🗣️ SCRIPT 2: WEEK 1, DAY 5 (THE FORUM)

 

Host: Kati Evans Topic: The Ceremony of Allegiance (Citizenship)

(Instructions: This is interactive. Be prepared to pause and wait for the audience to type.)

[LINE 1] Tal, everyone. We have reached the end of our first week at The Circle. We have spoken of the Ubar. We have watched a traitor fall for selling maps. We have heard the poetry of the Home Stone.

[LINE 2] But today, we answer the practical question: How do you become one of us? I see many faces here who are Residents, or perhaps visitors from Ar or Turia. You ask, "How do I gain the protection of the City?"

[LINE 3] The answer is Law 1.6. It says: Citizenship requires a formal pledge of allegiance to the Home Stone. It is not enough to just live here. You must Swear. And once you Swear, you gain rights: Trial by law. The right to trade. Protection from foreign slavers.

[LINE 4] I want to demonstrate the seriousness of this oath. I need a volunteer from the crowd who is brave enough to stand on the podium and recite the pledge with me. Who will step forward?

(Wait for a volunteer to walk up. If no one does, point to a specific person or a plant.)

[LINE 5 - TO THE VOLUNTEER] Stand tall. Raise your hand. Repeat after me. "I, [Say Your Name], do here and now..." "...Swear my life and steel..." "...To the Home Stone of Teletus..." "...Above all others, until death take me."

(Wait for them to finish)

[LINE 6] Good. If this were real, the Scribe would now mark your name in the Great Ledger. From that moment on, the laws of Treason apply to you. But so does the protection of every sword in this city.

[LINE 7 - OPENING Q&A] Now, I open The Circle to you. We have discussed Authority, Treason, and Citizenship this week. Who has a question for the Chair?

(Wait for questions. If silence, use a PLANT QUESTION below).

• (If needed - Plant Question 1): "Mistress, if I am a Resident but not a Citizen, can I still vote in the High Council?"

  • Your Answer: "No. Law 1.2.1 says only Heads of Caste vote. Residents may live here, but they have no voice in the government."

• (If needed - Plant Question 2): "Mistress! What if I accidentally walk into the Council Chamber looking for a bathroom?"

  • Your Answer: "Ignorance is dangerous. Ubarate buildings are restricted. If you are found where you do not belong, you may be accused of spying. Ask a guard first."

[LINE 8 - CLOSING] You have survived Week 1. Next week, we discuss The Castes. Why you must have one, and what happens if you don't. We will also have the Sorting Hat ceremony for those looking for work.

[LINE 9] Go forth. Defend the Stone. Obey the Ubar. The Circle is closed!