Adventures in Societies and Secrets (Pilot Episode Part 1)

FINN: Hi! I’m Finn…. This is take—how many takes have we done?

SERENNE, offscreen: Five.

FINN: This is take five of the pilot for my show. You’ve probably heard this already… y’know, in my pitch? But this show—which doesn’t have a name yet—is going to be me trying to infiltrate as many cults and secret societies as I can, and recording everything to entertain and educate people! A real episode, um, wouldn’t have this kind of introduction… We’ll have a title sequence and a short rundown of the organization that the episode will focus on! We’ll still have the research part in this episode. We just.. don’t have a title…

SERENNE, offscreen: Finn. Focus. We need to get this done.

FINN: Right! First, let’s give the viewers a bit of background on where we’re heading.

[as she speaks, a slideshow of relevant images plays onscreen, with quiet, mysterious music.]

SERENNE, v/o: Today, we will be exploring the movement that has cropped up recently in our city. You likely have heard of them—the ones media has dubbed the ‘Obelisk Worshippers.’ Their group is characterized by their namesake, the ‘Great Obelisk.’ According to secondhand accounts, it can be found in their palace and whispers secrets to the worthy. In order to access the obelisk, one allegedly must complete several trials, and today, that’s exactly what Finn is trying to do.

FINN: Yes! Thank you, Serenne. I’m going to take their trials and see the obelisk for myself, and share everything with you viewers.

[Cut to an exterior shot of the PALACE. The camera shakes a bit.]

FINN, softly: I’m outside the Palace that used to be owned by the Fae Embassy, and is now the headquarters of the Obelisk Worshippers. I’ve got a hidden camera on my hat and a mic on my shirt, and I’m heading in to try and join them.

[The camera approaches the DOOR, and FINN’s hand reaches up to knock twice. A slot hidden in the ornate knocker slides open, and an eye stares out at FINN.]

DOORKEEPER, threateningly: What do you want? We’ve already said we don’t want any more press. Or… cookies.

FINN: That’s all right! I won’t offer you any cookies. I’d just like to be a part of your organization! You know, see the obelisk! Touch it! Know what secrets it holds! With no ulterior motives whatsoever.

DOORKEEPER: That can be arranged. But we don’t just let in any random people who come knocking. You’ll have to prove yourself first.

FINN: Okay! :D

DOORKEEPER: Fine. You may enter. But be warned… If you prove untrustworthy, we have ways to protect ourselves.

FINN: That makes sense!

[The eyehole slams shut. Several locks click, and a moment later the door swings open. The camera, and presumably FINN, step inside.]

FINN: Yesss! We’re in…

DOORKEEPER: What?

FINN: Nothing! 

DOORKEEPER: Alright. ... Would you mind… turning around for a moment.

FINN: Okay!

[FINN turns around to face the wall. The camera stays there for a moment before spinning around to watch the DOORKEEPER. They pull out a phone and text someone called “keepr dave,” to “come ovr hear pls”. A moment later, another person runs out of a nearby hallway.]

DAVE (?): Hi, Mace! Whatcha need from me?

DOORKEEPER/MACE (?): Shh! We’ve got a newbie… would you show them to the Voice?

DAVE, suddenly also speaking in a creepy manner: Certainly.

...

FINN: Can I turn around now?

DAVE: Yes. Follow me. 

[DAVE starts leading FINN down a different hallway.]

FINN: What’s your name? I’m Finn. That obelisk’s pretty cool, right? I think it’s cool. I love what you’ve done with this palace. Very spooky.

[DAVE slowly tensed up while FINN was talking. Finally, they spin around and look at FINN with an irritated expression.]

DAVE, hushed but seemingly unable to stop themself: Finn. Buddy. I can’t keep up the creepy act if you keep being all… friendly like that. I’m Dave. It’s nice to meet you. Just pretend you’re intimidated once we get to the Hall of the Voice, m’kay?

FINN: Alright!

DAVE: Good. Thanks. pause, they start walking again So, what brings you here? It’s nice to get a new recruit!

[cut to FINN and DAVE standing outside of a large, imposing set of doors.]

FINN, whispering to the camera: This is the entrance to something Dave called the Hall of the Voice! I don’t know what’s going to happen in there, but I’m excited!

DAVE: Shh! 

[DAVE knocks three times on the DOORS. It resonates deeply.]

FINN: Lots of knocking around here, huh?

DAVE: Yeah, there really is.

[The DOORS swing open. FINN and DAVE walk into a dimly lit room with a person sitting in a chair at the other end. It’s like a discount throne room.]

DAVE: O GREAT VOICE, I HATH BROUGHT YO—

FINN: Hi! My name is Finn. I’m here because I want to join your club and see the Obelisk!

Awkward pause

DAVE: O GREAT VOIC—

Seemingly, the PERSON ON THE THRONE, who must be the VOICE OF THE OBELISK, though their mouth doesn’t move: You dare speak directly to me?

DAVE: Great Voice, he’s new, he didn’t mean—

FINN: Yes! I do dare. Will you let me join?

VOICE OF THE OBELISK: Hmm.

FINN: Pleeeeeeassseeeeeee?

[DAVE puts their face in their hands]

VOICE OF THE OBELISK: You are brave… or possibly stupid. I do not believe you have come here to do us harm. It is beyond your nature/ 

FINN: Thank you!

VOICE OF THE OBELISK: /If you can pass our three trials, I see no reason to bar you from THE OBELISK.

FINN: Okay! Thanks, Voice!

VOICE OF THE OBELISK: Dave. Prepare the trials. He has my blessing.

DAVE: Yes, O Voice.

[cut to a seemingly empty room, where FINN and DAVE are standing.]

DAVE: Okay. This is trial one: The Trial of Power.

FINN: The trial of power?

DAVE: No, The Trial of Power.

FINN: How…?

DAVE: I have to leave you here. Good luck!

FINN: Thanks!

[DAVE exits]

FINN: I wonder what the trial will…

[A BEAST enters the room]

FINN: Oh. Hello!

[The BEAST proceeds to try to attack him. Full scripting here would be pretty boring, but basically, it chases him around for a while, and he eventually manages to calm it down.]

FINN: Was I supposed to… kill you? [looks at BEAST] Aw, don’t worry, I won’t do it. But…

[DAVE returns]

DAVE: Hi, Finn!

FINN: Hi, Dave! How did I do?

DAVE: Well, the objective was surviving. And you seem pretty alive. Good job!

FINN: Yay!

TO BE CONTINUED.