acquiring special items/objects and manpower for security, supply procurement and later operations involving the forceful taking and occupation of various locations.
15 ~ While seeking Crabb in the Backway Tavern, Kukalad is refered to as "Black Proctor".
Of Rosa: Why is Kukalad referred to as "Black Proctor"? Is he trying to conceal his true name? Where is the Backway Tavern located?
"Black Procter" is a nickname which refers to Kukalad's "known" status as the infamous Protectorate murderer. "Kukalad" is his real name as far as I have decided, though I suppose he might have given a false name to the Saurian Council for his own personal reasons.
The Backway Tavern is located in Waterfall City's "underlevel", a system of carved buildings and streets which I do not think officially exists according to James Gurney. Its exact location should probably have something to do with "backway" - perhaps being off of the cargo chute - though this may actually be an obscure reference to something else.
16 ~ Crabb escapes from his guardians with the help of Bloodprince's agents.
17 ~ Kukalad meets his guardians and decides to keep playing as though guilty.
18 ~ The Protectorate's dead are buried, its cargo unloaded.
19 ~ Allosaurus accidentally breaks through the crust and slides down Sky City's chute.
20 ~ The Basin Shroud Camp tests some of its engines of war.
Is it just us?