ACT I SCENE II - THE EMPRESS' JOURNEY\n\n(The darkened stage is set with a lone throne and the Empress sitting upon it.)\n\nThe Taiying Empress: Half-brother of mine! What brings you to the throne room at such an hour?\n\nShang Wu: I should be asking the same of you, sweet sister. Your coronation is set for tomorrow and yet you've already taken your perch.\n\nThe Taiying Empress: Tomorrow, it will not matter. Tomorrow, I shall be Empress.\n\nShang Wu: We shall see about that...\n\n(The stage lights up fully to reveal Shang Wu's forces in hiding ready to strike.)\n\nShang Wu (to the audience): My long-despised enemy shall be forced to flee, and I shall be the Emperor of China!\n\n(Lights out.)

Beginnings of Rebellion

Act I Scene II

ACT II SCENE III - THE EMPRESS' JOURNEY\n\n(Half of the stage is covered in sand to represent the beach the Empress and her forces washed up upon.)\n\nRetainer 1: Your Highness, this island was not on any of our maps, and as for that red, collapsed mountain in the distance...\n\nThe Taiying Empress: We will make camp here. There is a power in this place, an old power... It may be the key to returning home and retaking my throne.\n\nRetainer 2: I do not trust it, your Grace.\n\nThe Taiying Empress: Do you not trust me, your paragon, who led you from persecution from the forces of Shang Wu?\n\nRetainer 2: I apologize tenfold, your Grace. We of course trust our beloved leader.\n\nThe Taiying Empress: Then all is not lost. We will investigate this shattered mountain, and we will harness the energies it holds. So, I might sail home one day to take back what is rightfully mine.\n\n(Lights out.)

Beginnings of Revenge

Act II Scene III

ACT III SCENE I - THE EMPRESS' JOURNEY\n\n(The stage is lit in red tones.)\n\nThe Taiying Empress: And with this Dragon's Pearl I shall convert our band of refugees into my mighty empire!\n\nGuard 1: Yes, your highness. I would follow you anywhere.\n\n(The Empress presses the Dragon Pearl to Guard 1's forehead and he begins to scream.)\n\nGuard 1: I can feel it, the Corruption tearing apart my mortal soul, twisting it! Oh, the agony!\n\n(A mask with rubies where the eyes are is placed upon Guard 1's head from the prop trapdoor.)\n\nGuard 2: I cannot fall to the same fate, I must flee!\n\nThe Taiying Empress: As my loyal subject you will submit to the Corruption. It will make you strong where you are now weak, and afraid.\n\n(Guards 3 and 4 hold down Guard 2 so the Empress can press the Dragon Pearl to Guard 2's forehead as he begins to scream.)\n\nThe Taiying Empress: Rise, rise my champions! You will all have the gift of Corruption soon enough!\n\n(Lights out.)

Conversion of the Guard

Act III Scene I

ACT IV SCENE V - THE EMPRESS' JOURNEY\n\n(The Empress is surrounded by the full cast in the ruby-eyed masks.)\n\nThe Taiying Empress: Where is Zeng Lingyun? Has my most loyal handmaiden truly abandoned her post when she is most needed? No matter. I shall continue on without her, with my new army. First Aeternum, and then the world shall be mine!\n\nFull Corrupted Cast: All hail The Empress, Dragon of Aeternum, destined ruler of the worlds old and new!\n\nThe Taiying Empress: Enough sentimentality. Begin construction on my fleet of ships. The ranks of my legion swell like a mighty red wave preparing to crash onto distant, familiar shores and wash away the pathetic weakness of the old ways. To arms!\n\nFull Corrupted Cast: To arms!\n\n(The Empress smiles and takes her seat on her Corrupted throne.)\n\n(Lights out.)

Finale

Act IV Scene V

Act I Scene II #1

Act II Scene III #2

Act III Scene I #3

Act IV Scene V #4

Named for the black fungus that grows within, the ruins of Chinese settlers lay amidst lush wetlands, majestic waterfalls, and towering cliffs

The Empress' Journey Chapter - NWGuide Database of Lore

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