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Stone of Destiny
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Anonymous writes...
In "Rock of Ages" the Stone of Destiny is seen talking to David Xanatos in Leith and King Arthur in the Lantern of the Abbey at the exact same time November 15, 1:06 PM GMT. Then on the next page, the time it's talking to Arthur changes to 1:07 AM GMT, twelve hours earlier. Was the first one a mistake or was it meant to drive home the point that the spirit of destiny can inhabit any vessel, even a supposedly fake one?
Greg responds...
I'm looking at the issue now.
It appears there is a typo for Arthur. He should be A.M. on both pages. It's very frustrating that I missed correcting that.
But there were no fake vessels. A rock is a rock. So that is part of the point - not of the error - but of the story.
Todd Jensen writes...
In the Stone of Destiny story in "Clan-Building", you depicted the Stone of Destiny as having been, among other things, the stone that Moses struck to provide water for the Israelites in the wilderness. I was familiar with this story from the Bible, but I wanted to know: was the equating of the Stone of Destiny with the stone in the story of Moses your idea, or was it part of the Stone's mythology, like the identification of it with Jacob's pillow-stone at Bethel?
Greg responds...
I think it was part of the legend... but honestly I'm not sure. And I don't have my research handy here at Warner Bros to check.
Vaevictis Asmadi writes...
Hi Greg,
Thanks for posting the radio plays.
Reading the chronological version of 7-8-9 reminds me again that this story is like a mystery... when you know from the beginning what happened and when, it isn't nearly as interesting.
"The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Moses, who led the Hebrews out of Egypt and into the desert… bringing forth water from Jacob's Pillow to quench their--"
"You said Moses gave the Stone to Gathelus and Scota before leading the Hebrews out of Egypt!"
"The story is told…"
<pause> "Though who can say if it be true? Right. Continue."
"The Hebrews passed the Stone down the centuries, until the prophet Jeremiah offered it in dowry to King Eochaid of Ireland when he wed Tamar Tea Tephi, Princess of Judah. Eochaid ensconced the Stone at Tara and dubbed it Lia Fail."
===========SPOILERS!!!==========SPOILERS!!!=========
This exchange reminds me of the scene when Hudson (examining a copy of "The Death of Arthur"!) asks King Arthur if any of the stories are true, and he replies "All things are true... few things are accurate." With the revelations about the Stone, it's pretty awesome that BOTH of Shari's stories are equally true. I really like that.
Also, it lets me write this:
Hebrew messenger: "And as the dowry of our princess Tamar Tea Tephi, we will give to your king Eochaid the Stone of Destiny itself..."
Gael messenger: "Well, I'll ask him, but I don't think he'll be too keen... you see, he's already got one."
Random Hebrew 1: "What did he say?"
Random Hebrew 2: "He said they've already got one!"
===========SPOILERS!!!==========SPOILERS!!!=========
Greg responds...
The "All things are true... few things are accurate." line is one of my personal favorite lines I've ever written.
Vaevictis Asmadi writes...
Greetings Greg,
No con journal from me obviously, just questions inspired by Clan-Building Volume 2.
============CAUTION: MAYBE SPOILER-ISH================================
I have a question (or two), which I really hope you are willing to answer. In a response years ago, you suggested that the Stone of Destiny might be either a magical object, or a Child of Oberon. However, the new trade paperback has seriously called these possibilities into question. Neither of them look very probable to me at this point.
So my question is:
Is the Stone of Destiny (or the Spirit of Destiny) one of the Third Race after all?
Is it a magical talisman?
============CAUTION: MAYBE SPOILER-ISH================================
As always, thanks a bunch for answering fan questions!
Greg responds...
Depending on how you define things, it could be either, both or neither.
Todd Jensen writes...
After over a year's wait, it's over. I finally get to read the final third of the Stone of Destiny story.
* SPOILERS FOLLOW*
I'd done a lot of speculating on what stories about the Stone Shari would tell in this issue, and researched the Stone. Three of the four stories I'd expected made the issue: Edward I's seizing it in 1296, Robert the Bruce giving a piece of it to Cormac Maccarthy which became the Blarney Stone, and the 1950 theft from Westminster Abbey. Not a bad record.
I was also pleased to note that Macbeth (apparently) helped out his fellow Scots at Bannockburn. I'm glad that he remembered his old country, despite all the centuries.
So it seems we're getting a taste of future Coyote developments when Coldsteel remarks that the robot has potential.
We meet Blanchefleur, Duval, and Peredur at last - and I was surprised to discover that Peredur (whom I assume to be the same as Percival; I know that "Peredur" is the Welsh form of Percival's name) is a different person from Duval. You really know how to surprise people; now we'll never take any "canon-in-training" information for granted again! There seem to be quite a few people with missing eyes running about the Gargoyles Universe: Odin (though that's been fixed), Hudson, and Duval - not to mention - but that has to wait for the review of #12....
Xanatos seems a bit less surprised than Macbeth, Arthur, and Peredur over the Stone's remarks (or maybe he's better at hiding it).
I liked all the Stone's titles (including the references to Sisyphus, the Philosopher's Stone, the Rosetta Stone, etc.). You really gave it quite an aura there.
So the Grail's a plain wooden bowl (or at least, takes on the form of a plain wooden bowl) in the Gargoyles Universe, rather than the golden goblet? Though since I've seen other such interpretations of the Grail before, I'm not too astonished. (Having the Grail say something as informal as "Hey", on the other hand - that definitely surprised me.)
So King Arthur wasn't due to awaken for another two hundred years? I can guess now what "Britain's greatest hour of need" was in the Gargoyles Universe.
And I like the touch of Shari launching into the very story we've been reading at the very end.
I really enjoyed the Stone of Destiny story; it incorporated some of my favorite elements of "Gargoyles" (Macbeth, King Arthur, various legends, etc.). Thanks for making it one of the stories in "Clan-Building".
* SPOILERS END *
Greg responds...
You're welcome. It was a very rewarding story for me.
Tomi writes...
Greetings from Finland!
Thank you for such a wonderful series!
I was just recently wondering:
Stone of Destiny speaks with voice identical to Dr.Claw, both voiced by Frank Welker. I was just wondering, what that something you and others decided to do, as some sort of homage to Frank,s other characters/admirers, or did he used that voice himself purposfully?
Greg responds...
Frank chose the voice under the supervision of myself and voice director Jamie Thomason. I wasn't specifically aware that it was the same as his Dr. Claw voice. I don't know if either Jamie and/or Frank was conscious of the similarities or not.
G2008 Radio Play
G2008 Radio Play (Chapter IX)
Stone STANDS.
237. NARRATOR
12:18AM. LANTERN OF THE ABBEY. Arthur opens the transport container to look upon the Stone of Destiny. Chapter Nine: Rock of Ages. 1:06AM GMT. Arthur listens to the glowing Stone.
238. STONE
…Pointless, Arthur Pendragon, to waste time protecting any particular stone…
Stone sits.
239. NARRATOR
1:31AM. VICTORIA TOWER. Arthur, Macbeth, Hudson, Lex, Amp, Griff, Coco, Coldstone and Coldfire confer.
240. ARTHUR
Perhaps… perhaps this is all unnecessary. I don’t think we need to guard the stone.
Macbeth, Arthur, Hudson, Lexington, Amp, Coco, Griff, Coldstone & Coldfire sit. Coldsteel & Coyote STAND.
241. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 6:16AM. LEITH. Coyote and Coldsteel stand side-by-side inside a warehouse.
242. COYOTE
No, I am not programmed for free will…
243. COLDSTEEL
Pity. You have potential…
COLDSTREAM GUARD, Macbeth, Xanatos, Coldstone & Coldfire STAND.
244. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 10:02AM. A Coldstream Guard holds up a hand to stop a transport convoy from driving onto Coldstream Bridge.
245. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Get the bomb unit! Now!!
246. MACBETH
Macbeth to Coldstone: convoy’s stopped, and Xanatos is here.
247. XANATOS
Well, it’s a momentous occasion… and such a lovely day…
248. MACBETH
Safe to say he’s up to something.
249. COLDSTONE
Yes, safe to say.
250. NARRATOR
Coldstone and Coldfire intercept Coldsteel and Coyote heading for the Bridge.
251. COLDFIRE
Hold, brother!
252. COLDSTEEL
Hold, sister!
253. NARRATOR
Coldsteel’s tentacles grab Coldfire, forcing her arms up so that she nearly FRIES Coldstone.
254. COLDSTEEL
As you see, I’ve had time to mend my ways. Well, my appendages…
255. COLDSTONE
Release her! <pain cry>
256. NARRATOR
Coldstone’s back is raked by Coyote’s buzzsaw-arm.
257. COLDSTEEL
Now that we’re machines, don’t you love these exhilarating daytime battles…? No nasty organic gargoyles to even the odds…
258. NARRATOR
Coldfire HEAD BUTTS Coldsteel violently. His tentacles release her.
259. COLDFIRE
Consider the odds evened.
260. COLDSTEEL
A t-t-temporary s-s-setback…
261. COLDFIRE
Then let’s make it permanent.
262. COYOTE
Out of David’s respect for Goliath, I am programmed to inflict only as much damage as necessary to reach our objective. But I define the parameters of “necessaryâ€.
263. COLDSTONE
Define this.
264. NARRATOR
Coldstone’s fist SHATTERS the half-Xanatos/half-robot skull image on Coyote’s screen. Coldstone shoves his forearm cannon down Coyote’s “throat†and fires. Coyote EXPLODES! The dented Coldsteel watches the wreckage of Coyote fall toward the RIVER TWEED below.
265. COLDSTEEL
P-p-pity. He had p-p-potential…
266. NARRATOR
Coldsteel POWER-DIVES down into the river. Coldstone follows but can find no sign of Coldsteel.
Coyote & Coldsteel sit.
267. NARRATOR
10:12AM GMT. COLDSTREAM BRIDGE. Xanatos stands between Macbeth and Arthur. A Marching Band plays. Xanatos presses a small one-button remote. Inside the Land Rover, the Stone’s metal transport container is strapped to the floor of the cargo space â€" which FLIPS over, so that the real container is replaced by a DUPLICATE (with a duplicate stone inside).
268. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Hold it down! The Bomb Squad’s at work!
269. NARRATOR
10:38AM GMT. The Guard signals the convoy forward.
270. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Right, we’re clear. Not a bomb. Just an empty shoebox.
271. COLDSTONE
Coldstone to Macbeth. We’ve lost Coldsteel.
272. MACBETH
Just stay on the alert…
273. COLDSTREAM GUARD
Let’s go! We’re behind schedule!
274. MACBETH
The Stone’s on the move again.
Coldstream Guard, Macbeth, Xanatos, Coldfire & Coldstone sit. Thailog & Shari STAND.
275. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 5:43AM EST. NIGHTSTONE UNLIMITED.
276. THAILOG
Check.
277. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that on a clear Christmas night, a band of Scottish patriots broke into Westminster Abbey to steal the Stone and in the process broke it in two!
Thailog & Shari sit. Arthur & Macbeth STAND.
278. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 12:00PM GMT. EDINBURGH CASTLE.
279. ARTHUR
Well?
280. MACBETH
The Stone’s back where it belongs! Well, it belongs in Scone, but at least it’s back in Scotland.
Macbeth & Arthur sit. Stone & Xanatos STAND.
281. NARRATOR
A land rover from the convoy drives past Macbeth and Arthur. 12:36PM. LEITH. The Land Rover pulls into a non-descript warehouse and stops in front of a smiling Xanatos. 1:06PM. Xanatos listens to the glowing Stone.
282. STONE
…Pointless, David Xanatos, to substitute yet another stone to fool the Illuminati…
Stone sits. Coldsteel STANDS.
283. NARRATOR
2:23PM. Coldsteel dumps pieces of Coyote shrapnel on the floor.
284. COLDSTEEL
There’s what’s left of your boy… and here’s your rock.
285. NARRATOR
Coldsteel tosses the Coyote Diamond to Xanatos.
286. XANATOS
Oh, I’m just its minder.
287. COLDSTEEL
I believe that completes our bargain…
288. XANATOS
Indeed. Consider your tracking device deactivated.
289. COLDSTEEL
Pleasure doing business with you.
Coldsteel sits. FLEUR STANDS.
290. NARRATOR
3:59PM.
291. XANATOS
Thirty-six.
292. FLEUR
Three. <pause> Any problems?
293. XANATOS
Only finding a duplicate on such short notice.
294. NARRATOR
4:04PM. Behind the wheel of the Land Rover, Fleur drives through Leith. Fog rises, until the street is barely visible. The fog forms into Castle Carbonek. The Land Rover drives across the drawbridge into a large cobblestone courtyard.
DUVAL STANDS.
295. DUVAL
Finally. Two.
296. FLEUR
Bugger off.
297. DUVAL
I still outrank you, milady. I won’t tolerateâ€"
PEREDUR STANDS.
298. PEREDUR
Couldn’t you both try to get along? Since you are, after all, the two people I love most in this world?
299. FLEUR
I brought the Stone.
Fleur, Duval & Peredur sit. Macbeth, Griff, Amp, LUNETTE, Coldstone & Hudson STAND.
300. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 8:13PM. KNIGHT’S SPUR.
301. MACBETH
I know it doesn’t matter, but I’m glad the Stone’s back in Scotland.
302. GRIFF
You lot should stay a while. Get to know the clan…
303. AMP
Yeah, mates, stay!
304. LUNETTE
Please!
305. COLDSTONE
But Coldsteel is still out there…
306. HUDSON
Aye, lad, but it’s a mighty big world, and even the banished and the badduns eventually return to the clan.
Macbeth, Griff, Amp, Lunette, Coldstone & Hudson sit. Stone, Peredur & GRAIL STAND.
307. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 16, 1:06AM. CASTLE CARBONEK. A frowning Peredur listens to the glowing stone.
308. STONE
…Pointless, Peredur fab Ragnal, to have gone to such extremes merely to possess… a rock.
309. NARRATOR
On APRIL 11, 1951, 1:07AM at ARBROATH ABBEY, on NOVEMBER 15, 1:07PM in a warehouse in LEITH, on NOVEMBER 15, 1:07AM in the LANTERN OF THE ABBEY, and on NOVEMBER 16, 1:07AM inside CASTLE CARBONEK, Macbeth, Xanatos, Arthur and Peredur listen to the glowing Stone of Destiny.
310. STONE
Do you think the Spirit of Destiny can be contained in one vessel? I am the Fatal Stone. The Lia Fáil. The Stone of Bethel and Jerusalem, of Egypt, Samothrace and Portugal… The Stone at Tara and of Mora, at Iona and of Scone, in London and in Edinburgh… I am the Blarney Stone, the Coronation Stone, the Hero Stone… I am the Pillar Stone, the Stone of the Sword, the Stone of the Waters, Clach-na-Cinneamhain… The Tanist Stone, the Philosopher’s Stone, the Standing Stone, the Cornerstone… The Foundation Stone, the Megalith Dance, the Burden of Sisyphus… I am the Rock of Gibraltar, the Pillar of Hercules, Uluru, Clach Sgà in… Jacob’s Pillow, the Rosetta Stone, the Rune Stone, Sire of the Wyrd… I AM THE MANTLE OF FATE… I AM THE STONE OF DESTINY… I AM THE ROCK OF AGES! Do not dream of possessing me, mortal.
311. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 16, 1:07AM. CASTLE CARBONEK. Behind Peredur, Fleur listens from the doorway.
312. STONE
Besides, Peredur, don’t you have more important matters of concern… now that your Master has awakened?
313. PEREDUR
What?! King Arthur cannot be awake?!
314. STONE
Awake and returned. I have twice conversed with him.
315. PEREDUR
But we did not expect him for another two hundred years! Everything we planned--
316. STONE
Plans change.
317. PEREDUR
I must contact the Upper Echelons immediately!
318. NARRATOR
Peredur exits. Fleur is no longer in the doorway. The Stone is left alone with the Holy Grail.
319. STONE
Hey.
320. GRAIL
Hey.
Peredur, Stone & Grail sit. Thailog & Shari STAND.
321. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 16, 5:44AM EST. NIGHTSTONE UNLIMITED.
322. THAILOG
Checkmate.
323. SHARI
Very good. Should I continue?
324. THAILOG
Please.
325. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that the Stone was repaired and recovered. Some say a replica was reinstalled at Westminster; others disagree. Either way, the Stone remained undisturbed until yesterday, when it was transported to Edinburgh without incident…
326. THAILOG
And that’s all you know of the Stone of Destiny?
327. SHARI
Well, one last story is told--
328. NARRATOR
As the sun sets, Owen Burnett and Macbeth wait for Goliath to wake…
329. SHARI
--Though who can say if it be true?
Thailog & Shari sit.
THE END
G2008 Radio Play
G2008 Radio Play (Chapter VIII)
1. NARRATOR
Meanwhile, on Victoria Tower…
Lexington, Amp, Coco & Griff STAND.
2. LEXINGTON
So how big is your clan?
3. AMP
One hundred ninety-six gargoyles, ranging in age from Old Pog to little Lunette and her rookery sibs.
4. LEXINGTON
And are there eggs?
5. AMP
Twenty-five.
6. LEXINGTON
So few…
7. COCO
We don’t dare outgrow Knight’s Spur, so to keep our numbers manageable, mated couples are allowed only two eggs across their lifespans instead of three.
8. LEXINGTON
How exactly--
9. COCO
Enforced isolation during the female’s final heat.
10. LEXINGTON
Yikes.
11. COCO
Tell me about it.
12. LEXINGTON
And are you two mates?
13. AMP
Us?!! God, no!!
14. COCO
<laughs>
15. AMP
Don’t get me wrong. Coco’s my best mate.
16. COCO
But “mates� Please.
17. LEXINGTON
Okay, new topic… I didn’t see any beasts…
18. GRIFF
Because we have none.
Hudson, Macbeth & Arthur STAND.
19. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 12:00AM. Victoria Tower. Hudson joins the others.
20. HUDSON
Any signs of life?
21. LEXINGTON
Nah. Quiet, bordering on dull.
Coldsteel & Coyote STAND.
22. COLDSTEEL
I believe we can rectify that and still display no signs of life.
23. NARRATOR
Coldsteel, Coyote, a Steel Clan Robot and an Iron Clan Robot attack.
24. HUDSON
Take to the sky, lads and lassie! Coldsteel is mine!!
25. COLDSTEEL
Well, well, look who’s biting off more than old gums can chew?
26. HUDSON
Brave words for a metal ghost!
27. COLDSTEEL
Bring it on, you old horned goat!
28. NARRATOR
Chapter Eight: Rock & Roll. Coyote blasts at Amp, who’s knocked to safety by Lex.
29. LEXINGTON
Amp! Look out!
30. NARRATOR
Griff and Coco battle the Iron Clan and Steel Clan robots. Macbeth and Arthur watch from below.
31. GRIFF
Why do these two look like Goliath?
32. LEXINGTON
Long story.
33. MACBETH
That’s a Xanatos ‘bot!
34. ARTHUR
If you say so.
Arthur sits.
35. MACBETH
He must be after the Stone! Wants it for his collection, I imagine. But I don’t see him up there. The automatons may be a mere diversion. Best stay on the alert… Pendragon…?
36. NARRATOR
But Pendragon is gone. Coyote blasts at Lex & Amp.
37. COYOTE
I am programmed to terminate only if necessary. Abandon this airspace, and you will not be harmed.
38. LEXINGTON
Dream on, you electric sheep! We’re not going anywhere ‘til we know exactly what Xanatos and Fox are up to!
39. COYOTE
Pity…
40. LEXINGTON
<pain cry>
41. NARRATOR
Coyote shocks Lex unconscious, but Amp catches him. Coco, meanwhile, sees Griff blast the arms off the Iron Clan Robot with a lightning gun.
42. COCO
Delimbification!! I like it!
43. GRIFF
Right-o! We’ll get Macbeth to issue these beauties to the entire clan!
44. COCO
Like I need the gun.
45. NARRATOR
Coco cloaks her wings and tucks her knees to become a big gargoylean cannonball. The Steel Clan robot gains; she slams feet first into its chest, digs her talons in and RIPS its arms out.
46. COCO
<roar>
47. COLDSTEEL
Your hatchlings seem to think they invented the joys of dismemberment â€" but I wonder how they’d take to the real thing?
48. NARRATOR
One of Coldsteel’s tentacles yanks the sword from Hudson’s grasp. The other tentacles wrap around his arm to rip it from its socket.
49. HUDSON
<pain roar>
50. NARRATOR
Suddenly, fire from above melts the tentacles.
COLDSTONE & Coldfire STAND.
51. COLDSTONE
You never did learn to respect your elders. Did you, brother?
52. AMP
Anyone order up the kitchen sink?
53. COLDSTEEL
Isn’t this turning into quite the reunion?
Arthur STANDS.
54. NARRATOR
12:12AM. WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Arthur takes out two guards.
55. ARTHUR
Apologies.
56. NARRATOR
Standing in front of the container holding the Stone, Arthur carefully places his crown on his head. Meanwhile…
57. LEXINGTON
<recovery moan> Amp… What’d I miss? Never mind. I get the gist. Follow my lead!
58. NARRATOR
Lex and Amp use their heat signatures to lure the Iron and Steel Clan Robots away…
59. COCO
Mate, you nicked my shiny…
60. AMP
Sorry, Coco…
61. NARRATOR
…and into the path of Coyote’s laser blasts. The Iron and Steel Clan robots explode. This distracts Coldsteel, allowing Hudson to recover his sword by ripping Coldsteel’s last remaining tentacle from its socket.
62. COLDSTEEL
<pain cry>
63. COLDFIRE
Feeling a bit outnumbered, brother?
64. HUDSON
Outnumbered and overmatched!
65. COLDSTEEL
Yes, I wasn’t expecting all the company…
66. NARRATOR
Coldsteel drives Hudson back by generating an electric field…
67. COLDSTEEL
Though I’m far from shocked by the development. Coyote, cover our departure. Tomorrow is another day.
68. NARRATOR
Joining Coyote, Coldsteel rockets between a surprised Coldstone and Coldfire, who are forced apart by his e-field. The gargoyles pursue, but Coyote generates a bright light that whites out the night sky.
Coldsteel & Coyote SIT.
Tomorrow, Chapter IX...
G2008 Radio Play
G2008 Radio Play (Chapter VII)
XANATOS, COLDSTEEL & COYOTE STAND.
13. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 2, 6:46AM EST. Scarab Corp. Coldsteel looks on, as David Xanatos installs a diamond inside Coyote 5.0.
14. COLDSTEEL
And what would that be?
15. XANATOS
It’s called the Coyote Diamond…
16. NARRATOR
Chapter Seven: The Rock.
17. XANATOS
The stone’s flawless surfaces and clarity increase the speed of--
18. COLDSTEEL
I’m sorry I asked.
19. XANATOS
My apologies. I’m sure you’re much more interested in your own situation.
20. COLDSTEEL
I was under the impression I had free will.
21. XANATOS
And you do. I promise summoning you was a one-time event. On the other hand, your unit does include a built-in tracking device… which I’m happy to deactivate…
22. COLDSTEEL
Permanently?
23. XANATOS
Permanently. All I ask in return is help on one small errand. Are we agreed?
24. COLDSTEEL
We are agreed.
25. COYOTE
Excellent.
XANATOS, COLDSTEEL & COYOTE sit. TALON, SATO, MAGGIE & ELISA STAND.
26. NARRATOR
3:52PM EST. The Labyrinth. Talon cradles Maggie the Cat, as Dr. Jay Sato examines her. Elisa Maza looks on.
27. TALON
How is she, Doc?
28. SATO
Well, her pulse is fine, and her injuries seem to be healing nicely…
29. MAGGIE
See, Derek, I said you were worried over nothing.
30. SATO
But I’m a surgeon. Treating someone in Maggie’s… “condition†is really not my area.
31. ELISA
Not anyone’s, Dr. Sato. Anyone we dare trust anyway.
32. SATO
It’s as if you’ve revealed a new world to me…
33. ELISA
Yep, you’re a medical pioneer.
34. SATO
Pioneer or not, she needs an O.B.
TALON, SATO, MAGGIE & ELISA sit. Macbeth, BROOKLYN, GOLIATH, BROADWAY, OWEN & Xanatos STAND.
35. NARRATOR
4:50PM EST. Eyrie Building. As the sun sets, Owen Burnett and Macbeth wait for Goliath to wake. NOVEMBER 2, 5:12PM EST. Inside the Great Hall, Macbeth addresses Goliath, Brooklyn, Hudson, Angela, Broadway, Bronx and Lexington.
36. MACBETH
It’s called the Stone of Destiny. For centuries the kings of Scotland were crowned upon it at Scone…
37. BROOKLYN
Magic talking stone. We’ve heard of it.
38. MACBETH
Yes, well, the English stole it. Now, after eight hundred years, it’s finally being returned. I’m asking for your help to ensure it gets to Scotland safely.
39. GOLIATH
Don’t you have… minions… for this?
40. MACBETH
We’ve parted ways. Please, Goliath. Many â€" including your landlord â€" would stop at nothing to get the Stone.
41. GOLIATH
I have been wounded twice in one week. I am healed â€" but not whole. But my second, Brooklyn, can lead Broadway, Lexington and Angela to join your quest.
42. BROADWAY
Yeah, we’re goin’ to Scotland!!
43. MACBETH
Well, England to start with--
44. BROOKLYN
I don’t know, Goliath, if you’re recovering, maybe this is the wrong time to send me overseas.
45. GOLIATH
Ah… Yes. You are needed here. Hudson may lead this expedition.
46. NARRATOR
Owen, watching the exchange by closed circuit, talks on the phone to Xanatos, who’s about to board a private plane.
47. OWEN
Yes, Macbeth, Hudson, Broadway, Angela and Lexington… Shall I attempt to stop them?
48. XANATOS
That won’t be necessary. I believe I’ve planned for this contingency.
49. NARRATOR
Back in the Great Hall, Angela whispers in Broadway’s ear.
50. BROADWAY
Uh… yeah… Manhattan’s dangerous right now. Me and Angela’ll stay too. To help Brooklyn.
51. BROOKLYN
That’s great. Thanks.
Macbeth, Brooklyn, Goliath, Broadway, Owen & Xanatos sit. SHARI STANDS.
52. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 3, 5:29AM EST. Nightstone Unlimited. Shari and Thailog are in Dominique Destine’s office.
53. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of two brothers who both loved the same female. And though all strife comes to an end one way or another, some conflicts refuse to stay dead. Xanatos and Demona used science and sorcery to create a monster from fragments of all three gargoyles, their bodies and souls. But in the end, the souls were segregated into Coldstone, Coldfire and Coldsteel. It’s really a timeless love story.
SHARI sits. Macbeth, CUSTOMS OFFICIAL, LEXINGTON & HUDSON STAND.
54. NARRATOR
3:00PM GMT. London. A private jet lands. Customs Officials greet Macbeth, as workers wheel two large crates from the plane’s hold.
55. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
Lennox Macduff?
56. MACBETH
Yes.
57. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
Welcome to England, sir. Anything to declare?
58. MACBETH
Works of art for my home in Berkeley Square.
59. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL
Have to have a look in, sir.
60. MACBETH
Of course.
61. NARRATOR
The crates are opened, revealing Lexington and Hudson, frozen in stone. 4:30PM GMT. Macbeth waits on the roof of his Berkeley Square Townhouse for Hudson and Lexington to wake. The sun sets. 5:07PM. It’s past sunset. Hudson and Lex are STILL frozen in stone. 6:15PM. Night. No change. 7:01PM. Macbeth grows concerned. 7:45PM. Hudson and Lex finally wake.
62. LEXINGTON, HUDSON
<awakening roars>
63. LEXINGTON
Whoa, I don’t feel so hot… and look how dark it is? How long have we been asleep?
64. MACBETH
Welcome, lad, to the wonderful world of jetlag. Don’t worry. You’ve got ten days to adjust before they move the Stone.
Macbeth, CUSTOMS OFFICIAL, LEXINGTON & HUDSON sit. Shari, INTERCOM & VINNIE STAND.
65. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 4, 5:30AM EST. Nightstone. Thailog soaks in a jacuzzi. Shari sits nearby.
66. SHARI
The story is told -- though who can say if it be true-- of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham… who fled the wrath of his brother Esau to a place he would call Bethel, where he laid his head upon a stone and had a wondrous vision!
67. NARRATOR
5:35AM EST. J.F.K.
68. INTERCOM
Flight 994, now boarding all rows…
69. VINNIE
Can you believe it? I’m goin’ to Japan!
Shari, Intercom & Vinnie sit. Goliath & Elisa STAND.
70. NARRATOR
9:48PM EST. Goliath’s Tower.
71. GOLIATH
About Halloween… I will not hold you to words spoken when you believed my life hung in the balance.
72. ELISA
Even if I want to be held?
73. GOLIATH
I know you care for me. That is not at issue. But what of the things I cannot give you… picnics… normalcy…?
74. ELISA
We can have a picnic anytime… and normalcy’s so over-rated.
75. NARRATOR
She runs her fingers through his hair. He takes her into his arms and kisses her.
Goliath & Elisa sit. Shari STANDS.
76. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 5, 5:31AM EST. Nightstone. Thailog and Shari look out over the city.
77. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that Gathelus, a son of the king of Athens, won many victories for the Pharaoh of Egypt, who rewarded the prince with the hand of his beloved: Pharaoh’s own daughter, Scota. But Gathelus had also befriended Moses, the Hebrew, who warned his young friends of the plagues to befall the Kingdom of the Nile. Gathelus and Scota determined to leave Egypt, and Moses entrusted them with Jacob’s Pillow, the Hebrews’ sacred stone…
78. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 6, 5:32AM EST. ST. DAMIEN’S CATHEDRAL. Thailog, Shari and Brentwood search for something.
79. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that Gathelus fled Egypt with his wife and the Stone of the Hebrews. He sought landfall on the rocky shores of Samothrace, for Scota was heavy with child and could go no farther. Still destiny blessed them with fine twin sons…
80. NARRATOR
6:00AM EST. Thailog flies Shari across the city. Brentwood follows.
81. SHARI
Gathelus and his family would wander the globe for two years before finding a home on the Iberian Peninsula in a place they named the Port of Gathelus, or Portugal. By this time the family had grown: the Athenian prince and Egyptian princess now had four healthy boys in their care not to mention one large Stone.
82. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 7, 5:33AM EST. Thailog and Shari begin a game of chess.
83. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" that after the death of her beloved Gathelus, Scota departed Portugal with her eight sons… only to lose five of the boys at sea… while Scota herself and another son died warrior’s deaths upon landing in Ireland. But her eldest boy, Eremon, and her youngest, Eber Finn, survived, and Eremon was crowned king upon the Stone at Tara.
Shari sits. Xanatos & FOX stand.
84. NARRATOR
2:18PM GMT. Mayfair. Xanatos takes Alexander from Fox.
85. XANATOS
Darling, if you like the shoes, buy them…
86. FOX
The black manolos in the window… do you have them in a size nine? Lovely. Wrap them up, please.
87. NARRATOR
2:45PM GMT. Fox exits the store.
88. FOX
Mission accomplished.
89. NARRATOR
7:19PM GMT. Fox admires her new shoes in the full-length mirror of her hotel room. Xanatos admires the shoebox.
90. XANATOS
Darling? Do you still need this shoebox… or might I dispose of it?
Xanatos & Fox sit. Shari & THAILOG STAND.
91. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 8, 5:34AM EST. Nightstone. Thailog and Shari continue their chess game.
92. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Moses, who led the Hebrews out of Egypt and into the desert… bringing forth water from Jacob’s Pillow to quench their--
93. THAILOG
You said Moses gave the Stone to Gathelus and Scota before leading the Hebrews out of Egypt!
94. SHARI
The story is told…
95. THAILOG
<pause> Though who can say if it be true? Right. Continue.
96. SHARI
The Hebrews passed the Stone down the centuries, until the prophet Jeremiah offered it in dowry to King Eochaid of Ireland when he wed Tamar Tea Tephi, Princess of Judah. Eochaid ensconced the Stone at Tara and dubbed it Lia Fáil.
97. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 9, 5:36AM EST.
98. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Cu Chullain, the Hero of Ulster, who championed Lugaid Red-Stripe for king. But when the Lia Fáil would not cry to confirm Lugaid, Cu Chullain was enraged, striking with Gae Bolga, the Spear of Light, and splitting the Stone of Destiny forever!
99. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 10, 5:37AM EST. Shari captures Thailog’s white knight with her black bishop.
100. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of young Prince Fergus of Ireland, who carried half Cu Chullain’s handiwork to Argyll in what men now call Scotland to found a kingdom called Dalriada. Though a castle called Carbonek found him instead, bringing the Priest-King Pelles and the Archmage Merlin and their request to borrow the Stone of Destiny for a purpose of their own. A purpose fulfilled in Londontown by a sword clep’d Excalibur in a stone clep’d Lia Fáil drawn forth by a boy clep’d Arthur.
101. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 11, 5:38AM EST. Thailog tips over one of Shari’s black rooks with his white bishop.
102. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Saint Columba, he who tamed the monster of Loch Ness, before returning to the island of Iona, where Merlin and Pelles had brought the Stone once it had served their purposes. And where Columba laid down his head upon Jacob’s Pillow and breathed his last.
103. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 12, 5:39AM EST. Shari’s Black Queen is lined up to capture Thailog’s White King.
104. SHARI
Check.
105. THAILOG
<growl>
106. SHARI
Would you prefer I lost on purpose?
107. THAILOG
I’d fire you if you did. Don’t you have a story to tell?
108. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Kenneth MacAlpin, scion of Fergus, who united the Kingdoms of Scotland and was crowned High King upon the Stone at Scone. As would all the Heirs of Scota â€" for the next four hundred years.
COLDFIRE STANDS.
109. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 12, 10:00PM GMT. David Xanatos presses a button on a remote control. NOVEMBER 13, 6:01AM GMT+8. TIBET. Inside the old cave, Coldstone and Coldfire stand over Master Dawa and Sangpo. All react to a noise.
110. COLDFIRE
I believe… I believe I can find him…
Coldfire sits.
111. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 13, 5:40AM EST. NIGHTSTONE.
112. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Edward the First of England, the Hammer of the Scots, who sicced his mighty Warwolf on his neighbors to the north and took as prize the Stone of Scone, which he installed in the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, where it has crowned the kings and queens of England down to this very day…
Shari & Thailog sit. Lexington, Macbeth, Hudson, Arthur, GRIFF, AMP & COCO STAND.
113. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 13, 5:32PM GMT. Hudson and Lex are atop Victoria Tower. Macbeth is below, in front of Westminster Abbey.
114. LEXINGTON
All clear. No sign of trouble.
115. MACBETH
Not expecting trouble tonight. They’re only moving the Stone from the Coronation Chair to the Lantern. It won’t leave the Abbey until tomorrow.
116. HUDSON
Aye, and the human security is tight as a drum. I’m nae convinced you could break in there with a battering ram.
117. MACBETH
You’d be surprised.
118. NARRATOR
11:46PM GMT.
119. LEXINGTON
<yawn> Still nothing to report. Who exactly are we expecting?
120. MACBETH
Anyone. Everyone. Just stay alert…
121. NARRATOR
Macbeth spots a shadowy figure and pursues it down into a London Underground Station…
122. MACBETH
I’m probably on a wild goose chase, lads. But in case I’m not, you’d better head this… way…
123. LEXINGTON
That could be a problem…
124. NARRATOR
Arthur Pendragon puts Excalibur to Macbeth’s throat. Meanwhile, on Victoria Tower, Hudson and Lex are surrounded by gargoyles.
125. ARTHUR
By the blade of Excalibur, what are you up to now, Macbeth?
126. MACBETH
King Arthur?! I’m here to protect the Stone of Destiny!
127. ARTHUR
Then our two quests are one and the same!
128. MACBETH
Aye…
129. ARTHUR, MACBETH (UNISON)
The gargoyles!!
130. MACBETH
They’ll be at each other’s throats!!
131. GRIFF
Hudson! Lexington! Bloody lovely to see you again!
132. LEXINGTON
You too, Griff!
133. HUDSON
Aye, lad. The badduns’ll have no chance at that Stone now!
134. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 14, 5:28AM. Macbeth radios Lex.
135. MACBETH
It’ll soon be dawn. You and Hudson go with Griff. Arthur and I will stand vigil through the day.
Arthur & Macbeth sit.
136. NARRATOR
5:33AM GMT. Griff, Hudson, Lex and the other two gargoyles glide over London.
137. LEXINGTON
Are we headed to Soho? Goliath said you have a store there…
138. GRIFF
We do. But I thought I’d take you home instead. To our clan--
139. AMP
To Knight’s Spur!
140. COCO
You know, Griff, I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced to your Yank friends…
141. HUDSON
<Hmph> Watch who you’re callin’ a Yank, lass…
142. GRIFF
Where are my manners? Hudson, Lexington, this is Constance.
143. COCO
My friends call me Coco.
144. GRIFF
And this is Staghart.
145. AMP
My friends call me Amp!
146. COCO
Nobody calls you Amp, luv.
147. LEXINGTON
I’ll call you Amp.
148. NARRATOR
5:40AM.
149. GRIFF
Welcome to Knight’s Spur…
150. NARRATOR
7:20AM. Atop Knight’s Spur, Old Pog, Hudson, Griff, Lex, Amp, Coco and Lunette sleep as stone.
Hudson, Lexington, Griff, Amp & Coco sit. Arthur & Macbeth STAND.
151. NARRATOR
7:48AM. Macbeth and Arthur sip coffee outside a Nightstone’s café.
152. ARTHUR
…Mortally wounded in 542. So they shipped me off to some magic hill and put me to sleep for a thousand four hundred fifty-three years.
153. MACBETH
Sounds lovely.
154. ARTHUR
And you?
155. MACBETH
Deal with a demon in 1040. Officially died in 1057. Been sleepwalking for nine hundred thirty-nine years.
156. ARTHUR
<pause> Guess I got the better bargain.
157. MACBETH
Ach, I try not to dwell these days. So here’s to the immortals. There aren’t many like us…
Arthur & Macbeth sit. Shari STANDS.
158. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 14, 5:42AM EST. NIGHTSTONE. Shari places her black knight in front of Thailog’s white knight.
159. SHARI
The story is told â€" though who can say if it be true â€" of Robert the Bruce of Scotland, who defeated the English at Bannockburn with the help of an Irish ally, Cormac MacCarthy. With the victory, came a prize: a fragment of the Fatal Stone that England had taken from Scone. This fragment, the Bruce gave to MacCarthy, whose descendents had it installed at Blarney Castle, where it is said to grant the gift of gab. I’ve kissed it myself a time or two…
Shari sits. Hudson, Macbeth & Arthur STAND.
160. NARRATOR
NOVEMBER 14, 6:32PM GMT. Knight’s Spur. Hudson, Macbeth and Arthur confer in a book-lined study.
161. HUDSON
Lex, Griff, Constance and Staghart sent you home to rest then…
162. MACBETH
Aye, Hudson. We’ll catch a few hours sleep then head back out. But you…?
163. HUDSON
I had some questions for the Pendragon. Weren’t you on a quest to find your wizard?
164. ARTHUR
Indeed. And Sir Griff and I searched for Merlin in all the obvious places. But to no gain. So I’ve been “doing research†on Merlin… and on myself.
165. NARRATOR
Hudson examines a copy of Le Morte D’Arthur by Thomas Malory.
166. HUDSON
So many books… are any of them true?
167. ARTHUR
All things are true… few things are accurate.
168. MACBETH
Aye. No bloody kidding.
169. NARRATOR
Hudson contemplates this.
Hudson, Macbeth & Arthur sit.
Tomorrow, Chapter VIII...
G2008 Radio Play
G2008 Radio Play
No, that's not a misprint. Before I post the G2009 Gargoyles/Spectacular Spider-Man crossover radio play, I'm going to post (over the next few days) the G2008 Radio Play. This was a CHRONOLOGICAL adaptation of issues 7-9 of the Gargoyles comic, i.e. the Stone of Destiny three-parter which makes up the first half of the recently released trade paperback, GARGOYLES: CLAN-BUILDING, VOLUME II. Now that the trade is out, I'm okay with posting this. But there are some caveats...
1. Reading this does NOT replace buying the trade. Because...
2. This version of the story doesn't really work, dramatically or otherwise. The story wasn't designed to be told chronologically. It gets somewhat tiresome told in chronological order and the final dramatic moment with the Stone talking to Macbeth, Xanatos, Arthur and Peredur across four time periods has none of it's power.
Nevertheless, here it is... or at any rate, here is the title page, cast list and teaser. I'll post the three chapters over the next three days...
GARGOYLES
CLAN-BUILDING
Chapter VII: THE ROCK
Chapter VIII: ROCK & ROLL
Chapter IX: ROCK OF AGES
(Radio Play Edition)
A Chronological Adaptation
by
Greg Weisman
(from his SLG comic book scripts)
For
The Twelfth Annual
Gathering of the Gargoyles
in
Chicago, Illinois
Performed June 28, 2008.
GARGOYLES
“CLAN-BUILDING:
CHAPTER VII: THE ROCK
CHAPTER VIII: ROCK & ROLL
CHAPTER IX: ROCK OF AGESâ€
(Radio Play Edition)
CAST LIST
1. NARRATOR 86 lines.
2. MACBETH 34 lines.
3. SHARI 22 lines.
4. COLDSTEEL 22 lines.
5. LEXINGTON 21 lines.
6. STONE OF DESTINY 15 lines.
7. HUDSON 13 lines.
8. DAVID XANATOS 13 lines.
9. ARTHUR PENDRAGON 13 lines.
10. CONSTANCE/COCO 12 lines.
11. STAGHART/AMP 9 lines.
12. GRIFF 9 lines.
13. THAILOG 8 lines.
14. COLDSTONE 6 lines.
15. COLDFIRE 5 lines.
16. GOLIATH 5 lines.
17. COYOTE 5.0 5 lines.
18. PEREDUR 4 lines.
19. COLDSTREAM GUARD 4 lines.
20. ELISA MAZA 4 lines.
21. JAY SATO 4 lines.
22. BLANCHEFLEUR 3 lines.
23. CUSTOMS OFFICIAL 3 lines.
24. BROOKLYN 3 lines.
25. DUVAL 2 lines.
26. FOX 2 lines.
27. BROADWAY 2 lines.
28. HOLY GRAIL 1 line.
29. LUNETTE 1 line.
30. VINNIE 1 line.
31. AIRPORT INTERCOM 1 line.
32. OWEN BURNETT 1 line.
33. MAGGIE THE CAT 1 line.
34. TALON 1 line.
35. SCOTTISH PATRIOT 1 line.
GARGOYLES
“CLAN-BUILDING:
CHAPTER VII: THE ROCK
CHAPTER VIII: ROCK & ROLL
CHAPTER IX: ROCK OF AGESâ€
ARTHUR, MACBETH, PATRIOT & STONE STAND.
1. NARRATOR
Gargoyles. Clan-Building. SEPTEMBER 29, 500. London.
2. ARTHUR
And as High King, I, Arthur Pendragon, swear by the Stone of Destiny to protect Britain and to serve her people all my days…
3. NARRATOR
SEPTEMBER 29, 1040. Scone.
4. MACBETH
And as High King, I swear by the Stone of Destiny to protect Scotland and to serve her people all my days…
5. NARRATOR
DECEMBER 25, 1950. Westminster Abbey.
6. MACBETH
All right, lads. Now or--
7. PATRIOT
SCOTLAND FOREVER!
8. MACBETH
<SHHHHH!>
9. NARRATOR
APRIL 11, 1951, 1:06AM GMT. ARBROATH ABBEY. Macbeth has just finished repairing the Stone of Destiny with epoxy. There’s a visible crack, but it’s in one piece.
10. MACBETH
There. Good as new. You can barely see the--
11. NARRATOR
The stone glows blue. The crack vanishes.
12. STONE
Thank you, Macbeth mac Findlaech, but the effort was pointless…
ARTHUR, MACBETH, PATRIOT & STONE sit.
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