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Description
Aristid Issue #1
From the Beginning

Aristid
Sir Gregory the Bold
Velimi the Warlock

Page 1

Full panel

Artisid is wearing armor and a large cape and cowl.  The cowl is pulled so his horns are not exposed.  Sir Gregory is in full plate with his helm off.

Scene is from just above ground level looking at Aristid.  Sir Gregory is laid out on the ground dead.  He is on his stomach, facing the viewer.  Aristid is above him on his knees, his rapier is through Sir Gregory¡¦s back (and actually penetrating into the ground).  Aristid has one hand on the hilt of the rapier; the other is covering his face as he cries.  The sun is setting behind them.

The panel takes up the top 2/3 of the page.  Text will take up rest with black background.

Text in old English style: *Honor, Truth, Fidelity*

Text regular font: *This day I betrayed it all.  All that I was raised to believe, the very aspects that would have destroyed me if I had not struck.  Do not sorrow for my tears, they are simply a byproduct of the freedom that I have never felt.*

Page 2

Panel 1

A very pregnant mother walks through a small crowd.  The crowd is watching her every move.  She seems fairly plain, very pale skin, red long flowing hair, and a magical cloak.

Text: *My birth was eventful for the small village.*

Panel 2

She is attempting to steady herself against a small cottage.  One hand is on the cottage, the other is on her stomach.  The crowd is away from her still looking but not rushing forward to help.

Text: *My mother was someone of ill regard*

Panel 3 mid-page

She is in her thatch (straw) bed, very much into labor.  Candles illuminate the bedroom.  She is alone in the delivery position, pushing to give birth.

Text: *No one rushed to her aid in her greatest time of need.*

Panel 4

Close up of a small newborn baby.  The baby is normal except for small horn buds on the side of his head.

Text: *I passed into this time as she lay dying.*

Panel 5

The mother has the baby wrapped up in a sheet, cuddled on her chest.  There is blood all over her clothes, sheets, and bed.  She is dead.  An elder woman (Crone, think of the oldest person you¡¦ve ever seen) is at the doorway.  Her eyes are cataracts; skin hangs from her bones, very hump shouldered, walks with a very thick stick.  She has no expression.

Text: *Salvation came in an old crone whose destiny had almost ended.*

Page 3

Panel 1

Looking at the crone over the shoulders of the villagers.
The crone is carrying the baby outside the cottage.   Some villagers have assembled with pitchforks, swords, and torches.  They want the baby dead.  The old woman is standing with the baby clutched to her chest.  Her arms are so old and skinny they almost look like bird feet.  Her hands are so old they look like claws.

Text *But she was not enough*

Panel 2

Looking straight onto crowd.
A local priest passes through the crowd (dressed grand, similar to the pope if you want, including so sort of staff and hat).

Text *my captor claimed me in my first hour of life*

Panel 3

View of the old woman being held by the townspeople, the priest has the baby and looks at it angered.  The old woman is trying to bite the people that have her held with the last few teeth she has.

Text *How different it would have turned out if I had a normal childhood.*

Panel 4

Looking at priest with crowd to the left of him.
The priest walks forward looking grim as the crowd attacks the old woman behind him.  I figure to keep the violence down have the face of the priest walking away and the backs of the villagers with the swords and pitchforks bloodied and doing their work.

Page 4

Panel 1 top of page

Front shot of what looks like the mix of a catholic church and a castle fortress (need the flags of Paragon draped from the castle walls, if you want I¡¦ll start looking into symbols for it).  Paladins on horseback line the road leading to the gates of the monastery.  A covered wagon is approaching the gates (up to you on whether you can see the priest inside).

Text *I was brought to my new prison wrapped in the chains of swaddling*

Panel 2

A cold stone dark room with a rock slab to sleep on and a bucket.  The baby is laid out on the slab and left alone.  Room could be some sort of torture room or just a windowless prison.

Text * and left to the darkness and exposure.*

Panel 3

The door opens and there stands a female, Elisabeth.  Very young and beautiful.  She stands in the doorway with an expression of anger or pity mixed with a little horror.  Think of the redhead warrior from Willow.

Text *my life should have ended that night but gossip had reached the High Father¡¦s  youngest granddaughter, Elisabeth.*

Panel 4

She stands before the throne of the High Father clutching baby Aristid in blankets.  She is pissed.  The High Father is ancient and not very lively almost slumped in his throne as if he wants to die right there.  The walkway up to his throne is lined with soldiers including a young (early 20¡¦s) version of Sir Gregory.

Text *She pleaded with the High Father for my life*

Panel 5

Looking behind the granddaughter toward the Holy Father, Gregory is knelling before him.
Text *Which would have been denied if not for the admiration of a young knight.

Page 4 continued

Panel 6

She passes the baby to Sir Gregory who looks at her with a lot of love and desire.
Text *Thus began my life of servitude*

Page 5

Panel 1

Aristid is now about 8 years old.  He is in a stone room sweeping the floor with a very decrepit broom.  He looks like a typical 8 year old except for the horn budding (midway grown) on the side of his temples.

Text *Years pass and I age*

Panel 2

A priest (young priest, dark hair, lots of hatred) is standing before Aristid with his holy symbol raised, the other students are looking with approval as Aristid is attempting to cover his eyes as if the holy object was full of very bright sunlight.

Priest text screaming *Turn Demon!*

Text *When not caught in the discomfort of servant duties I was forced to learn their education.*

Panel 3

Sir Gregory is standing before his breastplate on a stand.  It is splattered with blood, mud, and other things.  He is bandaged up and has a few wounds from a battle.  He is instructing Aristid how to clean his armor.  Aristid appears fearful of Gregory but is trying to pay attention.  (I¡¦m thinking about a bandage crossing his abdomen like he got a rib broken, and something covering his bicep).

Text *The worst of it was serving Gregory.*

Panel 4 splashed in with previous panel

Aristid is trying very hard to clean and buff the armor with the dirty rags in his hands.

Panel 5

The armor is back on the stand and looks very clean except for a barely visible smudge on the breastplate.  Gregory is standing still inspecting the breastplate while Aristid looks very hopeful that all is done.

Page  5 continued

Panel 6

Aristid is on the floor reeling from a backhanded smack, Gregory is screaming at him, one hand clinched, the other pointing at the smudge.

Gregory Text *Dolt*
Text *For years I believed my service to him would one day satisfy him.*

Page 6

Panel 1

Aristid is trying to run behind Sir Gregory on his horse.  I also thought about making this really mean and having a rope tied from the saddle to Aristid¡¦s waist.  Sir Gregory is in his fine plate mail armor (or whatever you have for his battle armor), Aristid is in very cheap bad looking chaffed leather armor.  It has holes (and old blood) in it from where the previous wearer was stabbed and killed.  Aristid is in really good shape (the muscles are starting to show).  The ramhorns are almost fully formed.

Text *At the age of thirteen I began to follow Sir Gregory on his missions.*

Panel 2

Aristid stands in the background with a clock covering his face and horns as Gregory is in hand-to-hand combat with an ¡§Evil¡¨ knight.  A few people are standing around looking at them as if it was more of a public spectacle vs. an actual duel.

Text* A little less than a squire, little more than a servant*

Panel 3

Close up of the ¡§Evil¡¨ knight¡¦s visor and his eyes looking wide in surprise, if a faceless visor; blood is trickling out of an open mouth.

Text *to a victorious Knight*

Panel 4

The knight is laid out on the ground with Sir Gregory¡¦s sword embedded through him.  The sword is penetrating low down near the stomach and through him.  Gregory is standing away from the dead knight and motioning to Aristid who is running towards him.

Text *and his trail of death*

Panel 5

Gregory enters his tent as Aristid is working the sword out of the body.  The evil knight¡¦s squires (three teenagers between 13-18, all in lesser armor or just armor parts) are approaching Aristid with weapons drawn from behind.  One of the weapons is a long flail.

Text *Always lessons to be learned*

Page 6 continued

Panel 6

The flail strikes Aristid Firmly in the back of the skull.  Blood squirts out from the wound.

Text *and the lessons harsh*
Page 7

Panel 1 wide panel shot

A war is about ready to occur with two sides standing across form each other (in ¡§Braveheart¡¨ style).  They are massed in a valley deep between two hills.  One side in blue army (Civilized warriors lots of money in armor and swords) vs. Red army (Shirts that go down to their knees worn over cheap armor, or have another race like orcs, beastly men, whatever (red and blue is more of an image for you and not a color that they need).  They are a more wild unprepared army.  You are looking from behind Aristid and Gregory at the top of one of the hills down onto the armies.

Text *but under his guidance I learned war.*

Panel 2

The war begins and the two sides are clashing.  Focus on a few warriors fighting with Gregory and Aristid watching in the distance.  The Blues are standing back to back in a tight defensive circle.  The Reds are surrounding them loosely without much thought or planning and seem to be advancing.

Text *Strategy*

Panel 3

Focus on a pair fighting.  The Blue soldier is effectively holding off the Red soldier.  The Red soldier swings wildly over his head with a two handed sword (too large of a sword for him, he appears off balance and too eager for the kill).  The Blue soldier¡¦s sword is up and ready to block, his sword is smaller more his size (he looks very calm and ready).

Text *Tactics*

Panel 4
As the Red soldier¡¦s sword is blocked near the hilt (crossbar by the handle) by the Blue soldier¡¦s sword, the Blue soldier pulls out a dagger from a hip sheath

Text *Intelligence*

Page 7 continued

Panel 5

The Blue soldier drives the dagger up into the Red soldier¡¦s throat as the Blue soldier deflects the sword away (swinging in a clockwise arc forcing Red sword down).  I¡¦m thinking the Blue soldier does a half arc taking Red¡¦s sword with it into the ground, opening him up for the dagger

Text *Devastation*

Page 8

Panel 1

Wide shot of the battlefield littered with 95% red bodies and 5% Blue bodies.  Aristid and Gregory are standing in the midst of it.  Ravens are landing on the bodies and picking them clean.  A few of the blue soldiers are wondering the bodies picking up swords and personal belongings off the reds.

Text *We wandered the ruins amongst the scavengers and the dead*

Panel 2

One red soldier is obviously injured but could survive.  He is injured to the point that he can¡¦t fight effectively.  Gregory points to him.

Text *Picking our trophy*

Panel 3

Gregory has his foot on the chest of the fallen soldier.  He is looking at Aristid and instructing him how to kill.  Gregory¡¦s sword is at the throat of the soldier.  The soldier is pleading for his life.  Aristid is paying no attention to the soldier and listening intently to Gregory¡¦s instruction.

Text *and continuing my education*

Panel 4

Mid shot of Aristid¡¦s face as Gregory¡¦s hand is offering him the hilt of his sword. Aristid looked surprised and eager, while pulling back the cowl (hood) of his cloak.  Aristid is looking at the victim.

Text *I remember watching the butcher¡¦s craft*

Panel 5

Close up of the horror of the Red soldier¡¦s face as he realizes Aristid is somewhat demonic.

Red Soldier *NO!*

Page 8 continued

Panel 6

(From the Red Soldiers POV) Aristid looks intense and joyful at the fact of his first kill.  The sword is jamming down and blood is spurting up from the sword blade.

Text *and seeing the similarities.*

Page 9

Panel 1

Ground level shot at head of dead soldier.  The head is slightly rolled back (off?) the scene is looking up at Aristid who is wiping the blood from the sword and is treating it as a very major moment.

Text *My first kill was the birth of the atrocities I would commit later in life.*

Panel 2

Aristid and Gregory are walking away from the body.  Aristid keeps looking back at the body as they walk off.

Text *it awoke a hunger that I could rarely satiate*

Panel 3 (rest of page)

Aristid walks into Gregory while Gregory is stopped.  Gregory is pulling his sword.  There is a group (five) of red soldiers that have come around the valley wall and are ready to fight.

Page 10 No text (will this number of panels work?)

Panel 1

Aristid pulls a small axe (like one you cut wood with) under his cloak (Right hand) and a hip dagger (left hand).   Gregory salutes the enemy as they begin to approach.  (A salute is holding the blade of the sword up in front of him the blade is flat.

Panel 2

The five enemies fan out and create a half arc around Aristid and Gregory.  They all have weapons ready.  Artistid and Gregory are ready, Gregory has not moved.

Panel 3

Facing Gregory and Red #1
Red #1 come straight at Gregory, Gregory swings out with his sword and cuts cleanly through Red #1¡¦s neck.  The neck is not cut off just cut through.

Panel 4

Aristid throws his axe at Red #2 as he advances.

Panel 5

Red #2 attempts to block it with a large two-handed sword.  He misses and it strikes him in his right chest.

Panel 6

Red #2 goes down dropping his sword.  Red #3 advances against Aristid.  Red #4 (right of Greg) and Red #5 (left of Greg) have advanced Gregory and are fighting him.

Panel 7

Gregory is having difficulty fighting both warriors.  Red #4 slashes hard against his armor (smashes in under ribs).

Panel 8

Red #5 hits Gregory in the side with a mace (heavy blunt weapon)

Panel 9

Aristid ducks the swing from Red #3 and throws his dagger into the back of Red #5

Page 11

Panel 1 (left hand of page)

Looking from side 2/3 body shot seeing him aim arrow
First appearance of Velimi.  He is in Battlemage robes and has a long bow pulled back with an arrow ready to go.  He is aiming down into the valley but there is no answer on who he is about to hit.

Panel 2

POV behind Red #3
Red #3 slashes Aristid (facing forward) cross the stomach, his armor is cut and a line of blood.

Panel 3

Gregory uppercuts Red #4 knocking out a tooth.

Panel 4

Red #3 swings back ready to come forward to kill Aristid.  Aristid is slouched on one knee, wounded ready for the hit.

Page 12

Panel 1

P.O.V. Behind Red #3.
An arrow hits Red #3 between the shoulders.  Aristid is in same position.

Panel 2

Aristid picks up Red #3 sword

Panel 3

P.O.V. Bust shot
Red #4 hits Gregory on the side of his helm, Gregory is going down.

Panel 4

Aristid parries (defends) weakly against the hit that would have killed Gregory from Red #4.  He is still holding his midsection.

Panel 5

Aristid¡¦s sword is smacked away leaving him wide open for the next attack.

Panel 6

An arrow hits Red #3 in the middle of his helmet

Page 13

Panel 1
Velimi (with bow slung on his back) approaches Gregory and Aristid (who are both on the ground, Gregory is unconscious Aristid is on his hands and knees one hand gripping his midsection, blood is dripping between his fingers.

Velimi Text *I am Velimi the Warlock, and you were almost wiped from this plane by one of the most ill prepared armies I have ever seen.*

Panel 2

Aristid looks up, sweat is pouring from his face.  His hair is drenched in sweat and his horns are shown very well.

Aristid Text *My master, is he . . . *

Panel 3

P.O.V. from behind Velimi
Velimi squats down and takes Gregory¡¦s helm off.

Panel 4

P.O.V. Gregory¡¦s bust with Velimi¡¦s shadow on him
Gregory¡¦s head is lying to the side.  A large amount of swelling is visable on the side of his face where he was hit.  Velimi is opening his eyelid and checking his pupils.

Velimi Text *He will live.*

Panel 5

Velimi reaches into his pack

Velimi Text *knocked out cold, but a potion should revive him*

Panel 6

A red potion in a small round vial is lifted to Gregory¡¦s lips.  Small amounts of the potion are running down the sides of his mouth.

Velimi Text *and reduce some of that swelling*

Page 14

Panel 1

P.O.V. looking up from Aristids P.O.V.
Velimi is standing in front of Aristid with his hands on his hips.
Velimi Text *Now, let¡¦s look at you my young novice*

Panel 2

Aristid is on his back.  The wound is starting to coagulate (crust over) the blood looks dark and the cut is not too deep, there is a lot of blood loss.  Velimi has his finger on the wound but not into the wound.

Aristid Text *I am Aristid, servant to Sir Gregory the Bold*

Panel 3

Velimi is looking in his pack for another potion.

Velimi Text *There is a fine line between servant and nursemaid.*

Panel 4

P.O.V. is Velimi¡¦s face.  His eyes are wide starring down at the blade pointed at him

Velimi Text *Ah yes, hello Gregory.*

Panel 5

Gregory is standing with his sword at Velimi¡¦s neck.  His face looks slightly better but not by much.

Gregory Text *Give me that potion, Battlewitch.*

Panel 6

POV Gregory bust
Gregory chugs the potion and the swelling on his face heals.

Page 15

Panel 1

Gregory throws the empty vial at Aristid.

Gregory Text * I could not return home to Elisabeth looking like a barbarian*

Panel 2

Velimi squatted on the ground next to Aristid, Aristid looks passed out.

Velimi Text *Appearances have always been your weakness, Gregory*

Panel 3

Velimi pulls out a vial of blackish-green liquid (can you make a bottle look evil?)

Velimi Text *I¡¦m sorry Aristid, this one is going to hurt*

Panel 4

Velimi takes the top off the vial.

Panel 5

Velimi pours the liquid directly on the wound, as the liquid hits the wound it boils and sticks.

Panel 6

Aristid screams

Aristid Text *Aaarrrrrgghhh*

Page 16 top 1/3 of page

Panel 1

Gregory is on his warhorse (White large horse like a Clydesdale) galloping to the monastery with Valimi behind him.  Valimi is on a ghostly (misty) horse pulling a black levitating disc with Aristid laid out on it, unconscious.  Gregory is carrying his standard (the flag thing) flowing behind him.  (Watch Excalibur, the knights are always doing this)

Text *After two days journey*

Panel 2

Gregory crosses the bridge into the monastery; people are on one knee in some sickening show of grace and admiration.  They are back to their work as Velimi and Aristid cross, largely ignored by the common folk.

Panel 3

People have swarmed around Gregory, Velimi looks pissed because he can¡¦t move.

Panel 4

Bust shot of Gregory turning around in his saddle, he has a little smartass smile on his face

Gregory Text * Do take him in the back Velimi, Let¡¦s not ruin the welcome with a casualty.*

Page 17

Panel 1

Velimi departs the ghostly horse at what looks like a wooden fire escape.
Velimi Text *Homecoming my ass*

Panel 2

Velimi motions to the horse and the horse mist fades from view.
Velimi Text *Pompous son of a weasel*

Panel 3

Velimi steps on the disk holding Aristid, looking down sad at the boy.
Velimi text *he has no idea the prize he holds*

Panel 4

The panel is looking from a bird¡¦s eye view.  Vamili has his arms out about in a 110„a arc out in front of him, palms up.  The disc is rising.

Text offpanel *Velimi, you know that is no way to talk about my husband.

Panel 5

Elisabeth aged about 7 years (it has been longer but I want to show a magic about her)  and still looking very beautiful.  Velimi holds his arms out to hug her.

Velimi Text *Dear sweet cousin, why do you let that abomination touch you*

Panel 6

Elisabeth is down checking out Aristid¡¦s wound.  If you show it, the wound needs to look almost like it¡¦s been burnt or melted over the wound, lightly pink around the wound.

Velimi Text *They were ambushed, and your sweet lover didn¡¦t want you to see his bashed in face.*

Page 18

Panel 1

Velimi is carrying Aristid into what looks like a healer¡¦s room/hospital.
Velimi Text *So, he took the last healing potion to cover his wound*

Panel 2

Aristid is laid out on the bed wound is very visible.

Velimi Text *he took it from the boy who was in far worse shape*

Panel 3

Velimi is stroking his goatee/moustache or chin (don¡¦t know what he looks like) other arm is folded across chest.  He is in very serious thought.

Velimi Text * I had to use an old potion that had spoiled years ago, Luckily I had it or he would be gone.*

Panel 4

Elisabeth sets on the bed across from Velimi

Elisabeth text *I will call the healer to see if there is anything she can do.*

Panel 5

Close up of Aristid¡¦s face his eyes are half open and glazed over.  His mouth is crusty and dry.

Elisabeth off panel Text *The infection has spread*

Panel 6

Close up of Aristid¡¦s eye.  It is still glazed over but a single tear is forming in the corner.
The form of the demon (Anon) is shadowed on the pupil, dark gray on a black surface.

Text *This was my first contact with Anon*

Page 19

Panel 1 (left top)

Aristid is standing in a dark forest; fog is up to his waist, although he seems to glow very faintly like the full moon is only shining on him.  He looks lost and frightened.  There is no sort of ambient lighting everything seems to be backlit from a distance (I.E.  everything looks like a shadow).

Panel 2  (right top)

Looking from Aristid¡¦s eyes at his feet.
The fog before him splits as if it¡¦s showing the way to something

Panel 3  (left middle)

He stands shocked looking up at something huge, reaching for sword that is not there.

Panel 4 (rest of page)

Before him is Anon seated on a large throne (braded dead trees seat is a chopped down Giant Redwood?).  Anon is featureless (in shadow) except for his head (a huge antler rack (think a 50 point elk) that comes out of his forehead and large glowing eyes (think Batman/Spiderman no iris or pupils)).

Anon text (I thought a strange style of text, something that appears ominous or spooky text flows at bottom of the page)
*I have watched you since you were born, and now you near adulthood.  I come to you as I have come to your grandfather and your father before you.  All unknown to the prodigy before them, with a quest.  Free the fetters and bonds the mortals have placed upon you.  They fear you for they know your power young fury, for you are about to be released.*

Page 20

Panel 1

Aristid is meditating at a simple alter.  Looks sleepy and dazed.  Aristid has aged about 2 years.  He is in a simple robe and has his rapier sword out across his hands.

F/X *Thump Thump Thump*
Text *The dream repeated for many years*

Panel 2

Gregory is standing at the door, in full armor.

Gregory Text *You were to be ready an hour ago, move it.*

Panel 3

Artistid puts on fairly nice armor.

Gregory Text * I don¡¦t think in the history of this rectory anyone has ever been late to their knighting*

Panel 4

Both Gregory and Aristid rush down a narrow hallway to the great hall.

Panel 5 Bottom of page

They stop at the open arched doorway.  A line of knights with swords drawn (think Military wedding) are on each side of the carpet leading to the very old, very ill, slouched over High Father.

Page 21

Splash page with panels inserted

Aristid is bowed down on one knee in front of the High Father.  He is muttering the incantations of knighthood and placing his hand on the back of Aristid¡¦s head.  He holds the holy symbol high with his hand as he speaks the ceremony.

High Father Text as if muttering (small fine letters) *And you pledge to uphold the sacred laws of Paragon, to protect the sacred calling of Paragon, to serve Paragon,

Panel 2

Aristid¡¦s P.O.V.
High Father places the holy symbol of Paragon against Aristid¡¦s forehead.

High Father Text (stronger) * to be one with Paragon.*

Panel 3

POV bust shot of Aristid with the priest hand and arm pressing the symbol to his head.
Smoke is coming off the holy symbol and a trickle of blood comes down off the forehead of Aristid.  He looks like he is in serious pain.  A shaft of light illuminates him from above.

High Father Text *By the gods*

Panel 4

Looking at High Father his eyes are wide in distressed.  He clutches the symbol tightly to his chest.  It still looks like it is smoking.

High Father Text *Paragon has spoken*

Panel 5

Gregory has his arm folded across his chest and looks grim.  Elisabeth stands beside him looking shocked.

Page 22

Panel 1

Gregory and Aristid are walking their horses (Aristids horse is midsize and black).  Gregory is a few steps in front of Aristid.
Gregory is looking down at the ground as they walk.  Aristid looks fully healed (but you can¡¦t see forehead)

Text *They both walked for days to a war only one knew*

Panel 2

Bust shot of Aristid the mirror image symbol of Paragon has scabbed over on his forehead.

Text *Gregory The Bold saw the omen from his god imprinted on something beneath his station*

Panel 3

Gregory turns with a sneer there is a lone half dead tree in the distance.
Gregory Text * We should meet up with the supply caravan soon.

Text *and it sickened him*

Panel 4

They are at the tree and Gregory is tying his horse to it.  Aristid has released his reigns and has his hand on his rapier.

Panel 5

Close up of the sword slowly silently releasing itself from the scabbard (cover).
Aristid Text *Sir Gregory the Bold?*

Page 22 continued

Panel 6

The sun is setting and we are looking right at it.  Think of the opening shot.  Gregory and Aristid are reduced to silhouettes due to the glare.  Aristid has stabbed Gregory through the heart with the sword passing blood and gore out the other side, Gregory has hold of the rapier.

Text bottom of the page if need be * All that I was forced to believe, all the very aspects that destroyed me.  Do not sorrow for my tears, they are simply a byproduct of the freedom that I have never felt.*

The End

Description
Aristid Issue #1
From the Beginning

Aristid
Sir Gregory the Bold
Velimi the Warlock

Page 1

Full panel

Artisid is wearing armor and a large cape and cowl.  The cowl is pulled so his horns are not exposed.  Sir Gregory is in full plate with his helm off.

Scene is from just above ground level looking at Aristid.  Sir Gregory is laid out on the ground dead.  He is on his stomach, facing the viewer.  Aristid is above him on his knees, his rapier is through Sir Gregory¡¦s back (and actually penetrating into the ground).  Aristid has one hand on the hilt of the rapier; the other is covering his face as he cries.  The sun is setting behind them.

The panel takes up the top 2/3 of the page.  Text will take up rest with black background.

Text in old English style: *Honor, Truth, Fidelity*

Text regular font: *This day I betrayed it all.  All that I was raised to believe, the very aspects that would have destroyed me if I had not struck.  Do not sorrow for my tears, they are simply a byproduct of the freedom that I have never felt.*

Page 2

Panel 1

A very pregnant mother walks through a small crowd.  The crowd is watching her every move.  She seems fairly plain, very pale skin, red long flowing hair, and a magical cloak.

Text: *My birth was eventful for the small village.*

Panel 2

She is attempting to steady herself against a small cottage.  One hand is on the cottage, the other is on her stomach.  The crowd is away from her still looking but not rushing forward to help.

Text: *My mother was someone of ill regard*

Panel 3 mid-page

She is in her thatch (straw) bed, very much into labor.  Candles illuminate the bedroom.  She is alone in the delivery position, pushing to give birth.

Text: *No one rushed to her aid in her greatest time of need.*

Panel 4

Close up of a small newborn baby.  The baby is normal except for small horn buds on the side of his head.

Text: *I passed into this time as she lay dying.*

Panel 5

The mother has the baby wrapped up in a sheet, cuddled on her chest.  There is blood all over her clothes, sheets, and bed.  She is dead.  An elder woman (Crone, think of the oldest person you¡¦ve ever seen) is at the doorway.  Her eyes are cataracts; skin hangs from her bones, very hump shouldered, walks with a very thick stick.  She has no expression.

Text: *Salvation came in an old crone whose destiny had almost ended.*

Page 3

Panel 1

Looking at the crone over the shoulders of the villagers.
The crone is carrying the baby outside the cottage.   Some villagers have assembled with pitchforks, swords, and torches.  They want the baby dead.  The old woman is standing with the baby clutched to her chest.  Her arms are so old and skinny they almost look like bird feet.  Her hands are so old they look like claws.

Text *But she was not enough*

Panel 2

Looking straight onto crowd.
A local priest passes through the crowd (dressed grand, similar to the pope if you want, including so sort of staff and hat).

Text *my captor claimed me in my first hour of life*

Panel 3

View of the old woman being held by the townspeople, the priest has the baby and looks at it angered.  The old woman is trying to bite the people that have her held with the last few teeth she has.

Text *How different it would have turned out if I had a normal childhood.*

Panel 4

Looking at priest with crowd to the left of him.
The priest walks forward looking grim as the crowd attacks the old woman behind him.  I figure to keep the violence down have the face of the priest walking away and the backs of the villagers with the swords and pitchforks bloodied and doing their work.

Page 4

Panel 1 top of page

Front shot of what looks like the mix of a catholic church and a castle fortress (need the flags of Paragon draped from the castle walls, if you want I¡¦ll start looking into symbols for it).  Paladins on horseback line the road leading to the gates of the monastery.  A covered wagon is approaching the gates (up to you on whether you can see the priest inside).

Text *I was brought to my new prison wrapped in the chains of swaddling*

Panel 2

A cold stone dark room with a rock slab to sleep on and a bucket.  The baby is laid out on the slab and left alone.  Room could be some sort of torture room or just a windowless prison.

Text * and left to the darkness and exposure.*

Panel 3

The door opens and there stands a female, Elisabeth.  Very young and beautiful.  She stands in the doorway with an expression of anger or pity mixed with a little horror.  Think of the redhead warrior from Willow.

Text *my life should have ended that night but gossip had reached the High Father¡¦s  youngest granddaughter, Elisabeth.*

Panel 4

She stands before the throne of the High Father clutching baby Aristid in blankets.  She is pissed.  The High Father is ancient and not very lively almost slumped in his throne as if he wants to die right there.  The walkway up to his throne is lined with soldiers including a young (early 20¡¦s) version of Sir Gregory.

Text *She pleaded with the High Father for my life*

Panel 5

Looking behind the granddaughter toward the Holy Father, Gregory is knelling before him.
Text *Which would have been denied if not for the admiration of a young knight.

Page 4 continued

Panel 6

She passes the baby to Sir Gregory who looks at her with a lot of love and desire.
Text *Thus began my life of servitude*

Page 5

Panel 1

Aristid is now about 8 years old.  He is in a stone room sweeping the floor with a very decrepit broom.  He looks like a typical 8 year old except for the horn budding (midway grown) on the side of his temples.

Text *Years pass and I age*

Panel 2

A priest (young priest, dark hair, lots of hatred) is standing before Aristid with his holy symbol raised, the other students are looking with approval as Aristid is attempting to cover his eyes as if the holy object was full of very bright sunlight.

Priest text screaming *Turn Demon!*

Text *When not caught in the discomfort of servant duties I was forced to learn their education.*

Panel 3

Sir Gregory is standing before his breastplate on a stand.  It is splattered with blood, mud, and other things.  He is bandaged up and has a few wounds from a battle.  He is instructing Aristid how to clean his armor.  Aristid appears fearful of Gregory but is trying to pay attention.  (I¡¦m thinking about a bandage crossing his abdomen like he got a rib broken, and something covering his bicep).

Text *The worst of it was serving Gregory.*

Panel 4 splashed in with previous panel

Aristid is trying very hard to clean and buff the armor with the dirty rags in his hands.

Panel 5

The armor is back on the stand and looks very clean except for a barely visible smudge on the breastplate.  Gregory is standing still inspecting the breastplate while Aristid looks very hopeful that all is done.

Page  5 continued

Panel 6

Aristid is on the floor reeling from a backhanded smack, Gregory is screaming at him, one hand clinched, the other pointing at the smudge.

Gregory Text *Dolt*
Text *For years I believed my service to him would one day satisfy him.*

Page 6

Panel 1

Aristid is trying to run behind Sir Gregory on his horse.  I also thought about making this really mean and having a rope tied from the saddle to Aristid¡¦s waist.  Sir Gregory is in his fine plate mail armor (or whatever you have for his battle armor), Aristid is in very cheap bad looking chaffed leather armor.  It has holes (and old blood) in it from where the previous wearer was stabbed and killed.  Aristid is in really good shape (the muscles are starting to show).  The ramhorns are almost fully formed.

Text *At the age of thirteen I began to follow Sir Gregory on his missions.*

Panel 2

Aristid stands in the background with a clock covering his face and horns as Gregory is in hand-to-hand combat with an ¡§Evil¡¨ knight.  A few people are standing around looking at them as if it was more of a public spectacle vs. an actual duel.

Text* A little less than a squire, little more than a servant*

Panel 3

Close up of the ¡§Evil¡¨ knight¡¦s visor and his eyes looking wide in surprise, if a faceless visor; blood is trickling out of an open mouth.

Text *to a victorious Knight*

Panel 4

The knight is laid out on the ground with Sir Gregory¡¦s sword embedded through him.  The sword is penetrating low down near the stomach and through him.  Gregory is standing away from the dead knight and motioning to Aristid who is running towards him.

Text *and his trail of death*

Panel 5

Gregory enters his tent as Aristid is working the sword out of the body.  The evil knight¡¦s squires (three teenagers between 13-18, all in lesser armor or just armor parts) are approaching Aristid with weapons drawn from behind.  One of the weapons is a long flail.

Text *Always lessons to be learned*

Page 6 continued

Panel 6

The flail strikes Aristid Firmly in the back of the skull.  Blood squirts out from the wound.

Text *and the lessons harsh*
Page 7

Panel 1 wide panel shot

A war is about ready to occur with two sides standing across form each other (in ¡§Braveheart¡¨ style).  They are massed in a valley deep between two hills.  One side in blue army (Civilized warriors lots of money in armor and swords) vs. Red army (Shirts that go down to their knees worn over cheap armor, or have another race like orcs, beastly men, whatever (red and blue is more of an image for you and not a color that they need).  They are a more wild unprepared army.  You are looking from behind Aristid and Gregory at the top of one of the hills down onto the armies.

Text *but under his guidance I learned war.*

Panel 2

The war begins and the two sides are clashing.  Focus on a few warriors fighting with Gregory and Aristid watching in the distance.  The Blues are standing back to back in a tight defensive circle.  The Reds are surrounding them loosely without much thought or planning and seem to be advancing.

Text *Strategy*

Panel 3

Focus on a pair fighting.  The Blue soldier is effectively holding off the Red soldier.  The Red soldier swings wildly over his head with a two handed sword (too large of a sword for him, he appears off balance and too eager for the kill).  The Blue soldier¡¦s sword is up and ready to block, his sword is smaller more his size (he looks very calm and ready).

Text *Tactics*

Panel 4
As the Red soldier¡¦s sword is blocked near the hilt (crossbar by the handle) by the Blue soldier¡¦s sword, the Blue soldier pulls out a dagger from a hip sheath

Text *Intelligence*

Page 7 continued

Panel 5

The Blue soldier drives the dagger up into the Red soldier¡¦s throat as the Blue soldier deflects the sword away (swinging in a clockwise arc forcing Red sword down).  I¡¦m thinking the Blue soldier does a half arc taking Red¡¦s sword with it into the ground, opening him up for the dagger

Text *Devastation*

Page 8

Panel 1

Wide shot of the battlefield littered with 95% red bodies and 5% Blue bodies.  Aristid and Gregory are standing in the midst of it.  Ravens are landing on the bodies and picking them clean.  A few of the blue soldiers are wondering the bodies picking up swords and personal belongings off the reds.

Text *We wandered the ruins amongst the scavengers and the dead*

Panel 2

One red soldier is obviously injured but could survive.  He is injured to the point that he can¡¦t fight effectively.  Gregory points to him.

Text *Picking our trophy*

Panel 3

Gregory has his foot on the chest of the fallen soldier.  He is looking at Aristid and instructing him how to kill.  Gregory¡¦s sword is at the throat of the soldier.  The soldier is pleading for his life.  Aristid is paying no attention to the soldier and listening intently to Gregory¡¦s instruction.

Text *and continuing my education*

Panel 4

Mid shot of Aristid¡¦s face as Gregory¡¦s hand is offering him the hilt of his sword. Aristid looked surprised and eager, while pulling back the cowl (hood) of his cloak.  Aristid is looking at the victim.

Text *I remember watching the butcher¡¦s craft*

Panel 5

Close up of the horror of the Red soldier¡¦s face as he realizes Aristid is somewhat demonic.

Red Soldier *NO!*

Page 8 continued

Panel 6

(From the Red Soldiers POV) Aristid looks intense and joyful at the fact of his first kill.  The sword is jamming down and blood is spurting up from the sword blade.

Text *and seeing the similarities.*

Page 9

Panel 1

Ground level shot at head of dead soldier.  The head is slightly rolled back (off?) the scene is looking up at Aristid who is wiping the blood from the sword and is treating it as a very major moment.

Text *My first kill was the birth of the atrocities I would commit later in life.*

Panel 2

Aristid and Gregory are walking away from the body.  Aristid keeps looking back at the body as they walk off.

Text *it awoke a hunger that I could rarely satiate*

Panel 3 (rest of page)

Aristid walks into Gregory while Gregory is stopped.  Gregory is pulling his sword.  There is a group (five) of red soldiers that have come around the valley wall and are ready to fight.

Page 10 No text (will this number of panels work?)

Panel 1

Aristid pulls a small axe (like one you cut wood with) under his cloak (Right hand) and a hip dagger (left hand).   Gregory salutes the enemy as they begin to approach.  (A salute is holding the blade of the sword up in front of him the blade is flat.

Panel 2

The five enemies fan out and create a half arc around Aristid and Gregory.  They all have weapons ready.  Artistid and Gregory are ready, Gregory has not moved.

Panel 3

Facing Gregory and Red #1
Red #1 come straight at Gregory, Gregory swings out with his sword and cuts cleanly through Red #1¡¦s neck.  The neck is not cut off just cut through.

Panel 4

Aristid throws his axe at Red #2 as he advances.

Panel 5

Red #2 attempts to block it with a large two-handed sword.  He misses and it strikes him in his right chest.

Panel 6

Red #2 goes down dropping his sword.  Red #3 advances against Aristid.  Red #4 (right of Greg) and Red #5 (left of Greg) have advanced Gregory and are fighting him.

Panel 7

Gregory is having difficulty fighting both warriors.  Red #4 slashes hard against his armor (smashes in under ribs).

Panel 8

Red #5 hits Gregory in the side with a mace (heavy blunt weapon)

Panel 9

Aristid ducks the swing from Red #3 and throws his dagger into the back of Red #5

Page 11

Panel 1 (left hand of page)

Looking from side 2/3 body shot seeing him aim arrow
First appearance of Velimi.  He is in Battlemage robes and has a long bow pulled back with an arrow ready to go.  He is aiming down into the valley but there is no answer on who he is about to hit.

Panel 2

POV behind Red #3
Red #3 slashes Aristid (facing forward) cross the stomach, his armor is cut and a line of blood.

Panel 3

Gregory uppercuts Red #4 knocking out a tooth.

Panel 4

Red #3 swings back ready to come forward to kill Aristid.  Aristid is slouched on one knee, wounded ready for the hit.

Page 12

Panel 1

P.O.V. Behind Red #3.
An arrow hits Red #3 between the shoulders.  Aristid is in same position.

Panel 2

Aristid picks up Red #3 sword

Panel 3

P.O.V. Bust shot
Red #4 hits Gregory on the side of his helm, Gregory is going down.

Panel 4

Aristid parries (defends) weakly against the hit that would have killed Gregory from Red #4.  He is still holding his midsection.

Panel 5

Aristid¡¦s sword is smacked away leaving him wide open for the next attack.

Panel 6

An arrow hits Red #3 in the middle of his helmet

Page 13

Panel 1
Velimi (with bow slung on his back) approaches Gregory and Aristid (who are both on the ground, Gregory is unconscious Aristid is on his hands and knees one hand gripping his midsection, blood is dripping between his fingers.

Velimi Text *I am Velimi the Warlock, and you were almost wiped from this plane by one of the most ill prepared armies I have ever seen.*

Panel 2

Aristid looks up, sweat is pouring from his face.  His hair is drenched in sweat and his horns are shown very well.

Aristid Text *My master, is he . . . *

Panel 3

P.O.V. from behind Velimi
Velimi squats down and takes Gregory¡¦s helm off.

Panel 4

P.O.V. Gregory¡¦s bust with Velimi¡¦s shadow on him
Gregory¡¦s head is lying to the side.  A large amount of swelling is visable on the side of his face where he was hit.  Velimi is opening his eyelid and checking his pupils.

Velimi Text *He will live.*

Panel 5

Velimi reaches into his pack

Velimi Text *knocked out cold, but a potion should revive him*

Panel 6

A red potion in a small round vial is lifted to Gregory¡¦s lips.  Small amounts of the potion are running down the sides of his mouth.

Velimi Text *and reduce some of that swelling*

Page 14

Panel 1

P.O.V. looking up from Aristids P.O.V.
Velimi is standing in front of Aristid with his hands on his hips.
Velimi Text *Now, let¡¦s look at you my young novice*

Panel 2

Aristid is on his back.  The wound is starting to coagulate (crust over) the blood looks dark and the cut is not too deep, there is a lot of blood loss.  Velimi has his finger on the wound but not into the wound.

Aristid Text *I am Aristid, servant to Sir Gregory the Bold*

Panel 3

Velimi is looking in his pack for another potion.

Velimi Text *There is a fine line between servant and nursemaid.*

Panel 4

P.O.V. is Velimi¡¦s face.  His eyes are wide starring down at the blade pointed at him

Velimi Text *Ah yes, hello Gregory.*

Panel 5

Gregory is standing with his sword at Velimi¡¦s neck.  His face looks slightly better but not by much.

Gregory Text *Give me that potion, Battlewitch.*

Panel 6

POV Gregory bust
Gregory chugs the potion and the swelling on his face heals.

Page 15

Panel 1

Gregory throws the empty vial at Aristid.

Gregory Text * I could not return home to Elisabeth looking like a barbarian*

Panel 2

Velimi squatted on the ground next to Aristid, Aristid looks passed out.

Velimi Text *Appearances have always been your weakness, Gregory*

Panel 3

Velimi pulls out a vial of blackish-green liquid (can you make a bottle look evil?)

Velimi Text *I¡¦m sorry Aristid, this one is going to hurt*

Panel 4

Velimi takes the top off the vial.

Panel 5

Velimi pours the liquid directly on the wound, as the liquid hits the wound it boils and sticks.

Panel 6

Aristid screams

Aristid Text *Aaarrrrrgghhh*

Page 16 top 1/3 of page

Panel 1

Gregory is on his warhorse (White large horse like a Clydesdale) galloping to the monastery with Valimi behind him.  Valimi is on a ghostly (misty) horse pulling a black levitating disc with Aristid laid out on it, unconscious.  Gregory is carrying his standard (the flag thing) flowing behind him.  (Watch Excalibur, the knights are always doing this)

Text *After two days journey*

Panel 2

Gregory crosses the bridge into the monastery; people are on one knee in some sickening show of grace and admiration.  They are back to their work as Velimi and Aristid cross, largely ignored by the common folk.

Panel 3

People have swarmed around Gregory, Velimi looks pissed because he can¡¦t move.

Panel 4

Bust shot of Gregory turning around in his saddle, he has a little smartass smile on his face

Gregory Text * Do take him in the back Velimi, Let¡¦s not ruin the welcome with a casualty.*

Page 17

Panel 1

Velimi departs the ghostly horse at what looks like a wooden fire escape.
Velimi Text *Homecoming my ass*

Panel 2

Velimi motions to the horse and the horse mist fades from view.
Velimi Text *Pompous son of a weasel*

Panel 3

Velimi steps on the disk holding Aristid, looking down sad at the boy.
Velimi text *he has no idea the prize he holds*

Panel 4

The panel is looking from a bird¡¦s eye view.  Vamili has his arms out about in a 110„a arc out in front of him, palms up.  The disc is rising.

Text offpanel *Velimi, you know that is no way to talk about my husband.

Panel 5

Elisabeth aged about 7 years (it has been longer but I want to show a magic about her)  and still looking very beautiful.  Velimi holds his arms out to hug her.

Velimi Text *Dear sweet cousin, why do you let that abomination touch you*

Panel 6

Elisabeth is down checking out Aristid¡¦s wound.  If you show it, the wound needs to look almost like it¡¦s been burnt or melted over the wound, lightly pink around the wound.

Velimi Text *They were ambushed, and your sweet lover didn¡¦t want you to see his bashed in face.*

Page 18

Panel 1

Velimi is carrying Aristid into what looks like a healer¡¦s room/hospital.
Velimi Text *So, he took the last healing potion to cover his wound*

Panel 2

Aristid is laid out on the bed wound is very visible.

Velimi Text *he took it from the boy who was in far worse shape*

Panel 3

Velimi is stroking his goatee/moustache or chin (don¡¦t know what he looks like) other arm is folded across chest.  He is in very serious thought.

Velimi Text * I had to use an old potion that had spoiled years ago, Luckily I had it or he would be gone.*

Panel 4

Elisabeth sets on the bed across from Velimi

Elisabeth text *I will call the healer to see if there is anything she can do.*

Panel 5

Close up of Aristid¡¦s face his eyes are half open and glazed over.  His mouth is crusty and dry.

Elisabeth off panel Text *The infection has spread*

Panel 6

Close up of Aristid¡¦s eye.  It is still glazed over but a single tear is forming in the corner.
The form of the demon (Anon) is shadowed on the pupil, dark gray on a black surface.

Text *This was my first contact with Anon*

Page 19

Panel 1 (left top)

Aristid is standing in a dark forest; fog is up to his waist, although he seems to glow very faintly like the full moon is only shining on him.  He looks lost and frightened.  There is no sort of ambient lighting everything seems to be backlit from a distance (I.E.  everything looks like a shadow).

Panel 2  (right top)

Looking from Aristid¡¦s eyes at his feet.
The fog before him splits as if it¡¦s showing the way to something

Panel 3  (left middle)

He stands shocked looking up at something huge, reaching for sword that is not there.

Panel 4 (rest of page)

Before him is Anon seated on a large throne (braded dead trees seat is a chopped down Giant Redwood?).  Anon is featureless (in shadow) except for his head (a huge antler rack (think a 50 point elk) that comes out of his forehead and large glowing eyes (think Batman/Spiderman no iris or pupils)).

Anon text (I thought a strange style of text, something that appears ominous or spooky text flows at bottom of the page)
*I have watched you since you were born, and now you near adulthood.  I come to you as I have come to your grandfather and your father before you.  All unknown to the prodigy before them, with a quest.  Free the fetters and bonds the mortals have placed upon you.  They fear you for they know your power young fury, for you are about to be released.*

Page 20

Panel 1

Aristid is meditating at a simple alter.  Looks sleepy and dazed.  Aristid has aged about 2 years.  He is in a simple robe and has his rapier sword out across his hands.

F/X *Thump Thump Thump*
Text *The dream repeated for many years*

Panel 2

Gregory is standing at the door, in full armor.

Gregory Text *You were to be ready an hour ago, move it.*

Panel 3

Artistid puts on fairly nice armor.

Gregory Text * I don¡¦t think in the history of this rectory anyone has ever been late to their knighting*

Panel 4

Both Gregory and Aristid rush down a narrow hallway to the great hall.

Panel 5 Bottom of page

They stop at the open arched doorway.  A line of knights with swords drawn (think Military wedding) are on each side of the carpet leading to the very old, very ill, slouched over High Father.

Page 21

Splash page with panels inserted

Aristid is bowed down on one knee in front of the High Father.  He is muttering the incantations of knighthood and placing his hand on the back of Aristid¡¦s head.  He holds the holy symbol high with his hand as he speaks the ceremony.

High Father Text as if muttering (small fine letters) *And you pledge to uphold the sacred laws of Paragon, to protect the sacred calling of Paragon, to serve Paragon,

Panel 2

Aristid¡¦s P.O.V.
High Father places the holy symbol of Paragon against Aristid¡¦s forehead.

High Father Text (stronger) * to be one with Paragon.*

Panel 3

POV bust shot of Aristid with the priest hand and arm pressing the symbol to his head.
Smoke is coming off the holy symbol and a trickle of blood comes down off the forehead of Aristid.  He looks like he is in serious pain.  A shaft of light illuminates him from above.

High Father Text *By the gods*

Panel 4

Looking at High Father his eyes are wide in distressed.  He clutches the symbol tightly to his chest.  It still looks like it is smoking.

High Father Text *Paragon has spoken*

Panel 5

Gregory has his arm folded across his chest and looks grim.  Elisabeth stands beside him looking shocked.

Page 22

Panel 1

Gregory and Aristid are walking their horses (Aristids horse is midsize and black).  Gregory is a few steps in front of Aristid.
Gregory is looking down at the ground as they walk.  Aristid looks fully healed (but you can¡¦t see forehead)

Text *They both walked for days to a war only one knew*

Panel 2

Bust shot of Aristid the mirror image symbol of Paragon has scabbed over on his forehead.

Text *Gregory The Bold saw the omen from his god imprinted on something beneath his station*

Panel 3

Gregory turns with a sneer there is a lone half dead tree in the distance.
Gregory Text * We should meet up with the supply caravan soon.

Text *and it sickened him*

Panel 4

They are at the tree and Gregory is tying his horse to it.  Aristid has released his reigns and has his hand on his rapier.

Panel 5

Close up of the sword slowly silently releasing itself from the scabbard (cover).
Aristid Text *Sir Gregory the Bold?*

Page 22 continued

Panel 6

The sun is setting and we are looking right at it.  Think of the opening shot.  Gregory and Aristid are reduced to silhouettes due to the glare.  Aristid has stabbed Gregory through the heart with the sword passing blood and gore out the other side, Gregory has hold of the rapier.

Text bottom of the page if need be * All that I was forced to believe, all the very aspects that destroyed me.  Do not sorrow for my tears, they are simply a byproduct of the freedom that I have never felt.*

The End