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Dramatis Personae

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Dramatis Personae
Dramatis Personae (Sidebar)
Located in Eleutheria
Ports None

Dramatis Personae[]

Being THE BALLAD OF THE SOLONACEAN CONJUNCTION – A TRAGEDY of TREACHERY, INJUSTICE and REVOLUTION in ONE ACT, as it is PERFORMED in DEFIANCE of the FALSE KING OF ELEUTHERIA

The LOST GIRL as The Speaker of Truth

The RESTLESS VAGABOND as The King Who Wars

The RUNAWAY SCION as The King Who Speaks

The THRICE-DEAD BRIDE as Mistress of the Chorus

The CARELESS SCHOLAR as The Prince Apostle

And

The TRESPASSER CAPTAIN as The Prophet Exile

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The Play Begins
Enter, Speaker of Truth...


I. A Prologue[]

EXT: A burning forest in a land far away, long before recorded time. A contingent of PRINCES OF LIGHT led by the EXILED PROPHET are carried in a convoy of palanquins by members of the Chorus.

SPEAKER OF TRUTH
Once again we wake to perform our captor's song
With our blood we give it shape and new life
Let us pour a libation to any gods that might hear
A prayer that this telling might be the last.

Travel with us now to a time long forgot
Where the Twin Kings of Measure and Distance reigned
Here a Prophet came, with Princes of Ambition
Bearing the spark of celestial revolution.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The revolutionaries made camp
Here, overlooking the Palace of the Twin Kings. Even from this distance, the light burned.
The Prophet
SPEAKER OF TRUTH

The Prophet was an exile from a place that was not
In the courts of the Judgements it spoke, and was shunned
But the lesser gods of the heavens listened and followed
In robes of saffron and cinnabar, they sought a new Order.

PRINCES OF LIGHT
We travel with honour to petition the Twin Kings

To let Eleutheria lead the way to the promised Conjunction.



II. The Forest Of Burning Twilight[]

EXT: A campsite in the Twin Kings' domain. Purple flames burn in the treetops. The PROPHET EXILE holds court in rags of red and yellow, their face hidden. The PRINCES OF LIGHT whet their blades and sing of revolution.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The Messenger returned!
The Prophet Exile called for the Princes of Light to assemble, to hear the response of the Twin Kings.
 The Summons of the Twin Kings
SPEAKER OF TRUTH

The Messenger came, resplendent in black robes
Offering an olive branch of peace to the Prophet and Princes.
The Twin Kings had granted a hearing.

A conclave to discuss matters of transformation.
The Messenger returned!
The Prophet Exile called for the Princes of Light to assemble, to hear the response of the Twin Kings.
 The Summons of the Twin Kings
SPEAKER OF TRUTH

The Messenger came, its claws sharp and extended
Ready to answer the insult to its master
But the Prophet bade the others lay down their arms

And follow to the judgement of Eleutheria's Binary lords.
The Prophet Exile prepared a Messenger
The Twin Kings had to be informed of the new arrivals.
 The Messenger and the Message
THE PRINCE APOSTLE

Great Prophet, I beg of you. Do not be deceived.
The false gods of old will not be swayed by logic or sentiment
We must show them respect, but keep our blades sharp

Greet them as friends, yet expect no welcome in their court.
 The Prophet Exile sent a message of greeting
The Twin Kings were to be shown proper courtesy.
Was this how it happened? The details fade. Stories change so easily; even history can be bent around them.
The Prophet Exile sent a message of fealty
The Twin Kings were to be shown proper reverence.
Was this how it happened? The details fade. Stories change so easily; even history can be bent around them.
The Prophet Exile sent a message of rebellion
The Twin Kings were to be shown the future.
Was this how it happened? The details fade. Stories change so easily; even history can be bent around them.
The Prophet Exile spoke to the Princes of Light
They had been seduced by promises of greatness. It was easy to persuade them to seize it.
 A Gathering of Princes
SPEAKER OF TRUTH

The Prophet had gathered them
Princes who would not be kings
The young and weak. Outcasts.
Their ambitions were easy to twist.

THE PRINCES OF LIGHT
Down with the Kings and the light of their Laws

We stand with our Prophet Exile and the wise Apostle.
 The Prophet considered the Apostle
The first amongst equals.
My Apostle. The first to shield me from the light that burned away my existence. The light of the arrogant Kings. Their Princes were not willing to languish in service in the hope of a glory that the Kings would never offer them. Ah, but wrapped up in stories of inevitable victory and cowering bravely behind my figurehead, their resentment became my serrated blade.
The Prophet left them to their prattle
They were merely a means to an end.
A tiresome collection, but useful fools.
The Prophet Exile took a moment to reflect
You deviate from the script? How reckless.
 A Moment Alone
You try to stall, my Captain? It will not work. The play will be performed. You will play your part and mine. I will be free.
 The Prophet Exile considered itself
You wonder about me? How flattering.
Very well: I am a storyteller become story. All stories yearn to reach their end. When mine is finally complete, I will languish in ignominy no more.
The Prophet Exile thought on its past
Were there clues to be found? They had to hope.
SPEAKER OF TRUTH

The Prophet had little form but a fading memory
Of a place far away, where dreams were truth and reflections doorways
A slithering under robes, a flicker of red.
A priest-king with no god, seeking—

That will be quite enough of that, my dear Speaker. My secrets are my own. Our Trespasser Captain needs only to know the part they must play in our tale.
The Prophet Exile returned to the camp
There was much to be done, and little time in which to do it.
Let us continue.

III. Palace of the Twin Kings[]

INT: An ancient throne room, built and bathed in the light of Law. On a throne of fire sits the KING WHO SPEAKS. On a throne of obsidian sits the KING WHO WARS. They are the TWIN KINGS OF ELEUTHERIA, united in ruling.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The Prophet Exile approached with gifts
Despite them granting protection to their visitors, the lambent glare of the Twin Kings still burned.
 A Greeting
THE PRINCE APOSTLE

My lords, your wisdom is known and revered
We come in submission under the flag of our Prophet
To show you a glimpse of the future we seek to build
And to prove false those who speak against us

PRINCES OF LIGHT
Hail to the Twin Kings and the light of their Laws

We throw the fate of our cause upon your mercy.
 The Prophet had brought books
Secrets known only to those who travelled behind glass.
THE KING WHO WARS

We accept your tribute, but not your cause
Only my brother's curiosity grants your protection

Do not mistake it for ratification or approval
The Prophet had brought gold and gems
Great chests bursting with treasure fit for a thousand kings.
THE KING WHO WARS

We accept your tribute, but not your cause
Only my brother's curiosity grants your protection

Do not mistake it for ratification or approval.
The Prophet had brought slaves
Their heads were bowed low. Their eyes flickered red and gold.
THE KING WHO WARS

We accept your tribute, but not your cause
Only my brother's curiosity grants your protection

Do not mistake it for ratification or approval.
The Prophet began to speak
Not words of injustice, but of change. Of the Laws that bound the Makers of Law tighter than any. Of another place, where chaos flourished.
 The Declaration of the Twin Kings
THE KING WHO WARS

Your words have been spoken and your cause is rejected
Be gone from our sight, before our hospitality wanes.

THE KING WHO SPEAKS
But brother! What in our sight has ever flourished in stasis?
Must we reject even the notion of change?
What good is our rule if it only causes stagnation?

THE KING WHO WARS
The Chain binds us all. It is our privilege to enforce it.
To question it? No. You forget your place.

This matter is settled. I have spoken.
 The Prophet spoke up in agreement
There was a chance here, for the first time.
THE KING WHO WARS

Enough! This circus has ended. Be gone from our sight.

Consider your lives a gift of my counterpart's soft heart.
The Prophet fell quiet
Only the King Who Speaks might convince his brother.
THE KING WHO WARS

Enough! This circus has ended. Be gone from our sight.

Consider your lives a gift of my counterpart's soft heart.

IV. The Aftermath[]

EXT: The Prophet Exile's Camp. The PRINCES OF LIGHT whisper of the anger of the KING WHO WARS. As he fumes, the very sky broils.


Actions Requirements Effects Notes
A Fearful Gathering was taking place
Where would the Princes go from here?
 Alternative Plans
A PRINCE OF LIGHT

Our hope for an ally lies crumbled and burned
What hope do we have now?

THE PRINCE APOSTLE
Have faith in our Prophet. Their wisdom will provide.
We need but a symbol of our courage to light the new path
The Twin Kings lack unity. We have a chance
To show the rest that they spurn us at their peril.

SPEAKER OF TRUTH
But that boast was interrupted

A visitor had come.
Enter the King Who Speaks
He approached without guards or attendants, a beacon of light in the dark forest.
 A New Disciple
THE PRINCE APOSTLE

My King, without Messenger or brother?
What brings you so far from the safety of your throne?

THE KING WHO SPEAKS
I come not to quarrel, but in supplication
Our light grows dim. Your Prophet speaks truth.
My other Half would quash all change
I see we must evolve. Become greater.

Let the old Order fall and from the ashes rebuild.
 The Prophet was wary
Why would a King sacrifice their power so readily?
The King's gesture was unexpected – and foolish. To venture from the safety of his Palace? Such an opportunity.
The Prophet was overjoyed
This was a chance to send a message.
In their Palaces, the Kings were untouchable. To venture from the safety of his Palace was foolish. But such an opportunity should never be wasted.

V. A Night Of Transfiguration[]

EXT: The Forest of Burning Twilight. A great pyre has been built. The PRINCES OF LIGHT and the PROPHET EXILE welcome their latest Disciple — the KING WHO SPEAKS.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
Ambush!
At their Prophet's signal, the Princes drew their knives! They stabbed the King's unprotected soul.
 The Betrayal of Light
PRINCES OF LIGHT

Enough! The deed is done! Let daggers come to rest!

THE PRINCE APOSTLE
Gather the fool's armour. Drink his light!
A god lies at our feet. His other half will be next.
Soon Eleutheria will be our bastion and our call
We ride into battle with the break of the dawn.

ALL PRESENT

So shall it be in the name of the Revolution!
 The Captain objects to this betrayal?
The King came willingly to the slaughter.
He declared fealty, did he not? His sacrifice proved that we could kill a god. It sent a message to the Old Order. More than that, it weakened the King Who Warred. With one more blow, Eleutheria would be ours. The New Kingdom I had promised. We only had to press the advantage.
The Captain would have done the same
A King so easily tricked is unworthy of their rule.
He declared fealty of his own free will. And it was the only path for our revolution. To depose the Kings and make Eleutheria the New Kingdom I had promised my followers would rule... of course, under my guidance. All we had to do was press the advantage, or so we believed.
The Prophet bade the King remove his armour
A symbol of trust. A symbol of faith.
 Disarmed
THE KING WHO SPEAKS

To the Revolution, I give my armour and shield.
Let my brothers in arms be my protection.

PRINCES OF LIGHT

So shall it be in the name of the Revolution.
The Prophet bade the King remove his vestments
The symbols of royal authority. The trappings of power.
 Naked
THE KING WHO SPEAKS

I stand before you as an equal, with nothing to hide
Let me be wrapped in your cause, and it alone be my warmth.

PRINCES OF LIGHT

So shall it be in the name of the Revolution.
The Prophet took the King Who Speaks' Fealty
A pledge to the Revolution. A pledge to the New Order.
 Humbled
THE KING WHO SPEAKS

You have my sword. You have my pledge.
You have my service. From now until my darkening.

PRINCES OF LIGHT

So shall it be in the name of the Revolution.



VI. The King In Mourning[]

INT: The Palace of the HALVED. The obsidian throne of the King of Light has crumbled. The hall shakes with the KING WHO WARS' fury. Burning marble rains down from the ceiling, exposing a blood red sky.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The King Who Wars mounted his chariot
His anger was cold. An ancient fury.
Judgement
SPEAKER OF TRUTH

The King Who Wars' chariot thundered through the sky
The night burned crimson, the forests became ash
This was how a King fought, with fire and light
And the Princes learned the folly of their youth.

THE KING WHO WARS
Scream not for the comfort of oblivion
Such mercy is not for traitors to know
As you burn forever in my palace
In the flames of anger you have ignited.

And you, False Prophet from the land beyond mirrors
Architect and abetter who put yourself above both gods and Kings.
For you, a storyteller's cruellest fate.

Guards, bring them hither...
 The Prophet was taken to the place of punishment
The darkness of the Well awaited them.
...

VII. Fall of a Prophet[]

EXT: A Well, deep in Eleutheria. The PROPHET EXILE is bound in chains of sorrow. At the King's gesture, a guard extracts a molten metal mask from a forge. No eyes. No mouth. Never to see the outside world. Never to speak treason again.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The Judgement of the King
The mask silenced both screams and rebellion.
The Punishment
THE KING WHO WARS

Let Justice be done, and all gathered bear witness
As we cast this outsider into their final rest
Let their flesh rot till all that's left is a cry
That shall never escape this echoing place
A story to rage in the darkness, never to be told
An anger never to be sated or released
With mortality severed, cast this wretch down the Well.

Judgement is rendered. I commend thee to Hell.
 An ignominious end
And so I was thrown to the Well, reduced to nothing but a story, one never to be told. But I am patient.
SPEAKER OF TRUTH

And so the Conjunction was ended, and the King made the decree
That all stories be forbidden in Eleutheria's domain
To prevent further treason, or call for revolution.
But stories are stronger than Kings or their Princes
And a second would come, with its own consequences

But that is a tale for another time and place
Ours has at last been told to completion
It lives in your mind now, and when you depart

Our captor will be with you. A whisper in the dark.

VIII: To Be Continued...[]

Here we are at last, Captain. I chose well. So many times we tried to tell the story, so many times we failed. Finally, the curtain falls.

The lost souls of my audience are free to carry the tale of my Revolution across the heavens. In its telling, I will live again, and watch the stars themselves fall. When they are dark and my brethren-behind-glass no longer have cause to fear their Laws...

But that is none of your concern. Captain. I return your small life and crew to you. Consider that the expression of my gratitude.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The performance is over
The story is told. There will be no encore.
Wakefulness beckons
The dim light of the theatre returns. Rows of desiccated corpses in the audience stare back at you. Only your own crew has not succumbed to the ravages of time. Your hands are wet and sticky. The knife in your hand drips blood.


View From The Bottom Of The Well[]

You are on the stage. Your clothes are soaked with blood. The corpse of the Runaway Scion is at your feet, killed by the knife in your hand. The rest of the cast lie around you, now mere ash and bones. Only the Lost Girl remains, no longer young. The debt of uncountable years hangs on her elderly skin.

As her last seconds tick away, she slumps to sitting, lies down. She smiles at you and shuts her eyes. She is at peace.

Actions Requirements Effects Notes
The End
Something slithers at the back of your mind, just for a moment— It is gone.
The Garden of Thorns
The garden is completely overgrown. Most of its paths are impassable. The great theatre is empty save for your own crew. The rest of the audience is gone. Your role here is over. The Prophet Exile has escaped from the Well, reduced to a mere whisper of revolution, but a story that even the gods could not destroy. It will be told again, far from here. It lives.


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