Where this sits in the pilot
The Bastion Inn, the same night Olivia sees the vault. Barron is across the room going over blueprints. Olivia, three drinks past sober for the first time in her life, wanders over to the card table where Jack is playing with Rozito and a Terrassian soldier named Devorlen Koss — an enemy national, on neutral ground.
Olivia arrives at the card table. Jack and the others react politely as she pulls up a chair.
JACK
Olivia. This is Rozito. Chulligan. That’s Pidge. And Devorlen Koss.
Olivia disregards the others. She’s fascinated by Koss.
OLIVIA
You’re Terrassian.
KOSS
The least remarkable element of my identity.1
OLIVIA
I’ve never met one of you before.
KOSS
War keeps the opposition separated.
JACK
Not on the battlefield.
ROZITO
That’s why I prefer the card table.2
OLIVIA
I hope you’re looking forward to the royal wedding as much as I am.
KOSS
Your hope is misplaced. I’m revolted by the arranged marriage of those leisure class infants.
Olivia is the only one shocked and offended by this.
OLIVIA
How dare you! It’s not an arranged marriage. The prince and princess are in love.
KOSS
I don’t see how. Not only have they never met. But our princess is ten years old. Yours is what, twelve?
Olivia pulls out her locket to check the image of the couple.
OLIVIA
Nonsense. They’re obviously of age. And devoted to one another. Look!
Devorlen can’t help but laugh at her naivete.
KOSS
Your proof is in the illustration? Let’s hope the artwork on these walls is nowhere near as accurate.
Olivia glances at all the painted monsters on the walls. Rather than get embarrassed, she gets angry. Jack sees she’s about to toss his drink at Devorlen, pulls it from her reach.
JACK
You play cards, don’t you ’Liv?
Olivia sees her companions holding playing cards. There’s a small pot of money and trinkets at the center of the table.
OLIVIA
I don’t approve of gambling.
JACK
There’s some chance at work. But it’s skill-based. If you can count, you should be able to pick it up.3
Jack winks as he deals her in. Olivia intuits his wily intent and plays the part of an ingenue in over her head.
OLIVIA
Numbers? Oh, dear. It may take me a few turns to get my bearings.4
KOSS
As long as you can feed the kitty, you’re welcome to play.
Olivia puts her locket on the table, sliding it into the pot. Devorlen is amused, anticipating what should be an easy win.
THE CENTER OF THE TABLE – LATER
Now piled high with money and trinkets.
BACK TO SCENE
Olivia and Devorlen Koss are the only players still holding cards. The others have folded and watch the showdown. Olivia lays out her cards for everyone to see.
OLIVIA
Does this add up to victory?
Devorlen Koss flicks his clockwork fingers in disgust, shredding his cards. Jack, Rozito, and Mutt cheer for Olivia. Devorlen stands, straightening his coat in search of dignity.
KOSS
Lucky I’ve another event. Or you might end up taking my arm. I hope you’ll indulge me in a rematch?
Olivia drags her winnings toward her, reclaiming her locket.
OLIVIA
Your hope is well placed. I’m saving money for a dress to wear at the royal wedding.
Devorlen takes his leave, heading toward Barron as he goes.
ROZITO
That was remarkable. Were you cheating?
OLIVIA
Never in my life!
Eppy steps up behind Jack, puts her hands on his shoulders.
EPPY
Which one of you is chasing away my customers?
JACK
’Liv has an affinity for numbers.
Olivia basks in the compliment, feeling close to Jack. Eppy leans down behind Jack and whispers in his ear. Jack smiles at whatever wicked thing she’s just said to him.5 Olivia is not amused as Jack gets up from the table and follows Eppy to the dance floor.
ROZITO
I have a friend you should meet. She’s fascinated by the world outside of Kormor Kirak.
Olivia watches Jack and Eppy partake in some coordinated moves. A mix of Bluegrass Clogging and Irish Square Dancing. Fast. Fun. Complicated. Is Olivia jealous or just curious?
ROZITO (CONT’D)
And looking forward to the wedding.
As Rozito talks, Olivia tracks the moves of Jack and Eppy. Her moving lips betray that she’s calculating their steps.
- 1
Koss's worldview in five words: nationality is the least interesting thing about him, and he'll tell a total stranger so unprompted. Everything he says for the rest of the scene grows out of that same refusal to be reduced to a label.
Distinct Character Voice - 2
Rozito's whole worldview compressed into a deflection — war keeps people apart, cards bring them together, so cards are where he lives. He never states a philosophy; the line does it by being an excuse that's also a value system.
Distinct Character Voice - 3
Jack's rhythm: economical, teasing, never over-explains. He tells her the truth about the game in one clean sentence and lets the wink carry the rest.
Distinct Character Voice - 4
The disclosure beat: thirty seconds after being told plainly this is a skill game, Olivia performs helplessness on purpose. She's not naive here — she's choosing what to reveal, which is a different and more interesting voice than the earnest one she's used all episode.
Distinct Character Voice - 5
Eppy never gets a line in this whole stretch — her voice is entirely behavior: hands on shoulders, a whisper, a smile that isn't explained. Silence is still voice when the reader can infer exactly what kind of person whispers that.
Distinct Character Voice
Read the whole thing
This excerpt is page 30–33 of a 54-page pilot. The full logline, genre, and comps are on the original post — Spec TV Pilot: “Reign of Blood” →
Related pages
- How to Create a Distinct Character Voice — the six-control framework behind every note on this page.
- Reign of Blood: The Dress Shop, Annotated — Szeret's voice, in a scene of her own.
About the author
Jesse Alexander is a screenwriter, showrunner, and narrative designer whose work spans film, television, games, and transmedia storytelling. Scribbler’s Toolbox collects practical frameworks developed from professional story development and production.