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The Legacy of Tenes: Rise of the League A Play in Five Acts Written by Ramanayan Caesar in the Dark Ages Cast of Characters Lords of the League: Tenes Adriel Gratralie Malakros Jamocrias Tobias Suomi/Azekiel Other Characters: Gardious Verdialion Chadul Anaman Avatar Extras: 3 League Soldiers Scene I. [We hear Tenes’s voice speaking from behind the left corner of the stage.] Tenes: Today is a glorious day. I have taken my rightful place among the people and shall rebuild this land back to the great glory of Hy-brasyl. I have gained trust among Lord Adreil and Lady Gratralie and we shall soon be discussing a possible alliance… [The scene opens, Tenes, Adriel, and Gratralie, are seated around a table in a large room in Tenes’s castle. The mood is full of success mixed with strain] Tenes: *grins* Now our lands are one, *quietly* Hy-brasyl comes closer to rising again. Adriel: At least it will keep those northern ones at bay I grow tired of wasting resources dealing with barbarians. Gratralie: It is a pity Malakros wouldn’t join us, even I couldn’t convince him. Adriel: Malakros is one who likes his own things his own way. *laughs* That kind of thinking that will get a sword through your back if your not careful. Tenes: Today will be remembered as the first step in rebuilding Hy-brasyl, if you would join me in a toast. *pours wine bottle into three glasses, gives one to each* To hy-brasyl! Adriel: To the end of lawlessness! Gratralie: To us! [They drink. Exit Adriel and Gratralie to the right] Tenes: My destiny grows closer, I can feel it. [Enter Gardious from the left who stands next to Tenes] Gardious: I believe you may be right highness it seems some more lords of Temuair are interested in your ideas. Tenes: And what of Finach and Niara? Gardious: Opposing you as always highness. *chuckles* I sometimes wonder what kind of leaders they have. Tenes: That question has come to mind many times. Both have strong warrior traditions. Gardious: Aye, I would think perhaps that they fear losing their standings once people see how outclassed they are. Tenes: Indeed, come let us go review our current situation. [Exit Tenes and Gardious to the right, the scene closes] Scene II. [We hear Tenes voice off stage from the left] Tenes: I grow more powerful over these past three years. The people respect me more. I still encounter those who toil with the dark element. But only I have used it for victory many a day. [The scene opens, a grassy plain outside of a village. Tenes, Gardious, and Verdialion with 4 men are seen on the left. All are heavily armored but their swords are not draw. To the right stand 5 soldiers heavily armed with swords and shields ready.] Tenes: Your village will surrender now. General Verdialion… [Verdialion and two men draw their swords then advance near the other group stopping in front of them] Solider Captain: Halt, this village is under our protection. We have no intention of joining your lands or surrendering. This is your last chance to leave. Tenes: No my friend, this is your last chance. Solider Captain: Now! [The captain stabs one of Tenes soldiers near him. The soldier falls dead. Tenes men engage the village soldiers. Verdialion stabs one of the village soldiers through the chest killing him instantly.] Tenes: Now you’ve done it captain. [The rest of Tenes’s group draws their swords. The two sides fight. One of Tenes soldiers wields a staff (holy Diana) revealing himself as a wizard] Wizard Solider: Elemental Darkness strike down these foes! [Thunder sound is heard. Dark Clout effect is cast on the Captain. The Captain falls dead] Solider Captain: Curse you Te…*falls over* Solider 2: Retreat! [The surviving two village soldiers exit to the right.] Tenes: Well done. Clean up this mess. *points to the dead bodies*. Hang them outside the village gates to give the people a reminder of what happens to those who defy me. [Exit all except Tenes. Tenes paces around before stopping in center stage.] Tenes: I am reminded of an old tune from Piet. Well it would seem a good time to get into the practice of singing praises. Tenes: *sings* And so now I shall advance to my next campaign. Another village to conquer, with each enemy slain, another step to Hy-brasyl I bring this land no more shame. If they would only trust me more, seeing that I bring glory! But why must people fear change? Can they not just trust their leaders? Are they foolish enough not to realize that I am clearly superior? Can they not see that I am their only hope? [Enter Gardious and Verdialion, who stand one pace behind Tenes together] Gardious and Verdialion together: *sings* And so now we shall advance to our next campaign. Another village to conquer, with each enemy slain, another step to Hy-brasyl we bring this land no more shame. If they would only trust our lord, seeing that he brings glory! Another village conquered! More examples made! Yet the people continue to defy our lord are they not insane? The examples will continue, our lord will grow in fame! And the people will rejoice at the rising of Hy-brasyl once again! [Enter Tenes soldiers who stand beside the two generals] Soldiers together: *sings* And so now we shall advance to our next campaign. Another village to conquer, with each enemy slain, another step to Hy-brasyl we bring this land no more shame. If they would only trust our lord, seeing that he brings glory! Another battle fought! Many kills were made! The people still defy us slaying us using any means! More battles will come more kills will be made! Perhaps then the people will understand that our lord knows the right ways! All: *sings* And so now we shall advance to our next campaign. Another village to conquer, with each enemy slain, another step to Hy-brasyl we bring this land no more shame. If they would only trust us, seeing that we bring glory! Hy-brasyl grows closer! We annihilate all those in our path! We will never rest until the glory of this land is restored no mater how long it may last! Many come to join us, but more defy us! So away we go onto our next campaign! Time will tell the story of our deeds! [Exit all, Tenes and generals to the left, the rest to the right. The scene closes] Scene III. [We hear Tenes voice from left of stage] Tenes: I have smashed all those have opposed me and bring many lands under my control. Soon I shall preside over the greatest alliance in the history of Temuair! Hy-brasyl will rise again! [The scene opens in the same room we saw in scene I. Seated around a large table are Tenes, Adriel, Gratralie, Malakros, Jamocrias, Tobias, and Soumi.] Malakros: I find this idea most interesting Lord Tenes. Tobias: As do I but what can I hope to gain allied with all of you then I could not achieve myself? Jamocrias: I share similar views Lord Tobias, but I am not sharing my glory with anyone. I think I’ve heard enough. *gathers himself up to leave* Suomi: *firmly* Sit down Jamocrias I’m sure Lord Tenes will address your concerns. As you know I have already agreed to Lord Tenes proposed plan. Jamocrias: *looks uneasy, then sits back down* Tenes: Gentlemen I understand your concerns I would have the same ones should I be in your positions. But consider this. Tobias you have been attempting to conquer the area around Roton for some time correct? Tobias: That is correct Lord Tenes but it is only a matter of ti… Tenes: *cutting him off* Regardless you cannot take the area because you must keep extra troops on guard to protect the northern forest villages from attack by Goblins and similar concerns. Becoming part of this alliance will increase security for all of us. We can work together as one kingdom to keep the peace with and rule with an iron first. You have found our current alliance most acceptable and beneficial Lord Adriel and Lady Gratralie? Adriel: Most beneficial Lord Tenes. I could never have achieved the peace and order my lands currently maintain alone. Gratralie: Adriel is correct, our alliance with Tenes has achieved for us things far greater then we ever could have alone. All of us joining together will bring ever more peace and stability to Temuair. Malakros: *unexpectedly* Well I am convinced; I will sign right now Lord Tenes. Tobias: As shall I. Jamocrias: I’ll have to run this past the nobles, but I think I will join as well…for now. Tenes: Excellent soon Hy-brasyl will rise again thanks to us. *ponders* But we will need a name for our new alliance. I was thinking something of “The Crusaders for Hy-brasyl”, or “The Pact of Revitalization”. Suomi: *chuckles* those names are all fine and well *pauses*…for army names, certainly not an alliance. We need something to impose fear in those who might dare oppose us. Adriel: The Pact of Steel. Soumi: Actually I was thinking something of “The League of Darkness”. Tenes: I hardly think that would be a good name… Suomi: All in favor? Adriel, Gratralie, Malakros, Jamocrias, and Tobias together: Aye! Soumi: All oppose? Tenes: Fine, the League of Darkness it is. *rolls his eyes* [Enfernal Death sound plays] Malakros: What was that? Suomi: *glancing around* It seemed to come from all around us. Tenes: *low toned* Why do I have a bad feeling about this…? [Exit all, Tenes, Soumi, and Adriel to the left, the rest to the right. The Scene closes] Scene IV. [We hear Tenes voice from the left of the stage] Tenes: Friction grows among the League; despite the many successes we have over the past years had each wants their own lands to do as they please. I shall have to look into this. [The scene opens; it is the same room we saw in scene III; however it is much more decorated with things such as spoils of war. Tenes, Adriel, and Suomi are seated around the table. The later two appear to be having arguing for some time. Gratralie, Malakros, Jamocrias, Tobias are also in the room, apparently looking at several new paintings near the right side of the room.] Adriel: *slaps the table* This is not acceptable! Taxation collected from the border regions around Tagor should go to my kingdom and not yours! Suomi: Tagor has always been under Soumi’s spear of influence since the formation of the league. Obviously they go to me not to you. Look here this is Suomi’s spear *draws a circle on the map*, not yours! Tenes: *looks back and forth and Adriel and Soumi* This is pointless, if we can just… Adriel: *pointing at the map* That region belonged to my father and his father before him! Now you claim it as a spear of influence? [The other lords who were observing the paintings have no turned to observe the argument] Suomi: Then why are no soldiers from Undine stationed their? Perhaps if your father hadn’t been a coward hiding in his castle… Adriel: *rising from his seat* How dare you! *slaps Suomi across the face* Soumi: *almost falls backward, then rises* Now I know your whole dynasty is of fools! [Suomi draws his sword, Adriel does like wise. The other lords step back making room. Tenes, not armed, quietly takes a ceremonial sword from the wall.] Adriel: Rarr! *thrusts at Soumi* [Suomi blocks and moves to strike, Tenes moves in striking down both of their swords] Tenes: *yells* Enough! This has gone far enough! We are supposed to rule the world together and this is how you act! Adriel: Fine Tenes, just fine. [Adriel puts his sword away. Exit Adriel to the left.] Suomi: *waves his hands around at no one in particular* [Suomi puts his sword away. Exit Suomi to the right] Gratralie: I take it today’s meeting is finished? Tenes: Yes you can all leave. [Exit all except Tenes to the left. Tenes puts his sword away.] Tenes: *mutters to himself* Band of fools, lets see what today’s news says. *sits down next to fireplace, reading some papers* [There is a knock at the door. Blunt strike sound effect is cast.] Tenes: What is it now? *rising* Tenes: Enter. [Enter a young solider stops in front of Tenes] Young Solider: *bows* My lord there is some news from Muc-Moor that has just arrived, it appears fighting has broken out within the city and troops from Finach have been called in to restore order. Tenes: Strange Finach would not go that far out of her borders unless something in her interests was threatened. Very well tell general Gardious to send out a small scout force to Muc-Moor to investigate further. Young Solider: *bows* My Lord. [Exit young solider to the right] [Tenes is pacing around the room then he stops as if he heard something] Tenes: Is someone there? *looks around the room* [Infernal death sound is casted. Chadul’s voice is heard from behind the right side] Chadul: You cannot accomplish your goals in one lifetime. Tenes: *alarmed* What was that, who is there? [Tenes draws his sword] Tenes: *looks around* No I am just too tired; see I am talking to myself now. [Tenes puts his sword away. Exit Tenes to the left. The scene closes.] Scene V. [We hear Tenes voice from the left] Tenes: For twenty years we have hardly accomplished anything. Sure we now rule most of Temuair but Hy-brasyl is not going to rise anytime soon. My age is catching up with me…I am getting more tired as are most of the other Lords. I prayed to Danaan but she did not answer, it is Chadul to whom I pray to now. He has not spoken in person but I have seen his signs…I hope I know what I’m doing. [The scene opens, in Tenes bedroom in his castle. Tenes is praying] Tenes: I pray to you Chadul, god of life and death to grant me more time to finish my work so Hy-brasyl might rise again. It is I Tenes, lord of… [Infernal Death sound is cast. Enter Chadul from the left.] Tenes: *is shocked* L-L-Lord Chadul…your… [Tenes takes a few steps back.] Tenes: *kneels* Chadul: Taken human form? Yes anyone who would see my in my true form would not survive long after. *Pauses and looks around* Arise my friend. I would speak with you. Tenes: *realizes he is still kneeling, rises* You have answered my prayers? Chadul: I have been watching you and your campaigns for some time. You know you are respected by many whom you might not think and even those who you do not even know of. Tenes: I am honored. Chadul: Of course, I know that time is gaining on you. You feel slower more old? One the many misfortunes of being mortal. Tenes: Yes Lord Chadul you are correct. Chadul: You and I both you know you will never accomplish what you seek to do in one lifetime. I might be able to help you solve your problems…by granting you a longer life. Tenes: I am certain you could but what would be the price? Chadul: Good I like someone who is direct with it. I will grant you and the rest of your League a one thousand year life span. When you die you will be able to escape my realm, if you would like that of course. However the price would be..how do you mortals say it? I would “own” your souls if probably the best term I can think of. No you would not lose freewill or any power just that I would own you. It has implications which you cannot possibly imagine. Will you agree? Tenes: I think I shall…I will need to discuss this with the other lords. If I may, there are others in your realm who should not be there and should be able to escape, you clearly want this much, would you agree to allow this? Chadul: You know to play this game well my friend. I will agree to what you request. Soon my associate will deliver the paper work. *pauses* And remember this is nothing but a dream. [Exit Chadul by means of scroll] Tenes: *wakes up* What was…that real? [Several sounds are heard outside of Tenes bedroom, (of stage right)] Women: *screams* Run it is the dubhaim! First Guard: You can enter here…ahh *gets thrown against the wall* [Enter Anaman Avatar] Tenes: *is frozen in fear, but also curious* Anaman Avatar: Sign here to begin the Pact of Anaman my master spoke of. *Puts a scroll on the table* [Exit Avatar by means of scroll] Tenes: *picks up scroll* [Two heavily armed guards come rushing through the door] Guard 1: My lord are you alright there was a… Tenes: Never mind that, go dispatch fast riders. Find and bring me all the members of the League immediately! I don’t care if they are sleeping but get them here! Guard 1: Yes my lord *bows* Guard 2: *bows* [Exit both guards to the right.] [About 30 seconds later enter Adriel, Malakros, and Tobias from the left] Adriel: *angry but sleepy* Lord Tenes this is an outrage I was literally dragged from my bed! Malakros: I agree this is… [Enter Gratralie, Jamocrais, and Soumi from the right] Suomi: Lord Tenes this had better be good, I happen to be in the middle of something very important! Gratralie: Seducing young maidens? Oh very important… Tenes: Enough, this paper will grant us life a thousand years and escape from Chadul! *discusses it with the other lords* [Tenes walks in front of each Lord] Tenes: It is done then, only my signature remains. *signs* Jamocrias: I feel different…younger, stronger! Tobias: As do I! Tenes: Yes, it must be the effects of our aging beginning to slow. My friends I hope I know what we are doing. We are playing with powers that have results I cannot and do not wish to understand. Tobias: I must go and celebrate immediately! 20 lifetimes to live! Lord Tenes do you have wine and good food somewhere in here? Tenes: *laughs hysterically* Oh Tobias I suppose we should look to our greedy self’s now. Take the 3rd door on the left ourside my chamber. I’m sure the cooks can get some things. Suomi: Lord Tenes, you have given us the greatest gift of all. Let us celebrate this! All others except Tenes: Aye! Tenes: Yes, yes go celebrate. I will join you all shortly. [Exit all but Tenes. Suomi, Tobias to the right, the rest to the left, the scene closes] Tenes: *slowly* They can escape now, granted that must be worth something. [Fade in effect on Tenes.] [Exit Tenes to the left. The scene closes. The play closes. Actors should come out and take a final bow.] Notes for Production This play was written for production at the Mileth Fair grounds theatre although it can easily be adapted to be preformed at most other theatres or if need be in most locations. The stage directions for the script are written for a theater designed similar to this: Left Exit <------> Right Exit Some directions say enter or exit from either left or right. Also there are numerous special effects available at the Mileth Fair Theatre that the mundane can cast on the actors. Some uses of them are in the script. ((In regular play scripts stage directions are donated in [ ]. However some of the characters actions are donated in action asterisks * * to actually be spoken when that character speaks. This is done because of the limited actions characters in Dark Ages can actually perform.)) Recommended Costumes- The director should chose garments based on the feel of where the play is being produced and garments available. The bellows are my own personal views on what would be best. Tenes- Tenes is a warrior and a noble. During the battle scenes Pure Grand Master Warrior armor with an empowered (red) escalon sword. During other scenes an old style Burgess cloak is recommended. The other Lords and Ladies would look best in formal clothing from the Oren Ball and Temuair Fair. Generals: Warrior 97 armor. (One normal and the other Oren Dyed) Chadul: Plain cowl and blue boots. Anaman Avatar: A difficult creature to match. I would recommend priest or wizard nightmare armor robes with a dwarfs helm. Others: The soldiers can guards can be clothed and armed with whatever is available and fits the scene, but formal clothing should not be used. Sequels- Rise of the League is the first play in a trilogy in the Legacy of Tenes series. The second tentatively titled “Light in the Darkness” is currently about half complete and expected to be published some time before Temuair Awakening Festival at the Mileth Fair Grounds. This play will detail the rise of Ainmeal and the shadowy past of Lord Suomi. The third play tentatively titled “Imperator” will likely also be published at the Temuair Awakening Festival. Imperator will deal with the war between the League of Darkness and the forces lead by Ainmeal and end in the final battle of Loures Castle and the crowning of Ainmeal as first Emperor. (Note from Deoch 110: "Light in the Darkness" was never written and I have no plans to. "Imperator" eventually became "Tragedy of Tenes", another play of mine, though much different in tone and syle then this one.) Performance- Rise of the League will likely be preformed at the upcoming Temuair Awakening Festival along with the two sequels, although there may be a earlier performance. Check the Events of Temuair board for upcoming details. Further Reading on the League of Darkness and related topics- “Journal of Tenes” and “The Forgotten Pact” by NitroTFD* “The League and its Pact of Anaman” by Rookerin “The Blood of the Forgotten Empire” by Chloe “L’Imperatore” by Etienne* “Before the Shadows Dance” by Cronus “Chaos Ascendant” “Grimlok and Goblins: Soceity, Social Structures, and Lore” |
