The Culling of Stratholme

2025/05/25

[Pan camera over basecamp. Enter Jaina, Arthas, Uther and Paladins.]

Arthas: Glad you could make it, Uther.

[Camera cuts to behind Uther and Jaina and pans back slowly.]

Uther: Watch your tone with me, boy. You may be the prince, but I’m still your superior as a paladin.

[Arthas starts walking up a hill.]

Arthas: As if I could forget. Listen, Uther, there’s something about the plague you should know….

[Cut to city. Camera zooms in on villagers running indoors.]

Arthas: Oh no. We’re too late. These people have all been infected! They may look fine now, but it’s just a matter of time before they turn into the undead!

Uther: What?

[Cut back to Arthas standing on the hill.]

Arthas: This entire city must be purged.

Uther: How can you even consider that? There’s got to be some other way.

Arthas: Damn it, Uther! As your future king, I order you to purge this city!

Uther: You’re not my king yet, boy! Nor would I obey that command even if you were!

Arthas: Then I must consider this an act of treason.

[Closeup on Uther and Jaina.]

Uther: Treason? Have you lost your mind, Arthas?

[Cut behind Uther and Jaina with Arthas looming over them on the hill.]

Arthas: Have I? Lord Uther, by my right of succession and the sovereignty of my crown, I hereby relieve you of command and suspend your paladins from service.

Jaina: Arthas! You can’t just–

Arthas: It’s done. Those of you who have the will to save this land, follow me! The rest of you… get out of my sight!

[Cut behind Arthas, showing the Paladins leaving.]

Uther: You’ve just crossed a terrible threshold, Arthas.

[Uther and Jaina start leaving.]

Arthas: Jaina?

Jaina: I’m sorry, Arthas. I can’t watch you do this.

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