Title:Taking Route: Legends of Emimencia

Written by Johnny Blaze Leavitt; Based on characters created by Julie Saltman and Johnny Blaze Leavitt

Logline: Courage, resilience, and the enduring power of community. When feeling reluctant to face change, it serves as a reminder that hope and unity can pave the pathway for a brighter future.

Overview: In the magical realm of Emimencia, where Griffins and Flutterbyes live in harmony, a sudden unwanted wave of greedy Goblins disrupts their peace, leading to a struggle to keep their homes and enchanted treasures.

Setting: The enchanting realms of Emimencia, where majestic Griffins of Mount Umentolis and radiant Flutterbyes of Crysalee coexist and celebrate in a sparkling crystal world.

Characters (in order of appearance):

Valedes – a Phoenix – Valedes is the story’s narrator. With bright and colorful wings, Valedes flies over the varied provinces in Emimencia and watches everything with keen interest. A Phoenix is invisible to other creatures unless they choose otherwise.

Majesticore – a Griffin – Oldest and most respected of the Griffins. A bit cranky, short tempered though reasonable, Majesticore is resisting the changes in Emimencia and has a mysterious connection to Klamar the Goblin.

Noblerexix – a Griffin – Noble and regally ruling essence, Noblerexix is a stickler for appearance.

Aureliaxus – a Griffin – This semi-pretentious Griffin has a wonderful golden essence about them. Even if they’re a bit haughty.

Nimbusclaw – a Griffin – Boisterous and fun-loving, Nimbusclaw enjoys a good fight as much as a good meal.

Shergund – a Wolpertinger – Shergund has been voluntold into the role of messenger for the Griffins. This particular Wolpertinger is comes across as dim yet is more than they seem. And there is no one faster than Shergund.

Maldor – a Griffin - Loaded with energy and enthusiasm, Maldor only wants to find friends and defend any creature in Emimencia that’s smaller than a Griffin. A natural born leader, Maldor also has an aptitude for writing.

Calla – a Flutterpillar – Eager to Unfold, Calla endures the taunts of the Flutterbyes while focusing on their development.

Diaphanous – a Flutterby – Very thin and easily seen through, Diaphanous is a bit sarcastic and snide. Especially when Di doesn’t get the rewards or respect they think they deserve.

Vitreous – a Flutterby – Seemingly distant yet surprisingly wise, Vitreous helps bring things into focus.

Jax – a Flutterby – Crafty in more ways than one, Jax has no patience for rude behavior but plenty of time for compassion.

Seren – a Flutterpillar – A bit snarky and a bit competitive, Seren also enjoys antagonizing others.

Kasta - a Flutterpillar – Sweet and simple, Kasta is a happy yet clumsy Flutterpillar.

Xandelve – a Flutterby – Older, refined, and genteel, Xandelve passes the coronet of Eldar to another and retires to a life of tending to the skyodes in the Flutterbye’s nursery.

Eldar Marika – a Flutterby – As the new Eldar to the Kaleidoscope of Flutterbyes, Marika quickly learns their new job involves a lot more than they expected. A bit jumpy, Marika considers how to address their fears.

Talany – a Flutterpillar – As a brand new Flutterpillar, Talany loves fun and yet always responds to danger with bravery and a desire to help.

Kaklin – a Goblin – Rough, tough and looking for stuff, this angry little monster is under orders to lead a group of Goblins into Crysalee to steal their magical items. And anything else of value. Kaklin hopes Monel Klamar will reward their work by making Kaklin a three ‘r’ Genlarrr.

Freet – a Goblin – Just as rough and rowdy as Goblin cohort Kaklin, Freet is more of a follower. Goblins are none too bright but Freet has less sense than the rest.

Zeno – a Goblin – Best friends with Freet and just as “smart,” Zeno is always ready for action. Or to eat.

Vizznak – a Goblin – Vizznak’s knack for invention is only matched by a flair for the dramatic when unveiling unique creations.

Quaggleclaw – a Goblin – Hands equipped with claws adapted for digging and maneuvering through the dirt, Quaggleclaw is the foremost miner among all the Goblins.

Monel Klamar – a Goblin – Ancient, wise, and naturally menacing, Klamar rules the Goblins as their Monel. also has a mysterious connection to Majesticore.

Nya – a Flutterpillar - the newest Flutterpillar seems utterly fearless and has a love for Griffins.

Additional characters that are seen but not heard:

Eldar Brekek – a Salawog

Eldar Beauceff – a Peryton

Eldar Vorla – a Wolpertinger

Eldar Garruffrr – a Fuzzgirr

Plot:

Prologue

The story opens with Valedes as the invisible narrator, giving us the basics we need to join the story.

Act 1, Scene 1

We immediately join Majesticore and the skypride of Griffins in their palace cave atop Mount Umentolis, the tallest mountain in the heart of Emimencia, as they discuss plans to attend and/or participate in the Flutterbyes’ glorification ceremony where the title of Eldar is passed to the newest leader. Majesticore is too distracted by a new medallion in their possession to contribute much to the conversation. Shergund, a Wolpertinger from Peltsberg, has been called upon to run messages between the provinces.

Act 1, Scene 2

In Crysalee, the Flutterbyes are preparing for the Eldar glorification. Some (Calla in particular) believe that there will be another part to the ceremony. Shergund arrives to say the Griffins are on their way.

Act 1, Scene 3

The Griffins arrive. Majesticore  and Xandelve have a conversation about magic and change.

Act 1, Scene 4

Before the ceremony begins, Maldor tries to make friends with too much energy for a large, dangerous creature and inadvertently scares the other attendees. Marika demonstrates their magical aptitude by using a spell to ground the kaleidoscope. Majesticore uses fear to quiet the non-Fairy guests. It is decided that Maldor should perform the glorification. Instead of an Unfolding ceremony for Calla, Xandelve presents two skyodes [crystal eggs] that are ready to hatch. Majesticore helps hatch one and names the Flutterby Talany.

Act 1, Scene 5

Before they can hatch the second skyode, the jealous Goblins from Malacatia leap out of nowhere to plunder the Fairies of their magical items before advancing on to other neighboring provinces. The panicked attendees get in each other’s way instead of fighting them off. The Goblins manage to escape through the cunning use of tunnels, making away with a number of trinkets and treasures, including the second skyode…

Act 1, Scene 6

When the Griffins return to Mount Umentolis, they discover Monel Klamar waiting there, wanting to speak to Majesticore about a medallion… and how MAjesticore has been using the skills of the Griffins to tame the wild magics throughout Emimencia… and of betrayal… and the Goblins’ plans for magic and the future…

Act 1, Scene 7

Valedes explains how the Goblins are popping up throughout the various provinces in Emimencia, taking everything they can get their hands on. We’re then brought to Kaklin and his band of Goblins, overhearing their plans to re-invade Crysalee to specifically grab something they missed last time – the coronet of the Eldar.

Act 1, Scene 8

Believing their involvement in the Goblin Invasion is over, the Flutterbyes try to recover. Eldar Marika and Xandelve discuss how there is more to being an Eldar than Marika previously anticipated. And how to best handle fear. Some Flutterbyes and Flutterpillars bicker about if or how they can help. Calla and Talany show surprising amounts of maturity and leadership. Maldor returns to help protect Crysalee. Shergund flits in and out with updates from other provinces and confesses a particular fear that all Wolpertingers have. Everyone realizes that the Goblins plan to return for a second raid. Maldor forms a plan involving all of Emimencia while the Flutterbyes prepare for… another ceremony?

Act 1, Scene 9

Calla is leading the other Flutterpillars in their crafting lessons, keeping them calm and focused. Vitreous recommends this new ceremony be the Unfolding Ceremony for Calla. The Goblins sneak in, reconfirm their plan, and hide. Calla Unfolds from a Flutterpillar into a Flutterby. Seren tries to sneak in their Unfolding (with encouragement from Diaphanous) but is caught before drinking the Fluttering Elixir. Maldor impatiently watches the skies for any signs of the other Griffins, but the Goblins pounce before the Griffins arrive.

Act 1, Scene 10

Maldor, Shergund, and the Flutterbyes/Flutterpillars are the prisoners of the Griffins. Eldar turns Shergund’s fear into an asset and frees everyone, allowing Maldor to recover the stolen skyode. The other Griffins arrive, along with various creatures from the other provinces. Maldor’s plan has united them all against the Goblins and their invasion is foiled. One last attempt to steal the Eldar’s coronet is tried resulting in a large magical explosion. Vizznak and Quaggleclaw are taken prisoner but Kaklin, Freet, and Zeno escape. The Griffins abruptly leave before any gratitude can be given.

Act 1, Scene 11

Back in the palace cave of the Griffins, Majesticore is supposed to explain the secrets of the Mind’s Eye medallion, but the magical explosion in the previous scene has destroyed those pages of the story! Valedes bends the rules and enters the story just enough to fill in the narrative gap. With the story back on track, Eldar Marika and Shergund arrive just as the Griffins announce their plans to leave the realm of Emimencia for pastures new. The medallion creates a portal and the Griffins start to leave. Before Majesticore leaves, the Griffin helps hatch the second skyode, naming the newest Flutterpillar Nya. Monel Klamar strikes from the shadows, hoping to steal the medallion. Instead, Maldor closes the portal, causing Klamar to disappear (with some help from Nya). Maldor had decided to stay behind, believing there was more work to be done in Emimencia. Maldor is declared the Eminence – champion and defender of all of Emimencia. Shergund is appointed the palace cave’s guard.

Epilogue

Valedes explains how Eminence Maldor has appointed Eldars for all of the provinces in Emimencia, continuing to unify the realm. Through a few lines of narration, Valedes tells the audience that Taking Route will now seamlessly segue into Taking Wing (with hints of side quest stories being available in other formats/mediums. The last thing the audience sees is Nya the Flutterpillar roaring like a Griffin.

Themes:

Resilience and Hope: The story highlights the importance of staying strong and hopeful even in the face of adversity.

Community and Leadership: It underscores the value of community support and the roles of leaders in guiding and inspiring others.

Courage and Sacrifice: The tale celebrates the bravery of those who choose to stand their ground and strive for what they believe in.

Conclusion: “Taking Route:Legends of Emimencia” is a tale of courage, resilience, and the enduring power of community. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and unity can pave the way for a brighter future.

Zoom Reading July 19, 2026