The Power of Karun
Part 2 of an Outline For a Young Adult Animated Feature
For part one, click here…
Scene 4: The Flight to Karun
Fade in.
The scene opens under a starlit sky. The Magi, cloaked in darkness, traverse rugged terrains, their journey illuminated only by the celestial bodies above. Their faces are etched with determination and worry, each step taking them further from their homeland.
Cut to a wide shot of the Karun River at dawn. Its waters glisten under the rising sun, a ribbon of life snaking through the arid landscape. The Magi, weary from their travels, reach the riverbank, a temporary haven from their pursuers.
Elder Magi (exhausted but resolute): "Here, we shall rest. The river will shield us, its waters guard our presence."
The Magi set up a discreet camp in a secluded area by the river. They are seen unwinding scrolls and setting up rudimentary instruments, a stark contrast to the sophistication of their previous abode.
A group of Magi, led by the young apprentice, explores the riverbank. They observe the local wildlife – rays, eels, and catfish in the shallow waters. The apprentice accidentally touches a catfish and recoils from a mild electric shock.
Apprentice (in awe): "Master, these creatures... they hold a tingle of power, a sensation I've never felt before."
Elder Magi (intrigued): "Ah, nature's own bearers of the primal force we seek. Observe closely, for even in our exile, the universe continues to unveil its secrets."
The scene shifts to show The Magi experimenting with the electric fish, using primitive tools and natural materials. They construct basic devices, replicating the electrical phenomena they observe.
Voiceover (Narrator): "In this unexpected sanctuary, The Magi stumbled upon a remarkable discovery – the natural power of electricity, hidden within the humble creatures of the Karun River. This revelation sparked a new direction in their endless quest for knowledge."
The camera zooms in on the Elder Magi, who carefully documents their findings on a scroll, his expression a mixture of excitement and solemnity.
Elder Magi (to the others): "This power, harnessed correctly, could open pathways unseen, channels untraveled. We must explore this further."
As night falls, The Magi are seen around a small fire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames and the soft glow of their nascent electrical experiments. The atmosphere is one of quiet revelation, a moment of calm in the storm of their exile.
The scene ends with a wide shot of the camp by the river, The Magi’s silhouettes huddled together, under the watchful eyes of the stars – a testament to their resilience and unyielding pursuit of the unknown.
Fade to black.
Scene 5: The Parthian Process
Fade in.
The scene opens at the Magi's riverbank camp, now transformed into a rudimentary but organized research site. The Magi are immersed in their work, their curiosity fueling a frenzy of experimentation and innovation.
Cut to a close-up of a Magi carefully assembling a peculiar device – a terracotta pot, a tube of copper, and an iron rod, all connected in a precise arrangement. Nearby, other Magi are experimenting with various acidic substances, including lemon juice and vinegar.
Elder Magi (overseeing the experiments): "Harness the elements as we have harnessed the stars. In this union of earth, metal, and liquid, lies a secret most profound."
The young apprentice watches in fascination as the elder demonstrates the device's potential. He dips a rod into the pot, and a subtle spark emerges. The apprentice's eyes widen in amazement.
Apprentice (excitedly): "Is this the power you spoke of, Master? The force that resides within the river's creatures?"
Elder Magi (nodding with a smile): "Indeed, it is. This is our Parthian Process, a way to capture the essence of electric energy, a voltaic junction of our own creation."
The camera pans around the site, showing various Magi experimenting with similar setups, each iteration more refined than the last. The atmosphere is electric with discovery and potential.
Voiceover (Narrator): "In their exile, The Magi had unearthed a most sacred discovery – the ability to harness electricity. With simple materials, they created what would come to be known as the Baghdad Battery, a testament to their ingenuity and resilience."
Cut to a group of Magi gathered around a parchment, illuminated by the soft glow of their experiments. They are seen discussing the implications of their discovery, their conversation a blend of excitement and caution.
Elder Magi (addressing the group): "This power we have unlocked holds great promise, but we must tread carefully. Such knowledge, if misused, could bring devastation as easily as it brings enlightenment."
The scene closes with the Elder Magi gazing into the night sky, a look of resolve on his face. The camera zooms out, showing the camp nestled by the Karun River, a beacon of light and learning in the vast darkness.
Fade to black.