Commissioning: No more Half Dead Zombie Controls

Long ago, when the air was pure and the land bountiful, a kind and prosperous King built his kingdom, “I will use my gold to make a better life for my people. I will hold nothing back from them”. True to his promise, the King built citadels and castles filled with wonderful and complicated machines. The machines kept them warm in the winter and cool in the summer and the people were comforted. The kingdom prospered and the people delighted in all that the King had given them.

In the years that followed, excitement gave way to concern. The people discovered that some of the machines had never been finished. Others had never been tested. Still others were broken and difficult to fix. As their buildings became uncomfortable, the people became sick and unproductive. Moreover, the machines poisoned the air and the weather became foul. The land was plunged into darkness and the people were miserable.

In time their suffering became unbearable. “What shall we do!” they cried. Some said, “Let us go to the King. He is kind and wise. Surely he will save us!” Still others grumbled against him, “This is the King’s fault! We were happy before he did this to us.”

In the depths of winter, the King sat huddled upon his throne. Rumors of rebellion had reached his ears. “Your treasury is nearly empty. Your gold spent. Your buildings cost more to warm and cool then promised.” said his Manager. “What shall I do?” lamented the King, “Despite all my wisdom I cannot solve this problem.” Just then his Counsellor entered. “Your people are outside. They demand an audience with the King”, he said.

The people stood before the King and poured out their complaints. The Kings eyes darting back and forth like those of a trapped animal. Finally, he could bear it no longer. “Quiet!” he roared. The people were shocked. “Never has our kind King spoken to us this way”. The room became silent as despair settle on their hearts.

In the deepening gloom an unexpected sound caught their attention. A song drifted in. “Open the doors!” ordered the King. The doors were opened and a Minstrel, riding on a donkey, approached the throne. The King and the people listened as his song resonated from the vaulted ceiling of the Throne Room. It was beautiful and filled the people with hope. The Minstrel sang of order, reason, and understanding. The song made the complex seem simple and spoke of all that was good. In the silence that followed the King spoke. “Who are you and what is the meaning of your song?”

“My name is Commission”, said the Minstrel and placed a Scroll in the Kings hand. “The message I deliver will save your kingdom from your unseen enemy, the Half Dead Zombie Controls.” With a grateful heart the King unrolled the Scroll. “Be wise O King! If you follow the way of the Scroll your people will be productive, your land restored and your treasuries full.” the Minstrel said as he turned to leave.

The King and his people studied the Scroll and promptly did what it said. The scroll taught them about sustainable economics. It taught them simple strategies to defeat their unseen enemy. The gold in the Kings treasuries multiplied as his buildings were restored. The King instituted a new order to protect the prosperity of the Kingdom; The Knights of Building Commissioning. It became the goal of many young women and men to learn the ways of the Scroll and one day serve the Kingdom in this way. As the years progressed the Kingdom became prosperous beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

Cowritten by: Rob Sentis, PM & Storyteller