On Tides of Dread
This popular, fictional tragedy, written by an unknown playwright, explores the events of the rise and subsequent fall of the Dread King. The exciting two-act performance addresses themes of romance and seduction, betrayal, subterfuge, honor, and the inevitability of the events surrounding the Dread King's rise to power.
The Performance during San Futas in Varoona
Act 1
Per tradition in older plays, the opening scene features a portion of the pantheon.The opening scene depicts Therarask in a lavish pleasure house, reclining on a couch. The God of Pleasure is played by a slim elvish noblewoman dressed in jewelry and fine, almost sheer silken gowns. Varoona – played by a Keresello – and Lark – an air genasi painted entirely gold – enter alongside an average looking man, Judas. The gods have some discussion about preparing for a festival before departing each other's presence.
Judas returns to his domain to welcome a stranger, covered in dark robes, into his Temple. He adopts the man as an acolyte, sensing that something is special about him. As the play progressing, this man's appearance slowly shifts to match Judas through clever uses of illusion magic and make-up. It is the Dread King who seduces the High Priestess of Judas as the Oracle in the East reveals prophecies about a great tragedy.
As the festival draws near, Soyolmaa arrives, escorting entertainers from Therarask. She is welcomed as an old friend of the High Priestess. With the festival underway and everyone under the influence of various delights, the Dread King kills the Oracle. As the Oracle dies, she whispers one final prophecy, choking halfway through. The Dread King finds Judas, who welcomes him like a friend. As the two embrace, the lights flash... and only Judas remains.
Judas returns to his domain to welcome a stranger, covered in dark robes, into his Temple. He adopts the man as an acolyte, sensing that something is special about him. As the play progressing, this man's appearance slowly shifts to match Judas through clever uses of illusion magic and make-up. It is the Dread King who seduces the High Priestess of Judas as the Oracle in the East reveals prophecies about a great tragedy.
As the festival draws near, Soyolmaa arrives, escorting entertainers from Therarask. She is welcomed as an old friend of the High Priestess. With the festival underway and everyone under the influence of various delights, the Dread King kills the Oracle. As the Oracle dies, she whispers one final prophecy, choking halfway through. The Dread King finds Judas, who welcomes him like a friend. As the two embrace, the lights flash... and only Judas remains.
Act 2
The second acts opens with Judas, now dressed in armor, in a war meeting with his High Priestess. Soyolmaa arrives, responding to an invitation from the High Priestess. She looks on as Judas discusses plans to attack Oshiv'Ran. The Bhediya leader protests and finds flaws in the plan. When tempers flare enough, the meeting is concluded. Soyolmaa pleads with Judas to reconsider. As they converse, she realizes that this cannot be the God they've worshipped. Sensing her realization and fearing her disloyalty, the Dread King has her slated for execution.
The High Priestess visits Soyolmaa, who has no kind words for her old friend. How has she not felt her own God's death and replacement? How can she sit idly by? Giving up on her reassurances, the High Priestess leaves. Alone in her cell, faced with execution... Soyolmaa whispers in disbelieve: "You knew, and yet...".
A massive battle is fought, mirrored by the nightmares the High Priestess is plagued with as she waits safely in her Temple. The figure of her friend berates her from beyond the grave. When the battle concludes, the High Priestess welcomes home her defeated lover. When alone, she embraces him... and stabs him and herself through the heart, holding him as he dies in her arms.
The lights go dark, but the play does not end. It is the Dread King who receives the last line in the play:
"To ashes this body may fade... but where there is light, my shadow remains."
The Main Cast
- Judas, the God of Merchants, Luck, Wealth, Commerce, Trade, and Good Fortune
- The High Priestess of Judas
- The Oracle in the East
- The Dread King
- Soyolmaa – leader of the Bhediya peoples
- Varoona, the Goddess of the Sea, Youth, Chaos, Freedom, and Growth
- Therarask, the God of Pleasure, Hedonism, Debauchery, Trickery, Illusion, and Devotion
- Lark, the God of Creativity, Inspiration, Art, Poetry, Writing, and Performance
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