The Legacy of Tenes: Rise of the League
A Play in Five Acts
Written by Ramanayan Caesar
in Dark Ages
Cast of Characters
Lords of the League- These are the Lords (and one Lady) who joined the League
of Darkness and Pact of Anaman. Each brought their own land, soldiers, and
resources to the League.
Tenes- Founder of the League of Darkness and Pact of
Anaman. From Piet – early in his life lead Piet to victory over a
large force of invaders which started his rise to power.
Adriel- A powerful Lord in the regions we now know as
Undine.
Gratralie- One of the few female rulers of her day,
she ruled the area near the village of Hoen, which is
not accessible to aislings at this time.
Malakros- Once owner of a massive merchant fleet, Malakros
is the highest ranking Lord of Abel’s territories.
Jamocrias- Descendant of a long line of nobles, Jamocrias
is the ruler of most of Rucesion territories.
Tobias- Originally from Finach
(Mileth), Tobias is the Lord of vast settlements in the region we now know as
Kasmanium.
Suomi/Azekiel- Father of the
legendary Ainmeal, first Emperor of Ardmegh, Azekiel was killed by Tenes, only
to be twisted by Chadul and raised back to life. He became known as Lord Suomi,
joining the League of Darkness and the Pact. Originally from
Sarnath (Gear
Inbhir).
Other characters-
Gardious- A loyal general of Tenes.
Verdialion- Another loyal general of Tenes.
Chadul- God of darkness and chaos.
Anaman Avatar- A servant creature
of Chadul, later a symbol of the Pact of Anaman.
Extras- About 9 or so
extras will be needed to play the parts of soldiers and villagers. Some parts
can be doubled up by different actors.
3 League Soldiers
4 Village Soldiers
Village Solider Captain
Young Solider (aide to Tenes)
2 Castle Guards
Screaming woman (not
actually seen on stage)
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
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 we I cannot and do not wish to
understand.
Tobias: I must go and celebrate
immediately! 20 lifetimes to life! 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:
Stage
Backroom (not visible from outside)
Left
Exit <------> Right Exit
<------- Main Stage ----->
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
Look the scroll attached here for an excerpt from the “Light in the Darkness”
script draft.
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
“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
*Highly recommended by myself.
Recognized works by the author-
“Grimlok and Goblins:
Soceity, Social Structures, and Lore”
